Random Fridays

Random Friday Thoughts:

1. My husband flies back from his business trip to Atlanta. After chatting with him about Georgia, I now want some fried chicken with a side of baked mac and cheese. Ya'll know what I'm talkin' 'bout?

2. I'm excited that Tyler Perry's play "Madea Gets A Job" is coming to California in October. Mr. Perry's studios are based in Atlanta and just for that alone, he gets a high-five and a million cool points.

3. Don't ever tell me what Spam is made of. Ever. Or I will take back my friendship bracelet.

Random Friday Funnies:

Oh, to be young again...

Who was sppying on me?!!?!?



Just yesterday, my sister went shopping for my niece's back to school backpack. Eh... I probably should check and see what backpack she ended up getting.

Dogs are simply the best.

Random But Meaningful Thought for the Weekend:

Happy Friday!

Doing The Crazy

Living in the Bay Area, with all the fun of traffic and cars whizzing by on their way to work, to school, or to Target before they close, I think it's fair to say that you must find some way to make the commute on the road bearable. Or make like an A.D.D. squirrel and go nuts.

Like most folks, I think traffic is about as fantastic as cavity fillings and computer viruses on a Monday morning. It's never fun to to be stuck on the road for one hour when Google Maps AND your GPS insisted itwould only take 15 minutes to get from Point A to Point B.

Interestingly enough, as much as I hate traffic, I find that lately it's been the most calm period of my day. Because I'm stuck in a car with a gazillion other folks, I'm forced sit with no other distractions or demands pulling at me. And it's in this time that I've started to let my inner American Idol shine and sing along with gusto to the radio. And yes, it's also in this time that I've started to realize the importance of having a conversation with God, even before I start my work day.

While I'm sure it looks a tad crazy to talk in the car when there are obviously no passengers in my little Toyota, I realize I need this time and conversation with God throughout my day in order to face the craziness of a work week. I like to think of it as doing what seems crazy in order not to go crazy.

Everyone finds their calm zone in different ways. Hope you're finding your "calm" in the midst of this week!

Happy Thursday!

Bacon-Seeking Coyotes & Sibling Time

I have officially started counting down the days until I fly to Phoenix to spend time with my two younger sisters. The three of us are very close (even sharing the same uber-cool crooked haircut as kids...thanks, Dad!) and somewhere in the midst of careers, relationships, and life, busyiness just kind of took over.

So needless to say, you can imagine my excitement to head out to the desert land despite the sun-just-kicked-me-in-the-face-type-heat. I'm ok with eating ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while we're out there if it means to be in the company of my sisters.

Not sure what is on the agenda, but I'm pretty sure we won't be venturing outdoors much. Not only because of the fact that you can fry an egg on your face from the intense heat out there, but more so because of this:

Meet Mr. Neighborhood Watch. My sister caught a photo of this coyote taking a stroll around her neighborhood. Taking a stroll in the  neighborhood?!?! And yes, while I'm totally aware that coyote attacks on humans are very rare, knowing my luck, I'll run into that one coyote that thinks I smell like bacon.

Here's to quality time with siblings and the bacon-seeking coyotes we dodge to have them.

Happy Wednesday!

Patience and Marshmallows

Whenever someone says to me "ooh, you're so patient", a part of me wants to revel in the compliment, smiling serenely and humbly as I should...and other part of me wants to laugh a big ol' ba-ha-ha-ha and ask them if they meant to say that to the person standing behind me. Because if they ever saw me on one of my less than perfect days - the days where I feel like asking that person in the grocery store line why it takes them a whole 20 minutes to purchase 1 bag of marshmallows  - that compliment would be reeled back faster than a salmon on a fisherman's line.

Mmmm...salmon. Ehhhh, is it dinner time yet?

Though I appreciate the kind words of someone who thinks I am patient (because, let's face it, it does give you a weird ego boost complete with a gold star) I still find that it is better for me to use that comment to do a much needed reality to see check if my actions of late do indeed exemplify a patient and calm character.

Taking big steps and small steps towards growing a photography business has played a huge role in testing my patience lately and more so, my faith and trust in God. I can't speak for anyone else, but whenever I have a dream or something that I'm really determined to achieve, my overachieving/gotta-get-that-gold-star and sometimes impatient self emerges in the stride to make it to the proverbial finish line. I have my tough days (Did that person just call customer service over for help on how to purchase a bag of marshmallows?!? Uh.... no she DI - IIINT!!!), but little by little I am slowly learning to be more patient, more appreciative of the things I am learning on the way, more thankful that though I sometimes can't see two steps ahead of me on where this journey will lead, my Dad in heaven does.

The Armoire Closet & Ukay Ukay Moda

If I am ever cloned by some crazy scientists on a game show and you are the lucky contestant who has to guess which one is the real me, here's a little hint -  always, ALWAYS pick the one who is sporting the bigger pair of earrings. You do this and you have just won yourself a million bucks.

My love affair with unusual accessories and more importantly, jar-lid sized earrings began many years ago and has morphed into a bit of an obsession. You want to know how I knew my husband was "the one"? His first gift to me wasn't flowers or candy or a fancy schmancy dinner. Rather, it was a bracelet from Mexico made of flat pieces of material shaped like leaves.  Yes, you heard that right. Shaped. Like. Leaves. 

And boom. Just like that  - I found my soulmate.

The sunshine-filled weekend beckoned us outdoors and we found ourselves wandering around the historic Niles District of Fremont. It was there did we discover a hidden treasure called The Armoire Closet, a new and used clothing shop filled with nothing but AWESOMENESS. Really, if you ever find yourself in the beautiful Niles district of the Fremont on the East Bay and you appreciate fashion and ususual style, take a peek into The Armoire Closet.

I love unusual finds both in clothing and in jewelry and this place definitely did not disappoint. The owner, Kaleo, is super friendly and I love that he aims to bring in the fashion, vintage and art, (that are usually associated with the vibes of the bigger cities of San Francisco, Oakland, or Berkeley) into Fremont through his store.

As Justin and I wandered around the shop, my eyes immediately zeroed in on a rack of accessories beautifully adorned with...you guessed it....earrings of all shapes and HUGE sizes.

Holllla! Time to smile at the husband and ask him to pry open his wallet.

I had to hold back from snatching up the entire rack of earrings as it was so hard to decide which ones were coming home with me. But eventually I decided on these earrings that were designed by Ukay Ukay Moda. The fact that they were fashioned out of buttons made me want to high-five the designer for her creativity and fist bump Kaleo for having a great eye on what unique styles to carry in his shop.

As Spam loves eggs, as macaroni loves cheese....SO I LOVE MY BUTTON EARRINGS.

Be sure to visit The Armoire Closet in Fremont. My husband knows full well that we'll be coming back as I love me a great treasure hunt in shops like this. And of course, be sure to check out the beautiful accessories created by Ukay Ukay Moda. Just know that I got dibs on the earrings. =)

Happy Monday!

Bourne Meets Roadrunner

You know those times when you read something that speaks to you so personally you can't help but want to repeat, er, sorry, I mean re-post it? (Gotta love Facebook!) Jenn Van Gundy, one of the talented artists of the Pure Design photoshoot, had recently graced the News Feed of my screen with the following update:

"[God's] ability to outsmart the enemies of your life is so outrageous, he's like Jason Bourne meets the Roadrunner meets a Mob Boss. People. God is freakin genius and he's on your side. Have you prayed today? Cause he really loves you."

Being reminded that the God I've come to know and love can protect me way beyond super-hero-secret-agent-boss-status? Well, that just made my day pretty darn awesome.

Happy Friday!

Kleenex Sleeves

Pre-school was a day that I'll never forget. It was the first time I would be away from under the protective wings of my parents and venturing into the larger than life world of sharing Crayons, graham cracker snacks and toys galore. (All ya'll Cabbage Patch owners out there...woot-woot!)

The moment the teachers pried my gripping, chubby hands away from the security I've always known as mommy, I knew my world would never be the same. The bewilderment at being left behind by my parents for the first time was a shock to my system and yes, you can bet I made sure everyone and their momma knew of my sorrow with each loud wail and woe-is-me-I just hiccuped-and-snorted-at-the-same-time-cry. By the way, sleeves work fabulous as a Kleenex when you're 4.

The only solace I found was in the kindness of a little girl who approached the hiccuping/snorting mess I was, took my hand and offered to share her toys. The rest of the day is a blur, but I clearly remember that because of that nice kid, preschool didn't seem so bad after all. I even stopped hiccuping long enough to enjoy the graham cracker hor d'oeuvres.

Each morning Kona Bean was dropped off to her doggy day care, it was nice to know that her cousin, Coco Bean would be there for her, too in case she started to feel even the slightest bit abandoned for the day.

It always, always helps to have a pal.

Happy Thursday!

Doggy Day Care

Whooo-hoooo! Justin comes home tonight after being away for a few days for work. It was a little sad to watch Kona Bean wander around the house aimlessly with one of her toys in her mouth and a look on her furry face that said it all: "Not funny, Mom. Where's Papa hiding and when are we gonna go out for a walk?"

Call me a crazy dog-owner, but because Justin was away and couldn't watch her while he worked from home, I made it a point to drop Kona off at doggy daycare (a.k.a. my parents' house) each morning on my way to work. Each morning, I packed a Ziploc of enough kibble to cover her for breakfast and dinner and yes, please don't forget her favorite yellow and red tennis ball for playtime. You know. For during recess. Duh.

I'm sure Kona Bean enjoyed her time with her momma, but I know that deep down inside her little canine heart, she's a daddy's girl. We pick him up from the airport in a few hours and I sure hope she doesn't give him the silent treatment for too long.

Happy Wednesday!

Peter Tapao. 2012.

Ask me to lift several pounds of camera gear, lens cases, and light reflectors and for the sheer love of portraits and weddings and all things photography, you can bet I will do it. With an abundance of smiles and enthusiasm to boot.

Ask me to do pull-ups, run around the basketball court 50 times for fun with weights on my back and I will pretend I didn't hear a word you said as I continue to munch a chocolate bar. With a side of pizza.

Or.... I'll direct you to Peter Tapao.

Peter is a personal trainer that not only has a heart for all things working out, but more importantly a heart for helping people get healthy, get fit, and appreicate the occasional push up. He's a good friend of both my husband's and mine and it was an honor to be asked to help him capture a few photos of him in his element.

Oh, and Pete, if you're reading this, you'll be proud to know that in honor of your photo shoot and staying healthy, fit, and Rocky Balboa-like, I made sure to attend a kickboxing class after eating that one (er, three) slices of pizza yesterday. Woo-hoo, go me! 

Here's to staying healthy and people like Pete who encourage us each step of the way.

Happy Tuesday!
    

Monday Cartwheels

I can barely do a pull up, have long since been able to tumble with just the right amount of "tumble" and less klutz in it, and seriously, SERIOUSLY can't remember the last time I executed the perfect cartwheel.

So when I see photos like this from the Olympic games, I can't help but wanna high-five and chest bump these incredibly gifted athletes who are giving their all to fulfill big dreams of their own.

Gabby Douglas...you go, girl!

Happy Monday, everyone!

"I give all the glory to God. It's kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him & all the blessings fall down on me." - Gabby Douglas after winning the all-around gymnastics gold for Team USA and Team GOD (photo by Wally Skalij of LA Times/MCT)

Zion Lutheran Church Wedding Piedmont: Stacey & Shawn

I had recently been given the opportunity to assist in photographing the wedding of a lovely bride named Stacey and her fiance Shawn at Zion Lutheran Church in Piedmont. This church had special meaning to them as this was the same location Stacey's own parents were married years ago.   

Shawn is a proud fighter pilot for the United States Air Force and truly, when you're around folks who serve in that capacity for our country, you can't help but want to stand up, salute them, and say thank you. For real.

There was no mistaking the joy and happiness everyone felt for Shawn and Stacey on their big day. To be surrounded by your best girlfriends with all things happy - too priceless.

I adore details and the intricate beading and buttons of the dress' bodice were an absolute perfect touch!

After my own wedding, Justin took the time out of his schedule to go to the local dry cleaners to have my wedding dress dry cleaned and preserved in this special box that will keep it in pristine condition. This service cost about $200 (whaaaaat?!) but means that my dress will last something like 300 years. Something like that. Why do I mention this? Simply because seeing Stacey's own beautiful wedding dress made me want to rip open that box and re-live that princess feeling every girl experiences on her wedding day.


See what I mean? Stacey rocked that gorgeous dress.

I'll end with this photo. It was one of my favorite ones fo the night as it so accurately and beautifully captures who Shawn and Stacey are. In love and proud to show it off to the world.

Happy Friday!

Random Throwback Thursday Thoughts

When we were teenagers, my dear younger sister thought it would be funny to lock herself in the bathroom and try out/experiment with the cool skincare products I used on her own face. All because she wanted to see what the big stinkin' deal was that her older (and waaaay cooler) sister got to use more than just soap and water to wash her face ever night? Did the Noxzema container hold the magic beans that led to adolescent super coolness? Did the Oxy Pads contain the secret on how to be the cool kid who no longer used a Super Mario Brothers lunchbox (complete with matching Thermus) BUT BOUGHT THEIR LUNCH AT SCHOOL INSTEAD?!

Only one way to find out, she thought.

Maybe it's the evil big sister in me, but oh, the hilarity of it all to find out that the minute she slapped that Oxy Pad on her cheek, she suddenly felt like a cow that had been branded USDA certified - I know you all remember how much that stuff stung like a bee! Why I even used it, I'll never know.

A random Throwback Thursday thought, but oh wow, when did I go from using Noxzema and Oxy Pads to face wash and skin products that now say "anti-aging" on the container?

Happy Thursday!



Pink Highlighted Goals

Goal setting notes complete with sub-goals (bulleted points, of course!), pink highlighter markings, and of course, 1 copy printed for my purse, 1 copy printed for display on desk, and 1 copy to keep in my car to look at while I drive myself around to Target, the grocery store, and the gym.

You haven't heard the news? I am one of the finalists in Olympic U.S. Team for the Type A Overachievers. Going for the gold, baby, going for the gold! (The crowd cheers all kinds of crazy as I triumphantly and swiftly pink-highlight another bullet point on my Goal Sheet.)

I recently had conversation with a long time friend about the fun and excitement as well as stress that comes with working towards the achievement of a goal or dream. And I don't know about you, but have you ever had one of those conversations in which you find the advice and encouragement you're giving someone else ends up being the reminders you need to hear yourself? Yep.

As I told my friend that she is more than just the things she does or accomplishes or sets out to do, the words seemed to have a boomerang effect on me. Like, they kept coming back and smacking me on the forehead, making me realize a few important things myself. Being a born overachiever a.k.a I just gotta-gotta-gotta-gotta-do this type of a person, I find that I, too, have to be reminded that I am more than the things I do, more than the accolades or even criticisms doled out to me and certainly more than my pink- highlighted, typed, and double spaced goal sheets.

Goals are great, and working towards dreams are fantabulously wonderful, but long before ALL of that I am simply a person first. A human with good and bad, highs and lows, regular smiles and OMG, re-do-that picture-again-please-smiles.

And I am thankful for the conversations with long-time girlfriends that prompt me to put down my pink highlighter and remember that important truth above everything else.

Happy Wednesday!

A Ruff Tuesday

I probably hug/squish my dog, Kona Bean, more times than I care to admit. I talk in a squeaky, funny-sounding baby voice to her because I just know she understands. I tell her that she's the "bestest puppy and the cutest thing ever - every day and approximately every 2 minutes, Monday through Sunday. The list of nick names for her is getting a bit too long - Beanie Burrito, Kona Girl, Nanny Girl, Beantoes, just to name a few.

Because, truly, I am a crazy dog lover and simply put, I think that dogs are the best gift to humans.

I came across this snippet from a story of a kid named Shane whose dog, Belker, passed away. While it was awfully sad, I couldn't help but whole heartedly agree with the message:

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.


Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.”

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”


The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

Word.

Happy Tuesday!

Peter Tapao. Preview 2012.

I like to work out and even be a bit of a gym rat sometimes. (Isn't it weird to use the word "gym rat" for someone who works out often? My time on the treadmill would so improve with four feet instead of just two to help me hobble along. But dang, what would I do with the tail?!)

While it's tough enough taking myself off the couch to go to the gym on some days (instead of eating that bag of potato chips calling my name), I couldn't imagine motivating someone else to do it.  Which is why God makes people like Peter.

Peter Tapao is a friend of both my husband and mine whom we've known since our good ol' high school days. And while the rest of our class is probably starting to creak along and survive on Icy Hot and Bengay while dragging ourselves to the gym on a semi-regular basis, Pete is the person consistently running alongside you reminding you  to keep biking on that bike, to keep pushing on that push up, to bench one more set. To simply just. Keep. Going. And though on a few occasions of participating in his Charity Fitness workshops both my husband and I have wanted to kick Pete for making our arms and legs turn straight Jello status, we always end up thanking him for making us work just a bit harder out our comfort zone. Dang you, Pete!

I had the opportunity this weekend to do a mini photoshoot of Pete to capture his love for all things athletic and personal-training. Below is just a sneak preview, so stay tuned for the rest!

Happy Monday!

Practice

The beams of sunlight peeked it's way through the top of the dome-shaped church, happily illuminating the empty pews and beauty of the stain-glass windows. I wandered up and down the red carpeted aisle and quietly weaved my way through the various sand-colored columns that proudly upheld the tall stature of this building.

Many times before, I would take time to visit this old church just to relish in the quiet it provided from the rush of life outside it's doors. To sit in silence and take a breather. But this time around was very different. With my camera slung around my arm and my eyes searching out potential angle, I took this as an opportunity to practice.

It's just an empty, old building, after all. Practice what exactly?

To practice training my eyes to see exactly how the beaming sunlight reflects off the marble floors. To practice photographing from the back of the church, from the aisle view, from the up and front center-view. Because one day, those empty pews are going to be filled with happy and smiling guests. That quiet, red-carpeted aisle is going to bear the footsteps of a bride walking towards her future husband. That empty altar is going to have a groom waiting with a smile on his face for his future wife.

And on that day, I will be ready and waiting with my camera, happily documenting it all for them. I can't wait. =)

Happy Friday!

Eggs and Surprises

That dollar I found while folding laundry? Cool surprise.

An expected rebate check in the mail? Very cool surprise.

Discovering that the hard-boiled egg I was so excited to eat was really a soft boiled egg?!? Not cool, I tell you. So. Not. Cool.

Hope you're having a happy Wednesday so far!

Behind the Lens

Behind every great man, is a great woman.

Behind every great leader, are individuals with servant-led hearts.

Behind every great creation and discovery, was an even greater mind that pushed the limits and status quo.

And behind every day and every moment for the past 2 years since we brought her home, was a four-legged furball named Kona Bean who always reminded me to love life and have some fun.

Happy Wednesday!

Photo courtesy of my dear friend, Stephanie.

Zion Lutheran Church Wedding Piedmont: Stacey & Shawn

If a cowgirl hat and cowgirl boots were appropriate attire for a wedding photogrpher to wear as one of the vendors, I...AM...SO...THERE!!

At a recent wedding I helped photograph, I couldn't help but notice how much fun the lovely bride, groom, and all their famly and friends had while rocking out to the best of country music at the reception. And when I mean rocking out I mean ROCKING out like everybody and their momma was on that dance floor.

I don't know much about country music but oh, when the DJ turned up Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" over the speakers, it was on! I EVEN KNOW THE WORDS TO THE SONG! It was hard to refrain from setting my camera down and joining the crowd of happy guests as they gracefully swayed and twirled to the music around the bride and groom in celebration of their nuptials and all things love, home, and country.

Below is just a sneak preview of a truly lovely wedding...stay tuned for the rest!

Happy Tuesday!

She

She handles a full time job and plays the hard role of both mom and dad to her daughter, everyday, without fail. She is working towards a degree in criminal justice. Because she cares like that. As a kid, she was the generous and nice one and still to this day, her actions remind me to be a little more selfless.

She spends her days sharing her creativity with the world as a hair stylist She helps women see their beauty, inside and out. Because I'm a photographer and she's also a fellow creative she gets it when I sound a bit burbly trying to communicate what latest creative image or endeavor see in my head.- and she always thinks it's a great idea.

She became a nurse...while raising two kids. She is one of the most positive people I know, both in words and in her actions. I've decided that when I have kids, she's the nurse that I'm going to request to hold my hand through the delivery because no one in the medical field will be able to convince me that everything will be ok except for her.

She is fiercely loyal & straightforward, the kind of friend who will always challenge you to be honest with others and with yourself. This is why she's a great coach and great mentor for young girls in sports. If you have even one friend like her, keep them around, because in this world of masks and facades, we all need a reality check from someone who really cares.

She is like the female version of MacGyver. She can create something from nothing, ( f I give her a paperclip and a pen she'll create, like, a new pair of socks or something), can cook like no other, and is always willing to share. Watching her be a mom helps me to better understand my own. I'll be lucky if I have even have a fraction of her strength when I become a mom.

These are just some of the many, many faces of women in my family as well as friends I have been blessed to know. Some of them moms, some married, some single. Some students, some athletes, some artists, some office workers.

All of them, pillars of strength in their own way.
All of them, teaching me something about the best type of woman and person I want to be in this world.
All of them, living life fully with no excuses.

Happy Monday!