Mondays and Bird Nest Hair

A case of the Mondays are never fun.

Especially when it starts off with a before-the-sun-rises-kind-of-alarm blaring in your ear and a puppy who hasn't been walked in a few days and decides to take revenge on your shoe insert as you are busy making your hair presentable and less bird-nest like.

Like I said, Mondays.

But...it's all part of it, right? You roll with it and hope to eventually get a laugh out of the rough start to a day. I found this posted by a friend and am thankful for the little chuckles from Facebook-newsfeed humor that make this Monday not so bad after all.

 

Happy Monday, folks.

Molasses and Speeding Tickets

Sometimes, things in life move as slow as molasses. And sometimes they move as fast as the rush of water from a fire hose.

When it comes to goals and achieving them, since childhood, I tend to lean towards the side of wishing that things moved at a pace slightly faster than molasses.

Or, at the very least, a snail with a pair of hockey skates on.

As many times as I repeat the cycle of wishing things moved along at my own ideal timing, I still am end up with the same conclusion: God's timing always ends up being better, whether I think it's too fast or too slow. And I've yet to prove Him wrong, which, come to think of it, is probably not a bad thing.

I got to chatting the other day with some friends about an old friend of mine who had passed away a few years back. It was obviously a sad and very unfortunate event, but at the same time the jolt of sudden passings reminded me that while life is truly brief, it doesn't mean that speeding my through it was the best approach to living it fully either. Basically, I am learning there will some molasses-covered a.k.a. can-somebody- puh-lease speed-this train-up-so-I-can-get-to-where-I-need-to-be type of moments and there will be some moments that seriously need a speeding ticket for whizzing by so fast.

And both types of seasons are necessary.

The slower moments remind me to take the time to learn and grow while the faster seasons remind me to cherish even what seems to be the smallest blessings because the time to enjoy them is fleeting.


Happy Thursday!

Stella and Dot: My New BFF

I love being able to endorse a great products - and it's even better when there's a great story behind the company that makes them.

A few months back, I attended a girlfriend's Stella and Dot trunk show half expecting that I probably wouldn't stay for too long because I'm as picky with my accessories as a toddler is picky with their dinner plate.

Well, not only did I stay much longer than I anticipated, but after oohing and ahhing over the beautiful selections of necklaces, earrings, and rings displayed on the tables, it wasn't long before I placed a little call to my husband asking if I can make a small, um, investment in a few things I found. Investments that came in more colors than the rainbow.

Helping the economy - it's a good thing. =)

Stella and Dot is a fabulous, woman-owned business that specializes in accessories just for her and what I loved most about them was not only the unique styles, but the fact that their fashion jewelry is made of quality materials that range from semi-precious stones, sterling silver, etc. The abundance of unique styles and designs as well as the fact that the metals used don't cause any allergic reaction to this gal, is a major plus in my book.  It's also worth nothing that the company was started with the philosophy in mind to help other women start a side business whether it is part or full time.

I also found out that this month, in honor of the Autism Awareness, Stella and Dot is donating all net proceeds from the purchases of their Autism Awareness Collection. Be sure to check their fan page and not only support a great company, but also an awesome cause.

Your accessory collection will thank you.

Happy shopping!

Puppy Love

I contemplated posting up an embarrassing old photo of my sisters and me as kids in honor of Throwback Thursdays. But instead as I sit here typing this and staring at the fur ball that's brought so much love, joy, and play into my life, I've decided instead to post this photo. 

I still remember the day we brought her home and how our living room pillows were no match for her insatiable need to chew everything, our toilet paper always seemed to unravel itself into the living room whenever she was left anywhere near the bathroom, and yes, even that one time she decided that her toilet was right next to a lamp - in our living room. 

But believe me for all those times I've ever cried and she was the first one there to offer a sloppy puppy kiss for comfort, all those times she's playfully welcomed us home even if all we were doing was stepping out to throw away the trash, and even those times she's loyally waited beside the bed all night until we woke up - it's been more than worth it.

Gotta love that puppy love.

Happy Thursday!

"Oh, Look! A Penny!"

I get distracted easily.

For example, this post. Immediately after typing that first line, I got curious about where the Full House cast was today and spent a few minutes Googling this information. Why? Eh...because it's critical to the growth of my work as a photographer? Not really, but nice try, right?

                     

Like I said, waaay to easily distracted.

Distractions come in all forms in my world. The funny ways like the sale window at my favorite shoe stores, the Toblerone bar at the side of the checkout line at Target, the dishes that caught my attention when I was on my way to fold the laundry instead.

Many a Toblerone bar and pair of shoes have made their way into my heart and home this way.

But....I also can get easily sidetracked by things that I know shouldn't hold my time or attention for too long.The more serious/I-need-therapy-kind-of-stuff. My list of distractions can include: worry about the future, dwelling on what I think that person meant, analyzing a critical comment I can't seem to forget, procrastination on time-wasting activities because to face a challenge and push through is just, well, too scary.

One of the things that I'm learning is that these kinds of distractions can severely impede my ability to lead. And for most of my life, I never thought of myself as much of a leader and hence these kinds of distractions hardly bothered me - they're only little things and who cares since it only affects me, right?

Wrong.

"Leadership isn't about personality or attention or charm. Leadership is about accountability, responsibility and service. God is calling us to lead in our marriages, to lead in our friendships, to lead in our communities, to lead in our workplace. He's calling us to lead in our churches, to lead ourselves into new ways of thinking, to better decisions. He's calling us to lead in our neighborhoods and on airplanes and in elevators." - Allison Vesterfelt

Whew. Ain't that the truth. The little things matter because they affect the big things. The important things like the ability to lead. What seems to be a harmless distraction of worrying over the what-ifs of the future can impede the ability to be effectively used today for service to others. Over-analyzing a critical comment said to me years ago distracts me from the freedom that forgiveness can give my heart and mind. Avoiding a challenge for the easier and seemingly fun distractions may mean a missed opportunity to grow in something even better not only for myself but for others around me.

It's a tall order, but I reckon that viewing leadership from this standpoint today can produce so much more good in a day than what distraction has produced in years.

Happy Tuesday!

Thoughts on Introverted & Extroverted Entrepreneurship

I'll be the first to admit that it's not easy being an entrepreneur who is more introverted and shy. I recently had a conversation with another businesswoman and found it interesting how we shared a lot of the same challenges, the same "please, please, PLEASE, don't make me talk to anyone at this event other than the chips and guacamole" kind of moments.

In a few of my previous posts, I've often joked about various networking meetings in which my favorite spots to mingle were near the food-preferably dessert- table in the back of the room. Waaaay back. Hugging the exit sign.

We chatted about how we often think of entrepreneurship and introversion mixing as well as oil and water but also discovered that there are indeed hidden strengths in what may appear to some as an obstacle to any business endeavors.

Whenever I thought of a successful entrepreneur, it always entailed this picture of someone with larger-than-life confidence, the ability to chat with and charm anyone from 5 to 85 years old, the talent to make a crowd people laugh at their witty jokes. And while those characteristics are fabulous, wonderful, and valuable it isn't the way everyone should be.

As a portrait photographer for women, I am privileged to serve in a capacity that involves more than making a pretty photo. I've come to realize that my work allows me to serve as someone who will listen, encourage, and take the time to address the concerns behind every question. It's nerve-rattling to be in front of the camera when you're not a trained model or if you've had some insecurities about your appearance. The way your nose looks, your arms, your height, and oh my gosh I'm not 20 years old anymore, how can I possibly capture a truly beautiful photo of myself now? Because I am not a huge fan of crowds, I feel more comfortable in these types of one to one situations and I definitely have to say that being more of an observing introvert has helped a ton in being sensitive to each client's wants and needs.

In other words, whether you're more of the introvert getting a head start on the snack table at the back of the room, or the extrovert leading the presentation on stage at the front, there is no"right" way to be when it comes to being an entrepreneur. Serving a client well with whatever product or service you offer rises as above all of that, whether in a one to one setting or crowded conference room.

The world needs both.

Happy Thursday!

Facing Your Fears...Most Days

Some days I'm brave. Other days, I'm simply not.

A huge challenge could be looming a half inch from my face and I still struggle at times to face it head on even when it's clear that to face it is the much better option.

But hey, that's ok. I'm learning to accept that I am and always will be, a work in progress. And as long as "progress" is part of the picture, I know I'm headed in the right direction.

Happy Tuesday!

PREVIEW: Margret, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

It was hard to forget her friendly face and bubbly personality when I had first met Margret a year ago to photograph her lovely family for an afternoon session. And while I don't do family photography anymore, I was privileged to not only catch up with Margret again this past weekend, but also to capture that unforgettably friendly and lovely face again, this time for a glamour photo session and makeover.  

To get together and catch up on life is so much fun. And then you add that to a sunny afternoon with hair styling, makeup, and a photo session? You get an extra dose of fabulous, for sure.

Here's a sneak peak into Margret's photo session - stay tuned for more!

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Margret's beautiful hair and make up! 

Ann, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

A camera captures more than just a photo. And a photo is about more than just the right light, the right angle, the right moment, the right expression. It can be a means to transform and change a perspective, to influence, to shape, to bring something fabulous to share with everyone.

Meet Ann.

As many of you know from her preview blog post here, Ann is not only a wife and mother of two, but she is also a fashion consultant with CAbi. And just as I love to use my camera as a means to share a message to the world of real beauty for the everyday woman, Ann uses her talents in fashion to help women look and feel their absolute best.

I recently had the privilege to photograph Ann and learn more about her life as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur. One of the things I appreciated most about Ann was her belief that every woman should feel fabulous about herself no matter what age she is. Can I get an amen, ladies?

Here are just a few of my favorites from Ann's session with Heartbox Photography as well as a little story about the lovely person she is.

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Ann's beautiful hair and make up! 



"Dance was a huge part of my life growing up. I started at the age of 8 and it helped me have self confidence, make friends, and learn about how important a healthy body is. In my teenage years, it was a way for me to express my emotions when I couldn't find the words and is still a a huge part of my identity today."

"I am most passionate about raising happy and confident children. I want my son and daughter to be kind, loving, and strong. I want them to know that they are loved for who they are and teach them how to enjoy the little things in life as well as how to overcome obstacles."

"If I could give my 18-year-old-self advice, it would be this - relax and enjoy life's ups and downs. Everything is going to be just fine. I would also tell her that she is beautiful the way she is, not what others think of her."

"I admire people who lead through example and inspiration. Leaders who teach you to find your own path and lead rather than just follow."

"My personal motto is: find your own happiness. Too often I see people drifting through life losing their identity. This is especially true with moms. They stop caring about themselves and forge to do things in life that they enjoy. They think they are being the best moms but they lose sight of the example they are setting.

"I have a friend named Tricia that I have known since I was 3. Having a lifelong friend you can share life's good and bad moments with is such a gift. She has taught me how much girlfriends can be supportive of one another and offer that stability along the journey of life."

"My daughter, Kira, has also definitely changed me. She has such an amazing spirit and her happiness is contagious. When I hear her laugh, my whole body fills with joy. She teaches me to be silly and girly and free from self-doubt."

"As a fashion consultant, I want women to dress in clothes that highlight their best features and make them feel good about themselves. I love seeing woman's face light up when I put her in an outfit that makes her feel pretty, sassy - or whatever feeling she hasn't felt in a while."

"Be your most beautiful self from the inside out."

It was a wonderful shoot and I am honored to have been a part of it. Be sure to check out the slideshow below!

"You Did Real Good, Honey!"

"Use your words to inspire, joy will fall like rain, when you speak life with the things you say." 

-Toby Mac

This past weekend, I met a lovely woman who had a reputation for often expressing her encouragement through the phrases along the lines of "Ya did good honey/ya look adorable/ya doing great!" It was amusing at first, especially when I heard a story of how she even said this to encourage a waiter who was downright rude/probably-needed-to-get-slapped-to-her-and-her-family and obviously didn't deserve these graceful words.

How cool is that to have someone who constantly talked life and encouragement whenever they were around you, even if you were a complete stranger? If there is one thing I wouldn't mind having a reputation for, it would be the reputation of a woman whose words were always full of life to everyone she met. Even a rude waiter named Mr. Butthead.

You know that old saying "stick and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?" Well, whoever thought of that must have mumbled it in the depth of their sleep because the reality I wake up to and see around me is that words are powerful and can either build life or bring death. 

I was staring at the blank screen of this blog post thinking of what to write, when it dawned on me that the power of the pen, er, keyboard, could serve as a modern example of a way to bring either grace-filled words to the world. Or not.

I hope that for whatever it is I write about, be it my dog's latest adventure with the toilet paper roll or the latest photo session and makeover with Heartbox Photography, it would always be written with words filled with life, grace, and inspiration and even the occasional "Ya did real good, honey!"

Happy Thursday!

The Baby Tied the Knot

These past few days have been a flurry of activity because of an important family event - my baby sister, the last one of our brood, tied the knot this past weekend in Arizona to a great guy who loves her. Weddings, or any huge celebrations that involve our family are a surefire guarantee of a little fun and a lot of crazy. Needless to say, it as a weekend filled with all of that.

In the midst of the laughing and and hubbub of activity, the celebration and dancing, it dawned on me that my little sister isn't so little anymore. And during my toast at the reception, it was this heart-tugging thought alone that nearly caused a bit of a hiccup-sniffle-I'm-about-to-cry-all-weird-into-this-microphone-and-sound-like-a-dying-walrus-or-something.

My sister, as you can see, made a beautiful bride. Everything went by too fast and it served as a reminder to me to cherish time with your loved ones, even the crazy ones. =)

Here's to love, new beginnings, and crying/hiccuping during a toast simply because you are happy for celebrations like these.

Happy Wednesday!

PREVIEW: Ann, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

Though the weekend clouds and rain normally put a stop to a lot of outdoor activities, it didn't put a stop to the fun of an indoor photo session and makeover with the lovely Ann.

I had met Ann a few months back and learned that she is not only a mother and wife, but also a talented fashion consultant with CAbi. (I absolutely LOVE their style. It's crazy hard trying to convince myself that it's not my birthday or Christmas or any other give-yourself-a-gift-kinda season right now. You'll see what I mean when you check out her site!) It's wonderful meeting other women who are advocates of empowering other women in all ways possible, including through the world of fashion and I am very excited to share with you all a preview of Ann's photo session.

There is definitely more from this shoot so stay tuned!

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Ann's beautiful hair and make up! 

A Valentine's Day...For EVERYONE

I can't believe I'm saying this, but yes, I have to admit, sometimes in life there are more important things than chocolate.

Yikes. I really said that.

Valentine's Day is coming up and yes, I get it. Some folks love it and some folks would rather have a cavity filled with no anesthesia. 

Me? I think it's a fun excuse to eat more chocolate but because of the lack of self-control I sometimes have, we all know I'll find a reason, Val Day or not, to snack on a Hershey Kiss or two. 

Or three.

I came across an interesting article on Internet published by The Case Foundation that outlined 14 charitable ways to celebrate Valentine's Day, sans the chocolate and cutesy heart-shaped balloons. What I particularly liked about this list was that it didn't focus so much on the question of "are you single or not", but rather broadened the focus on creatively using Valentine's Day as a day to do some good in this world for everyone. 

And we all know, you can never do too much good for others. 

Refrain from the cavity-filling this year, folks - check out the list!

Happy Wednesday!

14 Charitable Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day

Forget the wining and dining. Do something that matters.

Like many people, I've had good Valentine's Days, and...not so good. The not-so-good ones date back to middle school, when I, like many of my classmates, anxiously awaited one of those sweetheart-pink carnations from what I hoped would be a secret admirer. Much to my dismay, the carnation never came. And for years, it left me feeling downright uneasy about the 14th of February.

I later came to realize that Valentine's Day is about much more than flowers and candy, or even being part of a couple. I love that there's a day in our busy lives when we officially celebrate love. I'm not just talking romantic love, like Hallmark would have us believe, but the real-deal, universal "stuff of life" that makes up who we really are. Behind our roles and personalities and professionalism, each of us, at essence, is a living, loving being. Sure, on the other 364 days of the year we might try to fake it, but on this one day attributed to a Saint, the world agrees: Love is where it's at.

Call it spirit, call it sweetness -- whatever you want to call it, we've all got it. It's just a matter of what we do with it. So this Valentine's Day, put the cupids and carnations and conversation-hearts aside. Give of yourself, your time, your heart -- to people you know, and people you don't. Share your love in small ways and big. And best of all, be generous.

There are plenty of ways to do good and feel good this Valentine's Day. Here are a few.

1. Will You Be My...Volunteer? There's no shortage of ways you can help. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or favorite nonprofit, or offer to tutor a child in reading or math. You can find loads of opportunities on VolunteerMatch, or check your local college campus for organized events.
2. Put the "Fun" in Fundraising. If you're taking that special someone out for a pricey dinner, why not have your bill go to a good cause? Check your newspaper or online city pages for Valentine-themed fundraisers that support local nonprofits. Or better yet, throw your own happy hour or party, and donate the proceeds to charity.
3. Send Love Letters. Not just to your sweetheart, but to people and organizations that are doing good things for the world. Tell them why you respect and appreciate their work, and that they really do make a difference. If you're feeling extra romantic, include a donation in the envelope.
4. Reach Out to Those in Need. Deliver homemade Valentine's cards or heart-shaped cookies to the sick, the elderly, the homeless -- and their caregivers. Call a local children's hospital, domestic violence shelter, or nursing home and ask how you can help.
5. Give Gifts That Give. There are dozens of charitable shopping sites and online nonprofit stores selling gifts for a good cause. Look for red Motorola phones, Gap T-shirts and iPods from Apple to support the Red Campaign, or try Henry's Hearts, Greater Good, or Shop4Charity online. Sweet deal: When you make a gift donation through Save the Children, they'll send you a free Valentine's Day scarf and card.
6. Remember Those Who Serve You. In the spirit of service, think of all those people who make your life easier and more convenient -- every single day. Give a thank-you card to the bus driver or the barista who serves you your latte. Personally thank the janitor who keeps your office or campus clean, or the people who pick up your trash. Leave your waiter an extra tip, and smile -- big -- at the gas station attendant.
7. Clean Your Closets. Get a head start on spring cleaning and donate clothes, toys, furniture, household items, and old computers to nonprofits accepting them. Check your local Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army, or Goodwill Industries.
8. Get Your Heart Pumping. Charity walks and runs raise money for a good cause and get you moving in the great outdoors. Bring the family or your co-workers along to make it a team event. To find an event, check your local American Heart Association or your local runners' clubs, like Road Runners.
9. Adopt a Pet for a Day. Offer to take care of a pet for an ill or homebound neighbor. Volunteer at your local animal shelter to take the dogs for a walk. Or adopt an endangered species through theWorld Wildlife Fund, and you'll get a lovable stuffed pet and adoption certificate.
10. Be a Fair-Trade Valentine. Buy certified fair-trade chocolate from companies that ensure that small-scale farmers receive higher and more stable prices for their cocoa. Try Divine, Theo, or the many gourmet organic bars at Equal Exchange cooperative. Or get a fair-trade Valentine's Day Action Kit -- complete with chocolates, cards, and more -- at Global Exchange.
11. Love the Environment. Don't say it with flowers -- unless they're organic. Buy fresh organic blooms from your local farmer's market, or send a bunch from Organic Bouquet, which donates 10 percent to charities like CARE, the Global Fund for Women, and the American Red Cross.
12. Support Disaster Relief. Hurricane Katrina may be history by now, but the devastating effects in the Gulf region are far from forgotten. When you buy Love Letters to the South, a photography book of celebrities paying tribute to those affected by Hurricane Katrina, your purchase will help with rebuilding efforts. Proceeds support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and Habitat for Humanity's Operation Home Delivery.
13. Say "I Do" to Charitable Weddings. If you've decided to tie the knot with that special someone, consider creating a charitable gift registry through the I Do Foundation and its many retail and nonprofit partners.
14. Celebrate with Small Acts of Kindness. Valentine's Day isn't the only holiday this week: February 12-18 is the 13th annual Random Acts of Kindness Week. What can you do? Buy coffee, lunch, or a toll payment for the person behind you in line. Tape the exact change for a soda to a vending machine. Send cards with joyful messages to strangers. Collect canned goods for a food bank. Shovel a neighbor's driveway, or babysit -- for free. Visit actsofkindness.org for hundreds of other ideas.

* * * * * * *

Based in Kula, Hawaii, Elaine Gast is a writer and communications consultant for nonprofits, foundations, membership associations, businesses, and individuals. She has authored six books, contributed to Fodor's Travel Publications, and published articles in numerous magazines and newspapers. Elaine is president of Four Winds Writing, Inc.

Glamour Photo Session and Makeover

It's easy - very easy -  to find a picture of "pretty" in magazines. The grocery store check out lines are adorned with a plethora of photos from Hollywood's latest and greatest of celebrities, last week's red-carpet event - you  name it.

"Pretty" is easy to find - it is displayed on the surface, it's common and it's nice and sweet.

But, beautiful?

Beautiful is this rare combination of absolutely everything she is - something much deeper in her heart and soul, a complex blend of every thing she believes in, stands for, works towards, fights for. Beautiful is in the eyes she uses to see into the heart of her family and friends, the needs of the world around her, the smile she shares with others. Beautiful is wrapped up in every challenged she has ever faced in this life, in every victory and failure.

I had the privilege to recently photograph Elizabeth. She is a mother, a wife, and engineer doing wonderful things in this world with the skills she's been given. And as with every woman I am given the opportunity to photograph, the more I learned about her, the more I was reminded about how wonderful it is to work with women who are shaking up the world with the abilities, talents, and passions they have been given.

Beautiful is the way God sees every woman and it is my hope that the world will move towards treasuring the truly beautiful and settling less for what is merely "pretty".

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko of Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Elizabeth's beautiful hair and make up! 

Introverts and Friday Night Laundry

"Don't think of introversion as something that needs to be cured."
                                                                 - Susan Cain

I've been reading this really good book lately called "Quiet" by Susan Cain. Mystery novel? Intriguing work of fiction? Well...not quite.

It's actually a book about introverts. And yes, you can guess this book speaks to me primarily because for almost all my life, I've always felt a discomfort knowing that deep down inside, if given the choice, I'd rather stay home in my pajamas and fold laundry/hang with my dog/read a book than be at a function considered the Party of the Year.

And the biggest revelation I've discovered in this book? Choosing quiet laundry folding on a Friday night over the party-scene doesn't make you a freak of nature. Whew!

Everyone's got something valuable to contribute...both extroverts and the introverts. Even if only one group prefers a Friday of laundry-folding.

Happy Wednesday!

Beauty Redefined by Fashion Photographer, Rick Guidotti

As a photographer, you would think that I would walk around with the natural inclination to see beauty in everything around me. And while it's true that most days on other days I, too, get sucked into believing the lie that there is only one type of view or definition or perspective of beauty. Sometimes, when I come across someone who is different in some way, I hate to admit that my natural inclination is to wonder or take a second glance at them out of curiosity or surprise. It's foolish and yet serves as one of the biggest reasons as to why the work of photographer Rick Guidotti really tugs at my heart.

When I came across this video it was little bit like the wake up call that I needed to remember that truly, there is beauty in everybody no matter how "different" they seem to others. I am grateful to photographers like Rick Guidotti who are able to take their camera, their eyes, their talents and shake up the world by re-defining beauty for everybody.

Check it out here:



Here's to a beautiful world.

Happy Tuesday, folks!

Um....Puppy?!?

The other day, I blogged about being afraid of skunks. Their creepy eyes, the way they seem to be amping up to ruin your day with one, uh, poof.

But this right here? It made me realize I'd rather run into a skunk that a beast like this.

Really? I love dogs, but WHAT KIND OF BEAST IS THIS??!?

Happy Thursday!

Skunk Gas and Finish Lines

I'm proud of my husband for many reasons. And one of those reasons is that he's that guy who sets a goal and actually works towards achieving it, rain or shine. Believe me, people, it's admirable and annoying all at once.

One of the goals he's set for himself this year is to run a half marathon. He and I share the same blah attitude/let's-just-order-a-Roundtable-pizza-tonight-instead towards running but like I said, when my husband sets a goal, there's no stopping his efforts towards the finish line. He's officially training with a good friend of ours who runs so much we not-so-secretly believe he's half cheetah.

I'm very excited and inspired by my husband's endeavor to run and get healthy for the 2014 year. So inspired that yes, I actually dragged myself out of bed at 5:30 AM one morning to tag along with him and our trainer/cheetah friend. There's a beautiful trail that's perfect for these early morning runs/torture sessions. The 43 degree air grazed my face and hands as I jogged behind them and on more than one occasion I almost spazzed out as my eyes caught sight of a skunk or two in the distance along the winding, gravel trail. 

I wasn't interested in starting off the new year  having been farted on by a vengeful skunk at 6:30 in the morning.

We slowly started jogging. And though I'm not a runner, I couldn't help but notice an interesting pattern. Once I stopped whining internally, and actually got into the groove of pacing my breathing and each step, the running wasn't so bad (Did I just say that?!?!) despite the freezing cold air, the uncertainty of the dark, early morning, and possible threat of a cranky skunk.

Sure it still hurt, still was painfully exhausting and uncomfortable but at the same time, it simply felt good to move. 

I actually warmed up and grew a desire to keep moving through the exhaustion, through each inclining step, through the uncomfortable cold, winter air. Versus during our "walk" moments where my internal whining would start revving up in my head again, my feet longed to turn right around and go back to the comfort of the car, the cold air encouraging me towards the comfort of sleeping and the idea of not stepping out to do this again.

Perhaps this is a way to see not only goal setting in 2014, but goal doing. 

I really hope that in 2014, during the occasional times of bitter-cold air, painful and exhausting inclining steps, and threatening skunk farts along the path towards the proverbial finish line , that I remember it's always a better choice to move forward imperfectly towards whatever the goal is than to stand still in doubt or comfort. Even more so, I hope to remind others of that, too. 

Happy Monday!

PREVIEW: Glamour Photo Session, Bay Area, 2013.

As with the embarking of every New Year, I do my best to really evaluate what the previous year looked like as well as intentionally set new goals, both personally and professionally, for the new year ahead. Taking an honest look at what was done, not done, the mistakes and victories, what is continuing to be, isn't always easy, but I personally believe it's so important especially if you still maintain an interest in growing as a person.

I'm not the bravest person in the world or always the most spontaneous, especially when it has to do with getting out of the wonderful, warm and fuzzy comfort zone I surround myself with. I'm as stubborn as a mule with arthritis sometimes, especially before 7 AM in the morning.

But...I try hard. And the reason I keep trying and keep pushing is mostly because I'm surrounded by a ton of people who don't sit on their laurels talking about the good they can be doing in the world - they actually do something about the change they want to see. And as warm and fuzzy as my comfort zone can be, believe me, you can't be surrounded by that kind of passion, enthusiasm and action and not be influenced in some way.

Meet Elizabeth. This awesome woman is a wife and mother of two girls. I was recently given the privilege to not only photograph her but also learn more about her as a person, as a mom, and her work as an engineer.

Here is a preview into her recent makeover and photo session with Heartbox Photography - stay tuned for more!

A special thank you to the talented Vlada Fomenko of Vlada Fomenko Makeup and Hair for Elizabeth's beautiful hair and make up! 

Happy Thursday!

Jessica, 2013.Glamour Photo Session, Bay Area

A while back, I had blogged about how much I struggled with going to networking meetings and just mingling with strangers in general at any social gathering. I can't tell you how many times my eyes have casually wandered to the nearest exit (or at the very least, that open spot in the back of the room near the guacamole dip) whenever I had no choice but to chat with the person next to me and exhibit some display of cool vs. nerd.

However, despite my sometimes obvious social anxieties and attraction to guacamole dip/any available exit, I'm slowly realizing that there is actually nothing wrong with being shy or even quiet. That it may even be a strength and a valuable leadership quality. 

And Jessica is proof of this.

I had met Jessica at a networking event for women business owners and as I have gotten to know her more these past few months, I learned that beneath her quiet demeanor is an articulate leader, someone who has great ideas, and a passion for being involved with organizations that help others. I am proud to know her and be inspired by hearing her express and contribute great ideas during discussions. It reminds me that being a great listener is essential in growing as a leader.

Jessica, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to capture your beautiful self in these photographs. And most of all, thank you for reminding people like me that I don't always have to gravitate towards the back of the room near the guacamole dip. =)

"I'm a pretty easy-going, creative person who likes helping others and connecting with people. I work as a graphic designer and marketing assistant and am involved in various groups, including Toastmasters and Promote Her Business."

Who or what 3 things have helped shape you to be the woman you are today?

God would have to be the first I'd list because every time I think of who I really want to be in life, it's someone who's close to Him. I'd say being an introvert has also shaped me because it taught me to look more internally for solutions and answers and has allowed me to be a greater listener. 

My family has also shaped me because it was from them that I learned the value of education, friends, and family and being there for others.

If you knew then what you know now as a woman, what would you have told your 18-year-old self?

"I didn't really know myself at that age. My mind was still kind of closed off - I didn't accept myself for who I was. It felt like I was hiding from myself and the world. 

The thing that really changed that was "letting go" and finding peace. If I had told myself to look for those things [at that time] I'm still not sure I would have found it instantly or even understood what those things meant. If I had to tell myself something at 18, it would be to hold on and be patient because life would work out and make sense eventually."

What is your personal motto or mission statement? 
"Life is just a chance to grow a soul." 

"I've always admired people who were strong-willed and determined. Nothing can stop a person who doesn't stop themselves with their own doubts and fears. I admire people who look after others and empower people around them."

"I've always been passionate about art, music, nature, and spirituality."

If you could share a message about beauty, self-esteem, or self-worth to other women, what would that be?

"I've found that what changed in my life when I really gained self-esteem and a better sense of self-worth was the way I treated myself when I failed. When I would make a mistake or fall short of my own expectations, I would assume myself to be a failure. 

But when I finally embraced who I was, I would instead exercised patience and acceptance towards myself whenever I fell short. I was reassured I could still improve, that life wasn't over, and I still had time to change things. I didn't give up on myself in those moments like I used to. "

My message to women would be to love themselves compassionately as they would a friend who had fallen down and needed help getting up again.

A heartfelt thanks Ashlyn Taylor of Madame Me for Jessica's lovely hair and make up! 

Happy Monday!