Today is one of those days

Today is one of those days where you feel like your feet are to heavy to move... one of those days where you wish you could just run forward to forget the past.. to know what God has for you just around the corner. I have this thing with staircases... and today I am realizing that it has some type of symbol on my life. I sat and looked at this shot today... it says "You have a choice. Choose to walk down the stairs.. an easier route.. one that you can see what you are getting. (If you pay close attention you can even get a glimpse of what's ahead of you.. most times you already know... here you can already see pieces ... art.. that you can choose from) Or dare to walk up.. the more difficult and unknown route." Which will you choose? For today.. my feet won't move.. they are too heavy.

Instead I will stand in place and look up to a new light. (I think that is Mary in the corner...)

They say when you love what you do.. it shows.

I couldn't love anything more than this. I have had people tell me they can see how happy I am when I shoot... and this shot shows me why they see my passion. I typically don't shoot in a bathing suit;)  Thanks to Karina, a friend of my dad, for grabbing this shot and reminding me of how happy I am behind the camera. 

The beach. The Ocean. The Sand. And camera in hand. All I need. 

I found a new career

It is 7:15 am... and I have been up for an hour already. For anyone who knows me... I am never up this early. I woke up thinking about my career and passion for photography and have made the decision to give it up... yup... I have found a new career........

I have decided to become a Jazz club singer with my dad as my backup. LOL. YEA RIGHT!!! FIRST OF ALL.. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP MY PASSION BEHIND THE CAMERA. SECOND OF ALL... I CAN'T SING..NOT EVEN A LITTLE BIT! 

There is something about jazz and the blues that draws me in. I think it is the sound of the old studio recordings, or the the story the trumpet tells, or the soulful voice, or that I can image the mood drawn from a black and white film shot in a jazz club... whatever it is... I love jazz clubs. 

Last night my dad and I spent my last night hanging out in the only jazz club in Cabo San Lucas. It was a very small and intimate setting with seating for 20 people max! The singers/owners/bar tenders/staff (pretty much all the same 3 people) were great. They got my dad and I up on stage for a little shot at the end of the night. Actually looks like I'm singing, huh? 

This place was not easy to find... and even if someone had given us directions.. we probably wouldn't have found it. Somehow, dad pulled it off and we had such a fun night. Thanks Dad!
I was not planning on getting up at 6:15am by any means. But, something woke me up and I poked my head outside and saw this. 

Serenity.
I will be posting more pictures from the trip when I get home. Check back!

Gotta Love Life

I can't express to you how blessed I have been to have a place to come and clear my mind. These past trips (including my current one) have been such a relaxing time and give me a chance to be at peace with my thoughts and ideas. It is also a great way to get in some Q.T. with my dad and get a little sun action :) !!

I had ANOTHER great session down here today!! SOOOOO FUUUUN! This 7 year old little girl that I shot was a dream... we hung out and swam in the pool together.. had lunch... and then went down to an exclusive beach to look for shells and start our session. Mom came along and joined us for part of the shoot and I got some ROCKIN' shots of the two of them! I cannot wait until I get home and am able to download my images and share them with everyone. On the way up from my shoot from the beach, a woman came running up to me and was irrate because we were apparently too loud during the session. We were definitely not loud by any means... but...

UMMMM.... THE BEACH IS PUBLIC LADY! 

I even took the nice route and apologized to her and told her she should've said something earlier... her reply.."I didn't think I HAD TO!!! " 

My thoughts on this lady: LIGHTEN UP! LOVE LIFE AND ENJOY THE SOUNDS OF LAUGHTER!!

Tonight, dad and I headed down to downtown Cabo for dinner. We ended up at this gorgeous place on the beach ONLY because we were on a waiting list to get into the place we planned on going. We decided to go for a little walk while we waited.. and found this gem. We had a blast. We decided to wear the poncho blankets that were used for decor (and chilly nights) and do a little photo shoot :) This is my Gotta love life photo. Oh yes... and these are all from my dads little sony cybershot cam... 

I love this shot of us.
Thanks to dad for this shot of me while we hung out before my shoot. He still has a little eye behind the camera as well :)

Keep your eyes open

I have mentioned before about being attentive, keeping your eyes open to opportunities, and trying to find good in every situation. For those of you who have just begun following my blog, or even those who have followed me for some time... go back and read this blog from china. It will express my thoughts on this in depth.

I believe that God will give you opportunities, and you have to be very conscious and aware of to know when one has been presented to you. I am currently down in Cabo San Lucas again with my dad. I needed to get away and have some peace and relaxation to get my thoughts back in order. On my flight down here, I could've been negatively focused on the seat I was in... but instead I found myself with a great opportunity.. all because I kept my eyes and mind open.  A couple of aisles behind me sat a fantastic couple and the most adorable little girl. The sheer joy the came from this little girl made my flight more pleasant. I ended up booking a family photo session with this family in Cabo. I was so thrilled, as this is something I have thought about for my past two trips down here. I ended up shooting them yesterday and it was a blast. They are a great couple and I know I will be seeing more of them as they are in Minneapolis as well!

So... keep your eyes open and don't let your frustrations get in the way of opportunities.

Unfortunately, I forgot my card reader at home.. so I haven't been able to download any of my shots from this trip.. so I will share a few from the first trip down here last July.

A year of missed memories

It's amazing how time passes, how it is so relative to your state of mind. It's amazing how time flies when you are enjoying yourself.. when you wish you had more of it to take in every single  memory that is made. Then there are times when it seems as if the next minute, hour, and day are creeping at a snails pace. Those are the hard times.. the times we're usually grieving, lonely, or hurting. It has been a year, today, that my uncle Tom passed away. When I look back at the year.. I can't believe how many memories were lost because he wasn't here. Instead.. the memory of packing up his home with the family... and watching my mom say goodbye to the memories she shared with her best friend.

 In reality.... the hard times.... and the passing of time is all about our perception of the situation. There is a part of all of us that wishes we hadn't lost them...wish we had another day, hour, minute to spend laughing, talking, and making memories. But really...he may have spent this last year in more pain than the 18 months before that... you have to release the small piece of yourself that wants it for you.. and remember that they are now happier, healthier, and waiting for us. And for now.. all you can do is be more aware of the time you have with the ones you love. Open your eyes, stop complaining, and don't let time creep by covered in hurt and bitterness... find something positive... and make a memory out of it.

Uncle Tom was a big teddy bear. He was never afraid to reach out and hug my sister and I. Those big bear hugs are missed.

The last time my sister and I saw him was a tough one... he struggled to breath, to speak, to stay awake. But here he is.. fighting to speak to us just one last time. I remember that minute. I took it in... and best of all.. I captured it with my camera.
Such a heart wrenching moment.. but an emotional one I wouldn't have taken back. My mom, his care giver and best friend, whispered "I love you, Tommy." 
We've missed you this year Tom! So many memories we wish you were here for... we love you.

How do you remember?

How do you remember the loved ones that have passed? Do you consciously say... they would've loved to see this.. or dream about them.. even talk to them because you just know in your heart that they are out there listening to you...? At times I do all of the above. For many nights after my grandpa passed, I dreamt of him. In my dream he was gone as well.. but came back for just a moment to see me.. and give me the smile I still remember. 

A year ago, tomorrow, my family and I lost our grandpa, dad, and husband.  He did not go alone...there were men that came to get him, he told my mom. I believe that he was not scared.. that he knew those faces he saw and went on to a better place. My uncle, who was also battling cancer, took this journey along with him. He passed the very next day.. only 18 hours apart. They had been traveling buddies all their life and only God could have put them on this tough journey together and a triumphant new life... together. It is unheard of for people to pass from cancer within hours of one another. Many people would feel a enormous sense of loss.. which we did.. but we all were comforted to know that they walked out of that hospital together.. for a new trip.

How do I remember? One of my favorite things my grandpa did was send newspaper clippings that talked about things that related to me. He actively took interest in my life, daily! It made me know he thought about me all the time. Along with the clippings were motivational notes. He was always so proud of me.. no matter what I was doing. So how do I remember him? Anytime I am having a hard day, frustrated with a design idea, or bogged down with projects... I look over on my desk and read one of the many notes I saved from him. This one is framed on my desk.

It reads: 7/12/03

Hi Jam! I heard you've been over achieving and zinging 'em.....Don't fight it.. its in the genes! Love G.P.

I kept this note from 2003... so thankful I did.

So take a moment and think about someone and how you remember them. I miss you grandpa. Thank you for your daily motivation. I hope I continue to make you proud.

Need a laugh?

Sometimes ya just need a little something in your day to make ya laugh. For those of you who did OR did not watch the Golden Globes the other night.. here's a little clip that I thought was hilarious.

Click Here. :)

Happy B-day Lil Sis!

I just got back from an awesome dinner with my mom and my sister. I can't believe my "little" (she is waaayyy taller than me) is 24! She is a year under 25! I don't think this even really hit me until I was bored one day and adding dates into my fairly new iphone ;) I began to write "Megan's... 2...? Bday." Uhh... how old is she going to be?? I had to actually go back to the year she was born and count! Soo crazy the way time goes by. I feel like we were just playing war, building forts, and burying each other in mounds of clothes on our bedroom floor. I guess I am realizing how important it is to take each moment in. Sit back and actually take the moment in.

Tonight the three of us had the most fun we have had in a long time together. We all  laughed absolutely hysterically the entire night!! Our mom was cracking jokes left and right like she was on stage at a comedy club. It was soooo much fun, and I really needed that today. Take time to laugh with your family.. be light hearted... and even laugh at yourself. 

Here is Megan and her "flourless" cake. (Not exactly sure what a flourless cake is...but thats what our waiter said the bday sundae was...)

Here is mom and me... I was laughing so hard as it took us about 30 seconds for my mom to smile. Megan and I just sat there cracking up.
I managed to grab a shot of my mom mid-laugh. I love it. We were all close to tears at this point... she was being soooo funny!!!
Happy Bday Little Sis! Thanks for my new Canon Powershot SD790 IS, which I owe these shots to tonight. This cam is actually amazingly sharp and has great settings. Thanks for the Christmas gift Meg.

Today I am thankful for...

I can't tell you how thankful I am to not only do what I love the most everyday, but that I am saved from the craziness of gridlock, rush hour traffic. I love having the flexibility to work until all hours of the night if I please, and make appointments and sessions around the times that I want to be out. (for the most part) There was a point in my life that I did work a typical 9-5 job and had to fight traffic.... and I would go absolutely batty insane in my car. For some reason, I just can't take it.. it makes me want to scream.

Well, last night I ventured out during rush hour while it was snowing and found myself realizing why I NEVER do this. It took me 2 hours to drive a normal 25 min route. This was shot with my iphone.. well because I had nothing better to do than take pictures while I was at a COMPLETE STAND STILL!!!

Please click on this link below... 

Elaine Benese on the subway

This is how I felt sitting trapped in traffic last night. It absolutely cracks me up! I can't even imagine having to take the subway everyday and go this crazy... LOLOL. It's a must see... hopefully it will give you a laugh for the day! :) Make sure to watch it until the end.

Reef Ruuuunnnnerrs

"Reef Ruuunnnneerrss" was the phrase of the day yesterday. Dad and I kept saying it over and over as we did a little hiking. Dad was the smart one with reef runners (shoes that are great for water, rocks ect) and I was the not so smart one with flip flops!

Early on in the day, we decided to check out one of the hot spot beaches and restaurants. We wore a sombrero and even did a jello shot to to make sure we got the true mexico experience! I love all the color everywhere.

The beach was filled with surfers, swimmers, jet skis, and even a couple flying a kite. I think everyone thought I was some kind of serious paparazzi taking pictures of as many people as I could.
As we left the crowded beach, we walked by this man who was playing the guitar for a family. Dad plays the guitar, so it caught our attention and we stopped and listened for a bit. The most interesting thing was that he played with his hand the opposite way... take a close look.

The next evening, we decided to go for a little hiking adventure. When I say adventure... I do mean it in every sense of the word. To get down to this amazing beach ( you will see in a moment) we had to climb over someone's roof, jump down, hike down a fairly steep loose dirt trail, and rock climb through some of the largest boulders I have ever stood on. All with flip flops on!

Luckily dad had his rockin' reeef ruuunnners!
Serenity.
A random blue flip flop, a dried up crab, and a real sponge from the ocean were among many of the cool things we found on our adventure.
Peaceful

People Watching

Nothing could be better than lunch on the beach. Warm breeze. Ocean Air. Sand under your feet... and listening to the waves crash.  As we sat and had lunch and took in our surroundings, we watched this little girl play in the sand. Her and her family were so cute that I almost walked up and asked them if I could do a session.... too bad I don't know how to say that in spanish. :) 

Rustic Mexico

Yesterday, dad and I went to this really cool art place down the street called Artesanos. It had one of a kind pieces, all made by hand. You could get anything from wooden dressers to bowls to glassware. Artesanos is a warehouse style builiding with 4 stories... almost like an ikea.. minus the air conditioning, regular hours, staff and multiples of everything! LOL.

As dad and I stood on the rooftop.. just beyond these doors is probably one of the worst safety areas I have ever seen... As you walk back in these doors, there is a 3 story drop off.. no railing, sign or anything. It was so crazy! But I loved the feeling of exploring somewhere we almost shouldn't have been.

We were shopping for a couple of light fixtures for dad's place.  We had already been walking through here for quite some time before we were able to track down the lights... by this time we were dying of heat!! Uhhh can you say sweating bullets?!
Here is a view of just one of the many areas...
I wanted to take this little guy home so bad! Well he wasn't so little.. actually way bigger than life size... but he is a bronze sculpture water fountain. SO COOL!

Dad had to stop and play along with the mariachi band.
It wore him out so we had to stop for a while for a siesta. (I think that means nap... or long break... or something along those lines)
This last shot is my fav...  Those stairs lead to... umm.. nowhere.
I am doing so good with posts everyday! Go ME!

Here's a reason to smile

Meet Phil. He is one of our neighbors down here in Cabo. I have a special place in my heart for pugs as we used to have one.

Dr. Phil isn't so sure about this adventure....

Dia Dos

Yesterday, dad and I went to the beach club down the street. Uh.. how do I say amazing in spanish?! This place is it! Perfect view, palapas with beds to lay on, beautiful blue water, rustic architecture and friendly people. 

Am I really here right now??

We decided to cool off a bit and walk along the beach.

I have a love for photographing old doors, locks, keys, key holes and door nobs. This place is flourishing with all of these.

Dad found this critter... we were a little hesitant to pick it up. Who knows... maybe it shoots out spikes when it gets mad? 
Can you see the crab?

There are also so many amazing gates here.
I am off to the pool! :)

HOLA!!! Donde esta en el Cabo!

Este camino no as de alta velocidad! Anyone fluent en espanol? :) This translates to this is not a high-speed highway. As my dad and I drove back from the airport, I quickly realized that the lack of street lights, sharp turns, and small lanes makes driving a little on the scary side. With that said... I can not complain.....it's gorgeous here! My dad has an absolutely gorgeous place. The ambiance is killer... lighting, details, architecture... everything is amazing and I can't wait to spend the next 13 days here.

Summer Days

A few weeks ago, I had a fun night in with some friends. This little man being my main source of fun! I have had the pleasure of watching him grow up since he was just a wee-little one.

Can I get some of whatever is in the sippy cup?? :)
Such a little goof.

Our night in of fun consisted of ....

these amazing watermelon maritinis (made with real watermelon juice!!)..YUM!

The game taboo.. and yes the boys beat the girls but as you can see from the strip below.. we caught them cheating a time or two... but it was a blast.
.. and the latest celeb gossip and hilarious You tube videos. 
We must not forget the funniest event of the evening.... Keyon took my bracelets and put them on and I put my necklace on his head. As the girls and I laughed hysterically.. he copied us and laughed as well. This image was caught when he began to feel a little unsure as the boys did NOT think it was quite as funny. A few seconds later he took off all the jewelry himself and set in back on the table... it was to die for!