He{ART} JOURNAL | Home Is....

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the Managing Editor of a well-known publication company which I choose to not disclose yet, not until I find out if my art work does or does not get selected to be included in their January 2012 issue. But, the fact that my work had attracted interest, has surprised me because I have never been published, nor did I even expect the opportunity to come knocking at my door. I am truly humbled and blessed. Whether or not I will see photos of my art journal printed and sold on the shelves at bookstores, it has motivated me to never underestimate my creativity or ability to inspire others. 

Here is the most recent page that I completed before I shipped my journal out, called "Home Is...". The quote says, "Where we love is home--home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts..." I chose this quote because I've moved so much in my lifetime, yet every place I have lived has left me with fond memories especially my childhood home. And in the present moment, 1132 is our house number and it is the home that both my boys are growing up in. So many precious memories are made here for all of us and we hope to live in this house for as long as we can. However, with the economy crisis and so many people on our block moving due to financial hardships, it worries me that one day we may face the decision to move as well. Only God knows what will happen, so we continue to have faith in His plan. 

He{ART} Journal | Home Is...

CAMERA BAG WISHLIST

Right now, these babies are on my wish list. :) Yes, I know that these cost a fortune, but they will definitely pay off in the long run because of the amazing photos that it will produce. Just do a search on them and you'll see what I'm talking about!!! I am looking forward to the day when I can go crazy with these! Check it out....

Canon 5D Mark II

Canon 50mm f/1.2 L-Series USM Lens

Canon 85mm f/1.2 L-Series USM Lens

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L-Series USM Lens

Canon 35mm f/1.4 Wide Angle L-Series USM Lens

Canon Speedlight 580 EX II Flash

Of course, I've got a longer list which include accessories, tools, and other extras, but these are what I would like focus on getting first... In the meantime, we are using a Canon 7D, Canon 50mm f/1.8, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L II Telephoto lens, Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6, and Speedlite 430 EX Flash and working with what we have when doing photo shoots.  So far so good, but it would be so awesome to upgrade to the 5D Mark II and lenses. It will probably be a while before I can even think of owning these, but I am going to make it happen somehow, someway.... :) :) :) 

I'm working on hubby and I's portfolio site for ICEBOX IMAGES, so we can begin to showcase our work for all the world to see and hopefully gain more interest to have us photograph weddings, portraits, families, newborn and children sessions in our local area. It's our dream to be full-time one day, but we're taking this one step at a time and enjoying the journey together! Photographer for hire anyone???

LUCAS GOES TO SCHOOL | The Second Time Isn't Always Easy

FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN for my littlest son, well not so little anymore, LUCAS <3

TODAY... is another milestone for both me and Lucas, my youngest son. He finally started Kindergarten and even though they say that it's not as emotional after your first child starts school, it still was a little heartbreaking for me. I held back my tears when he stood there for a minute and began to cling on tightly to my hand. He was suddenly not as excited as he was the days or weeks before. Then, he whispered in my ear and said, "I can't, Mommy". My eyes blurred with tears, but I consciously took control of my emotions so as to not show him that I, too, was feeling uneasy about it. Looking into his eyes, I told him how I understood that he's nervous and that I was too, but reminded him how I would pick him up right after school, just like he and I did everyday when Josiah was in Kindergarten. He would bury his face in my neck and I took the time to look around to see what was happening with the other kids and their parents. Apparently, there were other children having a hard time as well, some were sobbing and some had to step outside to be calmed down. I'm sure just like me, every parent's heart was aching...

After awhile of reassuring him that I know he will be fine, he finally let go and sat down to draw on the piece of paper. I continued to wait with him and every time I talked to him, he kept silent and just focused on drawing, not once looking at me. I guess that was my cue to start making my way out the door and I kissed him and said, "I'll be back," which he replied simply by saying, "OK." Short and sweet. 

The moment came to pick him up and this is what he did as soon as the door opened! He came out running with the biggest smile on his face and I was so relieved that it turned out really well, better than I expected... Well, at least for him. Me? I'm still crying inside.

Although I am happy that my boys are growing up and are so full of life and joy, I'm also realizing all over again at how fast it all happens and it just makes me so vulnerable to know that nothing lasts forever... Life moves on and it moves rather quickly and I just wish that I could slow it down. But in reality, I know that I just need to keep up and cherish each passing moment. So, here's to the beginning of another chapter in this lifelong journey and adventure called Motherhood. :)

The next step...

Summer is coming to an end...

In just a few weeks, both my boys will be in school!

I have some special news on the way, so hopefully you'll stick around and check back soon!

For now, I am looking forward to what lies ahead and taking in every day as it comes. Life can be such an adventure if you take time to enjoy the ride. Ups and downs are really part of the journey to your destiny, something I strongly believe. If you have never fallen, you will never learn how to rise up and you can take that to the bank!

Anyhow, today is my youngest son's 5th Birthday!!!! Wow, I can't believe my eyes when I see how much he has grown these past years. He will be joining his brother this school year as he starts Kindergarten! Yay! Now...what to do with my free time?? Well, that's part of the special news I mentioned above, hehehe...

Before I go and until then, just want to give a shout out to my birthday boy! Yes, he is a SF Giants fan :)