Oh, I’ve missed blogging.  Lots.  I feel like I’ve dropped off the face of the earth these past weeks but sometimes in life, I find that necessary.  I needed some time to clear my head, get rejuvenated and prepare for the next few months.  There have been a few health issues I’ve been dealing with as well.  Nothing serious but any health concern can be frustrating.  Amongst all this, I also traveled to Florida for a week for some fun and to visit family.  A blog post about that trip coming real soon.

With the good comes the bad and truth be told, I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately.  It started off minor but began consuming me.  I’m a “seeing the glass as half full” kind of girl so I couldn’t figure out what my deal was.  Perhaps it was the hot. cold. hot. cold weather (could CA weather be anymore fickle this past month?) or the fact that I was entering my late 20’s in a matter of days.  Yes, my late 20’s.  I don’t know why this upcoming birthday hit me in this way but it did.  My thoughts and plans of where my life would be at this age didn’t match reality. I could let the wallowing overcome me or focus my thoughts through prayer.  Thankfully, I eventually chose the latter.  Life is so fast paced and I find that living in the hub of the Silicon Valley, so much focus is on the future.  Your future job position, future savings, future home and future family.  I find myself constantly getting sucked into that mind frame.  Whatever happened to living in the present?  Savoring the moments that are happening right now.  Soaking them in and appreciating them.  And the importance of looking to the past to see how far you have come.  To remember the struggles and obstacles you overcame to get where you are today.  I may not be where I want to but I’ve taken gigantic steps towards getting there.

These next few months are jam packed with things I am excited for (Matt’s graduation with his Masters, the J* workshop, weddings, vacations and new babies…just to name a few).  But on the eve of my birthday weekend, I am working on just appreciating the moments as they unfold instead of always thinking what’s next.  It’s a tough task for this girl who loves to plan.  But I’m sure gonna try.  Still dreaming big and setting goals but keeping my feet firmly planted in the present.

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter weekend!  Enjoy this time with family and appreciating the moments in between.  Filled with hugs and kisses.

And for all Bay Area friends, if you are looking for an Easter service, I would like to invite you to our church – South Bay Church.  It’s been our home since last year and I can’t begin to tell you how much we love it.  Services are at 8:30 am, 10:00, 11:30 and 1:00 pm this Sunday.  For more information, you can visit: http://www.southbaychurch.org

Hope to see you there!

A big thank you to all who entered!  Since this was my first time hosting a giveaway, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Thank goodness the winners were chosen at random via Pick Giveaway Winner WordPress plugin because I don’t know how I would have decided.  I really loved reading your responses and have to say, I agreed with so many of your answers!

What I miss most about being a kid? Lots of your responses were true for me too…less responsibility, summer fun and having lots of extra energy.  The one other thing that I miss?  Naptime.  When 3 o’clock rolls around, I’m usually ready for one.  Who says naps only have to be for kids?

Favorite not-so-healthy food: I’m joining my fellow chocoholics out there and saying that I, too, am obsessed with chocolate.  I don’t think a day goes by where I don’t have a piece or two.

Least favorite household chore: Dusting.  Yuck, I hate dusting.  It seems like no matter how good of job you do, two days later, the dust is back.  Cleaning the bathroom is a very close second though.

Once again, thank you to all who participated.  I wish I had enough prizes for everyone.  The good news is that I really enjoyed doing this so I’ll definitely be holding more giveaways in the future.

And now, drumroll please……….

The winners are:

Congrats to Ramona who will be receiving a $30 Amazon gift card and Vanessa who is taking home a $10 iTunes card.  Will be emailing you both shortly!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

When I started my own business last year, I didn’t know what to expect.  I was just a girl with a dream trying not to let my fear of failing get in the way.  One of the hardest things in the beginning was blogging because it didn’t come easy to me and putting so much of myself out there for anyone to read was terrifying.  But I knew I wanted to blog more than just my photography.  I wanted to be open and honest and document my journey, thoughts and feelings.  The one thing that got me through those first rough months?  You.  The support of my family, friends and faithful readers.  I can’t even begin to tell how much all your comments, emails, likes and messages mean to me.  Thank you so much!

This month, my blog turns 7 months old.  Lucky number 7. And it will be lucky for 2 of you.  As my way of saying thank you, I’m having my first giveaway!  I’m excited that it will also give me the chance to learn a little bit more about all of you.  I wanted the prize to be something I loved but also useful for anyone who wins it.  Two of my favorite things are reading and music.  So, without further ado…

The Prizes
– Grand Prize: $30 Amazon gift card
– Runner Up: $10 iTunes gift card

How To Enter
The two winners will be chosen completely random via the Pick Giveaway Winner WordPress plugin. Each of you can enter up to 3 times.  Here’s how.

#1. If you are reading this blog, you can enter.  To do so, leave a comment in the comment box below.  Fill in your information and in the comment section, write the word BLOG and answer this question:  What do you miss most about being a kid?
#2.  If you have liked my photography page on Facebook or want to do so now (links below), you can enter a second time.  Make sure you leave a second, SEPARATE comment in the comment box below.  Again fill in your information and in the comment section write the word FACEBOOK and answer this question: What is your favorite not-so-healthy food?
#3.  If you are following me on Twitter or want to do so now (links below), you can enter an additional time.  Make sure to leave another, SEPARATE comment in the comment box below.  One last time, fill in your information and in the comment section, write the word TWITTER and answer this question: What household chore do you hate the most?

The contest closes on Friday, March 18th at 11:00 am PST.  The two winners will be drawn and posted (along with my answers to the above questions) later that afternoon.

Good luck!!