Opera Singer

Margarita & Julianna
Pasadena -- June '09

A Girl and A Leaf

Tamara
06/'09

Sharing

Lupe and I share Godmother duties of Jaylene.

Godson

Christopher
6/'09

Heartbreaker

Noah '09

RIP

Despite it all--the odd behavior, the plastic surgeries, etc.--we can't deny that Michael Jackson influenced music of all genres. Heaven, I'm sure, has been moonwalking nonstop.

Looking for Color

I found it, don't ya think?
I wish she had looked up so you could see her face. It's beautiful.
I told her so, but she didn't believe me.

On A Walk

Armando & Ice

For you . . .

She waived at all the people on the trains &
later, when she saw they didn't waive back,
she started singing songs to herself & it went
that way the whole day & she didn't remember
having a better time in her life.
-Brian Andreas

Listening

I love that he got down to her level to look her in the eye.
I love that he gave her his undivided attention.

Road Tripping

Road Trip to Cambria
8/'06


I spend a lot of hours each week commuting to and from work. Despite that, I really look forward to and enjoy road trips. For me, nothing compares to an open road, wide blue skies, the feel of the wind on my face, the old skool music blaring in the car, and all that great junk food. BUT the one thing that I enjoy above all: the company. I've had my best heart-to-heart talks on road trips.

My View at Lunch

June '09

And, in case you are wondering,yes, I do know how fortunate I am. I didn't always know, but now I do.

Photo Shoots

Locations for upcoming photo shoots!
How cool are the families that picked these two locations for their family photos? Waaaayyy cool!! I love it when people think outside the box.

Sisters Are Fun

Sometimes you just have to bask in the silly goodness.

Next Chapter

Mantles

My Aunt Irma's mantle lit by sunlight
My mantle lit my candlight

Growth & Healing

Tonight, she wondered out loud how she ended up in the same messy life. I gently reminded her to see it as an opportunity to do things differently. It's time to break old patterns, and prove that she can be happy despite the mess.

April

I remember when, as a young girl, you cried at the thought of one day graduating high school and moving away for college. You cried because you feared that we would all forget about you. I tried to comfort you by reminding you of the huge impact you have made on our family's life that there is no way that anyone of us could ever forget you.

Yesterday, as we gathered around to congratulate you, I saw you. You were beaming with happiness and delight. You are no longer that scared little girl. You are so ready for this, and I was thrilled to see that you made peace with it. As you move on, I stand beside and cheer you on as you learn to use your own voice and find your own inner strengths.

Please remember: (1) There are a million different pathways to a fulfilling & happy life, and (2) Success and happiness aren't measured in monetary value.

Love.

Worth Repeating

Jacob & Noah
6/09


Listen to the Mustn'ts, child, listen to the Don'ts
Listen to the Shouldn'ts, the Impossibles, the Won'ts
Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me
Anything can happen, child, Anything can be.
-Shel Silverstein

1 Villain + 2 Superheroes

Griffith Park

Speechless

Funny how you get set on a lifestyle, and you think: This is what life is all about. This is the good life that everyone talks about.

Then one day, you wake up and go about your day not realizing that everything you know is about to shift.

Last Saturday, I looked into the eyes of children who are battling Cancer and the perspective and reality of my own life came crashing all around me. I am embarrassed by my recent complaining:

I am too tired and need my sleep.
Crap, not another sinus headache.
Offer from friends to meet for a last minute dinner? No, thanks.
Offer to go with my husband to walk our dog? Nope, not today.
My mom wanting to visit with me? Sorry, I have other plans.
And, the list goes on . . . .

Thank you to all the families I spoke with. Because of you, I am learning that what I valued and thought was the good life, wasn't.

If you and your loved ones are healthy and sound, be grateful. That is the good life.

For Uncle Mario

We got your back!

Peace

Alcatraz

Even the fan is behing bars.

Farmers Market

Part of an on-going photography project.
Kermit at the Farmers Market on Third and Fairfax.

Freshly Watered

No. 9

Ashley '09

Freshly Picked

Apricots