A Health Journey: Cool Books That Advise Making Your Own Junk Food

"Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food."

-Michael Pollan

Food Rules

For the past month and a half, as many of you know, I have been working with a trainer in an effort to be more intentional about getting stronger, being challenged to break away from exercises that are too easy, and overall to just be more intentional about my overall health.

Fifteen sessions later, I am thankful and happy to say I am already feeling and seeing the results. Has it been easy? No, but it's definitely been worth it. Just the fact that more weight-lifting has been incorporated into my workout routine is in and of itself a huge accomplishment as I was always the person to default to sticking with the lightest weights that required the least amount of effort. Am I all beefed up like Schwarzenegger or Popeye? No and I have no desire to be because, truthfully, I kinda like having a neck. However, there's something rewarding about taking the weights up a notch and knowing it's also a great preventative method for us women, especially when it comes to risks of osteoporosis.

Logging everything I eat (including the occasional cookie or cup of ice cream) has also been tremendously helpful as it's made me more conscious about what I am putting into my body, if I'm eating out of boredom or stress, and if I am consuming a healthy amount of water on a daily basis. There's something eye opening about writing things out and looking back at it and a food journal is no different. If anything, it's simply made me more aware.

In a recent health workshop I attending, I was given a fantastic book called "Food Rules" by Michael Pollan. Is it chock full of bland and boring recipes? No. Is it saying to eat a salad for the rest of your life. Thankfully, heck no. (Because trust me, I'm a not a huge fan of that method either. I love me my hamburgers with fries once in a while, thank you very much.)

Rather, this book outlines a ton of simple and fun tips on how to make better decisions with what you buy at the grocery store, easy ways to remember what foods to avoid and why, and best of all, it's written by a regular journalist who simply saw the need for people to have simple and understandable guidelines on how to eat healthier in a world full of fad diets and confusing health advice.

Simply put, it's good. Go get it and read it. Your health will thank you.

Happy Wednesday!

Ramya, 2014. Santa Clara, Portrait and Makeover Photo Session

She possesses a quiet nature, a sweet face that will break into a smile throughout your conversations with her.

Meet Ramya.

Throughout her photo session with me one sunny, Saturday afternoon, I learned that she was a wife and a mother and loved being a model. She was patient with my inability to tell a good joke and flowed through the entire session like an absolute pro.

Ramya, it was an honor to to get to know you, to work with you, and to capture your beautiful smile on camera. Thank you for being a part of the  Heartbox Photography movement that encourages every woman that she is not only beautiful, both inside and out, but is also worth celebrating today.

Many thanks to the talented Vlada Fomenko for her beautiful styling of Ramya's hair and make up!

Happy Monday!

Sandy, 2014. Santa Clara, Glamour Portrait Photo Session

Many of you know that I have embarked on a health and fitness journey for no other reason that to be just that...healthy and fit.

And part of what inspired this journey are women like the lovely Sandy.

I had met Sandy through Total Woman Gym + Spa, a gym and day spa dedicated to helping women achieve their health, fitness and wellness goals. Sandy's photo session too place on an afternoon that was as sunny as the bright smile she wore when she walked into the studio. Her joyous laugh and conversation flowed through the studio as she got styled and prepared for her shoot by the talented Kathleen Tinney. No doubt this was going to be a fun shoot!

In our initial correspondence, I learned that Sandy is a wife, mother, and woman who made a decision to change her habits to reflect a healthier lifestyle. For most of us, especially us women living in an image-laden world, I know it is not easy to be so honest with strangers and simply say that you made a decision to get healthy because high-blood pressure, or unintended weight gain could lead to something worse down the road. But honest is exactly what Sandy was as she detailed to me her reasons for wanting to be make her health a priority, to be fit, to be strong. (It was shortly thereafter that I began working with a trainer, too, to push and challenge me - one of the best decisions inspired by her story!)

Sandy, I am incredibly honored to have been able to participate in this celebration of you - a celebration of your life, your health, your beauty. Thank you for sharing everything you are and most of all for inspiring me to push myself to new challenges in my own health and be unafraid to work with a trainer who can help keep me accountable.

Here's to inspiring women everywhere to get healthy!

A heartfelt thanks to the talented Kathleen Tinney of A-List Makeup for Sandy's beautiful hair and make up!

"Kindness, compassion, humor, creativity, love.  I think that all shows on a person's face, and more importantly, the people in my life whom I think are beautiful are the ones that make me feel beautiful, too."

"I don't think there is just one definition of beauty. There are so many different kinds of people in the world and so many ways to be beautiful. I mean, obviously there are things that are considered aesthetically pleasing - smooth skin, symmetrical face, fit body, youthfulness - but I really feel that it's what one puts out into the world that makes one beautiful." 

"I was not confident about much when I was 18. But life teaches you so much. I'm more confident in what I believe, and what I don't believe now than when I was 18. I'm much more comfortable with who I am. It would have been difficult for me to say that I liked myself back then. 

I wanted to be someone different, someone fabulous. I do like who I am now, not to say that there isn't room for improvement, but I do like myself. I have recently rediscovered that I do have a strong body and that makes me more confident in what I can physically do. I also appreciate that, in general, I'm in good health and shouldn't take it for granted."

"If I put it in the context of giving advice to my daughters, I would say take care of yourself. Take care of your body, take care of your mind, take care of your spirit. That's where beauty is."

"I've been lucky so far and have had no major illnesses or injuries. Part of the reason for gettingin shape is that I need to stop pushing my luck! 18 year olds think they will live forever - 48 year olds know better!"

"Practice acceptance. Accept your shortcomings and imperfections and be accepting of others as well. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help. I couldn't have made the progress I've made in the last few months without the help of my fabulous trainer, Leily. I will be eternally grateful to her."

PREVIEW: Noel, 2014. Santa Clara Portrait Photo Session

There's something that radiates nothing but happiness and warmth when you see an old friend of yours from junior high grow into a lovely woman who eventually becomes a beloved wife and mother. 

I've known Noel since we were teenagers, back when pagers were considered as cool as iPhones and the only major worries centered around what to wear to our after-school dances and English homework due dates. A couple of years ago, we got reconnected and I was privileged to photograph her and her husband, Jorge in this shoot. 

Noel has recently become a mother to the cutest little boy named Dominic. Needless to say, I was more than excited to not only meet her baby boy for the first time but to also photograph them for a special mother and son shoot. 

Here is a little sneak peak into Noel's photo session - more to come, so be sure to stay tuned!

A special thanks to the talented Vlada Fomenko-Haggerty for Noel's beautiful hair and make up!

A Health Journey - That Freakin' Pull-Up

Yesterday was my first time working through an exercise routine my trainer assigned to me on the days I wasn't training with her. Today on the list was back, core, and bicep exercises. And to my horror, the routine involved pull-ups.

Excuse me? I need to fire my trainer. 

No, just kidding, my trainer is fabulous, but STILL!

I haven't seen a pull-up bar since the 8th grade. That's, like, 20 years ago. Immediately my memory flashed back to a the embarrassment of being the dorky kid who had to get boosted up to the bar because I was too short to reach it...and then was basically left holding on and hanging there like a string bean because I can't do a pull up to save my life. In front of everyone in the class. With a teacher telling me to just try and do one.

I will never make a friendship bracelet for that darn pull-up bar.

However, thankfully, the routine allowed me to use the assisted pull up machine which meant I could leverage the machine in such a way where I was boosted up from the bottom with each pull-up. Basically, the machine was made for beginners like me slowly trying to build up strength.

I can't even begin to tell you how tempting it was just to skip that exercise on the list. I'm so good at making excuses for myself, it's not even funny. Because really, no one would know, not my friends, my husband, my family, no one at the gym, not even my trainer, right?

However.....dun-dun-dun......I would know.

I would know what I skipped. I would know I let a lame excuse get in the way. I would know I actually took one step backwards from a a challenge that could grow and test me.

I would know. And if I dug down deep, truthfully, I wasn't ok with it. Didn't I take on this health challenge for a reason?

Maybe it was the "Eye of the Tiger" song running through my head. Maybe it was a split second of dork-gone-wild as I imagined myself running up those steps in Philly. Whatever it was, up on the machine I went, 3 reps of 12 as instructed....and done.

Again, not my favorite machine, but it's a health journey, so one day at a time.

Happy Tuesday!

Reckless, Happy, and Growing

Sometimes, being a photographer, an artist, and entrepreneur can be lonely. Most of the time you work solo and even face some challenges and learning experiences solo. You wonder if you're the only one with that editing question, that tax question, or that editing question. 

In the same vein, it's this very feeling of occasional loneliness that have made me truly value the relationships and connections it's pushed me to forge with others in this industry. This journey so far has connected me with a ton of individuals I am forever grateful to. I've made friends with another photographer who also happened to be an attorney by trade. Much of our conversations entailed her generous input on the way my contracts could be tweaked and exchanges of creative marketing ideas discussed over Thai food. 

In the beginning when I didn't know which way was up and what focal points were on my camera, another photographer based all the way in Tennessee took the time to extend some Southern hospitality via email with every question I sent to her. Her advice and much-needed encouragement proved tremendously valuable as a fledgling newbie looking to steady herself in a competitive field. 

I've met other women entrepreneurs who, though not in the same industry, have offered their advice, encouragement, and have even become clients to show how much they support my dreams and remind me that it is more than ok to dream big.

And this? Well, this picture was a pleasant surprise awaiting in my inbox this past Monday morning. I received this photograph from one of my stylists I often work with, the talented Vlada Fomenko-Haggerty. While she occasionally stays to assist during the shoot, I had no idea she had snapped this photo of me working. Her talent and professionalism make me thankful that we work together and this photo felt like an extra blessing and unexpected extension of encouragement for the start of my week.

It was an encouragement to see this because sometimes, as an artist and often solo entrepreneur, I need someone to hold up a mirror to me when I'm immersed in doubt and question and remind me of what I look like when I'm happily pursuing my passion - content, creative, and happily growing.

Happy Wednesday!

PREVIEW: Ramya, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour and Portrait Photo Session

The temperature gauge on my car read 80 degrees and climbing. Needless to say, it was definitely going to be a beautiful but warm/I-hope-I-don't-melt kind of day.

The bright sunshine generously poured it's light into the studio as I excitedly prepared for this weekend's shoot with the lovely Ramya, a wife and proud mother to her little girl.

Below is just a sneak peak, but as always, there's more so stay tuned!

Happy Monday!

A heartfelt thanks to the talented Vlada Fomenko for her beautiful styling of Ramya's hair and make up!

A Health Journey - No, I'm Not Showing You My Belly

Lately I've been noticing a lot of friends, family, and business acquaintances posting up various things on Facebook, their blogs, etc. about their health journey and the things they are doing to lead a healthier lifestyle.

A close friend of mine shares various photos of the meals he's eating as part of his journey to better his health after experiencing a mild-heart attack - in his 30's! A stylist I know started documenting her healthy meal preparations throughout the week as she could stick to eating right even in the midst of her busy schedule. Another friend is working hard with a trainer to help push her to accomplish new goals with her health. A client of mine is enjoying newfound physical energy and strength after committing to get healthy, work with a trainer, and get her blood pressure down.

And of course, my own dear hubby who never liked to run at all, started running in January, makes time for it in the early morning hours, and is now slated to run his first half-marathon in Disneyland next month.

After noticing just a few of these inspiring stories, I started looking at my own routines. It dawned on me that my eating habits didn't always reflect balance and health, and although I was a regular at the gym, my workout routines had long plateaued into simply "maintenance mode" exercise. I had stopped pushing myself, barely broke a sweat, and made excuses too easily when my snacking throughout the day consisted of mini-chocolate bars and potato chips. Not that potato chips or chocolate are wrong (ooooh, you will NEVER hear me say something that silly!) but when it was a Monday-Friday deal, well, something has to change.

I come from a family where high-cholesterol and blood pressure can be genetic and make life not so fun. I see many people around me who, unfortunately, really wish they could be healthy but because of illness they can't control, this is a tough goal for them to achieve. Needless to say, I don't have a good excuse for slacking.


I had recently signed up with a personal trainer and started taking hot yoga classes and, ooh, have mercy, I didn't think it was possible to sweat in buckets after only 15 minutes after either of this exercise routines. I'm finally feeling the burn, literally and figuratively, and have also started journaling my eating habits per the advise of my trainer.

Don't worry - I have no desire to go posting what my stomach looks like because, quite frankly, I'm embarrassed and don't want you to see how much chocolate and take out I've indulged in. However, in hopes that this inspires more out there to get up and get healthy, I will start journaling the next 6 months of this commitment - ALL of it. The easy days, the not so easy days, the potato chip days, the I-love/hate-my trainer, the oh-my-gosh-is-this-even-working? - days

Here's to making changes for a healthy and beautiful you.

Happy Friday!

San Diego Cruising

We had recently taken a short road trip to enjoy some sun and warm weather in San Diego and...so our dog could have a vacation with us.

Yes, we are "those" pet-owners.

In light of the everyday and the busy to-do's, we found ourselves enjoying just being able to walk around, with no scheduled places to be and enjoying a cup of gelato or two. Or three.

I make to-do lists out of to-do lists that sometimes makes my head spin and to take a break from it all was not only much needed, but just plain nice. 

During this trip, I found myself being reminded to savor each sample flavor sample of pistaschio, chocolate, coconut, hazelnut gelato that loomed in the display case in front of me. I slept in and was greeted with a beautiful and bright sunlight peaking through the curtains. My husband and I laughed together, explored downtown San Diego, had over-priced room service delivered, and caught up on the entertainment of reality TV. (Yep. Love and Hip-Hop! Don't judge.)

And the best part? We got to enjoy every minute of this with a fur-kid named Kona.

Relish the small nuggets of happiness around your day, folks. They're there. I promise.

Elizabeth, 2014. Bay Area, Glamour Photo Session

The sunshine of a beautiful Saturday morning happily peeked through the curtains as I carefully pulled them back in preparation for that day's scheduled photo session.

As I was immersed in the task of setting up backdrops and reflectors, in walks Elizabeth with a smile, outfits in hand, ready for the fun of having her hair and makeup done by the talented Vlada Fomenko-Haggerty and photo session to follow. It was a day for her to take a break from her duties as a wife and mom and needless to say, I was super excited to provide this experience for her!

One of the things I like most about Elizabeth is that not only does she exude intelligence and confidence, but is also one of the most friendly and down to earth people I've met - an individual who is just plain fun to chat with about everything! I learned that in addition to being a native East-Coaster, a wife and mother, Elizabeth has a passion for writing, sharing, and learning about the world around her. I'm an avid reader and natural introvert, and upon finding out that she shared those same qualities, it took every bit of self-restraint I had to not high-five her right then and there for being super cool.

Elizabeth, it was an honor getting to know you and capturing the essence of you as a person in every single one of these photographs. Thank you for being part of the Heartbox Photography movement that strives to remind and encourage every woman that she is not only beautiful, both inside and out, but is also worth celebrating today.

A heartfelt thanks to the talented Vlada Fomenko for her beautiful styling of Elizabeth's hair and make up!

"It's OK to make mistakes - in fact, making mistakes is one of the most effective ways to learn. I'd have spared myself a lot of pain if I'd stopped chasing perfect earlier in life."

"I admire leaders who help other people reach their own highest goals."

"I love inspiring people to achieve their potential. Mentoring high school students is one of the sot fulfilling things I've done since I moved to California. You get to watch your mentees grow while stretching your own capabilities at the same time."

Her personal motto or mission statement?
"The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse." - Walt Whitman

"Aim to achieve your own idea of beauty - internal or external - rather than chasing others' ideas about what beauty is supposed to look like."

Be sure to check out more from Elizabeth's photo shoot in the video here!

Happy Monday, everyone!

My Zumba Fail

The last time I was in a choreographed dance was in the fourth grade. I still remember quite accurately the palpable excitement in the air, the stage, and the feeling of giving it my all to the rhythm of "Singing In The Rain" complete with raincoat, umbrella and all the enthusiasm my little 9-year-old-heart could muster.

You haven't lived until you've kicked up your heels in dance while twirling an umbrella.

Since then, the YouTube sensations of surprise dancing flash mobs re-ingnites that little 4th grader desire in my heart to dance in unison with others. Sadly, though I do love to dance, I can't do anything remotely choreographed. Step on your toes? Sure. Turn left while everyone in the class turns right? I'm your gal! Accidentally smack the poor soul next to me while desperately flailing dancing to the beat? YES!

In other words, I'm no threat to Beyonce.

So last night at the gym, you can imagine my chagrin as I realized I accidentally walked into a Zumba class, not the kickboxing class I was expecting to participate in. Can someone tell me why, oh, WHY am I twirling around, flailing my arms, two-left-feet-stepping it and shaking what my momma gave me in a room full of strangers? WHY?

These shoes, clearly, weren't made for Zumba-ing. =(

Happy Wednesday!

Wise Words

My dad once said to me that ice cream makes everything better. 

And this photo I captured of him over the weekend for his birthday reminded me that, truly, you should listen to the wise words of your elders. 

They're pretty smart and stuff.

Happy Monday, folks - may your week be filled with moments that justify two fists full of ice cream and a smile.

Happy Birthday, Dad.

This weekend, my ol' dad turns 59 years old.

Amazingly enough, he still has a good amount of hair on his head despite having survived-like-a-boss 3 girls in the house plus my mom. Though he had all girls (eeks!), I'm grateful he taught my sisters and me some tasks that most girls wouldn't approach within a 10 foot pole. It's because of him that we can check the oil in our own cars, assemble things out of a box with a fair amount of precision and determination, think of creative/McGyver ways to fix something broken, and plunge a backed up toilet like a pro, without batting an eye. (You're welcome.)

All of us resemble him in some way as you can probably see. My little sister sent me this photo of my dad awhile back - you can tell my dad was loving the wonders of technology, the iPad, and selfies. It's photos like this that remind me of what awesomeness a camera can capture.

He is far from perfect, by any definition of the word. But he is my dad and still a blessing from God. And for that, I'm thankful that we get to celebrate another year of his life.

Happy birthday, Dad.

Helmets and Cheese: What Not Giving Up REALLY Looks Like

Today I am reminding myself of what not giving up looks like. It's not wrapped in all sunshine and roses and an overdose of optimism with a cherry on top with a healthy side of positive thinking. It's not easy, not smooth path, not absent of hills and setbacks. And it's definitely not "I am woman, hear me roar!" 

It's more like: "I'm a woman and can you pass me that pink helmet, please? Let's be real, people, I will need it."

When I came across this picture on the Internet, I had to smile.

One, because I like loooove cheese and two, because the picture reminds me that "not giving up" can sometimes mean heading straight into the challenge with a helmet on knowing full well you may just get smacked in the process of growth.

And in the end, this is ok.

I am reminded to savor even the challenges and the missteps that are undeservedly covered with grace.

What Not Giving Up Looks Like For Me Today:

1. Making a mistake
2. Allow grace to wrap around it. Possibly whine. 
3. Making a mistake
4. Allow grace to wrap around it...again. Possibly cry.
5. Repeat the steps above
6. Grow in ways you never thought possible

What does not giving up look like to you?

Happy Thursday!

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

If there is one thing that I can appreciate and respect, it's when I hear women who are taking steps to be healthier and stronger. It's especially exciting for me to photograph and tell their stories because I think that if it inspires and encourages even just one woman out there to take care of her health, then I'll know it's making a difference already.

This weekend I had the privilege to meet and photograph the lovely Sandy.

Though we had not met prior to her photo session, I could already tell through her emails that I was definitely going to enjoy getting to know her more in person. Sandy shared with me what got her started on living a healthier lifestyle and also credited her personal trainer, Leily from Total Woman Gym and Spa as being a tremendous help in the entire process - she's already feeling stronger and more confident and for that alone, I think Sandy deserves a high-five. =)

I can not wait to share with you all more of Sandy's story but for now, here's a sneak peak into her photo session this weekend. (Sandy, if you don't already know it, you rocked the shoot!) 

There's more to come so definitely stay tuned - happy Monday!

A special thank you to the talented Kathleen Tinney of A-List Make Up for Sandy's beautiful hair and make up! 

Gifts, Talents, and Sharing

I love laughing and the joy that emulates from others who enjoy using their talents to make the world laugh. Since my husband and I are the You Tubing champs of our neighborhood, you can bet that we're spending our Friday nights looking up the latest antics of our favorite comedians including Russell Peters, Kevin Hart, and Aries Spears, just to name a few.

A few months ago, my husband and I had the opportunity to see another one of our all-time favorites, Anjelah Johnson. She hails from the Bay Area like we do *fist bump* and is living proof that us little petite girls can shake up the world in big ways. *fist bump again*

I follow her feed on Facebook and in light of the recent passing of Maya Angelou, Anjelah Johnson recently posted this up and it served as an awesome reminder to me to not keep a gift in it's box, but take it out, use it to the fullest, and share it with the world. Without layers of inhibition, without paralyzing fear, but with trust, joy, and gratitude to the One who blessed you with it.

Happy Friday, folks!

Anjelah Johnson

May 28 at 1:13pm · 

My sister Veronica posted this today. I thought it was perfectly said...
In light of the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou I want to share something I shared with my cousin…

This woman had an extraordinary gift, and she used her gift to it's fullest potential and touched many around the world. So profound! God has placed in each one of us a gift or many gifts. Our gifts may or may not be writing poems, they may or may not be writing books, but you have a talent you have a gift. Imagine if you used your talent to the fullest?? How great would that be?!?!?!

“Talent is like electricity. We don't understand electricity. We use it.” - Maya Angelou

"I believe that every person is born with talent." - Maya Angelou

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17 ESV

"Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith." Romans 12:6

Old Photographs and Renewing Creative Joy

One of the things I try and  do more often is look back. Look back at the time when my portfolio barely existed, when I photographed anything and anyone that would not shy away from the eagerness of a camera and the little gal behind it full of hopes and dreams of creating art. Though starting out and pressing on to build a portfolio had it's challenges, I certainly can't deny how much it pushed and challenged me to see art, quite literally, everywhere - in the cup full of pencil, in the brilliance of bright orange on a kitchen table, in twinkling street lights of the San Francisco pier.

Even in the midst of my insecurity wondering if my photographs were any good, wondering if someone out there was laughing at my hopeful efforts, I still vividly recall a sense of joy, of sheer bliss that washed over those feelings whenever I saw a photo come to life in front of me.

This is one of my favorite old photographs that I proudly display in my work space, taken a few years back. My dad has these weathered hands, with lines that trace back to years of  hard work and represent his love of building things, fixing and creating things. Displaying it reminds to be unafraid to build big dreams, that in the midst of the "business" stuff, to not lose joy of why I fell in love with the art of photography in the first place.

Happy Throwback Thursday, folks!

My Scissors and His Hope

Lots of people talk about the highs and lows of life. As a blogger/journal-keeper/bonafied "Hello Kitty diary keeper since I was 8 years old", I'm no exception. My level of excitement for writing tends to be very dependent on whatever I'm currently experiencing in my own life, high or low, sometimes even the in between.

The highs, lows, and the in-between. Am I saying that I'm ok with the roller-coaster life sometimes is?  Eh...no. Though I love roller coasters, the anticipation for going up-up-up is thrilling, but sometimes anxiety-building for me, and then of course, the going down-down-down makes me want to sometimes hug stability of the ground while eating an ice cream instead.

But frankly, I think I struggle the most with the "middle" because it has to do with not knowing. Is the next turn going to be leading to an adrenaline rushing high or part of a gut-wrenching low? I'm a barfer, please tell me now.

Recently, someone close to me had a visit at the doctor's office that didn't quite end so favorably. No one I know really loves going to the doctor's office in the first place (Paper gowns and probing? No thanks.) so to have them call you because of some not-so-great test results can be, needless to say, a little stress inducing.

The middle - the waiting game - for further tests and second opinions is hard, but I'm thankful, grateful, and strengthened by God's gift of hope.

His kind of unbreakable hope.
                               

Because regardless of the the high, low, and middle/in-between  life moments, His kind of hope intertwines and weaves through all of the unknowns with beautiful strength that even the scissors of my deepest doubts or most paralyzing fears can't cut through.

Photographers and Their Beautiful Magic

You would think that as a photographer, I'd be on top of things as far as making sure to have wonderful photos of my own husband and me taken together on a regular basis, gracing the walls of the hallways in our home.

But alas, besides our wonderful engagement and wedding photos, we haven't been in front of a professional camera in ages...until yesterday.

As part of celebrating our 5 year anniversary, we decided to get fancy, comb our hair all neat, iron our clothes and have some professional photos taken....and I am so thankful we did.

Our lovely and super talented photographer, Ginny of Retrospect Images guided us through fields and golden sunset lighting to capture images of us that I already know we will treasure forever. She shared a little sneak peak and the moment I saw this, my heart skipped a beat and reminded me of the magic that photographers create.

Ginny, needless to say, we loved working with you and your equally talented stylist LilyAnn and are excited to see the rest of the beautiful photos we know you captured! Thank you for helping us celebrate this special anniversary!

xo

You Tube Clips, Socks With Holes, and a Special Anniversary

As a kid, I wanted to be Cinderella. Except I'd be, like, the little brown girl version of her. With bangs and a love for rice.

The gown, the magical hair styling, and yes...those shoes. As most little girls dream about, I thought that love would be as perfect as they portrayed in this epic tale. With fancy shoes to prance around in, hair perfect every time, with a sprinkle of swirly glitter every where you go.

Little did I know that many years down the road, the reality of what love really is was so much better than I expected or even fathomed. Rather than being a painting of perfection and sunny days, it's actually a crazy mix of the happy, not-so-happy, the easy-peasy, tough as a microwaved steak days, sailing smooth, bumpy, pothole roads, the exciting and the ordinary, everyday.

My husband and I celebrate our the anniversary of the big day we said "I do."

I do to the I-think-the-birds-sing-a-melody-when-you-are-around-times and I'm -so-mad-at-you-times-I-hope-those-birds-poop-on-your-car-times.

I do to learning how to be more loving, serving, persevering, and forgiving. 

I do to sharing the chore of pairing up socks in the laundry, to taking turns letting Kona out for potty breaks when all we'd rather do is stay planted on the couch after a long day.

I do to laughing over the same Kevin Hart, Russell Peters, Anjelah Johnson comedy routines and pointless YouTube videos of fainting goats.

I do to cheering you on as you persevere in your goal to run and be healthy.

I do to sharing our love and passion for all things music.

I do to proudly watching you grow in your love and pursuit of God.

I do to the days we dress all fancy and I do to the days when we love each other just the same when we each have a hole in our sock and our hair could use a shampoo.

I do to loving you when you are sick and I could get sick, too, but it doesn't matter because I do to the sick and healthy times. 

I do to praying, to serving, to more hugs, to learning more about each other and being challenged in our faith together. 

I do to our life together, our love together, and experiencing more of God's plan for us together.

This is one of my absolute favorite photos of us together. My hope and prayer is that when we're 100 years old still watching random YouTube clips, the laughter, love, and faith will be even more abundant, more rich, more God-grounded.

Even if it involves dentures that might fall out with every smile at each other.

I love you forever, Bubby.

Photo courtesy of KI Photography