Ghia, 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

There exists a unique kind of beauty that comes with the broken and the real. Ghia is a woman that possesses that kind of beauty - the kind that laughs out loud, tells it like it is in any and every situation, and is unapologetic about her own need for truth, grace, and love. One of my favorite qualities about her as a friend is that she always somehow reminds me that no matter how far I think I've fallen, I don't have the ability to fall too far away from God's constantly available love. From day one she is real about herself, her life, and how God's grace is constantly shaping her as well.

Ghia is a wife, a mom, a sister, a loyal and longtime friend who is loved by many....and it is my honor to be able to share with you all a glimpse into the heart of this awesome woman as well share  a behind the scenes look into her photo shoot with Heartbox Photography!

Photography: Heartbox Photography

Hair and makeup: Kalani Brown

"There are so many things that make a woman beautiful; her confidence in who she is, the joy she can spread with her laugh, how she looks, and the list goes on.

But what I think makes a woman truly beautiful is a gentle spirit. Kinda crazy, because I'm the exact opposite!"

"There's beauty in women when they can build other women up, instead of tearing them down."

"I wish I could tell my 18 year old self that the opinion I should care about most is God's.

I still have to tell myself this now, and remind myself that God seems me as His precious daughter, that I am loved the way I am, and not for what I think I could be."

 

 

"As a young girl, I compared myself to the images I saw on TV and magazines, and it made me feel bad because I thought I looked so different.

I was also very quiet and shy, even awkward, and I thought that made me look more weird. I basically cared way too much what other people thought."

"Today, although I am still struggling, I would tell young girls now to focus more on figuring out who they are, regardless of who they think the world wants them to be. Outward looks may come to mind immediately when we hear "beauty" but the word means so much more.

Being a woman is hard enough in this world, and I think that if we could encourage each other despite our differences, we would love ourselves more, and each other."

"I think what I appreciate the most is how God continues to remind me just how loved I truly am, just the way I am."

Preview | Ana, 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

When I first started Heartbox Photography a few years back, Ana was one of the very first supporters of not only the work I got to create for women but the message behind it all. We were always wanting to schedule something, but the busyness of travel and life in general meant we needed to wait a bit. 

And the wait was definitely well worth it! I am so excited to have her finally in front of my camera and share with you all a sneak peak into Ana's own photo shoot! 

As always, there is more to come so be sure to stay tuned!

Many thanks to Kalani Brown of Kalani Style for Ana's hair and makeup styling on this shoot!

Elizabeth, 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

One of the most common things I hear my client's say when they see their images for the first time is "Is that really me??"

And yes, that IS really you. I love being able to remind them that every single woman absolutely has her own unique beauty - that my job is just to hold up the mirror and let them see if for themselves. 

Elizabeth is a wife, mother, and healer through her work as the owner of Pure Heart Bodywork in San Jose, CA. I absolutely LOVED the boldness of her images and how they show different aspects, pieces of who she is - a beautiful woman with style and grace all her own and  mother whose smile softens in a special way for her daughters. She is a reminder of what real beauty looks like both inside and out.

So proud to share with you all not only the images from Elizabeth's shoot but also a glimpse into the behind the scenes of her shoot along with her two adorable daughters!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Photography: Heartbox Photography

Hair/makeup: Kalani Brown

   

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

    "That because I've broken through to the other side I appreciate every moment that is given to me while being surrounded by my loved ones."

What do you think makes a woman truly beautiful?   

"Compassion for herself and for everyone and everything in the universe."

What are some things that you would give as advice to young girls (your own daughters, perhaps) with regards to beauty and being a woman?

"After you get through this dark period, you're going to be all that you hope for and much, much more."

 

 

 

 "...keep moving - your body, your mind, your spirit - stay active and keep on growing. It makes life interesting and therefore you become interesting to yourself and others."

Preview | Ghia, 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

To say that she is one of the most real friends I have been blessed with is an understatement.

Ghia is as real with her joys as well as she is about her struggles. She is as transparent with her victories as she is with the things that she knows are broken in her and healing. On countless occasions has her straightforward demeanor encouraged me, prayed for me, challenged me, and yes, even had me rolling with laughter when I would rather cry.

Even as I write this, I can't help but smile remembering the many times she has been an example of what love, laughter, and and a real friendship cemented in God looks like.

She's a woman, a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter. A friend to so, so many. And to me, she's more like family. The kind that's loud and crazy and beautiful inside and out beyond words. 

I am so very proud to share with you all a preview image from the photo shoot of my lovely friend, Ghia. As always, there is more to come and I can't wait to show you all so stay tuned!

Photography: Heartbox Photography

Hair and makeup: Kalani Brown

Preview | Hannah, 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Fremont, CA

I knew immediately that Hannah was cool the second she agreed that a bowlful of noodles with nothing on it but Parmesan cheese counts as dinner.  (BECAUSE IT DOES)

And when you meet someone who shares your love for planners and calendars (the paper kind, people!!), let's just say I almost wanted to high-five her for being all sorts of awesome. (If you haven't felt the excitement of perusing the aisles of a store in search of that perfect planner for the new year, I hate to break it to you, but you've been missing out. :)  #justsaying #partyatPaperSource

This lovely soul stepped out in front of my camera and I am proud to share with you all a preview from her photo shoot with Heartbox Photography. There's more to come, so be sure to stay tuned!

Photography: Heartbox Photography

Hair/makeup: Kalani Brown

April | 2017 | Glamour and Contemporary Portraits | Fremont, CA

I recently had the privilege to photograph this beautiful lady woman named April. We had crossed paths a few times through mutual friends (even being in the same fitness accountability group!)  and she had reached out to me about a photo shoot for the simple reason of wanting to celebrate her life. I read that and immediately smiled because celebrating life through photographs is, as you know by now, kind of my jam. :)

This vibrant young woman willingly shares her heart, her talents, and embraces the victories as well as the ups and downs of her life. What I appreciate the most about April is that though the trajectory of her life has been anything but a straight and smooth line, the joy that radiates from her smile, her enthusiasm to share her story with others, reveals that ultimately, she knows God is continuing to work His perfect plan no matter what and that her purpose remains the same -  to embrace Him and show others who He is. 

I am proud to share with you all these images from April's photo shoot with Heartbox Photography! Be sure to also check out the behind the scenes video below that captures a glimpse into April's day with us!

Many thanks to the awesome Keziah Dauz of Beauty by Keziah for the styling of April's hair and makeup!

"My parents divorced when I was 6 years old so my mom, older brother, and I moved to Hayward with my aunt and her family until my mom was able to buy a house for us. 

Growing up, I excelled academically and the only extracurricular activities I had were choir and dance class because I just love the performing arts. I also battled with childhood obesity so for the longest time I despised being in my own skin.

Fast forward to college, I was blessed to attend the University of California, San Diego, and I lived there for 4 years. I really love that city. I love the ocean, sun, and community events. After graduating, God has really given me the chance to visit friends like family twice a year there to reconnect. Part of me feels like it's a mission field because my friends and I often talk about our struggles when I am there and I'm thankful I can physically be there for comfort.

San Diego is also where I discovered Christianity at the Rock Church in Point Loma during my first deep heartbreak with my bf at the time of 3 years. We weren't together for 3 months after that, but I think it was the time where I learned that my dependence did not come from a human being. Because of my upbringing and broken family, I did not really know how to approach romantic relationships so I often became dependent on my partner, which was very unhealthy. We did end up getting back together after those 3 months and lasted for 6 years total (if you included that hiatus), which led me to an even darker place of depression (although not clinical). 

In college, I also had the privileged opportunity to travel abroad for service in Costa Rica, Honduras, and the Philippines, which opened my eyes to the need of compassionate healthcare providers and confirm my desire to work in the medical field. I love volunteering and being of service to those in need.

My career plans are to apply to graduate school to get my master's in Physician Assistant Studies so that I can apply my experiences, skills, and talents to help under served communities thrive in life with a healthy approach. I also know that this requires me to constantly work on myself, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This journey has definitely helped me to see God more in all of my circumstances!"

"I believe what makes a woman truly beautiful is how many times she falls down to rock bottom, yet somehow finds the courage to rise up to the challenges and is stronger, vibrant, and more joyful than ever before."

"I absolutely appreciate my singleness season. I used to despise being alone in this season, but I realized that singleness is truly a precious gift from God. This season allows me the freedom to dive deeper into devotion with Him and other believers without any unnecessary distractions. Through this time, God is teaching me invaluable lessons that will be beneficial for me in the long run, such as how to extend grace in tough times and even how to be more gentle, honest, understanding, patient, and loving. For the first time in my life, I don't feel like I need to fight this season, but instead embrace every single day as it comes.""

"My singleness also allows me the opportunity to pursue higher education whether that is near or far from home and even travel around the world with friends without any agendas. I love being able to sit at a local Starbucks and read a book or take a solo trip to the movies spontaneously. I also like spending quiet time with my ultimate Provider who never gets tired of hearing from me. I have found that He is extremely humorous at times so it makes this walk with Him even worthwhile. Most importantly, my singleness has allowed me to take more risks in general and I think with or without a significant other, I am safe and loved in His arms."

"If given the chance, I would tell my 18 year old self that a life pursuing academic excellence and trying to keep a complacent long-term relationship going will not fulfill you. Trust in God knowing that He has great plans for your life. Even though it does not feel that way right now, He is going to use you for some amazing plans. Embrace it!"

"Some advice I would give young girls and my future daughter would be to focus not on what the world thinks you should do, but tune into your unique personality and talents. God has gifted you in order to bless others by spreading more love and joy in this world. We live in a time of much heartbreak, loss, abuse, and neglect, thus your mere existence in this world is proof that there is a living God. He can use you to help others know Him for His unfailing love is truly the greatest. Let His light shine through you to accentuate the true beauty that only comes from within."

Preview | Portrait of a Dancer | Patience, 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Fremont, CA

"The dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music,

and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable.

Dancing is poetry with arms and legs."

-Charles Baudelaire

I once was told by another photographer that if you are looking for inspiration for your own artistic medium, look to other artistic mediums that are not your own.

Read the masterpiece created by the author who is able to form revelations, new ideas, and poetry with the words she skillfully pieces together.

Listen to way a musician blends a complex pattern of notes and rhythm to create a song that brings tears and a unforgettable sense of wonder to their audience.

Watch as the pieces of various fabrics and textures of cloth are sewn together to create an article of clothing that graces the magazine covers and runways of modern fashion.

Witness the transformation of a seemingly meaningless lump of clay as the potter shapes, molds, carves, and colors it into beautiful pottery.

And allow yourself to be captivated and carried away by the way dance beautifully takes music, human movement, and expression to a whole new level.

I am honored and proud to share with you all a sneak peak into "Portrait of a Dancer", a photo session with a beautiful woman named Patience. 

Stay tuned for more to come!

Many thanks to Miranda Villanueva of Love and Artistry for Patience's hair/makeup! 

Preview | Faliha, August 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Fremont, CA

"And the beauty of a woman
With passing years only grows."

-Audrey Hepburn

So many things make up this beautiful woman named Faliha - her love for adventure, for travel, for memories made that involve beautiful views of beaches and water around the world, just to name a few.

To anyone who meets her, you will see that her smile and enthusiastic personality radiates towards the camera and towards the fullness of life itself.  It was on a lovely and sunshine-filled day that I had the privilege to celebrate this remarkable woman through a photo session.

It is with great excitement that I share with you all a sneak peak image of Faliha's photo shoot with Heartbox Photography. There is more to come, so stay tuned!

Shoutout to the awesome Kalani Brown of Kalani Style for Faliha's gorgeous makeup!

Preview | Elizabeth, July 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Fremont, CA

"She walks in beauty, like the night
   Of cloudless climes and starry skies; 
And all that’s best of dark and bright
   Meet in her aspect and her eyes"

-Lord Byron

I recently had the privilege of meeting Elizabeth - a wife, the mother of two, and a local businesswoman who has used her skills as a massage therapist for the past 17 years to bring healing and wellness to her clients through Pure Heart Bodywork.

To me, Elizabeth exudes a beautiful and quiet strength that I often think about when I picture women who are devoted to their families and who have passionately pursued their goals in life as well. I am so proud and excited to share with you all a sneak peak Elizabeth's photo session with Heartbox Photography - be sure to stay tuned for more to come!

Happy Friday!

Photography: Heartbox Photography

Hair/makeup: Kalani Brown

Wonder Woman Needs Mac N Cheese

It has been one of those weeks.

The kind that can only be summed up by the use of emoji's. Mostly the "smiling ice cream" emoji.

The kind where you are stoked to go home and eat some Kraft Mac N Cheese for dinner.....with jumbo marshmallows for dessert.

The kind where a snuggle with the four-legged fur monster feels like a bit of heaven at the end of a long day.  

The kind where opening a jar on your own makes you feel a little bit like Wonder Woman again. Also, is it possible to have a pet penguin?

Happy Friday, everyone. YOU SHOW THOSE SPAGHETTI JARS WHO'S THE BOSS!

The Nudge-n-Flop

She's an expert at the nudge-n-flop.

It was a 100 degree kind of afternoon - the kind where you either had the choice to stop crying and humbly accept what a summer in California can be OR try emulate joy as the sweat from your brow stung your eye.

I love summer and I love naps.

And with as much fluff as my fur-baby has, you'd think that on a summer afternoon like this the last thing she'd want to do is sidle up next to you to join in the fun of a nap. But that's exactly what this little one did. One insistent nudge with her nose to scoot over and share the couch space along with a final floop down onto the space next to me meant only one thing - a nap was on her agenda for the afternoon, too.

And really, with this face, who can complain?

Cheers to naps and summer time nudge-n-flops.

Happy Monday, folks. =)

Preview | April, 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Fremont, CA

“Luxury to me is not about buying expensive things;

...it’s about living in a way where you appreciate things.”

Oscar de la Renta

When I think about April and her journey, her smile then becomes something else to me. It's radiant, genuine, and most of all it is full of celebration.

A smile that celebrates this season of where she is.

A smile that celebrates the journey, the highs of it and the stumbling parts of it. 

A smile that celebrates wholeheartedly what is to come, trusting her life in the Hands of the one who breathed life and purpose into the depths of her soul and being.

Below is just a sneak peak into April's photo shoot with Heartbox Photography. I invite you to stay tuned as there is more to come and more to share on the life of this beautiful woman.

photography by: Heartbox Photography

hair/makeup by: Keziah Dauz

Behind the Scenes | Melissa | Glamour and Contemporary Portrait | Santa Clara, CA

One of my favorite things to create from a client's shoot is a behind the scenes video that captures snippets of her getting ready, sharing laughs with whomever she brought with her to the shoot, and most of all, the transformation of seeing her inner beauty come out as she gazes into the lens of the camera.

I came across this behind the scenes video I shot a little less than a year ago and couldn't help but smile as it reminded me of the relationship I have with my own sisters. Melissa was treated to this photo shoot by her sister, Sandy, and as you can tell, they share that special bond that only sisters can.

Enjoy and Happy Friday!

Hair and makeup by: Kat Tinney

Photography by: Heartbox Photography

What is #existinphotographs? Why?

#existinphotographs

What is it and why? 

It's a movement that says you are good enough today to celebrate who you are in beautiful portraits.

It is a statement that says the faster that life moves, the more intentional we need to be to slow them down and to have something to hold 30, 40, 50 years from now that remind you where you were and just how far you've come - every year of your life.

It is a proclamation that regardless of how you feel about your age, your body type, even the season of life you are in, you are always beautiful enough to be captured in timeless photographs that reflect back to you a woman who looks like she stepped out of a magazine.

And that woman is YOU. 

It is the reminder that says those moments are also meant to be experienced with your best girlfriends, your sisters, your daughter, your mother, your grandmother - so why not bring them along to capture a beautiful images together that celebrates generations of the women in your family?

Exist in photographs.

To remember yesterday...

to celebrate today....

...and to look forward with joy for what is yet to come.

Celebrating June Birthdays!

Summer is going to be officially upon us. The weather is getting warmer, the sun is out longer, and I can justify eating ice cream everyday!

As we kick off summer and all the fabulous-ness that it entails, I wanted to give a special shout out to these incredible ladies who celebrate a birthday this month.

Here's to another year of life, laughter, health, and love - happiest of birthdays to each of you! May this year be the best one yet!

Joy is in the grand things....but also in a bowl of beef chow fun.

When 2017 rolled around, I, like many others, wrote down goals, hopes, and dreams to celebrate the fresh start, the new beginning, the clean slate. This list, of course, had the usual exercise/fitness goals, business aspirations, etc., but this time around, unlike other past goals/hopes/dreams lists and resolutions, I also wanted to be intentional about finding those things to be thankful for - the tidbits of joy that I know are present around me, no matter if I recognize or acknowledge them. It could be a financial goal hit, yes, but just as importantly, it could be in the fact that I got to enjoy some McDonald's french fries. (Because who doesn't experience some joy in some MCD french fries??!!?)

I recently was told by a friend that you will always find what you are looking for, be it bad or good. This could apply to situations, life, even relationships with people. So yeah, in this case, I figured that it wouldn't hurt to be more intentional about documenting the tidbits of joy or things I could be thankful for at the end of each day. I recently flipped open my journal entry from a few days ago and this is what I found:

Today I am thankful for:

• beef chow fun
• working from home
• reminders from Scripture to love like Christ did
• an easy day
• opportunities to network
• repaired glasses
• a new journal
• warm pajamas
• a clean kitchen sink
• blogs about time of the month woes (can I get an amen, ladies?)
• early bedtimes
• smooth writing pens
• new days and new chances
• banana chocolate smoothies
• Krazy glue

I think too often that I have the type of personality that gets caught up in the obsession with achieving the bigger goals or the bigger, more dramatic and grandeur seasons of life that I forget to enjoy the little bits along of the way. Things to be thankful for and pockets of joy are in crazy abundance all around and without a doubt my favorite thing about 2017 so far is being able to recognize them. 

Happy Wednesday!

Melba | 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

I just want them to know
That I gave my all, did my best
Brought someone some happiness
Left this world a little better just because, I was here

I was here, I lived, I loved, I was here

-Beyoncé

Sometimes, when pulling together the final story to share on the blog, I close my eyes to feel and get caught up in the lyrics of a song, allowing the music permission to carry me away even for just a few minutes. It not only awakens a deep-seated creativity, but interestingly enough, it also often takes me back to actually remember the expression of the woman I currently photographed, the person I am writing about. It reminds me of her story, who she is as a woman, the richness of her who she is a person. How she looked as she arrived at the studio, how she shared small bits of who she is, who she is becoming, what and who matters to her, and even more importantly, why.

From her favorite color, to the details of this season of life she finds herself in, to what she likes or dislikes about herself, to how she feels about her family, her friends, this life.

How she feels about being photographed.

Her excitement and nervousness, the look on her face when she sees her heart show up in these images.

When she sees that her smile is her best feature.

Melba's life is rich. Rich in many, many ways. And yes, in reflecting upon that, the lyrics to Beyonce's song "I Was Here" seemed more than fitting for this beautiful woman, this wife, this mother, this grandmother, this friend, this sister, this human being.

You can immediately see the passion Melba has for life, the deep love she has for her family, the joy that radiates from inside her heart when speaking about her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her friends and the overall colorful tapestry of experiences and memories that make up her life thus far, from a young girl, to a grown woman today. 

Her life is a beautiful testament to what shaping a legacy of family, life, and love look like - a legacy of love given freely, deeply, and without boundaries. And it is my privilege and honor to share a piece of who Melba is with you all here.

 

 

 

 

 

"There are so many more countries I want to see! I was blessed to travel with a longtime friend during 2015 [to Europe].

She made the arrangements since she had lived in Europe and the MIddle East. We visited Paris, took a train adventure through Austria and Switzerland."

 

 

 

 

 

Who makes you laugh the most?

"My hubby, Tino - we make each other laugh everyday.

Even when bad things happen we find a reason to laugh."

 

"Since I [entered] my 50's five years ago, I've been trying new things. I took my husband, my youngest daughter, Ariane and her then-boyfriend, Quinn, tandem skydiving over Hollister. [I] could see Monterey Bay from 15,000 feet. A few weeks after that, I went scuba diving in Monterey Bay.

Still have more I'd like to try. Honestly, the most recent was this photo shoot.

I was very nervous and had no expectations - just knew I didn't feel comfortable having my picture taken. But it was amazing and I'm so grateful."

What do you think makes a woman beautiful? 

"Her laughter, her honesty, her caring actions."

What is one piece of advice you would give your 18-year-old self?

"Concentrate on finishing school, full time work can come later."

What do you  most appreciate about your life now?

"Grateful for my husband, our family,

and the opportunities to share new experiences."

If you could meet anyone in history, who would that be and why?

 

"I've always liked math and science - [so] Albert Einstein!

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein

Photography: Heartbox Photography

Hair/makeup: Kalani Brown

Rainia | 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Oakland, CA

"I have SO many amazing SHEROES...

my mom, aunts, and grandmother inspire me."

- Rainia

I absolutely LOVE Rainia's passion for world and local travel, for rich culture and music, for education, for treasured moments with friends and family - whether that means globe-trotting with them to Europe or sharing some time together over an award-winning movie and dinner.

Born and raised in Bay Area and as a graduate of both San Francisco State and Golden Gate University, Rainia's care for the people in her life extends well-beyond her family and friends and into her life's work. She currently works heavily with troubled youth all while also working towards completing her licensing as a marriage and family therapist. 

This daughter, friend, sister, counselor, world-traveler, and beautiful woman comes from a long line of other strong and and beautiful women (her Sheros!) who have helped her become who she is - and I am extremely proud that she chose to step in front of my camera, inspire other women through a glimpse into who she is, and celebrate her life in this way. 

If you could live in any country, which would it be and why?  

"I'd like to split my time between the Bay Area and a country in the Caribbean or South America."

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

"Nelson Mandela and Frida Pablo! I like to mix art and social justice."

"Embrace everything about yourself -

there's no one else in the world like you and that makes you special."

What do you think makes a woman beautiful?

"Our passion."

What do you appreciate most about your life now?

"That I REALLY like myself and [have] learned to embrace myself."

Photography by Heartbox Photography

Hair/makeup: Beauty by Keziah

Melba | 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

"She's got a light around her
And everywhere she goes
A million dreams of love surround her everywhere..."

-Billy Joel

She gives generously of her time and attention.

Her words are filled with an abundance of love and joy whenever you ask about her children, her husband, her grandchildren, her family....her life.

The smile that graces her face when describing places she has traveled to with her loved ones or recalling some of the best memories is a smile that seems to radiantly shine even brighter with each story.

Her laughter speaks of nothing but joy. 

Melba is a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. I always find it so uniquely special about photographing a woman who has given of her time, love, and attention so lovingly to others for many years. Because suddenly she is at the center of attention and having a rare moment where she gets to stop and say yes, I'd like to celebrate it all right now. There is this unmistakeable and endearing shyness when a woman realizes that it is absolutely ok to take a moment to celebrate, ok to feel beautiful inside and out, and yes, more than ok to enjoy every minute of the experience.

I am so proud to share with you all a little sneak peak image into this remarkable woman's recent photoshoot with Heartbox Photography. There is more to come from Melba's photo shoot, so be sure to stay tuned!

Many thanks to Kalani Brown of Kalani Style for Melba's hair and makeup!

Rhonda | 2017 | Glamour & Contemporary Portraits | Santa Clara, CA

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." - Proverbs 31:25

When she first shared her story with me, I remember feeling just this sense of "whoa". Mostly because I am more prone to being skittish about the future than confident and am always immediately floored when I meet a woman like her who has survived so much and still wears the badge of an unwavering faith for all to see.

The hint of her Southern roots can be heard in the sweetness of her voice, but don't let that fool you. This beautiful lady is refreshingly honest and straightforward, but in such a way that clearly reveals that at her core, she is also strong, kind, and loyal, being the first to stand up for what she believes is right or even to defend a friend from a bully as a child growing up in the South. 

And that laugh? Well, you can see it for yourself in the twinkle of her eyes through these photographs and video that I am so very proud to share with you all of this beautiful lady named Rhonda. 

Rhonda, thank you for being willing to step out in front of my camera, to share your story and your faith without filters or shame, to boldly live life out loud, to dance simply for the joy of it - all so as to encourage other women - other people -  to do the same. I have enjoyed getting to know you, to laugh with you, to be a part of celebrating this new season of your life. May these photographs continue to draw forth that shining smile of yours for all to witness, even years down the road. 

"I went through a 2 year period of loss. My parents, my dog, and my husband of 25 years all pass in a 2 year time frame. We moved from New Mexico to take care of terminal parents so we left behind our support system of friends and church, too. After the loss of my mom on Mother's Day 2013, I came to California to grieve and start my life over."

 

 

 

"My life is beginning again.

I have related my life to the Japanese art of Kintsugi where they turn broken pottery into beautiful art by putting it back together with gold or other precious metals."

When was the last time you left your comfort zone? I performed a dance routine on stage last May and we had some mistakes but it came out fine.

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why? This is tough. Abraham Lincoln because he stood up against the norm [even though] it wasn't a popular idea and [because] he wanted to bring the entire country back together to heal. Jesus because he loved me enough to die for me.

My dad - he died when I was only 10 and I didn't know him very well or what his dreams were for me, but I know he was respected and well loved. His funeral wasn't even standing room, the building was packed and the procession was over 5 miles long in the rain.

What is one piece of advice you would give your 18-year-old self? Take better care of your health, skin and body - you only have one and you want it to last! And...insist that your husband learn to dance with you.

 

 

 

 

 

What do you think makes a woman beautiful? 

"Her spirit and heart.

Women are designed as emotional beings and we need to appreciate that."

 

 

 

 

What do you appreciate most about your life now? 

"How good God has been to me.

He has seen me through some long and difficult storms and blessed me with some of the best friends a person could know."

A funny or surprising fact about yourself? I presented flowers to the wives of the Russian cosmonauts that first shook hands with American astronauts in space. Shook hands with all of them.

I am [also] stronger than I look. I have dead lifted over 200 lbs and bench pressed 90 lbs. They still ask me at the grocery store if I need help out with my items...haha!

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I know that I am in God's hands and that he has a purpose for the next half of my life.

I found God's joy - His internal, overflowing, abundant joy."

 

Many thanks to Keziah Dauz for her styling of Rhonda's hair and makeup!