Photographer Spotlight: Jules Bianchi

It all started with scouring over photographer websites for my sister's wedding three years ago. My mom and I kept coming across photographers that had good work, but nothing that really stood out UNTIL we came across Jules Bianchi. Long story short, we all met and her funky, original, and spectacular style stood out and we were all sold. Jules and Joy ended up shooting my sister's wedding and ever since then we've been two of her top blog fans. So much so, that when Jules had her new studio grand opening-Jules Bianchi Photograhy Bay Area Studios, guess who showed up to support? Yep, my sister and I were there and can say that we have first-hand experience with the JoyCam...don't be jealous.

Tears and Cheers

TEARS & CHEERS

Every week has its share of highs and not so highs. So, in an attempt to find memorable humor in life's happenings, I'm starting a weekly Tears & Cheers Section. So, here goes to this week's winners...

Tears-Dealing with student loans over the phone, ughhh! Loving the fact that I have a "classic" car, but not loving the pricey bill to keep it working.

Cheers-Major applause goes to storms that literally last for a day and sunshine clear mornings the very next day, bunnies (what can I say, sometimes when I ask God for a sign, it can come in unexpected things), growth groups that refresh my spirit and soul, episodes of Holidate, and library book sales where I was able to buy a Kaua'i book for a buck! Wahooo! :)

Security...Lay it Down

This faith walk that I've been on lately has been quite the revelation. The only reason for tonight's post is so that I remember this particular revelation and not let it pass me by. I had a slightly unexpected pricey bill come my way today and had the crashing realization that I had felt pretty "cushy" until this blow to my current stash. In this moment of rushing heaviness, I was met with the reality that I had based my security not on God alone, but on what I monetarily posssessed on my own. This lesson was definitely not a pleasant one, but appreciative nonetheless for the reminder that God is truly my only security and the worries that can come with having "seemingly" less need to be laid down at the cross of Jesus Christ. For only through, with, and in him does my true security lie. So, Jesus my troubles, I lay em down to you.

Sacred Echoes

So, I just finished this incredible study by Margaret Feinberg called the Sacred Echo and it was pretty awesome. It is about how God can speak to us through repetition, but only if we're attentively listening and open to his whispers that echo through his word, wise counsel, or through random conversation. I sooh yearn for God's voice in my life to be the guiding light through every waking moment, thought and action. But because I can get so caught up in this life being about me instead of being about Him, this study was beyond a welcome refreshment. I'd like to continue on with this theme of Sacred Echoes and keep track of the things that God is speaking to me through his whispering echoes.

As I write, the song that has become this season's theme song, "What Do I Know of Holy" is on in the background by Addison Road and I've started to consider it my special song between God and I. In my life, I really feel that God uses songs to speak to me the loudest and when I'm at my most broken points, He reaches me and reminds me of his outstretched arm that is always in a constant embrace over me. So, thank you Lord for the constant reminders of your power, grace, and constant love that cover me always.

7 Months, But Who's Counting?

Okay, so I've been slightly absent for the last seven months. Why, you might ask? Well, maybe it was 1/2 cup inspiration from Julia & Julie or maybe it was small little sparks in the day that remind me how short life is and how much I want to appreciate each moment. So, in my Hallmark state of mind, I've decided to reunite with this old friend that is writing. The highlights today, would have to be a certain co-worker completely bringing back the running man or in her case running woman, like nobody I've seen. So, to make this first reunited and it feels so good post...short and sweet, I'll hasta luego on this note-We never know what the day holds, but we do know who holds the day.

ASQEW...What a Find!

Okay, so I might be one of the last people to actually have feasted at ASQEW, BUT not anymore. I'm an official fan of this healthy and ever so tasty delight of a restaurant. I had always heard about it, but for some reason never tried it until this historic day where ma and I had chicken kabobs and the most Delicioso cilantro and lime rice and killer mac n' cheese! This was my attempt at getting some backlight and just an overall fun outing. Here's to Bay Street in Emeryville, where a good time is always in store.

Christmas with the Fam

So, this year I've been getting into taking pictures in order to gear up for my new camera in the near future. So, this Christmas was pretty mellow and included gingerbread houses, limited sweets, but popular carmel popcorn (by yours truly), grandma as the bank of Carmen (no envelopes needed this year), which all the grandchildren understand, new fashion trends by Wendy, the "funny" face pose, and lots more memories. Next year, God willing we need to pump it up more and have some sort of singing competition, pic contest, or pie eating something or other...