ZenMind Project

Six

2012-02-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

Moving... Renewing... Changing... Hoping...
I am moving and will be out till next Thursday. I will miss you all, but be back soon.

Five

2012-02-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

" See how nature - trees, flowers and grass grows in silence....
See the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence...
We need silence to be able to touch souls." Mother Teresa

Scavenger Hunt. February 04, 2012

2012-02-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

This week's hunt was pretty much all about Z, as he was showing his new tricks.
I was enjoying the whole situation, except for a couple of times when my heart stopped when he fell, but... I was also trying to find the best light, best composition, best focus...Affii... way too much.
The good news is that we had no accidents, and the bad news is that this exercise showed me that I really need to work on my skills with moving targets.

1. Strike a Pose

2. Footwear

3. Hobby

4. Shiny

5. Color me green

Ignite: Creative Discover

2012-01-29T18:22:00.000-08:00

Inspired by a fantastic photographer called Nicole Van and her group Elevate, several photographers and I, decided to jump into this journey. Each month we will post one, or a series of images, focused on photography as an art. There are no rules, no themes, no expectations. We just need to post what comes from our hearts, allowing the inner artist, a chance to explore and fly.

So what is Fine Art? Here is the definition according to wikipedia

fine art

noun
fine arts, plural

Creative art, esp. visual art, whose products are to be appreciated primarily or solely for their imaginative, aesthetic, or intellectual content

- the convergence of popular culture and fine art

An activity requiring great skill or accomplishment

- he'll have to learn the fine art of persuasion

I know I am not even close to Nicole Van's work, which I really admire. I also know that this challenge will push me to the limit. I am ready, and I will enjoy each step of the way.

Now take a moment to check a beautiful entry Flutterby Photography by Laura from Jackson, MS

I hope you all enjoy this journey !!!

Scavenger Hunt January 29, 2012

2012-01-28T21:36:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, I came exhausted from work and start to think about my prompts for this week's post.
I saw legos all over the place. On my dinner table, some at my a bench, at toy table, by the computer... then... aha!!! I have a Lego Pattern right in front of me.

It was fun to play with legos for a little while this afternoon. All by myself.

When Z came home, and saw my photos he said "Please Mom do not mess with my legos when I am not around"
Too late young man...

1. Smile
never trust a smiley pirate.

2. Stands Alone
the strongest always does that after a battle.

3. Something Old
carriage?

4. Artificial
Z's artificial pirate world.

5. Repeating Pattern
mermaids are beautiful and mysterious. It was my nickname when I was younger.. I guess things changed a little.

Logo

2012-01-26T21:21:00.000-08:00

So I have a logo now... Doesn't it sounds so professional?
I won a $300 gift certificate giveaway on Kelsey Anderson Photography last year, for the OnTheSpotStudio. I have a wonderful time working with Tiffany, the designer. We had long chats online with no rush and no stress. She designed as we spoke and gave me tons of options. I wanted something simple but pretty.... I wanted something with light tons, but not boring.... I wanted something that related to what I do and feel... I had an amazing experience and after a few days I choose the one that just felt right. What do you think?

Four

2012-01-26T20:45:00.000-08:00

We are officially on week four of 2012. Time never stops, and it seems to run a little faster as you get older. Am I the only one who feels that?
Anyway, I have joined a wonderful project called "in the Picture" by Urban Muser, where you have to take a self-portrait, but with no deadlines. We all know how hard it is to be in the picture, right? So I decided to take it slow, and make this an once a month event, and I am happy with that.

This month's theme is A PIECE OF ME and I love it, because I do not have to show my face right away. My photo, is all about what most of us need and take for granted because having two of it is normal... My Hands

I use my hands a lot, and I guess they are one of the best pieces of me. I need this piece to make my family feel loved, to provide to them, comfort them and feel them...
I need them at work, to show that I care and sometimes send people away, but as a Pediatric Dentist, I use them a lot of times to dry some kids' tears due to fear and show them that everything will be ok.
I need them to share... to change chapters...to create...to touch...to feel... and to talk.
I need the best piece of me to Live.

"Success is a ladder that cannot be climbed with your hands in your pocket." unknown

Scavenger Hunt. January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T14:42:00.000-08:00

So, I had a crazy weekend and no time to hunt. But because this is my favorite challenge I figured, why not do it all on Monday? Better later than never, right?
Here are my entries :

1. Sunset
It rains in Southern California, so no sunset. This one I took on the first day of 2012

2. Black and White

3. A day in my life
this morning I was trying to put my idea shoot my B&W image and someone decided to help me. He loves, I mean, loves when I put my white board on the floor... playtime !!!!

4. Four
we all know that I suck on storyboards, right? So I have four images, that I tried so hard to fit into a collage, but....

5. Colorful

New obsession

2012-01-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

I am trying to understand exposure lately. I have been trying white on white and now some black background.
I kind of like the drama that black brings.

Three

2012-01-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

I am a free spirit.
For this reason I cannot follow rules that make me feel restricted. Dont' get me wrong, I can follow some rules, but too many of them made me overwhelmed very easily. The funniest thing is that Z feels the same way, which makes motherhood a little more challenging, but.... tons of goodies will come from this. I hope.
I like to do things at my own pace. I like to breath between results...take time to see things in not a so ordinary way... to have fun... and do not take it seriously. I guess that it is the base of being creative. Live your life and do not care much about what everyone else will say.
But, I do love a challenge. So I decided to join a FINE ART project... Yes, I said FINE ART. Crazzzyyy!!! But I joined because it gives me freedom. Anything can make a good Fine Art, but... what is fine art??
I found a definition on wikipedia, and I will try to follow their definition.

fine art

noun
fine arts, plural

Creative art, esp. visual art, whose products are to be appreciated primarily or solely for their imaginative, aesthetic, or intellectual content

- the convergence of popular culture and fine art

An activity requiring great skill or accomplishment

- he'll have to learn the fine art of persuasion

My image must be posted on January 30th, so I will try to turn this flower (different image) into a fine art work. Please wish me luck.

Scavenger Hunt. January 15, 2012

2012-01-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

I am kind of obsessed with the color white lately. I have been trying to get a correct exposure for the white on white kind of setting. Yesterday I learned that I should underexpose for white, so I can have more details. I was doing the opposite. So here I am practicing and practicing.
One thing I noticed, is that I love to use my left focal point. Someone told me that "this" is called style. Is that right?
Maybe I should try different points as well, to see where they will lead me.
But for today I was really concentrating on exposure.
I did some adjustments on Camera Raw, like contrast and brightness. I also used MCP action for web definition. It was a fun assignment.

I hope you all have a great week !!!

1. Stacked up

2. Winter Wonderland
winter here in California means 65 degrees right now, so that's all I could have. And yes, I converted this one to b&w because my WB was extremely off.

3. Sweet
there is nothing sweeter than sugar.

4. Hole
because I love white and I love my left focal point :)

5. Frozen

Two

2012-01-13T22:50:00.000-08:00

This is week two of my 52 and I decided to go solo. I really like what everyone else is doing.... all the ideas, prompts, the get together... etc, etc. But I decided to follow my heart... and it screams "Be You, no matter what". So I am not linked to any 52 project anymore. At the end I might realize that I was wrong, but for now it is something that feels just right. I will follow my heart to see where all this will lead me.

I am breaking the rules, and I am proud of myself.

I had a very busy, and life changing week. I will talk about it in the future. This week made me realize that...."Like in a book, LIFE is all about new chapters. The beginning of some chapters are chosen by you, and some are decided by destiny. No matter how your chapter begins, YOU are the only one responsible for how it ends" by me to myself.

Scavenger Hunt. January 07, 2012

2012-01-07T19:26:00.000-08:00

New year...new props...my favorite challenge is back.
I really love B&W images, but for me the processing is very hard. I did play with all my images, except for the One Color, on Camera Raw, and found out that I need more practice.

1. One Color

2. Laundry

3. Empty

4. One Dozen

5. Soft

One

2012-01-06T21:23:00.000-08:00

So my journey started today. I have joined a group at the Evoking You blog. I am happy with my choice. The blog, and the forum are all about inspiration. It has great images, but all put in a way that you do not feel pressured. There is no talking about business, which also gives a relax feeling to it.... It is all about finding yourself and being you.

This week's theme was "Mirror", and the first thing that came to me, was a selfie looking in the mirror. I did tried that one, but we all know how much I struggle with self portrait. So I went to a different direction and decided to add water to the mirror and have a "reflection". It was a cool experiment.

Because some of you asked me about settings and processing, I will add that to my 52 images. I guess it will also make fun for me, to review later and learn from my mistakes.
Anyway, my focal point was on the water, between the two images. My settings ISO 500 F/3.5 1/200 with a 100mm and processed with CoffeeShop Simple Vintage action.

Turning the page

2012-01-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

I kind of miss my 365. I miss the everyday picture, and the struggle and joy that came with that. But I really needed a break.
Because this first week is the one for planning and editing my ideas, I decided to go back to basics and learn more about my camera and exposure.
I still have my camera with me most of the time. My plan is to try a new settings more often. All with no agenda, no pressure... just pleasure.
Here are some images where I was playing with back light. Z was having a blast and I was right there with him.
I still have a long way to go, as far as composition and post processing. But I was pleased with most of the images, just adding some contrast and saturation.

Day 365. the end

2011-12-31T20:52:00.000-08:00

My last post of the year.
I had all these amazing ideas about photos and compositions, and locations.... but turned out that none of them could be done, due to model lack of cooperation, but.... I ended up with a great image that just happened as most of my images on this blog, without planning.

I can say that I finished my 365. I had some missing days, I have some not very inspirational moments, I also had some great moments that I could not believe it was my work. I wanted to gave up, so many times, but my family and blogger friends kept me going. The final result will be in a book. I am proud of myself.

365 days, and I can see how much I grew as photographer. Thank you all for the support.
Can I do better? Absolutely, I will bust my a*** of for that.

Can I do another 365....?

Not in 2012. I really want to concentrate in learning more... have great small projects... grow even more. But I did love every single moment of 2011.

I have tons of ideas for 2012, so one of my wishes is to find a way to focus. I will be doing a 52 project for sure, and also my favorite project called Sunday Scavenger Hunt, so I will be around.

Well, to end my last post of the year, I wish all the happiness that my family and friends can hold, and I little extra just to make sure... And wish that all the hope that this day, Dec 31st, brings, can be achieved in 2012.

Let's make 2012 count as a new beginning , not just as a number.

LAST SUNSET...LAST WISH.....WELCOME 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!

Day 363/364. hair

2011-12-30T21:07:00.000-08:00

After a few years we had a haircut. Z really wanted and was very excited about it. He was smiling and happy at the barber's chair (Gus).
I did ask for some shape, and....
He still looks cute and looks so much older. I do miss his long curls.
Only today, he realized what happened and said that he wanted his "HUGE" hair back, because small ones are boring... he is a funny little man.
As far as photos, he was not very cooperative.

Day 362. pokemon

2011-12-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

Pokemon cards from Japan... priceless.

Day 350 till 361

2011-12-27T22:08:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone. Life has been so busy lately, and between working, family, friends and fun... I snapped some photos.

Christmas/Natal

2011-12-24T19:44:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all. I hope this day bring us peace, love and joy.

Day 349. 10 more days

2011-12-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

Time is getting tighter and tighter.. Another busy day with school Christmas Presentation, lunch with coworkers... Life is amazing.
I have been very bad about commenting on anybody's blog, but I guess we all understand and forgive me.

Days 343 till 348

2011-12-14T22:03:00.000-08:00

End of the year rush.

Some reading time...

And naptime.

Odie's fun around the house.

Snow Men...

Goodie bag for classmates.

Cookies are always welcome.

When there is a boat in someone's pool ....

Day 342. oh christmas tree...oh christmas tree...

2011-12-08T22:05:00.001-08:00

We all love our tree this year.

Day 341. early morning

2011-12-07T20:39:00.001-08:00

I woke up this morning when I heard my son talking on the living room. I got up to see what was happening, and he found him by the Christmas tree, reading a book for Odie, the Elf on the shelf, and his friends. How cute was that.

Day 340. dear santa

2011-12-06T22:27:00.001-08:00

Just Believe.....

Day 339. welcome home

2011-12-05T21:59:00.001-08:00

Say hello to my new baby. I called her Luna because it will bring lots of light in 2012.

Day 338. swag

2011-12-05T21:50:00.001-08:00

... and I say no more.

Day 337. Scavenger Hunt Dec 03

2011-12-03T23:26:00.001-08:00

I am trying to catch up once again with my blog and comments. This is the last stretch... The countdown is on.
Today's Hunt was kind of new images with a touch of the old. Yes.. portrait and motion are old ones, but I love them. So here is my hunt:

1. Portrait
one of my favorite images of my son.

2. Nostalgic
the countdown has started and 2011 will be missed.

3. Time
because learn and play, walk side to side.

4. Full of Light
my mini disco.

5. Motion
this is what he does. Always in motion

Day 336. natural

2011-12-02T20:01:00.001-08:00

I am loving my Natural Light Workshop with Elizabeth Ross at the The Bloom Forum. First week was all about window light. It seems easy when you read about it, but it gets complicate when you actually try it. But I guess it is all about practicing, right?
I still need to learn how to use a reflector to bring more light to the eyes. Maybe with a more cooperative model.
Here are two images from my first assignment SOOC

Day 334 and 335

2011-12-01T16:20:00.001-08:00

As the end of the year approaches I am feeling a little nostalgic about 2011. I have met a lot of wonderful artists here in my blog, made new friends, and also found old friends on facebook as well... The year was not easy, but it was good. I am grateful for that.
Now let's all have our countdown until Christmas and then 2012. All I want is a great new year ahead of all of us.

Day 333. playing

2011-11-29T21:15:00.001-08:00

I am the one who is playing with light and new CM Presets.
I still have a long way to go in terms of focus and light, but the preset is amazing. LOVE IT.
I also have wonderful news that will be delivered at my door this Friday. I am dying to get it.

Day 332. cards

2011-11-29T21:13:00.001-08:00

It is about that time when you need your Christmas cards set up, and ready to mail to family and friends, right?
Wrong.
I still need to get a family photo for that. Any volunteer?

Day 331. seeing

2011-11-27T21:09:00.001-08:00

Holiday is over for now, but a lot more will came on the next month. It is going to be full of surprises.

I am very thankful for great time with family and friends.

Tomorrow I will start my first official technical online workshop, and it will be all about LIGHT, because as I read somewhere... photographers spend their lives in the search of the perfect light.

Day 326 to 330. thanksgiving week

2011-11-26T20:06:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving week was great. We had school party...working time....lazy time...skating... soccer....off time....playing with Florabella collage for my facebook timeline....more time off.... and eating, lots of eating.

I hope you all had a great week.

Day 325. white on white

2011-11-21T21:46:00.001-08:00

He has been my favorite model lately... and he really knowns what sleeping through the day means.

Day 324. light

2011-11-21T21:27:00.001-08:00

Sometimes just looking up and seeing the light is enough. Terri Guillemets

Day 323. nighty night

2011-11-19T19:46:00.001-08:00

This is a very tired cat... and this is exactly what I want to do.

Day 322. tic tac toe

2011-11-18T20:44:00.001-08:00

We are going to have a wet weekend, and nothing could be better than a good game to keep us busy.
Thanks to Dollar Tree Store, we will have tons of fun, for very little dollars.

Day 321. the tree

2011-11-17T20:35:00.001-08:00

We are ready for Christmas. The tree is up, decoration out of the box, ideas for classmates gift are being discussed, teacher's gifts ready to be packed.... let's celebrate!!!
The cup on this image is very important to me, because it was one of the gifts that my best friend sent me right before my son was born, and tonight, six years later, he was enjoying a yummy hot chocolate in it.

It reads "Friends are friends, but you... is a super friend". I love you Rose.

Day 316 till 320. big

2011-11-16T23:22:00.001-08:00

So, I am really behind with my posts... no excuses. Just playing lazy.
And to be just a little more lazy, I decided to make a big post with photos that I took since Saturday.

Scavenger Hunt November 13th

2011-11-13T16:17:00.001-08:00

I cannot believe that we are already so close to 2012.
As the end of the year approaches, time starts to get tighter and tighter.... but I still have time to play Scavenger Hunt.

1.Before and After
I do use Photoshop, but most of the time just to add a pop of contrast, saturation and sharpening. I have some actions, that I use once and a while, but I agree on learning more about focus/light/composition, before I can really use them to the fullest.
Anyway, her is my BEFORE

AFTER with only what I usually do.

AFTER using Coffee Shop Simple Vintage .

2. Opposing Lines

Saw this today on a wall, and liked how the branches were going all over the place.

3. Custom Bokeh
Those are hard to get, especially because you have that black cover on top of your lenses, and to find the right exposure gets a little crazy.

4. Which Pair of Shoes Should I Wear
The princess one... always.

5. Little Features
My cat takes baths everyday and waits for his brother to get out, so he can jump in. I love how he waits and waits, until he gets impatient, and starts crying for his turn.

Day 315. 11/11/11

2011-11-11T20:33:00.001-08:00

I heard a lot about this day. People talked about the numbers... about the energy... about the mystery....
I had a pretty regular day, but the moon tonight was gorgeous. I wished I had a telephoto.

Day 314. achievement

2011-11-10T20:32:00.001-08:00

Z got another trophy in Taekwondo today. I am so proud of him, especially because even recovering from his cold, he went to his training. The reward make him forget all about his sickness and put a huge smile in his face.
We will try to have better images sometime this weekend. But this is the image of my little champion today.

Day 313. pop

2011-11-09T21:23:00.000-08:00

My little director gave me this idea right before bedtime.. "what if you take a picture of some of this popcorn, and them me reading my book Pop? That will be cool"... Thank you son. That made my post.
I also want to say thank you for all the get well soon for Z, he is feeling way better.

Day 312. long day

2011-11-08T12:31:00.000-08:00

I was up around 4.30am to take my mother to the airport. I had plans to have a lazy morning after that at the Santa Monica Pier, but.... my son woke up running a fever and I had to change my plans.

Day 311. the results

2011-11-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

I read this quote today and that kept me wondering if I am really putting all of me here on this blog and on my desire to become a better photographer.
I did learn a lot this year. I did meet so many wonderful artists and I was inspired by them and by life over and over again... and for most of the time I kept my promise of posting one photo a day. I had some no posting days, but I am ok with that.
So I guess I am doing something right.
Can I go even further? Absolutely, but I will need to put even more work in it.
As the new year approaches I need to make a decision on which direction I want to take. I am not sure. But I know that I will keep taking pictures.

I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.
Michael Jordan

Day 310. skating

2011-11-06T17:19:00.000-08:00

Z attended a birthday party today and it was all about skateboarding. He is feeling sooo cool and was practicing his new skills.
As far as me, I need to practice more with this point and shoot.

Day 309. brazilian food

2011-11-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

My mom still here from Brazil so tonight we had an especial dinner. Pumpkin with shrimp/coconut milk. It is a delicious dish perfect for our leftover Halloween Pumpkin.
Yummy for homemade food !!!

Scavenger Hunt November 05

2011-11-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

1. Food
this was a gift from a amazing young mommy, for taking her son's photos for Halloween.

2. Purple
this prompt made me realize that I usually do not notice this color. Not that I do not like it, but it is just another one.

3. In disguise
could not go without my little JACK.

4. Shape
I love this place. It is a type of Temple in Palos Verdes. It has beautiful colors and amazing views.

5. Photographer's choice
this is one of my favorites photos of my husband. He looks like someone who can creates dreams.... like a famous writer or director.

Day 308. last

2011-11-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

As the cold weather approaches we will be seen less and less flowers.
I like fall because brings a sense of renewal. New things comes to nature... news things come to our life.
It is the season of New.

"Nature often holds up a mirror so we can see clearly the ongoing processes of growth, renewal and transformation in our lives" unknown

Day 307. the nap

2011-11-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

If he was a human, he would be the best brother that Z could have. They love each other so much that makes my heart sings.

Day 306. sharing

2011-11-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

Some photos just worth sharing.
When it comes to using a point and shoot camera, I really don't know what to do. The camera is small and feels light... just feels different. But it was all I had while my son was sharing his curls with his grandma. He was just so happy to give her a piece of his hair, and see her putting it on her heart.
Priceless moment.

Day 305. finding his eyes

2011-11-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

After all the fun yesterday, a non school day can really be the perfect day. It was a lazy, but very good day and we ended it up at one of our favorite places, the Library.
Books, dvds, games...and more books... when we were leaving my son saw those pretty flowers and asked me to take his picture. He liked that the flowers were so soft with beautiful colors. So we stopped by for a few pictures, but I did not know that he would be the director. He directed the entire session, and knew exactly what to do. It was fun to see that he is watching his Mom, even when I don't think he is.

Day 304. happy halloween

2011-10-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

We had a great time today. Halloween Parade at school in the morning and Trick or Treating at Balboa Island at night with friends. It was also grandma's first Halloween.
Lots of cool houses...great decoration...great costumes...cute kids... and candy.... Tons of candy.
Well, I must say... business is going to bloom. I am a Pediatric Dentist.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Day 303. just...

2011-10-30T16:17:00.000-07:00

...because I love him so much.

Scavenger Hunt Oct 30

2011-10-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

Another Sunday of hunt and new discovers. I love this challenge, because once I have a word in my mind, things around me change.
Here are my entries for this week:

1. Macro

2. Found texture

3. Home
...is everywhere I am with them.

4. Cover
not sure if this is cover, but the city is covered with Halloween decoration.

5. Tree

Day 302. berimbau

2011-10-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

Berimbau is a brazilian instrument used in Capoeira, a brazilian martial art. Capoeira is was invented by the African slaves, so they would be prepare for fighting if necessary. They mixed music, dance and fight.
The history of it is more complex, but that is the idea.
The Berimbau sound is so unique, and so is Capoeira.
Here is a link of a video with my son playing Capoeira. He was around 19 months. And HERE is a link that shows the music and movements.

Day 301. top 25

2011-10-28T21:04:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful for good friends.

Day 300. L.A.

2011-10-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Today I spent sometime with my mother in LA. We visited Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.
We really wanted to have a shopping spree while on Rodeo Drive, but could not find anything that we really liked *LOL*
Fun day.

Day 299. one more

2011-10-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

No photos today... Baby A to the rescue !!!

Day 298. Baby A

2011-10-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

This morning I had the opportunity of shooting Baby A. He is 3 months old and was so well behaved during the entire time. Now I need to practice on my focus... I will see you soon young boy.

Day 297. viva Peru

2011-10-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

My mom is in town from Brazil, so we had a Peruvian Fiesta yesterday.
VIVA PERU !!!!

Scavenger Hunt Oct 22

2011-10-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

I am taking my blog back. I miss taking pictures and I miss my blogger friends. I am still not 100% on it. There is a lot going on right now, but I really need to put my feelings somewhere.
Thank you all for the comments and support. I really appreciate.

Nothing could be better than a Scavenger Hunt as a come back. I did not complete my tasks, but it was fun to put this post together... made me feel alive.

Here are my entries:

1. Words
because when you wash the old out... new words will come to you.

2. Under

3. Orange
the good breath best friends.

4. Always look on the bright side

Day 293. six year old mind

2011-10-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Z,

I guess you had one of THE BEST birthday's of all times... family and friends all around you. It is good to be loved.

So, for this birthday I decided to make an interview with you... I ended up with some interesting answers....

Favorite color? Blue
Favorite food? Broccoli
Favorite movie? The pirates of the Caribbean
What's your favorite thing to do? Watch TV
Who is your bet friend? Taylor
Who is your favorite person in the world? Dad
Who is the coolest person you know? Me
Favorite place to be? Legoland
If you could have one wish, what would you wish for? Money
Who is God? The man that made the world
If you could go anywhere in the world, where wold you go? Target
If you were the President of the United States of America, what would you do? Kick some butts

Day 288. new year

2011-10-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Z will be six. He is very excited about it.
Tomorrow will begin his new year, with new experiences, new wishes, new expectations.... And the past.... just let it be washed out, to be renewed.

Day 287. sixteen

2011-10-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Z,

I know we had another busy week. Getting ready for your birthday, grandmothers coming to celebrate it, picking up your pumpkin , sleeping by yourself like a big boy... ufa !!!
Also I received the birthday gift that I made for you. You will be 6yrs old on October 16th, and thanks to Meagan's giveaway, and the most beautiful place for heartful storyteller ideas Paper Corterie, I was able to put this book together. I know you will not appreciate my gift right now...it is not a toy... I am ok with that. I am giving you memories. I am giving you the essence of what it is important today... I am giving you my heart. I know that long before I am gone, you will be able to look at this book and feel my love... feel my presence... feel my kisses and my touch...maybe even hear my voice and our laughter...I know that will be one of the better gifts of your entire life.
Today, all I want is for you to know that I love you... I love you with all my heart.

Day 286. emptiness

2011-10-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

I am in this non creative mode lately. Trying to figure it out where I want to go next, what I want to learn, what I want to see...It has been hard to keep up with my 365 project.... I am trying my best. I just hope that you all understand and forgive me.
I will be around.

I think about that "empty" space a lot. That emptiness is what allows for something to actually evolve in a natural way. I've had to learn that over the years - because one of the traps of being an artist is to always want to be creating, always wanting to produce.
Meredith Monk

Day 285. the limit

2011-10-12T22:14:00.000-07:00

I went to a photo walk last Sunday organized by Kelby Training. I have some mixed feelings about it. I really thought I would meet and talk to some photographers. Turned out that I did meet with a lot of photographers, but only exchanged a few words with them. It was not what I expected. So I spent pretty much 2 hrs shooting by myself, which was kind of ok, but I was really wishing for some interaction.

Anyway, I have lots of pictures to look through, here is one of them.

I like the way the light bulbs are kind of floating in the sky... which leads to the phrase

The sky is the limit

Day 284. pro golfer

2011-10-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

Scavenger Hunt. Oct o8

2011-10-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

It is the weekend, and the hunt is on. I did hunt my archives once again. It has been a busy week, with not a lot of sleep, a coughing son, headaches, work, and me trying to watch the rewatch on a creativeLIVE workshop.
Anyway here are my entries:

1. Landscape
when you finally decide to see what is around your neighborhood.

2. Complimentary Colors
we go to this park called "Blue Bird Canyon" quite often, and I really love the marbles and colors on a turtle that they have for the kids to climb on. I guess the colors do compliment themselves.

3. Black and White
I am not a baseball fan, neither understand the game, but I took this photo at a baseball camp. I guess it is a place to keep the balls.

4. Food
one of my favorite dishes to prepare, because it is a big salad of leftovers. Really yummy.

5. Blank Space
I wish I had a better crop of the telescope in camera. I need to learn how to step back and little bit more. But I guess that shows some blank space... kind of.

Day 280. before and after

2011-10-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to catch up with my posts, but at the same time I want to watch this great class at CreativeLive called Dramatic Post Processing . So working the whole day, trying to catch up, watching the reruns of the class, and house duties in between, leaves me with no time. I am trying...
Anyway, at this class, they had an assignment on choosing a not very ideal location and make an interesting image on it, ad post processing it. Although I did not take this picture today, I did took this picture in a dirty empty lot last April.
This is my try of a dramatic post processing. I played with curves, saturation, contrast, crop and sharpening.
Feedback would be appreciated.

SOOC

After

Day 279. fifteen

2011-10-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

Dr Z,

loose tooth, doing good in school, reading, being sick, field trip, playdate with best friend.... what a busy week.
Summer is over, and soon the lightness on your hair will turn down. I wanted to capture your little curls. This might be the last summer that you have them. As we talked about it, you might be changing your hairstyle, to a very short one. I don't know if you really want the change, or if was just a moment of excitement seeing Brian Bradley cool music and style. Time will tell.
I love your hair the way it is, but I will support your decision, even crying from the inside. I will love you and your hair, no matter how it looks.

Monday Listicles

2011-10-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind with my posts, and I have been trying to catch up today.
Anyway, this post supposed to be up on Monday, but... This week's list is "quotation". I really love this list, especially because I can a quotation notebook that I started when my son was born in 2005. The idea it to collect as many quotes as I think are important and can help him to see life in a different and better manner. I want him to have this notebook as a reference to understand my way of thinking. It will be my gift to him.
These are my ten of my favorite quotes:

"A son may outgrow your lap, but he will never outgrow your heart" unknown

"It does not matter how slow you go,
so long that you don't stop" Confucius

"If you don't have time to do it right,
when will you have time to do it over?" John Wooden

"Life is a coin. You can spend it any way you wish,
but you only spend it once" unknown

"The road to someday leads to a town of nowhere." unknown

"We do not remember days.....

We remember moments." Cesare Pavese

"Have courage....
open your heart, and listen to what your dreams tell you" Paulo Coelho

"Life is a mirror
and will reflect back
to the thinker
what he thinks
into it" Ernest Holmes

"Be who you are and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter...
and those who matter don't mind" Dr Seuss

"Believe for big things" unknown

Day 276. 1968

2011-10-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

I really love Cadillacs and these one is a Classic from 1968.
Well... now that I read my first sentence, maybe I should call myself a classic... born in 1966 makes me one of them, right?

Day 275. tooth fairy

2011-10-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

Finally the waiting is over. Z lost his first tooth on Sunday Oct, 02 around 8.00pm.
He was eating a piece of pizza when it happened.
He was so excited, but also had some mixed feelings when he saw a little bit of blood, let's put this way, he will not be a dentist like mom. But anyway, after a popsicle and the idea of having Tooth Fairy coming to trade his tooth for money, all the worries went away.
He was expecting US$1.000, but instead the fairy left US$5, because there are a lot of kids with a lot of loose teeth out there and they all want some money... at the end he was happy with what he got.

The tooth fairy pillow I got on Etsy awhile back. It has a chart on the front and a small pocket on the back to put the tooth. Very cute.

I will be back

2011-10-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

I want to take a moment to say thank you very much for all the beautiful words that I have been receiving. I was not feeling very good... but it is time to came back. I will be updating my blog tomorrow.
Once again, thank you all for making me feel better.

Scavenger Hunt. October 1

2011-10-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

This week's prompts were very hard to figure it out. Like Linger... it was the first time I heard this work, and still not sure about it. But, here are my entries.

1. Inspired by a book
The name of the Rose

2. Brown
my husband's favorites.

3. Hazy

4. Coffee or tea
no doubt about it.... coffee all the way.

5. Linger

the dictionary says "stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave". Well, that day he wanted to stay just a little longer.

Again I am having problems on copying the button, you can link up HERE

Day 274. headache

2011-10-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

Not feeling very well today. I hope I don't get sick.

Day 273. el cielo

2011-09-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

I have a friend that on her signature she says "orange feelings". I really never understood that, until tonight.

P.S: SOOC point and shoot canon.

Day 272. fourteen

2011-09-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Z,
another great week has passed, and I am very proud of you. You are doing wonderful in school and I know you will make "the grade" like Rajid. Well done son.

This week you told me something that I guess we all try to avoid, but we are all going in that direction.
Z: "You know Mom, I will love you forever, even after you are in Heaven"
Me: "and I will love you back"

Wow !!! Deep inside I really wish I could live forever, but... I love the way you think.

Day 271. Africa with Z

2011-09-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

Another fun bottle of wine that I found another day. The wine is from South Africa and let's say it is not one of my favorites. But that is a very cool, label.

iheartfaces people's choice vote is open

2011-09-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

So I made the first cut on People's choice at iheratfaces. It is very exciting. I might not end up on top 10, but I am in heaven right now, especially because this photo is so precious to me.

Like I said before... all you need is to close your eyes...

If you like my entry, please click HERE and vote for #11.

Thank you !!

Why photography?

2011-09-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

I have started a new journey with Kat Sloma from Kat Eye Studio and this weeks prompt is to explain why photography.

The questions seems simple but yet kept me thinking. Why?

I guess I started to take pictures mainly for external reasons. I wanted to capture family moments, capture my son growing, share with family and friends, meet new people, be a better photographer... and so on. But then during the process I got so inspired by so many talented artists, and that opened my eyes. I could share more than images. I could go deeper. They made me want to share not only an image, but what was inside me.

I am not a writer, and we all know that I have no clue where to put a coma, and grammatically I do suck. Which is ok for now, I am taking baby steps with all this "lost in translation situation". So that's why photography... to communicate... to find beauty and odd....to feel and make others feel.... to release what is inside me...to receive and send good energy... just to be.

I take photos as a therapy. to keep me motivated. to keep me going... and most of all for my legacy.

“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ~ Pablo Picasso

Day 270. movement

2011-09-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to make an image with this plant. I am not sure how it is called, but I like the colors in it. This time the wind was way too strong for what I had in mind, maybe next time.
I still love the colors though.

Day 269. a quote

2011-09-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

"Make each day your masterpiece" John Wooden

Monday Listicles

2011-09-26T21:59:00.000-07:00

So my friend Stasha from North west mommy invited me sometime ago, to join her monday's fun. I accepted right away, but then i took me a while to start, for so many reasons, but......
Here I am, and very happy to participate.
Today's theme is Summer.

1. Summer Concert

2. Pool

3. Surfing

4. Friends

5. Sand

6. Camping

7. Fresh fruits

8. Sleeping out of the bed

9. Summer hit

10. And more water

You can join the fun by clicking on the button below.

iheartfaces. people's choice

2011-09-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

This week on the challenge, you pick your favorite.
This image is very special to me, I look at and feel like everything is possible... just close your eyes and wish for.

Day 268. first timer

2011-09-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday is usually a lazy day around the house, and we just go with the flow. Today my boys decided to try tennis. It was my son's first time and in my opinion he did pretty good. It was also fun to see their interaction, with laughs, meltdowns when Z could not hit the ball, conversation and even some good hits that turned into a short game.

Scavenger Hunt. september 24

2011-09-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge made me work with different type of lights. From a window light to a desktop lamp... It was fun, and somehow frustrating, especially with the low key theme, but.... here are my entries.

1. Low Key
I am not sure if this is a low key photography, but I tried to have less light as possible. My model looks wonderful as usual, and was somehow cooperative :)

2. Color Wheel
This one I took last week. I really liked the colors and how the cups were displayed. Not sure about being monochromatic neither analogous, but it is colorful.

3. Circle
I tried my in house dinner table and table top light studio for this one. Even my cat wanted to check it out my homemade studio.

4. Scarf
playing Ninja.

5. Phone
call me crazy, but I still miss my old blackberry. As far as battery duration, he was smarter than any smart phone.

Day 267. thirteen

2011-09-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Z,

your are growing up way too fast. There is a bitter sweet feeling on that. Part of me want you to stay just the way you are, or even go a little back to when you still enjoyed play with Mom and Dad only, go to the parks, asked me to push you on the swing, and asked for my help all the time. The other part is proud that you are becoming a little young boy that is independent, knows what you want, and fight for it. A boy that knows how to choose your own friends and gets bored playing with Mom and Dad.
Life is different now.... all I have to do is enjoy every little change and appreciate them every part of them.

Day 266. happy birthday

2011-09-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

September 23, 196..... You still know how to make me smile, and make my heart warm.

Happy birthday !!!!

Day 265. a question

2011-09-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

I heard this question yesterday :

What brings you peace?

At first, in my mind, the answer seemed simple: "Silence" . But then I kept thinking.... I was alone .... in silence.... and still so much going on around and inside me. I was fine, but not feeling peace. Why?
I was unsure.
People will come up with so many different answers to that question, because so many things can bring them peace. Even the everyday life brings me peace sometimes. But what does that question was really asking me?
It is a very simple question, but with so much behind it.

Maybe peace happens when you can close your eyes....smile at yourself .... and say "well done".

What brings you peace?

Day 263/264. sleep

2011-09-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

That is what I feel doing for the last two days. I am tired. I need to rest. That's all.

Day 262. bedtime

2011-09-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

Bedtime always involves reading here at my house, and last night even the cat was into it.

Day 261. caterpillar

2011-09-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my husband found this guy on our tomato plant and called me for some pictures. I was excited, but at the same time scared. BUG !!! Everyone knows I am not a bug person.
Anyway, I did not know what settings to use, what kind of composition... so I just shoot. I wish I had used a different f/stop to capture more details. Oh well, maybe next time.

iheartfaces. A touch of sun

2011-09-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

Scavenger Hunt. September 18

2011-09-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

Another sunday with lots to be done.
Today we visit a new Cafe. What a place. One day I want to go there just to take pictures. Every single place has something to be shot, but I was there for a Sunday Breakfast with my boys, and so I did, with some snaps in between.

1. Street Photography
I am not very good on this subject because my shots tend to be more closer to the subject. I guess I need to start getting out of my comfort zone.
Anyway, I saw this door on the way to the park, and I really liked the colors.

2. From a distance
another subject that I am not sure what to do, but... I was having breakfast, and right across from our table I saw those faucets. I really liked the way they were aligned.
Of course I had to add a closer shot which is my favorite.

3. Sunday
it was an usually Sunday, perfect to enjoy my boys and of course some bacon.

4. Liquid
another prompt I saw during breakfast. I am telling you that place was amazing Madison Square Garden and Cafe in Laguna Beach. If anybody is up to spend some time there with me, I am on.

5. Behind
have you ever wonder what is behind a distant look?

Day 260. like the brazilians

2011-09-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

The new soccer's season just started today, and Z already scored 2 goals.
I am trying to teach him how to celebrate like the brazilians....because everybody knows how we love celebrations. I hope he can get it before the end of the season. It is going to be fun.

GGOOOOLLLL!!!!! (in portuguese)

Day 259. angel

2011-09-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

I did not make any work yesterday, so I decided to go archive again.
This young lady is like a daughter to me, she is gorgeous inside and out. She was also my first model last year. Back then I was shooting Jpeg and AV mode.

Day 258. in his hand. twelve

2011-09-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Z,

"He got the whole world in His hands", I love this song. It is powerful, and for me it says a lot about Him, us as human and our capacities. I really want you to understand this words and live by them.
Today you had a demonstration of what you can do . Of what you can achieve if you put yourself into it. Maybe you are just too young to understand, and I am trying the impossible here. But I really want you to know that YOU CAN, always. And if you cannot all you need is to have faith in who you are, and find new ways to realize your dreams.

Never forget that LIFE is made of I CAN.

Your first question after receiving your trophy was "are you proud of me?"
Are you kidding me? Oh yeah I am proud of you. You worked hard to get to this point, you completed all your chores, you dreamed about it, you learned your routines, practiced, progressed...I am very proud of you, and will always be no matter what you do, no matter how far you go, because you are part of me.

I know how happy you are with the results today. Enjoy your time and keep moving forward.