The Big Things

I'm not talking about the cars, houses, or big fancy $$$ purses, or the latest and greatest Hi-Def LCD TV; or in my case, the lens or camera body that's a must-have. These things are just that... things.

I've been looking up a lot lately, as can be seen in my previous post. But have you noticed just how BIG the sky really is? How ginormous are those carefully laid out clouds? If one cloud were to descent from its heavenly position, exactly how much larger would it be in comparison to me? Just one of my wandering thoughts. Another is more of a reminder to take it all in. Especially before the completion of the construction of the newer homes just outside our office window.

These winter skies have been a-maze-ing! Almost everyday, my hubby will hear me shout out from our office or playroom window, "Babe! Check out the horizon outside!!! It's so awwwwwwwesome!!!" He happily agrees with me, if nothing more but to appease my question and quiet me down. Usually if I'm excited, our entire household is in an uproar; dogs scampering around, looking for their toys to thrash around, and aly squeeling after them to come play with her with their doggy toys.

Look up, whether rain or shine, figuratively and literally. No matter the situation, big or small, looking upward will always remind you of something bigger, more in control than we'll ever be. I'm looking forward to the day, Jorge and I, reach a ripe old age and spend the majority of our day outdoors, sitting on the porch, holding hands, and admiring the beauty set before us. All while looking upward.

Check out the little things we love here.

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/

{Vintage Tuesday} ~ Look Up @ the Sky

I've decided to dedicate a particular day to anything and all things vintage-y for my blog post on Tuesdays. Why Tuesdays? No reason in particular really. Why vintage? Why not? I haven't always favored vintage-y items, but I must admit, there's something real nostalgic about certain vintage pieces. A great couch, purse, pair of shoes, or a veil. Certain things cry out to be vintage. Especially photos and the images they embark and engrave into the mind and etched with care unto one's heart.

The sky, on the other hand, doesn't necessarily do so, but for some reason, while I was driving home from work yesterday, I let my attention wander towards the horizon surrounding me and it hit me. Softly and delicately like a goose down feather. The sky and the horizon it enveloped, had a vintage look to it and I felt, if I was able to touch it, it would somehow feel vintage as well. Needless to say, I rushed home, asked my wonderful hubby to bring my camera outside as I pulled into our garage, and out I went, down our street and snapped a few photos of my newly tagged, "vintage sky."

The drive home on the 60 freeway, heading eastbound, at about 3:45p.m., was made bearable (a concept some may believe to be impossible) and somewhat pleasant. The sky, was yes, vintage-y, but also had such a simplistic and calming effect to it. Plus the snow-capped mountains to the north and east was so incredibly visible. It was altogether gorgeous. Was I really in Southern Cali? Yes. And it was then that I was reminded that there's no other place I'd rather live than here.... for now.

I hear New Zealand is beautiful and vintage is a way of life there.

Perhaps like living out an Anthropologie catalog. Oooh....

(To other photographers... doesn't it look like a TRA action was applied to the above image?)

And, as a salute to an era where only my dearest ladies can consider it to be "vintage", here's a photo of my besties and I... each at a very different point in our lives.

And my other "bestie" and I. Ah... so young and so in love. Although age changes annually, I'm glad some things don't change. And if they do, I'm even happier that they change for the better.

Don't you just love scanned photos? I prefer to leave them un-post-processed. I love the grain it produces.

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/

Pondering

I sit here at times, pondering. Just pondering. At what? Even I don't know. Today however, I was pondering on my "day" job. How thankful I am to still have it. No matter how slow we've become as the outcome of last year's bursting bubble, our company has survived and has managed to stay afloat. Though we've downsized in personnel and suite size, I'm thankful to still be here. Regardless, of the exact opposite, of a super-sized paycheck that we were so blessed and sadly, taken advantage of when we did receive it years past, at least we are employed. Employed by the most understanding and sympathetic (most of the time), boss ever! I mean, hello! How many other people can bring their toddler to work with them on a daily basis and have the entire office notified when naptime is in schedule?

Below is a corkboard posted up on my rather white walled-office with images that make me smile on an otherwise, dreary day.

And the pic below is of someone who will always make me smile on any type of day.

Both photos are taken with my handy dandy iPhone.

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/

A Very Merry CHRISTmas Indeed!

Shrills of laughter and veracious smiles of true happiness permeated the air this Christmas.

It was my parents' 5th grandchild to celebrate Christmas at a time where she can open presents on her own and know that those presents were meant to be hers to fully enjoy. And although their 4 grandsons are an ocean apart from them, I know they relive those moments with them when they see their little one enjoying Christmas for the first time.

Christmas may come but once a year, but it's a day to be celebrated in our hearts throughout the year. And as this new year of 2010 approaches, may we hold Christmas and the true meaning of it, deep within our inner most sellf and dedicate it upon loving others as we love ourselves, but most importantly, let's decicate it to the One who makes it possible.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/

{Family Portrait Session} ~ Nicole + her "little hearts" = Daddy's Joy

It was cold. Unusually cold. Especially considering the day before was as ideal as "San Diego type weather". The sun shyly hid behind silvery billows of clouds and only peeked out, possibly out of curiosity, as to what all the giggling and laughter was about down below.

It warmed up quick after following behind a rambunctious and a very alive group of siblings, whom, as to images below implicate, love each other unconditionally. And mama? Beaming with pride from within her heart as she glimpses over to her brood of very well-behaved and (not-at-all) timid little ones.

As for me, fun! FUN! I had so much fun with these guys!! I can only imagine what it would have been like to have their daddy and nicole's hubby in the mix. Sheer pandemonium, in a non-chaotic kind of way!

Awesome family, right? You have no idea until you meet them yourselves. Here are few of just the ladies:

Work it out, mama!!

Warm and fuzzy. This is how I felt, regardless of the brrrrrr-degree tempurature outside. Thier smiles, laughter, and giggles were infectious and I was more than willing to be the recepient of their contagious delight.

Want more of the rascals' "little hearts"? Check them out @ {little group} and be tickled pink by them!

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/

Our Christmas Morning

Last year, we were opening Aly's presents for her and pretending she was ooh-ing and ahh-ing over her new toys and clothes. This year was different in so many delightful ways and we celebrated it with family time of just the 5 of us and basked in the glory of God's love by sharing it, unconditionally, throughout the day and night. It was beautiful. No other word or emotion can describe it. Just beautiful.

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

We look forward to 2010 and beyond!

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/

{Family Portrait Session} ~ Mike + Kristy (Pt. Deux)

Here are a few more from Mike & Kristy's Christmas shoot. I love a family who really does-up Christmas. The lights, tree, decorations, and most importantly, the love. How cute is this? The stockings you'll see hanging from their mantle were from their childhood. And now, precious little Katelyn is following suite. Her grandma made hers like daddy's! Made me a bit envious, but in a good way (is there such a thing??) because I wished for that second when they told me the story behind their handcrafted stockings, I wished Jorge and I had a little tangible tradition for the holidays from our childhood to pass unto our children. At least it's never too late to start one. Christmas p-jammies are in the works for Christmas morning! Anyone know where we can find the adult size jammies with the footsies attached?

Can't get enough of little Katelyn? I know, neither can I! Check her out at little miss katelyn.

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/