Music Monday

I booked my first "offical" photo gig with these kids at the Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa. I've come along way from this show.

Enjoy!!

Asobi Seksu

Weekend

 

I'm not one for new years resolutions, in fact to be honest- I hate them, but this year I'm getting back into the groove of things. I may not be able to travel the way that I used to, but there are so many wonderful things right here, so this weekend I decided to not forget pick up my camera and wander around my own backyard.

1. Pannikin Coffee & Tea, Encinitas. I think I go there more now than I ever did in High School but it's a little bit of Brooklyn mixed in with some So Cal sun. 2. Moonlight Beach for a little stroll 3. Meeting up with papa p for a lunch date at Cessy's for some real mexican food 4. Carintas taco! 5. Walk around the farmers market in Carlsbad 6&7 Afternoon stop at the Mission San Luis Rey {can you believe I live right next to it!} I haven't been there since our mandatory fourth grade field trip to the California Missions, but I also appreciate better now than when I was 9.

Re-exploring my own backyard is, for me, taking time to enjoy what I have here, in this moment {and being better about blogging about it!}

The other weekend I learned how to play poker...

I learned about beginners luck

and how to bet big

I learned that it's better not to know how to play

and about finding my poker face

I learned that even my newbie buddy next to me learned the very same lessons

she won...big

I learned how to lose gracefully, and that I'm ready for more

Monday Music

BBC radio live I {heart} you, and The Gorillaz- Crystalised {The xx cover}

Enjoy! 

So long, farewell 2010!

To a new chapter, new friends, new challenges, new adventures, peace, love and joy.

Have a fun and safe new year!

{photo credit}

{photo credit}

As the new year approaches, I've been spending a lot of time thinking and reflecting back on 2010. 

For me, 2010 started off to be one the best years of my life. In fact, it was my goal that 2010 would be filled with lots of love, happiness, new dreams and new adventures. That reality quickly changed, and life for me was put onto a new road, back home with nothing but two suitcases filled with clothes and a hope that I'd figure out what the hell just happened. But this isn't going to be a post about overwhelming obstacles that God brought into my life in 2010 but rather, the new found promise he gave me.  

The fact of the matter is, while this past year will be known as one of the darkest chapters in my life, it's ending with a light at the end of the tunnel. God has used this time with me to open my eyes, not only to myself, but to the people that are in my life. He has taught me about the selfishness of people, their actions, decisions and how they and I handle temptations and trials. From that, I've learned the true definition of what it is to love, to communicate, to stand by promises and to handle overwhelming trials in life. He has taught me not to be anxious for what lies ahead in my life, but to rejoice in the promise that he's in control (and not me)- to take each challenge that he brings me and look for the lesson that he's trying to teach me through it- to constantly learn and grow because I am loved.

I look forward to 2011 because I know that it won't be perfect. I know that there are a new set of challenges that await me (and not only those that I know about) but with each new challenge I'm bringing a new sense of optimism and confidence with me. Most times things don't have to go down the road the way they do, but in the end I have to give it back up to God and let him work in my life- he hasn't disappointed me yet. 

So 2011, all I have to say is bring it. I'm ready to go!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Holiday parties are great...and they're even better when you remember to take photos of everything you cooked. Needless to say, everyone left drunk on sauce, spritz's and affogato's and my counter part and I are already mapping out our next great dinner party, this time hiring a photographer instead of relying on each other for photos.  

For a complete run down, click over here! 

the chefs