Is the Universe trying to send me a message?....

First, I get a fortune cookie that says " You may soon change your line of work"

then I see this quote on Compendium's Facebook fan page:

The first step is to find out what you love--and don't be practical about it. The second step is to start doing what you love immediately, in any small way possible. --Barbara Sher

hmmm. is the Universe trying to tell me something?

A Picture is Really Worth...

Shutter Sisters had a post up today called "A Picture Really is Worth a Thousand Words." Everytime I see these two pictures of my son it makes me giggle and it makes me very, very thankful.  I know they are blurry and the exposure is a bit off, but still~ they are my favorite.

You see, as some of my friends already know, my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in November of 2007.  It truly is a miracle that she is doing so well.  She still walks and is very active even though she is in the middle of chemo....She is a very strong and a remarkable woman and still tenacious as ever.

These two pictures were taken almost a year and a half ago, a number of months into her treatment.  At the time of this picture, she had recovered from her lung surgery, had completed brain radiation and was almost finished with chemotherapy.  My young son (nickname: Mr. Mischievious) had grabbed Grandma's wig from inside, put it on and started to do the "You can't get me wiggle/dance"... Luckily, I had my camera with me...

A Photography Contest

It's the new year and I am trying to get back into photography... and on my resolution list is to enter more contests.
This week's I Heart Faces theme is your Best Face Photo (taken in December or January).

This is an idea for a Christmas card that I didn't use...I dressed my little guy up in a ton of winter clothes (even though it was 75 degrees outside.. You know Southern California weather) and had him run around the yard while I shot photos.. It was pretty funny to watch & he had a ball--
Wish me luck!  I am # 694 (YES, almost 700 entries WOW!!)

Have a great Tuesday!

Christmas Photos

Christmas tree
Originally uploaded by buneluvr

I was looking through some photos over the weekend and thought I would post a couple of pics that I took at Disneyland~

The first is a picture of the Christmas tree on Main Street... and the second is a picture of Jack from the Nightmare Before Christmas

The Secret to Happiness

I found the secret to happiness.  Where do you say?  I found it HERE and I'm carrying it with me everywhere I go (it's in my purse).  Would you like me to share it with you?

Five Simple Rules For Happiness:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less

How wonderfully simple & perfect, huh? I LOVE it!
Enjoy today...

*If you are in Burbank, please drop by Mindful Nest.  It is a WONDERFUL store.  Very inspirational and filled with one of a kind items that are made by local artists.  I spent over an hour in there!  You will not be disappointed ;)

What Are You Afraid Of?

I've been finding myself seriously thinking about freelance work as a photographer, maybe doing something on the side, but there is one thing holding me back.. Fear. You see, I'm a big chicken.  Recently, I've had a few people ask me to take their photos and I've had a friend ask me to do a little freelance work, but I've declined.  When I seriously think about it, I get scared and nervous. 
  As I drove into work this morning, I found myself asking... What are you afraid of?... So I thought I would write what my fears are, no matter how stupid or silly they sound. 
I'm afraid of the WHAT IF's

....I screw up and the client doesn't like the photos?
.....The only good photos I can take are of my kids?
......I can't tackle manual exposure?
.......I don't have the right equipment?
........I don't have the $$$ to buy the right equipment?
.........I fail?

What are you afraid of?

Holiday outtakes

outtakes
Originally uploaded by buneluvr

I just wanted to take a moment and post a few outtakes...Boys will be boys ;)

Feeling Inspired....

   It's the end of the year, and I have a number of thoughts floating in my head.  So many things that I need to get out of my head & on to paper otherwise I'll lose them...Some of my thoughts are things I need to do now, some are things to do later.  I have a number of ideas for photos and ideas for "creating art" as my boys say....and I even have 6 different blog posts that have been swimming in my head.
  I have a number of things that I want to do involving my camera.. I love taking pictures of my kids, but now I find myself wishing I could do something... MORE... although, I don't know what more is...playing, experimenting... Maybe a little freelance? hmmmmm...I'm not sure, but it's all because of this book--{5} and here is a short little video about it...
   I've been so caught up in my mom's health for the last two years that I really could not think beyond the immediate future.  A few months ago, I decided that I owe it to my mom to "do something" and not take my life for granted. One day after my mom's doctor appointment, I dropped by Vroman's bookstore (I love that place!). As I browsed the aisles a bright red book with the number 5 caught my eye.  On the cover was written, "Where will you be five years from today?"  I flipped through the book and knew I had to buy it.
   So now as my mind has been full of things I need to do, it is now full of  things I wish I could do, and thoughts of things I might like to do.  I'm feeling inspired for the first time in a long time.  If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend you pick-up a copy.  As a side note, I just heard that Compendium is coming out with  a blog shortly.. I'll keep you posted :)