This Is My Bliss

perspective...

2011-07-27T23:39:00.030-07:00

here's a girl that loves a road less traveled...
it's in her.
gimme that girl,
along with the peace and serenity that comes with it,
her, and that heart of hers.

too often times we find ourselves in the hustle and bustle of life.
joy-
sometimes we need to take a "personal" day and reflect.
take a drive.
get some perspective.
and that's what we did.
me, my heart and my lens.

at this point...
is anything that big?
let's begin...

i am finding all too often that if you take the time you think you don't have to
take that dirt road and travel it, with the intent to
only take a drive or only clear your head
you may wind up on a breathtaking adventure you will cherish forever.
a place of reference.
a place of peace.
a place of perspective.

was it anything less than magnificent?
no.
was i expecting magnificent?
no.
just some time to clear the noggin and get out of the heat.
i can't wait around when the heart strings pull.
who would?
me time.
self time.
selfish?
no
selfless.
filling or fueling oneself,
exudes selflessness when your soul needs a refuel.
often times we don't listen to the "stop."
unfortunately, the world and mind think "more."
consumption.
i say more give.
less take.
another little mantra if you will...

was i expecting such beauty and life and awe and wonder?
no.
just a drive.

such is the beauty of life.
just a gem of a day, that put a whole lot of things in perspective.
let's not forget this serene setting was my "backyard" for many, many years.
that puts a lot in perspective right there...
reflection.

details.
they found me.
in this little adventure of clearing the head
i found myself more in tune with the little things.
a little opposite of what one might think...
let it all go and don't worry about the little things-
when only then the little things become present,
because i am present.
funny how that happens.
honestly, if you know me-
do i really care that much about some little lizard?
no, not really.
but i did that day....
he scurried around in front of me in a panic until he hit that rock and then perched-
and stayed still.
and that crazy green bug hanging on for dear life to that invisible,
slippery moss covered rock as the water rushed around him.
i felt for that little guy-
been there.

kicking off my favorite flips,
landing my feet in damp, cold, red clay
i curled my toes in it.
i attempted those slippery, invisible moss covered rocks.
i managed.
more than likely that green little guy did too.
the sky was the bluest of blues, the clouds huge, white cotton candy puffs,
the weather was perfect,
it was quiet, the water rushed, the red rocks spoke.
clarity.

i love you this big.

perspective; noun
per.spec.tiv

1. a technique of depicting and spatial relationships on a flat surface. 

2. a picture employing this especially one in which it is prominent.
3. a visible scene, especially one to a distance.. 

laymens terms:
the way i see it vs. the way you see it.

and then while you- meaning i, randomly wade through a river you might also realize a little different perspective or feed one you never really knew how too...

the humanistic perspective:
humanistic perspective is on the self, which translates into "you",
and "your" perception of "your" experiences.
This view argues that you are free to choose your own behavior, rather than reacting to environmental stimuli and reinforces. Self-fulfillment, and needs are paramount.
The major focus is to facilitate personal development.

laymens terms:
embrace you.
stop. think. choose. don't react.
fulfill yourself when your "self" calls.
it's okay to refuel.
love yourself, if you don't who will?

so now that i have taken you down this little-heart-felt
road-less-traveled, filled with a whole 'lotta all-things-me-
along with
peace
love
soul
time
heart
my lens
some struggle
breathtaking views
mountains that speak
perspective
psychology
mantras
rivers
rocks
bugs
clay
toes
me-
a little of my perspective{s}

can you tell i spent the day in sedona?
cause i forgot to tell you about my experience with the vortex...
;)

...my point in all this is that if you take the time to take the time
and travel that road less traveled every now and again
you just may realize,
that what you think is so huge and weighing so big in your world
to the world, it's just life.
but it's our life-
understood.
we are so blessed to be able to make the choices in our life to
fulfill ourselves the way we see fit.
choose the ones that fill you,
like that random little drive on that normal little day.
fill your heart.
at the end of a day like this,
a "refuel" day...

that road less traveled leads you right to your heart.

your big, wide open, fulfilled, refueled heart.

it leads you home.
home is where the heart is
confirmed.
and once home-
you realize that because you took the time to refuel you and your soul...
you are able to give.

"gimmie the girl that's beautiful,
without a trace of makeup of on,
barefoot in the kitchen,
singing her favorite song.
dancing around like a fool,
starring in her own little show,
gimmie the girl the rest of the world,
ain't lucky enough to know."

a magical presence...

2011-07-23T02:47:00.012-07:00

so i am reminding myself on a daily basis to
be present.
my fairly new little mantra if you will.

not only to be, but to stay present.

sometimes it's hard to do with all the life i live.
so many irons in the fire, all of importance to me.
i stress a lot of the time about the little things that don't deserve my time-
making me not-so-present in the big things that do.

oddly enough,
one of them is this silly little blog.
big to me, even if not to the world.

why stress about it you ask?
i will be completely transparent when i say,
i miss the days of me only archiving for my family.
a little selfish i know, but i think about the time i used to have.

refusing to live in the past-
i simply am recognizing that it is something that i have a complete
and total passion for, archiving my family's memories,
therefore-
it should, will and needs to become a better priority.
because, let's face it- it already is.
it fuels me.
lights me up.
tells my story.

life is too short.
we all get caught up in our day to day monotony,
i can firmly recognize one thing-
it makes me love and cherish my life and my family even more than i already do.
i am blessed to have found a passion, a love, a faith, and a fire that fuels my soul.
some people spend a lifetime searching for this...

Bliss Boutique Photography
has kept me sane in times of insanity
and continued the chaos in times peace.

balanced?
i think so.

as i blah blah blah-
it reminds to remain present in both.
stay balanced in both.
sometimes i struggle.
we all do.

as an entrepreneur by nature and clearly at heart, i understand the complete
passion for never stopping, working until wee hours, making things happen.
believe me when i say-
my brain never stops, add the creativity with every freakin' thing i set my eyes on,
coupled with being a gemini-
you can only imagine.

as i dream as i do, i have a clear cut vision of goals and passions and life not yet lived,
but i can't get too caught in those dreams where i merely don't recognize the present.
the now.

as i remind myself, maybe this can serve as a reminder you-

your time is valuable.
priceless to those you value.
stay focused by setting boundaries.
family time is family time.
work time is work time.
set attainable goals.
stay passionate.
know when to fuel the fire.
know when to put a fire out.
keep yourself honest.
listening is just as important as expressing.
take baby steps, to big dreams.
make sure you don't step on the ones you want with you,
after you awake from all your dreaming.
prioritize by recognizing what matters most
and most importantly realize who matters most.

i think by realizing even just a few of these things,
it will not only make you try harder to become present,
your presence will come to you-
and you will want nothing more than to be present.

i guarantee that if i can stick to this- you can too.
not that both my worlds are not beautiful as they are-
but there is always, always, room for improvement.
as an inner struggle for me,
just know- i always hold myself a little more accountable
when a post gets published on this little, but big-to-me blog.

sounds easy enough i tell myself.
sounds like a plan i tell myself.
but i told myself.
now i can count on my inner self, it will hold me accountable, as will you-
whoever is reading this...

so you still don't get the stressing part?
i don't blame you...
that was a classic v. gibbs ramble at it's finest.
so in a simple non- v.gibbs ramble,
the translation goes like this:

we were at Disneyland in may.
we are in mid- july.

big fat sigh!
or
shall i say,
a deep long calming inhale.
and
a deep long calming exhale.
sometimes remembering to just breathe in general is nice.
you freakin' feel me already!?!
ha!
i am so close to being present with blog posts i can feel it.
you get it now- don't cha!
silly little me and this silly little blog...

enjoy the show{s}!
i did my best to make you feel present.
and please don't hate that half the pics were taken with.........
my phone.

gasp!

{pause playlist music now}

after all,
when you are present-
magic happens.

caution: hot

2011-07-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

gonna put the the world away for a minute
pretend I don't live in it
sunshine gonna wash my blues away...

blue?
just the color of my toes...

caution hot.
hot is right.
fired up!
thank god for real, good, old friends and bonfires.
and i mean real good old friends.
you know, the kind that show up,
simply ask-
"how are you?"
followed by a heartfelt hug.
and really, they don't care what the answer is-
they care that you are THERE with THEM.
details don't matter at this point,
it's the time that matters.

burnt.
to much time over the fire can do that.
good thing i like 'em burnt.

hot dog!
{above}
simple silly pleasures i tell ya-
i thought it was hilarious!
the wine was kickin' in and the smiles and laughs were starting to flow...
let the bonfire creations begin.
i create a pre-dinner, oh-so-scandalous appetizer.

ingredients:
perfectly burnt marshmallow
on a perfectly ruffled potato chip.
try it.
dare you.

oh yes-i-did.
and it was fabulous.
i binged.

the weather couldn't have been more perfect.
it called for-
my kiddos.
ball cap.
hoodie.
favorite pair of denim.
dirty sandy feet.
figuring out how make dinner without getting burnt.

learning things only a bonfire can teach.
like to stand up wind and out of the smoke...
that one took some smoke in the face.
but it was soon figured out.
umm,
like not touching the metal hanger after it had been over the fire grilling the hot dogs...
ya know,
just a little bonfire 101.
priceless.
mama has spent some time around a fire, a camp fire in fact,
believe it or not i have cooked over a fire as well-
one night not by choice, i simply wanted to eat.
who'da thought?

they were in good hands.

...all the details in between, we figured them all out
as we cooked, ate, lost some in the sand.
we weren't in a hurry.
we had no place to be but to be with each other.
we let night fall and even waited for fireworks.
we talked, we sat, we ate, we listened, we laughed.
had time.
priceless family time around a camp-
i mean, bonfire.

it was almost a perfect evening...
then i got burnt-

this champagne shore washing over me
it's a sweet sweet life living by the salty sea
one day you could be as lost as me
change you're geography
maybe you might be...

salt water...

2011-07-14T23:55:00.001-07:00

are you kidding me with this day?
no-
not one bit.
sit down.
take your time.
soak it in.
we did.
every bit.
be prepared.
these images will fill your heart.
touch your soul.
and call for a repeat of this kind of day-
everyday, and twice on sundays.
yeah-
it was that good.

the speeeed boat my little man calls it.
it's goes weally weally fast.

the bay, never.
the beach, yes.
the bay, yes.

the bay we conquered.
my little warriors rocked it.
old glory.
speed boats.
sail boats.
wakes.
knee boards.
a small fear.
the drive.
no fear.
salt water.
life vests.
a different view of our city.
the bridge.
the parents.
the besties.
the smiles.
{you'll look at them a million times, i have}
i gleamed on this independent independence day.
we had to...
we had to be warriors.
we had no choice.
that usually takes us to the water of some kind.
salt water = soul soother.
the dewy salty air whipping against your skin.
full throttle.
the sunbeams shining on you.
no better therapy.
well, the lens.
and that was in my hand.
the big one.
one big ol' therapy sesh- check.
where were you?

thumbs up.
she smiled.

HUGE.

he was brave.
and we kept it there.
next time- he'll own it, like she did.

she freakin' owned it.
rocked that knee board like it was old news, like i said.
jumped in that big salty bay like it was your wide open arms.
so proud of her.

you can imagine my
"whoooo hooooo's"
and the
"let go of the rope" 's

big johnny was nothing short of an amazing coach.
life coach quality lessons.
who knew?
she listened to and trusted his every word.
it worked.

imagine that.

we ended our independence day right where it started...
on that big beautiful bay.
the stars were shining a little brighter...
oh right-
those are fireworks.
i'll roll with big 'ol "wish upon stars..."

with

a full moon shinin' bright
edge of the water; we were feelin' alright.

because after all-
it was a barefoot blue jean night.

celebrating independence...

2011-07-04T19:44:00.002-07:00

july 4th.

independence day.

we celebrate.

it's hot.

we boat.

san diego bay.

with some besties.

my baby girl just rock that knee board like it was old news.

from the boat she jumped.

into that big bay.

independently.

rocked it.

smiles as big as the clear blue sky.

you should have seen it!

i'll post it. soon.

telephoto lens in hand.

god, that's a good feeling.

thank you.

we celebrate.

boats.

bays.

bridges.

besties.

bbq's.

big johnny.

ha.

melisa and johnny- heart felt thank you.

smiles will stay with us for days. years. a lifetime.

nothin' beats great friends.

the kind that lift you up.

big.

that vast ocean that makes everything else seem so small.

i'm smelling the tri-tip as i type.

looking out this window, boats and old glory galore.

island style.

just how i like it.

feels like home.

a miltary presence like no other.

gleam.

proud to be an american.

let freedom ring.

let's celebrate.

independence day.

independently.

we will.

we did.

we are.

independent.

HUGE...

2011-07-02T17:05:00.002-07:00

lyrics.
big into lyrics and music.
huge really.
i will let this one speak for itself.
i'm lyric-less.

my lex. my beautiful baby girl.
on her birthday, with the ones that love her most.
making memories that matter...
just a short car ride-
san diego was shining a little brighter on
june 26th.

every year.
in almost every post, i try to stop time-
i can't, but my lens can. for a moment.
look at that face.
you are looking at my world.
well, one of my worlds.
i am lucky enough to have two.
one world turned 8 on june 26th.

when my two worlds collide,
it provides me with the most amazing heart felt emotion you could ever dream of.

june 26th was a good day.

i hope this finds you surrounded with the people you love.
the people that matter most to you.
the ones you could never live without.
the ones that you lift up when you are down.
the ones you want to catch when they fall.
they are that for me-
i am that for them.

birthday. pictures.
both.

everyone always says you must have the most amazing pictures of your kids...
wellllll... yes.
but sometimes i feel like the plumber with the leaky faucet.
ha.
i too, have to bribe them, tickle them and make them-
or take them as they are.
and as they are is how i love them.

but sometimes on special days like birthdays,
we trek through the city, heels and all, and buy cupcakes
and make it an event.
after all, it is.
and if i didn't who would?
who would take these priceless prints?

the big bribe was the del mar fair.
{not really but it worked}
we were well on our way regardless...
less the heels.
ha.
truth be told. truth alas.
funny how that works.

a fun filled day for my loves.
my-little-happy-birthday-8 year-old-love.
8 years.
wow.
leaves me lyric-less.
speechless.
my heart swells.
god- how i love her.
i will never forget holding her for the fist time.
and dread the day i have to ever let her go.
i have never known a greater love.
ever.
i was so young. she was so little.
we were so happy.
she loved her mama.
we were meant for each other.
my baby girl.
some things never change.
those eyes. those green eyes. they sparkle.

i love celebrating you on your birthday and everyday.
i count my blessing everyday.
you are my sunshine.
you sparkle so bright.
i love you lex.

happy birthday baby girl!

thanks for rockin' that sesh with me little "miss bliss #2"
as you would say...

nowwww for the fun filled celebrations...
we celebrate YOU!

let's go!

becoming a tradition.
corvette diner.
such a happy place.
HUGE rootbeer floats.
HUGE smiles.
HUGE hair.
HUGE day.

who would miss this?!

HUGE HUGS.
can you feel that?
i know you feel that.
i can. i did.
it's real.
huge.

HUGE love.
what could be better?

a HUGE fair?
who says?

mama says...
let's go!!

HUGE SLIDE!

HUGE LINES...

HUGE FUN!

what a bummer you have to experience all of this via this tiny little blog,
but experience it with us- none the less.
we had more laughs than i can count.
more giggles than to be expected.
a lot of sugar.
some whines.
a few tears.

but,
we LOVED HUGE on a HUGE day.

her birthday.

pinkberry goodness: the premier...

2011-06-23T11:58:00.013-07:00

pinkberry goodness is calling...
and so we roll~
west.
west coast bound.
to our
little heavenly
playground.
padres game with fireworks tonight included
and please oh please don't forget the fro yo-

Mmmm....
{last one there is the rotten egg}
and we will run-
laugh, play, giggle, and video.
yes video.
all of it.

swagger wagon is locked and loaded...
precious cargo yet to "strap" in.
the engine should be running but i have to draw some quick vacuum lines
in the carpet and blog this blog before i hit the pavement.

priorities i tell ya-
but to me, it's important.
and that is just fine, with me.

you just walked the red carpet.
you have some swanky shoes on.
you look fabulous.
and you are about to watch the premier of the first ever
epic film from my bliss videos.

don't be jealous. the real cinematographers aren't.
ha.

i'm just a girl makin' some home movie memories.

i am excited for you to
embrace, enjoy and embark on this new little adventure i am on...

pinkberry goodness here we come...

see world...

2011-06-22T14:24:00.008-07:00

*music no longer is on auto play.
for full audio effect hit the play button*

summa-time.

san diego we were and are heading back again on friday.

i am working diligently to keep you all caught up on our whereabouts.

i love real time blog posts but for now, blog recaps will have to do.

i have a lot of re-capping to do...

may 27th 2011
karma.

it's real.

the real deal.

see world: saga of the lost lens...

i seriously struggle with my lens.
oh how i love that piece of metal.
along with these two babies-
it's my life, my love, my passion, my livelihood.
literally.
survival.

so-
knowing that...
i struggle with setting it down and just being,
just being a mom.
you know, taking what i call "mom" photos with the
(dare i say it...)
the "camera phone"
gag.
but the days of lugging two kiddos around the amusement park
have only just begun
and having that 3rd child that has to be held constantly-
constantly taken care of, gently, 24/7 non stop held in the palm of my hand.
basically the feeling that i no longer have free hands to just enjoy the moment with my loves without constantly snapping pics.
because if it is in the vicinity, i am constantly snapping pics.
well-
gets old.
i said it and that's okay.
it's okay to be free.
it's okay to be in the moment and cherish it for just that.
it's okay to not document everything....

and then this.
are you kidding me?!
miss this?
i will hold that hunk of metal all day long in the blarring hot sun
or walk 5 miles in the snow with it.
overly dramatic
i think not.

and then this:

who needs that hunk of heaviness

when we are picturing and videoing with that handy little cell phone anyhoo?
and
they, being "sea world" capture your whole day,
all day, every ride, walking through the park,
at the shamu show, etc....
giving you a little ticket
so that at the end of your day you can go claim your memories,
and charge you up the ying yang for priceless "mom" photos.
who's a sucker?
go figure.
sounds like a good living.
ha.

but then there are my kinda mom photos....

you put your price on any of that-
try me.
PRICELESS is right.

i would give everything to hold that 3rd child in my hands.
that 3rd child that has to be held constantly-
constantly taken care of, gently, 24/7 non stop held in the palm of my hand.
basically the feeling that i no longer have free hands to just enjoy the moment with my loves without constantly snapping pics,
because if it is in the vicinity, i am constantly snapping pics.

that's right.
i would.

our day was simply full.
full of joy.
full of fun.
full of smiles.
full of fears.
{but then we conquered that ride 3x's IN A ROW!}

yep!
fear not- we showed that ride who was boss!

moment to vent:
all caught on video via the cell phone that i can't get to upload to
imovie, you tube or blogger-
god- i hate that dam phone!
they are great, but stuck in my mac.
awesome.
if i spend anymore time on it- well, i can't...
hours have been wasted. but know they are precious.
full of screams, laughs, giggles,
then i bought a flip cam...

survival.

so we survived our day.
3rd child and all.
back to the swagger wagon we drug...
i set the backpack down to get the keys out.
they were somewhere at the bottom
so out came the sweat shirts we took on the hottest day of our stay,
wallets, water bottles, remnants of a picnic lunch, the lens.
the lens.
i didn't want to set in on the ground so i set it on the bumper.
made sure the loves got loaded, leaving stuff scattered around the car.
they were on my mind.
the parking lot was busy and people were coming and going.
i was tired.
wiped really.
we were happy to sit.
"lovies?"
"yes, mama?"
"one last pic, we had an amazing day!"
"ok mama!"

shoot this with the ever so faithful phone cam and long arm.
get everyone loaded and "strap" in, as dylan says
and turn the car on.

pick up the randomness around the backpack
and load up.
what a day!

kiddos, backpack, mama.
check, check, check.

homeward bound to nanny and poppy's.
so excited to share our day. we did.
it's now dark, kiddos are in bed and out cold.

"i gotta show you some of these pics!"

backpack bound.
feels light.
that feeling rushes over me.
where is my camera?
no- WHERE is my camera?
NO- WHERE IS MY CAMERA?

freak out mode some call it.
dam right.
tears roll.
arms fling.
dad hugs.

"we will find it."

"no dad, we won't, i left it on my bumper and DROVE AWAY.
i drove away, there is NO way-
and if we do it will be f*cked up!"

elevated cry.

"what the hell am i going to do?!?!
i can't afford to replace it- not now, not with everything else!"

"boo boo's, mija- it's replaceable and there are still good people in this world.
let's hope someone turned it in. karma. you believe in karma.
say a prayer, have faith."

i won't go into a play by play of the rest of the evening but it was not good for me.
we drove to the parking lot late that night as if it would be sitting there saying,

"hi, you left me here. i've been waiting for you to come back and pick up the pieces."

it wasn't.

my night was long. i was curled up with my loves as they slept.
with them so close to me, so happy and sleeping so peaceful,
i cried.
what the hell was i going to do?
i understand that the "piece of metal" is replaceable.
but THAT piece of metal was not.

it has been with me through so much.
sounds so silly but it has become
my best friend, my therapist, my third child, my love.
not replaceable.
i felt so lost.
some of you may not understand, and that's okay...
but for those who do-
understand me.

morning came.
dad and i headed back over at about 9:30 on saturday morning
to the "lost and found" department of sea world.
the saturday of memorial weekend.
bad idea.
it was like interstate 5 in the middle of rush hour
with a crash taking up 3 of the 5 lanes.
you feel me.

we re-route.
breakfast at our favorite, casa guadalajara.
where you don't eat like you are a gym rat.
you just eat- like you are in your grandma mendez' kitchen.
tortillas flyin' and maricahi's playin'.
i tried.
i really did.
but i cried-
and used my camera phone.

lex in tow, we drove back, still crazy but lighter traffic...
amongst the pethera of happy people,
i was not.
a hole in my heart and pit in my stomach.
in the "will call" line i stood.
i must admit-
hopelessly hopeful.
peace in my heart. lex in my arms.
and my dad on the side lines.
whatever will be will be.
gulp.

i made it to the window.

"how can i help you?"

i choke. hold back the tears.

"umm... i was here yesterday and left my professional canon camera on my bumper and drove away and was wondering if anyone has turned it in?"

so down on myself... what "professional" does that?!?
i wasn't a "professional" that day- just a mom.
doing her job.

"is there anything significant on it that we may be able to determine it is yours
if we do in fact have it?"

my mind races...
did she just ask me that??
my entire heart and soul are all over that camera, can you see that?

not so emtional and as nice as ever i reply,
"umm, there is the tiniest little chip in the uv filter."
{which i have been meaning to replace}

"okay, ma'am, let me check."

lex and i stand there.
my world is still.
my eyes were pierced on that door she went through...
and when she walked back through that door with that 3rd child in her hand my world was complete- again.

lexie jumped and ran over to her poppy
screaming with joy,
"they found it! they had it! they had it- mama's camera!"
they did a little dance.
my dad did the little,
fist to the knee- "YES!" action
i look over at him and smiled.
i gleamed.
my heart was gleaming.
holding back tears.
holding my lex, my lens and my dad holding me.
i shot this just to confirm.

not checking any settings.
i just needed to here that click.

after quick examination
there was no longer a uv filter as it was shattered to pieces, thankfully.
that more than likely, well i know, that is what saved my 24-70mm f/2.8L.
the left corner of the body is where it took the "hit"
and has a few bumps and bruises to show for it.
the "playback" button has been affected
but for now my quick "check the light"
view comes via "slideshow" mode.
i have not had the luxury of letting it go
for minor repairs as this lens has been in high demand.

recap:
i am one very lucky girl.
call it karma, call it blessed, call it luck
whatever good energy it is for you...
that's what i was happy to have at that moment.

so,
see world,
there are still good people in this world.

and
sea world,
i thank you.

and
to you,
the person who turned in my third child,
my heart and soul, my heavy hunk of metal, my lens
i have no words except,
thank you.
may god bless you.
karma is as karma does.
i am lucky to have you.

"cause we belong together now
forever united here somehow
you got a piece of me
and honestly,
my life, would suck, without you."

a father he was not...

2011-06-19T02:40:00.018-07:00

before you begin. please scroll down and press play on the playlist.
the music used to start automatically, and for some reason, no longer does.
music has a lot of significance to me and carries through in my blog posts.
especially this one.

i awake for some reason, sit up, throw my hair and all it's glory in a stay-in-put- with
nothing but my twisted up hair bun. sit up in my perfectly turned down bed.
the light from this macbook glows.
my eyes are squinting and adjusting and the only thing i hear is the typing of computers keys.
my mind is running a million miles an hour and i can't type fast enough.

2:40 am i begin to blog.
real. raw and ready to write.
one person on my mind.

my dad.

i have never know a kinder man.
i don't really know where to begin.
he has been there my whole life.
and has loved me through EVERYTHING.
through everything, he still does and will never stop.
i believe he has done his job. right?
what dad's can say that?
my hope is all of them can, but sadly, in too many cases that may not be the case.

he was the first man to love me.
not so profound, we was meant to be my daddy circa may 1980.

i guess i could start with all the childhood memories and times in the past but what speaks to me more is the now, the present. the impact he has had on my life now and the most recent past.
the man is an angel to me.
his voice pierces me like none other. stops me in my tracks.
he says things to me that world may be yelling, but hearing it from him brings me to tears.
sadly, as impactful as it might be for me, i don't always listen.
stupid i know. so stupid. thus is life right?
this is only one of the reasons why i love this man so much:
he never stops. the man never stops.
drives me crazy sometimes. but he never stops.
he never stops loving me.
Ever.

as we get older there may be times we reflect and realize we should have done somethings differently and that the mistakes we have made can only be chalked up now to
BIG-FAT-LIFE-LESSONS.
you can't change them. only embrace them and move forward.
{oh! and don't make them again}
but for some reason if i do-
the confidence knowing he will be riiiiiight there as strong and as impactful as ever.
it's a inspiring, knowing you can love that hard.
not that one should go through life "testing" a love so powerful,
but life is life and sometimes we only think we have control over it
when sometimes we really don't.

control gained.

my dad is my rock.
his eyes are like none i have ever seen. they are a deep hazel brown with a flicker of green,
just a flicker.
even just looking at him dead in the eye brings mine to tear.
I see me grandpa mendez clear as day.
oh, how i wish that man was in my life longer than those short few years.
crazy thing is, even at such a young age i remember things that a 2 year old shouldn't
or you would think couldn't. crazy how meaningful some people are in your life.

eyes.

you can see them in through mine a little, with that flicker of green ignited,
but more than ever through that of my favorite little girl and my favorite little boy.
probably a little more through Lex, but not because any one is "less fave'd."

so as the traits of this amazing man i call dad are passed down through me to them,
i can only hope that the most important trait i have come to know is passed down as well.
his heart.
not just the organ. what's INSIDE the organ.
that strongest muscle in your body.
the one no one can live without.
that voice of reason.
that unconditional love.
that hold you, touch you, hug you trait
that listening ear
that never judge
that always speak the truth
that fight for what's right
that count your blessings
that hold your head high
that hard working
that very emotional but reasonable
that passionate yet firm
that love of lyrics and music
that gentle pride
that home is what and where you make it
that mi casa is su casa
that another round of whiskey
that stubbornness
that attention to detail
that love of animals
that love for the ocean
that little bit of hippy love
that warmth
that sense of compassion
that forgiveness
that
that
that
i could go on for hours, days...
for those lucky enough to know him, know.
even if you have momentarily met him. you feel it.
that love.
that heart.
that "i love you."

that "i love you til the street stops" trait.
{-v.mendez circa 1986}

that trait.

***
i love you dad. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
the love you have shown me through my young life of 31 years has been more than some are shown in a lifetime. i should be able to tell you all this face to face.
but you know we would just cry. we, all four of us, you, mom, jason, and myself are SO passionate yet sometimes it's hard for us to not show it, because we all show it in our own quirky little ways, but express it verbally seems harder for all of us.
well, not you...
flaw?
not really, actions speak VOLUMES over words.
but i needed you to know.
via words. black and white type.
no greys.

you are an amazing dad. you should be so proud of your familia,
because we are so proud of you.
please know, you have more than done your job as a dad.
though we have so much life left to live,
thus far- i wouldn't change a thing. seriously.
{i will speak for jason}
you have taught us to believe in ourselves and press forward no matter what
curve balls are thrown, strive for nothing less than the best.
more than anything the love you have given to us could light up the world.
WE, jason and i, can now show that love to our littles.
it's not anything you can explain or teach- it has to be felt, shown, provided, nurtured.
thank you.

***

tears.

there is no doubt in my mind that i should be better at letting him no all of this,
but if i were to even try, tears, nothing but tears would fall.
tears are flowing down his cheeks now- i know.
knowing he would wipe them from mine leaves me knowing no greater feeling.
regardless what they are full of
happy ones, sad ones, meaningless ones...

it's his hand that wouldn't let them fall.
he wouldn't let me fall.

so on this fathers day, i celebrate mine.

"a "father" he was not to me, but yet a dad he will always be."

-v.gibbs
fathers day 2011

ps.
i firmly believe that behind every good man is a great women.
i love you mom.

the sea, you see...

2011-06-18T00:15:00.002-07:00

we made it.
we made it before june gloom that is...
seems like as soon as that school bell rang we were headed west.
west coast.
california.
sounds so good but being there is better.
i promise you that.
promise land.

sand between our toes stat.
beach cruisin' days and bundled up nights.
love.

we are free.
we are silly.
we are happy.
we are fulfilled.
we smile.

we love to pack our picnic lunch and have no place to be.
no one to impress.
it's just us.
togetherness.
just the way i like it.

it's amazing what that pull of the tide can do for your soul.
to think i ever moved away from it leaves me speechless sometimes.
who knew? i sure as hell didn't. so young. so dumb.
oh well-
it's a good thing it doesn't move as often as i have.
it's strong, full of life, deep, and a force to be reckoned with.

i dare you.
i wouldn't.
why?
who would?
i didn't.
then again, let's do this.

i lay there and let the sunshine warm me up and the salty sea air whip through my hair,
listen to my loves laugh, squeal, and giggle while
watching the waves rush in as if they have so much to say.
but then quickly and fiercely taking it all back.
a tease of sorts.
but not really, when your toes are grounded firmly in the sand,
you may sink but you stand firm.
you realize instead of the waves taking anything back from you,
you are letting it go...

it's a great feeling.
to over come such a huge hold.

you see, when i see the sea i let it all go...
any stress, holds, pain, fear, unknowns...
gone. washed away.
write all your fears in the sand. i dare you. ha.
even all the things you think you want or need.
i did, within seconds they are gone, washed away.
nothing but you in the moment, in the flesh is left.
you,
(and when i say you, i really mean me)
standing there with all senses awake, strengthened and electrified.
so powerful. what a blessing.
the sea, you see, it's like one big guardian angel that won't let you fall.
AND if you did,
one- it's sand, big whoop
and two-
that big guardian angel washes away any evidence of your fall.
who fell?

so profound that ocean. that guardian angel.
i am so drawn to it. it scares me a little. another move?
who knows. but i will let that tide pull on my heart strings for a while.
no sudden moves like the tide. just a peaceful place for now that i cherish with my loves.
who can't see it on their little faces?
{my toes even look happy!}

OR

for those who may not want to get that deep.
a fear or something silly-
lame.
so chalk it up to:

baskin' in the sunshine.
sea breeze
feet firmly planted in the sand
coastal cartwheels
family
ever so happy kiddos
laughs. loves. light.
perfect little family at a perfect little beach, in a perfect little city.

peace is peace.

“If you let go a little, you will have a little peace.
If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace.”

a years end...

2011-06-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

summer is here.
alas.
i have been waiting.
i love my mornings with my loves, my cup of joe and my cuddles.
no place to be.
no rushing.
no tardy bells.
{who me?!}

just a quick wrap up on the school year.
i had to post, even though we are well into our summer fun.

school projects, awards, report cards,
memories- all perfectly organized, perfectly put away for safe keeping.
a years end perfectly cherished.

take a bow...

2011-05-27T10:55:00.002-07:00

"I was the one, who would always jump in first
Didn't think twice to look behind
Got such a good feeling, just from playing in the dirt
Once, when I was little

We could build a rocket,
fly to the moon
Leave Tuesday morning, and be back for noon
There wasn't nothing, nothing that we couldn't do
Once, when I was little..."

stay little.
it affects me big.

she shines...

2011-05-20T07:39:00.005-07:00

dear lexie,

you are a light from above.
you are so smart.
you are so sweet.
you are so giving, so caring.
you are self driven.
determined.
goal oriented.
on the path to nothing but success.

you did it baby girl!
you practiced for one week straight.
i know you were nervous at first.
we practiced in the kitchen.
we danced and laughed and played the songs over and over.
on repeat.
mommy even busted out some "shine" moves with you.
dylan tried too...
we sang. we giggled. we loved.
you shined.

you shine.
you are an amazing little light that shine for us.
you are our baby girl.
you are becoming a big girl way to fast.
i don't want you to grow up.
i think 2nd grade came and went way to fast.
i wish i could stop time.
but i can't...

so shine.

shine on baby girl.
we are here cheering you on.
standing right beside you.
every. step. of. the. way.

every step of the way you have a family that is SO proud of you.
i love you, doesn't even begin to describe it.

good stuff...

2011-05-14T22:28:00.012-07:00

she says
"that's the way God wanted it..."

as we exit the freeway she asked me,
"mama, is this real, i mean REAL iced tea?"

"well, its more like a juice, but they like to call it iced tea."

"do you like this peach tea or the peach tea at red robin better?"

"probably the red robin peach tea, but mama really loves her green tea from aj's."

"i know." she says, "that is REAL, like, REAL iced tea."
as she uses her hands as she speaks just like her mama.

this iced tea juice she speaks of is one from Panda Express.
it was Lipton Brisk Full of sugar, let's just call it high fructose corn syrup peach tea.
ha.
and Panda Express... well...
don't get me started...
gag.
BUT,
lex loves the orange chicken bowl, so hence her dinner after a full day of
playing, birthday parties, swimming, mama working...
let's have a picnic on the living room floor,
chat, love and fall into bed...

that we did.
picnic we had
tucked in snug as a bug
then mama got her second wind...

{photo credit: the droid}

the things we can learn by teaching our own.
after a little over exhausted meltdown from a long fun-in-the-sun kind of day,
we talk.

she listens intently.
embracing every word.
such a big soul in that little body.

"well, baby girl... He never gives you more burdens than you can bear,
He never gives you anything you can't handle. Even during the hardest times,
He watches over you, He is always there for you to turn to..."

"what do you mean you can turn into God?"

"you can't turn into God, but you can turn to him.
He is always there to listen and guide you.
Even when you think you He's not guiding you, He is.
Teaching you life long lessons along the way.
I promise, He will never give you anything you can't handle in life.
Ever. He just makes you stronger. He loves you so much.
Mama loves you so much baby girl."

"So even though this iced tea is full of sugar, i guess
that's the way God wanted it,
it is really good."

"it is really good, isn't it."

...and that is how our topic of conversation got started,
thank god.

that's good stuff.

organic-y

2011-05-09T21:48:00.008-07:00

...and so the blog got a little botox today...

so whatta ya think?
well~
i love.love.love.love.
and love some more.

quite frankly~
she is amazing.
i thank her with my whole heart.

inject me please.
but with a:

real
organic
natural
hands in the soil
calm
candle burning
faithful
grateful
clean
white, beige, greens
soft
textured
light
airy
says so much, but not too much
crafty but not scrappy
junk'd
torn
perfectly imperfect
butterfly fluttering
wide open lens
real life
lovely
sweet
fulfilling
happy
hand written
therapeutic
homey
classy
warm
calming
soulful
sunny
dreamy
realistic
natural
bare
raw
real
peaceful
all things true to me, my heart, my core
my inner being.
organic
back to the roots
hands in the soil
this is my bliss
kind of
vibe.

injected.

a full heart
a fresh look
a fabulous future...

peace.
it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise,
trouble, or hard work.
it means to be in a the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.

~unknown

ps. celebrating not just yesterday but everyday...motherhood.

a heart...

2011-05-01T18:53:00.009-07:00

the sea.
it calms me.
everytime.

last time i was here i drove until i hit the water.
until then, i'd never been to the east "coast".

this is trip #3.

this little spot is beginning to have a place in my heart.
camera in tow, toes in the sand~ i shoot.
therapy at it's finest.

the wind whips my wild, humidity hating hair.
it's gets that natural lioness wave.
it's warm.
my skin is love-ing the moisture in the air.
it's weird to have the sun behind me as i look into the wild blue.
to this girl west coast girl, it feels a little backwards.
but hey, who am i to judge.
instead i embrace.

so blessed we are.
it soaks in.
{i let it}
so do my feet in the wet cold sand.
wading in and out of the water with my jeans loosely rolled,
debating on how soaked i want to get.
something about the water crashing against my feet and quickly pulling away...
it's so temping.

i stay on my tippy toes...

holding the canon body as i do a dumb bell
yeah... it's that heavy...
but i'm strong.

i fight- or shall i say, dance.
i dance with the waves.
they are winning...
i just want to write a few things in the sand.
every time they get washed away...
every time.
*sigh*
thus is life...
so many things to say and then crash...
i continue my dance.
i'm a good dancer...

a heart.
my heart.

darn waves...

a heart.
my heart.

gosh darn waves...

a heart.
my heart.

it was there for a moment.
just long enough to click the canon.
that's my job.
remember?

funny,
that's all it takes is a mere moment.
forever is made.

no matter how many times before
a heart.
my heart.
was washed away with the pull of the tide.
i captured it.

forever it will stay.
a heart.
my heart.

..........

in the end what matters most is
how well did you live,
how well did you love,
how well did you learn to let go...

ps. my jeans were soaked :)

this is happening now...

2011-04-29T12:33:00.016-07:00

this is happening right now.
in fact i am florida bound.
i am in the air somewhere in route.

this morning rushing as always.
email hits the phone.
it reads:

Hi Vanessa.
My heart is so sad tonight. I have been following Ronan's blog from the beginning and have not been able to stop thinking about him all day. Why can't all of our prayers be answered and this sweet little boy be well again?
So my point in contacting you is... i really hope you can tell me that plans have been made for you to take photographs of sweet Ronan and his beautiful family. This is a time in their lives that should be captured forever and I know that they will be priceless to Maya. I'm sure her head is full of other issues she is worrying about right now, but I just couldn't sleep and wanted to get this off my mind. I love that little boy, whom I have never met. Praying for a miracle. Melanie

huh?!
i'm confused?
i had no idea, who, what, where, or the impact this had on the rest of my life.
set my phone down and rushed around only to find myself sitting in my seat, however many 10o0 of feet in the air, 30 minutes into my flight and paying the $12.95 for the wifi.

trying to wrap my world around this by following facebook threads and sending a few emails,
i figured it out.

my friend shannon sends me this:

He's my nephew he's being taken out of the hospital because he's dieing and they can't stop it... rockstarronan.com read.
(do not read until you have read this entire blog post)

as I sit on the plane i begin to read.
and sob.
uncontrollably.
the song you currently here is playing via pandora and my ear phones,
"by your side"
sade.

snot is dripping from my nose.
i try not look obvious while wiping it away with my fingers.
the closest thing to a napkin is my favorite black cardigan.
now a black tissue.
the biggest crocodile tears you have ever seen are rolling down my face.
the kind where there is no facial expressions. no noises.
nothing but water streaming from my eyes.

PLEASE STOW ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES.

i have landed safe
now close to 11pm east coast time.
i am exhauseted.
i have had a rough day.
lacking sleep.
airports in general.
luggage.
security.
rushing.
4 hour flight.
rental car troubles.
down pouring rain.
cancellations.
a great dinner my florida family.
a hot shower.
missing my family.
my home.

and then...
really?! really?!
we are so consumed with our day to day chores of life.
general day to day tasks to stay the course.
life. love. work. be fulfilled. feel fulfilled.
WE GET LOST.

at the end of the day...
who cares?!?!
really.

your family is the map to help guide you-
home.

do you have the love of your family?
an unconditional love no one can take from you?
your health?
healthy kiddos?
taking them to school?
going to their art shows?
are you tucking your kiddos in bed?
reading bedtime stories?
are they running around like crazy
driving you crazy?

yes. yes. and yes.
PRAISE GOD.

what you are about to read, i hope will affect you the way it has me.
to my core.
if it could go deeper~ it did.
this is something NO mother, or father, or family should EVER have to go through.
ever.
i believe that with that same deep down core of mine.

why? why? why?
i ask myself the same thing.
why?
why?

Ronan~
you are a rockstar.
you, little man, are an amazing little boy.
you have touched me in ways i could never explain.

thank you.

i beg you~
let this be a HUGE reminder.

No-
THIS is happening right now.
rockstarronan.com

love as hard as you can
if not for forever, for today.

you may not have tomorrow...

ps. i have committed myself to the family at whatever capacity they are comfortable.

soul...

2011-04-27T22:31:00.004-07:00

believe.
i believe.

–verb (used without object)

to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully.

they are my proof that one can love with their entire soul and it never feels like enough...

for the record...

2011-04-08T10:43:00.004-07:00

as seen in the march issue of
az magazine.

i tell ya. it's tough being famous!
o.m.g!
i laugh.

however,
i'm loving this little piece of publicity for "miss bliss" herself.
what a rockin' little article for a rockin' little photog.
and i say little because we have a long and humble road ahead to be "big time."
but with continued the love and support of friends, family and my ever so devoted bliss family,
all thing are possible.

florida bound soon, michigan bound shortly, and cananda bound soon after...
you game?

i think i'm gonna go for the gusto!
we got big dreams to be had-
for the record.

g funk...

2011-03-29T11:54:00.001-07:00

we made it home from spring break.
a break ago.
ha.
sometimes you feel the need to recover from the recovery.
you know-
the vacay from the vaycay.

but it was right back to the lens right away the next morning
and i swear it has been non-stop since then.

life. love. lens.
on repeat.
not necessarily in that order.
non-stop.

holy stop!
what is this little piece of make-my-heart-smile?
comes in a little brown box stamped with a crown and a "v"
so fitting right?
i'd say so.

natural.
light.
custom.
mixed metals.
organic.
ORIGINAL.
made just for me.

simply stunning.

gasp!
some people know me so well.
and then again-
some don't.

she didn't-
but does now.
over a date with kiddos and frozen yogurt.
imagine that.

junque?
yes please.
g funk?
no funks.
junque?
yes please.

oh, how i love that little island...
not only because it is
quaint, calm, beachy
close to my parents,
fresh, fun, friendly,
and my little loves
L.O.V.E it there.
...as if that's not enough.

maybe too it's
because little precious gifts hail from that
sweet little island.

so do amazing girlfriends.
thank goodness for those.

originals.
100% pure- her talent.
coming from the cutest little one car workshop, just off the alley.
i'm green with envy of this little space.
it's full of junque.

oh!
there are more to come via the mailman.
i can't wait to share
my:
tangled pieces of junque that will adorn this neckline...
which one to wear?
maybe i'll rock all of them-
all at once to play up that "layered" look.
create an impactful run on sentence that makes no sense-
unless you know me and my speak. my tongue. my language. my heart.

words that scream to you with out saying a word.
touch your heart without touching you at all.

you are in suspense.
what's the worry-
i will share when they arrive.

the point:
i do wear my junque proudly.
g funk junque.

around my neck is where i love their arms.
close to my heart is where they are.
always.

less the funk.
all about the junque.
g junque.

ps. images stolen from lovely junque's website. ;)

coastal...

2011-03-15T10:13:00.005-07:00

hey oooooh!

look who popped in.

can't stay long...

it's BEA.U.TI. FUL

outside.

we have been soooo busy.
riding, walking, running, scooping, tangleing, jumping, eating, shopping, laughing

annnnnd

loving.

loving every minute.

i will say it has been non-stop and so the thought of even blogging and working

well- is out the window.

and by golly LOOK out that window.

gorgeous.

my fingers are typing ever so fast.

so much to catch up on.

horses.

dictionaries.

junque.

for the love of KIDS.

yes this is happening friday.

eeeeek!

anyhoo-

currently my kiddos are bouncing off the walls with their new chucks, nerf guns, puzzles,

and anything else tourist gobble up in this great city.

we are off to bask in the glory of the pacific ocean via coronado.

xo,

ps. i have no idea why this post is caddy-whompas but whatev- we got waves to catch.

happy as the sun...

2011-03-08T12:10:00.002-07:00

how can you not smile after that?!
whew!
darn skippy.
we.are.happy.

lazy bloggin' + lyrics = still makin' you smile

whenever this world gets the best of me
and it all goes wrong
i count down the hours till the time we meet
and i move along
'cause i know that when i see you i will be
happy as the sun, lighter than a feather
walking on the clouds when we are together
every day with you just keeps getting better
the world's as it should be, when are you here with me
here with me
whenever you leave, my heart skips a beat
unless you are here, i am incomplete
like an undone song
Only you inspire the melody in me
happy as the sun, lighter than a feather
walking on the clouds when we are together
every day with you just keeps getting better
the world's as it should be, when are you here
how could i go wrong
when you are here with me
how could I be anything but smiling
i'm happy as the sun, lighter than a feather
walking on the clouds when we are together
every day with you just keeps getting better
the world's as it should be, when are you here with me
the worlds as it should be
when you are here, when you are here
when you are here with me

good.
let that smile grace that beautiful face.

i'm skipping with that little boy after school.
i'm holding my arms wide open while that little girl runs & jumps in them
after crossing the crosswalk.

love my sunshines.

the sun is shining.
now go fra la la in it.
don't forget to smile.
big.

sauce...

2011-03-06T23:43:00.002-07:00

paris, france
circa-
who cares?

take. me. there.
well.
take. we. there.

lex says to me the other day...
wait a sec.
back up.
rewind.

preface

walking through Target the other day and rummaging through the dollar bins
in the front of the store...yeah, you know the ones.
hello! perfect, little, silver, ceramic eiffle tower.
you, eiffel tower, just made me smile.
inspired me.
the "little miss" will love you.
you are coming home with me.
we?
noooo...
oui-
noooo...
we?

ha.
super quick french lesson:
we = yes
oui = the correct spelling
?
it's french.
no dig.
ha.

so much more sexy with that spelling so therefore i'm goin' with it.
it's correctly sexy.

post french lesson:
i bought that little silver eiffel tower for $2.50 for my lex.
{and don't get me started with the $2.50 in the $1 bin- gets me every time}

a rainy day in paris...

she loved it, to say the least.
followed by a...
"mama, i heard that there is a bakery under the eiffel tower
that makes the whole city of paris smell yummy."

my world stops.
hard.

"well, i don't know, mama has never been, but we will go.
me and you."

i die.
choke up.
my heart swells.

not because it's some kind of revelation.
well- maybe it was.
whatever it was.
it touched the inside of my heart.
dreaming, wanting, wondering of paris.
she is 7.

it's a big, huge, gi-normas world out there and she will know it.

it's a culture, a lifestyle, a love.
i want to experience it.
i want her to experience it.

Le savior-faire de style
Le savior-faire culturel

we'll take both.
if only we could purchase this at Target...

{screen blur}

the sights, sounds, smells, people, language, love...
i fall madly in love with the mere thought, let alone my existence in this brilliant city.

the lens craves it as well. i won't lie.
gosh.

big dreams, yes.
completely tangible dreams, yes.

maybe for her 10th birthday?
can i do it?
gonna live like i can.
how amazing would that be?

until then...

we bake.
i realize it's not quite the bakery under the eiffel tower...
but it's home.
homemade.
pie.
pizza pie.
with heavenly sauce.

delicious thin crusted slice of homemade heaven.
yes. it was that good.
admittedly,
i don't even know how the pies are in paris, france...
or how much thin crusted pizza is even consumed there.
but does it matter?
it's paris for pete's sake.

all i know is that my little loved filled casa smelled
"yummy"
as does the city with the bakery under the eiffel tower.

à bientôt à Paris

...until we meet in Paris...

just because...

2011-03-05T09:34:00.009-07:00

well hello saturday morning march 5th.
*sigh*
i think like the rest of the universe, i am saying:
"time is flying"
yes.
flying.
ahhh kite flying...
march?! yes, march.
springtime.
my favorite time of year.
spring cleaning. new growth. shed the layers.
redecorate.
exfoliate the skin.

so this kite...
it's a brightly colored kite blowing in the wind.
swirling, up and down, color everywhere.
it's a beautiful sight.
this colorful kite is flowing in whichever the direction the wind blows it.
loving every minute.
free.
trying to find a steady stream of solid breeze.
but realizing, who really wants that?!
really?
constant. static. life.
that should be an oxymoron.
i think it is in fact.

life.
it should be colorful.
just because.

my colorful life.
i love you.

my life loves heart shaped pancakes.
just because.

my life loves
"love" written in super sweet syrup.
just because.

my life loves these precious little loves.
life is precious love.

"but its precious love, oh its precious love
no i can't let it go,
this is precious love, and its teaching me,
everything i need to know,
this precious love, this precious love,
i can't get enough,
i'm down on my knees, begging you please
to give me some more of that stuff."

-james morrison

i got your precious love
but you are NOT allowed to lick the plate.

now let's go bask in the sunshine and fly a kite.
just because.

happy saturday.

ps. so much good stuff in the air...can't wait to share.

so this guy...

2011-02-04T23:59:00.007-07:00

i throw myself into my work.
and when i do-
watch out world.
'cause i rock it.
my world at least.
and that's good enough.

i can always count on one other guy's world being rocked as well.

i believe it is no mistake at all this kitchen table is labeled as such.

hey there,
little canon point and shoot i love to hate.
we jammin'!

so i was saying...
this guy...
he's pretty special to me.
the first guy i fell head over heels for.
unconditionally.
he taught me all about that.

he has taught me so much.
so much.
been there through it all.
happy tears, sad tears, just tears.
smiles. happy smiles, just because smiles.
ear to ear smiles that make you cry happy tears.

he sends me texts when i need them most to remind me how much he loves me.
my family.
my work.
me.
my laugh.
my voice.
me.

so this guy,
he knows style.
he taught me style.
he loves my style.
he knows grace.
he taught me grace.
he has class.
he taught me about class.

he knows how to be fair.
he's strong.
he's gentle.
he's passionate.
he LOVES lyrics.
{i start to cry}
he loves music.
he can play the guitar but doesn't play enough.
he can sing but doesn't sing enough.
he can surf but doesn't surf anymore.
he's at peace with the sea.
he's really pretty cool.
hippy cool.
peace sign cool.
i love him.
a lot.

nothing makes him happier than the happiness of his kids.

he never fails me.
he's a safe haven.
a hand to hold.
a lover of life.
he always does the right thing.
he's honest and hard working.
he's a giver.
a protector.
a hug-er.
he always says,
"i love you."
no matter what.

he keeps me on the straight and narrow while allowing me, pushing me, believing in me
to spread my wings and fly.
follow my dreams kind of flutter.
he corrects me when i am wrong.
even when i'm right. ;)
he is thoroughly enjoying these images of me shooting.
he's proud.
he's humble.
he swears he taught me all i know about photography.
i'll give him the credit.
i guess.

he let's me second guess myself but reminds me
i have no reason to.
he stands beside me.
supports me, every step of the way.
he has always let me be me.
always encouraged me to be me.
he loves me being me.
he loves this blog.

and so the other day this guy sends me a text just when i needed it most.
it made me cry. he usually does.

it was a riddle of sorts.
just as i like them.
just keepin' me on my toes...
kind of like "my" style of writing.
ha. that he loves- mind you.

most of the time he'd say,
"who sings it?"

instead he texts:
just remember i love you and it will be alright...

firefall and your dad.

????

firefall and my dad?

????

this is a song- i just know it.
not sure which one.
google. stat.
bam.
a song.
lyrics.
heart felt ones.
he "@&%##" rocks.
and then i smile that
ear to ear smile that makes me cry happy tears.

so this guy...
he's pretty cool.
he's turning 60.

we are celebrating tomorrow.
ROCKSTAR STYLE.

he loves his rockstar.
his baby girl.
his boo boo's.
unconditionally.

and i love that guy.

oh!
and dad,
just remember i love you...

happy birthday celebration.
{because your "@^#%$&$" birthday is the 7th :)}

ps."@&#%$^#" = inside joke.
{but you can insert a bad word}

what's my sexy...

2011-02-02T02:28:00.004-07:00

i have asked quite a few this question:

"what's your sexy?"

trying to wrap my head around my crazy, messy, sexy, side.

it's harder than you may think sometimes...

but then again, not.

so indecisive i am-

whichever the case, it got me thinking...

ha.

what's my sexy?

a little less dramatic than one might think...

simple
clean
bare
comfy
home-y
soft
quiet
eyes
light
lyrics
real
freshly painted toes
beautiful
true
wherever
whenever
bursting
full
fulfilled
grateful
thankful
appreciative
dance in the rain
frolic in the sunshine
sweet

pure sweetness-
with a kick of course.
sexy messy polished chaos.
chaos?
how 'bout that kick?
ha.

that's pure.
that's me.
that's sexy.

when one is comfortable in their own skin.
confidant in who they are.
what they believe.
oneself.
happy.
content with who they are, not what they are wanted to be...

being sexy isn't really that hard.
just be you.
be true to you.
be sexy.
'cause your dad will always love you.
no matter what.

whew!
that was sexy!

love hard.
smile big.

and so now that i have wrapped my head around this beautiful mess
i leave you with this.
whatever "sexy" i find in them tomorrow...
{well, today really}
i will be sure to make them shine.
because after all...
that is part of my sexy.

and sexy that is.

what's your sexy?
let's find it.

giving credit where credit is due: betterthanfine, bippityboppityboo, thisisglamorous

funk.key.heart...

2011-01-30T23:59:00.005-07:00

pardon me as i
blaaaaaaah!
and then fall in love all over again.

lately been feelin' in a funk.
even now.
i hate when in my most creative wee hours i find myself...
ummm...
not so creative.
it's an artists nightmare.
hit your head against the wall...sigh...chin in the palm of your hand kind of nightmare...

i am aloud to blaaaaah on this blog.
it is mine.
right? right.

big girls don't cry. they date. sooooo.....

saturday i had a date with inspiration.
you know the rest of the story if we are fb friends.
if not, it goes like this:

dear inspiration,
we had a date today at 3pm. we are now going steady. we rock.

yes. it's now sunday.
a good day.
a sunday kind of love day.

so feel the love as i share with you this lil sneak peek, hot off the press, get ya outta that funk, what funk, game on, let's do this, omg, these images rock, can't wait to share the rest, i'm lovin' this,
who the heck is miss bliss anyhoo,
they haven't even hit the website yet...but me and inspiration are going steady.
{after one date}

ok, back to me-
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

who's in a funk?

sunday fb status reads:
i'll tell my own love story.

title: love story

you are my love.
you are my inspiration.
you make me wanna be better.
i deserve better.
you take me there. physically. emotionally. spiritually.
you encourage me.
you make me wanna pick up this lens and do great things.
for me. for us. for our family.
thank you.
i will tell our love story.
i love you.
the end.

in a funk- no more.
i have the key-
i {heart} my lens.

my funk-key-heart is full.

who's in a funk?!?

"bert-day pawty"...

2011-01-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

the rockstar has arrived.
fashionably late.
no time to chat-
these tokens are burnin' a hole in his pocket.

game on.

*TWO*

jackpots later...
tickets galore.

he's stoked.

clearly.

he goes for the glider, flyer, bullet, throw-it-at something toy.

perfection.

rockstar-etts.
they rock.

lex...
she gets that from her mama.
dylan on the other hand- is thinking,
and i quote from the rockstar himself,
"no time for a lady"
outta the mouths of babes.
{that's a whole 'nother blog post}

highlight #1 for mama:

tearing open the gifts i remind him to open the cards first to see who actually gifted the gift...
they listen.
he opens the card first.
leans over to his best bud and says,
"what does it say?"
andrew replies,
"i don't know i can't read!"
dylan shrugs his shoulders,
"i can't either!"

i just about fell over.
it was that funny.
hilarious really.

and then-
highlight #2 for mama:

the one, the only-
"nose poke"

first off-
let's make this clear.
dylan is officially smitten.

walks over
puts his arm around her
and with that nifty little "nose poker"
BAM!
right in the nose.

as to say...
here take this-
you rock and i'm smitten!

mama will have to work with him on his approach...

highlight of the day...

he is officially 5.

the rock'd "bert-day pawty" sealed that deal.

i think he is pretty awesome.

nothing you don't already know.

nose poke!

rock'd it!

2011-01-19T14:16:00.002-07:00

let it be known-
right here. right now.
MY LITTLE BOY IS A ROCKSTAR!

yes.
it is his birthday so i am extra excited.
and this music has me a fired up!
...has me dancin' like a mama shouldn't-
{omg! i got mad jokes!!}
or just craving the treadmill...
but regardless of any dance moves or treadmill beats...

THIS KID ROCKS!

so after a date with the treadmill this morning,
me and my freshly blown out hair stroll into
"party city" -
dylan and his homies
{JUST ROLL WITH ME}
are expecting a "big" surprise today in class.

siiiigh.

it must be perfect.
simple.
cheap.
not edible
colorful
blog-able
cute
silly
fun

it must rock.

he rocks.
it must be him.

i stood there and daydreamed for probably 20 mins...
what to do
what not to do

snap out of it already!

it will be perfect
it will all work out as it should.

seriously?
really?

ok- he is 5-
big deal but not this complicated.

BAM!
just like that.
good news.

it seriously overwhelmed me.

i'll take these and hand full of balloons
that will perfectly match his retro tee.

"are you ready to check out m'am?"
"why, yes i am. thank you."

this is gonna rock.

and it did not just rock.
it rocked my whole soul.

rockstar sunglasses.
who'da thought?

...the excitement continues as the amazing light dims but the party continues.

and so i take try to take off my
"photog hat" off
and put my "mama hat" on-
let's be honest.
you always want the best for your kiddos
including AMAZING pictures.
but despite the "hat"
bad light is bad light.

i have no idea why i feel the need to explain this.
{i'm rambling}
but it bothers me.

so please forgive the lack of light-
but appreciate the most amazing moments of this
rockstar's 5th "bert-day!"

!!!

ps. i heard some rockstars slept with theirs on...

corners of my heart...

2011-01-18T21:59:00.003-07:00

it's real time folks.
we made it.
finally.

like this blog,
it's an open book that sits perfectly placed on a quaint table.
though this blog sits perfectly on your ipad- not a quaint table.
anyhoo-
it's opened to my favorite page,
i walk by it several times a day.
sometimes even stopping to read it time and time again,
even though i know what it says.

and so we meet again...
corners of mi casa
coners of my heart.

fb post on 1.1.11 reads:
2011: i will love harder. laugh louder. live stronger. smile bigger.
you comin'?
let's do this twenty eleven!

and i will.
i made a promise to myself.

i have set so many goals for myself this year.
i hope to accomplish all of them
or go down tryin' as hard as i can.
i am determined.

the way i see it is-
as one reflects,
the best thing to do is redirect.

redirect any thoughts that don't fill you up.
let all the others go...
focus the things that do fill you up.
the things that inspire you.
the people. the places. the things.
the sights. the sounds.

it's you.
your life.
your love.

nobody wants an empty hug.
or a hollow heart.

let your love shine.
the time is now.
define yourself.
fill yourself up.
blossom.

say this aloud:
this year i will:
love harder. laugh louder. live stronger. smile bigger.
{or fill in the blank}

so in the spirit of redirecting...
{and redirecting doesn't always mean coming full circle}
and as i take off the
"inspirational hat"
i will end this post as it begun.

"believe there is always always always a way"
"when you have exhausted all possibilities remember this: you haven't."
-thomas edison

there you be.
filled up.
every corner of your heart.

the line up...

2011-01-16T23:11:00.004-07:00

oh!?
hi :)
there you are!!
who are you?

it's me.
remember me?
dark hair.
green eyes.
canon in tow.
vanessa- nice to meet you.

walking around the casa in a once folded over sweat pant and ribbed tank.
a clean bare tired face.
a necklace that never leaves.
a heart with "bliss" in it.
an etched picture of a camera that say "capture life"
with a perfectly perfect little pearl
{ka-wink-ee-dink? i think not.}
kind of dirty hair
LESS 2 inches.
boo!
siiiiigh.
pouty lip.
i miss you.
don't ever let me do that again.

i was up late last night-
blogging.
go figure.

the screen blurred a time or two.
and yes 2 bottles of vino.
wellll...like half bottles.
so like one.
whatever.

{am i kind of talking in the present? this rocks!}

i'm baaaaaaaaaaaack-
and
about 1 post away from posting REAL TIME!!!!

can you believe it?
i can hardly.
that was tough.
thank goodness for the playlist on repeat.

oh! and yes-
you wouldn't believe it was me if there was not a little random-ness.
so here you go.

i had to take a breather.
catch my breath.
and it might as well be intoxicating.

here's my line up.
deep breath in.
yeah...
kinda like in yoga.
and exhale
like you are blowing out a birthday candle or something.

now-
catch your breath
because imma 'bout to rock this blog!

i love blogs.

eat a cupcake...

2011-01-11T13:25:00.004-07:00

january birthdays.
there are a lot of them.

cherish.

so much excitement over these cupcakes!
of course-
they are for daddy.

so eat a cupcake.
then go to the gym.

cheers.
happy birthday daddy!
we love you.

jump!

2011-01-01T14:07:00.003-07:00

and so we jumped into twenty eleven.

a new year it is.
say it isn't so?

you gonna jump really high or just stand there?

suggestion:
don't take jumping advice from dylan-
ha.

ps. photogs love credits.
thanks dad.

white fluffy's...

2010-12-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

are you kidding me with these little bundles of brrr's...
are they not the cutest kiddos you have ever seen?
i think so!
they make me smile THAT smile.
you know the one.
yep!
bring out the kid in ya smile.

and so we sled.

what's that?!
what's what?
what's that?!
that?
yes, that!
the white stuff?
yesssss!
SNOW!!!!

finally!

i could do snow.
a lot of snow.
i think?
if.... you did most of the shoveling to clear the driveway.
i would help.
ahhh snow.
snow storms.
snow blizzards.
snow flurry's.

like - <--- that would be the negative sign! {whatever degrees}
eeek!
squeak!
snuggle!

or what about just little white fluffy's
when you want them.
i think so.
70* in Dec.
i'll take it.
just not ON christmas day.

too much to ask?
can you make that happen for me?
sure you can.

regardless.
cuddle me already!!
it's freakin' cold.

oh! annnnnnd i can sled better than you.
you game?
of course you are.
psh-

let's roll!
you comin'?

who me?!
oh yeah...
siiiigh...
i know the boots rock!

tis the season...

2010-12-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

ginger bread houses made
cookies made
jammie dance danced
giggles and wiggles
a note to santa written
santa sprinkled his magic
pankcakes were made
a playlist played
smiles graced the face

'tis the season.

feliz navidad!

christmas casa...

2010-12-02T20:41:00.003-07:00

halloween. no christmas.
no halloween.
i swear the tree will be up at halloween.
all the little joys that come with knowing that it WILL in fact be up in time for christmas.

a little drama.
no not much.
just me.
you know me.

ahhh the christmas casa.
cinnamon sticks
cinnamon candles
fresh rosemary and lemons on the counter
warm reds and greens
i'm a "classic chirstmas" kind of girl.

i loved loved loved my tree.
loved.
it was real this year.
it was perfectly vintage inspired.
it was big white old fashion lights.
it was hand made trimmings.
it was a snow covered front porch.
it was a red front door.
it was a roaring wood burning fire place.
it was hot cocoa with marshmallows.
it was handmade gifts.

it was most of these...
but i do believe.
i do believe it was awesome.

get your cre-ate on...

2010-12-01T11:12:00.001-07:00

and i pulled it off.
i also pulled an all nighter.
not just a 3am-er
but hey.
it was all worth it.
see below:

welcome to JAM.

A creative venue bringing together the best - a space of inspiration, magic and bliss. This artisans boutique is also THE space for crafts and classes in the arena of arts, social interests, and gatherings. We have created a feeling that taps into your spirit and feels like home.

and yes-
we do go together like toast and jam.
heart shaped toast and jam.
quite frankly.

miss bliss be jammin'

seeing double...

2010-11-30T20:29:00.003-07:00

holiday sessions are in full swing.

i feel like i am seeing double.
wait-
i am
TWINS!

i want twins.

WAIT WHAT!
who's rootin' for a basketball team?

ha.
o to the m to the g!

i'm smiling.
well...smirking.
really big.

i hate basketball.

i think this whole full time photog has got me seeing double.

blurring screen.

and so i stare at their precious-ness.
it overwhelms me.

i love my job.
i love what i do.
i love that big piece of metal in front of my face.

tiny toes.
tiny hands.
little noses.
little noises.

i can could get used to seeing double.

but for now-
maybe i should just stand in front of the mirror...
no blur.

supa' star...

2010-11-29T10:30:00.001-07:00

i started dropin' the whole everything "rocks" like 18 months ago...
or longer.

probably longer.

it all started when i saw an image in my mind.
a vivid one.
what do you see?

whatever it was...
it became an digital image.
that rocks.

super swell.
fall in love kind of super swell.
a make wish upon a star kind of swell.
my hearts swells.

she rocks.
her greens rock.
her sassy-ness rocks.
{sometimes}
her smile rocks.
her laugh rocks.
her heart rocks.
her love rocks.

she is a rockstar.
and i will tell her everyday.

because if i don't who will?

now go tell someone they rock!
you'll feel better.
because if you don't...

who will?

thanks!

2010-11-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

okay so by now i am smack dab in the middle of chaos.
who has time for thanksgiving?
ha.
honest is what i am.
that is exactly what i was feeling.
it's not even cold here.
it's not in the air.

so my phone is blowing up all hours of the day and night for last minutes sessions.
edits are out the ying yang.
the list is forever long.
and i pray to God-
there are no random deletes, cards gone bad, formatting the wrong card.
basically that everything gets downloaded and backed up 3x's.

the car is packed 5 hours late.
west coast bound.
thanksgiving bound.
to grandmother's house we go.

the table is set with
china, gold silverware, candles, linens.
as is the kids table.
a baby grand in the corner sits.

we say grace.
make a toast.
the food devoured.
the football game begins on the golf course.
it's a beautiful day.
i capture it all.

we are all thankful.
so blessed.
we have our health.
a full house.
a full heart.
a full tummy.
a fulfilled life.

a full card of digital images.
did get deleted.
gone.

thanksgiving day.
don't shoot me.
thanks!

jammin' bliss...

2010-11-23T20:20:00.001-07:00

who rolls on an inspriational, craft fair is a must, soul feeding girls trip in the midst of the busiest time of year.

i do!

and we cried, talked, shopped, hiked, worked, laughed, loved.
and grew a great friendship into an even more amazing friendship.

oh! and how about that 10323?
talk about amazing. lots of good childhood memories there.
13 years of them. we rolled up like we owned the place.
well, we did....20 some odd years ago.
my dad's first condo that my mama nabbed
and decorated.
ha.
just kidding...
when was i born?
wait- when is your wedding anniversary?
hahahahahaaha!
good times....
30 wonderful blissful years.
no- not just my age. that's how long they've been married.
{soon to be 31!}
WHOOT!

and we even made a drive by past the 'ol elementary school. talk about serious memories.

it was a fun trip.
fulfilling in many ways.
it's always good to see the ocean.
west coast always wins.
the parents are always good.

a fed soul-
even better.

your bliss...

2010-11-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

this is my bliss.
a gift.
lexie is so proud of her mama.
"my mama is miss bliss and i am miss bliss #2."
mellllllllt my heart and soul- for that matter.
and so we give the gift of bliss.
the mini sesh is well sought after in 2nd grade.

your bliss. signed. sealed. gifted.

click click...

2010-11-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

in the midst of the chaos..

i remind myself how lucky i am to have ruby red slippers to click.
click click.

as i wait for the next client to show i snap a little dittty.
thinking bloggable all the way.
i had good intentions to stay on top of things-
and then.
well.
that didn't happen.
but as you can see,
so much to share.

it's not just me running around crazy with a piece of metal coming out of my eye.
i do take time to stop and smell the roses.
wait- what roses?

reminder: figure of speech.

oh right.
continue.

the dust settles and the car is parked on the this gravel/dirt road in an orchard.
game face is on.
the ruby slippers are on.

the clicks begin.
the sound of the shutter.
the click of the ruby slippers.
i love that sound.
both of them.

i don't think we are in arizona anymore...

what's your story?
i'm telling mine.

click.

feeling festive...

2010-11-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

that would be the fall "fes-table" in dylan speak.
and festive it was.
kiddos would not have it any other way.
and so we played.
festively.

win me...

2010-11-17T20:17:00.001-07:00

annnnd yet another successful fall basket for the fall festival.

it had a perfectly shimmery bow on top
filled with fleur de lis
butterfly goodies
a scrapbook
a perfectly aged frame
candles
words of love
crafty rubber stamps
a note pad
a sesh by miss bliss herself.

perfect randomness?

nothing random about it.
other than the fact that it was screaming:

i rock.
win me.
take me home.
i'm bliss.

but then again-
you come to expect that from me.
yep!
you wouldn't have it any other way!

it's me...

2010-11-11T23:11:00.002-07:00

it's late.
real late.
it's me.
pulling my hair out.
bed is callling.
screaming really.

i am passionate.
i love my work.
my mind wanders.
creatives juices flow in and out as my mind wanders.
a little photo booth wander.
it works.
b&w boosts.
photoshop is a friend, not a plastic surgeon. ha.
clients text late.
"sneak peek?"
siiiiigh.
it's just me.
me.
me.
me.

you feel like you are at that point that all you want to do is not what you are doing...
make sense?
this one is deep.
maybe a little weird to you.
but some get me.
get this.
the whole,
"it's 3am, so happy to be pulling my hair out but wishing i wasn't."

feel me?
you do.
i feel it.

and so i smirk.
even when the flash is blinding.
and for the record.
i don't like the "flash."

hard.

2010-11-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

and i love harder.

where's mama...

2010-11-09T19:54:00.003-07:00

"where's mama going?"
"where's mama?"
"i miss mama."
"where's mama?"
"mama where are you going now?"

"another sesh."
said with every bit of thankfulness to an amazing start to a season.
bliss is in fact bonkers.
and i gleem.

and so the kiddos come to a sesh post sesh.
so i can see them
and stick my lens in their face.
happy or not.
mission accomplished.

mama's happy.

november corners...

2010-11-01T20:14:00.001-07:00

ahhh...
november...
this is about the time i believe i start to pull my hair out.
all my days begin to run together.
i am pullin' all nighters...
me and the 3am are great friends now.

and then with this.
all things are calm
and i carry on.
the keurig
a cup of joe in a favorite cup
gold click click "take me there" shoes
and a little book that says so much.
i'm there.
it's bliss.

toms.
nothing "fashionista" about these shoes.
but this is why i love them.

who say's i'm a fashionista anyhoo-
wait what-
riiiight!?
i did.

we fit.
me
denim
ribbed tanks
3 perfectly chunky bracelets.
and toms.

when's the next sesh...
gotta roll-

siiiiiigh
.....up in a bunch of covers and unnecessary pillows.

nope. forever has time for that.
for now-
we shoot.

are you lost?
don't be.
i'm a photog- and by now, Nov 1st, it's go time.

you comin?

boo! who loves you?

2010-10-31T23:08:00.001-07:00

BOO!
who the heck rocks black chucks like no other?
who has a killer broom?
who loves you?

i do!

i know that's scary!
happy halloween!

pick a puNkin...

2010-10-28T23:21:00.000-07:00

thankful.

i'm safe...

2010-10-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

i sleep snug as a bug at night.
a super hero lives here.
watch out-
{insert here: all the boy, gun, light saver noises}

mimi- check
paul frank undies- check
light saver- check
big sister- check
superman shirt- check

i'm safe.

yes sir!

2010-10-24T19:49:00.001-07:00

karate kids.
i'm diggin' the sir and mam stuff.
annnnd
the "if you don't........."
threats
no karate.
ha.
they work.

hi-ya!
sir.
followed by a hug and kiss for sissy.

THAT i love.
tough guy.

cowboy what?

2010-10-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

and so i sit. barefoot. in a apron. in the dirt. camera in hand.
just watching...

it started when i was cleaning the kitchen after breakfast on a random october saturday.
clomp. clomp. clomp.
{you're smiling with my choice of words}
welllllll... he did clomp in from the garage in his daddy's boots and rope in hand.
cowboy he wants to be....

"daddy can you teach me how to wope?"

WHOA!
yeah- you've heard the song...
mama's don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys.
i'm quite familiar with it.

his daddy can teach him how to rope. and then again- so can his mama :)

it's in his blood.
what can i say?

and so it begins...

i guess i better cowboy up!

cowboy what?!

bubby's in the bath...

2010-10-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

yes. bubby.
bubba. bubby. bubby boy.
go figure.
i'm boo boo's.
it's totally fine.
he doesn't mind it at all.
in fact- he answers to it.
and i still answer to "boo boo's"
especially to my dad's voice i know all to well.
but he is the cutest thing you have ever seen.
my greens have never seen such darker brown hazel eyes in my life.
they speak to me.
and that smile...
seriously?
siiiiiigh.
love.
he is just an amazing little boy taking a bath.
{mama's heart swells.}

it's just bubby in the bath.

flutter with me?

2010-10-20T19:40:00.002-07:00

flutter.
yep.
it's that time of year.
ok- so had i posted this when it was supposed to be posted.
i would have agreed with the word flutter.
however, it's more like the begining of the:

absolutely, positively, most craziest time ever.

BUT

miss bliss flutters gracefully.

and those who know me. not just me. but me-
snicker here.

and i freakin' LOL.
the laugh lines are totally unattractive- LOL.

but you are never given anything you can't handle.
and i handled it.
every rockin' sesh.

{i think.}

whatever.
just flutter with me and these hot off the press new officials.

they rock.
and you look pretty...

bake me...

2010-10-19T20:00:00.002-07:00

you know it's fall when:

it's 70* and you're wearing a scarf
the sugar tooth sneaks up on your cravings
you all the sudden want to bake banana nut bread
you kiss in the kitchen.

the house smells delish.
the butter is awaiting.
ding.
done.
yum.

*the air conditioning kicks on.

bake me.

fallish...

2010-10-18T21:40:00.002-07:00

welcome home.
i mean...
WELCOME HOME!!!!!
alas.
the blog.

ahhhhh!!!
{screaming}

THE BLOG!!!

YIPPPPEEEE!!!
{jumping really high!!!}

simma sista!
ok. ok. ok..

so if you have "google reader" you will end up hating me in a few-
or
if you have a swanky ipad- you just may fall in love with my blog again...

it's been waaaaaay to long...

but hey!?
now i have a lot to say!

don't hate.
maybe...
just maybe...
if you're lucky i'll keep my mouth shut and listen for once-
or just post.
but excessive none the less!

pictures
pictures pictures.
and more pictures.

can i tell you-

I CAN NOT hardly stand it- sooooo ready to be in "real time!"

S.T.A.T

let's do this-

i've been home from florida for well- quiet a while.
loving all my florida families and their rockin' holiday cards.
east coast rocks.

WARNING:
i just tossed bottle of "deliciously sweet"
ever so cheap, turquoise labled, moscato white vino from barefoot in the recycle bin...
so-
pardon the *misspelled* or random rambles.

i rock.

this we already know.

so-
fall.
ahhh.
ohhhh snap-
just like that it came and went.

and so i take you back in time as you can see by the dates of the post- no it's not mid-october.
it's JANUARY-
however... for the sake of the archives and the kiddos scrapbooks i have come to love-
it's mid october...
you comin'?

of course you are.
who are you kidding?

this is my bliss.
past, present and future.

timeless really.

i did it again...

2010-10-03T21:50:00.003-07:00

i did it again...

florida that is.

"always be aware of your surroundings"

my dad used to say and still does to this day.

i was.

aware.

i felt it.

i needed to see it. feel it. be in it.

treasures awaited behind that locked up, rusty ol' gate.

as i boarded the plane and a rental car awaited me i had a feeling...

i knew this trip was going to be more than a bunch 'o bliss packed in a tight schedule.

as my travels lead me to beautiful families, new facebook friends, happy customers.

i still search. sounds crazy, but crazy honest.

i am falling deep in love with all things real.

"everything happens for a reason" real.

"where one door closes another door opens" kind of real.

karma kind of real.
.......

i have been on the search for the perfect vintage bicycle.

looking. searching. emailing. craigslisting. antiquing.

i won't settle. i want it old, bright, rusty, vintage.

real.

and so it sits.

as if to say:

where have you been all my life?

sitting.

waiting

right there.

the whole time.

passport needed...it must travel west.

the bike that is.

and when it arrives you will be the first to know.

it wasn't cheap...

but worth every penny.

we'll call it a trade.

isn't it grand.

awesome at it's finest.

and so beyond the locked up

"no tresspassing"

gate...

peace and soul searching await.

i spent many an hour there.

one family after another.

capturing something beautifully different every time.

every time.

seeing things most don't.

that's why i like it.

it speaks to me.

i listen.

it's a quiet quaint place.

so happy to have stumbled upon it.

or followed the path that was clearly laid out for me.

oh!

don't get me wrong. this is where the bugs bite.

little bit of a reality check as well.

as i prepare my sun kissed skin and lather with "off" bug spray...

the bugs don't stay off.

but the price you pay for amazing damp air, big moisture filled cotton candy clouds,

green lush grass, everywhere and gasp!

"where did you take those pictures?! they are amazing!"

"who knew a tire could look so good?!"

kind of feel.

it's real.

and that is what i crave.

laughter, love, light, amongst the rockin' awesome randomness.

alas! florida, boca...

we did it again...

i thank you.

this trip has touched my soul.

a piece of you stays with me.

and as for that locked up rusty 'ol gate.

it's looks to be unlocked these days.

my leopard slippers have landed.
and all to shortly depart again tomorrow.

this solid tank wearin'
"fit like butta" denim lovin'
some random ring rockin'
a little home made "bliss" by my little miss sportin'
piece of canon in hand mama
loves the florida hospitality.

it feels like home.

i have two amazing people to thank.

bruce and mimi.

i take a piece of you with me back west...

yes. west.

as in arizona.

you have made me feel so welcome in your home.

no amount of thanks you's will ever come close.

and i could hug you both a ton and send you x's and o's via text-

but nothing compares to how you have made my heart smile.

thank you.

with that-

i will close with this.

florida was good to me.

i've

grown

learned

laughed

asked

loved

gasped
and found a piece of vintage.
the meant to be's of meant to be's.

with 4 hours

(i'm still on florida time)

until i have to rise and shine, i repack my neatly packed suitcase.
re-orginaize my jewelry bag that is filled with my big rings and silly bands.
yet another reminder of the realness that makes me, me.
they are waiting for me at home.

This Is My Bliss

perspective...

a magical presence...

caution: hot

salt water...

celebrating independence...

HUGE...

pinkberry goodness: the premier...

see world...

a father he was not...

the sea, you see...

a years end...

take a bow...

she shines...

good stuff...

organic-y

a heart...

this is happening now...

soul...

be·lieve

for the record...

g funk...

coastal...

happy as the sun...

sauce...

just because...

so this guy...

what's my sexy...

funk.key.heart...

"bert-day pawty"...

rock'd it!

corners of my heart...

the line up...

eat a cupcake...

jump!

white fluffy's...

tis the season...

christmas casa...

get your cre-ate on...

seeing double...

supa' star...

thanks!

jammin' bliss...

your bliss...

click click...

feeling festive...

win me...

it's me...

hard.

where's mama...

november corners...

boo! who loves you?

pick a puNkin...

i'm safe...

yes sir!

cowboy what?

bubby's in the bath...

flutter with me?

bake me...

fallish...

i did it again...