Loving Hearts Captured Photography

2010-03-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

WE'VE MOVED!!

2010-03-11T12:33:00.000-08:00

Hi all!!! We now have a new home on the web!

Check out our new BLOGSITE (a blog and our main website in one) @

Blogger has been very good to us, but it's time to bid it adieu. We now have a place where our images are front and center. A place to display them on a larger scale. A place where our creativity may live and dwell peacefully. A place, well... a place to call our very own : )!

So go ahead. Swing on by and knock. We promise to answer!!.

{Here's a sneak peek}

Hi all!!! We now have a new home on the web!

{Family Portrait Session} ~ Cardenas Kids

2010-03-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

Knock. Knock. There was a hesitant answer to the door. Understandably so. It was almost 9:00 at night and the only person who would stop by at this late hour would be her mom. Clearly, as she peaked from their door, I was not mom.

With sheer delight and excitement, we surprised the Cardenas family with a semi-unexpected surprise. It was half of their print order. The accordian cards. The reaction? Priceless! It's times such as these that really make late night deliveries to clients worth while. Especially for this special family. Their heart-warming and lovable personalities x's 4 = absolute joy!

We'll have a part II to their session with all four of them in one shot. Till then, enjoy these from their last session.

Ok... so I had to stick one vintage feel in here.

I was going to include a couple of shots of the accordian cards, but hesitated to do so. Reason? They'll be displaying them for Joaquin's and Natalia's birthday bash, so I didn't want to ruin any surprises!

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

Ra-Ra-Sis-BOOM-Ba!!

2010-02-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

So.... we're not asking you to become crazed, face-painted, no-shirt wearing in 25 degree weather, type of fans, buuuuuut, come check out our brand new Facebook Fan Page!!! Like I mentioned on the previous post, I was more or less hesitant on doing so. It took a few days to click the "publish" button, but I took that step of faith, and now..... TA-DA!!!

Come visit us... be a ~~crazed~~ fan and be on the lookout for future discussions!

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

To Bruise My Ego Or Not

2010-02-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

Ok... I'm totally stepping out on the limb on this one. I've been dancing (like MC Hammer with the big parachute pants) around the idea of creating a fanpage on Facebook. Ok.... so I've created one, but I haven't published it for public veiwing. Admittedly so, it is out of fear that NO ONE will join. And it really is out of character for me to care so much about being accepted, but I guess when it boild down to my child, my hubby, & now my biz, I'm a tad bit overprotective of it. But it's "big girl" time and I will do it, however, I still want your opinion on it. Vote on it! Should I or shouldn't it?

Kuroi Ame ~ Black Rain

2010-02-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

We couldn't have gone back any sooner and my heart just sang when I heard where Ms. Alyssa's 7th Birthday party will be held. We'll definitely be there and not because of the venue, but because of how fabulous this little girl is. Most importantly, it's because of how fab-tastic her Momma is!

As we finished our delicious and hunger-reducing meal to the sounds of thunder, rain, and jungle creatures, we set off to the grand finale. Build-a-Bear! And this is where Aly bonded a friendship with an unsuspecting furry, forest friend. She picked out her friend herself and helped "stuff" her to her utmost comfort level. She sealed her heart with a rub and a kiss, and promised to always care for her.

We hadn't chosen the name until the day after. The name came quite easily and suited this black bear to a T. The blank spot on her "birth certificate" is now neatly written in. She is now, "Kuroi Ame". Japanese for "black rain". Black because, well, HELLO! She's a BLACK bear. And rain because it rained the night we brought her home. Heck, it was raining while we were walking to the car! Why Japanese you ask? I've always all things Japanese. They're beautiful and I hope to one day be able to visit the country of the Rising Sun with my family. To see the gentle cherry blossoms in full bloom, to eat authentic Japanese food in little hole in the wall digs, and to just marvel at the surroundings engulfing us in a beautiful way.

I've also had a thing about Geishas. It's amazing the work and studies they put into this art. It all started roughly more than 22 years ago. My Mom's office at Yamaha was decked out with these dolls. These amazing and stunning works of art. Her Geisha dolls. As a little girl visiting her at work, I was never bored because I had these colorful and elegant dolls to gaze at. When her days at this company ended, she was gifted all her Geisha dolls as a "farewell" and as a "thank you" for her many years of employment. Two of these stunners were then gifted to a wide-eyed child. Her daughter. Me!

And roughly 22 years later, they are now gazed at by another wide-eyed little girl. Aly.

Interestingly enough, after all these years, I had never named my Geisha dolls. But they are no less special because of it. Maybe one day, my daughter will name them herself.

This is not nearly as old as the other two, but special nonetheless. She was gifted to me 4 years ago for my birthday by a special friend. A sister really.

As soon as this book hit the shelves, I went out and bought it, read it, and finished it the same day.

(It's been read & borrowed many a times.)

But now we have a new and an even more special Geisha to add to the mix. Say 'hello' to, Kuroi Ame.

She may not have been around for more than 20 odd years, but already, she has earned her title as Geisha and surpassed her time as maiko.

Kampai!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

{Sneak Peek} ~ Cardenas Kids

2010-02-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

To say that time has flown by, and has flown by rather quickly, is an understatement compared to seeing a couple of kids grow. And grow they most certainly have. Quite quickly!! I met them when one was 8 and the other was 3. Now he's 15 and has completely towered over me. And she's 10. A beautiful & graious 10 year old.

~~ Joaquin ~~

***Natalia***

More to come!

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

{Client Thank You's} ~ Lauren & John

2010-02-16T18:34:00.000-08:00

It just doesn't get any better than this. We arrive home yesterday from a shoot with one of our favorite families and what's awaiting our arrival? A dainty little package by our door step. As I approached closer and closer, my cheers of glee set of the happy meter to oblivion! Stationary. Pretty stationary. On exquisite linen paper (my favorite of all textures). And to top off my decadent make believe Paradise Cake (~ which Jorge ate, by the way....), my logo is proudly showcased on the front. Ahhhhh... pure bliss!!

As if I'm not ecstatic to the max already, I open their Thank You card, only to discover one of the photos I took of them on their session as the cover of the intricately designed card. Through the years, Jorge has known my infinite appreciation for cards. Birthday cards. Anniversary cards. Just Because cards. I love receiving them as much as I love giving them. This is definitely something I inherited from my Papa. He's an awesome card shopper. Always picking out the perfect card for the right ocassion. This card is has landed in my top 5 faves!!

Thank YOU, Lauren and John, for such an amazing time and for being the most awesome pair of lovebird models eva!!! And my gratitude for my kick-bootie logo ~~~~ WOOHOO!!!! More than words!!! (Ooh, remember that little ditty?)

Cheers!!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

Sometimes, All You Need Is Love

2010-02-14T23:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Love Day, folks! What did you crazy love birds do this fine Valentine's Day? The weather was gorgeous! Just as gorgeous as your special someone. These two elements combined must have made 2010's Valentine's extra special. I know ours was. Simple, but special. Extra special.

We started our day with church service and a pho lunch shortly followed. As we drove towards the restaurant, my Valentine and love, turned to me and said (enthusiastically!), "Who wants to go to Downtown Disney?!" I jumped with excitement and quickly yelled, " I do!!!" Aly was somewhat startled at the truimphant cheers from the front of the car, but hey, I had to get my "YES" in otherwise, I'll lose my chance. You see peeps, my hubby is not a BIG Disneyland fan. In fact, it's like driving a bent nail into cement. You just can't do it unless you painstainly drill a hole first and then force the nail through. So yes, this was a treat and a half!

(On a side note) ~ This year's Valentine's was even more romantic and heartfelt due to yesterday's healthy and biblical reminder of what a marriage entails. This was a fabulous way to start our weekend. Our teachings came from Hebrews 4:11-14 and Ephesians 5, highlighting on verse 21. Our time shared on this particular day was a gift in itself and we were the happy recipients!

Of course, what would a post be without any photos? We don't have any photos of the 3 of us together to share, but here's what our day at the free part of the "happiest place on earth" looked like.

My loves ~ my Valentines

God's Valentine for Jorge and I

Daddy's loves & Valentines

We had to take the typical tourist shot!

Our day ended in our "happiest place on earth"...

In each other's arms!

Yes sir! This year's Valentine's was special. Extra special!

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

{Client Thank You's} ~ Nikki

2010-02-11T19:30:00.000-08:00

Social networking... it's a crazy thing! It brings people together in this vast, large world.

We've kept in touch merely by emails and an ocassion or two, here and there, but good 'ol Facebook has bumped it up a knotch. We were high school acquaintances. Friends of each other's friends, but hardly that of a confidant or best friend. Years (how many? countless!) go by and here we are. Connecting, or reconnecting, and in closer terms... just the way I prefer it. She's beautiful inside, as she is on the outside. You're quickly drawn to her smile and sucked in to her vortex with her laughter. She's a gorgeous creation from God and her children reflect this as well.

I thank God for this relationship He has forged between us. And I thank you, Nicole, for being a Sister in Christ! I pray we continually encourage and motivate one another in all we do and to be the confidant we never were. Love ya!

Check out her little man ~ Curtis! What a cutie!!

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

Same Difference

2010-02-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

As I made the bed this morning, I couldn't help but notice the differences between hubby's bedside table and my own. His is simple & sparse. A lamp, alarm clock, a decorative faux-orchid, and the remote control. The lamp is really only there to help him see in the early mornings when he wakes up to go to work. To make sure he doesn't step on one of the dogs and to ensure he's grabbing the right pair of socks. The 20 year old alarm clock (no joke... it's the same one I've had since 6th grade) is so misplaced from the rest of our decor. It's off-white and boxy and should be laid to rest. But nevertheless, it still works and is the only alarm clock he can wake up to. There's a certain sound it makes right before it turns the radio on and plays smooth jazz on 94.7, The Wave. The faux-orchid? Well, this was placed there by me because it's pretty and fits perfectly in his space. And then there's the remote control. For obvious reasons, it's on his side of the bed because he's the TV watcher in the family. It helps him to relax before shutting his eyes. I, on the other hand, can live without TV. Probably indefinitely. Which leads me to my side of the bed.

Mine consists of a lamp, a candle, the One Year Bible, a novel, a pen, my laptop, and a House Beautiful and Marie Claire magazine. The lamp is my reading and typing tool. I love light. Jorge tried to get me to use this little clip-on lamp that attaches to the book I'm reading and that didn't work out well for me at all. The candle hasn't been lit yet, but maybe one night we'll order some Posh Berries and eat it in candle light while watching a romantic comedy. We're trying to get into the Word as a couple now and we're reading a devotion before bed where we can have a discussion before prayer time. It's been going great so far and sure beats having something on TV be the last thing on our mind before going night night. A novel to help me sleep. A pen to underline a verse that pops out at me. My laptop to surf the net while Jorge watches TV (sometimes). And the magazines are temporary. House Beatiful cause the homes they choose to feature are so elegant and classy with simplistic values, with the use of non-offensive colors. Marie Claire because of the model's poses and an article they feature once a month about women and the strife, sadness, or tragedies they've experienced and overcame in life. Other than that, the rest of the magazine gets tossed into the gar-ba-sh!

Regardless of our differnces, whether it be the items we keep beside our bed or the differences in our likes and dislikes and personality, we're still the same. We're still one. Our bond in marriage cannot be separated and this is how we like it. This is how we prefer it to be. We may poke fun and at times, yes, we may annoy one another, but we're one and the same. Two pieces of wood glued together cannot be torn apart neatly. They are bonded together. If they are separated, it's a "hot mess"! Yes, I did just quote Neicy Nash from Clean House. Moving on... let's celebrate the differences we have and thank God for the hunky or beautiful piece of wood He's stuck us to!

Genesis 2:24 (NIV)
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

And because I am not easily embarrassed...
Here's a quick blast from the past... Jorge & Paola ~ Circa 2004
What's up with my eyebrows??

~ Circa 2005
Jorge doing "sexy eyes"!

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! IT'S OFFICIAL!!!

2010-02-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

Check this out peeps! I've just given birth to my second baby and married my second hubby!

Come now, people. Calm down! I would never do this to Jorge or have a miraculous birth. But now, thanks to the super-colossal awesomeness of Lauren @ Details Beyond Design, I now have an official (ROCKING) logo! Before I unveil her masterpiece, let me give you a little synopsis of how fabulous this woman is.

Lauren, exudes beauty and grace like that of a movie star from the 50's. The elegancy & obscure sultriness of Vivien Leigh. The quirkiness and innocent beauty of Natalie Wood. And the style and glamour of Audrey Hepburn. She's all this and much more. All wrapped up in a petite and stylish package. Her astonishing style spills from within her and unto the meticulous details of her designs. And her gracious service is nothing short of EXCELLENT! You can just tell she designed and worked with a smile the whole way through.

Here she is ~ Lauren

And, drum roll please.....

It's like giving birth without the mess or pain. Only pure joy and the relief you feel knowing that your baby is here in the world.... healthy and gorgeous!

Thank you again, Lauren. You're hard work and diligence has blown away my expectations and our logo is every bit the way I wanted and envisioned it.... but waaaaay better! The way you encapsulated all the elements I wanted is phenomenal! You're delivery and execution is every sense of the word, remarkable! And your patience and endurance in putting up with my requests, unfathomable.

Thank you, thank you. With all of my heart! Thank you!

Cheers & xx,

~Paola

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

{Marriage/ Couples Portrait Session} ~ John + Lauren

2010-01-31T22:34:00.000-08:00

I'm stumped! For once, I have no rhyme or reason as to where to begin with this post. I've been anticipating this shoot for a while now because of obvious reasons (my models are perfecto!) and the excitement of finally posting up the final selections were getting to me. I was going to bed early tonight considering tomorrow is the dreaded Monday and my function button is normally out of order on Mondays. But I wouldn't be able to sleep a wink if this isn't posted... TONIGHT! I even scarffed down a hefty piece of toffee crunch cake from Red Ribbon to get my blood (sugars) pumping.

Without further adieu, here's John and Lauren and their magnificency of stunningness! They were thee best sports when it all got down to the nitty gritty... which was for the most part of the shoot. I cannot thank you guys enough for putting up with my requests and the perils of twisted ankles and splinter laden bum bums. You guys rocked the whole way through!! Lauren, you are unbelievably stunning in all your images and you worked it out like no one's business!! John, you have it in you man! We didn't doubt your abilities one bit! Thanks for making this so much fun you guys! Until next time... oh yes... there will be a next time!

This next one is my fave of faves!! The mood and feel of this is just.... well, see for yourselves:

Shoes and accessories almost, always deserve a spot of their own... especially when you look like these:

Lauren... gorgeous!!

This next one on the right makes me happy! =)

These darn rocks, well, cement blocks really, were T.O.U.G.H. Next time we'll wear comfy shoes and a helmet and knee and elbow pads...

I love these next 3 images. So much so, I couldn't decided on which one out of the three to post, so I just did them all. Everything about it makes me smile!

Cheers!!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

{Sneak Peek} ~ John + Lauren

2010-01-30T23:47:00.000-08:00

I am so tempted to post the entire blog entry for this shoot, but I must refrain and hold myself back, otherwise, shut-eye won't exist for me tonight. Until tomorrow peeps, until tomorrow.

For now, here's a teaser of John and Lauren's excursion with Jorge and I. Time together went by so quickly... we may have a part II to this shoot and continue on another day. Here are a few of my faves of these two incredibly stunning ~~people~~ friends.

Good night my lovlies!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

Orange vs. Atomic Tangerine

2010-01-27T21:09:00.000-08:00

I must have aged 10 more years to my actual age by peering into Aly's 96 count box of Crayola Crayons. However, it also took me back more than twenty years as the sweet smell of waxy, colorful tools of art waifed my way. I took out the box and handed her 3 crayons, pink, purple, and orange. As she quietly sat on top of her oversized craft paper, those three crayons were no longer useful for her. She wanted more. More colors. More crayons! Good thing we had 93 more to go!

As Aly explored with the array of vibrant crayons, spread out around her, I couldn't help but to join in on her coloring party. There we sat, experimenting with each crayon to see if in fact, this tangerine color is indeed "atomic".

Our coloring party was abruptly interupted as our 90 pound, beast came trotting in. Aly's buddy and guardian, wanted in on the fun. With a plop of a tennis ball unto her lap, the crayons were quickly abandoned, only to be visited once every 15 to 20 minutes until dinner was ready. I'm glad no crayons were harmed, well, I take that back. There was one casualty. The beheading of burnt orange took place when it was haphazardly placed in the path of destruction - between toddler and her best friend.

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

Home-1

2010-01-26T21:34:00.001-08:00

Check out the latest page I just posted using Showit: Home-1

Gallery

2010-01-25T21:10:00.001-08:00

Check out the latest page I just posted using Showit: Gallery

The Grove & The Getty

2010-01-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

This weekend was BEE-U-T-FULL!!!

I love rain. I truly adore and am madly in love with rain. I love the sound of it hitting our roof, the smell it makes mixed with the outside air, the way it washes everything in it's path. And thunder and lightning? Forget about it! LOVE IT too!!! So one can imagine my delight and thankfulness to the Creator Himself when we were showered (literally) with His blessings this past week. We had quite the dry spell and even though many say that the rain came in full force for a week straight and that it was too much, I beg to differ. Maybe it's because we are super fortunate to not have any flooding or, my goodness(!), tornadoes touch down in our area. But I've just ALWAYS loved rain! I do have a bestie who lives in an area where the floods came and trees were knocked down and their pool was overflowing like the Great Flood. This is not thrilling! Again, it's just a personal, hmmm... I guess favorite of mine to have rain beating on my windshield.

But I gotta hand to my God. After our storms, boy did He bring out the sunshine!! We wasted no time on Saturday. Once breakfast was over, we got ready and headed out to the westside. L.A. isn't a norm for us because of the traffic we normally need to endure to get there, but we decided to brave it out yesterday. We trekked down to The Grove and Farmer's Market where we ate at Pampas Grill. Awesome Brazilian eats!!! In order to determine the price of your plate, they weigh it and go from there. Needless to say, Jorge and I tipped the richter scale and ate without caution to the wind! To make ourselves feel better, we walked it off while window shopping at The Grove. We let Aly wander about while one of us followed closely behind her and the other in front. Here she is, working her strut:

While we sludged around (feeling so full and all), Jorge spots a celeb! Who comes gracing by with her hubby and two older daughters, working their way to American Girl?

That's right! Baby Phat herself. Kimora Lee Simmons. With only my 50mm fastened unto my camera, I was only able to get this shot. Hey... paparazzi I am NOT!

Then we said farewell to Farmer's Market and headed off to another destination.

Off to The Getty Center in L.A.

We got there at around 5:20 p.m. and when we pulled up to the gate to pay for our parking fee, we were wonderfully surpirsed by the news that admission/parking is free on Saturdays after 5 p.m. PERFECT!

Here's the view when we arrived:

And here are few images from the South Pavillion, our fave from the others.

The backrounds used for the few following images were actually from the wallpaper used in a couple of the exhibits.

Then, it was Aly's turn for some fun.

And our view when we left:

Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

{Sneak Peek} ~ Grove & Getty

2010-01-24T01:16:00.000-08:00

A glimpse of our beautifully sunny, Saturday.

Truly Posh

2010-01-22T23:52:00.000-08:00

There came a time in my life, a stage perhaps, when Posh was a way of life. My hair, dare I say, was "posh". I accessorized poshly. I wore heels to the grocery store. Posh, not slutty! I even read biographies and autobiographies of Posh herself.

It was a stage I'm telling you! This was right after my wedding and hubby gave me the green light to chop off my Rapunzel length locks.

My hair had since grown (and then sadly, chopped off again after childbirth hormones kicked in), the accessories have narrowed down to maybe a pair of earrings, but always my wedding rings & donated the books to Goodwill. I know there's someone else out there who can use a good lesson is poshness. And heels(?) - HA! Only if it's boot season! Seasons change, people change. (Did anyone else hear that? Was that Expose singing in the background? "It's been so long since I found you, but it feels like yesterday-yay...")

One thing I'm not giving up however, are my Posh Berries! They entered our lives almost a year ago and we're not loosening the ties between us. Who dares come between me and those succelent, juicy, oh-so sweet strawberries, decked out in its multi-flavored chocolate garb? Not anyone who knows me well, that's for sure! And I'm not being overly picky or spoiled, but no other, so-called, chocolate covered strawberry can compare to Posh Berries & Confections. Their design has actual style. Their toppings are countless, and they offer so many different flavors of chocolate in a variety of colors. My fave, thus far, was their Easter collection. Too adorable, makes you squeel like a giddy teenage girl, cute!!

I had the awesome opportunity to photograph their deliciousness & design their virtual flyers. Here are a few... and please, I'm warning you now... these images may solicit uncontrollable drooling (or in the words of our close friend, "drueling").

The following image contains their prices for this year's Valentine's Day Collection.

These prices are subject to change for future collections.

Plus, there are much more toppings than listed below. Have a fave topping?

Let them know and they'll specialize your order!

The taste, the style, the price... they can't be beat! Plus, their strawberries come from our local farmer in our city and are picked fresh every morning for their orders, made specificially the same day (and delivered the same day as well). And I know first hand, that these are individually made with love and care! Mrs. Posh Berries herself is jsut that type of person! I can't wait for the day when we can do a shoot together!

If you're interested, and I know you are, you've drooled on your keyboard without you knowing it, give them a ring-a-ding-ding @ 909-631-3671 or email them at poshberries@live.com and they'll be more than happy to chat with you. That's just the way they roll!

~ Cheers!

Loving Hearts Captured Photography

{Vintage Tuesday} ~ Ready... & Action!

2010-01-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

As an homage to my "Vintage Tuesdays", I decided to revamp some images taken in good ol', 2009. As I was playing around with my brand new, vintage (oxymoronic, I know) actions, things really started to click into place. I love the way my images morphed as if from another time, another generation from the past. This doesn't mean that I'll be abandoning the eye-popping color I usually crave for. It's just another way to express what I'm feeling. A way to express what the image is thirsting for in my mind. And a way to introduce where I see and which direction I wish for Loving Hearts Captured to take off on. Join me on my vintage quest through these images. Enjoy, and if you like what you see, check back often to see where this takes us!

Cheers!

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/

Black Knees

2010-01-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

It was 25 years ago, when I heard, "Don't kneel on your bare knees! They'll turn black and rough! You don't want that, do you?" Scared out of my wits of being doomed with unsightly, dark, rough, who-could-possibly-love-me, knees - I quickly replied with an approving knod. With obedience and yes, fearful of the threat, it was a scarcity to ever see me kneeling without first laying out a magazine, jacket, blanket, never a newspaper because I didn't want the ink to impress itself unto me, and anything else I could quickly grab.

Twenty-five years down the long traveled road, all this training and subconcious behavior, flew out the window in a dash! As I was showering one night, I glanced at my soapy, sudsy knees, & there they were. One rough patch on each knee. How could this have happened???? I was aghast at what I saw. How on earth could I have let this happen?? And then, with a gentle coax, I was happily reminded of exactly how I let it happen. There she was, in her daddy's arms with her pj's on and with her hair neatly combed. She was ready to greet her soggy mommy 'good night' with a sweet kiss on the lips.

I spend half my days on the floor where Aly can better see her mommy, face-to-face. We play on the floor together. We sometimes read on the floor together. We may have snacks while she sits on the floor with me, kneeling beside her. This is how it happened. Would I exchange my now rough-patched, slightly darkened knees for these moments? Not a chnace on God's green earth!!

And how was this next photo taken? While on my knees, of course.

Photo taken with my handy-dandy, iPhone.

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/

{3 Things You Don't See Everyday Fridays} ~ Certifiable Mullet, Exotic Tang Cars, Mortgage by Calvin & Hobbes

2010-01-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

Traveling 50 miles, round trip, for work everyday, I'm bound to see some unusual and sometimes, some downright weird stuff. This morning alone, I saw a couple of things that led me to post this type of entry and thus, tag Fridays as, "3 things you don't see everyday Fridays". It makes for a grand title, but I had a difficult time shortening it. It is, after all, Friday. I, like many others, I'm sure, checks out on Fridays and conveniently, let's my brain off early for the weekend.

Anyhoo... as I drove down the 60 freeway, with the carpool lane ending (I love me some carpool speed!! Having Aly certainly has its perks while in traffic!), I glanced to the right of me and lo and behold! Whoa!! Is that a mullet on that dude? I'm pretty darn sure it was a dude, but the mullet was quite distracting for the millisecond I happened to see it. It looks like a deliberately-styled mullet. Authentic to its very right to be one. Just a bit out of place in some respect. This guy was in a newer model Dodge sedan, wearing a button down shirt, with a flashy watch on his wrist. Yup! This was all taken in and registered in my brain within the millisecond time frame. But yes, this was a mullet! A 100%, certifiable mullet!

Not even a minute passes by after seeing my very first mullet in real life, a tang-colored piece of exoctic goodness passes my radar. A brand, spankin' new, Lamborghini Embolado, in a rich, well, Tang color. I'm 96% sure of the model, however, when I Googled it, a Embolado happens to be a concept car. I'm going to assume, that the driver is someone special or just really spoiled, cause that's what I saw. My eyes did not deceive me. Veering a little off track, but... I have a legit question to ask and if you're a lucky owner of one of these or any other exotic beauty, answer this for me. Why are these the slowest driven vehicles on the road? Surely, the growl of a V8 or V12 engine has something to do with its initial purchase, correct? And, I understand it is extremely expensive to own one, but if you're rich enough to buy one, shouldn't the repair and maintenance be just as affordable? I don't know, I'm just saying... Or maybe they like the attention and revel in it in slow motion. It's not as if I passed this thing up on the road because it certainly did attract a lot of attention. So much so, that it caused a bit of a delay on the already packed freeway. Bunch of lookie-loos. Then again, I was trying to rubber kneck myself into seeing it more closely. GUILTY! On the other hand, my papa-bear trained me well as a mere child, on being able to recognize different car makes and models. This training carried well into adulthood. Well, if it wasn't an Embolado (cool name too; it derives from a Spanish festival, "Torro Embolado"), it was most definitely a Lamborghini. Only Lambos have that distinct citrus paint job. Unmistakable!

Lastly, as I entered our so-called, "kitchen" at work, scurrying to make Aly's breakfast (oatmeal), I saw this on top of the microwave:

It's A Magical World indeed!

And, does anyone remember these?

My Papa gave this to me last night. It was yummy! Cookie-type sticks, dipped in a chocolate cream. Had this with coffee this morning. Breakfast of champions! Too bad most of the sticks were broken.

Oh well... it was still delicious!

I just thought of a new name for our Friday posts. "Unusual 3's Fridays".

It's a lot shorter than the previous title... short and somewhat sweet!

Happy Friday All!!

Photos taken with my handy dandy iPhone.

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/

The Big Things

2010-01-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

Check out the little things we love here.

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/

{Vintage Tuesday} ~ Look Up @ the Sky

2010-01-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://plrphotography.showitsite.com/