Stephanie Grace Photography

give

2012-01-22T20:04:00.000-08:00

I realize I'm a few ~~days~~ weeks late in posting about the brand new year. But I figure the extra time really provided ample opportunity to reflect on 2011 and dream about 2012 without getting all wrapped up in everyone else's profound, reflective, and erudite blog posts. Everyone was writing and thinking about 2012 and resolutions and goals three weeks ago. And since the average New Year's resolution only lasts about 10 days, chances are no one is thinking about it anymore. Except me! Sometimes it pays to procrastinate...

Last year I wrote a blog series, "Love Yourself," (some which were dually published here), starting with this post on why. The year 2010 had not been great, and I was stricken with the idea that I was sabotaging my own happiness by not creating it. It had been my goal to write every month on a different way to love yourself, and while I may have totally blown the last several months of the year writing-wise, the idea was always there in the back of my mind.

I am happy to report that, for the most part, it was a huge success! (Hurrah!) 2011 was not without its yucky moments, and I definitely made some repeat mistakes. What was different was my perspective. I refused to victimize myself, knowing that the choices I made were my sole responsibility. How I chose to respond to situations, whether I chose to do or not do something...it made all the difference.

I took some risks, I said some goodbyes, and I embraced some changes. I got a new job. I moved and am living completely by myself for the first time. I could have, should have, done more. But overall, I'm very happy with the way my year of loving turned out.

And you know the great thing about love? The more have, the more you can give. In 2011 my focus was on me, and in 2012 it's going be on others.

For years my family has celebrated Christmas with a special tradition. Instead of making New Year's resolutions, we give a gift to God. One gift. We write them down on a piece of paper and wrap them up in Christmas wrappings. Each year we open them and reflect on how we did in fulfilling our gift, and then we make a new one. Or sometimes the same one, because sometimes it takes a long time to live up to a promise.

This year, my gift is to love on and encourage others in small ways--some specific, some not so much. It doesn't take much to brighten someone's day, to bring a smile to a face, to remind a friend that they are cared for and important.

So, here we are, 2012! Welcome...

p.s. If you would like to be the recipient of some encouragement this year, send your mailing address and/or email address to stephanie[at]stephaniegracephotography[dot]com!

merry...

2011-12-25T03:00:00.000-08:00

I come bearing (a) gift...

2011-12-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

The last couple months of 2011 have been a whirlwind of changes--hence my terrible abandonment of all things blogging. In October I accepted a new job offer in Orange County, so the last ten weeks have chock-full of wrapping up my old job, cleaning out the office, hosting my best friend for a week of San Diego fun, apartment hunting, finding someone to take over my San Diego lease, packing, cleaning, and moving, unpacking, working, and holiday-celebrating. Full on crazy!

I'm still adjusting to the whole new life and schedule thing, but I've missed blogging and hope to be back on a regular schedule real soon.

Now, on to the gift part....

How about this little guy? This, my friends, is a Butterbeer Cupcake. That's right, a Butterbeer Cupcake! (Honk if you're a Harry Potter fan...) I made these over Thanksgiving weekend, mostly to appease my younger brother, who had been pestering me for months to make them ever since I announced my discovery of the recipe.

We ended up taking them to Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma's house. And luckily, dinner and dessert were both over before my youngest brother "threw" the rest of the cupcakes onto the floor. Yeah...we still don't know how that happened. Anyway, you can find the recipe for these tasty treats here. They were very tasty. The frosting is a little sweet for my taste. I'm not a big frosting girl. But you could always replace with a cream cheese frosting for something with a little less sugar.

Whip up a batch and pop in your favorite Harry Potter flick to watch while you munch on the creamy, butterscotch-y goodness.

2011-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I know they can be poisonous and deadly...but they sure are beautiful.

childhood obsessions & photographic amphibians

2011-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

As a kid, I went through a phase. A frog phase. I loved all things frogs and thought they were just the cutest thing ever! Maybe it stemmed earlier childhood years "collecting" frogs and toads with my friend Angela in the egress at my house. Maybe it's because my favorite color is green. All I know is when I saw the frogs at one of the small aquariums at Sea World I had definitely had the urge to whip out my camera. What can I say? I still think they're cute. :)

Inside the Tiffany's bag...

2011-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I was in San Francisco for work. But who says you can't have a little fun on a work trip? I had been pondering a Tiffany's purchase for a little while now. So when I found myself in the two-story Tiffany & Co. store on Union Square with my colleague, I thought, "Why not?" After all, making your purchase in an actual store is waaaaay better than online. Plus, these will always be the earrings I bought at Tiffany's in San Francisco! They're my I'm-a-big-girl-now-and-don't-need-a-man-to-buy-me-nice-jewelry earrings. Although if there are any men out there reading this who would like to buy me some nice jewelry I probably wouldn't turn you down. Just sayin'...

Thank you, Tiffany's for my shiny new earrings and my pretty little blue box.

Power Outage 2011::What I Did

2011-09-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

During the power outage that swept San Diego County last week, my biggest worry was boredom. No TV...no Internet...My roommate was at her parents', so I had to bunker down by my lonesome. Luckily, I found plenty to do.

I got out the candles.

I ate Lemon and Almond Rice Pudding, pumpkin pie, and Fontina cheese for dinner (note the perishable refrigerated trend).

I played solitaire. With real cards, not a computer.

I read by candlelight.

All in all, not a bad blackout. It was kinda nice to be forced to entertain myself. And go to bed early. :)

Lemon and Almond Rice Pudding

2011-09-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Warning. This rice pudding does not pretend to be anything other than what it is--creamy and delicious, decidedly NOT low-fat. At least it's honest.

This is a recipe from my Food Network fave, Giada De Laurentiis. You can find the original recipe here.

Here's what you'll need:
4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup Arborio rice or medium-grain white rice

1/2 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean, seeds removed, pod reserved
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, from about 3 large lemons
1/4 cup amaretto liqueur
3 large lemons, zested
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

I accidentally left Sugar out of the group photo. Oops.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Arrange the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Bake about 6 to 8 minutes, until lightly toasted. Let cool completely.

To remove the seeds from the vanilla bean, slice thinly lengthwise from one end to the other. The vanilla bean was new for me. I've never actually cooked with one before. Here's my vanilla bean.

Kinda wrinkly and pathetic-looking, huh? If I hadn't seen the episode where Giada makes this rice pudding, I would have sliced open my vanilla bean and said, "Where the heck are the seeds?" Because vanilla bean seeds...well, they look like coffee grounds to me. Wouldn't you agree?

They sure smell good though!

In a heavy, medium saucepan, combine the milk, rice, sugar, vanilla seeds, vanilla pod, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, about 35 minutes. In a medium bowl, mix together the lemon juice, amaretto, and lemon zest.

Slowly stir the lemon mixture into the rice mixture and cook for 10 minutes longer. Remove the vanilla pod and discard.

Stir in the whipping cream (mixture will still be runny but will thicken as it cools).

Spoon the rice pudding into bowls--bonus points if they're cute and polka dotted!

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Sprinkle the chilled rice pudding with sliced almonds and serve.

It's delightful, lemony, and creamy! I have an urge to try making a coconut version next....

2011-09-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

funny little face

2011-08-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is the funniest (aka: endearingly weirdest) dog I have ever met. His name is Bear.

magic

2011-08-26T05:00:00.001-07:00

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

:: Roald Dahl ::

Happy World Photography Day!

2011-08-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I had not clue there was such a thing as World Photography Day. But apparently there is. And it's legit. You can read about it here.

And in honor of the holiday, how about a photo?

2011-08-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

2011-08-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

So...is rhubarb a fruit or a vegetable? Or something else altogether??

2011-07-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

pretty new things

2011-07-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

I ordered these pretty glass bottles by Global Amici through One King's Lane, an awesome online (free!) membership site that provides insider access to designer décor, entertaining and travel, food & wine, and more.

Aren't these so pretty?

I didn't unpack them when I first received them, because I knew I was moving soon, and figured I should just leave them all safely wrapped and packaged until The Move.

I was very excited to finally unpack them, wash them up, and put them away. I don't even know for sure what I'll use them for...but I have visions of flavored olive oils and homemade ginger ale...Mmmm!

Want to save up to 70% on pretty and nice home goods? Let me be the first to invite you! Click here to go the One King's Lane's web site and join.

Happy shopping!

perspective

2011-07-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Poway, California

Andrea | Portraits

2011-07-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

Holy Internet! Can I just say...it is amazing how much you rely on easy online access every day. Since moving almost two weeks ago, I have been Internet-less at home. Today, Time Warner came to hook us up...literally. So glad to be back online and to bring you the rest of Andrea's portraits. Enjoy!

Hi, pretty friend!

Fierce!

Andrea was not keen on wandering out in the middle of this field...but she did it for me. :)

This one's just for fun!

Rocking the model look.

Gooorgeous!

Thanks for waiting so long to see the photos, Andrea. :)

I might be a liar...

2011-07-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

I might be a liar...because a couple weeks ago I announced I was "back". This was true in the most basic physical sense of the term. I was back in San Diego, with no more traveling in the immediate future, and I did manage to get in one sneak peek a couple Friday's ago. But since then? Pure neglect.

Yes, I have excuses, and, if you ask me, they're even legitimate ones! I had to pack. I had to move. I had to edit photos. I had to call Time Warner Cable and arrange for Internet set-up, coming on Tuesday. Yay!

So this time, when I say I'm back...I really mean it. I'm back--physically, mentally, and emotionally. I even have the rest of Andrea's portraits edited and ready for posting!

I have missed you, blog. Hoping for successful Internet set up tomorrow and blogging bliss once again...

Andrea | Sneak Peek

2011-06-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

back at last!

2011-06-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Back in the saddle again! Sorry for the hiatus. I've been a little preoccupied this week...trying to find a new place to live! Luckily, I succeed, which means the blog is back in business!

Last weekend I flew to St. Paul to be a bridesmaid in my dear friend Kyla's wedding. As a member of the bridal party, I didn't get a chance to take too many photos. But I did get a chance to capture this shot while we were waiting outside for our bridal part shoot with the wedding photographer.

A very Happy Wedding & Honeymoon to Kyla and Adam. :)

Golden

2011-06-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah

2011-06-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this look like the kind of flower that should be singing?

2011-06-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

This week I am in Philadelphia, traveling for work, so I won't be able to post much. But I thought I would share this lovely image from my Getty excursion last weekend. There was so much photography eye candy!

The Getty

2011-05-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, this was my first time to The Getty Center in Los Angeles. I. Loved. It. So beautiful and, best of all, free. What a great way to spend the day!

we have a winner!

2011-05-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Appropriately enough, the winner is a lucky number 7.

Lucky number 7 just so happens to be Rebecca Van Rossum! Yay!

You guys, I think I was way too excited about using the random number generator. Seriously, the excitement kicked in while I was driving home last night. There was something really mysterious and enticing about not knowing who the winner was going to be.

But I digress. Rebecca, you've won the "be happy" print from the Stephanie Grace Photography shop on Etsy!

Please send me either a message on facebook with your address, or an email to stephanie[at]stephaniegracephotography[dot]com so I can send you the goods!

Thanks to all who participated. You're the absolute best and I *heart* you all!

today could be your lucky day

2011-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Because it's the last day to participate in the giveaway. I don't want to sound like a broken record, so to put it to you real simple:

1. Facebook
2. Like
3. Comment
4. Win?

You have until 10 PM PST.

Good luck!

There is still time (but not much)!

2011-05-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday I announced a giveaway and directions on how to win. The prize? A 13 x 19 inch print from the Stephanie Grace Photography shop on Etsy. To win, Like Stephanie Grace Photography on Facebook and leave a comment here letting me know you did.

I was going to pull the random winner from the comments, however, a lot of people have Liked the page and either not left a comment, or left a comment somewhere else. Ergo, new plan! The random winner will come from the Facebook page itself. That way no one's left out!

You have until 10 PM Pacific time on Thursday to participate. Because let's face it. It's a work night. And I have to go bed before 11.

In the meantime, here's a photo for kicks and giggles.

This is my parents' dog, Bella. Yes, that is a stuffed monkey in her mouth. This dog is probably the most affectionate, docile, passive canine you will ever meet. But for some reason she really loves to tear the innards out of her toys. This monkey, for example, no longer has a face. Poor monkey.

new and exciting things!

2011-05-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last week, a terrible thing happened. Friday came and went and I FORGOT TO BLOG! Argh. I realized it about halfway to the wedding I was attending that afternoon/evening in Cherry Valley. Perhaps I can use the wedding as an excuse? I did not bring my own camera to the wedding (*gasp*), but here's a picture from my mom to prove I was there!

I feel like a bad blogger, but truth is, sometimes life just carries you away! On to the new and exciting things!

1) Stephanie Grace Photography now has an official page on Facebook!

If you like Facebook, and you like me, please log in and "Like" Stephanie Grace Photography's page!

On to more new and exciting things...

2) Stephanie Grace Photography has a shop on Etsy!

I'm still working on building up my inventory, but the shop is officially up and running and open for business. Please feel free to stop by: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sgracephotography.

In the coming weeks I will be working a on a new and exciting project with my friend, Meredith. I am VERY excited about this project and look forward to announcing it soon.

Lastly, how about something new and exciting for you? Like a giveaway! Who doesn't like free stuff? How do you win?

1. Like Stephanie Grace Photography on Facebook.
2. Leave a comment here to let me know you did!
3. A random winner will be selected on Thursday and announced on Friday.

The winner will get this "be happy" print, from the Stephanie Grace Photography shop on Etsy.

13 x 19 in

On your mark, get set, go! Like and comment away! And have a Happy Monday. :)

Justin :: Portraits

2011-05-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

Great light....great eyes...

Justin

2011-05-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

Justin

Self Portrait Challenge #2 :: Lighting

2011-05-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

Round two of Digital Photography School's Self Portrait Challenge. Check it out here.

Self Portrait Challenge #1 :: Props

2011-05-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Exploring Chiapas, Mexico

2011-05-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last month I took a much-needed vacation and went to meet up with my best friend in Chiapas, Mexico, over her spring break from teaching school. We stayed in San Cristóbal de las Casas in an amazing hacienda owned by a British gentleman whose father lived there in the 60s and 70s.

Not only was the house amazing, there was a beautiful backyard garden and inner front courtyard as well.

San Cristóbal de las Casas was the perfect base camp for our expeditions around the beautiful state of Chiapas.

Chamula

In the market at Chamula--such vibrant colors!

The Chamula people honor the sheep as a sacred animal. They never kill the sheep or use the milk of the sheep, but only use the wool to make their traditional skirts (for women) and ponchos (for men).

Zincantán

This is Maria, weaving in front of her home. The main business in Zincantán is flowers. They grows many different kinds of flowers that ship all over Mexico, especially to resorts.

One of the things the state of Chiapas is known for is corn--here are the four different colors they grow.

Maria's daughter-in-law, Catalina, makes black corn tortillas in the family's home, where nine people live.

Check out the embroidered flowers on the clothing! Every year there is a new design.

A bench in Zincantán.

Cascada Misol-Há

We stopped at two different waterfalls on our way to visit Maya ruins. So beautiful.

Palenque

I really wish we would have had more time in Palenque. Only 2% of this ancient Maya civilization is uncovered. It was incredible to tour the ruins.

Cañón del Sumidero

Boating through the Cañón del Sumidero was a really cool experience--we even saw crocodiles and spider monkeys!

I loved my experience in Chiapas. It's not your typical tourist destination, but there is so much culture, beautiful land, and wild places to explore.

Eric :: Senior Portraits Part II

2011-05-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

At long last...Part II of Eric's senior portraits!

We headed to the Writerz Blok, but they were closed, unfortunately. We snapped a few shots from outside anyway.

Then we headed to East Village in San Diego on the hunt for some tasteful graffiti.

Luckily, we didn't have to look too long.

One of the locals tried to give Eric some posing tips. She was pretty funny. :)

So colorful...love it!

I asked Eric if he wanted to do any smiling photos, but was informed that people don't smile in "the ghetto". I did get this smirk though!

To cap off our shoot we hit up Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach. It was a beautiful evening to be out by the water!

Such great light!

Fave.

Handome guy, right?

Eric, you're such a natural! Senior Portraits = Total Success!

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Coconut Rice

2011-05-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

I love those evenings when I'm suddenly inspired to make a new dish out of things I already have in the kitchen! What do all these ingredients make? Cilantro Lime Chicken with Coconut Rice! So delish.

Limes are the best! And they were 8 for $1 at Henry's Farmers Market this week!

Love the smell of fresh cilantro...so good!

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Coconut Rice

Serves 2

1 cup rice

1 cup coconut milk

1 1/3 cup water

2 Tbsp. shredded coconut

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 chicken breasts, sliced in strips

2 limes

2 Tbsp. cilantro

Salt and pepper

Place 1 Tbsp. olive oil in the bottom of a medium pot. Add rice, coconut milk, water, and shredded coconut to pot. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring regularly so it doesn't burn. When the coconut milk and water starts to bubble, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20-23 minutes. (Tip: When the rice is done, replace the lid and let it steam approximately 5 more minutes.)

Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a large pan. Add the chicken strips and season with salt and pepper. Squeeze the juice of one lime into the pan. Cook until browned, approximately five minutes each side. Add 1 Tbsp. cilantro midway through cooking.

Fluff rice with fork. Serve chicken on top of rice. Squeeze one lime slice over the chicken and rice. Garnish with remaining cilantro and additional shredded coconut if desired.

Enjoy!

I swear I'm working...

2011-05-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

on editing many, many photos! I'm trying to catch up on posting Part II of Eric's senior portraits, not to mention some beautiful travel photos from my recent trip to Chiapas, Mexico.

Alas, I am just not ready yet on either account! Hey, I've only been home for a few days... I was going to try so hard to have a complete batch of photos ready for Monday's post, but it will just have to wait a couple more days.

All good things are worth waiting for....

In the meantime, Happy May.

Chiapas, Mexico :: a sneak peek

2011-04-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Just a taste of more to come from beautiful Chiapas, Mexico...

sweet, sweet vacation

2011-04-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm on vacation. Yay! This week I'm in Mexico in the state of Chiapas, visiting and catching up with my best friend, Dominique.

In honor of all things vacation--and the beautiful country of Mexico--I thought I would share an old photo from the last time I visited Dominique in Guadalajara (circa 2009).

This amazing backyard garden actually belongs to some lucky homeowner in Ajijic, a small quaint town on Lake Chapala near Guadalajara.

The state of Chiapas is the furthest south you can go in Mexico, bordering Guatemala. Chiapas is more tropical, jungle-esque, if you will. It will be a different experience of Mexico for me, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you when I return!

¡Hasta la próxima vez!

Sneak Peek {2} :: Eric

2011-04-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Round 2 of Eric's senior portraits is coming up in a couple weeks. For now, just a couple to whet your appetite.

Eric :: Senior Portraits Part I

2011-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Eric and I headed to Balboa Park and downtown San Diego for round one of his senior portrait shoot. These are some of the best shots. Part II will follow within a couple weeks!

There are so many AMAZING places to shoot in Balboa Park.

And lots of hidden places to get away from the typical Saturday crowds.

Eric was kinda a pro.

Fave for sure.

Model-serious was a slam dunk, so we had to make sure to get some smiling ones for Mom.

With so many great shots it was hard to choose just a few to share. Look for me of this young man in a couple weeks for Part II!

2011-04-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

"It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts."

:: K.T. Jong ::

in memory of a very good dog

2011-04-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

who loved opening presents and eating fruits and veggies,

chasing tennis balls and frisbees and pirouetting through billows of shoveled snow,

being tucked in on cold, Minnesota nights and shredding pizza boxes to minuscule bits and pieces,

playing tug-of-war with empty gallon milk cartons and chasing the cat out of the kitchen,

pursuing pesky flies and careening down the sidewalk at the end of the leash,

welcoming you home and sitting on top of your feet to be close to you.

a very good dog, indeed.

Sneak Peek :: Eric

2011-04-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Just a quick peek at a couple favorites from Eric's senior portrait shots.

More to come soon!

Bree :: Portraits

2011-04-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

This is my beautiful friend, Bree. Look at those gorgeous eyes!

Love that long shadow behind her...it creates some drama.

This is definitely one of my faves!

Bree is dating my brother, Justin, and was a great sport when I asked if we could do a little photo shoot for fun.

Justin came too.

Having so many great shots to choose from also gave me some opportunities to test out some of the post-processing presets and actions I've stumbled upon recently. I really like the intensity of this in black and white.

Thank you, Bree, for playing with me! You're simply stunning.

Sneak Peek :: Bree

2011-04-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

More of this lovely lady coming this week!

perfection

2011-04-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Carlsbad Flower Fields

Carlsbad, California

Sometimes you open a photo to edit it....and then you realize. It's perfect just the way it is. No tweaking necessary. This one is straight out of camera (SOOC). Can you get any better than those gorgeous colors?

Stunning.

the art and horror of self-portraits

2011-03-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Confession. I was going to post this without identifying it as a self-portrait. But I figured the internal battle was worth speaking to. I do. not. like. self-portraits. Maybe this is some insecurity issue I just need to get over.

Because the thing is, when inspiration strikes, there isn't always going to be someone around to turn into your model for 10 or 15 minutes to try it out. If you're anything like me, most of the time, the only person around when creative urge and ingenious strikes is YOU.

Confession. This is a self-portrait. I will claim it as mine.

What about you? Do you have a love-hate relationship with self-portraits? What about a fave self take?

the thing about rules...

2011-03-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

is that sometimes they're meant to be broken.

Because sometimes...symmetry is just right.

changes

2011-03-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

You may notice things are looking a little different around here these days. I'm ~~painfully~~ slowly working on redesign and branding. I just wanted something simple and clean while I put all the pieces together.

Advice, tips, suggestions, and resources on building your online brand are welcome!

And some day in the (hopefully) near future, there will be a big reveal of what I've cooked up.

there is a season

2011-03-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

And right now that season is Citrus Season. Blood oranges and Clementine Cuties have been a staple in my pantry the last several weeks. And the lemon tree at my parents' place? Bursting. This is the tangelo tree out by the pool at the 'rents'. Only a few of these babies are ripe yet, but they sure smell amazing.

Life is good.

sea-bird

2011-03-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Between the two seas the sea-bird's wing makes halt,

Wind-weary; while with lifting head he waits

For breath to reinspire him from the gates

That open still toward sunrise on the vault

High-domed of morning."

:: Algernon Charles ::

everybody needs a good hat

2011-03-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ravello, Italy

extraordinary

2011-03-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Who makes this kind of stuff anymore?

This is the ceiling of a room in the Vatican Museum in Vatican City. I don't even remember what the significance of this room (or ceiling) is, or who the artist is. But that's not the point. The point is, this is beautiful. And that artist--whoever he was--had to go to great lengths to create this masterpiece. Ropes and pulleys, buckets of paint, hundreds of brushes, sketches upon sketches to get the perspective and dimensions just so....

And for what? The pure enjoyment of aesthetics. For a visual feast that we can enjoy hundreds of years later.

For the love of art.

explore yourself

2011-03-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Consider how you would complete this statement:

I feel strong when ________________.

If you're anything like me, you may have a hard time knowing what the end of that sentence is.

Most of us probably do not know ourselves half as well as we think do, nor half as well as we should.

Are you in tune with yourself? Do you know your strengths? Are you utilizing them?

This weekend I attended the SOMA conference through my home church in San Diego,Flood. Part of the pre-conference preparation included taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment and a Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment.

I had done the Myers-Briggs assessment before, and am happy to report that I am still the same person (INFP, for those who are into that sort of thing). The strengths assessment, however, was new to me. I found it fascinating.

This particular assessment is based off a list of 34 strengths, or themes. When you take the assessment, each of the 34 is ranked, but you are only given your top 5. The odds of meeting someone with the same 5 strengths as you in the exact same order are ridiculously low. Less than the odds of having quintuplets, which is 1 in 47,458,321.

Um...wow!

This isn't about the Gallup StrengthsFinder Assessment, although I would suggest taking it if you never have. This about how unique you are.

There is no one else like you.

We are all on a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Imagine how effective you could be if you understood your own strengths and behaviors, if you were aware of your natural talents.

There is no one else like you.

Explore yourself and learn what makes you you. Discover what makes you tick, what you're passionate about.

Strive to be able to finish the sentence, "I feel strong when __________________."

This post also appears at www.stephaniemeissner.com.

the fisheye

2011-03-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

So, I ordered a new toy from Photojojo that I'm super excited to show you! The Fisheye Lens. Only at a fraction of the cost of a normal, new lens. Cuz you know what? This girl can't afford to go buying cool lenses right now.

It was so exciting to see the box waiting on my doorstep when I got home from work today. I was so anxious to try it out, putting it on my Canon Rebel T1i (aka: Dexter) and testing it out was the first thing I did. Even though the light in my room wasn't up to snuff.

Part of my semi-clean room. Please ignore the pile of magazines next to the dresser that I haven't had time to read yet... Please do pay attention to the sweet hourglass of light projected onto the wall from the lamp.

Next up, some messing around with zooming the lens to see the effect change. This is with the lens all (or nearly all) the way zoomed out.

Zoomed in further, and check out those bulging sides!

This came in the package too. Not gonna lie...it kinda creeped me out when I realized there was something small, yellow, and skeletal in the bottom of the box. Upon further inspection, creeped-out-ness turned to slight confusion. Yes, Photojojo did mean to send me this little guy. As a freebie! Love it.

Yup. Had to try it out on me too. This was a glasses day.

The goods! The lens comes in a great, little black bag to keep it protected. The adapter rings are included. The best part? This baby was under $60.

Get yours here.

Very much looking forward to experimenting more with my new fisheye lens.

Thanks, Photojojo!

hidden beauty

2011-02-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend marked exactly one year since my move into the house. Moving from an apartment complex into a house brought with it a couple distinct advantages--a residential neighborhood and quiet cul-de-sac, a garage to store stuff in, and a backyard.

For some reason I never ventured to the side of the house. I guess I figured there was nothing over there. I was wrong.

On Saturday, after it had rained buckets Friday night, I took a peek around the corner because the fence was open. We have peony bushes on the side of the house. Lining the narrow walk along the house and garage to the driveway. Three of them.

I love peonies. I have lived in the house for a year and never knew those peonies were there. What a reminder to "wake up and smell the roses", to to speak. There is a surprise around every corner, it seems, if we only open up our eyes to take a look.

So looking forward to fresh peonies in a vase this spring...

fleeting

2011-02-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Flowers always remind me of how fleeting all things are. Beauty. Life. Time. Here today, and gone tomorrow. They remind me to enjoy and engage in today--to make the most of every hour.

white

2011-02-20T16:13:00.000-08:00

Digital Photography School Weekly Challenge: White

Why I love February

2011-02-18T12:41:00.000-08:00

"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost;

the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost."

:: J. R. R. Tolkien ::

The Fellowship of the Ring

While there are certain comforts to be found in wintry places and seasons--the crunch of new snow underfoot, silently falling flakes watched from warm windows, steaming mugs and fireplaces--there is nothing like spring. And spring in San Diego...it comes in February.

The photo above is from my last winter in Minnesota. Admittedly, the pattern of swirled and sparkling frost on the windowpane is beautiful. It really is. But there comes a time when enough is enough.

When I lived in the Midwest, February was the cruelest of months. The holidays were over. Winter had already been hanging around for a few months. And she wasn't about to head out soon.

I dreaded February. Poor February. And March wasn't much better.

These days, this time of year is one my favorites. I love February in San Diego. Things start to happen this time of year. Early flowers bloom. Trees blossom. Spring is definitely on the way.

It. Is. Glorious.

strength

2011-02-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength."

:: August Wilson ::

the music man

2011-02-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Poway, California

Sunrise at Iron Mountain

2011-02-07T21:32:00.000-08:00

It was dark. It was cold. It was early. The tree-lined path to the base of the trail was eerie in the pre-dawn dim, trees rising silently out of the darkness on both sides. No one else was around. And the stars were still out.

My friend D organized a sunrise hike for a group of us up Iron Mountain in San Diego this weekend. I woke up at 4:15. In the morning. Yikes! There were five of us + one adorable yellow lab puppy. With our flashlights, backpacks of water, snacks, and sweatshirts, we trekked our way up the nearly three miles to the top and made it just in time to watch the sun crest over the foothills.

Could not have been more worth it. How beautiful is this? So absolutely gorgeous.

2011-02-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Life is too short not to be loved well. Life is too short not to be loved fully.

People are fickle. And we are all imperfect. There will be times that those you care for will choose to let you go. Not only lovers, but perhaps friends, employers...maybe even family. There’s not much you can do about it. It’s their choice.

But you have a choice too. You can choose to dwell on the rejection, wondering why you weren’t quite enough, wishing you had done something or been someone different. Or, you can choose to move on. Kick ‘em to the curb...in the nicest way possible. :) You don’tneed people in your life who don’t want you.

It’s worth taking a moment aside to point out that this is not an invitation to embrace bitterness or sever ties in response to hurt feelings. Harmony, unity, and peace are so important and should be sought whenever possible. This is about making a healthy (and conscious) decision to take rejection for what it is--not an indicator of your worth, value, or capacity to be loved--and embrace yourself anyway.

It’s just not worth it to wonder, “what if,” or think, “I wish,” when the reality is “not now”. Maybe not ever. Your time and emotional energy are better spent learning, growing, and hoping for the future.

You always hear people say that it’s better to be by yourself than with someone who doesn’t really love you. I know I’ve always known that in my head. Feeling it in your heart is something else.

I distinctly remember driving home from work one Friday last year, exiting the freeway and heading up the hill towards my house. I must have been contemplating things and my last ended dating escapade. I don’t remember now. What I do remember is nearing the stoplight and feeling, in the depth of myself, how much happier I was single and spending the evening at home with a Netlifx movie than in a relationship in which I did not feel cared for.

Part of me almost felt guilty, as if I should not be walking away from my friend Heartbreak so soon. It was true I was still sad that things had ended the way they did, but in my heart of hearts, I knew I was better off. I felt it.

When you don’t feel loved by others, remember who you are and what you’re worth. Remember that you will never be able be everything to everyone. Nor can anyone be everything for you. Remember that anyone who doesn’t care for you exactly as you are, flaws and all, is not someone you need to cling to. Remember that pain is temporary. Remember to surround yourself with people who build you up, encourage you, and believe in you.

Remember to love yourself.

Read More

New to the Love Yourself series? Catch up on what you’ve missed here.

Check out this post on self-respect over at BlogHer.

shelter

2011-02-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

"The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned."

~ Maya Angelou ~

spice is nice

2011-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Clockwise from top right: ground coriander, black mustard seeds, turmeric, cumin seeds, ground cumin, ground red pepper. Center: Garam masala.

This weekend I attended an Indian cooking class. On the menu?

Appetizers:

Shrimp fried in cream of wheat (that's right--cream of wheat!)

Onion bhajias

Avocado chutney and chips

Main Course:
Chicken curry
Moong daal
Spinach sabji
Aloo gobi sabji
Cucumber salad with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro
Rice

Dessert
Gajar ka halwa
Fresh fruit salad
Vanilla ice cream with fresh pureed mango

Beverages
Mango Lassi
Chai spiced with ginger and cardamoms

It was a fun day, and a beautiful setting. We ate off banana leaves outside sitting on mats under a canopy of beautiful swaths of fabric.

The takeaway, aside from the recipes, is the spice tin pictured above. These fresh spices came straight from India and smell heavenly!

rain AND shine

2011-01-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

In the midst of the holidays, I nearly forgot about these photos I snapped a few days before Christmas during a rainy week in San Diego. I was sitting at home reading, enjoying one of my last vacation days of 2010 when I looked out the window and saw it was sunny and raining simultaneously.

I love it when this happens. It seems like such a beautiful mistake.

Simply lovely.

2011-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

love yourself :: rest

2011-01-23T13:31:00.000-08:00

Anyone else out there struggle with the concept of being still? Are you okay with not doing anything at times? Being–dare I say it–idle?

We live in a world that spins faster than we can keep up with. There is a lot of pressure and expectation for personal success, fulfillment, and advancement. It’s easy to feel guilty about taking time out for yourself to just be. There is always something that demands your attention and your time.

We tend to think that we don’t have time to relax, or we will fall behind. The thing is, rest is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. And there’s a big difference between idleness and restfulness.

We are a tired people. Most of us don’t get the amount of sleep we should. And most of us don’t make time to just hang out with ourselves. And when you don’t make time for you, you have less to give to the things that are important to you. Less energy. Less spirit. Less joy.

So today–this week–this month–make time for you. Take care of yourself first in order to take care of others. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it.

Justin + Backlight = Awesome

2011-01-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love backlight. It makes everything seem magical...

a dewy morning

2011-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Poway,California

"How cunningly nature hides every wrinkle of her inconceivable antiquity under roses and violets and morning dew."

:: Ralph Waldo Emerson ::

love yourself :: an adventure

2011-01-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Here’s what happened to me in 2010:

My boss died.

I pursued some career opportunities that led nowhere.

I was robbed.

I tried to adopt a dog from a shelter and they decided not to give her to me.

I got dumped. Twice. By the same guy.

Oh, well hello there, Rejection. We have got to stop meeting like this!

All in all, not a great year in life. This all went down between January and October, so by the time November rolled around, I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. Wondering why nothing good was happening for me.

I started to realize that, to a certain extent, I am responsible for my own happiness. Yes, there are always things that are beyond our control. We can’t always have what we want. We can’t always protect ourselves from everything. We can’t get hired for every job. We can’t make someone love us.

But…we can love ourselves.

It may sound selfish at first. But if we don’t love ourselves, how we can truly love those around us? You will never be as close to another person’s faults, fears, and failures or dreams, joys, and triumphs as you are right now to your own.

Do you value yourself? You should. Do you think you are worthy? You are.

We have a mere hundred years, maybe, to live. Life is just too short to sit back and wait for things to come to you. Too short not to hope for things you deserve. Too short not to let go of the things that fall short of what you deserve. Too short not to be loved all the way. Too short to cling to things that have reached their end. Too short to make excuses.

In November, I had a lot of thoughts swirling around in my head, and they didn’t necessarily connect. Then I read this post. Which was shared to me via this photographer. When I read the post, I cried. Real tears…from reading someone else’s blog post!

Thoughts and feelings started to connect for me then. I can wait around as long as I want for something to happen. For things to get better. I can wait and wait and wait and then wonder why it is taking so long.

Or…

Or I can do something about it. I can take responsibility for myself. I can do things for ME. I can respect myself. I can really, truly love myself. And in the process, hopefully be able to spread the love to those around me.

Thus begins 2011. Year of new things. Year of respect. Year of self-love. Every month this year I’m going to be focusing on a tangible way to take care of the most important person in your life–YOU. I hope you’ll stick around for the adventure.

* Note: This series is appearing both here and at www.stephaniemeissner.com. If you happen to read both blogs, I hope you'll forgive the redundancy. Also, if you happen to read both blogs, there's a good chance you're one of my favorite readers... :)

beauty in the common

2011-01-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

What's this? This is the window of my dad's Ford Explorer, at dusk, in Big Bear City, California, when it had stopped snowing and the flakes started melting. We were sitting in the parking lot at Von's waiting for the rest of the family to come back to the car. Who knew so much beauty could be found in a car window?

Big Bear

2011-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

In the week after Christmas, I headed up to Big Bear City, California, with my family for a few days of snow-bound vacation! We were lucky to have great driving conditions up the mountain and a beautiful snowfall to wake up to the next morning.

There was already some snow on the ground to greet us when we arrived.

Then the heavens opened and turned it into a true winter wonderland. Here's where we stayed for three days. Isn't it cute?

It was Dexter's first time in "inclement" weather. We braved the falling snow for some pretty shots.

After living in Minnesota for many years and now residing in Southern California, it's nice to have a snow fix every once in a while. But I don't miss it enough to live in the Midwest again! :)

It was a nice, fluffy snowfall. The very best kind!

The kind that's perfect for snowmen! This is Francois.

We had a blast, but I'll admit it was nice to come home and finally be warm through and through again.

Mr. Snail

2011-01-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

It was Christmas Day, and it was sunny. But the whole week before it rained in Southern California. So it was no surprise to see this guy sliming his way around one of the tiki torches at my parents' house. Funny little critters, snails are.

Mediterranean-Style Black-Eyed Peas

2011-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is my take on a recipe from Giada de Laurentiis for this Mediterranean Farro Salad, which is what I was originally going to make. I couldn't find farro or chives at my grocery store, and I didn't want to drive to another one, so I improvised! It turned out quite well. Even my roommate, who claims not to like "this kind of stuff" said it was really good!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup black-eyed peas
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces (approx. 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into thin strips
- 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In medium saucepan, combine black-eyed peas and three cups water. Black-eyed peas, unlike most other beans, do not need to be soaked first. Bring to a boil and simmer 15-25 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a bowl to cool to room temperature. I had never cooked black-eyed peas before and wasn't sure about cooking time. I found a wide variation of cooking times on the Internet, from 15 minutes to an hour and a half. I checked mine at 15 minutes and let them simmer another ten minutes or so. When done, the beans can be easily smashed between two fingers or with a fork.

While the black-eyed peas are cooking, bring a medium pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add the green beans and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Drain beans and set aside. Giada says to transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water and let them cool for 2 minutes before draining and setting aside. I chose to skip this step, and my green beans were just fine.

In a sauce pan (I used the same one I cooked the black-eyed peas in), heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the spinach and stir to coat. Cover and cook 3 to 5 minutes, until wilted. I meant to squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the spinach, but forgot!

When the black-eyed peas are room temperature, add the green beans, spinach, red bell pepper, olives, and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.

In a small bowl mix together the sherry vinegar, olive oil, mustard, pepper, and salt. Stir to combine and pour over the black-eyed peas salad. Toss to combine and serve!

*Note: I actually used a whole can of olives, because I really like them! We didn't have Dijon mustard in our fridge, so I used the Spicy Sweet Mustard that we did have.

Black-eyed peas are sooo good for you! And let's face it...after the holidays we can all use a boost of healthy eating! I will definitely make this again and would like to try it with a variety of substitute or additional ingredients, such as kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, basil, and feta cheese. Lots of options to vary this recipe!

Farewell to 2010

2010-12-31T16:11:00.000-08:00

Big Bear City, California

One of the great and beautiful things about Southern California is the close proximity of a variety of terrains, climates, and landscapes. I just spent the past few days in Big Bear City, a small ski resort town just a mere couple of hours from San Diego. When we woke up on Wednesday morning, it was snowing. Beautiful! More pictures to come, but for now, here's just a sneak peek.

Taking some time off to read, relax by the fire, and play in the snow was the perfect way to say goodbye to the year.

A very Happy and Blessed New Year to you all.

Eric

2010-12-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is my baby brother, Eric. And it's his 18th birthday today! Happy Birthday, Eric. Many much hugs...

Love,

Your Favorite (and only) Sister

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Self

2010-12-21T21:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Self,

I tried to find a picture of you, but I couldn’t. Because you don’t have a digital camera yet. And all those film photos you’ve been taking? Yeah. They’re in a box at Mom and Dad’s house. Sorry.

There are a few things you should know about the future. Life seems pretty good to you right now. You’re having a great year at school, a successful basketball season, and becoming best friends with Dominique. You think that ten years from now you will be well settled in life. In a career you love, probably married, happy, successful, all that jazz…

I hate to burst your bubble, but, unfortunately, most of the time life just doesn’t go the way you think it will. So don’t be surprised when you’re twenty-five, single, paying off college loans, and still not 100% sure what you’re going to be when you grow up.

Some words of advice for you to remember:

- Don’t EVER touch the heated cigarette lighter in the van! It’s just not a good idea.

- Make sure you keep the pink velour pants. You’re still wearing them.

- Enjoy being bill-free while it lasts.

-You’re a pretty nice person…but remember to be loving to the people others like to pick on.

- Please write down (and keep) the recipe for those no-bake cookies you like to bring to school.

- Wear your seatbelt. One day it will save your life.

There’s more, to be sure, but I don’t want to overwhelm you. Just remember that there’s always a bright side around a dark corner, a friend to lean on, a prayer to pray.

Oh yeah. And you should probably unload the dishwasher more often…

This post also appears at www.stepaniemeissner.com.

beyond avoidance

2010-12-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of things I should have done this year and didn't. I should have written more. I should have photographed more. I should have called friends. Or better yet, written some good old-fashioned letters. I should have volunteered more. I should have unpacked the one box that's still sitting in my room from moving at the end of February.

All in all, I should have been more proactive. More engaged in life. More assertive. I let things happen that didn't need to happen. Other things didn't happen because I didn't make them happen. I was unsure. Indecisive. Worried. Afraid. Busy. Preoccupied.

Oh dear. What now? Well, as my friend Anne Shirley likes to say: "Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it." Hopefully, I can greet each tomorrow with purpose, intent, self-assurance, and grace.

This post also appears at www.stephaniemeissner.com.

five days...

2010-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Five days until Christmas...I cannot believe how quickly this month (much less this year) has gone by! This season, with my Christmas shopping done, and the remnant of my 2010 vacation days coming up this week, I am hoping to truly rest and reflect on the holiday, the year, and the future.

healing

2010-12-19T21:52:00.000-08:00

“As my suffering mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation–either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force.”

:: Martin Luther King, Jr. ::

Have you ever felt like the same malady befalls you again and again? Like the moment you start to feel you’ve recovered, you suddenly find yourself in the same place all over again?

Me too.

It’s frustrating, especially when it seems as though you make no progress in growing or learning from your situation. In 2011, it is my aim to harness something in me to do what Martin Luther King, Jr. was talking about. To take the suffering, the frustration, the obstacles and transform it into a creative force.

This post also appears at www.stephaniemeissner.com.

lesson to self

2010-12-17T23:46:00.000-08:00

The most important thing I learned about myself this year is how important it is to keep investing in me...

beauty

2010-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul."

:: John Muir ::

perspective

2010-12-16T22:16:00.000-08:00

What if:

…when things don’t happen the way we plan, we could change our perspective, let go of our broken expectations of a circumstance, a place, a job, a person, ourselves? And be willing to see that our vision is limited…

What if?

This post also appears at www.stephaniemeissner.com.

down Memory lane

2010-12-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

What do I most want to remember about 2010? If I could only choose certain memories to keep from the past year, which ones would I take to carry with me in life? I spent a good fifteen minutes contemplating this while cooking dinner tonight. I came to the conclusion that I did not do very much exciting this year. Luckily, I am a woman who values simple and beautiful experiences...and those memories are the ones I want to hold close as we prepare to step forward into a new year.

I want to remember...

- Spending Valentine’s Day with my friend, Meg. Especially the “romantic” and beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean at La Jolla Cove. We sat on the wall, surrounded by couples old and young, and ate chocolate covered pretzels, and watched the sun disappear into the horizon. I swear I saw the elusive Green Flash that night....

- Kayaking with my mom on the clearest and calmest and sunniest of San Diego days...

- Sitting in the new Target Field stadium in Minneapolis with Micaela watching the Twins triumph over the Seahawks while the skyline burned with the coming dusk...

- Eating a delicious Philly cheesesteak sandwich on a park bench in Philadelphia on a hot June afternoon...

- Girls’ Nights with Kim, Meredith, & Liesl--complete with tortilla chips and salsa, gourmet cheeses, hummus, and wine...

- The way you hugged me when you saw me for the first time after a year had passed...

What will you remember most from 2010?

This post also appears at www.stephaniemeissner.com.

in appreciation of Time

2010-12-14T18:44:00.000-08:00

What I have come to appreciate, or value, most this past year is Time. Fleeting, coy, and winsome Time. Does anyone else feel like the year 2010 went by much faster than any year previously? I absolutely do. And I’m not necessarily pleased with how I spent my portion of Time this year...or even the couple of years before it. I feel as though I wasted so many minutes, hours, even days on things that never amounted to anything.

Things do happen for a reason, and there is lots to learn from life experiences...even the disappointing ones. I know not everything was a waste of Time. And perhaps if I didn’t feel that way, I would not have this appreciation now for the gift that Time is.

The fact is, life it too short to spend it wishing for things that will not be, waiting for things to happen instead of doing something, and wanting things that fall short of what we deserve.

Moving forward into 2011, I hope to be a real steward and friend to Time. To spend it wisely, acknowledge it with respect, and cherish the moments I call mine.

This post also appears at www.stephaniemeissner.com.

at the movies

2010-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I went to see The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader with my brother, Justin. When we got to the movie theater, we saw this gorgeous sunset from the parking lot. Gorgeous!

sunburst

2010-12-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

San Diego, California

Sometimes, when the sun is getting read to set, this is what I see in my backyard. Awesome!

fire & glass

2010-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

San Diego, California

laughter

2010-12-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Julian, California

Merry December

2010-12-01T22:56:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite time of year. Thanksgiving to Christmas. I love this time in between the two holidays! Every year, I PATIENTLY wait until Thanksgiving has come and gone before I start cranking any Christmas tunes. I love me some Christmas music. And decorations. Lights, in particular. So, ENJOY this season. It's easy to get swept away in holiday shopping, baking, travel plans, etc. Christmas often sneaks up on you before you know it and you realize you didn't even take the time to enjoy the process.

Celebrate. Rest. Be joyful.

vibrant

2010-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Poway, California

happy thanksgiving

2010-11-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia

2010-11-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Last week I was in Philadelphia working at a convention. This was the view out of the hotel window. What a beautiful skyline! Love the colors of the sunset in the background. This one was taken with my phone! Good job, my little Palm Pixi!

one-eyed Missy

2010-11-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Missy

Poway, California

San Onofre

2010-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

San Onofre State Beach

California

2010-11-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

Poway, California

Stephanie Grace Photography

give

merry...

I come bearing (a) gift...

childhood obsessions & photographic amphibians

Inside the Tiffany's bag...

Power Outage 2011::What I Did

Lemon and Almond Rice Pudding

funny little face

magic

Happy World Photography Day!

Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

pretty new things

perspective

Andrea | Portraits

I might be a liar...

Andrea | Sneak Peek

back at last!

Golden

Hallelujah

The Getty

we have a winner!

today could be your lucky day

There is still time (but not much)!

new and exciting things!

Justin :: Portraits

Justin

Self Portrait Challenge #2 :: Lighting

Self Portrait Challenge #1 :: Props

Exploring Chiapas, Mexico

Eric :: Senior Portraits Part II

Cilantro Lime Chicken with Coconut Rice

I swear I'm working...

Chiapas, Mexico :: a sneak peek

sweet, sweet vacation

Sneak Peek {2} :: Eric

Eric :: Senior Portraits Part I

in memory of a very good dog

Sneak Peek :: Eric

Bree :: Portraits

Sneak Peek :: Bree

perfection

the art and horror of self-portraits

the thing about rules...

changes

there is a season

sea-bird

everybody needs a good hat

extraordinary

explore yourself

I feel strong when ________________.

There is no one else like you.

There is no one else like you.

the fisheye

hidden beauty

fleeting

white

Why I love February

strength

the music man

Sunrise at Iron Mountain

shelter

spice is nice

rain AND shine

love yourself :: rest

Justin + Backlight = Awesome

a dewy morning

love yourself :: an adventure

beauty in the common

Big Bear

Mr. Snail

Top 5 Posts from 2010

Mediterranean-Style Black-Eyed Peas

Farewell to 2010

Eric

Merry Christmas

Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Self

beyond avoidance

five days...

healing