LIFE IS WORTH LIVING

A few weeks ago I was feeling really down. I felt like nothing I did was good enough and everything I tried doing turned out suckish. I'll admit, I am my own worst enemy. I doubted my abilities (an everyday struggle for me) and doubted where my life was headed. I don't consider myself a negative person but David would beg to differ. In the midst of my sulking I received a phone call from my sister. Joshua wanted to spend the night and I was up for a fun sleepover. I needed it. Once he was here, my selfish feelings of inadequacy quickly dissipated. We stayed up watching cartoons, coloring, playing with superheros and hanging out with the dogs. He reminds me that life IS really good.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Coming up with a business name is so important. When David told me it was time for me to come up with a name I cringed. I'm not very good with words, they don't come naturally. Even now  I'm trying to think of ways to make this more interesting to read...no luck yet. Anyways, (I like using 'anyways' as a transition) I wanted something different and easy for people to remember. I didn't want to use my name because it's way too long and somewhat difficult to remember for people who've just met me. After several stinky ideas (Happy Photography, Simple Studios, ICantthinkofaname Portraits) David told me I was over-thinking it. So, we sat down and he gave me his ideas (which were super boring!) then we decided to make the name more personal.

When we were married I brought my two dogs, Lokie and Brownie, into our family. David (with his brilliant mind) decided to put their names together and go with Brokie...but that sounded funny so we stuck with Bokie :) What a great story, huh? David got with his graphic designer and had my logo made...A YEAR AGO! Yes, I've had my logo for a year and I've just decided to use it. I guess I didn't want to show it off unless I knew this photography thing would work out. Well, there's only one way for things to work out and that's by actually WORKING on them. So, that's what I'll continue to do. I'll work on this, one step at a time, and expect only the best.

SHAWNEEQUA + CHARLES : MOTHER & SON

It's always hard to say goodbye...it's even harder to say goodbye to your own son. Charles is going off to Wayland Baptist University in 5 days so Shawneequa wanted to capture a glimpse of the strong bond she's shared with her only son. Thank you, Shawneequa, for allowing me to capture the wonderful love of a mother and son. Charles, have fun, kick butt and don't forget to study hard!!

CELEBRATION : MELISSA'S KARAOKE BIRTHDAY!

She didn't like me and I didn't like her and we both admitted it to each others face. She thought I was conceited and I admitted I thought the same about her-especially when she'd walk through the halls laughing and talking as she walked with her many friends.  Our senior year in high school we had 2 classes together and we learned who the other truly was-we became best friends. She'd invite me to lunch with all her friends and soon enough, I was able to be as happy as she was when I saw her walking down those halls. We went off to college together, got married in the same year and have shared every birthday together since our senior year.


Melissa, I am so thankful that you have helped me come out of my shell. You've shown me true friendship and I love you for that! Thank you for always listening when I need to vent and thank you for comforting me in my darkest moments.


Although we don't see one another as much as we'd like, Abby, Pam, Melissa, Jazmin, Karina and I always make it a priority to get together for our birthdays. Melissa asked that we get together for karaoke to celebrate her 24th birthday. The only place we could think to go was super busy so we were only able to sing one song but we sure did blow up Katy Perry's Firework! The following night we had dinner, cupcakes and games at my house!

I borrowed this picture from Abby Gonzalez Facebook page :) Thanks, Abby!

 From left to right: Me, Pam, Karina, Melissa, Abby, Jazmin

Karina made some beautiful and delicious tres leches cupcakes! Normally, I'm not a fan of the semi-soggy cake but I sure couldn't stop eating these! They were da baum, yo'!

 Yes, Melissa, you are FABULOUS!

NOTE TO SELF : GOD IS GOOD

Some days, I have to keep reminding myself that God makes all things work together for my good. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to get one step closer to my dreams each day. 

MEET IRMA : SENIOR 2012

What can I say about Irma? She's just so....wonderful! She works really hard in all that she does but she is also so fun to be around. She loves music, facebook and being unique. It was such a pleasure to work with her on her senior photos and she looked so lovely! Thank you for being such a beautiful and great model for me, Irma! Enjoy!

CONFESSION : I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE SELENA

It's always been a crazy dream of mine. Something I've never shared with anyone for fear of being ridiculed. But it is true, I've always wanted to be a singer! Oh, don't laugh too hard yet, you haven't heard me sing. It's like the beautiful sound of chirping birds meets a trash compactor. Yes. It's that bad! 

I've always dreamt of the spotlight ever since I heard Selena sing when I was 5 years old. All eyes on me with my hips-a-shakin' while producing harmonious melodies. But alas, I  do not believe J-Lo will be calling me up anytime soon to join the next season of American Idol.

A few months ago I completed my first audition for a play. To my dismay, it was a musical :( Needless to say, I was not cast. The singing portion of the audition was beyond torturous; I cannot imagine how the others in the room felt having to subject their innocent ears to such agony.

Thankfully, I have learned to embrace my inability to hit a note and will keep my musical talent behind the closed doors of my home :) I think David and the doggies are really excited about that!