I’m madly in love with summer. And it’s drawing to a close, which makes me miss it already. Much like when your honey goes on a trip and you know you’ll miss him terribly and want to spend every moment with him before he leaves. That’s how I feel about the end of summer. No more whites or linens or trips or shorts or suntan lines or 8 PM sunsets. Oh the sunsets. Me, sunsets and Instagram have shared quite the summer.



And as with every summer I have such high hopes and dreams for 3 months we have together. (As with every season, except for winter. The only good thing about winter is Christmas and possibly Mardi Gras. But Mardi Gras is so much better when it’s not in the depths of winter. I’ve digressed…). You know, always a reason to start fresh. Ah, New Beginnings.

It’s coming to a close, my friends. Although, I am looking forward to the boots of fall. Oh a warm happy feeling just went through me at the thought of how perfectly complete an outfit looks with boots and a scarf. But, I really do love summer. It’s just a little love affair with fall clothing. Nothing for summer to be overly jealous of. And, again, off track.

I made a bucket list of things to accomplish for the summer. The list is not where it needs to be and I’ve been very distracted. What was the list? Here’s a link!
What I have accomplished? Decorating the cabinets in my kitchen. And under budget!

What I didn’t accomplish? Working out. At.All. My poor body. I’m sorry for taking you for granted.

Back to the end of summer...
There is one really wonderful thing that comes with the end of summer. Oh, well, my August Birthday Tradition, of course. And that’s this weekend. Unfortunately, two of my favorites will not be in attendance this year. But that is not to say that it won’t be a perfectly wonderful weekend of fun (and PICTURES!!!). Need.To.Find.The.Point.And.Shoot.



Before I leave you. One of the things on the bucket list was ‘The New Orleans Open or Closed Project’. And it’s not finished. But it is started! Here's a taste.



I love you, Summer. And I’m deeply sorry that I’ve not blogged about you and for you more.

Nevertheless, I am pretty excited about these little girls! Just the thing to walk me from Summer right into Fall. And the necklace? That was my birthday present to myself from last year. It’s kind of been a wardrobe stable the last few weeks. It makes me feel similar to the way boots make me feel. Confident and pretty.


Hope you’ve enjoyed!!

As I grow up, I'm learning myself. Isn't that a nice thing and a frustrating thing about growing up? It seems as if, no matter how much we try to make the most out of plans - college, friendships, relationships, events - we can always look back and find things we should have/could have changed.


We slowly evolve into the person we feel most comfortable being. But, for me, it's not without struggles or without taking a few wrong turns. Oh yes, examples...

I was on the debate team in college. Why? I have absolutely no idea. This was me learning myself the Hardaway. Cuz, let's face it, I feel no joy from arguing with people or public speaking for that matter. During the situation I looked at it as a growing experience. I was trying to make myself better at something I wasn't good at. What a stupid reason to put time into something. Looking back, I did learn something. I learned, it's probably better to spend time trying to get better at things you're actually good at (or at least passionate about). hahahaha That seems to black and white, but I think that a lot of people struggle with this. Let's be honest, we've all tried to be something we're not a time or two. Me? I tried to be good at debate. Probably because my sister was good at it and my dad was good at it...I just didn't inherit that particular trait, and that's okay. At least I know I'll never wonder if I was good at it...hahaha

On my life's bucket list I've always had 'To write a book about my life'. And, again...why? I'm not a writer. In fact, I'm not even really a big fan of words. This may come as a shock, considering I 'write' a blog. Regardless, the truth of the matter is, I would much prefer to make a short film or a show of images expressing my life. Maybe it could be set to the music from various times in my life. Maybe I could have cameo appearances from people who impacted me. We could get into technicalities about how I would actually have to write a script and blah, blah...but you see my point. Why was that on my bucket list? I'm not good at that, so why would I waste the time doing it?!

Stray thought about blogging as opposed to writing: Blogging is more a instrument to express thought and less a structured reading or writing tool. And I love that about blogs. It's just free thought where formatting and spelling (hahaha) is loosely judged.

For more examples, we could get into other weird, long choices I've made in relationships & friendships, but I'll spare you. I'll just say, sometimes when I look back on times in my life I see a big question mark because I have no idea what I was thinking. hahahahahaha Everything happens for a reason...I suppose.

Thankfully, I'm coming into my own. I've realized lots of things I'm not and slowly finding more things I am.

I've learned, I love my camera and every single thing about it. I regret every single day I've lived without it. And maybe, unlike debate, I'm actually good at taking pictures.

I've learned I'm not the most analytical.  I've learned, I'm a little dyslexic - maybe. With that I don't have to be great at words and numbers (although, I should start practicing to spell common words that I misspell and I do really enjoy some algebra problems). I'm mostly right-brained and I'm good with that. On the personality test where it measured social skills directly opposed to analytical skills, I'm much more a people person. It's just who I am by nature. So, I know I don't need to go back to school to be a Chemical Engineering -- although the money sure would be nice. What I do need to do, is discover the best way my strong social skills can help me grow personally and professionally. Though that may seem obvious, I still think a lot of people struggle with this. I know I'm guilty of trying to be better at the things I'm bad at and I leave the good things at good instead of trying to make them great. I hope I stop doing that. hahahah

I've learned that 'the perfect guy' for me was/is out there. And I'm pretty dang sure I have found him!! :)) For a long time, I thought that everyone just settled for good enough. I realized, some people are guilty of that, but I didn't have to be one of those people. And I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that every day I'm moving forward in life with him. Again, applying the bad things good instead of good things better...why struggle to make someone into the person you want them to be, when instead you can find the perfect person and work at making the perfect relationship!!! :)

Okay, I feel all happy now that I'm becoming who I'm suppose to be. hahahhaa sorry I'm cheesy.


'God is great, beer is good, & people are crazy.' - Billy Currington

May has been a whirlwind and a half. We knew that May was going to be a busy one...and this weekend was quite the conclusion!

May was David's 8th anual crawfish boil, Mother's Day, dad's birthday, sister no. 4s birthday, Grace's birthday, Amanda & Stephan's couple's shower, Mr. & Mrs. Amato's wedding (same people as Amanda and Stephen), and that was just the big things that happened on the weekend. May was also finding out sister no. 3 is preggers, girl time, jet skies, confession, photoshoots, editting out of my mind, and of course the 9-5...

May, it's been fun...until next year -- adios!

This weekend actually started on Wednesday for me. I packed a bag and spent Wednesday & Thursday David's. Wednesday was a crawfish boil at his house. They were, oh my gosh, so amazing....and just to rub it in....

There's just something about a photo that capsulate’s a memory. I'm certain that it helps us recall the events in our life, that's a no brainer. There's something so unbelievably spiritual about the mood a photo can give us from an occasion. It's the art of capturing that mood, that feeling, that makes photography something worth pursuing. At least for me. Sometimes, during the journey of learning my camera I forget what a photo means. What a picture is. A photo has the ability to capture a moment, even a feeling, that could over wise be lost forever. It's the art of providing memory recognition in one of its truest forms. And this is one of the million reasons I fall a little more in love with my Canon every time I shoot.

And...moving on.

Okay, question. How tacky or not tacky is it to bring your DSLr to a wedding that has another paid photographer?  I know, or hope, that one day I will feel like my camera is more of a job than an obsession. But, for now, I wanted an oppertunity to take pictures of the big day. I left the DSLr in the car for the ceremony...but, for the reception, it came out! I couldn't help myself. Sooo...am I tacky?!
Regardless, I can't help but share a few:





By the way, the Amato wedding was one of the best weddings I have ever, ever been too. It was at Amada's (the bride) grandmother's country home, stunningly beautiful, and it literally went on all night long. At least, from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm when we left that evening. The DJ played everything good, including the 'Boot Scoot Boogy' twice so we could 'practice'. And 'You Belong to Me' by T. Swift as karaoke. And invisible double dutch (as seen above) was the most popular dance move of the night. You are welcome, for that one!! :) LOL It's kind of my stable. hahahaha I'm a dork.
 
And now it's Monday...Memorial Day. And I'm at work.
 

This week is absolutely busy. The good kind of busy when you get to see everyone and do lots of things that you love doing. The kind of week when i wish that someone followed me around with a camera and captured the little moments in my life. Words just can't tell you how beautiful this week has been so far, and it's only Wednesday.

Nonetheless, I will share. {This is more for me than it is for you}

Sunday | David and I had a perfect day. It was one of those days when you feel warm and tingly in your soul. We went to Mass in New Orleans to a beautiful cathedral, St. Patrick's, followed by lunch and driving around uptown talking about how living in one of those beautiful houses on the Avenue is part of our 30-year plan. (I said 15 years, but David told me to be more realistic, LOL).  About 3:00 we decided to put on our running shoes at Audubon Park. I fell deeper in love with New Orleans & David on Sunday. {David is the highlight of my life.} And me and my instagram really had fun...



Monday | was Dad's Birthday. The family isn't actually planning to celebrate dad's bday until Friday, but mom invited me to dinner anyways cuz it was his 'actual birthday'. I was the oldest at home that night which hardly never happens. I brought Dad wine, Kimberly serenaded the dinner table with humming water goblets, and we ended up outside by the pool with a glass of wine and a conversation about how to grow closer to God (you know, the kind of conversation you can really only have with your parents). Later that evening I found myself in the parking lot at Target, sitting indian-style in my car just chatting with Mindy about life & love & babies. (Have I mentioned how glad I am that Mindy has moved back home?) All of these events are like those events that you would see in a movie montage about living a happy life.

Tuesday | was packing and cleaning...sort of. Later in the PM Grace and Mindy arrived at my house. The rest of my week I will not be around for our weekly girls dinner so I had told them they could come over, but I had to be productive. So they came over...but I wasn't productive. LOL We ended up on the sofa in my living room talking about plastic surgey, getting older, girl drama, shopping at Marshall's, how different a pair of glasses can make you feel, how people preceive us and remembering how long we've been friends. Grace and Mindy are two treasures in my life. I love both of them so much and the person I am when I'm in their company. Last night was one of those nights that I hadn't had in a long time. It was like a highschool slumber party, except with no bedtimes and wine. I needed it.
I should have taken out the camera on Tuesday to capture a few moments...
Here's the only photo evidence of Tuesday:
It's looks so pretty, when in fact it was just another day in my life.
Wednesday | is today. And it's just starting. "I'm glad it's wednesday. I still have plenty to do the rest of the week and Wednesday is late enough in the week for it not to be depressing, but early enough in the week for me to still be hopeful to close this week out well!" - as documented by gmail.
This evening I've been invited to David's parents for a crawfish boil. A crawfish boil on a week day? Okay! :)

Thursday | is a girls' night and a boys' night out on the town. A friend of mine, Amanda, is tying the knot on Saturday and we have to bring her out and about before she settlesdown, of course. The boys will be accompanying us down to the city in a party bus before we go out separate ways. I'm sure the night will be full of Pat O's and pictures...and I'm sure Friday morning will come much too soon.

I'm having a love affair with my camera! 

Boys & Girls, this past weekend I have to privilege of documenting some of the sweetest and most beautiful children you will ever meet {in my completely bias opinion}. I'll share with you the first of the weekend, Isabella Grace. Bella is Mindy's, my BFF, eldest child. And an exact replica of Mindy herself.

:: BREAKING NEWS :: Mindy will behaving a little Boy in September to add to her precious little familiy. One boy & one girl! Love it!

This was my first little person shoot and I had my fears and doubts, but I absolutely loved it. Bella did an amazing job as a model & I look forward to taking her summer, Thanksgiving & Christmas photos too! (Mindy doesn't quite realize this yet, but I think it will only take a little convincing!! :))

I've been searching for the perfect curtains for my room for the last two years. Nothing ever seems to be just enough me and just the right color. I saw these beauties about 6 months ago at  and fell madly in love. (madly in love.) Nonetheless, this girl's salary just doesn't support $400 dollars worth of curtains, at least not for one window in my room. So I waited and waited, than finally they came down to $200. But still, I just could not allow myself. And then, the sunshine from above and they were $100 ($50/panel), but I still waited. I needed Christmas to come and go before I could allow myself such a splurge. And finally, today, they are mine. They were the very last two in stock. When I went back to the page after my purchase they were no longer available. I am so thrilled that I chose to buy them today. {Destiny} LOL
 I'll admit it, I've looked at them every day for the last week.

And here the are:

There is just something about the rain that relaxes me. Even when I have to deal with it in the car and in traffic. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's terrifying; but I still find peace in it. Maybe it's the smell, maybe it's the color that is makes the sky, or maybe it's some unrealized attractive memory I have of it. I love it.

It's this weather that has actually inspired two mixed CD's that have played in my car for years. {Mixed CD's - remember those? iPod's did a pretty good job at making them obsolete, nonetheless, they will always be one of my favorite things}

I'm not the only one who is in love with the rain. In fact, sooo many others have captured it in so many other ways, so I will share with you those that come to mind:



Shimmering Streets, Canal and St. Charles by R.C. Davis




Misty Morn on St. Charles by R.C Davis

 Really, absolutely anything by RC Davis is beautiful. But, these who paintings he's really captured two of my favorite things - New Orleans in the rain. It feels magical, doesn't it?!

Rain Days {Grooveshark}
I've made you a Grooveshark station highlighting some on my favorite and the classics.
(http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/playlist/Rainy+Days/40184042)

Some Rain Lagniappe {photos: thank you Flickr.com}
(pronounced /ˈlænjæp/ LAN-yap) is a small gift given to a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase or more broadly, "something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure." The word is chiefly used in the Gulf Coast of the United States, especially Louisiana. {definition: thank you, Wikipedia.com}

(Cuba Gallery)

'Can I Have this Dance'

^{Let it rain!}

There are just a few purchases that I have been really, really pleased with the last few days.

Here's to sharing good experiences!

Happy 1: My new Jessica Simpson purse.
I saw it and had to have it. I'm not good at buying purses, it takes me months to find one that I actually love. My last purse was a lovely yellow bag from Target that had seen better days. I bought it over a year ago...It needed to be replaced, but I loved our time together. {This pic doesn't do it justice}

Happy 2: Awapuhi product line by Paul Mitchell.
I'm a Paul Mitchell girl, have been since 2008 when I become completely color dependant due to some genetic malfunction in my hair that has caused me to go awkwardly grey in my early twenties. The texture of my hair just hasn't been the same since I discontinued regular use of Pantene Pro-V. UNTIL NOW. My hair stylist recommended Awapuhi on Friday. I'm in ABSOLUTE LOVE with the Shampoo & Conditioner. I haven't tried the Deep Condition or the hair spray yet, but I'm sure that I won't be disappointed. My hair feels amazingly touchable.

Happy 3: Amazing Cosmetics undereye concealer.
I think all working girls struggle with those ugly undereye circles. I had all but given up my search for the perfect concealer. I tried almost everything: Covergirl, Bare Essentials, Orgins, Mac... and then one day I walked into Sophora and asked for an undereye concealer. This edge girl with jet black hair and pink bangs brought me to this concealer. She explained that it took a little bit, so be gentle. I'm not going to lie, I over used it the first few times and it stayed wet for awhile. Now that I got the usage down people are actually noticing and asking me what I'm doing different. I finally found my miracle concealer...it might be the answer to a decade long search.

Happy 4: Speak Now by Taylor Swift
I don't think this needs explaining. I just love her new album.

Before I leave you I have to tell you that The Band Perry song "If I Die Young" has been stuck in my head for about two weeks now. It is beautiful.


I hope you all have a perfectly wonderful Tuesday.
I hope that I'll be in touch sooner than later.
I hope this proves to be useful to at least one other person.

Start your Christmas shopping!

Loves

This past weekend one of my dearest girl friends got hitched. I'm so happy for her. She's in one of those relationships that is perfect. They seem perfect together & it gives me a peace of mind to know that she is truly happy. Unfortunately, I was not camera happy enough, so I was unable to snap the perfect pictures. But, I will share with you a little of the weekend.

The Dauphin House, Bed & Breakfast. It was my first B&B experience, but umm, let's just say that it photographs well...



That table witnessed some pretty good girl time late on Saturday night, complete with shooting stars and transformers blowing. Thinking back on the weekend, it seems so grown up to go to weddings with boyfriends instead of your family. I guess that's part of being a 20-something, which I love.

The wedding was a beautiful, private, beach wedding (that I didn't get any worthy wedding pictures on, I know, I don't even know how that happened).



The reception was a champagne and wine bar. The underground band, who sung to us all night, had a lead singer who made prettyeyes at the lovely Miss Anna-Claire that evening. The food was delicious. And Megan, the bride, was absolutely stunning.


Anna-Claire, thank you, thank you for having a changed camera that was taking worthwhile pictures.

Old {Friends}
{Love you} Knew
Borrowed {photographs}
True {life}

Speaking of wedding weekends, the beautiful and charming {now} Mrs. Jennifer also said some vows this weekend. Adam & Erin Falgout Photography has put together this beautiful video. {One of those pretty bride's maids is my sister.} Adam & Erin are pretty awesome too and local to Louisiana!


Jacques & Jennifer Wedding Day Trailer from Adam & Erin Falgout on Vimeo.

I love weddings.

Good thing, cuz this weekend is Ashley, the little sister's, bridal shower. I can't wait to share the whole event with ya'll. It's been really fun to plan, but I have to admit I'm a little nervous. We're trudging through new territory {figures crossed}. Not to mention, it's still takes a moment for me to realize that my little sister is getting married. She must be all grown up.

a few things happened this week that made me feel like a whole person again. i had been feelings like i was pushing through each day without a purpose, no light at the end of the tunnel, nothing to look forward to except routine. but i remembered a few things this week, a few things that had seemed to slip my mind and its exactly what made me feel so lost.

1) I need people to need me. It's what I live for really and its what makes me happy. The extra effort that I put into people that I care about is part of who I am. When people expect things of me and for me to be placed and I feel it is more than a burden I have the wrong perspective. My perspective should be that I am honored to have the opportunity and the love in my life of friendship. And I should continue to be grateful for the points of view that each person brings to my life. That is why I seemingly stretch myself thin for others, because I need them as much as they need me. I forgot that, it's nice to remember.

2) It is important to listen to the struggles your friends deal with. When you listen to them they are much more likely to listen to you. Having someone listen is like taking the weight off your shoulders and splitting it in half. If you are able to talk through something you are about to pinpoint the problem and then solve it. And well, talking to yourself just doesn't really have the same effect.

3) Friendships take time to grow. They, like most things, need love to grow healthy. And the thing I cherish more in my friendships is when people understand my perspective and can relate to me and vice versa.

4) Sometimes "I miss you" means more than "I love you."

5) When your body has had enough it will tell you. My body has had enough driving over the Causeway, which is probably why I threw up on myself this afternoon while driving home. I spent the rest of the day nursing myself back to health. My body needed a break, so it decided to make me contagious.

6) I will probably still call my mom when I'm 30 when i don't feel good.

7) When you love someone you need to tell them, if you don't you risk that love fading (instead of growing).

...just to name a few.

I feel better. I owe everyone in my life for helping me get back to a good place. It feels good to be back.

I saw a glimpse of my old life. I believe everyone is better off now, that life was not for me. Goodness only knows why I kept it for so long.