Shooting from the Heart

I stepped out of my comfort zone and wrote from the heart

I stepped out of my comfort zone, opened up and wrote from the heart for Real Word Magazine's inaugural issue. Like this couple, I feel elated!

Writing a story about myself was harder than I thought.  Once I started, organized my thoughts and played slack key guitarist Danny Carvalho's CD - the words  just flowed. Incidentally I was listening to his CD "Slack Key Journey - On My Way".  I'm so thankful to my dear friend Cheryl DeAngelo. for yet another exciting opportunity of sharing my work, my thoughts and for my personal growth.  It is such an honor to be included with the other artists, professionals and writers of Real Word's first issue!  

spreading my wings

This morning I went on a power walk at my local park.  I have been really trying to get back in "walking mode" on a regular basis.  Along with a very happy four legged furry friend, my Canon point and shoot and my lip gloss with SPF 15 I set out.  My mind was all over the place with thoughts of prioritizing my day, meeting deadlines and finishing my article for Real Word magazine. I secretly wished for some kind of sign, something beautiful.

Then I see this:

I just happened to look over to my left and in the dirt, a dying bush

with a something beautiful

a sign

A sign for me. A sign that it's ok, spread your wings. Share. Just like I shoot from the heart, time to write from the heart too.

I've been asked to contribute a story for Cheryl DeAngelo's timely publication Real Word Magazine Hawai'i.  A magazine that focuses on presenting positive pieces from real people that reflect true life in the islands spreading that "feel good" energy inspiring others! I am truly honored to have been asked to contribute to the very first issue.  Now I just need to take my cue, my sign - spread my wings and write!

sunrise

I posted this golden image on zenatona's facebook fan page  and twitter with the question: "how does this make you feel?"  I was so delighted with the responses:

"Lovely...I feel happy and energetic looking at it. It is the start of the day, with all the possibilities in front of me."

"It reminds me, at first glance, of my time at the beach as a kid, under the blanket of trees/palms while enjoying the sun and sand."

"peaceful, hopeful"

"Bright.... yet guarded.... I feel like I can see all the light of the new day yet I am protected/guarded"

For me, this piece makes me really happy. It reminds me of swimming in the ocean in Hawaii. Underwater I open my eyes and see the sun rays cutting through the turquoise waters, revealing tiny gold flecks sparkling all around me. 

I named this piece "sunrise"  - it will be available in print and canvas in my Etsy store soon!

I'm on a Mission (In Santa Barbara)

I know it's been along time since I've updated "shooting from the heart".  So much has happened, so many awesome shoots, travels, news and ... life in general.  I tend to get a little overwhelmed with how many things there are to blog about. Sometimes I'm not sure where to begin and so I move it to the side and concentrate on other projects and my clients.  Well, here I am again - taking a step to keep up. Back on a Mission! (Thank you Ger for always encouraging)

Over the summer, I had the pleasure of taking a road trip with two of my very dearest friends, Arna Johnson and Geralyn Camarillo.  Arna graduated from the Brook's Institute in Santa Barbara over 25 years ago. The three of us have always talked about taking a road trip here in California and for Arna to revisit the Brook's Institute was a dream come true.  For Geralyn and myself we were both so honored to be a part of the adventure. I WILL be posting more about our awesome road trip. Since we are all photographers, we came away with THOUSANDS of images! (Again, the overwhelming feeling.)  I'll start here with the Mission of Santa Barbara - I feel it's fitting since I'm now on this new Mission. :)

That's Arna on the steps of the Mission

There was beautiful sidewalk art on the grounds in front of the Santa Barbara Mission.

Very fitting ~ this lotus flower.

We absolutely loved all the architecture. I saw this doorway and the heart above - Arna just made it complete!  Until next time ...