What a whirlwind the past month has been! There’s no rest for the weary we’ll just say- between wrapping up albums and December weddings to finish the 2011 season to meeting with some amazing couples and filling our 2012 calendar faster than I’ve ever seen it full before… oh and in the meantime I’ve been working on the debut of the new website and blog (reason for me not keeping up with this blog). I had hoped for everything to debut weeks ago… but big projects like that always take longer than expected. The extra time I’ve spent working on the site though will pay off- it’s going to be amazing and so fun, fresh, unique and a little quirky and fun as well… I can’t wait for you to see! 
If that weren’t enough the days have quickly been passing and the final days before my big trip are here! Saturday I leave with Lydia to spend the week in Vegas for the WPPI photography convention- I’m so excited to go learn from some of the industry’s best, see old friends and meet new ones.. then next Thursday while I truly should be sleeping I’ll be boarding a plane to Hawaii for Carrie and Darryl’s wedding. I feel like the reality of that leg of the trip is finally sinking in as I locate my bathing suite, sunscreen and flip flops.. Hawaii a dream come true! We’ll be there celebrating with them- taking beautiful pictures and snorkeling is on the list as well… until Tuesday when Lydia returns home and continue Westward to Manila, Philippines.
I haven’t been back to Manila since I lived there those 4 months after graduation and I’m so excited to be able to go back and see the kids in the orphanage and visit with my friends that live there but mostly I’m excited about having my “real camera” this trip. I wasn’t a “photographer” the last time I was there- yes I came home with loads of pictures but this time I have a different focus and approach to taking pictures. I hope to return with stories… not necessarily love stories of weddings days but stories of people who it seems most the world has forgotten. Stories of people most will never know exist- there were so many amazing people I met in the streets of Manila… the people of the Philippines are inspiring and my goal is to come back with their stories to share with you- so you might be able to experience a “taste” of their life and their culture.
As with each passing day I draw closer to my departure I’ve recounted so many memories… moments, faces, adventures, sights, smells, scenery and experiences that I hadn’t thought about in years. The sights and sounds of Manila- so different from the daily sights and sounds of the city I preside. There are no “personal bubbles”, the smog and pollution are over the top and sometimes make it hard to breathe but the hearts of the people… people who have very little in our eyes but they have something many people here lack and that’s Joy. Not just smiles on the surface kinda Joy but heartfelt and sincere joy and love- a passion for life that’s unique and so very beautiful. A simple life- outside smart phone and wireless internet, outside demanding schedules and 9-5s… a day seems to last for 2 or 3 life truly slows down and for awhile you feel as though you have time to breathe deep- relax and take in the surroundings.
I’m going to miss my husband dearly- we were just dating the last time we spent this much time apart and Maggie wasn’t a member of the family either.. but I’m glad she’s here to keep him company while I’m away.
I’m most excited that I’ll get to share these stories both old and new on a new platform… my new blog and website coming later this month or early March!
So here’s to the first adventures of 2012- this year we’re kickstarting a season full of beautiful wedding in Hawaii… I have a feeling this is going to be the most amazing year- full of beautiful surprises and many new adventures and I can’t wait to get started!
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