Together4Ever

143 Just Married!!!! Kate and Manny Fimbres, Paradise Valley, AZ, 4-30-10

It's taken a few days to compose my thoughts for this blog...Why? Should be a slam dunk on what to say and how to say it since it's concerning the most amazing day in these two peoples lives...

But, my friends, I'm stuck. In a quandary of emotional questioning of the commitment it takes to walk down the aisle with one man or woman for the rest of your life? I used to be naive to think that there was only one person for each of us...Soul mates that are lucky enough to find one another and then follow through with the vow of marriage.

Several years later into my own marriage and what I've discovered is that while you hope you find your true love the first time you enter this commitment, you might not? Enter the reality that there can be more than one you are supposed to be with? Supposed to learn from, supposed to teach...:) It's a fun discovery for those of you who are in sad marriages or stuck relationships. It's honestly pure pleasure to watch two people find each other and join together as one after so many that were not the "only way" and "final happily ever after". It's really a blessing to see a couple who has what it takes to be "Together 4 Ever"!!!

Almost Counts

144 Kate & Manny, Rehearsal Dinner, St. Barnabas on the Desert, Paradise Valley, AZ, 4-29-10

How many things do you say, "Almost counts" to in your life? For some strange reason, there are those of you who feel almost is just that, ALMOST and not worthy of the space it takes to even type it...

But, venture down the path of hope and there you'll find safely tucked way behind your dictionary vocabulary choice is the ever present, and divinely created word called, "almost".

It comes out and takes center stage when you are with a special person that you haven't kissed yet and you lean in for the "almost"...Or like in the above picture, when you are just one day away from exchanging your wedding vows and you reach for each others hands knowing that you are "almost" married! I just love the word almost, especially when it leads to the word, absolutely! " Look for your almost moments and I guarantee you'll find your memories for life where "Almost Counted".

Welcome Home

145 Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, AZ, Filter Color Efx, Topaz Simplicity, 4-28-10

This is home for me...right here very close to the base of the mountain showcased in this picture. We've been here for almost 18 years which is longer than any other home I've ever lived in.

Why do I share and why do you care? Because as we go through life, we sometimes get caught up in the structure and four walls that we call home, when in fact...Home is where your heart is.

Some of you reading this blog, (Sam) know this all too well as you travel here and there and set up shop temporarily all over the country; Then when you think you've settled down and are finally going to take root, something changes and you are off again running. Take care to know that where you are, there too is your home. Your heart dictates the statement, "I'm home". Isn't it good to be home friends! :)

Finding Focus

146 Kate & Manny Engagement Picture, Montelucia Resort and Spa, Paradise Valley, AZ, 4-27-10

If we trust our intuition and respond, it's always right, because we're open enough to see what to do. ~Paul Horn

It was at least 8 years ago...Yep, at the very least when I first met Kate and Manny together. Just friends then; She married to John and him in another relationship but, the energy, respect and adoring love they had for each other was palpable. And honestly, they were so kind to one another that when you were around them together, you never wanted to leave the circle of love they created as best friends.

Their example of being perfectly content to being platonic was not shocking, but honestly welcomed as we fast forward to today; She divorced from John (for reasons too many to list in this single blog) and him detached from his other relationships since then are now fully focused on one another. Theirs is a special bond that was bound by destiny and tomorrow when they exchange their wedding vows, will be a lifetime commitment to one another by choice.

Happy day friends when you are lucky enough to find focus, find your love and commit to one another for the rest of your lives! Life is good...

Frazzled Fabulous

147 Kelly T. playing Marilyn Monroe, Scottsdale, AZ, Color Efx, Topaz Filter Simplicity Oil, 4-26-10

There was a last minute call before the Toastmasters meeting today and when I recognized the caller ID as my friend who was on the speaking agenda, I quickly answered. Poor thing was a mess. Emotionally drained from a weekend of ups and downs and frustrated with writing a speech that she just didn't have the focus to make happen, she was at the end of her rope.

Have you been there? Supposed to follow through with something magical, when you've been heaped with the crap of life? But, ohhhh my friends, when you dig deep in these moments of shear panic and freak outs, what you ultimately will find is simply put, FABULOUS.

Did you know that the highest man made technological piece of engineered brilliance is silicone? How is it made...With tiny bits of sand that are pressed and pressed until they melt and mold into silicone. Who knew you could take something that is seemingly insignificant as sand and create man's masterpiece? What do you have within yourself that needs to be pressed to showcase and create your brilliance? Be fierce as you face your frazzled fabulous!

Always Tomorrow

148 Paradise Valley, AZ, Picture Taken By Kelsey C., 4-25-10

I'm a blob! Seriously...My body has decided to not listen to my pleas of staying fit and relatively healthy. It wants instead to lay about and gather a few more dimples on the legs and butt and for sure, a few more inches around the mid section.

Forgive me, but when people say, there is always tomorrow...What they mean is, "Absolutely frickin' NOT TODAY"...

Ugh...Must stop this post and find an ounce of energy and force my now newly gorged body to the gym. Cheers happy skinny people...I'm jealous and grumpy with you right now. :)

Witchy Weekend

149 Las Vegas, NV, 4-24-10

Do you have special people in your life that no matter what, are exactly the same as when you first fell in love with them?

I do! "Witches Unite" (Not sure of origins on group name) reunion was a last minute gathering after 25 years of not seeing each other. Yes, many things had changed from hair colors to body proportions to crinkles around the eyes, but you know what didn't change even the slightest...THE LOVE, THE LAUGHTER AND THE LIFE!

Omg...If laughing is good for the human psyche, we are perfect indeed! Remember to reconnect with those that you shared great memories with. Life is short...find the moments of pure & simple fun! Thank you Janelle and Krissy!

Old Friends

150 Las Vegas, NV, Southwest Airlines-Phx Terminal 4 Gate D-3, 4-23-10

Another day that should have been simple in the world of travel as you all know it...But, for me, non-revenue passenger...Complicated & Painfully Irritating.

When you have benefits with United airlines and can fly "free" (Misnomer...Pay a fee that is sometimes more than an actual ticket) you grow accustomed to being the last on the plane and grateful for the seat in the middle with a child screaming on one side and a "who cares" parent on the other. But, what doesn't sit well with us less than the average paying customers is when we cannot get on the flippin' plane.

One hour flight to Vegas today turned into 9 hours at an airport with finally a reprieve when I left Phoenix and flew to Los Angeles where I FINALLY sat through only two more flights to actually get a seat on the next to last flight to Vegas. "Cocktails" anyone? Yes, please...Make mine a double.

Poppin' The Color

151 Taken Molokai, Hawaii, Filtered-Faux Lucious, 4-22-10

Hidden Shock

152 Manny F. & Kate S., Scottsdale, AZ, 4-21-10

News of engagements, a marriage around the corner and a spontaneous get together with old college roommates...Is there any end to the blue skies tucked behind the seemingly dark clouds?

How quickly the weather and our lives change. Blessings to you all!

Boys Church Poker?

153 Gary C., Paradise Valley, AZ, Saturated, Framed, 4-20-10

Some misfortunes we bring upon ourselves; other are completely beyond our control. But no matter what happens to us, we always have some control over what we do about it. ~Suzy Szasz

Picture is of our last place finisher in last year's Men's Church Poker Night. He was given a "girlie" certificate for a manicure and pedicure, he used it and showed up this year to the competition all pampered and prettified. Laugh now clown...Hee hee

Don't be afraid to dig into the dirt to get to the top of the mountain. (Pink fingernails and all)! :)

Decompression Depression

154 Paradise Valley, AZ, 4-19-10

Standby Sleep

155 Mo'omomi Beach at Sunrise, Molokai, HI, 4-18-10

Aloha Molokai

157, 156 Molokai, Hawaii

Hui Happy

158 Hui Ho'Olani, Molokai, HI 4-15-10

Rainforest Heaven

159 Kamakou Park,Molokai, HI, 4-14-10

Molokai Moments

160 Molokai, HI, 4-13-10

Molokai Memories

161 Kamehameha Coconut Palm Grove, Molokai, HI, Topaz-Simplicity 4-12-10

Doesn't it just make your world complete when you receive random words of love? It happened to me today with a simple text from my daughter who just finished writing a paper on her earliest recollection/memory from childhood for her college English class.

"I didn't really realize how great of a mother/teacher you were till I wrote that paper and learned that you knew exactly how to have me learn my lesson. My only wish is that one day I can be just like you! You are the most amazing Mom in the world!!! I love you!"

Mentally and emotionally recharged by her words, is it any wonder that all I could see and photograph today were the hearts in nature! When you can, take a minute and write someone a quick note telling them why they are special...It's a beautiful and priceless gift. :) I heart you all.

Photo Revealed

162 Poolside, Hui Ho'olani, Molokai, HI, Photomatrix, Filter Topaz-Simplicity, 4-11-10

The exposure today was about your psyche? Have you ever been given the task to choose your best work (what you have determined to be your personal best work) and put it on display for others with greater aptitude than yours to view? It's a little intimidating and worrisome to say the least, right?

But, this was the task for the day...Collect 12 great shots from the year and have them critiqued by a group of novice to expert photographers gathered for the 7 day workshop with Dewitt Jones, Rikki Cooke, Jonathan Kingston and Theresa Airey. Oh my!

Luckily, the first gathering was on the front porch called 'The Lanai' here in Hawaii and the wisdom poured from the mouth of the one I call, Master, Dewitt Jones. "You are not your photographs". Hmmmm....Not my pictures? Not me exposing myself, but my pictures? What freedom to be given license to showcase the work, not my identity. To hear the words of opportunity to improve, not words of discouragement. I am me and I like it.

Be careful to not collapse your identity into what you do for a living or for fun. You are uniquely brilliant...remember that. Aloha friends.

Aloha Hawaii

163 Honolulu Airport, Oahu, Hawaii, 4-10-10

Aloha means hello, goodbye and love. How can one word mean so much and apply to so many situations?

The plane landed on the same tarmac that I first met my husband almost 26 years ago to the day. He was a pilot of a 9 seat airplane and I was his passenger. The weight and balance of the aircraft usually had me sit seat 9 (in the back) because in those days I wasn't sporting the 10 extra pounds I have now and I was relatively tiny compared to the oversized local travelers. :) (I love typing that)...

At the base of the stairs getting on the plane, the pilot informed me to take seat number 1. ??? Ecstatic and giggly, I bounce forward to my position and for the rest of the flight excitedly peered out the window. Every once in a while, the pilot would poke my shoulder and inquire if I surfed, golfed, played cards, watched football...All of which I said shortly, but nicely, "No". Finally, he stopped asking questions and allowed me to enjoy the seat and sights I had never till this day been given rights to.

As we were all deplaning, the pilot made his final announcement, "Mahalo (thank you) and Aloha---Welcome to Molokai". Exiting the plane, the pilot reached out to shake my hand, pulled me closer to him and asked one last question, "Do you eat"? :) Smiling and still holding his hand, I looked into his eyes and knew instantly, he was my aloha! That pilot, my husband now of 25 years provided me the true meaning of the word, aloha. It's good to be home, Aloha Hawaii!

Simple Shower

164 Paradise Valley, AZ, Picture Taken on Molokai, Niks Silver Efx, Framed, 4-9-10

We were gathered for a Bridal Shower for Kate Steider soon to be, Kate Fimbres. Following the co-hostess around her decadent home as she gave a tour, someone asked the simple question, "What does your husband do for a living?"

Her answer was sincere and direct..."He and I run a porn site. We are a monogamous couple who makes love for a camera and for fans of our site for 14 years straight". Huh? As my mind tried to unravel the words that came so effortlessly and easily from the mouth of this beautiful woman in this beautiful home.

I was overwhelming shocked, but mesmerized by her willingness to be so forthright with a very intimate revelation. This was a room full of "church" women who did not share my wide eyed, mouth agape, deer in the headlights response to her answer. Why? Because as one very wise friend of mine standing by my side pointed out, "We are not here to judge, but love unending". It was a simple shower with messages that poured like water from a spout, heavy and with great meaning. Love one another for all they are on the inside, not what they choose to do on the outside.

Sweet Night

165 Lake Serena, Scottsdale, AZ, 4-8-10

Slithering Snake

166 Lexi, Paradise Valley, Straight Shot with No Filters, Framed, 4-7-10

Yes, no matter how good the seeds of friendship you plant that are healthy and strong, beware of the snakes and insects that lurk within the soil ready to eat up the nutrients and goodness.

Make sure you till your land and establish fertile potable earth that will be ready for your seeds before you garden. More importantly, once your land is fruitful, constantly be on guard for the same evil to seep in when you are simply standing by enjoying the pure beauty of the stemmed vegetation.

Removing horrible meanies will assure you unbelievable appreciation for your new beginnings or restored growth for established gardens! God bless the good in you...Don't let anyone take it from you EVER.

Looking Ahead

167 Alexa V., Paradise Valley, AZ, Filter-Niks Silver Efx, 4-6-10

Sitting with goop all over my hair in an attempt to hide the ever growing, disgusting gray hair I've been accumulating this year, I look over on the counter in front of me and tucked behind the hairsprays and products was this simple calendar declaring these words for this day, April 6th:

May you be ever-present in the garden of God's love.

Isn't it awesome to be reminded to stop thinking so far ahead, to stop all the grumbling about gray hair, forget the worry over illness, friends lost or neglected and be completely immersed in this very moment...God's garden. Water your soul friends...

Love One Another

168 Bo & Alexa V., Frankfurt, Germany, Straight Shot, 4-5-10

We were supposed to enjoy the day, walk around and capture a few sights of Germany, but instead...We slept the entire day! All of us, all four of us in a hotel suite at the Marriott slept 16 hours straight!!!

Seriously, we all individually and collectively must have needed this crazy amount of non-stop sleep but before we went into our hibernation of sorts, we were given the wisdom of the day by one of the flight attendants on the elevator:

"In this time of hardships, it's important to take care of one another...It's all we really have left".

Think about it, the more difficult these times prove...We are hopefully, doing as commanded by God, "Love one another". :) God made you good...

German Easter

169 Church, Frankfurt, Germany, Filter-Curved, 4-4-10

Label Yourself

170 Flight Bag, San Francisco, CA, Filters - Craqular & Texturizer, 4-3-10

If you could choose any sticker with any saying and apply it to yourself, what would it be?

This and other weird questions are what I continue to ask myself as I study the labels applied to the flight bags here in Flight Operations at the San Francisco airport.

As much as I can't comprehend the person who over decorates their flight bags or car bumpers, I am always interested enough to read them...So, what if it was required for everyone to choose a label and decorate some part of themselves? What would you choose?

Oh, I wish I had something pithy and brilliant to write about what I'd choose, but at this moment, it would be the simple and yet perfectly stated, "Handle with Care"...:) If you are brave enough and still reading this...I dare you to share yours?

Being Supportive

171 Breast Cancer Fundraiser, Scottsdale, AZ, 4-2-10

:( Just found out another one of my friends has cancer today. Diagnosed after a mammogram and caught early to where treatment prescribed is a lumpectomy, chemo & radiation.

Seems that every time I turn around, there is another person facing some catastrophic illness, divorce or hardship of some kind. Do you feel the same way?

Lesson today is now more than ever, stand tall, eat right and become spiritually aligned if you aren't already. Your God is always there and sending angels your way to help with the confusion of "why you". There isn't a reason, simply awareness of being 'here' now. If you are the angel or the one experiencing pain, remember...You are loved.

Oddly Beautiful

172 Avocado Plant, Paradise Valley, AZ, Taken in Mexico, Filter-Topaz, Flat Style, 4-1-10

Isn't it odd, that true to nature itself, when at first you discover something oddly beautiful, you take a closer look? The same could be said about the people around you...Defining, of course, beauty?

This was the lesson of the day for me...Knowing the friends that I have and what I have perceived their inner strengths to be. My own filters discerning their true brilliance. Thereby, giving them and proclaiming special energy and power that would highlight all that I see.

But, really, what I see in them is what I hope is within me? Is it okay to selfishly admit that I hope people filter me the same way I filter them? It is the mirror reflection that we gaze upon one another...How clear is the glass you hold for yourself and for others? Goodnight...