She Is

She is perfectly imperfect in all of her chaos.

She is content in her past regrets and strong in all of her weaknesses.

She puts a smile on her face when all she wants to do is bury herself in his chest and cry.

She holds her head up high and swallows her pride, for today is another day.

She whispers to herself, “I am thankful for today because I know, I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

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Pride

Pride, that inflated emotion that numerous friendships, romantic relationships and professional business opportunities have been destroyed by.

What seems to be such a simple word can be incredibly destructive if not handled with delicate care. Many people, myself included have gone months, even years carrying this burden. Whether it was love lost, lack of communication or an “I’m sorry” that was never said, we spend so much time wasted on our frivolous pride. 

It’s been quite a year for me. I had two New Years Resolutions, one that being to overcome pride. Not only is this unbelievably difficult but also extremely time consuming. You fight your roller coaster of emotions; you go back and forth of “not caring”. You delete, block and/or flat out ignore those that you feel betrayed you. 

As night falls, you start to reevaluate the situation you found yourself in. You begin with what my best friend calls to, “Sit in your feelings.”  

And for however long it takes you to finally make the executive decision to move past this, you continue to waste time.

Even if the friendship will never be the same or the love will not ever be rekindled. I find myself realizing that it’s worth setting things straight. This doesn’t make you weak. You may not ever forgive that person, but what matters most is that you allow yourself the freedom of that burden that burns so deeply inside of you. 

We all may think, “It’s too late.” 

But it’s not; it’s never too late. The only time it’s too late is when you allow the time to pass and something drastic happens to you or that other person. Then, instead of pride you carry the unbearable feeling called regret. 

I’ve noticed more cases this year than any other, and it’s heartbreaking. In the end, all we’re doing is wasting precious time, time that will not ever be given back. That beloved entity we all take for granted.  

So, mend your soul. Make the call, answer the message, and apologize if necessary. 

Not for them, for you.

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Battle of the Sexes

She tried, for years to be simple. But she couldn't, it wasn't in her. There was a fire in her that wouldn't ever let it be. She dreamed of the extraordinary. She dreamed that of undying love, the unbreakable bond between her family and life-long friendships. She dreamed of traveling the world to learn about different cultures, dance in city squares and photograph every memory; in case she ever lost hers.   

How was she complicated? 

Because she had emotions? Because she over analyzed every detail? Or was it because she said, "I'm fine." when she was an absolute disaster? 

She spoke a different language than that of a simple man.

But know that she never meant any of that to be intentional. She never meant any confusion, hurt or despair. Even when she said, "Whatever" and stormed out of the room. It was quite likely she fell into tears before the door even closed. 

She wasn't complicated, she was a woman. 

And I can almost guarantee that the one woman that drives you absolutely crazy, in the good times and those in the bad, will stick by your side thought thick and thin. 

She may be "complicated". She may be "too emotional" but she will be loyal, honest and true. Most importantly, she will love you till her dying day. 

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Shannon Christmas Session

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."  -Burton Hillis  

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New Friends

“You should write more, I love to read your work. I write a little also.” He said. 

The two had not ever met but words had been exchanged in the past and she was baffled, utterly confused. How could years pass by, minute by minute while someone had already experienced so many things and just appear into her life out of nowhere?

She always said, “Nothing happens by accident.” And those little words danced on the tip of her tongue as she heard him speak. Within the first five minutes of the conversation, she witnessed his passion, his intellect and his grace.

She sat back, with stars in her eyes as if no one ever spoke to her that way. It wasn’t sexual, completely on the contrary but intimate; that it was. They spoke about life, love and music. All things she revolved herself around. All the things she adored.

For once, she stopped. She sat there and listened.

“Keep it simple.” He said. 

She giggled, as she had heard this once before but knew that this was one of the most difficult things for her to accomplish. 

She heard the music in the background but for once a conversation had her completely paralyzed in the misty chair she sat in. She tuned in and noticed as he lit up when he spoke of his children as well as the crinkles in his nose when he spoke about his past business adventures.  

He spoke to her about life experiences, hardships, and all the things she too had experienced but too shy to tell him she had experienced them from the other side. She chimed in every once in a while because she couldn’t help herself, like a little child looking up to the man she thought was everything. She was intrigued, nervous and downright scared while he unfolded her life with his every word. 

No one ever mentioned how you find a mentor growing up, but in this specific moment she knew exactly why. This uncanny moment she could not ever fully describe how she knew he was going to make her a better woman. 

Although she yearned for more, she knew it was time to go. It was getting late and he was still on the job. From what seemed like she had known him for many years, a mutual hug was given by the new found friends. The two parted ways but she knows, without a doubt this won’t be the final lesson.

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Moreno Maternity Session

A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside ...

When a tiny heartbeat is heard for the first time, and the playful kick reminds her that she is never alone. 

-Unknown 

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Small Blessings

She wakes, not by the traditional sounds of an alarm, with the extreme buzzing, or overly caffeinated talk show host, babbling on about the weather. She hugs her pillow, curls her toes and slowly open and closes her eyes as they adjust.

She doesn't turn on the radio, although she does remind herself that she is an old soul and misses her radio. She begins to hum as her long hair falls along her back and the collar of her pajama shirt goes over her head. She notices that her right foot taps to the beat only she hears in her head. Slowly she breaks in to a quiet rumba but checks over her shoulder knowing no one would ever see her but her confidence is still growing. 

The music progressively gets louder as she walks down the stairs, barefooted on the cold studio floor she adores. She tosses her mobile phone to the side while she ties her hair back and brushes her teeth. She turns on the hot water and watches the steam fog the mirror, she then glides her finger across the screen and chooses her "artist of the morning". She lets the steam fill her lungs while the sounds of the clave make imprints on her soul. 

She whispers as the water falls over face and begins to pray. She begins by giving thanks for all of her blessings. Her family. Her friends. Her career. Her hearing; for if it were not for that simple sense, she would not ever know the love she has for music and dance. She smiles, and her ears begin to drown by the sounds of the music on the other side of the glass doors. 

"Amen", she says. "For You have blessed me with yet another day." 

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