One Happy meal not Two

So we are hitting very tough economic times and with kids, we as parents need to really educate them on spending and saving. My boys are 4 and 2 and they already understand the power of money and how money gets you things. I am also trying to teach them how Daddy works to get us some of that money and now little Josh even places his candy on counter to pay. But cashier must give it back ASAP, if he or she places in the bag, you will hear a loud scream. All in all they understand that that piece of paper or coin gives them power, power to obtain things like CANDY. I am surprised that Lucas the other day comprehended that I bought 1 Happy Meal and plain nuggets to eat, I explained we needed to save and that we would give the toy to Josh. I was not sure how that was going to work out but he was very mature and ate all the chicken nuggets, even Josh's- lol. But Josh was sleeping and was happy to get the toy. There are many things parents can do to still have a good time like actually go to birthday parties you are invited to, because the gift will be cheaper than going out. You can find cheaper than Chuckee Cheese places like the Party Gym on route 9 in NJ, fast food joints with a slide, ( they are happy with any size slide) free community events and more. One thing is for sure, I do not want to save on the smiles and good times these little ones give me. I mean I stopped by the mall and when Josh saw the tiny carousel, he said WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE as if he arrived in Disney or something. The point is, the kids need to get out of the house once in a while and one can still do that on a budget. Here are some pictures of our Little lunch outing yesterday with bff Ana Clara.

I will laugh harder

So in this new path as a photographer, I am presented with many challenges, frustrations, ups and downs. One of my main challenges is trying to develop a workflow at home. Why is that a challenge? How does one work on her business while being at home with a 4 and 2 year old? I have been struggling, at times I cry, other times I laugh, other times I scream and most of the time I do all of the above. And when I do not shoot for a while, I get that feeling deep inside telling me that perhaps this is not it or this is going to take so much longer than I think and will I ever make it? I know where I want to go, to be at, but the inbetweens and internal battles make it look so far away at times and then there are little victories here and there and I like Third day's song that says Give me Revelation, Show me what to do. Cause I have been trying to find my way. I have not gotten a clue. It is not that I don't know what I want, I do, it is that I lack the resources , I wish I could go to WPPI or attenda the Kubata boot camp and do other great photographer stuff. and I know I should not focus on the lack or the need but focus on being committed, being committed to being a professional fabulous photographer and that everything else will fall into place. No picture for this post but a video showing a glimpse of my day. and a few years from now this will be so much funnier, I will laugh harder.

Highs and Lows

Looking at some pictures of Wanessa's photo shoot, I found some more that I really love and what I love the most are the contrasts not of the colors but of Wanessa. She is mysterious yet transparent, shy and yet extrovert, quiet yet loud, a girl and a woman. The wind and shadows on her face make it a perfect feel I have of her and also reminds me of the highs and lows of life, my personal and professional life that sometimes just combines a big mess of feelings, realities victories and failures. And what about living the good life? Well living the good life right now would consist something like a bathroom with a bathtub and not just shower like I have, a linen closet and a big hamper where the clothes would not be on the floor. Still pursuing, still believing and hoping there would be more highs than lows.