Moving on..

Patrick and I moved to a new place this weekend. We are very happy with the new place mostly because it doesn't feel like we are living in a shoebox anymore. The old place was much to tiny. We even have a patio.

I think I'm becoming an old lady, and enjoying it thoroughly. I planted some plants and spread some Morning Glory seeds along the fence in our patio. I'm excited to see if life will sprout. It was therapy for my heart and soul. Finding balance is always a chore for me, and I think that gardening is a good start. I am always needing to remind myself to take a moment to just be instead of freaking out about what I need to accomplish and the lack of time to do it.

My abuelita has been on my mind everyday, all day lately. I make homemade flour tortillas to feel closer to her. They are pretty close to tasting just like hers. I even planted some spinach today. I'll keep you posted on it's progress...

Inspiration needed

I seriously need to update my website. I seriously need to start shooting more. I need to find more time. Time. Time. Time. Where art thou?

On another note, I just finished my first and hopefully only semester at Santa Barbara City College. I have mixed feelings about this experience. I enjoyed being on a campus that had the full spectrum of what you would experience from college. Huge library. A sprawling campus that overlooks the ocean. A wide variety of classes to fulfill your every interest such as: green building, culinary arts, hospitality, a strong marketing program, a diverse art department, a hospitality program, a mini Brooks photography program ect. The possibilities on this campus are endless, and I appreciate that. However, I have become quite accustomed to our session system at Brooks Institute. You're in and out in 7 weeks. It's over before you realize just what hit you and the sleep deprivation has it's rewards much more quickly. SBCC works like most other community colleges on the semester schedule. It nearly killed me. I give many props to the people who attempt this on a regular basis. My attention span was tested. Yet, I prevailed.

I look forward to returning to Brooks with two additional classes under my belt. For 2011 I will present my game face. I am determined to transfer into graduate status by the end of the year. When that moment arrives, I can only imagine that I would feel as if a huge weight is lifted from my shoulders.

Sometimes I have moments of doubt. I question myself. I question my priorities and my motives. As far as my degree is concerned, many would argue that you don't need a B.A in Professional Photography to be a noteworthy photographer. I would argue this too. Sometimes I do. On occasion I ask myself why I take on what I do and if it's even possible. I ask myself why I need this degree to go out and attempt to conquer the world?

If it came to that point where I knew without a doubt that I would not be able to do what I need to do to finish this godforsaken expensive school that I love and found refuge and passion in, I would throw in the towel and give thanks for the challenging run. At this moment, I feel that if I stay focused this degree is within my reach.

And my reasons for needing this degree? If I'm honest with myself, I know that this is one of the most important things to accomplish in my life. I have dreamed about going to college to get a degree since I was a little girl. My teachers were always telling me that I had talent and potential and after awhile I started believing them and believing that I would do great things. For awhile, I lost that in me. I lost the desire to do great things and I mostly felt lost. The older I get, the more I try to grasp on to my childhood aspirations. Since I have been dreaming about that degree for much of my life, I know it's something that I need to do for me.

So, here is to the final stretch. I will cherish these last classes at Brooks. I have a feeling that someday I will look back to this time in my life os one of the best.

It's going to take a whole lot of positive thinking.

I really need to write more on this blog so that I don't bombard one post.



Isn't this image beautiful? Not mine. Such possibilities....©Tom Chambers

Strange dreams

This website has been haunting my dreams. I take naps during the day since I can't really commit to 6 hours of sleep at a time. All day I've been dreaming about client websites. I'm excited to add this into my business. Now each client will have a personal website page to go to to view their images and share it with their family and friends. This will be a free gift to all of my clients. The wheels are in motion, my friends.

The graveyard shift

I'm at Hotel Santa Barbara and taking full advantage of a big pot of coffee. Norah jones mix on Pandora is greeting my ears. I've been catching up on my internet musings for the last hour. Facebook. Blogs. Craigslist. Twitter. Email. As much as I sometimes complain about working the graveyard shift, I am very grateful for it. It's allows for an open schedule during the day and time to catch up on things during my work schedule. Essentially, I am paid to babysit the hotel while I complete my homework and make plans to take over the world.

I can't complain. Working the graveyard shift has allowed me to stay in Santa Barbara while continuing to pursue my education. And, I don't think I am that much of a zombie. anymore.

Halloween is coming up soon. I hate wearing costumes.

On gloomy days I always seem to be drawn to Norah Jones. I love her.

Getting adjusted

This week was a busy week. The start of my new schedule. I am relying more and more on coffee. Coffee is my dear friend. Patrick too. Here is what my schedule looks like:

7am- Getting off of work. Sleepy. Go straight to bed.

9am- Wake up. Jump in shower and dress. Give myself a pep talk. Chug coffee.

10am- Internship at art gallery. Happiness. Progress

1pm- Leave gallery. Go home for lunch. Exercise for 1 hour

2-4pm- A nice nap. Bliss

5-7pm- Coffee. School. Clase de español.

7-8pm- Dinner

8-10pm Nap. Bliss.

11-7am Coffee. Work :(


Yep. That's pretty much how its going. This schedule is Monday-Thursday. I still have the gallery on Fridays, but I don't have to worry about school or work so that makes me happy. This will be date night since I will be shooting weddings some Saturdays.

On a very happy note, I was accepted into the Santa Barbara Artwalk. This means that I will be able to sell my photography every Sunday where all the Arts and Crafts artists line up along the beach to sell work. My work had to be reviewed by 10 people on an artist panel and they had to vote to approve my spot in the show. They enthusiastically voted yes and told me that my work is beautiful. That was good for my spirit.

Now I am just working on getting my display booth in order. Matte boards. Plastic Bags. Cash register. Paper. Receipts. New work. Prices. Print sizes. Revenue goals. Much to do, but very excited to be doing it. I am hoping this will fund my way back to school and also, inspire me to shoot more for the sake of my art.

Even with my busy schedule, it is easier to stay positive about it because I am working towards all of my goals. I am a firm believer that people can accomplish anything as long as you stay positive, focused, and determined. Remind yourself what you want out of life and the decisions you make and the schedules you take on become easier to accommodate with those things in mind.

Life is good.

I'll count my blessings

Why is it when things are good, they are really good? Two weeks ago I was on a part time work prowl and interviewing for jobs that really do not interest me and would not help me accomplish my goals. Miserable time. Macys? State farm? Acai Bowl? I'm sure I'm missing a couple. Im glad that:

a) they didn't want me
b) I didn't follow through even though I felt desperate for second job
c) I'm addicted to craigslist

In this week I was able to land part time work with a wedding photography company and also landed a long term paid internship with a fine art photography gallery. I am so excited for both and feel very lucky to have been chosen. Over 100 people applied for the internship for the art galley and myself and one other person were chosen. I am very excited for it because I'll be surrounded by inspiring images and learn how to run a gallery.

Life is good. I am going to be a busy girl but I feel fortunate to have these opportunities.