Spanglish

I am now back from my wonderful 10 days in Spain. It was a trip to remember.... I am one who loves to take in all her environment: the people, the smells, the tastes, all the moments.

Day 1: was quit stressful and frustrating. The Houston to Paris flight was enjoyable even though I was packed tightly with the rest of my fellow sardines. Then things quickly changed when I missed my connection flight to Madrid due to the long lines going through customs and security. Trying to keep a smile on I proceeded to the booking counter to get on the next flight. As I was smiling to all that passed by me I was shocked that not one returned a smile (which I always understood a smile as the international peace and hello sign). Not a big deal now off to board the plane in Madrid. Anxious passengers began to shove their way through and quickly cut in line when one wasn't looking. I thought to myself this would not happen in the US, what is the big rush and quite bumping into me! Europeans don't really recognize what personal space is. They don't seem to mind being crammed close to one another. Once landing in Madrid I found out that I had missed my connection to Seville by about 30 minutes and the next flight wasn't until 10:45pm over 6 hours later. At this point I was struggling to keep a happy face. The local airline required me to purchase a new standby ticket since my delay was not account of their airline. Landing in Seville at 1am I was incredibly thankful to see my dad's familiar face there to greet me with a big hug.

Observations: Allow at least 2.5 hours between international connecting flights due to terminal distances and security. Europeans at the airport tend to be unfriendly and self-centered. Nothing like a big hug to close the end of a frustrating day.

Day 2-10: Amazing! The next day was much different. Walking around the small cobblestone streets had such history. Windows full of flowers and private court yards full of plants and trees. People sitting outside at the local cafes enjoying the local beer and tapas. The delicious aromas of papa frit and olive oil and the sound of laughter fills the streets. Many popular dishes included local Iberian ham sandwiches, paella, fried seafood and croquettes. There were many royal palaces throughout the region with a Moorish influence as well as many cathedrals. I was shocked and in awe of the detail on the buildings and palaces. The ceilings were each uniquely decorated with different materials such as porcelain tile, wood, gold, marble and stucco type material. The outdoor community plazas and gardens were just breath taking. With most people live in small apartments, so these precious gardens give people a place to relax, walk their dogs and enjoy the fresh air. Most people walk or ride their bikes to get around old town Seville. There is a rush of people through out the day except for their afternoon nap at 3pm. Dinner doesn't start until about 9pm so many people enjoy a few drinks and little tapas which are smaller than our appetisers. Their rich culture was inspiring. I did go see a Flamenco dancing show which is full of passion and flair. My father describes the men as peacocks who love to strut their stuff, which was very apparent in this dance. Bull fighting is something that is a big part of Spain's history and culture, which I chose not to experience due to the treatment of the bull. Most times the bull is killed at the end of the show with spears. I probably walked about 4-6 miles each day and took over 600 photos!

I hope to upload the photos of my travels this week. I need to sort through them and share with you the best ones. Even though I had an amazing trip I am happy to be home. I missed my love so much. He helped make this trip possible and I am so very grateful. Thank you to my friends and family for their prayers. I never once felt like I was in danger exploring the city by myself during the day.

Spring in Houston, Texas

Spring is in full bloom in our southern state. Out with the damp chill humid days and into the gorgeous low humid 70's and 80's. This is my favorite time of Houston's climate change. No longer running from air conditioned room to air conditioned car. Get those jogging shoes out and enjoy this gift from the Lord! Houston does have a beauty all its own and it is beautiful when you seek it out. Below are some photos I took in April before a photo shoot I had. Just think how many colors God has in his paint bucket. The hues and the patterns are lovely. Even the insects have their own special markings. I hope that you enjoy God's creation where ever you may be. You never know when lady bug or butterfly may pass by.

Moments that Change your Heart

My best friend Brittney and her husband Ryan have had the most amazing year. They have celebrated new beginnings with their son Micah. This little guy is such a joyful baby... he is so observant and laughs with the most precious crinkle in his little nose. He has the ablity to make you feel so incredibley special when he smiles. I thank you Lord, for crossing my path with Brittney's. My life will never be the same. The Toliver Family will always have a place in my heart.

Progress

Most of you know I workout at Bayou City Crossfit with my friend Katherine and my trainer Katie. We have been working on strength conditioning and the kip pull up. Last Friday I met a specific goal I have been working on for about 6 months. Major progress, I was able to do 3 kipping pull ups in a row with out the assistance of a resistance band! That was such a victory for me, since I have struggled with upper body strength since my younger years working on project with my dad.

Wow.... it is amazing what sweat and tears will transform into.

A saying that is often said at Bayou City Crossfit which I totally identify with is.... Love/Hate Relationship and That was horrible, when can I come back for more.

A BIG thank you to Katie and Katherine, for encouraging when didn't think I could struggle through another round of pull ups.

P.S. Crossfit is having a self-defense class this Saturday for ladies. Let me know if you are interested in, I will be there.

Goals and Change

I am very excited to see what changes are ahead of me. This year I have many goals in the back of my mind that I would like achieve before year end. By posting them to my blog I hope to get the accountability I need to keep me moving forward.

1. Bible in 90 Days Program
My Tuesday morning bible study group have been working through the bible to read the entire thing in 90 days. This has proved to be a challenging but rewarding endeavour. By reading 12 pages each day we should be complete by the second week in May.

2. Healthy Body
The last three years I have been focused on being slim and trim, but the last 6+ months I have changed my focus to being healthy. There is a big difference. I am putting my focus on both the food I am putting into my body and the fitness training. Food includes fresh fruit & vegetables, meats and nuts (Paleo Menu). Fitness training includes both cardio and strength training. CONSISTENCY is the real challenge, so my goal is the have 4-5 fitness sessions eat week. Jake and I plan to have our first child next year (God willing) and a healthy body is the best thing that will help with any implications from my scoliosis.

3. Family Cookbook
Cooking has always played such an important role in my family history. With my both sides of my family being from such countries as France, Italy, Germany and Sweden there are some amazing recipes to be shared. I would love to preserve these recipes into a cookbook so that my future children and my nephews will always have this to pass down. So far I have over 100 recipes that need to be reviewed and photographed. The big challenge is cooking each dish so that I may have a photograph. As this endeavor is great, I will be cutting back my portrait and outdoor photography this year.

A big thank you to all my family and friends that are praying for me and encouraging me as I boldly step out. It is with great excitement I share these posts of progress and challenge.

Micah Moments

Check out how precious this little guy is. He is so observant and growing daily. Micah welcome into this world, you have captured so many hearts including mine. I look forward to more photo shoots to come as you discover the amazing things God has put on this earth including bugs, puppy dogs and snow!

Pink and Precious

I can't believe Ellery has celebrated her one year birthday already! She is so dear to my heart, I have photographed her since she first made her appearance in this world. Thank you Bridgette and Keith for inviting me into your precious moments!

Love is in the air...

Love between two people is such a neat thing to photograph.

These two have such good hearts and a tender love for one another which made it easy for me to capture on film. Best wishes to the happy couple!

Precious Beginnings

I had the privilege of photographing my best friend and her husband recently. She is due very soon and I have wanted to snap these precious photos since the day she told me she was pregnant. There is something so special about a little tummy and the wonder on the face of first time parents.

Sweet Sisters