Favorite Things

...Snow flakes that stay on my nose and eye lashes, silver white winters that melt into springs, these are a few of my favorite things...

I have been feeling very stressed and overwhelmed lately, well... the last few months I guess you could say. But now with no news on any jobs down in Portland, money very quickly dwindling away, computer going slow as snot, not responding and shutting down and undoing all my editing, and a whole lot of other things I wont bore you with by listing, I feel like just giving up....

...No... I wont, dont worry!! I will just sit here singing my favorite songs about my favorites things! I dont know if thats just me being stubborn, knowing God has a plan for me, or me just being completely ignorant of real life... or all three... but I am actually happy!

Today was a good day :) The littlest things can amuse and entertain me, I'm simple. A certain song, listening to the rain outside, a character in a Pixar movie, watching the laughter and joy come from two friends, busting out in song randomly about your favorite things with the Von Trapp children while dancing in a field on a hill... or wait, no, thats the Sound of Music. But still!

Michael Buble's new song "Haven't Met You Yet" is one that I can just sit and listen to over and over again. It has stopped raining for the moment, but I love listening to the sound "Drip Drip Drop lil November showers!" (I swear I live in my own little personal musical!) and Wall-E!!! I absolutely love him! Bowling with the youth group today and just sitting back enjoying how spirit filled and amazingly goofy they are and that I can be myself in all my goofy glory right along with them! Yes, today was a good day.

The simple things in life. I am so incredibly blessed that I have a place to live, food to eat, clothes on my back, amazing friends and people all around me, then on top of that all those things listed above. Those are the extras in life that we all take for granted. No matter what situation you are in, where you are in your life, what you do or dont have, there is something to be grateful for and to put a smile on your face. If nothing material or earthly comes to mind, then what about the love of Jesus Christ? Thats all you really need to be happy because thats all you need to get into His kingdom. Not the best clothes, the biggest and most stylish home, and not even food to eat and Lord knows I can go a day or two without food. You need HIM. He gave His life for you so you can spend eternity in paradise, so what are you going to do about that? I ask myself that all the time and I am always humbled by the love He gives. So in return, no matter whats going on in my life, I can be happy and truly mean it thanks to Him!

So one of my favorite things most definitely has to be Jesus and His love!!! It puts a smile on my face :) How more simple can ya get? So...

When the dog barks, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad... I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feeeeeeeel, sooooooo baaaaaaaaaad!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last Saturday I took pictures for my church's pre-school bazaar. We had a live nativity scene.

This is my pastor and friend Roger with his lil boy Ryan and the "mooooo" cow. hehe

I say this all the time, but I can't get over how adorable he is!!! Definitely one of my favorite families :)

So until next time, I urge you to think of your favorite (non-material) things!

ready, set,

GO!

Starting The Conversation Over

Pumpkin Pie

Sweet Potatoes

Turkey cranberry sandwiches

Oh My!

I absolutely love November and December! The smells, the lights, the sounds... Why cant it be like this all the time?!

You know why? Because then it wouldnt be special. It would be just like every other day, and we all know what we think about "every other day." Boring, rushed, stressed, crazy, loud... need I go on?

Thanksgiving and Christmas gives us two months outa the year to look around and actually maybe see life as we should all the time. Love a lil more, listen a lil harder, hug a lil longer. But even now this time of year is getting to where its worse then any other. Stressed out even more, running faster, spending larger amounts, totally getting lost in 'things' and making these two months just as special as any of those 'every other days.'

I was talking with Jamie the other day and came up with a way of explaining how I'm feeling.

You know when you're talking with someone, and you think you know what they are going to say so you try and finish their sentence, only to be denied, then they have to try and gain back their train of thought? Then "Oh! I know what they are saying now!!" and try to finish it again, and wrong again! aaaaand, repeat...? And it turns out you really have no idea what they are talking about and by the end you both are so confused you forgot the whole point of the conversation?

Well, thats how I feel right now with God. I am so worried I am going to miss something and so anxious and excited that I think I know where God is leading me, so I jump ahead, interrupting, only to be denied!!!!! Over and over and over again! I think I know what He is trying to teach me... to SHUT UP and LISTEN!

I'd like to think I am a very good listener when it comes to people... but when it comes to God, man I suck! lol

Taking a step back, calming down, chilling out and taking a deep breath, lets start the conversation over. No matter where I am, what I'm doing, what I eat, what I wear, who I hang out with, God is there and doesn't care as long as I put Him first and start listening.

During this Thanksgiving and Christmas season... lets step back, chill out, take a deep breath, and start the conversation over and put Christ first. Then after we do that, lets start speading that around to those 'every other days.'

Those every other days are so amazing and full of God's beauty. Can you see it? Look harder! Look with both eyes, smell life, stop talking, and listen with both ears... you'd be shocked what God shows you.

I'm still anxious and still trying to learn patience, but I am getting better. I am shutting up and starting the conversation over so I can give God my full attention.

Here are some perfect examples of one of those every other days. While out on a family photo session, I shot these as the sun was going down. Just amazing. My camera and I can't do it justice.

Until next time... hows your conversation going?

A Taste...

...of my life...

I did something I dont normally do. I filled out one of those, "fill this out and send it to everyone" things yesterday. It was 25 random things about yourself so I thought I would post it here so those of you who want to, can get to know me just a little bit better.

So, here it is, 25 random things, facts, and goals...

1. My nickname is Kika. It came from my friend from Slovakia. It means Kristina and I hear its a popular name over there! I also have my own name day :)

2. My favorite color is Yellow, but I sometimes tell people its the rainbow. I just love all bright fun colors!

3.I lived on a boat for the first 4 years of my life, and my long term goal/dream has been to always own a yacht someday to spend weekends/summers on.

4. I dont think I could live anywhere where the ocean is not at least an 2 hours away.

5. I love shoes, but its so hard to find cute shoes that are size 12!

6. I have a specific pillow that I have a hard time sleeping without.

7. I play the trumpet and band was my life in high school. My most fond memories were the Lionel Hampton Jazz Fest. in Moscow, ID.

8. I hate onions, peppers, carrots, and anything spicy.

9. Absolutely LOVE to cook and make up my own recipes.

10. Ellen Degeneres is my favorite!

11. Out of everywhere I have been, I still think Port Angeles is the most beautiful place and feel very lucky and spoiled to have been born and raised here.

12. I have a strong relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ who died for my sins and by His mercy I am saved and am able to go to Heaven!!

13. I dont like to read but I Love the Twilight series!!! It's actually gotten me to try reading other books.

14. On the rare occasion you catch me watching TV, I will most likely be watching the Food Channel or HGTV.

15. My dream car when I was younger was a yellow Mitsubishi Lancer. 4 cars later, I now own one :)

16. I work very hard for what I have and wouldn't want it any other way.

17. My friends are my life and family and don't know what I would do without them! I feel so blessed to have as many as I do that truly care about me.

18. One of my brothers died when I was 5 and still remember the long night when my mom found out.

19. One of my favorite bands is still Hanson and proud of it! lol

20. I have a best friend who lives in Norway, Ida, who Im gonna go visit one pretty day!!! :)

21. Smiling is my favorite thing, but I hate my teeth and am going to get them fixed as soon as I get insurance!

22. I'm a natural blonde, but haven't actually been blonde in over 5 years.

23. Since 5th grade all the way to my Senior year I wanted to be an architect. I still would love to build my own house that I design.

24. I want twins. (I know Im crazy) One boy, one girl.

25. I am going to be a successful professional international photographer one day! :D

And... a Taste of the Peninsula...

Saturday, Nov. 7th was the 3rd annual Taste of the Peninsula and it was a sold out success! It gives people and couples a night out to dress up and sample the best wines and menus across the Olympic Peninsula. Truly an amazing event that would not happen without the driving force of Communications & Development Director, Getta Rogers. With the help of the YMCA staff and an amazing turn out of sponsors this year, it went off without a hitch!

I was privileged enough to be able to go the whole evening and capture the night that will be unforgettable. There was live jazz front and center on stage, art from the YMCA Community Art School proudly displayed, a silent auction and of course the incredible food and wine tasting. What a great night and so glad that I could be apart if it!

There was a "Twilight" basket, so of course had to get a shot. ;)

There were amazing baskets decked out in bright colors and fun arrangements.

DELICious food! This was my favorite of the evening for sure. Italian bread topped with bacon, lettuce, salmon, tomato and this brilliant sauce on top. MMmm!

One word.... Cheeeeeeese!!!

I love this picture. I makes me all warm and fuzzy inside!

This one too! Would it ruin the picture if I told you that beautiful cake is fake? If it does, I'm just kidding ;)

Even DESSERT! How can you go wrong?!

And chocolate thats soooo amazing that you have to have a ticket to get one. It pretty much is equivalent to a golden ticket. Pretty much.

And of course the lovely, the talented, the beautiful cashier ladies, Mrs. Tonja and Mrs. Candi. You're Fabulous!! Thats all I can say :)

Live jazz from the "Taste of Jazz Quintet"

MMmm, food!

I really wish I would have gone up here during the middle of the evening. This is towards the beginning and doesn't even come close to showing how many people were actually there, not including the dining hall.

So it just goes without saying... you definitely need to go next year and find out the fabulousness of tasting the peninsula. It's deLISH!

So until next time, make sure you enjoy all the tastes of life.

~Kika

Hold On

So much has gone on since my last post I don't know where to start and what all to talk about!

Let’s start with me not getting that bank job. After calling everyday for a week and everyday getting "Tomorrow you will get a call," and yet to have received a phone call, I gave up on them and had to start all over on the application process.

I went down to Oregon for about a week and stayed with a good friend. Had a great time and I really can't wait to move down there. I'm not giving up, that’s for sure! I drove around and just stopped at every place I saw that I would want to work at and asked if they were hiring. I got a lot of "yes's" but most everyone has an online application. The Hillsboro Costco is hiring, and the application online took forever and a day. I would love to work at Costco though! Costco is my favorite place to shop!!!

I left Thursday and spend a night with another friend in Puyallup and met up with some other friends for dinner Friday night. I wanted to be back home Friday night to get a good night sleep and relax and get ready for the Taste of the Peninsula Saturday evening. I was the photographer for the evening which was so fun! (That will be my next blog)

This week now is solely dedicated to photography. I am trying to get SO many sessions complete it's unbelievable. I need to stop saying yes until I get caught up. I'm getting there, but oh my word! Sorry to those who are still waiting. I promise I am doing my best to get them done :)

I was at a friends house tonight for a change of scenery (Shout out to Jamie who made an AWESOME Thai chicken curry this afternoon! hehe) and was workin on pics and then taught her how to play cribbage, which btw, if you don't know how, let me know and I will teach you! It's an awesome game!... Where was I? Oh yeah, while teaching her cribbage I turned on music and played one of my favorite bands right now. 33 Mile. LOVE them! The song one my website is from them. The song "Hold On" came on and it fits so well with life and how I am feeling right now, so I thought I would share the lyrics. And if you have time, you should so listen by clicking HERE...

I've been there a thousand times
Felt the rain like a thousand knives 
and it hurts
I know it hurts

I've been there like a fighter plane
Trying to fly my way through a hurricane 
and it's hard
I know it's hard

Don't be afraid
You'll make it through
Just call out to me
And I'll come running to you

Chorus

And hold on, hold on
When the current pulls you under
And your heart beats like thunder
Just give me your hand
And hold on, hold on
Until the storm is over
And I'll be fighting for you
Just give me your hand
And hold on

I'll give you hope, I'll give you faith
And if it's dark, I'll light the way
For you, for you
  
I'm by your side until the end
Until you're standing tall again
I'm here, I'll always be here
 
And if the tide sweeps you out to sea
When your strength is gone
And it's hard to believe

I did a family session Sunday afternoon. They wanted to go out to Salt Creek and I was more than happy to oblige. It did not rain, which was amazing, and we actually had good lighting considering. I just love their family! I had a great time and received a lovely email afterward thanking me.

Until next time, Hold On! :)

*Edit*

Ssshhhh, the Family pictures are a secret!! hehe

Close Your Eyes and Hold On!

Ok, so ya know how I was all anticipating a phone call on Monday for the bank job? Yeah well, it never came. So I called and found out the manager who was supposed to call me took the day off. Of course he did! Waiting and making myself sick worrying about what was going to happen. Do I have the job? When do I start? How much should I have packed and ready to go? What if I didn't get the job? Then what do I do? How much longer until I find another job? What, How, When...

Question after question racing through my mind and no answer until I get this one little phone call, which is so unimportant on the other end, obviously. "Tomorrow he will be here and call you."

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow."

Tuesday comes, I'm feeling a little better after going through scenarios in my head and praying and knowing the Lord is taking care of me. So I wait and call around 9am. "Oh, the manager is in a managers meeting and he's not here." HA! of course he is!! Why wouldn't he be? "I will give him your number and make sure he calls you."

3 o'clock rolls around so I call again. "He's still in a meeting and I PROMISE you he will call you(Guess when! Yep!) TOMORROW"!

Guess what?!?!? It's TOMORROW! haha and, well, still no phone call. Are you kidding me?!?!

Sigh. Can you say Frustration?!

Now, I loooove amusement parks with all the rides and roller coasters! My favorites are even the ones that go upside down! Love the feeling of slowly, slowly, click....click...clicking your way up to the top of the very first plummet towards the earth. The anticipation causing your heart to race, clenching your teeth, holding on for dear life making you sick to your stomach adrenalin rush, you're eyes are closed, not knowing when you're getting to the top, not knowing when you're going to drop, waiting...click...click... ANY DAY NOW!!!!!! Goodness gracious I can't handle this anymore! This must be the largest drop in history and I'm not sure I'm ready. I just want to get to the top already so I can scream out all of these emotions that I have built up. One little phone call will determine so incredibly much.

Sad isn't it?

I'm feeling more at peace with whatever happens though, no matter what the outcome. Either way it's what God wants and I have to figure out what I am supposed to learn from everything and just enjoy the ride. I'm closing my eyes, holding on for dear life and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it while giving God the glory and trusting He's not going to let me plummet towards the earth without a seatbelt.

One way to enjoy the ride is with friends and pumpkins. I went to a pumpkin carving party at Donella's tonight. Had a great time with food, friends, and pumpkin guts everywhere! MMmm Nummy! Trying to decide what you are going to carve into the pumpkin is that hardest part! I finally just figured I would carve leaves all over. I ended up just doing one detailed leaf and I LOVE how it turned out. So of course I had to take a picture to share with everyone. :)

Enjoy!

And until next time, just close your eyes, hold on and enjoy the ride!

A Day Away

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow, you're onlyyyyy a daaaaay aaaawaaaayyyyy! ...as Annie would say. Tomorrow is only a day away but couldn't come soon enough.

I was hoping to hear from the bank Friday to see if I got the job or not. In the interview last Tuesday I was told I would be contacted Friday, or at the latest Monday. Well, to torture me even further and make me wait even longer, they are supposedly waiting until Monday. "At the latest." The church job fell through sadly enough, so me moving is kind of riding on this job at the moment. That freaks me out just a tad bit. If I don't get it, I'm not really sure what I will be doing.... other then praying more, continue looking and applying for jobs down there and work as much as I can in the school district. And if by God's grace I get the job, I will be starting Nov. 2. which oh my word is fast!

So taking a deep breath, going back to my childhood, and belting out, Tomorrow! You're only a day away!!!!!!

I did another senior session yesterday with Gloria. I love this time of year and yesterday's weather was perfect for pictures!! Between her hair and her bright smile, she was a blast! By the end of the session, she was a pro at smiling, not smiling, and even laughing on q. It was fabulous!

Gloria, thank you for a great time and hope you enjoy your sneak peak! :)

Until next time, No matter how things are going, tomorrow is only a day away!!

Getting Lost

Is it just me, or is it ironic that while trying to move to pursue photography after 3 years of trying to do it here, I just now start getting booked solid for pictures? No one can tell me the Lord does not have a sense of humor. Seriously! Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining at all, I just might be a tad annoyed, haha.

Saying "no" is definitely not in my everyday vocabulary. I very rarely take it out, dust it off, use it, only to feel bad for doing so in the end anyway. Something I should probably work on. When it comes to something I enjoy and would make someones day, I just can't let people down. That then equates to my stress level going up and a packed full schedule. Add to that the situation I am in. This is where trusting in the Lord really comes into play.

I would never admit this to anyone, so don't tell, but I am really scared. I have no idea what I've done. I have quit one of the best jobs I've had before getting another one, started packing up without a place to live yet, started thinking about saying goodbye to people who have truely changed my life, and my bank account is slowly dwindling away. Life is about taking risks right? Whoever said that must have never takin' any risks and been just a lil insane. No one in their right mind would encourage this horrible feeling that keeps you up at night. Do I regret it?

Never.

Being a photographer gives me a chance to get lost. Lost in the beauty of people, of nature, finding the greatness of the world around us that God has created, and making the ordinary extraordinary. While forgetting everything else, and letting that stress level come down to almost nothing. I thank you all SO much for the encouragement and to those who I've been able to get lost with.

Chelsea darling, you were so fun to photograph! You have one of the most beautiful smiles and I loved how hard it was for you to not! Thank you for really wanting me to document your senior year, something you will remember forever and I hope I did you justice! Can't wait to show you the rest. :)

Until next time, what makes you get lost?