Capturing My World: Blessings

Please Check ME Out!!!

2009-06-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

My photography blog, Chock'ful of Life Photography, is up and moving, please check me out there!

http://www.chockfuloflife.com/

Finished

2009-02-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

I've loved this blog and posting to it each week, showing all of you my blessings for the week. It has lasted for a full year and now the project is over. I've decided not to continue on with this project, but will leave it up for people to come and look at the photos as well as to reminisce about all the fun that was had during the events captured in these images.

A new project has started here: Chock'ful of Life Photography

Blessings this Week

2009-01-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

This past week or so, Tanya has let me borrow her tripod. I've been wondering if I've wanted one, so I thought I would try it out before I bought one. I wanted to work on low light stuff and trying to figure out my shutter speed.
I did a lot of shutting off of lights and taking pictures using the light from the computer screen, light from the Christmas tree, and the street lights as the snow fell. I really enjoyed what I got and am seriously thinking about getting a tripod now. thanks, tanya. fed. way, wa 2009 and kent, wa 2009

Blessings this Week

2009-01-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

Blessings over these past few weeks has really been family. I've gotten to spend time with my mom, dad, sister, bil, and niece as well as extended family. We've all had a lot of fun being together and didn't let the stupid snow get in the way! fed. way, wa 2009

Bil is making wontons here.

Her new outfit from Nina and socks from me.

Blessings the Week

2008-12-31T09:46:00.000-08:00

Time to spend with family and friends. kent, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-12-30T21:09:00.000-08:00

This week our girls group celebrated another wedding. Jeni married Jeremy. It was great to see them get married and to see all the girls again. We've all grown up so much over the years: married, babies, house owning, going to school, and so much more. It great to see and it's even more cool that we have continued to include each other in our lives.

That smile wasn't just for the picture...she was talking to someone that brought that smile to her face.

I took a small trip to Portland for dinner with my friend from middle school, Janell. We went up to the Knob Hill area of Portland and had a delicious dinner at McMinnimums and dessert at a another place. It was super fun to see her and get to spend time with her. She lives in the OC, so I don't get to see her very often, so any time that I get to see her I want to take advantage. portland, or 2008

We, my mom, Kama, and I, all got socks for christmas and my dad got a hat that he thought was super cute. kent, wa 2008

We drank hot coco with peppermint ice cream in it and wore our pj's all day. kent, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-12-24T11:27:00.001-08:00

Quiet, calm, and solitude before the craziness of the holidays and all the family visitors. kent, wa 2008

Thank you for all that you have done for me and with me this year. It wouldn't have been this crazy year without you all. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Blessings this Week

2008-12-21T22:46:00.000-08:00

The snow, while seen as an evil right now (I'd planned to go to Oregon today, but no such luck) has brought some wonderful images and a little bit of craziness. So really I don't know if it's a blessing or not. The committee is still out.

I've gotten the chance to do some decorating for the holidays. kent, wa 2008

Created a comfy spot to look out the window, watch the flames of the fire flicker, and the tree glow all the while I play on my laptop. kent, wa 2008

Hung all of the Christmas cards. kent, wa 2008

Layed out my beautiful new tree skirt. It's breadfruit if you're wondering. kent, wa 2008

Paula Deen and I cooked up a delicious meatloaf. That was fantastic the first night and continues to make wonderful sandwiches. kent, wa 2008

I also did some bbqing. The snow just added to the ambiance of cooking. I bbqed some yams. Turned out a little black, but still yummy on the inside. kent, wa 2008

We, the cousins on my mom's side, are so blessed to continue to have the opportunity for our Grandma to meet her great-grandkids. She has been such a great grandma to us that it's even more special that she gets to meet and be apart of our kids lives too. I hope that she'll be able to meet mine as well. three forks, mt 2008

my mom, sister, niece Leia, and grandma

my aunty, cousin Keaka, Leilani, and grandma

Blessings this Week

2008-12-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

3 things that I l-o-v-e and feel very blessed to be able to do in Hawaii:

Boogie boarding in Kailua. kailua, hi 2008

When your back is to the waves, they can sneak up on you, just like they did to Lana. She had great facial expressions about it.

Going to the Swap Meet at Aloha Stadium. I went looking for a few Christmas presents and some things for me. I wanted a new suitcase with a tasteful hawaiian print, a hawaiian quilted tree skirt for my Christmas tree, and some new t-shirts. I got all of that and then some. These are a couple of the items there. aiea, hi 2008

Eating shaved ice from Baldwins in the Waimalu Shopping Center. We've been going there since we lived there and although the shop has been updated that is about all that has changed. I had lychee, li hing mui, and mango. It was so ono, especially after walking around at the Swap Meet. waimalu, hi 2008

Trees: I'll take 1 please

2008-12-07T20:07:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Cassie and I headed down to the Sprouffske farm to get our trees for our apartments. I was super excited to go out and cut mine down. I dressed in layers fearing the cold, considering I've been super cold lately it was a preventative matter.
We were greated with wonderful food and long lost friends that I hadn't seen in awhile. The Tree farm

is where Shelley of Estrogen Mailitia and Finian Road Fame now resides with her wonderful husband and soon to be born baby boy. Jonathon and his family (now Shelley too) own the farm and have been running it for more than 41 years.

Once we were ready to go and get our trees, we first took a walk to find the best tree. I found mine and was super excited. We made a marking along the path,

so that we would be able to find it and then made our way back to the house.

We were there for awhile, cooling off (it was super warm and I as even warmer with all my layers) and having some drinks. When we went back out to find my tree we looked all over. Up and down the lane, but couldn't find the marker...we though someone must have demolished it, but then we went over another row and found it! Then we went back into the trees to find my tree and discovered that my tree had been taken by someone else and I was out of luck.
Cassie and I were left to search some more. I found one fairly quickly

and got to work. I sawed

and sawed

and sawed some more .

I even had to take a little break.

Then, finally went, "TIMMMMMMBBBBER!"

I carried it back to my car,

but then couldn't figure out how I was going to take it to the place to get it baled and pay for it. It just so happened that Uncle Scott came up with his truck and took my tree for me. YEAH! Uncle Scott. I went up to pay for mine and Cassie was left on her own to find her "perfect" tree.

I came looking for her and she still hadn't decided on one. She had decided on a section. There were three or four I weighed in on. Once she decided, she started sawing and sawing,

but her muscles were only making a small dent,

so I offered to finish it for her, so I started sawing away and shortly after her tree went, "TIMMMMMMMMMBBBBBBBBER!" too.

We got hers bailed after she carried it up to the shop

and then headed home after super sweet pictures of us

and the Estrogen Militia were taken.

It was a long day, but I'm super excited to have my tree up and lights on it. Hopefully this week I'll get decorations on it.

Blesings this Week

2008-11-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I made a trek out of country to see what a Veterans Day (aka Rememberance Day-in Canada) would look like. The city shut down and everyone converged onto a grassy knoll over looking the rivers. There all branches of the military, police, and girl and boys scouts came to show honor to the fallen. They then proceeded to march up the hill to another location. kamloops, bc 2008

The city was peppered with these red poppys, becuase Rememberance Day is also known as Poppy Day. In World War One the Western Front contained in the soil thousands of poppy seeds, all lying dormant, but as the battles continued to be fought there the soil was continually turned up and the poppies would bloom like they had never bloomed before. This area,Flanders, Belgium, has also inspired a poem called In Flanders Field.

We were then privy to a wonderful show put on by the bagpippers and their lone dancer.

He did a wonderful job!

Blessings this Week

2008-11-16T19:50:00.000-08:00

So I said I'd post the rest of the pictures from last weekend last week, but time for sure got away from me, so here they are. All 18 of them. Pacific vs. Seattle U. seattle, wa 2008

This little one came to see her Aunty play and was so intently watching the game, she ended up giving herself "Kama socks". seattle, wa 2008

She also liked crawling around on the gym floor. seattle, wa 2008

Every time his team scored he did a toe-touch. Pretty amamzing huh!?!?! They scored something like 30ish baskets. I bet he was tired later on that night. seattle, wa 2008

Blessings This Week

2008-11-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

This week was brutal THINKING about grades, but once Friday came along and I was almost done with them I could see some sort of light. Just to let you know it wasn't the sun.

I was able to spend the weekend with my Uncle and Aunt and cousins, whom I used to see all the time, but now that we are all getting old. It has gotten harder. We spent time together at my cousin's football game, my other cousin's basketball game, and dinner at Red Robin. It was fun and the food was yummy. fed. way, wa 2008 and seattle, wa 2008

At the end of the game the team did the Haka for the crowd.

My aunt walking my cousin out to see his dad, my uncle.

the rest of the pictures will be up soon.

Blessings this Week

2008-11-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it's already November. This school year is flying by, but so is this year. I can't believe in less than a month it will be Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Fall is in full force here. kent, wa 2008

more fall photos at little piece of aloha

So is football. fed. way, wa 2008

And yummy goodness from the cookie party that my students get to partake in and the popcorn balls my mom makes. This year I was lucky and got two batches. kent, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-10-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

This week I was feeling a little blah, but caputred some wonderful images of wonderful things. I just wish that photobucket would let me load them. I've been trying all day. I got some added, but not all, so as they load I will add more. Sorry! Just gives you more reason to come back and check the site often.

My mom, grandma, aunt, and I went shopping when my grandma was in town and I found two wonderful treasures. The first item was a little wooden rocker for my niece. It was just reupholstered and has a worn look. kent, wa 2008

The other item was a book holder. I'm going to use it in the kitchen to hold my recipe book. kent, wa 2008

CWU played WWU in football, and won I must add, last weekend and I was able to get some good shots. There were tons of photographers on the sidelines, but I thought our seats worked out perfectly for the shots that I got. I think I might go looking for some of their shots, to see if those other photographers got anything good being done on the field. If you want to see more visit little piece of aloha. I'm posting a slide show on Monday. seattle, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-10-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

This week I spent the week with my camera, so this blog is going to finally get some lovin. Here are all the blessings this week.

My grandma and I went and got pedicures at Peridot, yes it is the place with the fish, but there were no fish sucking on our toes. kent, wa 2008

I chose red, while my grandma...

chose blue.

I found a nice warm quiet place to read in the Puyallup library. If you haven't been you really should go and check it out. puyallup, wa 2008

The leaves are changing all over the place. This week I pulled my car over to the side of the road, after many years of just driving by, to capture these imagas. kent, wa 2008

My first grade team, the teachers that I work with, did some more bonding and ordered-from CafePress, these wonderful shirts to be worn on Fridays. kent, wa 2008

I had yummy manapua from Yaks. Seattle, Wa 2008

I had breakfast with a good friend from high school. This is her soon to be step-daughter as she will be getting married this coming summer. I won't be taking her pictures :( though, because I am in the wedding:) Yeah!!!

Cassie and I went and watched CWU vs. WWU at QWEST field. It was a high scoring game with lots of squibs (according to the annoying man sitting behind us who liked to talk) -if you know what a squib is and can explain it me to me than please leave a comment. Cassie and I are convinced that it is a term he made up. seattle, wa 2008
-I took this photo on Cassie's camera.

And it rained....fed. way, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-09-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

They are the people that see me on a daily bases: at my worst and at my best. These are the ladies I work with who are helping to shape the future, our future. Today we got together for some team bonding. We had lunch, ordered team shirts, and are some delicious dessert. -thanks uncle charles for the recipe. auburn, wa 2008

And some more pictures from the first home game for Thomas Jefferson. They made a valiant effort, but yet again were stopped by Kentlake. fed. way, wa 2008

I hope to have a lot more pictures to share in the coming weeks. I have been taking a break on shooting daily, but I hope to get back into it now that school is underway. Plus my grandma, sis, bil, and niece are coming out this weekend and I have a senior shoot coming up.

Blessings this Week

2008-09-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

This week blessings have to do with my business. It is moving right along. I am enjoying it a lot. Here are some shots from this weekends shoots.

Thomas Jefferson Football. kent, wa 2008

Family photos for Christmas. maple valley, wa 2008

Baby baptism. shoreline, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-09-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Thought I would start here and then add more as I edit. Sorry it has taken so long.

Art Walk

2008-09-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

On Friday, September 12th, 2008, from 4pm-9pm the city of Kent will host a Kent Art Walk located in the Downtown area of Kent. I will have a booth with a small collection of framed photos and greeting cards. My booth will sit outside of Heartbeat Yoga and Healing Arts located at 223 First Avenue South in Kent.

Here is a sample of some of the photographs I will have available, but you will have to come down to the Art Walk to see them all.

Blessings this Week

2008-09-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to say that blessings will be late this week. I had a super busy weekend and I started school on Tuesday. I haven't had time to put together photos yet, but please keep checking back they will come soon.

Blessings this Week

2008-08-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Over the week, I had much to think about and I tried to photograph all that I was doing, but I had a small problem remembering to photograph and not just live in the moment.

Little ones can be so much fun to capture especially when they are not very happy about where they have to sit. selah, wa 2008

This one has a wonderful smile, but to get her to smile is a little bit of a process. I wish I would have been able to capture both moments in my camera. selah, wa 2008

I was blessed with the opportunity to capture another friend's wedding in Prossor, Wa.
Getting ready to walk down the aisle with her dad.

Listening to the homily.

Signing the wedding certificate.

The cake.

The first dance.

Blessings this Week

2008-08-17T23:10:00.001-07:00

This week was full of blessings ending with a nice, fun shoot with Alaka'i and Lani in kent, wa 2008

I was also out looking for fabric for a table cloth for my classroom and found this wonderful stuff. It wont be a table cloth, but you will be seeing it soon. Be on the look out for it. kent, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-08-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

After the craziness of shooting of the past week, I took a break from shooting last week. Well that and I was still finishing up my Professional Certification. It is now done! YEAH!!!! Now all I have to do to keep my certification is get 15 credits every 5 years, which shouldn't be that bad considering I took 15 credits in the past year. So although there were many blessings this past week, like my car getting fixed, friends to watch BB with, yummy fish sandwiches, great books, and lots of sun to make hanging out at the pool fun there are no pictures of it; therefor I leave you with these two.

My niece off to listen to her dad, my Bil, play her a song: He Aloha Mele. spokane, wa 2008

Vaughn and his dad, Jeff, listening to the wonderful music. spokane, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-08-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

This past week was busy with me sitting at my computer trying to finish up my on-line class. Oh the joys of putting things off! ;) I had many blessings this week, with games being the theme.

I hosted a game night for some wonderful ladies and although I didn't win I was a wonderful hostest. kent, wa 2008

There was a mad game of skill and a little bit of luck this week as a new game was introduced. Well not really new, we have been playing our own made-up game for awhile, but this week we played the official game. It was great fun trapesing through the woods and were even given some "official" discs. kent, wa 2008

It was Dave Niehaus day at the ballpark. He was just inducted to the baseball hall of fame and was the best sports announcers here. He is famed for saying, "My Oh My". We got to sit in the Terrace Club...ooooh ooooh! We could order food from our seats, but all I really wanted to order was the sun. It was every where else except on us. Hopefully it will be on us today. seattle, wa 2008

Have you ever seen this type of pitching in MLB, I sure hadn't. It was cool to watch, eventhough he only threw about 20 pitches.seattle, wa 2008

There were also some cute shoes at the game. seattle, wa 2008

And the Blue Angels took a pass or two over us. seattle, wa 2008

And here a few more from Tanya and my outing. tacoma, wa 2008

She's super excited to see him, but her eyes are totally on his catch.

Blessings this Week

2008-07-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

This week I was blessed to be invited to a wonderful little party for my friend Dee who turned 40. She asked me to bring my camera along to get some "kili shots". I didn't realize that I had a type of shot, until I was looking at all the shots together and I was finding some big similarities in other places I go and shoot. Being invited to this party was a blessing in it self. kent, wa 2008

This is my littlest niece. I finally was able to look at all the pictures I have shot of her from the family reunion. Here are a few and then if you want more, check out little piece of aloha for more. three forks, mt, 2008.

Blessings this Week

2008-07-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

This past week, I was blessed to have my friends and their little boys over. We had a great time swimming, running around in the yard, taking walks, and hiding and scaring each other. All of these photos were taken in or at my house.

This little one is Tucker and he will be 1 on the 25th of july

His older brother, Trevor, playing with my trucks.

Julie and her boys

This little one is Gavin. He is 3 and acting like he is chasing me.

His older brother, Connor, who is 5 and ready to go to school.

Here are a few more prints that I put up at Heartbeat Yoga and Healing Arts. kent, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-07-13T23:54:00.000-07:00

Crazy lighting found at my Grandma's house. In no way is this how I saw the light and the pictures turning out, but I am so happy with them. They are kind of dark, but oh, so cool! three forks, mt 2008 Light courtesy of my grandma's sky light.

My best friend came to visit. Every year, her mom gives us a special weekend in which we are able to share a weekend together without my best friends beloved kids. We always have such a wonderful time. This weekend r. kim and I had a weekend jam packed full of things to do, plus we were able to get out toes done. kent, wa 2008

Usually this weekend, my halau, Ke 'ala 'O Kamailelauli'ili'i and Manawaiopuna puts on our annual hula competition Mai Kahiki Mai. This year it was postponed and instead we put on a Ho'olaule'a. We had a wonderful time. This year was all about the purses. kent, wa 2008

Aunty Sue and her beautiful flower given to her by one of the vendors -and yes, this is what she wants to look like. kent, wa 2008

A beautiful smile from one of the many sets of twins that were there this weekend. kent, wa 2008

Blessing this Week

2008-07-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

These pictures are some of my favorites from the past week in Montana. It was a week full of babies:

Baby Kiefer taking a bath. three forks, montana 2008

Hannah Leilani Frank after a bath on Grandma's Bed. three forks, montana 2008

Leialoha Lani Deyo walking with her daddy. three forks, mt 2008

Smiles and Laughter:
Sarah. blegrade, mt 2008

Terry. blegrade, mt 2008

Forever posing:
The brothers: Jon, Jason, and Jeff. belgrade, mt 2008

The family in their typical stance. Youngest to the oldest (reading from the left to the right): Jon, Julie, Jason, Jeff, and Jan and Grandma laying down. belgrade, mt 2008

Us girl cousins making fun of the "typical" stance of our fathers, mothers, aunties, and uncles. Erin, Kalei holding Leialoha, Kalae, Megan, Marrissa, and me. three forks, mt 2008

Beautiful Sunsets:
three forks, mt 2008

Celebrating Birthdays:
My Grandma turned 80 and is still kickin as the cake says. She picked it out herself.three forks, mt 2008

Playing some games:
Keaka waiting for the serve. belgrade, mt. 2008

I found this one while I was editing my photos and couldn't resist it. She is so smug in knowing that she is not going to get wet becasue she is holding the hose. He doesn't really know what is happening. I love it. fed. way, wa 2008

Blessings this Week and Last Week and Next Week

2008-06-29T23:06:00.000-07:00

I'm behind, I know! I just haven't been in the mood to edit or sit behind my computer at all. My laptop is a totally different story. So because I missed last week and I'll be in Montana next week, I thought I would do a big monster post to hold you over.

Cheering to the last day of school. auburn, wa 2008

Introducing Wailana Ripka. She is making her first "real" apperance on my blog. She's been on it before, but we could never see her. Wailana is only 10 weeks old, but she is super alert and always wanting to look around. tacoma, wa 2008

This past weekend we laid my auntie to rest as the Hawaiian flag flew above and the fountain burst with water. tacoma, wa 2008

I tried new food down in Chinatown. Homemade shaved noodles that have something added to them to make them green. I also tried dumplings, although I think that I probably have had them before. seattle, wa 2008

In looking through the Seattle Weekly a friend found Artopia. An art festival held in Georgetown. This area of town is not so nice, being old with lots of rundown buildings, so I was a little scared, but with all the interesting art it made it somewhat okay. georgtown, wa 2008

This picture was supposed to be of the girl, but the man walked right through the shot, oh well it still turned out pretty cool.

Sunset after a long day. alki, wa 2008

I'm super excited to try this bar and eatery, maybe it will make me smarter or maybe it's just to make my pants smarter. gerogetown, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-06-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Getting to photograph my hula sister for her gallery opening. fed way, wa 2008

The light from the Mariner game. It just made things pop. seattle, wa 2008

Two things that go together at a game: snacks and beer. seattle, wa 2008

A beautiful flower. kent, wa 2008

A new baby coming to the halau...no pictures yet, as to the baby still being in it's mommy's tummy.

Blessings this Week

2008-06-08T23:08:00.001-07:00

I did a lot of picture taking this weekend, so here are the blessings from the weekend and not really this week. Although they really count for all week, because that is what hula has been lately and so has being with friends, old and new.

Rainers Game with some old friends There was a lot of action on the field and in the stands, but I was more so concentrated on the game ;) ;). tacoma, wa 2008
-he's for sure safe!

-rounding third base he comes and he was safe at home.

A wonderful wedding reception for a wedding that took place in November-long story...here is the short version: the bride and the groom got engaged, couldn't wait, so they surprised everyone on Thanksgiving day with a wedding, then had the reception on the day they were going to get married. north bend, wa 2008

Here is the bride and her groom dancing.

A little one trying to get away from his parents and he thinks he has succeeded.

A shoot for a new project my hula sister is working on. Can't tell you about it, because it is a secret, but here is a picture to wet your appetite and to share what a blessing hula has been to my life. federal way, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-06-01T01:17:00.000-07:00

This week, I practiced using my new lens, but can't share any of the pictures with you because they are of my students at school. LAME! Oh well, here are some other ones.

Watching my culture being passed on is amazing. Some of my hula family made it down to the Folklife festival to watch other halaus perform. It was interesting to watch and to see some of the songs we dance to performed by others. seattle, wa 2008

Breakfast with an old friend from elementary school. She and I hadn't seen each other since then, but she found me from watching my sis on the news. We have a lot in common and I am so excited to continue to see her on my trips over to Spokane. spokane, wa 2008 -this picture was taken at the start of the month, but I just got it now.

These horses were at their top speeds as they raced by us, which makes practicing focusing as they race by a hard job. auburn, wa 2008

The boys were back in town this week and we went to a game. It was a great one to watch as the Mariners are finally winning. seattle, wa 2008

A smile can say so many things and for these two. I think you can read it all over their faces as to what they are thinking at that moment. tacoma, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-05-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

This week will be posted in intervals, seeing that I missed Sunday's (wasn't home)posting and I haven't uploaded or edited all that I want to post here this week, so we'll take it slow.

The beautiful bride, Tisha, and handsome groom, James, kiss for the first time as a married couple. lakewood, wa 2008

The wine and friendship that was shared really reminded me how much I missed these girls. bellingham, wa 2008 This is the beginning and then the camera was put away...for good measure and so there was no blackmail for later.

A wonderful place to eat....and drink if you can get a seat. tacoma, wa 2008

Friendship is something we crave as humans. These friends have been together since she was born. seattle, wa 2008

A great friend and working partner. We have so much in common it is ridiculous. I am so proud of her and all her ventures she is currently working on. She is amazing. Thank you for bringing me along for the ride. tacoma, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-05-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

This past week was busy preparing for the weekend, which means all the pictures this week come from this weekend.

A blanket made for another Deyo entering the world shortly. kent, wa 2008

Friends are one of the most precious gifts a girl can have. Here are three BBF's. auburn, wa 2008

We're not always straight laced, we like to get show off our crazy side too.auburn, wa 2008

It's our second show together, but we no longer dance side by side. I miss this girl. auburn, wa 2008

Performing at our annual show at Green River Community College. auburn, wa 2008

College graduation for my cousin Marissa. The family headed down to celebrate with her. hillsboro, or 2008

These are the cousins. The graduate is standing behind me.

Shopping in the Nob Hill area in Portland, there was many great sites and funny items to purchase-to see the purchaseable items, you must look at kiligirlsworld. portland, or 2008

Taking a little break, all the shopping gets tiring for the little one who got carried the whole way. portland, or 2008

The newest addition to the family. Hannah Leilani Frank, just about 6 weeks old, has graced Keaka and Megan with her presence. hillsboro, or 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-05-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

A new place to hang my sore body at night. It even folds out to a twin bed. I guess I will have to get a set of twin sheets for it. kent, wa 2008

A birthday present that couldn't have been any better. She and I hung out for most of our twenties. We were always "livin it up in our 20's" ! Then I turned thirty and had to leave her to own the saying by herself. Last night she turned the Big 30 and I couldn't let the night pass with a wonderful joke. I made this beautiful shirt for her to wear.

She opened the present and loved it but when she read it, a frown came to her face because it said 20's, so I grabbed it back and whipped out my pen and changed it on the spot for her. She was blown away. I thought it was hilarious! (She later figured out I meant to do it that way!-hee hee, I am such a jokester.) kent, wa 2008

Flowers for the kids to use, to do their mother's day projects. kent, wa 2008

Kiddo's getting cooled off from hoses during Bloomsday. spokane, wa 2008

Being up Doomsday Hill, which comes during mile 5 of Bloomsday, and being able to see people still climbing it through the trees. spokane, wa 2008

Seeing the finish line and being there with my family. Sorry Bil- you must have run away to fast for me to take a pic with you too. spokane, wa 2008

Blessings This Week

2008-05-05T19:32:00.001-07:00

This week, there were places I found that I wanted to take pictures of all over the place. It all happened on Tuesday, the one day I didn't have my camera with me, boo! So the following day I went back and did some shooting. Here they are

This little horse belongs to Nathan. His parents found it for him and new he would love it before they even met him. Nathan should be here in June. auburn, wa 2008

This coffee house has caused a latte of stir around it's neighborhood, because it is one of those bikini bars owned by Cowgirls. Parents are up in arms that it is located in a school zone, truckers could care less. What I am really proud about is the coffee stand I used to hit religiously after a workout, is taking a stand against it.The sign at the Java Junction states: Fully Clothed and Family Friendly. auburn, wa 2008

This sign made me laugh, just to think that a farm could have toys. But I guess we all want toys, John Deere was the smart one and made it an advertisement campaign. auburn, wa 2008

A light that lights up my whole livingroom. Thanks, Tanya for getting these for us. They will be wonderful to use in the dead of night. kent, wa 2008

My niece who is growing up so quickly and is almost standing and walking on her own. spokane, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-04-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

I am sorry this is so late, but I haven't been able to upload the pictures, so they are big. I am going to post them small and hopefully within the week, I will be able to make them all big.
This week was hard to pic pics (funny-hee, hee), because I didn't have my camera much with me and didn't really take any pictures. I know it is bad, but right now I don't even really remember the week. Here are the blessings I did capture this week and a list of ones, I wish I would have gotten.

Not needing these wonderful boots for my trip to the zoo. Plus they might not have fit, seeing as they are Maureen's boots. rainer, wa 2008

The zoo's beautiful animals enticed me to take zillions of pictures this past week. Here is the leopard and the gorilla. The rest of them are posted here. seattle, wa 2008

The tulips I captured were also at the zoo. I wanted to go up to the fields during my Spring Break, but because of the snow they weren't ready for viewing yet. seattle, wa 2008

Being able to draw animals and have my kids be amazed. They are so funny, because the whole time I am drawing they are guessing what I am trying to draw and most of the time before I finish it they have guessed it. kent, wa 2008

Wonderful bead work done on a gorgeous dress. When we were dress shopping with Tish, I saw this and fell in love. I have no clue if it would look good on me, because I didn't try it on. Anyway I need to have a (insert me: pointing to my ring) on this finger (insert me: pointing to my ring finger) first. tacoma, wa 2008

Blessings This Week

2008-04-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

currently having uploading problems. I am going to let it load overnight and hopefully the pictures will be up and ready to go in the morning. sorry. thanks for checking me out....come back please.

Blessings this Week

2008-04-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

A cute little church found along the way. gig harbor, wa 2008

Shooting some macro images, that pop right out of the camera. tacoma, wa 2008

Finding a wonderful place to post images, do quick editing, make a quick slide show, and order prints. Love it!!!

A morning coffee stop, for a after workout treat. This morning it made me laugh, because the boys that work there couldn't figure out what I as doing with my camera. Plus there was a cute island boy that came in (no pic. of him-maybe next time) auburn, wa 2008

Having a wonderful craving for pita pizza and being able to go to Gig Harbor and eating one with some cheesy bread. gig harbor, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-04-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

This week was a lot of fun and there are many blessings this week. I just wish that I would remember to use my camera every time I go places. I have many pictures in my mind this week of places I went to and people I saw, but pictures in my head are hard to put on the computer.

Yummy goodness in the form of a blended mocha at Kona Kai Coffee. kent, wa 2008

An impromptu photo shoot as we wait for the doors to be opened at our show. seattle, wa 2008

A place where I am able to reconnect with God on a daily basis. kent, wa 2008

A place to lay my weary head at night as well as in the afternoon. kent, wa 2008

Blooming flowers. kent, wa 2008

A star sighting, Raiatea Helm. seattle, wa 2008

Beautiful dresses for young ladies and old alike. tacoma, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-04-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

...sorry it is late, I was gone all weekend.

Reading a wonderful book about a mystery and some love. The only problem is once I start reading a book that is all I want to do. kent, wa 2008

A little one getting to have the time of his life in trying to steal second base at Opening Day. seattle, wa 2008

Friends who like baseball. seattle, wa 2008

Continuing to pass culture down the lines. puyallyp, wa 2008

Tahitian shaking. puyallup, wa 2008

Blessings this Week

2008-03-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

A note from my dad that brought happiness to my heart and a few tears to my eyes. I never knew I could be a role model for him. kent, wa 2008

It starts tomorrow....I am so excited. kent, wa 2008

More pictures will come during the week from last week. I want to make sure they are amazing first. So keep checking back.

Blessings This Week

2008-03-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Drinks to help the grading go faster as well as to help foster a relationship. tukwila, wa 2008

Clouds moving away to show a glimpse of blue sky. kent, wa 2008

Two girls showing off what is worn at our house during Easter: dresses with pants. I think the style started in Hawaii, but I am unsure. All I know that it was sure comfortable. spokane, wa 2008

Bathing babies that smell so good after. spokane, wa 2008

A win for WSU in the NCAA basketball tournament (which messed up my bracket) and tons of laughter. spokane, wa 2008

Family. spokane, wa 2008

Blessings This Week

2008-03-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

Spring is coming as shown by this tree and the fact that I got my car washed this week. kent, wa 2008

Student art posted about town and a little flower to help with decorations. kent, wa 2008

Spending time with my mom, whom seems to be up for anything and anytime. tukwila, wa 2008

Something I have always heard about but never seen. These hot cross buns are available for purchase at Panera. kent, wa 2008

New pillows and rugs to change up my living room from the reds of fall and Christmas to the blues and greens of spring and summer. kent, wa 2008

Students picking up on how I draw action. We have been working on pre-writes to narratives and I draw what I want to write, I tend to use arrows to show something moving in, out, up or down. This student decided to draw arrows in his picture as well. I was surprised to see arrows in his drawings but found it even more interesting to read his words that made the arrows make sense. It also made me chuckle to myself. kent, wa 2008

Blessings This Week

2008-03-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

Laughter. fed way, wa 2008

Sadness. fed way, wa 2008

Boredom. fed. way, wa 2008

Pointy shoes. fed way, wa 2008

Comfy shoes. fed way, wa 2008

Family Game Time. fed way, wa 2008

Blessings This Week

2008-03-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

Finding a wonderful spot to take photos with a beautiful sunrise coming up, although I didn't have have my camera with me that day, I took my camera back another day and took some shots. kent, wa 2008

Sharing sometime with my sister on her birthday celebration day. auburn, wa 2008

Expanding my photo skills and adding maternity skills. The first couple is Laura and Jade. My sister's best friend whom married my sister's brother-in-law. They were married here and are expecting their first girl in June. The second couple is Puamohala and her boyfriend who are expecting a girl as well, yet she is due in April. fed. way, wa 2008

Fires on a cold night as I watch movies. kent, wa 2008

Blessings This Week

2008-02-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

This week, I was off from school and had some time to go out and do some shooting. I have been trying to work on technique and settings with my new camera, but of course time always runs short. I also worked on taking my camera every where I am going, because you never know when you might want it. Now I just need to work on taking it out and using it.

P.S. My biceps are getting bigger from caring it around.

A back lit picture of Cassie taking a picture. I love how you can just see her silhouette. ellensburg, wa 2008

Faces on Pancakes. This should bring a smile to any kids face. kent, wa 2008

A happy mom, who cut the above pancake for her son. She is also an amazing friend to me. Love the sun coming in on her head. kent, wa 2008

A construction worker that stopped traffic so we could cross the street and then asked for payment. We just giggled and he said our smiles were enough. I asked him to pose for the camera. kent, wa 2008

The administration building at Central Washington University. The architecture is amazing. ellensburg, wa 2008

Blessings This Week

2008-02-17T20:44:00.000-08:00

Ashes from the fronds indicating the start of the lenton season and reflexcion time for us. kent, wa 2008

If the gym looks like this when you get there in the morning, more than likely it isn't open and you should just go home. I choose to wait and still workout, but I had to wait 15 minutes, after I was already late by a half hour. The blessing is that I still got to work out and feel good about it, plus the picture was snapped through my car window in almost complete darkness. auburn, wa 2008

Make-up application and photography skills. I wanted to capure how long my eyelashes were getting, but there is so much more in this picture. The blessing from this picture, is my ability to capture what I wanted as well as that small smile on my face. kent, wa 2008

Valnetines Day and the joy seens on children's faces as they open cards from their friends. As well as tempation for me with those delicious looking cookies. kent, wa 2008

-all photos this week taken with my d200, see I am getting better.

Blessings This Week

2008-02-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

Being able to capture people from all walks of life come together to work for a common good. kent, wa 2008

Seeing my cousin play basketball at the college level after working so hard throughout her life. tacoma, wa 2008

Seeing my family and the new little one, shortly before she is born. tacoma, wa 2008

Playing beauty shop with my hula sisters, so we can all look beautiful on stage and in everyday life. How do my eyebrows look? kent, wa 2008

here is another in black and white. Can't really tell about the makeup but, I am cute, no? -for more beauty pics, check out little piece of aloha

Blessings This Week

2008-02-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

Birthday Cake- this cake was made by my mom and one of my students that had a birthday this month. They decorated it with two hearts-one for me and one for her. kent, wa 2008

Birthday Cards- that are filled with words that make me laugh, sigh and feel compeltely loved. kent, wa 2008

Birthday Balloons- which remind me of when I was in junior high and high school and would get them and get to carry them around school all day. kent, wa 2008

Hula Brothers and Sisters that let me indulge in my photography habit. I can't wait for the next time. seattle, wa 2008

The moon that lights my sky in the morning when I got to workout and at night when I come home from work. (It also makes my kids go crazy when it is full) kent, wa 2008

This man, whom I thought was apart of a shoot I was doing, who wanted his picture taken eating his donut. He posed and everything for me. kent, wa 2008

Blessings This Week

2008-01-27T21:06:00.000-08:00

I am trying to get better at taking my camera with me so I can take pictures throughout the week, but it is hard. So this weeks pictures for the most part come from only a couple events this week.

Gorgeous looking toes, after having a wonderful pedicure in my prom dress. fed. way 2008

Beautiful boats that inspire me to get one, although I would need a lot more money to have it and I think I would want a house boat or one that has a slide coming off the back of it. victoria, bc 2008

Yummy goodness! A treat passed on from Janel Long, who also makes Willie Shooters, that is super yummy in my tummy, although not so good for the diet. fed. way, wa 2008

Shiny gems that were worn by all at the Miss America Birthday Party. kent, wa 2008

Going from Miss Michigan to being crowned Miss America at my own party. kent, wa 2008

My Grandma, although this is an old picture, she is a blessing to me. She has raised some amazing kids and taught me so much. I love how she continues to live life to the fullest each day. Happy Birthday Grandma. three forks, mt 2006

Blessings This Week

2008-01-21T19:52:00.001-08:00

Beautifully made stained glass windows that make pretty reflections. It was hard trying to figure out the lighting and settings on this one, but I think that it turned out pretty awesome. victoria, bc 2008

Crazy Old Castles that could fit your whole family and then some. victoria, bc 2008

Choppy Water that seems to be moving every which way. It was so windy that it was really hard to even get picture that was in focus. victoria, bc 2008

Cute New Friends that travel to far off places. canada/usa (on the ferry in the middle of both places.) 2008

A great love of my life right now. I know it's not baseball season, but sunflower seeds are good anytime. victoria, bc 2008

Blessings

2008-01-13T15:32:00.000-08:00

This week was full of wonderful blessings.
The pitter patter of little feet running across the halau coming to get me. fed. way, wa 2008

New life blessing us all over and over and over again. fed. way, wa 2008

Old friends visiting. fed. way, wa 2008

Beautiful dancing and music. fed. way, wa 2008

And the all illusive find of jeans that fit. fed. way, wa 2008

(picture coming soon.)

Blessings This Week

2008-01-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

A winning team always makes for a fun Saturday (GO SEAHAWKS!) shared with a friend and some delicious pupus, yet a losing team makes for a little bit of heartache and hopefully a desire to come back fiercer next season. This football was apart of many wins during "Fat Boy" football, although the wins didn't come for my team it was tons of fun. kent, wa 2008

An engagement calendar that caused for much joy when I finally found it after heading to many stores. I have added all my important dates and functions, yet know that sometimes I might just have to be spontaneous and through caution to the wind. kent, wa 2008

Little lights that continued to glow on my tree put a smile on my face as I continued to enjoy my tree longer than I ever have before. kent, wa 2008

Throughout this week, I had some time to enjoy my house and realize how lucky I am to have a roof over my head, food to eat, good family and friends and a job that challenges me and keeps me young. These words found amongst my Christmas decorations summed it all up. kent, wa 2008

The smell of a real Christmas tree is unbeatable and I kind of wished that I could keep mine all year long, although cleaning up those needles that kept falling off were no treat at all. kent, wa 2007

New Beginnings

2008-01-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

I decided to start a new project that will focus my photography skills more as well as help me to take time and think about the blessings in my life. Every Sunday I will post some images sharing with you all my blessings found during the week. Now I know many of you will expect your picture up every week, so I will let you know right now it won't be happening.
Here is a sneak peak into what will come:
They brighten my day and remind me of beauty that surrounds us. These were a gift, which makes them even better. kent, wa 2008

Come back Sunday for more!

Blessings Project

2008-01-01T22:49:00.000-08:00

A new project focused on blessings in my world. Each week I will post pictures sharing my blessings. I look forward to the new project and the continued sharing of my world.

Blessings

2008-01-01T22:48:00.002-08:00

Capturing My World: Blessings

This is Me! Sharing What I See

2008-01-01T22:48:00.001-08:00

Describing myself can be so hard, because I am so many different things to so many different people: a friend, an athlete, a teacher, a confidant, a cheerleader, a bff, a good listener, a butt-kicker, a competitor, a sister, a daughter, a hula dancer, an adventurer, a role-model, a counselor, a crafter, a traveler, a photographer, and a lover of life.
All these things make me who I am and what I see in life. I first picked up a camera back in middle school. I loved taking pictures of my friends and nature. I went through rolls and rolls of film. As the years passed, I slowly worked on my skills and upgraded my camera. I now shoot with a Nikon d50 or d200. I adore them both, but still have lots to learn with my d200.
I particularly love to capture the candid shot. The one no one realizes you are shooting until they see the printed photo.
I love to watch the sun dance in kids eyes as the play outside, a mother holding her newborn baby, a couples new found and steadfast love and the love you see in a father's eyes of his grown daughters. I want to capture it all in my photos.

You Know You Want To

2008-01-01T22:48:00.000-08:00