Growing Pains & Happy Things.

It takes a village to raise a child <3 My little cousin’s Christening!

Sometimes I just don’t know how to feel

I don’t know if my aspirations and dreams are real.

Do I look to the future

When I’m told that I won’t have one?

Do I plan and set goals

While fearing the trigger of a gun?

Do I climb the corporate ladder

Only to be told that I don’t matter?

Or do I stay complacent and mourn

As our lives begin to shatter.

It’s hard to look towards the future

When we keep getting set back

One step forward feels like a thousand steps

Back into Black.

I want to inspire

Let people know that they can go higher.

But as things transpire

It makes me wonder if I’m a liar.

Do I encourage false hopes

And dreams unattainable?

Or do I truly believe

That we are more than capable?

That we are powerful

That we are intelligent

That we are beautiful and even elegant

That we can and we will

But only if our skin fits the bill.

Ugh, it sucks to feel this way

And I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

But this is the way things are right now

And all I can do is pray for peace and love.

There may be times where you want to shut the world out. Nothing is going your way and you just want to be left alone. But do you really want to be alone? Do you like what loneliness feels like? Check out exhibits A and B below. This is what loneliness feels like:

A.

B.

It feels dark and quiet like exhibit A. And inside of your head, you’re like exhibit B: wanting desperately to be heard and helped. It’s a battle that nobody really enjoys fighting. So instead, why don’t you call up a friend? Meet up and hang out like in exhibit C, because everybody needs somebody:

C.

Talk about life, express yourself fully and freely, because friendship is a no-judgement zone. Let it all out and hear your friend out too. Everyone has things they’re going through and it feels great to know that there’s someone who wants to listen.  

It’s also nice to get out and get some fresh air. A nice walk can help you clear your thoughts, especially a nice walk in solitude, and in my case, with a camera. Take in the sights, take in the people you pass, take in the activity around you and free yourself from your problems. It’s possible to pick yourself up out of the darkness. Enjoy your time and listen to what the universe is telling you, like in exhibit D:

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

Take a walk down a street that you’ve never walked down before. Take in the beauty of everyday things and enjoy your YOU time:

I. 

J.

K.

L.

M.

N.

Walk slow and breathe. Take in the beauty of the trees, like in exhibit O:

O.

Stop and read some books if you see them lying around, like in exhibit P:

P.

Then make your way back home, because it’s getting late! 

If all else fails, spend some time with your loved ones, because they can always reel you back in. If you’re able to, get a family work out going. It’s good for the soul (and the extra weight):

Q.

R.

S.

You only have one life to live. Try your hardest to spend as much of it as you can in happiness. When you are happy, communicate. When you are sad, communicate. When you are confused, communicate. Don’t shut yourself out. There are people that need you to be active in their lives and you can only give them your best when you’re at your best. Life will not be unicorns and rainbows every day, because that’s not reality. Know when to say enough is enough and pick yourself up. 

What is a perfect last day? Sometimes it’s one that you have no real plans for. After hanging out in San Fran and having dinner, we didn’t know what we should do before we packed up to head home. We’d wanted to take a drive along the coast for the entire week, but we never made it. So even though it was almost sunrise, we decided to embark on a little trip to the beach, and of course, with my camera. We listened to waves crash on the shore, and we watched dim lights flicker on in the beach houses in the mountains. We sat in the calm and enjoyed every bit of it. We took it all in on our last day.

In San Ramon headed to meet Aunt Wendy, Uncle Javier and Gerrik!

We went out to do one of our favorite things: EAT.

I had a delicious salad with my new favorite cheese: Goat Cheese (yum)

I love the contrast of lightheartedness and intensity in this photo. Not sure of what conversation was happening here.

Gerrik taught me how to play chess. If only there were enough pieces, we could have played each other! Anyone who wants to play me, bring it on (but let me win, I just learned).

A wonderful family photo that will be cherished forever.

CJ and his Aunt Wendy. Priceless photos and unforgettable moments.

The two big guys (Gerrik and CJ).

A beautiful family portrait. Nothing but LOVE here.

And here!

After a great day out, we went back to Aunt Wendy’s and uncovered some treasures that took CJ back in time.

This little face hasn’t changed too much.

CJ, his Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother and Grandma.

Here’s one for the books: CJ and Grandma <3 A grandmother’s love is unmatched. I hope to meet her soon.

Grandma and Great - Grandma.

Grandpa.

Dad and CJ. Chris and Chris. Undeniable twins. (Good looks run in the family)

Come to the Sol Food restaurant for this beauty, the Té Helado, which is orange - mango iced tea. It is super refreshing and not too sweet. Just the right thing to prepare your palette for the flavors of Sol Food! The drink behind the Té Helado is a Ponche, which is orange - mango iced tea with limeade. Drink up!

Sol Food has a S O U L.

Mofongo Relleno De Camarones: Wheat Free. camarones criollos served over mashed green plantain with salad and fresh avocado. -- You won’t be disappointed if you choose this one!