Category Archives: Off Topic

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~I Don’t Really Need a Wish Right Now~

September 1, 2010 – 9:39 pm

I don’t believe in wishes.  It’s not that I don’t believe in dreaming big, having high hopes, and “shooting for the stars”; but for more me, wishes imply that all you need to do to achieve a goal is to rely on luck; and I don’t believe in luck.  I believe in destiny.  That doesn’t mean I don’t believe in hope because sometimes hope is all we have to hold onto.  I believe in hope, high goals, but most of all I believe in the hard work required to achieve your “wish.”

Henry Hartman has been quoted as saying, “Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity.” The way I interpret this is you pay your dues, you work hard, you don’t give up.  You don’t allow your environment or nay-sayers in your life to get you off track.  You don’t let the uphill battle knock you down.  Basically, you don’t make excuses.  You take the hand you’re dealt and you make the most of it–you’re a soldier, in every sense of the word.

I also  believe when Life sees you’re ready, everything will divinely fall in place.  One may say, “what a coincidence” or “I got a lucky break“, but I prefer to believe that everything plays out the way it’s supposed to and when you’re ready, you’re rewarded.

The gentlemen you see below (Disclosure: I have to brag and say the big guy is a great friend of our family) are all admirable men.  All of them grew up together (brothers, cousins, friends) born of very humble beginnings.  All sons of immigrants who came to the U.S. to provide their children with a better life. Even though they are all in different areas of law enforcement, they all have one thing in common–determination & drive.  They all share the determination to overcome their challenges, to not be a statistic or product of their environment, and not use their challenges as an excuse to be complacent.  Nothing they have achieved in life was ever handed to them.  Each of them worked hard, sacrificed time from loved ones, became sleep deprived,  and yet still pushed through the challenges even when they felt like giving up.  Most important they prepared themselves for the day when opportunity came knocking.  They didn’t just sit around daydreaming and  ”wishing for the best” they DID their best and their best has paid off.

Thank you to all the Law Enforcement, for your commitment to protect our communities, to put your lives on the line for your community each day; and thank you to the families of these men and women who also sacrifice so much. 

God Bless. 

~Peace, Love, Joy & Abundance~

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By Glimpse of Soul | Also posted in Photo Shoots, Urban | Comments (0)

~Hiatus~

August 25, 2010 – 2:13 pm

After much soul searching and contemplation, I have come to the decision that it’s time for a hiatus.  I love photography; it’s the purest way for me to express myself.  After discovering photography, I learned to see the world in a different light (no pun intended).  They say everyone is born with a gift, some more than others; for me, photography has been one of my blessings.  I love what I do; I feel blessed to have so many people who have entrusted me to capture a moment in time for them.  Nonetheless, I have come to a point in my life where I yearn the need to grow, expand, and pursue the type of photography my heart calls out for me to do.  After visiting Roatan, Honduras this month, I realized where my passion lies and what my soul craves.

Nevertheless, I will not be putting my camera down.  I will simply be “soul searching” and trying to define what genre of photography I am meant to do.  Who knows; maybe this IS what I am meant to do (the grass is always greener on the other side, is it not?) and will realize that after I’ve ventured into other projects.  But for now, I’m stepping back to truly examine who I am as an artist–the type of impact I want my photography to leave on people, the emotions I hope to stir in them, and most important photography that not only is “‘pretty” but thought provoking, tugs at your heart, and leaves you with an impression.  I’ve always said that this is more than photography for me, it’s a Glimpse into the Soul.  And now, I’m ready to take it to the next level.

I have met many wonderful souls along the way; all of which I am grateful to have met and photographed.  I have enjoyed my time with them all.  Thank you for the honor of welcoming me into your lives.  (Please know that I will honor all sessions that have already been booked and/or purchased collections that include a future session.  Moreover, those who are waiting on products will receive everything they ordered.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to email me at eliza@glimpseofsoulphoto.com)

Thank you for all your support, love, and kind words that you have blessed me with along the way.  I will hold them close and remember them as I go along this journey. 

I promise this isn’t the last you have heard of me.

~Peace, Love, Joy, and Abundance.~

 

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By Glimpse of Soul | Comments (8)

Even Amidst The Poverty, I Found Beauty

August 16, 2010 – 11:00 pm

I visited Roatan, Honduras with my husband for a mini-vacation this past week.  I’m not sure that many people are familiar with the island.  It’s becoming more and more popular as cruise ships make it one of the stops included in their cruises.  That’s how we discovered it.  I fell in love with this gorgeous area - imagine crystal clear water, blue skies, palm trees, ocean breeze, and a beautiful blend of cultures including Spanish, French, and African influences–a magical combination. 

Like most poor countries, the most visited and what most people consider picturesque parts of town are the resorts–the tourist areas.  But, what I discovered that moved me most was the beauty amidst the poverty.  The beautiful locals, their faces, the blend of their cultures, their joy, their loyalty to their island.  The children are what touched my heart the most.  Unlike American children whose job is to learn, have fun–to play, the children of Honduras are expected to work hard.  One day while riding in a taxi on my way to shop for souvenirs, I saw a young boy sitting in the front seat with the taxi driver.  I assumed the boy was the driver’s son and was spending the day with Dad, what we consider “Bring Your Child to Work Day”.  However, to my shock he was a passenger on his way to work; not school-work.  This 10-year old entrepreneur was on his way to sell fruit.  When I asked him how long he’d been working, he said since he was 8.  Luckily I had my sunglasses on, otherwise, he would have seen the tears roll down my cheek.  However, when I stopped to think about it, I realized this is the life they know; this is the spirit of the island–you work and you work hard.  Despite all that,  I still saw the children laughing, smiling, playing soccer, and many who did go to school–schools where one of the most important classes is English class.  Their parents work hard to make ends meet in a country where the average income is $80 a month.  Yet, every time I would ask , “Do you like it here?”; they would always give me the same answer, “Yes, this is home.  This is all I know.” 

All this left me thinking about the beauty of simplicity; what true happiness and true joy really mean, what strength is.  Even without all the commodities of  what we take for granted in the U.S., ballet classes, shopping sprees, etc.–everything we put emphasis on,  there is still peace and true joy that is to be found in simplicity. We so often believe that material things make our lives easier but do they really? 

I walked away humbled by these strong people–”Gente Fuerte.”  I saw first-hand  true beauty…even amidst the poverty.  Thank you, Roatan, for teaching me a lesson or two.  I’ll be counting the days until I see you again.  *One Love* 

(*By the way, if you get a chance go visit this little slice of heaven.  Our resort was amazing - www.barefootcay.com and I highly recommend it.  Then after you’ve had a chance to do some snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins, and scuba diving set aside a day to visit the beautiful locals.*)

Peace, Love, Joy & Abundance

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Our little home away from home…

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Hubby couldn’t wait to get his hands on some fresh coconut.

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By Glimpse of Soul | Tagged , , | Comments (3)

Meet SupaWoman: Confident, Courageous, Conscious

November 19, 2009 – 10:48 pm

Sometimes in life you meet people whose spirit and personality are larger than life.  They are the type of people who leave an everlasting impression on you.  They mesmerize you when they speak, they speak to you in a way reminiscent of an old friend, and they draw you in with their wisdom and knowledge.  This is how I felt today when I sat down with Katharine aka SupaWoman.

Last month, I set out to find real life SupaWomen.  I asked all of you to nominate women who you knew that had courageously battled breast cancer (http://www.glimpseofsoulphoto.com/blog/?p=672).  I wanted to celebrate them and share their story of inspiration.  Katharine was nominated by her friend, Jennifer, who thought she fit the description perfectly. Upon reading about her, I was instantly drawn towards Katharine’s story and knew that I wanted to get to know her better.  This afternoon, I sat down with her as she was being prepped by make-up artist, Monica Castillo, for her Glimpse of Soul Photo Session.  I felt like I was sitting down with a long-lost friend.

Katharine was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.  She discovered the lump in her breast one afternoon after taking a nap.   “I had gone out to play racquetball with my husband.  I had always been very active.  My husband kicked my butt in the game, so I was upset because I am very competitive.  I went to take a nap which is very unusual because I never take naps.  As soon as I laid down, I put my hand on my chest and felt a bump.  I intuitively knew that it was breast cancer,” says Katharine.  Thankfully, Katharine’s breast cancer was detected in a very early stage.  Ironically, she had a mammogram scheduled for the upcoming week.  After going through the different tests and having doctors confirm it was cancer, Katharine was given her options and she chose to go with a mastectomy and reconstruction.

Katharine is also the mother of two young boys, ages 6 and 8.  I asked her if, how, and what she told the boys about being diagnosed with cancer and all that meant.  Katharine says, “I told them everything.  I was very honest with them.”   She goes onto say that she did not want her boys to hear it from somebody else and to associate cancer with death.  “Cancer is not death. I never thought it was.  I knew I was going to be okay.  My kids keep me motivated.  I can’t wrap myself up around fear.  Your mind is stronger than anything else.  You’re bigger than cancer.”   

Overall, Katharine underwent 18 months of treatment.  Two weeks after her first surgery she was back in the gym with a trainer.  She attributes a huge part of her recovery to working out.  The same year she was diagnosed and underwent treatment–one month after her reconstructive surgery, Katharine signed up to run the Susan G. Komen Houston Race for the Cure.   “I saw the race as a target–a goal.”  And reach her goal she did! Last month, she ran the race for the 3rd year in a row. 

I asked Katharine how battling cancer changed her life.  She says, “It slows you down.  It forces you to be present versus letting life go on around you.”  She says these days she is more open to living life and says she’s even a better mother.  “I appreciate my kids more.  I’m a better parent.  I’m calmer, more peaceful.”

Before meeting Katharine, I thought her story would be one of a woman who battled breast cancer, but after talking with her I know her story is so much more.  Her story is about LIVING–being PRESENT in your life and living it with purpose, courage, and a positive attitude.  She says, “All situations are neutral.  YOU make of them what you want.”  Katharine says she’s much happier these days because she is willing to take the risk of being vulnerable.  She risks putting herself in situations that make her uncomfortable and take her out of her comfort zone.  Sure you can fail, but you can also be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams.

As we drove to the shoot, I couldn’t help but tear up with emotion.  Katharine moved me because she spoke with such sincerity, honesty, and conviction.  Her words kept playing back in my mind,  “After going through this, I can now look people in the eyes and really hear what they have to say.  I appreciate them and take the time to listen.  People bring you gifts everyday, you just have to be ready for them.”  She’s right about that.  I was gifted today by Katharine–with her infectious optimism, her beautiful smile, warm heart, and encouragement to live life with purpose.  Thank you, SupaWoman, for gifting us all with your beautiful spirit.

*A special thank you to The Spa at Cinco Ranch (www.cincospa.com) and American Laser Centers (www.americanlaser.com) for donating gift certificates and to makeup artist, Monica Castillo, for enhancing Katharine’s beauty with her makeup application.*

**Katharine also recommends anyone facing breast cancer in their life to read the book THE BREAST BOOK by Susan Love.  She says it will prepare you for the whole journey and educate you about what’s ahead.**

Peace, Love, Joy & Abundance

 

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By Glimpse of Soul | Also posted in Photo Shoots | Tagged , | Comments (12)

Notes Left Behind - The Lessons Our Children Teach Us

October 28, 2009 – 10:19 am

Yesterday, someone posted a link to a news story about a little girl, Elena Desserich, who while dying of brain cancer took the time to write love letters and leave them hidden for her parents to find when she was gone.  The story moved me to tears for a multitude of reasons.  First of all, the tragedy of losing a child–a parent’s worst nightmare.  I can’t think of anything worse to face in life.  Then there’s the scary monster - Cancer.  It’s frightening enough to think of battling cancer as an adult, let alone watching your child battle it.  As a parent, what you want most is to protect your child from any and all harm, but how do you protect them from cancer?   My heart and Love go out to all families who are forced to face the scary reality of such an illness.  I have to say, what moved me most to tears about this story was Elena’s gentle, loving spirit.  Think about how big this baby girl’s heart was–facing such a crippling illness and STILL be thinking about her Mommy and Daddy.  Obviously, her loving Spirit lives on and continues to touch people’s lives.   

It is my belief that children come to teach us more than we can ever teach them.  They teach us about patience, humility, and unconditional Love.  What unwaivering courage and selfless nature this little girl owned!  It’s amazing how much these little souls can teach us if we take the time to listen and learn. Since her passing, Elena’s parents have turned Elena’s drawings and writings left behind into a book that tells her story.  It is titled NOTES LEFT BEHIND.  A portion of the book’s proceeds goes towards THE CURE STARTS NOW. 

After reading this story, I couldn’t help but think of a piece written by artist, poet, and writer Khalil Gibran.  It’s a beautiful reminder to parents that children are Souls sent here with a purpose and unique journey–all of which are their own and have nothing to do with us.  As much as we like to take full credit and ownership over them they truly are, as Kahlil Gibran says, “Life’s longing for itself.”  I believe Elena is proof of that.

Many blessings of Peace.Love.Joy.Abundance to the Desserich Family.  I thank them for sharing their story with the public.   Most of all, much Love to the precious little Soul and Teacher of Love - Elena.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

~Peace.Love.Joy.Abundance~

On Children
Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let our bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

 

By Glimpse of Soul | Tagged , | Comments (1)

Thank you for Showing Me Love! (Katy Custom Photographer, Katy Kids Festival)

October 25, 2009 – 8:29 pm

Yesterday was the Katy Kids Festival at the Villagio in Katy, TX.  I had a GREAT time meeting the community.  I want to thank everyone who stopped by my booth to introduce themselves.  I was thrilled with the turnout.  I had a lot of fun meeting everyone and snapping some shots of the cuties who came by my booth.  All I can say is Katy is FULL of beautiful souls.  I was also delighted to see past clients come by and show support.  Thank you for the love!

Originally, I announced that I would run a blog contest and having everyone vote on one little soul to win a complimentary session.  I promise you, I am a woman of my word, but this time I had to make a change from what I originally said.  As the day went on and the cuties filled my booth, I knew it would be impossible for me to narrow it down to only four individuals.  So, I made the executive decision that the most diplomatic and fair thing to do was to raffle off the session.   Everyone has a fair shot at winning this way.  The winner of the session will be notified via email tonight and their session will be featured in the future on the blog.  Below you’ll see some of the beautiful souls that came by my booth and you’ll see why it would be so hard for me to narrow it down to four.  They’re all gorgeous!  

Again, thank you so much for everyone that came by to support me and to show love.  It was a pleasure meeting the community and catching a Glimpse of your Soul.

Peace.Love.Joy & Abundance

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By Glimpse of Soul | Also posted in Updates | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (6)

Come Visit Me at the Katy Kids Festival in Villagio Town Center

October 20, 2009 – 12:15 pm

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend, check out the Katy Kids Festival on Saturday!  I’ll be there all day from 10am to 6pm at the Villagio of Cinco Ranch. There will be live music, games, entertainment, and so much more for the whole family.

Be sure you stop by my booth and say, “hi” and check out the Glimpse of Soul Photographic Art Gallery.  There will be a special running for those who decide to book full sessions that day as well as a fun Soul Searching contest.  Throughout the day, I will be photographing children and then selecting four little souls to feature on the Glimpse of Soul Blog.  Everyone will then have the opportunity to vote for their favorite little soul.  The soul with the most votes will be the winner .  That ”chosen soul” will receive a complimentary photo session and 8×10 and will have his/her session featured on the Glimpse of Soul Blog.  So come by, have some fun, and let me capture a Glimpse of Soul.

Peace, Love, Joy & Abundance!

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By Glimpse of Soul | Also posted in Specials, Updates | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

January’s Momtrepreneur: PUNKIN DOODLE DESIGNS!

January 10, 2009 – 3:39 pm

  

 

 

This month’s Momtrepreneur is Paige from Punkin Doodle Designs.  Punkin Doodle Designs sells personalized notecards, notepads, along with lots of other fun items.  You have to check out all her wonderful designs on her website: www.punkindoodledesigns.com.  I had the pleasure of interviewing and meeting Paige to learn more about her business, her passion, and how she balances her family life.  I met her beautiful daughters and wonderfully supportive husband.  This family is a true delight.  Job well done, Mom!  Keep up the great work.  Read more about Punkin Doodle Designs wonderful products along with Paige’s advice to moms who want to open their own business but don’t think it’s possible.  Yes, you can, Moms!!!

1) What is the name of your business?

Punkin Doodle Designs (named after my childhood cat) 

2).What services/goods do you sell?  

I sell personalized items such as notecards, notepads, bagtags, enclosure cards, gift stickers and the bestseller is by far the waterproof labels.  I offer exclusive graphics on my products as well as embellishments.

3).How did you end up going into this field of business? 

I have always been interested in paper, fonts, graphics and ribbons as well as working on the computer.  When I was a little girl, I enjoyed designing my own stationery and picking out pretty paper items at the Hallmark store.  As an adult, my interest continued. I began making items for friends and got  wonderful feedback from them.  I thought about starting my own business for several years, but with encouragement from my family and friends, I got serious and finally did it.

4.) How long have you been in business?  Are you just starting out? 

I registered my business name in January of 2005, but did not really start selling items until the Fall of 2006.  I launched my website in January of 2007. It has been a gradual process since 2005.

5.) How many children do you have?

I have 2 girls.

6.)How do you balance your business life with your family life? 

It can be very challenging.  I could not do it without the help of my husband.  He has been my biggest supporter.  Somedays he will take the girls out for the entire day to give me time at home to work on orders.  I have to admit that it has helped tremendously to have my oldest daughter in kindergarten this year and my other daughter attends preschool 3 days a week.  Knowing I have several hours during the week to devote to the business while they are having a fun time at school is comforting to me. 

7.) What makes your business unique? How does it differ from other companies offering the same goods/services?

I pride myself on excellent customer service. I try to go above and beyond to provide personalized service, which has often included home delivery of orders.  If a customer has something in mind that they can’t find, I try my best to design something for them.  It brings me great joy to make my customers happy.

8.)How can people purchase your goods/services? 

My items can be purchased online at www.punkindoodledesigns.com, through e-mail or a phone call or you can find me at several craft shows in the Houston area.

9.) How long did it take you to launch your business?  In other words, how much time elapsed between the time you came up with the business idea to establishing your company?  Did you face challenges?  If so, what were they? 

It took approximately 1 ½ years by the time I registered my business until I sold my first item.  However, the idea had been swimming in my head for years before that.  My first challenge was the uncertainty of the legalities that are involved in starting my own business.  After a lot of research, my first step was getting a tax ID number and a business license.  My second challenge was finding the time to devote to starting the business.  I had my second child in June 2005 and a 2 year old at home, so that explains the year and a half it took to actually get started.  There were a lot of sleepless nights and diapers to be changed during that time and my babies definitely took priority over starting my business.  But as the girls got older, it became easier to spend time on getting the business off the ground.

10.)What advice would you give to other aspiring Momtrepreneurs?

It sounds cliché, but don’t give up!  If I can do it, so can you!  There were many times I wanted to throw in the towel, especially when trying to figure out the legal side of starting a business, but I am so thankful that I didn’t.  I would also give the advice to talk to other people who have started their own businesses.  It helps to hear about others’ experiences and a lot can learned from someone who has gone down the same path you are wanting to travel.  And I will say it one more time, DON’T GIVE UP!

By Glimpse of Soul | Also posted in Families, Momtrepreneurs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

A Very Special Way to Start 2009 From Glimpse of Soul Photography To Be Announced Tomorrow (Children’s Custom Photography, Katy, Houston, Sugar Land)

December 31, 2008 – 12:46 pm

 This is it!  This is the last day of 2008.  Are you happy about it and looking forward to 2009 or as upset as this little guy to see it go?  I don’t know about you, but I’m very excited about 2009 & all that is in store for Glimpse of Soul Photography.  As a way to celebrate the new year, I will be announcing a New Year’s Special tomorrow.  Be sure to come back & visit the blog to read all about it. 

In the meantime, have a very safe New Year.  May you be surrounded by those you love and may you have Peace, Love, Joy & Abundance all year round.

Blessings!

Happy New Year!!!

By Glimpse of Soul | Also posted in Boys, Older Kids, Photo Shoots, Updates, Urban | Comments (0)

Looking forward to 2009 (Children’s Custom Photography, 2009 Specials, Katy, Houston, Sugar Land)

December 29, 2008 – 10:48 am

Can you believe 2008 is almost gone?  This was the year that I birthed Glimpse of Soul Photography, so it will always be a special year to me.  However, I’m looking forward to the future and all that 2009 has in store.  Be sure you come and visit my blog within the next few days because I will have some awesome specials running to bring in the new year.  I may even try my hand at certain sessions that I’ve said no up until now.  Come visit the blog and leave me commments on what you’d like in 2009!  Start that resolution list!

Peace, Love, Joy & Abundance!

By Glimpse of Soul | Also posted in Girls, Photo Shoots, Specials, Toddlers, Urban | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (1)