another random post!

Don't you just love lots of bright colors? They make me happy!!

It's 12:30 Saturday night and I can't sleep. Cassi is out of town with her best friend and they are going to Magic Mountain in the morning. I hope she has a blast. She is going with Joy and her Mom for Joy's birthday. They have been best friends since first grade (they are in third grade)...a very long time in their books!

I know how important best friends can be.

Today, one of my best friends, Nicole, from high school (20 years and counting) called to tell me she is moving to Colorado Springs, CO next weekend. She lived there about 9 years ago and then moved back to San Diego when she divorced her husband.

She has three children and being single and living in San Diego with very little family support around her is just too hard. Everything is so expensive in San Diego and she just can't seem to get ahead.

We don't see each other everyday but when we do it's like no time has passed. We have been through so many things together in our lives and even when we hit rough patches...we know we will be there for each other.

I hung up the phone with her and cried. Maybe because we are going to be so far apart again...but maybe...in a way...I am envious. I wish I could pick up and move to a state that is a little less expensive, a little less crowded, a little friendlier, has less traffic, and more opportunity to get ahead.

At times, I absolutely long to move out of state to somewhere like Colorado or Oregon. But, I have a career here, close friends here, and a fabulous family that truly supports me in all that I do. No physical place can replace those things. We are at home here in San Diego. Our life is here with those who love us. Maybe some day things will change...but right now, Cassi and I are where we belong.

I know I am going to miss her dearly. I immediately called Verizon and had them change my plan to Unlimited Long distance. I checked the airlines to see what airfare will cost.

I know I will get to go visit her and it'll be like no time has passed. 20 years has gone by so quick and I hope she realizes what a constant source of amusement, laughter and fun (and ooohhh...the good stories I could tell!!!) she has been in my life. Thanks Nicole!

After my cry, I had to go to Balboa Park for a photo shoot for Visual Photography. I can't share the images I take for VP because they are the property of the studio. But let me tell you...this family of 7 was gorgeous!!! They were so easy on the eyes and I know they are going to love their session and I can't wait for them to see them.

While we were there, Angela and I played around with my 50mm 1.4 Canon lens that I have absolutely fallen in love with! It is so amazing in low light situations and the shallow depth of field just rocks! The pics on this post were taken while we were wandering around Spanish Village on our way to the car.

If you have never been to Balboa Park, there is an area where some of the local artists have galleries and studios. Each of the doors are painted bright colors and the ground is individually painted pieces of cement all throughout the village. It's a great place to photograph and on a future post I will post Cassi's five year old session from there. They are my favorite session ever!

If you ever get a chance to come to San Diego, find a way to Balboa Park. It is an amazing place with museums, gorgeous architecture and a lot of local color!

I know I have rambled tonight but if you want to rent a good movie, rent Freedom Writers with Hillary Swank and Patrick Dempsey. It is very moving and inspirational. For everyone that knows me...yes...I cried about 4 times in the movie...I swear I have become a sap since becoming a Mom!

Enjoy!