Cake for my Thoughts.

Last night while I was going through old photos from my computer- I stumbled upon this of my 25th birthday cake. Notice two things are happening here.


1. Simple photo out of focus all the while I make claims of being a photographer!

2. The cake reads: Happy 25th.


Happy 25th?? Serious? That was 5 years ago and next month I will be 30. Having a few mixed emotions over this last night (as I assume many people do) I did my best to keep my ish together. It has nothing to do with the age number as much as it does the time, how quickly that time slips by and where I believe I should be at this time.

I work so hard on this project called ‘life’- relationships, friendships, motherhood and business- yet I couldn’t help but think last night I should be further along.

I am posting this blog entry to remember these feelings. The I-dont-know-how-to-connect-the-dots-at-30-feeling. To consider the risk and awareness that comes with standing on that blurry line between success and failure. Ohh how I look so forward to crossing it.

On a peaceful note…I remember my 25th birthday- on top of the world and ready to conquer. I worried a whole lot less about where I wasn’t and more about where I would be.

Ahhh... the warm Maui breeze on my face and this amazingly yummy cake…best birthday to date.

 

Eat. Pray. Love.

For a girl who is patiently awaiting...

"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master..."

This is from one of my most favorite books ever. — Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)
 
Thank you for letting me laugh, love and learn with you.
 
Love Manda
 
 
 
 

REALLY ??

Since I am all about depicting the banality that is my life -I thought what better than to start with this morning!


Out the door and down the stair this morning with daughter in tow. Then it hit me. I forgot to up load that darn photo last night! The whole point was for this post today. So after sprinting-up-the-stairs-and-back-down-the- stairs-Marion Brown style- In heels no less, I am happy to announce I pulled a calf, dropped my phone and have successfully uploaded this totally funny photo!

One must wonder if this is has become an epidemic for the ladies??! I mean REALLY? on GUM??

To all the gentlemen this is a reflection of… ( and you know who YOU are) I give you one FAT DISSSSSS!

Escape

Every now and then, we all need to escape from something. Maybe it’s an escape from our jobs, our heads, our lives… or even at times and for some people –relationships- whether you are escaping from them or to them.


Whatever your reason may be, it’s never a bad thing to get caught where the ocean meets the sky. Being from the Arizona desert, the ocean has always consumed me with fascination. How could something so beautiful and produce such serenity also be so deadly?

This vast body of water is known to house 2 million different species of marine life- and is also soothing sounds number 3 on my Sharper Image Sound Machine!

This was the best Sunday escape a girl could ask for.

Happy Wednesday dear Blog!

Z

Life is crazy beautiful. How it begins and where it ends- the in between. I think more of my life has been crazy, but the pieces that have been beautiful make the in between so much more worth it such as…


This past weekend spent in San Diego with some of the closest and most import people in my world- along with my sweet new nephew who spent his weekend in my arms and close to my heart. He is gorgeous and warm- I love to study his little face, the expressions he makes- his tiny fingers and toes. Nothing short of amazing.

Oh blog- don’t hate on the grainy photo! It was dark and this was taken with a cell phone! None the less I LOVE it. Thank you YOU for sending me the picture to always remember this moment.

 
 

Breathe In. Breathe Out.

There are moments in life where I forget to breathe. No, I mean seriously, the whole inhale… hhuuhhh… exhale… aaahhhh -thing slides right past me in moments of stress, extreme focus and the big one- roller coasters. Yup. Roller coasters. Just the mere pronunciation of those words puts me in a state of ohsweetbabyjesus panic.


People make fun of me. And you know what I say? Nothing. Yes that’s right I say nothing because I am too busy holding a paper-bag-over-my-mouth-while-viciously- gasping-for-air. I wasn't always this LAME. I used to love death defying events. Whatever it was, I was game. Then somewhere along the way between becoming a mom and getting stuck on a few coasters myself, I developed this insane lack of theme park fun. A couple times my beloved little Kaeley has managed to drag me on a few less than favorable rides like, Tower of Terror. Are you joking me? The name says it all and why on earth would I want to drop myself from 13 stories high?

Let’s fast forward. To present day. The Fair. My 8 year old. Begging me to go on a thrill ride resembling the Big Shot at the Stratosphere in Las Vegas. I realized that my customary, “you’re not tall enough” that ended any conversation was no longer enforcable considering she's now tall enough! So, I watched my baby climb in her seat, legs dangling, fasten up and pull down the harness.

And…. I lost it. OMG! What the heck was I thinking?? Was it the heat? Lack of water and nutrition? The margarita I just downed? Had I lost my mind and gone straight to insanity letting her get on this ride?? I couldn’t breathe… and I pulled her off. “No way!” I said. “What if that thing shoots you off to Heaven, or Outer Space? Then what?” I could see the judgment and dissapointment on her little face. She thought I was from Outer Space. I knew I was defeated.

So I told her I wouldn’t watch. Of course I did. She survived. So did I. Just breathe.

Yes! Your still too short for that scary ride ! Love you angel....

See I may not be from Outer Space afterall....!

Makayla Brooklyn

There is something so very delicious about baby girls. I can’t help but be partial since I am a mommy to a sweet gorgeous girl myself! Meet one of my best friends newborn, Makayla Brooklyn. She is as sweet as she is soft and has every bit of her mommies beautiful genes.

Maybe it was that her Aunti Manda semi resembles a lion with her black crazy curly hair, or the fact that she had a Nikon staring her in the face… Makayla did an awesome job staying awake, and giving her best looks!

I miss you girls already… and I cannot wait to see you again. Makayla my little angel, welcome to the world, where you are adored by so many!

Sweet Baby toes!!

Makayla and Lakai

The Sweetest Thing.....

I would like to formally introduce you to the second love of my life… yes he is a little young for me, I know, but still this little mister has taken my heart on the run! Meet Zane Lucas Eve, my sweet little nephew from Arizona. I met Zane at 17 days old and he is perfect! Unfortunately, I was only able to spend a couple days with him… now back at home, I miss him so!

To my sweet baby boy… you light up my life- i will spoil you rotten and love you forever, all that I ask- is to always be your favorite Aunti.

 

 

 

 

 

TOOL... and some other stuff

It has been a couple weeks since I have the chance to write, I promised myself no matter how hard it was I needed to make a conscience effort every moment I get to put my thoughts on paper. No matter who was or wasn’t reading.


Good things are happening, even if they are on a smaller scale. I have been busy with gorgeous friends, family and new additions to my family. Consider–it-said-and-try-as-I-may-to-prevent-it, but my heart has opened for a secret someone and love has slipped in. Yep, super-mushy-gushy-right-there. On the business side my logo is near being done and I am in the process of investing in much needed new camera equipment and to top, I have had amazing opportunities for photo shoots and other various projects. What more could a girl want? Well… I am certain I could name a few zillion other things I want- new Louboutin’s, a new lens, shopping spree at William Sonoma! Ahh… I’ll stop there!

Today, I will be still and revel over the world and all of those who are a part of mine- who have given me a reason to be happy today and of course given me a reason to love.


Since everything is better with a photo…a secret someone took me to the TOOL concert, and since I didn’t have a picture- I stole one from him. Think he will mind...?

Angel of Darkness- Chey Stepp

The more I got to know Chey, the more I liked her. She's a miniature sparkplug who I would love nothing more than to stick in my pocket and carry around with me. Beyond the dark princess persona, beyond the mystery, is the heart and soul of an exceedingly talented girl.


Chey, I adore you. To the umph power. Thank you SO much for sharing your essence with me on this fabulous photo day! You're amazing but more than that you are strong and fierce girl. You have many dreams to conquer and many more successes in front of you to be in awe over.

I am the wiser to say now: life is about taking your passion and driving it home. I hope to see these many dreams of yours come to fruition- Please don’t give up or give in.

 
              God Grant me the Serenity....

 
 

 
                     Beautiful!

 
                Read the background! From one of my favorite movies...