Our Photography Ministry

As you all know, my husband and I are the church's photographers.  We were asked to take on this ministry by our pastor, several years ago.  It entails covering church events, special occasions (like dedications), and performances (from the youth and kid's ministries), fundraisers, etc.  Basically, anything that our church peeps are involved in.  Also, to periodically add new pictures to a "picture board" we have in the church.
Sounds simple enough. But, let me list for you just a few of the mechanics involved in our picture taking, and a few of the things that we have to deal with.  And let me just say....we're not big cry babies, but at the same time, we're not fans of getting attacked for performing our appointed tasks.  No.....we're not persecuted liberals.....but we do have feelings.
On with the descriptions.


Things you must realize when we are shooting "events" (not portraits):


1. We have less than a split second to think about, decide and to take a shot. "Moments" happen very quickly, so we shoot as much as we can hoping to catch those moments.
2. In that LESS THAN A SECOND, things can change, facial expressions can change and people can move.  Sometimes we catch the moment, sometimes we miss it.
3. Our cameras FREEZE a moment....so on a face, a blink can be frozen at half blink.  Mouths can be forming words and look very unnatural when frozen at the wrong moment. Faces and all their movements are the primary cause of unflattering faces....even more so (percentage wise) than eating.
4.  Our cameras see more than we can actually see through our lens.  Sometimes this is awesome, and sometimes it can be not so good when it sees things that we'd rather it not see. (That's what editing is for)
5. Sometimes, it may SEEM like the camera is aimed right at you, but it very well could be zoomed in on someone or something right next to you.
6. We don't TRY and shoot you eating or talking with your mouth full....or in very unflattering circumstances. Sometimes we just don't have enough time to "notice" everyone and everything when capturing groups of people. But our GOAL is to "shoot" for GOOD photos. So people that happen to get caught in unflattering poses or unflattering faces (due to eating or talking, etc) actually RUIN the picture, and it can't be used. Sometimes we can crop that person out, but many times it can ruin a group photo and will be deleted from existence. So you don't have to worry about there being an unflattering picture of you....we don't keep those.
7. We CAPTURE MOMENTS, MOODS and EMOTIONS.  There's not much time to think or survey everything before those moments have come and gone, so please try and be understanding if you see a camera pointing in your direction. You may not be the focus of the picture. And if you happen to be eating or making a face, you will either be cropped out (if possible) or the entire picture will be deleted when we review the pictures on our home computer (which we always do).
8. All we ask is for you to trust in our integrity.  Please don't come to us in anger....we are not here to embarrass or humiliate anyone. Our ministry is done in love, and our wish is to capture wonderful memories and moments in time.  GOD BLESS!

Our Walk

Wow!  I can't believe that's it's been almost 2 years since my last entry!  Time sure does fly!

Well, these are just a few things that I've been thinking about the last couple of days. 

Our walk with the Lord in these troubled times.

I personally feel that our walks are all individually designed.  We stumble and fall along the way.  Some of us fall many, many, MANY times.  But through our trials and stumbles, we are strengthened.  We are kicked in the rear, fall flat on our face and we experience loneliness as the world seems to turns it's back on us.  Some are left with nothing but the clothes on their backs....and sometimes it's because we need to get to that point to find Him!

 

I myself have been homeless.  Nowhere to go.  Nobody willing to take me and my two daughters in.  This actually happened twice.  The first time, my children were around 2 and 4.  I hadn't lived at home (my mom's) since right after I had my first daughter. I was 16.  I was around 19 at this point in time, where I became homeless.  I ended up staying in some old, beat up, seriously cockroach infested motel room. It had no kitchen, but it did have a refrigerator. My dad brought me a hot plate and a tortilla warmer to use for "cooking" that he had borrowed from his sister...my Tia.  That was a blessing, as I definitely couldn't afford to eat out.  We lived in that horrible dwelling for 10 months.  But we had a roof over our heads and food in our bellies, which is much more than many adults and children have around the world.  Thank you Jesus!  You provided even though I was not worthy!

 

I blamed no one for not taking me in.  I made my choices in life, and I was ready to deal with them.  I burned some bridges, and I understood that.  There's one thing that will always stay with me that my mom told me time and time again...."You made your bed, you lie in it".  So, I did.  It was a very ugly time in my life, and I'm very sad that my babies were exposed to my bad choices, but thanks be to God....we survived it.

 

The second time I was homeless, I had gotten kicked out of my apartment of almost 10 years, because my daughters (during this time were around 13 & 15) had committed a crime (with a friend) in the apartments where we lived, while I was at work. I came home from work to find a bunch of police cars in my driveway.  Management gave me 3 days to get out!  My world came crashing down around me.  And again, nobody would take me and my children in. I actually DID get a couple of offers to take only me...but they didn't want my unruly daughters there.....so off I went to apply as "homeless" at the welfare dept.  Luckily, we only stayed in a motel for a few weeks, before finding another apartment.  And THAT time, I had a job.  Again, thank you Jesus!  He never left my side, even though I wasn't deserving.  And I am so grateful that MY "homelessness" was staying in a motel.  It could have been so much worse....we could've been staying in a car, or even worse...sleeping on the streets.  I've never been much of a complainer, and I thank my mom for making me strong.  I am a survivor.

  

Nowadays it seems this world is filled with so many selfish, stubborn, whining, crying and impatient folks....wanting what we want, and wanting it now.....at whatever price sometimes. 

Me, me, me, ME!

But that's not what our Creator wants for us.

He wants to give us peace.  Eternal peace that will get us through, not only the good times, but especially the bad.  Isn't that when we need peace the most?

He wants us to spread the gospel to others, so that they may also know Him and have peace.

He loves us, and just wants us to love Him back.

He wants to save us!

 

I've also noticed how this generation has changed in their perception of God and morality.  We live in a generation of "entitlement" and a society where the goal is to "feel good".

Of course, it's to "feel good" about everything EXCEPT feeling good about your "religious" faith and beliefs.   Our people of faith are paying the price so that the world can "feel good".

"Feel good" about killing, even innocent babies...."Feel good" about their sexual urges, and acting upon them. "Feel good" about FORCING people of faith to go against their God given and Constitutional right to have and follow that faith.

FORCING them to financially support the killing of numerous babies, or pay the heavy fines.

FORCING them to perform marriages that is against their faith, or pay the heavy fines.

FORCING them to give up their careers if they are not willing to ignore and put aside their biblical convictions.

It's also become a world of consumption, self gratification, and where just about everything is disposable;

marriage, babies, human life, phones, computers, T.V.'s, and so many other things that are not

recyclable, earth friendly or any part of God's will. 

And all the distractions, like sex, drugs, the latest trends in technology, fame,  sex, sex, drugs.....oh, and did I say sex?

The enemy knows our weaknesses.  Know that!  Do not rely on your own knowledge, because the world has already planted so many seeds of doubt in your heart.  Don't listen.  Because you see....there's this book.  It's called the BIBLE.  Ever heard of it?

Well....it's  the inspired, infallible, authoritative, and the inerrant Word of God.

{ 2 Timothy 3:15-17 }

¹⁵ and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

So, if you are in the word daily...talking to our Lord daily, having the faith only the size of a mustard seed.....you will get your answers....your guidance....your peace.

DO NOT rely on man, or the world for your direction, for they WILL lead you astray and surely disappoint.

  Rely on God and His word (the Bible).

Invite (as difficult as this is) the trials and tribulations, as they will prepare you for all of the future battles you will face.

And there WILL BE battles.

Sometimes, God will bring people to help you....but sometimes he knows that it all has to come from within yourself.

Sometimes as Christians we are called to help others, but there are also times that we must take a step back and leave them to our Father.

He may have something else in mind for them.

But to know what He wants from you....to KNOW your direction....you must be with Him daily....ALL DAY.  Your heart must be focused on Him always.

 

I Miss My Mom

USPS Priority Mail

Is anyone else having problems with the postal service lately?  Well, I have!  Things have been consistently lost and/or late!  Priority mail is supposed to be 2-3 days.  They really need to change that to 3-5 days because that's how long it's been taking!  grrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!

Michael Jackson Medley

You have to watch this Michael Jackson Medley video. Really super cool!

Remember Nunu?

This was the first episode, I believe, that Cesar Milan made as the Dog Whisperer.... starring Nunu- The chihuahua from Hell.
So cute...you have to watch it....even if you've already seen it!
I was reminded of this because Cesar will be in Upland, California this month at a pet expo..........the So. Cal Pet Expo.
Watch it....Cesar is amazing!

Creative Entrance

If I were going to have a wedding party, I would certainly have done something like this! Watch it....too cool!

Maybe The Dingo Ate Your Baby!

I absolutely love this scene with Elaine......hilarious! Watch it!

An Inspirational Story!

Watch this video....it is an inspirational story about a dog named Faith. She beat the odds besides her handicap.

My Fourth of July

Great time, great food, great company! What more can I say?
It seems like it's been forever since we spent 4Th of July together at my sister's house....but we actually only missed one year. Last year.
The weather was absolutely PERFECT for this great American day! I thought for sure my 3 year old granddaughter would freak out once all the noise started, but she was really, really good. She did let us know in the beginning that she was not liking the noise, but after awhile of it, she seemed to get used to it.
There was a TON of food. My sister went a bit overboard I think. She bought something like 5 different types of burger buns, and I believe she said 3 or 4 different types of burger meats!
We had I don't know how many different deserts....oh, and she made this really great guacamole dip.....super HOT! Well, to me anyways. I'm a sissy when it comes to spicy.
My mom brought her famous special angel food cake concoction. Delicioso....muuaah!
Sunshine and Eunique got soaked playing with water balloons, and Sunshine ended up spending the night there.
I love spending time with the family!

My Mommy's New Purse

So....I have a difficult time figuring out every year what to get for my Mom for all the different occasions. I reluctantly decided for her birthday this year to do a DIY project. I knew that she wanted a geisha purse, and she had been looking for one online.
So how difficult could it be for me to throw a geisha on a purse? I'll eat those words! Especially since I've never done anything like that before in my life!
The first thing I had to do was hunt for the perfect purse. My mom is very finicky about her purses. Not too big, not too small, has to have at least one outside pocket, not to mention the fact that if I was going to pull this off I would need a solid colored purse. OK...so the quest begins. Day after day, store after store....until finally I find one that comes closest to what I need.
So what's next? Well, I go and buy some paints for fabric to put a little background for the face and kimono of the geisha because I was going to be using hotfix rhinestones (iron on), and the purse I selected was black. And I couldn't leave it so that the face stayed black, right? I mean, it's a geisha for goodness sake!
Well long story short, during the construction of this project were MANY trials and errors (put stuff on backwards, white paint ended up blue, etc.) . I really should have learned how to do this whole thing first before I actually made something as a GIFT! So one stiff neck and many nerves unrattled later....walah! This is how it ended up. I'M not content with it, but my family has been very encouraging and kind. My mom SEEMED to love it, but she's a great actress! lol...just kidding Mom! (well, not really)
So that is my story of my first time DIY project for my Mommy!

Alayla's 3rd Birthday

It was a fun day watching my baby girl play with the balloons and reluctantly open her presents. She is such a funny little character.
My niece Rayna didn't make it and neither did any of Efren's (Alayla's dad's) family. They R.S.V.P.'d they would be there, and yet never even called or somehow let Efren know that they wouldn't be able to make it. How inconsiderate is that?
So there we were, putting things off, thinking they were going to be there any second now.
Well, needless to say, we didn't let that spoil the time. It was fun times, and we all stuffed ourselves with pizza, salad and cupcakes from the cute cupcake cake that Yvette brought.
There's nothing like being with family.

I Hate Spending Money

Sometimes I get angry with myself when I spend money on something I really don't need. Or when I buy something on a whim without researching it first. This is how I am feeling today.
Last night, on a whim, I purchased a used (floor model) Microsoft Original Xbox from Ebay. Why? I don't really know why. It SEEMED like a good deal, and with only about 15 minutes before bidding was to end, I felt compelled to bid. I was so caught up in the moment. It was a feeling like...OMG, I'm going to miss out on this wonderful opportunity! And that other person is going to win it! When in reality, now that I've won, I don't really feel it was that great of a deal. I feel....swindled in some way....and now I am angry with myself for that snap decision.
I know that Sunshine will enjoy it......but I still have that very heavy feeling inside of me. Regret. Well, maybe once it gets here I'll feel better about it. Maybe.
And then there's the "having to buy games" factor. Yikes! What have I done?
O.K., O.K......all will be O.K. Right?
Hmmmmmm.......I feel like a junkie.

Wedding Accessories On Ebay

I just recently started dabbling in selling wedding accessories on ebay. I thought I would just give it a shot to see how it went. Thus far, doesn't look all that great. Of course, I won't give up that easily......I'll give it a bit longer.
I guess right now that I'm into looking for wedding stuff, I'm drawn and attracted to it. I feel as though I never want the planning to end. Is that normal? Probably not, but then again, I've never really considered myself to be "normal"

Father's Day

Father's Day turned out to be a really nice day. Me, my dad and Sunshine went out to eat at BJ's Restaurant Brewery. No, none of us had a brew, but my dad did get a free Father's Day glass compliments of BJ's. Sweeeeet!
We all found the meals tasty, and there was no waiting when we got there. We all left with full tummies.
In fact, that was enough for me for the rest of the day!
It was a very happy day indeed.

Pre-Father's Day Luncheon

It was a great time at Buffet China for our first "Pre-Father's Day" luncheon. All the daddies were given their gifts, and it was a pleasant surprise to see Rayna again. Angie unfortunately couldn't make it. She had an awards ceremony going on for softball. Sorry her mom had to miss that.
I think this is just a first out of many more to follow pre-Father's Day luncheons.
A new tradition is born!

Cake Plates-DIY

I thought this was such a great and creative idea. It wasn't my idea, but I ran across it on a blog that I am following (http://2000dollarwedding.com/2009/06/diy-vintage-wedding-cake-stands.html).
I love the fact that you use vintage items you can find at a thrift store, or even in your own kitchen cabinet, to make these. Very low cost and since you're reusing these items you're doing something great for the environment.
For your base you can use anything from cups, to candle holders, to vases.....and much more.
For the cake plates that I have created for this picture, I used a blue and white decorative plate from an old plate set that I inherited from an aunt of mine. The other decorative, larger glass plate is actually a flat cake plate that I found at a thrift store for a couple of dollars. For the bases I found a glass candle holder in the back of my candle cabinet, and an ice cream cup that I also found at the thrift store.
So all you do is make sure that the narrower end of the base is touching the plate, glue it to the center of the plate with epoxy glue, and let it dry overnight(plate laying flat on table).
And this is what you get. You can get so creative with this idea. You can even use these as a centerpiece with fruits, flowers or whatever you can think of.

I found another blog that had some great examples! Better pictures than mine.............
http://athomewiththefarmerswife.blogspot.com/2008/06/make-take-cake-plates.html

Me and Alayla- The Brats!

What do you think? Like Grandmother, like Granddaughter? We got 'tude.....don't we?

Matthew's Graduation

Tuesday night we went to Peter's son's graduation at Santa Monica College. Peter got off early from work that day.We left at 3:00 and got there at 4:00 when gates opened. It didn't start until 6pm, but luckily I had bought some sunflower seeds from the lunch truck parked by the bleachers to occupy me whilst I waited.
There were a handful of elderly people sitting in front of us. They had balloons that kept hitting everyone in the face....including me! It took everything inside of me not to take the safety pin I had in my purse and NOT pop it! I kept thinking, "No, Belinda. That's mean. Remember...karma...karma.....".
All in all, it was a great time and ended up being a very beautiful day. I love to see Peter light up when his kids are around him. He doesn't get to see them much, so it's a big treat for him. And the occasion made it that much more special. Peter's ex wife was pleasant as usual, as was Matthew's girlfriend.
We made it home at 9:30pm.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

• In the pics: Peter, Sunshine and yours truly. Matthew, Peter's grandson Ethan and Matthew's girlfriend Jaquie. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of Peter's other son Randall (Ethan's father).
  

My Mom

My mom is in the hospital again. I wish that they would just once and for all figure out what the heck is wrong with her. She's been going through this for at least 8 years that I know of.
Luckily it isn't as bad as the last time she went to the hospital, when this "thing" she has,  made her kidneys begin to fail.
This time was dehydration with a very high potassium level. She has been sick with her usual onset of symptoms since Tuesday. Hopefully she'll be out of the hospital within the next couple of days.

UPDATE

My mom is doing great! Just like nothing ever happened!

I'm A Farm Town Addict....

O.K. I admit it. I'm a Farm Town Addict. And you know what's funny? I've never been into any kind of game playing. Not Nintendo, no PlayStation or Wii. And not any type of virtual games online.....like the ones where you can dress up your pet and decorate your living room. Nope....never got into that. And then came Farm Town.
I don't know what it is that drives me to getting up bright and early in the morning to plow and drop seed....go to the marketplace and wait patiently to get hired as a farm hand so I can make money to buy things for my farm. My FARM for goodness sake!
I never thought for a second that it could be addicting. Especially not to ME! Of course, this too may pass. But for now I will tend to my farm and my animals. I think it's a sign that I need REAL job!
Thanks a lot Ginger......for getting me into this fun mess!

A Family Visit

My visit with Nicole yesterday was very....interesting, for lack of a better word. I arrived at the Japanese restaurant (Tokyo Lobby) right before she pulled into the driveway. When I saw her park, and getting off the car, I rushed to meet up with her before going into the restaurant. Needless to say, I locked my keys in the car. I was very angry with myself at first, but then thought, "No big deal...I'll just call AAA". Well, once we went in and got seated, I realized that I had just changed my wallet that morning.....did I have my AAA card? Of course not. If Murphy's Law can in any way find a way into a situation in MY life, it will! OK, well I ended up calling my dad and he kindly called AAA and sent them over to me. Thank you Daddy!!
We had a great visit even though it was short. This was actually the second time I met her children, but they were so small the first time. It was at her baby shower years and years ago. So, it was really nice getting to know them. Fantastic kids!
As we leave and are saying our goodbyes outside in the parking lot, my cousin Tony shows up. What's he doing here? And so late? Nicole says she forgot to call him to let him know that the time was changed from 1:00pm to 11:30am! Aye, aye, aye! Poor Tony. Well, we did get to chat for a bit in the parking lot, and he gave me his email to keep in touch.....so all was not lost.
Then, I'm driving up Azusa Ave. towards home and I'm going at LEAST 40 mph, when this tiny dog runs right in front of my car! He was taking leaps like a jackrabbit does. I thought, " No! No. No! I can't hit this dog!". I pushed on the brakes and thought for sure I wouldn't be able to stop my car. I mean, when I first saw the dog it was about a foot in front of my car on the driver side headed towards the passenger side! I only got a quick glimpse of this tiny little thing, and it just disappeared in a second. I didn't feel a thump, but there's just no way I could have missed him. Along the right of the street was a row of bushes which I saw had sudden substantial movement. As if something had gotten thrown in them......ahhhh....whew! It had to be the little doggie jumping into them. I felt soooo relieved!
Well, that was my adventurous morning, and everything had a bright side to it!

Disney/Pixar's UP

(Picture from: http://www.salon.com/ent/movies/review/2009/05/29/up_review/index.html)

We went to see this movie this last Saturday. It was really good. The only thing I didn't like was the unexpected extraction of emotion. I thought this movie was going to be just cute and funny. But it made me tear up at least 3 or 4 times!
We had the option to see it in regular mode or with 3-D. Of course the 3-D version was $3.00 extra per person, and that got you the special plastic 3-D glasses that you have to return to them at the end of the movie. Not that you have any use for them anytime after the movie anyway, but you want to hear something kind of funny? You know how down by the bottom of the movie screen is an emergency exit? Well, right before the movie was over they had an employee standing there to make sure that nobody took the glasses. I mean, I totally understand where they're coming from, but it was a funny sight to see. I was just imagining them chasing someone all the way to their car yelling and screaming, "Hey! Give those glasses back!". I don't know.....sometimes I think of some off-the-wall stuff.
I thought the 3-D was the best during the pre-movie sequences. During the movie it was good too.....just not AS good. Thumbs up from me.

The Maquech

My fiance', our kids and I were first talking about rabbit's feet, which went into the lizards you used to be able to purchase at the Pomona L.A. County Fair (do you remember those?). They were LIVE LIZARDS on a string or chain that got pinned onto your clothing. Very popular item at the Fair back in the day.
Well, I couldn't find any pics of those, but then my fiance asked if I remembered "maqueches". I told him I had never heard of them. He grew up in L.A., so maybe that was something popular way back when out there. As he began to describe them, I was in total awe. Really? I wanna see one! So I ran to my computer to look them up....ok, I didn't run, but I DID really want to see if I could find what he was talking about. So this is them. This is what I found. Amazing isn't it? It's strange what people will do.
I just wanted to share this fascinating tid bit.

I found the following at this link if you'd like to read the entire article:
http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:5vo6nPOZbZYJ:www.caribbeantravelmag.com/article/Magazine/Deep-in-the-Heart-of-El-Mundo-Maya+maquech&cd=13&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a

Mirida is known for its silver- and gold-dipped jewelry, but being a New Yorker, I figured this was a hustle. So, naturally, I couldn't pass it up. I guarantee you've never seen a maquech, nor will you anywhere, unless you come to Merida.

A maquech is a jeweled beetle about the size of a country cockroach. I don't mean an ornament shaped like a bug; I mean a real live beetle that's had bits of gold and small jewels glued to its shell. A two-inch gold chain serves as a kind of dog collar, and this, in turn, is pinned to a woman's blouse -- yes, with her in it. As the mood strikes the maquech, it strolls to the end of the chain and back. Rafael explained that it was custom for women to buy these things to attract husbands. Maybe, if the guy works for Orkin.

Our Wedding Vows

I've been thinking about our wedding vows a lot lately. I think I decided in the very beginning that we would have our own....or at least incorporate some of our own wording. Those thoughts immediately made my mind flash back to wedding ceremonies I myself have been to. And from what I can remember, it's always been very difficult to hear the bride and groom. So.....did they not have a microphone? Are microphones only for the pastor? Or did I not hear them because there was only one mic pointing at the pastor? Should we have our own mic? So many questions! But I figure if we say our own vows, I want people to hear us loud and clear. I don't want them to hear meek little mumbles, but at the same time I don't want to stand there, mic in hand, saying my vows to an audience as if I were reciting Shakespeare in a play. So how do we look into each others eyes, professing our love to one another loud enough for everyone to hear clearly? AND not look awkward?
I still have to meet with the pastor at the church we'll be getting married at, but that won't be until about this time next year. That's when I'll be able to discuss the whole microphone thing with him. So until then, I guess I'm stuck with just working on the wording.....which I do every so often in my head, but then forget the brilliant things that I thought of. I really need to start jotting them down.

Update On My New Venture

OK....up to now, 2 sets of six of these are for sure selling. So far, they'll be selling for the starting price. Woohoo! I'm very happy with that.
I also just put some more up for sale yesterday. So far everything seems to be going fairly well. Time will tell.
I've also been considering.....just throwing stuff around in my head....of incorporating wedding favors and accessories into my lantern selling scheme. I don't know.....should I just keep it simple? Just stick to lanterns only? Hmmmm......I'll have to throw this around for awhile longer.

A Humanitarian Cause

This is a cause that I personally feel very strongly about. Helping to get our fellow brothers and sisters fed, and allowing them to have a place to lay their heads at night. I know that we've all had people standing outside of markets, at the exits of freeways, or maybe even in a drive thru area, begging for money. And many of us are afraid to give because we believe/suspect that they will go and spend it on alcohol or the drug of their choice instead of what we intend it to be for.....food.

Well, this is a good way to give and help out our fellow human beings in need. Donating to a cause where you can be rest assured that your dollars are going towards exactly what you expect them to. I believe that we should all, regardless of circumstances, be able to eat on a daily basis. The Los Angeles Mission doesn't ask for much. You can donate $1.00, $5.00, or whatever you want.

I recently received a letter from them explaining that every summer about this time (June-Aug), donations drop off dramatically. And with the economy the way it is now, this summer could prove to be very devastating to the L.A.M.

If you're interested in donating, here is the website:
https://losangelesmission.wedid.it/?_ga=2.26456884.867987883.1495454311-1800998612.1495454311

Or, you can mail a check to:

Herb Smith- President

Los Angeles Mission

PO Box 55900

Los Angeles, CA 90055-0630

Below is an excerpt from their website:

Who We Serve

Over the past 20 years the faces of the homeless -- and their addictions -- have dramatically changed. In years past, many thought of a typical homeless person in Skid Row as a white, male alcoholic. But turns in the economy, unemployment, housing prices, the pervasiveness and easy accessibility of street drugs and other factors have changed that.

Today, the Los Angeles Mission serves a diverse population. On any given day, a drive through this area would reflect a population of 55% African-Americans, 28% Hispanic Americans, 14% Caucasians, 3% Asian Americans/others.

In 2005, 87% of the Missions' outreach population was male, with an average age of 35-44. The numbers of homeless women and children are growing rapidly.Today, 13% of the population we currently serve is women.

Homeless people today also struggle with even more debilitating habits than just alcoholism. Crack cocaine is the preferred drug for most homeless drug addicts, but there is no shortage of choices. Other drugs also devastate and kill. Physical and emotional violence produces a climate of fear while many fall prey to their own imprudent sexual practices and still others – especially women – are victims of sexual abuse. Issues surrounding education, employment, health care and affordable housing continue to plague those in our community. The Los Angeles Mission strives to reach out to every individual and offering help & hope as they face their unique needs.

From the Los Angeles Mission website (http://losangelesmission.org/aboutus/wws.html)

Paper Lanterns

So these are the type of paper lanterns that I am intending to sell. They are not battery operated. They are simple, round and colorful in a variety of sizes. I absolutely love these! I know I keep saying that, but I can't help myself. I love them, I love them, I love them!
They're especially at their most immaculate when used in tent weddings. In my opinion, a must have for that type of wedding.
They look best when using 2 or 3 different sizes to add depth and dimension. It's gives the illusion of floating.
If my battery operated lanterns sell well, I will probably incorporate them into my sales also.
O.K., well just thought I'd share!

The Latest On My New Passion......

It's been about 2 1/2 days since first listing my lanterns for sale. So far, no sale. But that's ok, it's way too early in the game to even think about giving up yet. If my lanterns don't end up selling, I will save them and re list them at a later date. If they still don't sell by September of next year, I will use them for an added pizazz at my own wedding next year.
But gosh, how I hope they sell. Not for the money factor, but for the motivation factor. I really want to sell paper lanterns! I'm looking into getting everything I need, as far as permits, licenses, etc. I know that I can get a temporary seller's permit.......just so I can try it out.
Besides, the type I am trying to sell right now are not the type I intend to sell later. I think that the ones I really want to sell are more in demand than the smaller battery operated ones. We'll see. Only trial and error, time and determination will tell.

Introducing My New & Current Passion!

Aren't they just beautiful? These are my latest passion. Paper lanterns. I think about them all the time. Weird, huh? I find myself looking for pictures of them constantly (due to too much time on my hands, I'm sure).
It all started when I was researching wedding ideas on the internet. I saw pictures of these at wedding receptions, and I was hooked! I had never been to a wedding with paper lanterns, and had actually never even entertained the idea. I never knew it was something that was done. But as I dove into the research of these whimsical, romantic things I learned that they are quite popular. I began my quest to find the most inexpensive ones I could find, and bought about 28 of them for my reception in 3 colors. Purple, Lavender and White (I'm planning on buying about 4 more in Mulberry) shhhhh. Now, the ones that I found were considerably lower in price than all the others I found....including wholesale pricing! So where does this guy buy them from so cheap? I've been looking high and low to find a wholesaler to buy in bulk from so that I may sell them as a home based business. I've scoured the internet...even wholesalers in China and Thailand! But this guy has them so much cheaper. So I continue looking.....because this has developed into a dream for me. I really want to sell these things that I love, and bring beauty to people that seek them.
I've already got a "store" name picked out for myself, begun making rough drafts of business cards......I know, I know. Dorky, right? But that's me. It's all part of being a Pisces. It's the dreamer in me. A determined one at that.
I ran across some very inexpensive small paper lanterns....battery operated ones. I bought them. They are the ones pictured in my pic above. I figured I would give selling a little test run, and am currently trying to sell them online. I just wanted to see how well (or not well) they do. I'm crossing my fingers. But, even if they don't do well, I will continue with my research on finding larger colorful ones to sell. I mean, I can't give up on the first try, right?
Well, wish me luck. I'll write an update later on whether or not my lanterns sold.