Rain, the stress reliever..

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Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.  -Langston Hughes

Rain is my favorite past time to watch, to listen, and to feel. Just one of those sentimental post before the big one.. 

Until next time,

The Bride with the Guitar...

I have to admit, this is the first wedding I did myself. I am usually the second shooter. However, for my first wedding alone, I do have to say, Laura and Pete made it very easy for me. I had a blast on their wedding day which was filled with laughter and love. I have known Laura for years and she always had a smile on her face. This day was not any different except when she was getting ready (LOL!). 

Thank you for allowing me to share this moment with you both.  

Words are just not quite enough today

When your love will light the way

To a wedding filled with joy never ending

The warmest wishes are what I am sending you both!

Congratulations!

XOXOXOX 

P.S. It is pretty cool to see a bride with a guitar.. I am just saying :-D...

Holiday Faire Fun..

It has been a busy weekend with editing pictures, paperwork, and being a mom. Saturday, Kay had to   help during the her school Holiday Day Faire as an elf helper (yes, she has a singing a hat!) What is this holiday faire you ask, well is here is a description:

"The annual Waldorf Holiday Faire offers magical children’s activities, delicious home-made food, live music and a wonderful opportunity for holiday shopping from 20 juried artisans including unique ceramics; hand-made adult and children’s clothing and accessories; gifts for the home; hand-printed stationery, albums and notebooks; mouthwatering hand-made chocolates and irresistible soaps and lotions; jewelry, and the best local selection of handmade, natural toys."

Well, since I had at the school, I scheduled a session. I have known Laura for years from being on board with Art in Avondale Park. I remember when she was pregnant and when sweet Walter was born. I have seen him grown up for the last 4 years. I decided to have the session at the school while I was at the Holiday Faire, because I did not like the lighting at the park. Overall, I think this went over well. I love the rich and earth colors of the school which really brought out Walter's personality.

Never Unsaid (an inspirational session)

Waves,

Meet Desiree and Elijah..

What a great session with a friend. Desiree and I have known each other for a year and we met through a mutual associate (to say the least). Elijah is a sweet boy whom I had an opportunity to treat him as an occupational therapist for a brachial plexus injury. I had a great time during this session. This session reminded me so much how much love I have my daughter, Kaylen. It also reminds me how we mothers work so hard to make sure our children. Here is a little glimpse of this motivational session and a poem that I found for Desiree and Elijah.  

Never Unsaid

© Valerie Capasso

I never want this to go unsaid,

So here in this poem, is for it to be said. 

There are no words to express how much you mean to me,

A son like you, I thought could never be.

Because the day you were born, I just knew,

God sent me a blessing- and that was you.

For this I thank Him everyday, 

You are the true definition of a son, in everyway.

It is because of you that my life has meaning,

Becoming a mom has shown me a new sense of being.

I want you to know that you were the purpose of my life,

Out of everything I did- it was you that I did right.

Always remember that I know how much you care,

I can tell by the relationship that we share.

For a son like you there could be no other,

And whether we are together or apart,

Please do not ever forget-

You will always have a piece of my heart.

Thought of the Day

Have you ever think of the moments of your life then you become angry at yourself and start to regret. I been having those moments for quite a while. It is so hard to get out of that slump, but slowly I am trying to get out  that. Life has its ups and downs, but don't let your past make you isolate yourself from the world.

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A Day in Avondale Park

Last June, I participated in the Living Social Deal in order to help with my marketing since I am finally calling myself a "professional photographer." It did not only helped with marketing, but it also has given me an opportunity to meet awesome families, like the Taylor's. I scheduled this session during the Art in Avondale Park event, which I am proud board member (hehe!) This family was a joy to work with and I love sweet Millie's personality. Hey eyes are truly stunning. Here are a few sneak peeks from the session.

Please feel free to comment...

3 Boys and the Zoo...

The Family with the Orange House

I was asked some time ago to do a family session in the home of the DeCamillis Family. I have known Allison (Ali) for years from VSA Alabama and I was so happy when she asked me to do this. Joe is is a wonderful artist, if you are interested in his work, check it out here: Joe DeCamillis' Website. Well, back to the story, this session was fun but bittersweet because they were moving from Birmingham back to Minnesota. They wanted to do a session in their home that was VERY noticeable in the Crestwood Community (yes, the house was marigold and I loved it!). Let me tell, I love the contrast of colors and the tones in and out of the home. Let me see share some of the shots from this session. Ali, I miss you and hope to see you when you come visit Birmingham. One of the best sessions, I ever had. 

B for Boots

What a cutie. I had a great time with him. I want his boots. He never leave home without them.

One Buck

I felt like I was shopping in Rittenhouse Square Park. In my brief time there, I met this man that was making random acts of art on cardboard. He was very into his masterpiece and asked the kiddos how to spell a couple words that he can place on his artwork. We gave him one dollar for the drawing that he was working on for this picture. Fortunately, we forgot the picture in the park, but we do have memories from the camera. This is what one buck got me...

Two Bucks

In August, we had a trip to Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love.  I wonder how true that brotherly love is, because my southern hospitality did not go over too well especially with the drivers. My friend, V, took me to Rittenhouse Square Park. Rittenhouse Square is a gem in the heart of Philadelphia: a green, leafy oasis, bounded by Walnut Street, 18th and 20th Streets, Locust and Spruce. There is a sense of community here: an interaction between the habitues of the park that one actually feels that this is the City of Brotherly Love after all. People recognize each other and life here has a comfort and allure that has almost vanished everywhere else in the city and the country. 

After walking around this beautiful park, I noticed these three men sitting on bench. They told me if I can give them two bucks they will let me take their picture. So, I said sure.. This is going to be priceless! What you think?

Until Next Time.

The Finch Family

Well, I have some time to check up on some blogging (YAY!)  I met this family through Sharing Spee when I was offering a 45-minute mini session. I had a total blast with them except the part they were BLAMING Auburn Fans (LOL!).  Here is a preview from the session.

Day in the Park

Well, I have not blog for a long time. So I decided to come back to the blogging world to tell to talk about previous photography sessions and fun times with Kaylen. This weekend has been kinda busy. I have been catching up clients and scheduling new sessions. I have been trying to finish up from previous sessions. BOY! It is alot of work. I even had two sessions, Friday and Saturday. After the session from this morning, Kay and me went to Railroad Park to meet up with some of her classmates. Check out the pictures below from the Day in the Park..

Kaylen decided to show off how high she can jump!

Look at Amber sport her newest ride!

Lucia being silly for the camera!

Of coarse, me being silly!

SMH, I have no comment!

Current Mood!

The best way I can describe how I am feeling these days. Coming back, slowly.

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I Been Away for So Long......

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I have been away for way too long and I do apologize that. I been going through alot at this moment from my car breaking down to health issues. I just cannot believe that I am going through this all at one time. A friend of mines motivated me to come back to the blogging and photography world which I have been avoiding until I was feeling better. Well, I miss you all and I cannot wait to load pictures that I have been working on for the last couple of months. Photography, here I come again!!!

 Until Next Time,

Impromptu Prom Session.. Making it work!

So true.....

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Masquerades Disclose the Reality of Souls (Lupus Part 2)

Waves to everyone, thank you for coming back to my blog to read more about the permanent mask which I call, Lupus. My last blog post provided some fast facts about the disorder and provided you some insight on why awareness is important. 

May is.... LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH

This month is very dear to me for many reasons, (1) I am a BIG advocate for Lupus and finding a cure and  (2) I have two members of my family who are stricken with this mask: my aunt and my brother, Will. Yes, I hate to say it, it is a male with Lupus. Actually was a surprise to me as well. Let me tell you about the story how I was introduce to the mask. In the fall of 2005, I was completing my clinical for occupational therapy at the Sparks Clinics. My brother was at St. Vincent Hospital getting a kidney biopsy. He was in the hospital for having seizures and after a kidney panel they noticed something was not right, protein. After I left my clinics, I went straight to St. Vincent to sit with him until my parents were able to come. Knock Knock, at the door.. it was the doctor with the results. The look on the doctor place is a face that I would never forget. Sighs.. William, your kidney biopsy came up with .... (thinking to myself, please do not say it).. LUPUS and went into the stage he was in (yes, there are stages of Lupus).. eek! I am sitting in the corner tearing up thinking to myself should I cry or hold it in. Well, I did have to excuse myself from the room to call my parents. My mother was on her way to hospital and when I told her the news she almost had a crash due to the shock. I think we were all in shock. That day, I have to say is one that I will never forget. I started to think about all the symptoms that he had for the past 10 years: the heart issues, the fatigues, the skin rashes.. all started to make sense. It just was not connective tissue disorder or pericarditis, it was Lupus. After the diagnosis for him, it was intense and he started to be isolated, totally broke my heart. I know there are times when I want to shake him, but love this person no matter what. Seeing him like this was not my brother or the person I knew, but I had to learn how to deal with it. The hospital stays got longer and more frequent and the mask decided to move to other areas of his body. One of the worse feelings I had during this time was the first time he had to receive chemo to stop the progression. I have to say sitting a room and thinkig of that moments again brings goose bumps. I did not want to graduate with my degree because my brother was not there receiving his bachelors (I was in graduating grad school and he was graduating with his bachelors at the same time).  After his diagnosis, I realized no one ever mentioned the mask before for one main reason, it is NOT common in men (roughly reported 10% of men, not sure about the unreported). 

Now back to my thought.. If there was more awareness of this mask... I think people would realize the quality of life of the people who live with this on a day to day basic. It is not easy, I can tell you that. To end this post, I want to leave you with two things. One, November 2005, I, Tosha Gaines, became an advocate for Lupus Awareness in order for me to cope in honor of my brother and  Two... I want to leave you with a quote that I thought was fitting for this post... 

“Masquerades disclose the reality of souls. As long as no one sees who we are, we can tell the most intimate details of our life. I sometimes muse over this sketch of a story—about a man afflicted by one of those personal tragedies born of extreme shyness . . . . . . who one day, while wearing a mask I don’t know where, told another mask all the most personal, most secret, most unthinkable things that could be told about his tragic and serene life. And since no outward detail would give him away, he having disguised even his voice, and since he didn’t take careful note of whoever had listened to him, he could enjoy the ample sensation of knowing that somewhere in the world there was someone who knew him as not even his closest and finest friend did. When he walked down the street he would ask himself if this person, or that one, or that person over there might not be the one to whom he’d once, wearing a mask, told his most private life. Thus would be born in him a new interest in each person, since each person might be his only, unknown confidant. And his crowning glory would be if the whole of that sorrowful life he’d told were, from start to finish, absolutely false.”   ― Fernando Pessoa

A Permanent Mask That Will Never Go Away: Lupus (Part 1)

Lets take a short, "LUPUS 101" Quiz before you start reading the facts.. Just short, I promise!

Lets talk about Lupus, a subject that people really hear about and but do not know much about it. Let me give provide you with some FACTS for understanding,  why awareness is important:

• Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect virtually any organ of the body.  In lupus, the body's immune system, which normally functions to protect against foreign invaders, becomes hyperactive, forming antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs and blood. Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission. 

• Lupus is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms come and go, mimic those of other diseases, and there is no single laboratory test that can definitively prove that a person has the complex illness.  

• To date, lupus has no known cause or cure. Early detection and treatment is the key to a better health outcome and can usually lessen the progression and severity of the disease.  

• Lupus is one of America's least recognized major diseases. While lupus is widespread, awareness and accurate knowledge about it is lacking.   

• Research indicates that about 1.5 million Americans have lupus. In fact, more Americans have lupus than AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle-cell anemia, or cystic fibrosis, making it one of this country's most prevalent medical problems. 

• Ninety percent of those diagnosed with lupus are women, and the onset of the disease usually occurs during childbearing age, between the ages of 15 and 44. 

• Lupus is a leading cause of kidney disease, stroke and premature cardiovascular disease in young women. 

• African American women are three times more likely to get lupus than white women.  It is also more common among Hispanic/Latina, Asian and American Indian women. However, lupus also strikes children, men and older adults.  

• In 2009, the Lupus Foundation of America moved the annual Lupus Awareness Month observance from October to May. May provides many opportunities, including Mother’s Day, National Women’s Health Week, and Women’s Health Check-up Day to promote awareness of lupus, and show support for those who suffer from the disease. The warm weather is a good time for outdoor events and represents an opportunity to take charge of your health. The World Lupus Day observance also serves as the marquee event for a month-long series of activities designed to educate the public about lupus symptoms and its devastating impact. 

• On March 9, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Benlysta® (formerly called LymphoStat-B™) for the treatment of lupus.  Benlysta was developed to disrupt activation of B lymphocytes by interfering with BLyS, a protein required for B cell activity. It is the first new medication approved for lupus in 56 years.

• Increased professional awareness and improved diagnostic techniques and evaluation methods are contributing to the early diagnosis and treatment of lupus. With current methods of therapy 80-90% of people with non-organ threatening lupus can look forward to a normal lifespan.

Click here for more quick facts about Lupus!

I will provide that information later. Learn my involvement with Lupus!

Comment to let me know what you know about Lupus and your results on the quiz!

Until Next time, smiles!

for God has not given us a spirit of fear...

but of power, love, and a sound mind.

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Photographer's Philosophy

Don't you wish that you could tell your clients this!!! No worries, I will do it for you.

Willkerson's Baby Bum, DeKota!

We Remember, April 27, 2011

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since Alabama was hit hard with tornadoes. It is hard to believe after a year, we are still recovering. That day had affected each one of us in a different way, i.e., losing a love one and losing material things. Materials things can be replace (not the sentimental value), but life cannot. One thing we learned from this experience, we have to take every warning seriously, no matter how BOGUS its sounds. You never know what will happen.

While I write this post, I was thinking what I was doing that day and it is so clear from detail to detail. I remember being up at 3am hearing the first sirens and running to get the emergency kit, putting shoes on, and checking with my dad about a plan. Warning went over... took a brief nap and turned on the television and realized my brother's neighborhood was hit hard. I freaked out and called him and I was glad to his voice and knowing that Caiden and him was okay. Got ready for work, tired because the siren woke me up. Got to work, looked at AL.com and heard that bad weather was coming again. It hard to live in Jefferson County because majority of the bad storms come through there, my job is in Shelby County with rarely has warnings. People really do not understand how paranoid I am when it comes to weather reports because I am far from my family. Anyway back to the story, got the call from the school.. CLOSING DOWN EARLY.. Rushed got the little one.. went home to prepare.. went outside to get my cat.. then.. I saw it.. The funnel cloud that hit Tuscaloosa (F4).. GEEZ.. Totally freaked .. like an idiot tried to take a picture.. (NOT SMART TOSHA).. then calm before storm passed and hit the city about 5 minutes from me. WOW.. I remember..  the insecurity, the destruction, the fear, the unknown and the cloud. The surrounding communities around me Pleasant Grove and Pratt City were hit hard.

Let me share, the scene after the storm. Seeing the pictures brings back the memories of this day.

What do you remember from April 27, 2011?

Waldorf Pentathlon (Part 2)

Day 1 was beautiful of the Pentathlon watching the children being placed to their city-states. Day 2, was dedicated to practice and fun activities. I was not there the whole morning, I was trying to allow Kay to interact with her team. Believe me, it was hard to do it, but I made it through. We arrived at to the camp site around 2pm EST, just enough time to watch the them eat snack. After snack, the kids broke into their teams and continued with their activities. I was able to watch them play, Zombies ( kinda like freeze, but you turn into a Zombies, which was more fun then staying in place.) This game is also a game they play at her school. Then the most awesome activity and the first for Kay.  Wall Climbing totally rocked and watching her was so fun. The moment of motherhood kicked  in and to see how fast your little has grown up really makes you appreciate life.    They had a blast. Me and Ivan was able to relax at the lake while the kids played in the tree house.  

Let me share some of the pictures from Day 2....

We parents had fun too!! Meet Ivan's friend, Camp Buddha. Notice the faces, they are so cute!

Leslie, obviously found something to do ... (she is going to get me!)

Feel free to leave a moment or ask any questions!!

Until Next Time, 

Waldorf Pentathlon (Part 1)

What is that? Why are you writing about the Waldorf Pentathlon? I totally have no idea what you are talking about. Sighs... Let me provide some insight about it. For the people who are really close to me, they are aware that my daughter, Kay is a fifth grader at the Alabama Waldorf School in Birmingham. I have to say, it is a great school especially good for her and I have please with the level of academic work that has been given to her. In the fifth grade, the children participate in the Pentathlon (somewhat like the Olympic Games). So why in the fifth grade.... The Pentathlon, done in conjunction with Alabama Waldorf School, Linden Waldorf School (Nashville, Tennessee), Suncoast Waldorf School (Palm Harbor, Florida), Sunrise School of Miami (Miami, Florida), The Waldorf School of Atlanta (Decatur, Georgia), and The Waldorf School of Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky), is an important event. The children experience firsthand the wonderful harmony of body and soul that led the Greeks to feel themselves at home in the physical world. In the Waldorf curriculum, children are at a threshold between the imaginative cooperative games of childhood and the competitive oppositional sports of adolescence. This year they stand all alone. Individually they must meet these five events and the challenges of technique, discipline, competition and consequences. The children a are arranged into teams representing 5 Greek City-States, and each City-State is a mixture of students from all the schools. They wear tunics they made representing the Greek city states of Sparta, Athens, Corinth and Thebes. Every child participates in every event The City-State leaders are usually class teachers, and the Event Leaders are usually movement teachers. The children will throw the javelin and discus, do the long jump, run relays and wrestle, just as the Greek athletes did it in the 8th to 6th centuries B.C. The modern Olympic pentathlon looks much different with pistol shooting, epee fencing, show jumping, swimming and 3-k cross country run. The games had the trappings of an Olympics with the lighting of the flame, Olympic music and march of the athletes from the six participating schools. Let me share some of the pictures from Day One of the Pentathlon, believe me it is a beautiful event. Next blog post will describe the significance of the each event and the history behind each one.

If you are wondering, Kaylen is on SPARTA and mommy is very proud of her. It is so hard to watch her grow up. This event really is a rite of passage for each child. As a mother, it is hard to let go. Feel free to comment or ask questions. Until Next Time...

Lacrosse: The Fastest Game on Two Feet

It has been a busy weekend with Kay's lacrosse schedule. Three games in three days and one was out of town. Boy, I am beat, but I am loving watching her hit the field. She did give me a scare last Friday when she was hit in the head with the stick from a not so nice player (very poor sportsmanship). I have never seen Kay cry or reacted in a way I never seen before. Her team and the families are very compassionate toward her and checked on her on and off the field. We are blessed to have great team. If you are wondering, she is fine. She had a mild headache the next day, but she made it clear that she was playing the following day. I really have to say this, lacrosse has really build Kay's confidence through the roof and I am happy for that. She loves being with her friends and she loves hearing how good she is and how fast those little feet can go. Everyone loves to compliment her every game she plays. I cannot wait to see what she decides to do when she goes to high school and then college. This is a beginning of being a stick family. Let me share some pictures with you.

Attacking the goal...

Focused...

Kaylen and her friend, Hannah

She is fast...

Feel free to leave a comment below. Kay loves to read my blog as well.. Until Next Time,

Inner Peace

Live by this....

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Love this quote, what do you think about?

Until next time,
Tosha

A Reminder for Myself

Have to tell myself this often.. How about you?

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Until Next Time....

Support Others...Vendor Highlight Moment

Well.. We all know we need assistance at times, right?
It is a delight to be a second shooter for a good friend of mines, Ivan, who owns IDStudioFocus.com (videography and photography). Did I mention, that we do share a little thing that has two legs, named Kaylen *hehe*. I have to say, I did not know how much work it took to edit a video until I had to experience it for myself. Wow.. it is a job and definitely time consuming. . Definitely worth the price..

Let me share one of his videos that he did recently for a wedding

alicia + joshua wedding film // trailer from IDStudioFocus.com on Vimeo.

If you want to know more.. Let me know!!!

Motherhood

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