Collector

The Red Door

How Sweet It Is

A little rest and relaxation with the folks I love in a small town was really something special.

Oh dear and sweet North Carolina vacay, how I love thee. Being back home with my family was one of the best times I've had in awhile. It had been waaaay too long since I was in the same room with my whole family. I was completely swallowed by a house full of kick back relatives, the energy of little one's, sassy and fun-loving younger sister's, and parent's who know how to keep a daughter in check. Good Times. 

My dad & JM gone fishin'

I loved the soul food, seeing green everywhere and long talks with grandma, mama, sissy and aunty past 2am. I loved seeing Danny on the grill preparing BBQ Ribs with my dad and watching Josiah ride a horse, a tractor and catch a fish like a natural. I loved being in a house full of love and laughter. I loved the acceptance, encouragement and support of my little family. I loved my quiet reflection time. 

I loved being with my entire family in the flesh, it gave me something beautiful... true joy. 

I loved not being surrounded by a concrete jungle, it gave me a sweet peace.

I loved celebrating a two year blessed nest of three journey, it gave me such warmth.

I loved seeing JM blow out his second birthday candle, he gives me great purpose.

The still and slow pace of the country gave me something too, honest reflection.

Even though I'm no longer in the Carolinas with my family, the photo's I took take me there. 

Back to my heart and hushed thoughts. Back to what's jazzy and genuine. Back to love. 

The experience touches deep places in my soul and for that I am cool and calm and still feel like I'm in the country of Carolina surrounded with my fam. How sweet it is.

Rocks in the pond at sunset

Me and all my sisters! Love!

My bee-yoo-tee-full Mama.

Josiah Marley

2 Years

 Cheers!

Jazzy

Happy Spring From My Little Sprout

 Be green with happy. xo

Jasmin

Got My "FIX" & Feeling Fabulous

She signed my Exposed Magazine! Word?! 

House Of Blues: Gospel Brunch Featuring Dawne White & Friends

This is Dawne White, she is so full of joy! Love this candid shot

These are Dawnes fabulous shoes! Couldn't help but to get a closeup of them

...And these are the moments that I adore. Sing it girl!

The House was sold out!



Thank you Dawne White & Friends for a beautiful and uplifting start to my Sunday. Clicking away to  a little Jesus music is always alright with me :-) 

Quest

Hey Jazzy Readers...

I'll be taking a little break from blogging. Although sometimes blogging is so therapeutic so I may return sooner than later.... But then again, I am in need of some downright reflection time, some reevaluation time and to sit in undisturbed silence. Which means minus my laptop, my android and social networks. 

I hope to get some quiet time as I'm preparing to travel to see my family in the calm of the Carolinas. It's time for rest, relaxation, me, and my thoughts. Sometimes life hands us stress and we need to find our quiet place to gain peace. Done. I am eager to be surrounded with the warmth, support, understanding and love from my mom  dad, sissy's...and especially the whispers in my heart. I'm feeling a tug that says "Dear Jazzy, It's me... your heart, Please pay attention." To do that, I need a little hushed environment. Vacay I'm soooo ready. 

Quest: Love

Until then...the journey continues. xo

The Crown On Your Head

The Crown On Your Head

By 

Nancy Tillman

On the day that we met you and I put you to bed, I noticed a crown on the top of your head.

It was made up of sparkling glimmering things like moonlight and fireflies, and dragon wings.

As the days came and went, It was faithful and true...

and It grew right along with the rest of you.

I always knew just what your crown meant.

It said that you were MAGNIFICENT.

(That means you are grand from your toes to your chin. Take a deep breath, and let that sink in.)

That's about as high as a word can climb! That's the top of a mountain... a steeple chime.

That's over the moon in a nursery rhyme...

and it means, like a star,

YOU WERE BORN TO SHINE.

(Blink three times and...there you are! You are a twinkling, little star!)

In other words, from your very first day,

you were chosen to glow in every big way!

With your crown made of glittering, high flying things, 

you've got wind in your pocket, your wishes have wings.

You can run like you mean it...so, let the wind blow...

There's just no telling how high you can go!

Whatever it is you choose to do,

no one can do it exactly like you.

Ride on the big slide! And if you fall down,

remember your glorious, marvelous crown.

It won't flicker or fade. It won't dim. It won't leave.

All you have to do is believe.

Do you, my child? I hope that you do.

The world is a wonderland waiting for you.

And you get to share it with all your friends, too!

They each have a crown that is faithful and true.

 No one is brighter, no one is duller.

It's only a crown of a different color.

So sometimes, just every now and then, whisper "I believe" again.

Your crown is your best friend forever, by far.

It tells the true story of just who you are.

That's why every night, when I put you to bed,

I'm careful to kiss the crown on your head.

Josiah Marley- You are loved.

xoxo

Happy "Born" Day

I remember when the Dr. told me we were having a boy. I was happy, but I was also a bit freaked out...okay ALOT freaked out! My preggo hormones had me tearing up with all kinds of emotions. Growing up in a household as the oldest to four younger sisters and being as "girly-girl" as they come...what on Earth did I know about raising a boy?

Yet when I held him for the first time, I knew he would teach me everything I would need to know.

March 14, 2010 a precious prince was born. Healthy and complete with an invisible crown around his head. A miracle for so many reasons (that's a whole other blog post...maybe next year).

Our "Boom" was due on St. Patricks day, however was ready to make an appearance three days earlier. Which was just fine by me, It was God's perfect timing indeed.

Now here we are, two years later. My little prince is beginning to NOT be so little anymore. I am in complete awe of this independent, Mr. Personality, strong, miraculous and sweet child of mine. He can play endlessly in the sand, names any vehicle with wheels and climbs to the top of any playground rock climbing wall. Serious business. I love watching him run like the wind and attempt to explain our incredible journey's to Disneyland or as he calls it "land-land." He tells me "sit down, play mama" and I do. His mind is full of emotion that his words can't always communicate. He is learning and absorbing so many of life's lessons. And at the end of the night, he marches to the fridge, gives mama and papa hugs and kisses and night-night he goes. In his crib, with his plush bunny and (most nights) soundly he sleeps. Surely gathering energy and strength for what adventures await him when he arises. He is my angel with curls and one darling little superman!

Check Your Surroundings

House Of Blues: Gospel Brunch Sundays & Me!

I smiled ear to ear and jumped up and down with my boys when I received the email that read "we were completely blown away by your work and would love to have you as our official photographer."

*Jaw drops*

Omg, omg, omg. Wait, me?! Really! Yaaay! Wowsers and Woo-hoo!!

After discussing the details over the phone, I am thrilled to announce I am the permanent photographer for the beautifully accomplished artists "Dawne White & Friends" and will be working with the House Of Blues to photograph the Gospel Brunch Sunday events, including individual projects. Yes, I waited to scream until after I got off the phone!

I am so beyond thrilled and incredibly grateful for the opportunity and experience. I'm really feeling like I'm well on my way and just as happy as a seagul with a french fry.

Press on towards the goal and dream BIG!

Jazzy

First Name: Game - Last Name: Changer

Drum roll please...Ladies & gents I would like to announce that I am the proud mama of a Canon 5d Mark II! Can I get a Holla! Those of you who are familiar with this camera know what a beauty it is. And if ya don't know, now ya know! This is the game changer folks. I mean, this is epic! Swoon! I am officially equipped to collect $200 and pass go! This is the year I am going to make my"Mark". This camera is like my second born. My other baby boy...except it doesn't go through the teething phase. Woohoo!

Recently, I was thinking of getting back into the workforce, though I was absolutely dreading having to let go of being with my lil love F/T at home. I knew I still wanted to take care of my boy during the day... so I thought hmm maybe I'll do the night-time waitressing thing and I won't have to give up being home with him. Nope, WRONG!!
All signs pointed in a different direction. Fortunately, I am surrounded by wonderful friends and family in my life who support my dream and believe in me. I am so grateful for them, they all kept it real with me. Cheered for me. Were patient with me and gave me an eye opener...

Then It hit me like a wailing toddler going through a terrible two tantrum. WACK! I realized I couldn't ignore my personal diagnosis of the dreamers disease. Therefore, I decided to follow my heart and am putting my all into what I love. Photography. There's a quote that rings a bell...Do what you love and love what you do and you'll never have to work a day in your life. Done!

So there ya have it.  I will not be asking "Can I get you a drink with that?" but I will ask "May I capture your heart in a photograph? :-)

**Thanks to mama and dearest dad for being my biggest cheerleaders and bringing out the best in me.


**Thanks to my son, for being mama's beautiful and handsome muse.

Alright, now go out there and DO AMAZING THINGS Jazzy readers!

~ Love~

Jasmin Amira