To new beginnings

I'm back! I hope you guys have had a wonderful time during the holidays; and of course, I want to wish you all a happy, blessed new year. I can already sense huge bundles of goodness coming our way this 2014. I meant to write the monthly post for December, but I just couldn't get it through. My excuse is I got [sort of] busy during my winter break. That's a good thing, though. And I don't mean work busy, by the way. I actually had fun stuff going on all the time, which left me with no time to waste on my computer. The awesome part is it gave me a better amount of things to share with you now! So many stories to tell. A recap of the highlights:

• Got my very first DSRL camera for Christmas
• that means more, new, better photographs for this year.
• My lovely boyfriend got me a very cool photography book I'd been wanting for months.
• that translates to tequila.
• New Year's night was so.much.fun. 
• that translates to karaoke, polaroids and more tequila.
• I also fired my first firecracker that night. And then some more.
• Forget love, food is all you need.
• I was a model for a day, shooting some fun photos for my friend Juan.
• I got to see two of my childhood friends after more than a year without seeing each other, and met one's pretty Swede girlfriend.
• TOOK A BUNCH OF NEW PHOTOS.

I'm probably missing a few outings and some other stuff, but that's basically how the story went these past few weeks. Overall I'm super pleased with every fun adventure (little or big) I got to do during my break. Honest to God I am not looking forward to school just yet.

Moving on. I hope your chair is comfortable.

I cannot begin to explain how, out of every amazing thing that's gone down, getting a camera for Christmas was the pinnacle of my 2013. Perhaps if you know me very well, you can understand my reasons a little better. But seriously, let me tell you: I wasn't even done taking the wrapping off my present when I started crying. Yes, maybe you'll think its hyperbolic or whatever, but I did. I was so overwhelmed with happiness, and that holy-shit-this-is-really-happening feeling. It was best Christmas morning I've had in a very long time. Remember how I told you how I had to borrow a DSRL from a friend to shoot Wendy's photos last November? Guess what? (I have to say it) This girl won't need to borrow anything no more! I own my personal weapon now. Wink-wink. My point-and-shoot digital cameras and other film buddies have officially been won over. It's all for the better.

The photos above were a couple of my very first using my new Canon. I don't regularly shoot self-portraits, mostly because I hardly ever find a good angle to shoot myself from without looking awkward or over-posed. I don't own a tripod, so that makes things tougher, but this camera's vari-angled monitor will help for now. Well anyway, I've always loved the light before sunset, and that was my way of seizing the moment. 

I guess it's nice I got to use my toy the very same day I got it. My family and I drove up to Valle de Angeles 30min away from the city to have Christmas lunch with my grandmother, and I was able to snap some photos when we visited the town. When in Valle, I never lose the chance to have coffee and pastries at my all time favorite spot there. The place's view is perfect, the coffee is exquisite, and I am lucky to always have great company to enjoy it with. I took a bunch of random photos while becoming familiar with the camera. It was all junk, but I had fun. You gotta understand.

Quite a nice way to end my year that was. But its not always rainbows and butterflies. I got awful sick on my way back to the city- migraine, dizziness and all; and by the time I was having dinner with the other side of my family I felt I was going down bad. It was all just over-tiredness though. The whole late-night Christmas feasting, and then having to wake up early to open presents (blame that on my younger sisters) makes me burn out fast, but this time it was a little too much for my poor body to handle without having had a good night's rest. I spent the couple of days prior to 2014 hanging out with my sister and one of my best pals who was here from Michigan. Our adventures then are a whole other story. I spent New Year's night with great friends and creating ridiculous, silly stories to remember.

2014 has already kicked off with awesomeness. This past weekend I had loads of fun doing some modeling for one of my photographer friends, who is starting to experiment with levitation photography or as he likes to call it, "Gravity Ø ". So, flying was über cool. [My friend] Juan and I spent some time having photography and camera talk during breaks, and I'm thankful he showed me a couple functions I didn't know on my camera. Learning about these things is always super engaging for me. Oh, and did I mention the location had an amazing view? Juan's brother moved out of his apartment, so we were able to use the whole empty place for shooting. But I, on the other hand, fell in love with the spacious balcony and the perfect view of Tegucigalpa.

At last, here are a few photos from our super fun Sunday! I went up to Valle de Angeles, along with my dear childhood friend Oscar and his girlfriend Erika, who came all the way over from Sweden for the holidays. It had been a year and a half since I'd last seen my buddy, and meeting Erika was a total delight. She's lovely and super friendly. We had a great time showing her places, sharing experiences and having good talks.

We stopped by the eloteras on our way over for boiled corn goodies. For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, in Honduras the eloteras are small stands you may find on the sides of the road where rural women boil and grill corn, along with other fried food, also made from corn. The whole corn is served on a corn leaf, and you are to add salt and lemon on it (sometimes even butter and cheese, which people here call elote loco).

I showed Erika the coffee spot I mentioned earlier, and she didn't miss the chance to snap some photos of her own. The day was gloomy and grey, but the view is always worthy. Plus, it made the hot coffee break even more suitable. Later we walked around town and shopped for souvenirs. The best part (for me, at least) was visiting the art gallery, where a ton of work by my favorite honduran painter (Julio Visquerra) is displayed. I swear I'm obsessed with his art. (Last march I had the opportunity to visit Visquerra's fascinating home while shooting a documentary about another famous painter. The experience of being inside his inspiring [and extremely private] residence was such that I developed an even stronger inclination towards his work ever since.)

We headed back to the city around 7pm and met up with one of Oscar's cousins (and friend of mine) who hadn't met Erika. We went to a nice cozy shop for some coffee, wine and have a casual chat. Gotta tell you, it was the perfect ending to an incredible day and weekend as a whole. 2014, I like you already.

 

K, so that's a wrap. I'm looking forward to gathering up more anecdotes and projects to share with you guys throughout this new year. I'm excited for what 2014 will have to offer. Aren't you too? I hope so. Part of waiting for the good stuff is being ready to welcome it. And don't be dispirited with the bumps you may find on the journey of this year (they always happen, you know), rather start taking things in more courageously. Always learn from it!  We've still got plenty to relish. Yes, I guess I'm also speaking for myself here. Tee-hee.

One last thing: What do you guys wish to see more on the blog in 2014? I'd love to hear your suggestions. I want to make this place always enjoyable for you. [Please] Comment below!

xx. J