Today, we went exploring.  Walking and taking photographs.  And I quickly remembered that my abuelita, when we'd visit for the summer, would take us to the centro and buy us sodas in plastic bags.  So today, we had one.  And my heart was full of happiness.

2013 has proved to be something else entirely.  I find myself in a different county, albeit familiar, there are lots of things that change when you are living and not visiting.  Everything about it is different, the roads, the way people drive, the houses, language, and people. 

Everything is new.  Interesting.  Fun.  The world looks different.  This adventure is proof that you never really know where you're going to end up.  Only God knows that.  And with all that has happened over the last three months, I know that when you put your faith in Him, He will not let you down.  There are challenges, not everything is sunshine and rainbows, but as long as I believe He will guide me in the right direction, everything will fall into place.  As it has been lately.  

It is remarkable how faith can have such a powerful affect on your life and on your ideals, views, and decisions.  

Here's a list of all that's been going on lately:

• I am part of a couple of photography groups here in Chihuahua.  That makes me happy.
• I am going to be teaching a photo class to high school students three days a week.  I can cross that off my bucket list now!
• Making new friends 
• I can now get around the city with out getting super lost, just a litte lost.  
• I've lost weight eating at home.  But seriously considering eating at McD's because I miss their fries... question is, will they be as good as they are in Riverside??
• Now, I have to find out if they're good or not... haha.
• iMessage, Google Voice, and FB are life savers.  I get to talk to the people who matter the most through those avenues... every day :). 
• Preparing to showcase my photography at the Wedding Expo here.  Which is stressful and exciting at the same time!
• Excited to be photographing a wedding in Riverside this year! Which means I can visit my family and friends... and the beach

I'm excited for everything that is happening and it's only February!  You can follow more of what I've been up to on

Instagram

:).  

Happy Monday!  

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I met with Linh + Manny over a year ago.  At a little boba cafe tucked in a corner of Riverside.  I knew of Linh from high school.  I also knew Lihn's cousin,

Thi

, who I photographed when I was first starting.  Thi referred me and Lihn and I understood each other.  Our no bs, honest, and upfront styles meshed well and we hit it off.  Manny was quiet but knew exactly what he wanted.  As a graphic designer, he definitely knew what he wanted and that was a God-send because I like a couple that knows what they want from me and can articulate it well!  Makes my job more interesting to create what they want and still hold onto my style of doing things.  It's a great mixture!

I will stop here because I intend on blogging more of this wedding with it's beautiful details, wonderful couple, fun bridal party, and an awesome party!  So stay tuned...

For many 2013 is only the mark of a new year.  For others it's a time to begin anew and work hard on their resolutions. 

For me, it's the start of a new life.  On Dec. 21 I packed up my life into Home Depot cardboard boxes and hopped into my car and began the 20 hour long drive to Mexico.  To my new home.  But this is not new information as my last post of 2012 clearly states that I was moving.  What I haven't revealed is that I came here for love.  I came here because the person I love lives here.  Has his career here.  And because long distance relationships are simply too hard and I couldn't do it.   Many people were confused as to why he didn't go to California, why I am the one moving and other such questions.  Other's thought I was being too rash and not thinking this all the way through.

And I considered everything every one was telling me.  I thought about it very much.  I lost sleep over it.  And I prayed very deeply about it.  When every thing fell into place on it's own, I felt in my heart that God was telling me to go.  Go and follow your heart.  Go because photography can be done from anywhere in the world.  Go because it's the best option for the two of you.  Go because this is your chance at love.  And if not for love, then what for?  

It is nerve wrecking and I still can't believe that I'm here.  That I am really here.  And I thank God for getting me here safely.  For having my parents accompany me here and spend Christmas with them.  For having family here so that I am not alone.  And for love, because it really is a magical force...  

At the beginning of every year, I write down the goals I have for JLP and for my personal growth.  This year I sat down and tried to write a new list and found myself staring at a blank page.  I realized that this year, every thing old is out the window.  Everything is new.  Starting over completely.  And it was an eye opening experience.  I have the chance to do every thing differently.  To begin from nothing again and with all of the past experience.  And for that I am really excited.

So here is to 2013, to the world not ending, and to a whole new life with new experiences.  And to all that God has in store for me.  

I haven't the finesse to say things so I'll just straight out and say what I'm so nervous and very excited to announce: I am moving out of the country and to a place that I have known all of my life. Mexico. The same place where my parents were born, where I used to go and visit my grandparents and cousins, and where I will be pursuing photography and embarking on a new journey.

I am officially leaving December 21 to spend Christmas with family in Mexico.

I have moved once before. A mere 40 miles away from the place I grew up. From the people I've grown to know and love. And coming back was easy. I did it in one day. This time. It's different. It's 1200 miles away, crossing a border, and learning to live in a new place. And therefore I can say that I have gone through every emotion a single human is capable of feeling. But most of all I am looking forward to all of the new experiences that await. Both photographically and personally. But most of all, I am thankful to God. For giving me the courage to leap before looking, for all the support that has come from those close to me and for the love he has filled my heart with.

I will, however, still be booking events in California and internationally so please do not hesitate to contact me! It's also a great way for me to come back and visit my family and friends so please book me ;)

As for my current clients, I am offering digital images of your sessions at a GREAT DISCOUNT. Contact me if you would like to have them in time for the holidays.

I know I am leaving a lot of the details out of this life changing story but I assure you, in due time, I will fill in the blanks. So stick around :)

P.S. if you'd like to donate to the Jackie Moving Fund, please click here : https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/send-money-online my email is jackielamas@gmail.com. Of every donation I will send 20% to a non-profit. Thank you for your support!

The group, Inland Empire Photogs + Beyond that I am a part of on Facebook had another group shoot!  I love that we, photogs, models, and other industry people can get together and make these shoots more than just portfolio building.  It's about creating a community where we can share ideas, techniques, and build relationships.  It's about having fun and leaving the egos at home.  

This month's Group Shoot was themed for the Seniors!  So we had a few models come out.  What was really cool, was that this man came around on his horse and let us use her for the shoot!  What a sweet horse it was too!  It happens to be the first time that I was ever able to get on a horse too!  

If you want to be a part of these shoots and a part of our community, please click on the link above for the group.  We'd love to have you join us! 

Here are just a few of my absolutely faves!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am already eating some stuffing and later going to have a nice dinner with family.  There is always so much to be thankful for and for me, one of the most important is you. To all of my clients: Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.  Inviting me into your most important moments in your life.  I am truly honored and thankful for you. It is because of you, I am able to contribute to your life's story.  

And here is Laura + Eddie's sneak preview of their new life together.  More to come soon!  

Have a great weekend everyone!

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This year has been full of great surprises and I can't believe that I've been published again!  Earlier this year, in July, I photographed my cousin's destination wedding in Cancun.  Aside from the fact that this particular wedding was close to my heart, seeing it published makes it all that more special!  I am a mixture of emotions but mostly I want to jump up and down holding the magazine in my hands and play it back in slow motion. 

This day was such a beautiful and happy day... I will show you the rest soon! Until then, I leave you with this one :)

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