Mail me a letter...

...I have an office!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

260 South Texas Blvd Weslaco, Texas 78596

I am a dreamer - always have been and always will. In second grade my teacher made me write an essay reflecting on what my future career goals and aspirations were. I knew exactly what I wanted to be - a million and one things. How could anyone choose only one thing they'd want to be?! I wanted to dabble and excel in anything and everything. 

So what did I write about? I wrote I was going to be an entrepreneur. Yes, I had to double check the spelling just as I typed it - both now and back in second grade. I did not know how to spell the word, was not quite sure exactly what it meant but I knew that is what I wanted to be. For someone who wanted to be everything and anything, becoming an entrepreneur was exactly the profession for me. 

Fast forward the remainder of elementary, middle and high school and I became a lost kid in  college, way lost. I am sure I visited every college dean and asked for guidance. It took me two years of taking the basics to discover my home - political science. But, in typical Marisol fashion, it was not enough for me so I also felt welcomed in philosophy. I called the two colleges my home and have serious brain power thanks to Dr. Cole's Epistemology course... don't mess with me, I'll ruin your thought process ;)

I graduated college, applied to law school, and bought furniture for an apartment. But I did not leave. I'd be lying if I said everyone believed I made the right decision in staying behind and pursuing a risky dream. I know I made the right choice. Back in November, my mind set itself on another dream. I wished for the day I could have my very own office, a real one. My mom letting me use her home office and my corner bedroom spot don't count. On a yellow piece of paper I wrote down all of the expenses an office would incur. And I dreamed. I dreamed about the day this would become a reality. 

I knew it would happen. I would work hard to make it happen. And it did, it happened and I am so thankful and feel very blessed. I never imagined I'd find the perfect space with the perfect logistics for my business so quickly. Truly, this is faith and I am on the path I am meant to be. I found a rental space in January and signed the lease at towards the end of the month. My mom and I spent all of February preparing for the big move and dreaming bigger. 

So I have officially moved in a while back and although the move added to my workload, I am delighted to have a little space to call my own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I am still very excited :)

Do you want to take a look?

This is the building I am in... the Historical Villa de Cortez in Weslaco, Texas. I think the Villa de Cortez and I are a perfect fit. It is an absolutely beautiful building and serves as a home to a variety of offices, two restaurants, and a glamorous ballroom. I wished for an office here back in November and my dream came true! Thank you Lord :)

The before...

... and the after. We begin from the outside... I am down the hall in Suite 405 :)

I typed my college applications on this typewriter! It was a gift from my mommy when I was in high school. It still works :)

 My home-made-filing cabinet :)

 Desk linens thanks to my lovely grandmother :) She sows much straighter than I do...

 Some packaging...

 My diploma... it was getting dusty at home ;)

I sit inside and look around and wonder when someone is going to come in and kick me out. Then I realize it's mine. Well, so I don't technically own it but I have already daydreamed about buying the building years from now... it's such a beautiful and historical landmark that I'd love to own it ;)

But for now, my dream has come true. I am a business owner and I have my own office space.
WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! 

Everything in this little room is special and meaningful to me. I have been collecting items for many years now and I am so happy all my little things have a home to be displayed in. My furniture is comprised of things we had at home and some new items I bought... but more details on the process tomorrow so come back!!

If you are in my home state and in the area, come visit ;) 

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!!!

Pageantry ♥ The Miss Donna Sweetheart Pageant

Growing up, I knew I wanted to be an entrepeneur and a baker. Practicing law was not a dream until I arrived to college and figured I had to do something with my life right around junior year. For the most part, I had always wanted to become successful as a fashion designer and move to New York. I have countless notebooks full of sketches. Gowns, that's what I wanted to become known for... beautiful and glamourous evening gowns.

I find it interesting that I later decided and applied to law school because, as I have previously mentioned, I have been really timid most of my life. Then, in high school during senior year, someone said I should sign up for the local city pageant. I mentioned the idea to my mom and she pleaded that I participate. She wanted to see me wear a gown and wear a little bit of lipstick.

I agreed.

Fast forward to today and I am so thankful I participated in the Miss Donna pageant back in 2004. It truly was a launching pad for my communication skills. I still find myself telling some of my clients that I am really shy but they have a hard time believing me. As I think about it, I am no longer shy. I have become an outgoing young woman and I actually enjoy public speaking. Seriously, give me a microphone and I'll give you a piece of my mind :)

The world of pageantry opened many doors for me but what I am most thankful for are my scholarships that I earned and the confidence in my speaking skills. I am not going to lie and say it was all peachy and sparkly because it was not. Trust me, there were some interesting things I experienced both positive and negative. For a good chunk of time I came to dislike the world of pageantry and never wanted anything to do with it. It was then that I realized we can never let negative people take the good things we see in others away from us. 

Now I could go on and talk about how I later discovered world peace or something like that but the truth of the matter is I didn't. What I discovered is who I am as an individual and what I want out of my life. I came full circle with the world of pageants and it was very important that I inform my community what great pageantry can do for young women in the community. That is why my mother and I started the Rio Grande Valley Beauty and the Miss Donna Sweetheart Scholarship pageants. Right now, we are in full pageant mode preparing for the Miss Donna Sweetheart Pageant. 

The pageants are completely free of cost to every contestant. I am very proud of this. My mom works harder to make this possible but we think it's worth making the pageant accessible to all girls interested in competing. My goal, personally, is to give someone the opportunity to believe in themselves... just the way pageants helped me.

So, I'd like to introduce you to some of our 2010 winning queens. These girls did an amazing job this past year representing our community, Donna. 

For more information regarding the Miss Donna Sweetheart Pageant and/or the Miss Rio Grande Valley Beauty 2011 Pageant, head on over to WWW.ROTUNNOPRODUCTIONS.COM.

Oh, and I am finally feeling better! Wohoo! I think tomorrow I should be back to my good ol'e healthy self :)

I hope you are having a lovely weekend, be blessed!

Sick. :(

I can't breathe through my nostrils and my little eyeballs look ten times larger than usual. I probably have a cold and my little body has finally given in to feeling ill. I managed to go through all of 2010 staying away from germs but they managed to find me in 2011.

Blaaaah. (<< this is vaguely a representation of how I look AND feel. It's horrible, trust me.)

If you don't hear from me when you try to reach me, please forgive the delay. I will get back to you as soon as possible.

No photo for today's post, sorry :(.

But I hope YOU are having a great day :).

Be blessed.

The Jimenez ♥ Portraits

A few days I blogged about meeting Anna and Salvador for their bride and groom portraits in lieu of their upcoming 25th Anniversary celebration.Well along with their romantic couple's session, I had the opportunity to later photograph some casual and relaxed family portraits. I truly loved photographing Anna and Salvador - their session was so much fun! 

Their family session was nothing less than fun as well. Anna and Salvador's children were a pleasure to get to know. Salvador Jr, the youngest and only son, was really timid at first but eventually loosened up... thanks to his two wonderful sisters :)

This beautiful family of five care about one another and their love is evident in their images. Salvador and Anna, thank you for allowing me to photograph some of the most important things in your life. Thank you! I hope you cherish your images and, again, I wish you many, many more years of a happy marriage and a healthy family.

On a more personal/slash/business note, I am feeling a little under the weather. Oh no!!! I am hoping I feel much better tomorrow :)

Wohoo!! It's almost Friday... I hope your week is going exceptionally well :)

Kristine ♥ Boudoir.

I have been asked to photograph boudoir sessions for a few months now but have been hesistant for a while until now...

As a woman, I know we are often self-conscious no matter how good we think we look. It is in our nature to catch glimpse of ourselves everytime we pass by a mirror or see our reflection on a giant window. You don't? Really?! Because I admit it, I'll look... make sure my hair looks okay, my clothes fits well and that I have a little bounce in my step ;)

Ha! Kidding aside, I find it important to feel confident and beautiful so that we may portray true beauty to the outer world. My Boudoir Collections have been designed for the modern woman, the modern bride and the modern wife.

Catered to each individual, your boudoir session will be an unique experience where your beauty will shine through create some utterly romantic yet sexy images of yourself feeling your best.

Women, you are beautiful!!!!

Take Kristine for example... Kristine was so nervous the weeks leading up to her session she almost made me nervous. Gahh! I can just imagine myself - with a heavy camera tremlbing in my hand. Thankfully, we pulled through and together we created some beautiful imagery. Yes, together. Without her beauty, her smile, her essence, I would have just taken photos. But she made her session her own and completely personalized it to reflect her beauty.

Take a look for yourself...

WARNING!!! This post may include riskier photos than usual... but still decent and beautiful :) Enter at your own risk :)

Kristine... Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! For choosing me to photograph you. I am delighted we had time to do this session and I am thrilled that you were such a great model in front of the camera. You did great!!! You are beautiful :)

I hope you are having a fantabulous week!!!

Gladys + RJ are having a baby!!! ♥ McAllen, Texas

Expecting parents are always so happy to be photographed and Gladys and RJ are no exception. I met Gladys a few years ago right before her wedding. She hired me to photograph her bridal shower and I was just starting out in learning photography. Just weeks away from her wedding day, Gladys glowed as every bride does. I did not get to meet RJ that day, no boys allowed at the shower! But I do remember him sending her a special gift for her to open in front of all her special guests.

I remember photographing her as she opened the boxes and she beamed with happiness. It was apparent she was head over heels in love with her fiance. Fast forward two and a half years later and I finally had the chance to meet her prince charming.

Gladys and RJ are expecting their first child in a few weeks and I had the joy of photograhing them together as they prepare for the baby's arrival. I feel very honored because Gladys rememberd me and allowed me to catch a glimpse of her wonderful and blessed life. These two are well on their way to making wonderful parents. And they make great models, too! Both of them were so natural in front of the camera that I think this has definitely become one of the easisest sessions I have photographed. 

RJ and Gladys, thank you! Thank you for allowing me to photograph your love, baby bump and parental glow. I wish you many congratulations on the pending baby and hope you are blessed with a healthy child. Congratulations and best wishes for your growing family!!!

I hope you had a fantastic Tuesday!!! Come back tomorrow :)