Amber Moments and Golden People

Life has been really good these past few days. Well, my life is always good, regardless. God has blessed me so much already just by giving me a close-knit family, and incredible friends. That’s what I’m Thankful for every year, every day, every second. Particularly, these past few days has been special, just being with people I care about and food I (really) like in one day is awesome. Last Sunday my youth group had the annual potluck—I brought this chicken dish from my family’s favorite Chinese restaurant where we had lunch at before dropping me off. So I was already full when I arrived at the gathering, but food was in front of me, next to me, around me, so I had some anyways. I’ve actually been eating healthy these past couple of weeks so it’s “ok” to eat devour this Thanksgiving.  Besides, we went out to play basketball outside at the neighborhood school – well, my friends did, I had to capture the moment, however I participate in our second round of games. The setting was really beautiful. Autumn in this part of California is at its gorgeous peak. The grey mist sky and the rusty, golden trees that were rooted everywhere in the neighborhood was a really wonderful sight to see.

In attempt of living out the harvest/autumn themed atmosphere, I tried (keyword, tried) making Ricotta Scones with persimmons home grown from the Montemayor’s very own backyard. My parents made fun of them because they sorta look gross, but regardless of presentation, it was gooooood stuff.

I also wanted to share another set of my Plant Project. So tonight we have an extra packed post. See you around!

 

Persimmon Ricotta Scones

Plant Project 3

Tags | autumn, food, plants, project

Life and everything in it.

It’s been a season since I have posted some photos; last summer I was sharing photos from my shoot with my youth pastor, and today I’m enjoying the nice and cold autumn weather from the comforts of my room. Between then and now, not much has greatly changed. This new house we moved into over the summer is becoming more and more like home as the holidays approach our family. We have most of our Christmas decorations up and glowing, and it’s almost ready for the annual Christmas party we have for our family-friends down by the Bay Area.

For those who liked my Facebook page and follow my work and journey to be America’s Next Top Photographer (ahahaha), first of all, thank you. Second, last month I published the Holiday Sessions to be in action with a page regarding the information for those who are interested.  I finally found some time out to post that up on my website and you can view the details by clicking the banner below.

Last but not least, here are some moments earlier this fall with my family and close friends. I hope to see you all soon, especially since it’s that time of year where I want to photograph everything.

Tags | autumn, Bay Area, Christmas, family, fun, Self Portrait, Vallejo

Why my week was awesome.

I thought that it would be nice to start this post with some snap shots I took from my point-and-shoot while walking to my first day of junior year. It never ceases to amaze me how fast years go by. Before I get all nostalgic on this post, let me stop myself and just say how I am excited for this year. If you suscribed/liked my facebook page, I said I would blog about how I improved my schedule from last year so I don’t waste as much time this year- which gives me more photo taking fun time. This is my time saving secret: I stopped taking naps. Not just that, I took my nap time and turned it into productive homework time. So that’s it! I hope you weren’t looking for any helpful time management tips, unless you take naps like me, then you’re very welcome.

First day of school, it was awesome. Unlike my freshmen and sophomore days, I was more excited than nervous. I’m guessing it has everything to do with seeing who’s going to be in my classes and nothing to do with the class itself, except for AP English, it’s my last period and it’s a great way to the day. We recently started sharing what college we wanted to go to and our future careers as individuals. I’m always up for those kinds of conversation, I love hearing about a person’s endeavors, it’s pretty much what I talked about last semester with my chemistry lab group as we neglected our work-I’m kidding, I passed that class ok? Anyway, I haven’t been called on yet to share, and for the past few days, I’ve been shivering in my seat thinking up what to say and how to say it. Yes, I want to be a photographer, but the question about college is really indefinite for me and it’s frustrating at times because everyone has a straightforward answer. I’m more of the person who likes to think far into the future, way pass college, and into a happy career where I travel and sometimes relax outside my front porch with a slice of carrot cake as I overlook the sun setting on the horizon. I’m deciding whether or not I should erase that last part.

My family has been pretty busy this week. We’ve been spending special time with my Nanay (grandma) leading up to last night where we drove to the San Francisco airport and said farewell.

Here’s some of photos from yesterday.

 

Tags | car window, college, landscape, nature, san francisco, school, sf

Vanilla Morning

My siblings came home from the groceries last night excited about the cake mix they bought with their own money and they couldn’t wait to bake it themselves. This early morning, I heard scratching on my door and of course, it was my sister and brother ready to get their bake. As grumpy and tired as I was,  I was kinda excited about practicing my food photography…and eating.

Tags | cupcakes, faith, food, joseph, siblings

Campfires and Company

Last night I stayed up until 3:30am spending quality time with a group of people really close to my heart. We circled around the fire and laughed, talked, sang a little and even ate the most revolting jelly beans for the sake of a good thrill. I can never get tired of getting tired from staying up late with great company.

Tags | amazing, campfire, camping, friends, personal