For more of Lorenzo, watch his slideshow here!

John’s home had windows for walls so you can only imagine the beautiful lighting that literally flooded the house!

For more images, please view his slideshow!

]]> http://www.kristineatienza.net/2010/08/baby-john-orange-county-newborn-photographer/feed/ 0 http://www.kristineatienza.net/2010/08/27-candles/ http://www.kristineatienza.net/2010/08/27-candles/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:24:26 +0000 kc http://www.kristineatienza.net/?p=1451 On my 26th birthday, I hung this ceramic plaque over my computer desk.

And I thought to myself, I’d travel to places as long as my means allowed it… I’d do the things I’ve always wanted to do… And I’d continually find things on my bucket list that needed to be crossed off.

Because Ron’s school load placed a heavy demand on him, I did alot of this by myself. I made a couple of trips on my own, one of which, included a nursing delegation to China. It was during that trip where I learned that a village in Guilin was suffering from a water shortage and that the Chinese military was rationing out clean water for the community. From then on, I made a conscious effort to recycle and be more green when it came to resources, especially water. I began to read up on newspapers like the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times because my dad always told me that I had to be aware of what went on around me. I followed up on important policies and bills. I refined, rebranded, and refocused the direction of my photography. I achieved a Master’s degree from a school that I never thought I’d be good enough to ever attend. And most importantly after the passing of my Lola Nene, I gave out *i love yous*, *hugs* and made visits more frequently to those around me.

As i laid in bed this morning thanking the Lord for blessing me with another year, I thought about what I could change to make my 27th year different. I didn’t have to think hard because I knew that come November, me and Ron’s lives would be forever changed once we welcomed our baby girl into the world. And for that, I thought I’d take my 27th year adventures a little bit slower, although I’m sure parenthood is an adventure in it’s own right. This year however, I’m going to stop readjusting the bar that I’m continually trying to climb, and I’m going to refocus my energy on being content with knowing that for now, everything is the way it’s supposed to be.

These next 2 images were taken a few days ago in Chicago… Enjoying the view from the 103rd floor Sky Deck of Willis Tower (formally known as Sears Tower).

Enough Already

If you always wish for more, you will never know the peace and satisfaction of having enough. Realizing that you already have enough is one of the most profoundly empowering thoughts you can think.

Fully enjoying the first piece of cake does not prevent you from having a second. Yet obsessing over whether or not you’ll get another piece will always prevent you from the position of power that comes with having enough.

It’s great to be ambitious and to create new value. Yet that is best done from the position of power that comes with having enough.

Being satisfied does not mean you must be complacent. Being satisfied enables you to draw strenght from your desires instead of letting them enslave you.

Discipline, integrity, commitment and effectiveness flow naturally from a strong sense of having enough. When you’re truly accepting of where you are, your eyes are fully open to the best possibilities.

Understand that you already have enough. And you’ll tap into the power of peaceful purpose.

– Ralph Marston

i just love this picture of Makai. The way he’s sitting and even the look on his face. He’s in deep thought about something!!

For more images, watch the Castle Family slideshow!

Initially I wasn’t doing, nor advertising a whole lot for birth announcements since my time was being consumed by grad school. As I started getting back into it however, I started to realize how fun it actually all was!

First off however, are just a small few images of little Victoria. We ended up using quite a few images on her two birth announcements, so you’ll see more as you scroll down this entry. Besides, I’m sure this isn’t the last of Victoria and her lovely family on this blog xoxo

For her birth announcements, Mom picked out 2 different concepts. One was a 5×7 flat card which utilized a pink template. The other concept did not utilize any templates, and was a 5×7 card that folded horizontally and displayed 4 images (1 on each side of the card) in a simply stated and clean look. Both cards were printed on cardstock in a pearlescent which gave a subtle shimmering finish.

I actually think sharing as much images as you can on a birth announcement, without being too overly excessive about it, is a great thing! And really, 3 – 5 images isn’t all that much! Besides, your friends and family want to see what your new baby looks like, and all the little features he or she entails!

Everything is customizable, the wording, the font selection, the image selection and placement, and even the decision to have the card be made in color or black and white!

In addition, for the 5×7 folding card, not one side was left blank!

Birth Announcements are printed on card stock in either a pearlescent finish or linen texture. More information and pricing can be found on www.kristineatienza.com