It's my personal logo for my new website, cards, blah blah blah.  I was trying to incorporate growth, artistry, creativity, something fun, while keeping "green" in mind.  Travis has been my main man, giving me his suggestions.  The first run was too feminine...too much pink.  And he was right....WAY too pink.  Next run, I can't remember what he said but I changed it again.  Several more runs again but I think with this last one I got it right.  Travis looked at it and he said his eyes go to the blue section.  I'm actually liking that comment considering there's content that needs to be read in the blue section.

Anyway, I'm really loving Illustrator considering it's the program I used to build this logo.  I don't know a lot about the program but I know it enough to put something together.  Below is my new logo....I think...pretty sure this is it....umm...yeah....pretty sure.....

I literally tried everything possible but in the end I decided to re-install Windows.  And I'm talking both my laptop and desktop.  And yes, for anyone who even cares...I'm still a PC user.  You'd think with what I do I'd be totally ga-ga-goo-goo over Mac but I'm not.  I do have a Mac...well...more like my boyfriend has a Mac and well, you know, if I ask nice enough, he lets me use it when necessary.

I'm working at home today and my dogs are eager to leave the house for a romp at the park.  I need to go.  Below are lovely images of my crazy dogs doing their doggie thang at the park.

http://www.nerinna.com/2010/Family/01_DuffyJazz/index.html

I've joined the masses and started my own twitter site.  Yes, my fellow Interneters, I've been tweeting (www.twitter.com/nerinna_valera) in lieu of blogging.  It's easy, simple, and quick.  Relegating myself to 140 characters is simpler.  And more simpler since my iPhone arrived two months ago.  Another gadget for me and I LOVE gadgets!  Between jewelry and gadgets, there's no question I'd opt for Gadgetland.

And speaking of gadgets, I took a look at my backpack this morning and realized I carry a LOT:  laptop, kindle, iPhone, wacom tablet, 3-4 portable hard drives, connection cords up the gazoo, gym equipment, lotion for dryer days, FOOD, miscellaneous papers, pens, etc.  Despite dealing with the weight, I wonder what would happen if I got hit cycling through the city and my gadgets flew out.....I know I should be worried about what happens to me but a girl can't help thinking about her gadgets. :-)

As to how I'm feeling...despite trying to keep my eyes open from lack of sleep and having to deal with the blue screen of death, I possibly, just possibly, may have caught Travis's illness.  Last week he was involuntarily devoted to being sick and luckily he's now on the tail end but whatever it was/is is sneaking its way in my direction....or.....and I could be wrong...may have already snuck in.  I'm fully on watch and prepared to defend myself with my trusted juices and vibrant health drinks.

And because I'm feeling like tangent queen this morning, here's something else....I'm prepping for Modern Bridal's upcoming tradeshow and I'm a little nervous.  Okay, just nervous.  It's on February 21st in San Ramon.  I've never participated in a tradeshow so I'm really digging down deep, reading, prepping, getting the necessary materials, and revamping my website.  It's not easy.  So much to think about.  What I do know is I can't be a perfectionist.  I do want everything to be perfect but if I become a perfectionist I'm only setting myself up for failure.  Nothing is perfect.  From what I understand perfectionists are never satisfied and stress themselves way too much than normal.  I'm taking the road of just getting stuff done day by day, keeping my mind open, thinking creatively, not giving up, and presenting myself and my work to the wedding world in an open and honest fashion.  I am so hoping to knock socks...

And the last tangent is is a random pic of my two faves:  beautiful little hanna on the left, her father and my oh so amazing soulmate on the right.

So first things first...Erin and Chris.  They're a wonderful couple I had the opportunity to photograph.  Their wedding was in Monterey at a beautiful setting called The Memory Garden.  It was really exciting seeing her walking down the aisle.  There's something magical about her smile.  She's so positive and I love the way she glows, especially when she smiles at Chris.  And you can easily tell Chris adores her.  It really is loving and it affirms again how beautiful life is.

To Erin and Chris, thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of your day.  I am so blessed to have met both of you and your beautiful friends and family.  Below is one of my fave images.  More images to come in my next blog...soon...really soon.

This past weekend, some of those dancing memories came flooding back as I photographed Barangay.  I'm proud to say my brother is the director of this company.  Barangay (BAH-RUNG-GUY) is a Filipino folk dance company based in San Francisco.  They've been performing for 20 years.

My bro is on my list of top ten fabulous men because of what he gives back to the community.  He's extremely generous, lovable, and laughs incessantly.  And from my perspective, an absolutely AWESOME sibling.  Thanks Bon for sharing what you know.

Below are images from their beautiful wedding in Sebastopol.  The venue was Vine Hill House and if you haven't visited this place, please check it out.  It's gorgeous!

And what I love at par with weddings are the images.  Here's a sneak peek at the lovely bride and groom, Nichole and Alex.  More to come soon!

Pehnee - talented dancer, funny, easy going, laughs easily.  I’ve known her since college.  She's a friend and one of the most talented dancers…if not “THE MOST TALENTED DANCER” in my college sphere.  We haven’t been in touch, only seeing each other briefly at events through the years, so when she contacted me to schedule a wedding photo shoot I was ecstatic.  And when she told me she was seven months pregnant, it made things even more perfect!

Wedding dress and seven months preggy?!!  It was a wedding and maternity shoot in one!  I quickly pictured her on the beach looking out with the sun setting and the wind blowing with her white dress flowing and her belly protruding.  Then I pictured other ideas, different from the beach scene.

Luckily for me, Pehnee, Mike (fiancé), and Jayden (son) are easy going and worked with my ideas without flinching!  My first indication of this was when Pehnee took a big step towards a tree, over a tiny stream.  I miscalculated and when I saw her take a much bigger step than expected my heart leaped and I felt responsible if a baby were to pop out at that moment.  Thank you Pehn for taking that step and keeping everything in!  :-)

Vows will be exchanged this Friday and I'm only imagining beautiful moments for Pehn and her family.