Leaving a Legacy...

Those of you who have been following Mau Loa for a while know what my family has been through and is going through, and although tragic, blessings and the opportunity to bless others is clear. Part of Mau Loa Photography's mission is to show God's love and give back to those families who went/are going through similar circumstances.  See original post on my personal blog here: http://www.mymauloa.blogspot.com/2012/04/mau-loa-photography.html

“It's about the journey--mine and yours--and the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better.” -Tony Dungy

Apryl (4 years young)

A couple of weeks ago I posted a few pictures of the Padilla family-Barbie & Johnny, mother and father to Apryl (4), and Angel (6).  The Padilla's chose to celebrate Apryl's upcoming birthday with bright colors, and all her favorite things.  This shoot was a lot of fun, as the vibrant colors and smiles show this family's true celebration of LIFE, as there is so much more their story than I can tell in this short blog.

I encourage you to enjoy the photographs and read to the end, as this family's strength and love will humble, bless, and hopefully motivate YOU to pay it forward.

Apryl, Barbie, Johnny, Angel

I met Apryl at Miami Children's Hospital in the Infusion Unit where Alijah receives his IVIG treatments. (Visit link above.) She was waiting for treatment, and playing on a little tricycle that Alijah was so coveting, lol.  Now aside from the obvious lack of hair, you would never have any idea that she has Medulloblastoma, Brain Cancer.

Apryl (4) Celebrated her Birthday 03/31
So we got a few shots with her birthday hat, Enjoying some gum balls!

As we sat there, I knew God had placed it on my heart that this would be the first family we would gift a session to.  Now I didn't ask Apryl's mother right then for some reason, and every time I would go back to the hospital, it would come to mind. The opportunity finally came a few months later.  As we sat there, my husband, Tito overheard her sharing with another mom, that she was leaving for a small family vacation, and how she wished she had a camera.  My husband leaned over to me and whispers, "we have several cameras, I was about to sell them, why don't we just give them one?"  (Mind you, Tito had no idea what had been on my heart for these past few months, let alone that it was even this family.) So at that moment I knew it was the perfect time, and a clear opportunity.

My husband mailed the camera and they were so grateful and truly in disbelief that strangers would do something like this.  After speaking with Apryl's mom, Barbie on the phone and offering her a session at no cost, still stunned, she graciously accepted. Several weeks later we scheduled the shoot.  She invited me to her home where I was honored to meet the rest of her family, Johnny, her husband, and Angel, her older son.

As soon as I pulled into the driveway, 6 year old, Angel greeted me with a huge hug, and then went running off.  This in itself was nothing short of a miracle to witness, as Angel has Spina Bifida and was told he'd never even walk.

Angel (6) His favorite color is red and his favorite food is spaghetti!

The late Aalya Padilla
Born June 22, 2006 and Graduated on October 30, 2006

Now what can I tell you about Barbie and Johnny?

I first met Barbie, who was the biggest sweet heart. As Barbie shared her family's story with me, my heart filled with admiration.  Barbie grew up in Miami, and has no close family. Her Grandmother who raised her, and Mother both have passed away.

Barbie and Johnny have both persevered through adversity.  6 years ago Barbie gave birth to another angel, Aalya who at the tender age of 4 months passed on from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).  One thing Barbie mentioned that really stuck with me is what has kept her fighting-- the love she has for her kids, pushes her to "..want to break the chains of suffering" in her family.


Whenever I speak with her, and see her she always has a huge smile on her face.  A true pillar of strength.

"...I won't let my past define who I am today." -Barbie

When I met Johnny, his tough exterior was quickly washed away with his smile. As I watched him with his kids, you couldn't help but see the love in his eyes, and the softness in his touch.  Barbie cannot work, and Johnny can only work part time, as the demands of the hospital, specialists, treatments, therapy appointments do not allow it.  So he works on the weekends to help provide for his family.  Recently, he donated all his tips to Miami Childrens Hospital (where both Apryl and Angel are treated.) Whenever the opportunity arises, Johnny and Barbie donate their time, and even money to help raise awareness and funds for the causes of their children.

Apryl, whose sweet smile stole my heart the day I met her, is a shy little thing.  Although she would smile for me, she did not want to look at the camera at all! But I got her to warm up to me with gum balls ;-)  lol

One of my faves, she's chewing
 a mouth FULL of gum balls! 

Now as I mentioned earlier, since this family shoot was also in celebration of Apryl's birthday (hence the birthday cupcake), they wanted to include all her favorites! She absolutely loves Hello Kitty and they have a huge collection. Her favorite color is pink, and her favorite food is fried chicken with ketchup! (Which when we took a break from shooting, this is exactly what she ate!)

As I said my goodbye's, the smile on both Angel and Apryl's face was priceless. With hands AND mouths full of gum balls, hugs and kisses were exchanged. As Barbie thanked me, I truly couldn't thank her enough for allowing ME to share with her family, capture such precious memories, and celebrate LIFE together.

  

If you were touched by their story, and want to help, I have set up an account on Crowdrise where you can donate to the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children (a charity that has helped the Padilla family).

If you would like to make a donation directly to the family, you can make checks payable to Mau Loa Photography, Inc. or visit: www.paypal.com and use the email: mauloaphotos@gmail.com.  I will in turn provide the family with a VISA gift card for direct use toward utilities, rent, and/or food.

To donate to the Brain Tumor foundation for Children visit our page on crowd rise: http://www.crowdrise.com/aprylsfightagainstca1

Apryl is about to start her next round of chemo, and anything you could do to help would be more than appreciated.  Any questions do not hesitate to email or call us at 305-707-7457!

 If you stuck with me this far, I hope you have been touched by their story.  I hope it has raised the questions, what legacy are you leaving? Regardless if you choose to donate to this cause, or their family, I encourage your to bless someone that crosses your path today, this week, or this month.  Make it a goal to pay it forward however you can. As another crowd rise friend said,

"One small act of kindness can send a ripple thru the Universe!"

A heart felt and SPECIAL THANKS to the Padilla family, for allowing me to share your story, for inviting me to your home, and allowing me to capture such precious memories of your beautiful family.  Your strength, perseverance, grace, and humility have been an example to me, and undoubtedly to those who have crossed your paths before and will again.  Your family will always be in my prayers and heart.

XoXo

Erica

For more information on Medulloblastoma:

http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Medulloblastoma+-+Childhood

Spina Bifida: http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/site/c.liKWL7PLLrF/b.2642297/k.5F7C/Spina_Bifida_Association.htm0

Carnival Night Lights

I love everything about Carnivals, but mostly what I love are the lights (well I can't leave out the cotton candy lol)!

Anyway, I thought I'd share another one of my personal projects with you, as I am learning a lot about night photography. I had a blast, with just me, my canon, and my tripod ;-) 

This one is my fave <3

Life is in Bloom.

I have always been fascinated by the little things around us, even the smallest things that we often times don't even take notice. 

My back fence has a hedge full of these flowers. They are pretty (although my husband hates them), but I for whatever reason, have overlooked them so many times. The other day as I was sitting watching my son play, this one was poking out through the gate toward the sun which was setting.  It seemed to be glowing.

Well being the crazy photographer that I am, I scaled my fence..(sounds cooler when I say it that way ;-) and leaned out practically falling & killing myself in the process, just trying to capture the light behind it just right. lol Well it wasn't as perfect as I saw it, but I was still happy with it.  Thought I would share it with ya'll!

Life is always in bloom, don't forget to take notice.
XoXo

Erica

A Message To God

So this post is a little twist from my regular shoot and post routine. A lot of you know my story, and many of you may not. But throughout the next few months, I will be working on a few projects both personal, and for Mau Loa, that will give you a little more insight on how and why Mau Loa even came to be.

To begin, I was sorting thru some old photographs, and came across some from my Germany trip which I had forgotten I had even taken. Don't you just love that? What I found captivated me again, the way they did back then, so I thought I would share.

One of the places we visited was an old historic cathedral called the Ulmer Muenster in Ulm, Germany.  It has the worlds tallest steeple.  But what I found on the inside is what captured my heart. A simple cork board with the word "Gebetswand" meaning "Prayer Wall".

I stood at this wall for a while, just reading all these messages. I did feel as if I was invading people's privacy, but I couldn't help it- seeing the prayers and notes people were leaving to God just moved me. I felt compelled to leave my own.  

Even though I know God hears our silent prayers, it's nice to sometimes put them on paper. So I did. I left a little piece of my heart for all the world to see in Ulm, Germany that day. I think that's why Germany will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Here are a few more of my favorites shots uncovered from that trip. Enjoy!



Who'da thought phone booths still exist ;-) I  Loved it!
(Captured by Mario Garcia)



Did you catch the basketball hoop in the corner? So random in this quaint little courtyard.

It's definitely on my list of places to return! ;-)

Yes I know I am an idiot, but I'm ok with it! lol
Phonebooth shots captured by Mario Garcia
 (Also known as: My very talented brother ;-))

How Time Flies!

From about 6 months in the belly to 6 months old.. Oh how time flies! Javier was nothing but smiles in his precious little Aviator hat! 

Such a blessing to watch him grow. 

 XoXo

Cheers To The Next Great Adventure

This shoot took place in Stone Mountain, GA, where my stunning and dearest friend Randi celebrated her amazing 30 years of LIFE amongst her best friends. To memorialize the event I had the honor of capturing not only the weekend but some gorgeous portraits.

My climb... to get the shot ;-)

"The only time you really live fully is from thirty to sixty.  The young are slaves to dreams; the old servants of regrets. Only the middle aged have all their five senses in the keeping of their wits." Hervey Allen

So I know I am late on catching up with the post, and that you are 2 months into this adventure, but nevertheless, I am thankful to have celebrated with you, and that I will get to be with you (as always) to capture the next 30.
XoXo

Valentines Day Free Photoshoot Contest!

Well if you've been following me for a while, you know I'm all about celebrating LOVE and your 'Mau Loa'! We are also coming up on Mau Loa's official One year birthday!  Capturing and creating images of love is what Mau Loa's about, so Valentines seems to be the perfect time to offer our 2nd contest <3

In order to participate in entering and voting, you have to “Like” my Facebook Mau Loa Photography Page first.  There will be 3 finalists chosen by way of Likes.

3rd Place: $25 off any Photoshoot
2nd Place: $50 off any Photoshoot
1st Place:  A FREE COUPLES PHOTO SESSION!  

Sweet & Simple Rules:

1. This is for ALL the lovers: married or not, young or old, been dating for years.. or hours, etc. Please just use one account to enter.
2. Photoshoot’s going to take place in Miami, FL! If you are from elsewhere and are willing to come to Miami, as always-you are welcome to participate!
3. Enter by posting a photograph of you and your boo on the main wall or emailing entry to mauloaphotos@gmail.com subject line: Valentines Photo contest.  
Include...
-Both of your names 

-5 facts about your relationship that define your love and can be represented in photography. (Your favorite activities, board games, sports, food, drinks, places to go, dates, things, gifts, phones, texts, photos, anything!) 
-I will transfer the entries to the Valentines Day Contest album. 
-***ONCE you are in the album, then you can have your friends and family 'LIKE' your entry!

4. The Winners will be based on how many “Likes” their post/comment can get by the Deadline February 13, 2012.  Winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day, February 14!  Winners will allow Mau Loa Photography the right to utilize, exhibit, or promote all photos taken.

Still lost.. Here's an example:

Tito & Erica
1. Tito's First words that captured my heart in college -waiting in the athletic training room after practice, "So..what's wrong with you?"
2. Our favorite things to do together play Karaoke, Xbox-Modern Warfare & Yahtzee on any given night!
3. We show our love completely different- Erica the cuddly lover & Tito is acts of service and a giver.
4. We love to travel & every chance we get we will..but there is nothing like coming back home.
5. We love our baby boys and include them in all we do.


 Any questions, just email me at mauloaphotos@gmail.com. 


Contest begins now.. so ENTER away... Ready set GO!