End of the Year Self Evaluations

    As many people do when a year comes to an end, they make goals. Well, I don't making goals. Only because if I don't achieve them, then I feel lousy about myself. Instead I make self evaluations and how to improve myself.
  
     This year I learned a few things about myself. For one, I am most like my grandfather Shameus. I always cringed when they said "You got the Sha Sha in you." Only because I always wished they would say I was sweet and gentle like my grandmothers. But, after losing him this past year. I realized its not a bad comparison. My grandfather was the most friendliest, hilarious, determined man I have ever met. He wasn't afraid to say what's on his mind. It could be about the Bible, to how fat you have gotten, or even how he admired you as a person. After realizing I missed opportunities only because I wasn't able to speak up. I came to conclusion that I need bring my inner Sha Sha out. Now, I won't tell a person they gained weight. But, I won't miss opportunities to speak my mind (all of good reason, of course.) What I mean is that I won't be ashamed to start a conversation about the Bible. Or to tell a family or friend how much I care about them and what they mean to me. We only have a limited time and we have to take opportunity while we can. I am so tired of living with "what ifs" and "what could have happeneds." So this year, I won't allow it to happen.

   I have no idea what this year has in store for me. I going with an open mind and taking opportunities while I can. Because one thing my grandfather always said "Life is for the living." You can't live with regrets and that's something I won't allow myself to have.

Hope everyone has a glorious year!
Francesca xx

Graduation Time!

 During this time of year many young ones are graduating and starting new adventures. I had the pleasuring of taking pictures of a close family friend, David. He's graduating from TECO PATHS in Electrical. We had a great taking pictures at Disney's Boardwalk. Everyone congratulating him during our shoot. I know your family and everyone else is very proud of you!

My little brother is graduating from middle school and heading to high school. Decided to take pics for the family. It scares me how much he has grown!

Happy Dapper Day!

So on Sunday March 9th was my favorite semi annual event at Disney World, Dapper Day. You may ask "What is Dapper Day?" Back when Disneyland first opened. No one really knew how to dress for that type of setting, since Disney was the first theme park of its kind. So they dressed as they were going to special event. Basically, putting their best foot forward. But as time went on, people started dressing more casual and diffidently more comfortable. (I can't really blame them. It is normally a long day at the park.) So Dapper Day is an ode to how Disney once was. Dressing to what an era that you feel comfortable with and strutting your stuff. It is normally a wonderful evening. Everyone is very kind complementing your outfit, wanting to take pictures and saying 'Happy Dapper Day!' Even the cast members :D
This is the 4th time my best friend and I have gone to Dapper Day. We are basically casuals and know people who regularly attend the event. Even the photographers for the event know us! This time we dressed similarly to our favorite princesses. We even stopped by and said hello to them.

(I was little on cloud nine.)

Obviously she was too!

We can't go by with out saying hello to one of our personal favs!

Phillis! Who is particularly famous at the Dapper Day in DL

Lotte! So cute :D

Fauna, Flora and Merryweather

Twins!

y'know, the gang

 It is also a great day for photo opps. I am also in the process of teaching Kim how to take photos. She did pretty well (with my directions, critique and all.)

 

It was a wonderful day! I especially loved seeing the new parade 'Festival of Fantasy.' All I have to say is OH MY GOODNESS!! Disney has put a lot of detail to it and it is absolutely wonderful. Didn't get any great pictures this time around. But, I will when its slower around the parks and can get better seating. Hope you enjoyed the photos!

Francesca xx

Formal Introduction

I've noticed in the last blog, I did a vague introduction of myself. Well, allow me to do a proper one. My name is Francesca. I live in a town called Kissimmee, FL. It's about 30 mins from Orlando area. Being so close to the tourist attractions as a child, I would many spend field trips and family trips to the theme parks (so fortunate, I know.)
I have a wonderful family. My parents are very encouraging and supportive. Seeing them, I know that their marriage, is the kind of marriage and relationship I want with my mate. No better example then seeing people who truly love each other for over 26 years. I also have a younger brother. He has been my little side kick in life. He makes me laugh until my belly hurts and I couldn't ask for a better brother.
I am very interested in travelling, photography, sign language, dancing, laughing, being with friends,eating, musicals and running....and that is just a few things.
Travelling, photography and sign language are defiantly my favorite. Why? Well they all sort of connected with each other.
I have been visiting different countries since I was 6 months old. My mother is originally from England. And being married and living in America, she needed to see her family. So of course, I was dragged along. But, I find that visiting different countries at such a young made me appreciate Jehovah's organization. Brothers and sisters who I just met, welcome me with a huge smile and made me feel like I knew them my whole life. Made a huge impression on me and is one of the many reasons why I continue to serve Jehovah.
Now while we were travelling, we would also take photos. My mother would give me a throw away camera and allow me to take photos. I became so aware of what I was surrounded by. Mountains, waterfalls, rolling hills, the fox in my grandfather's garden, snow, the architecture of buildings, and what were people were doing (yes, I like to people watch.) All of those I was amazed by. And of course I snapped their picture. But, I also wanted to know how they were created. So of course my parents took the time to explain Jehovah's lovely creations. I was just so fascinated by everything that I absorbed everything that they taught me .
Now being such an observant and fascinated little child. I was also fascinated by sign language. During the assemblies they had designated section for the deaf and hard of hearing. I would watch the brothers and sisters interpret the meetings and was so amazed. I would try to see if I could catch some signs by listening and seeing the brothers sign. I remember one time I was so excited because my father was giving a talk at the Sign Language congregation. Even though a sister interpreted my father's talk, I have to say it was one of best talks he has ever given. Fast forward about 12 years later and I am in the same congregation that my father gave his talk in. I absolutely love it and couldn't be happier.
I hope this allows you to get to know me a little bit better. I hope to post some adventures in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!
Francesca xx

First posts are kind of intimidating...

With that being said....allow me to introduce myself.
Hi, my name is Francesca A! I was born and raised in the Orlando Florida area. But, I am not your typical Floridian girl. Many people believe that people who live in FL are always going to the beach while drinking Pina Colada. WRONG! I grew up in an area where I rarely heard the English language and Malta is the drink of choice. Don't get me wrong, I love my state. I live near the 'happiest place on Earth' and our winters always feel like fall. But, that isn't the home in my heart. I have been very fortunate to spend my summers in England. I always believed that children grow up the most during the summers. They gain new experiences and live care free (who wouldn't with no school, haha). So, during my summers in England, that is what I did. I would go through the woods and learn a sense of direction, go shopping by myself and learn what clothes look good on myself and had my first dealings with boys. I love Jolly O' England and proud to say I am a Brit (not being nationalistic at all, lol).
But this summer I able to gain a new experience! While seeing my home and family in England, I will also be go to Germany! I was accepted to go to the International Convention of Jehovah Witnesses in July, 2014. Even though I have traveled to many states on my own, I have never gone to another country. But, I am not worried. I will surrounded with brothers and sisters from Jehovah's organization. And that, brings butterflies to my stomach- the good kind! So this is the whole purpose of this blog. To share my experiences (my adventures, really) thru my camera lens ( and my also my mobile device). Hope you all enjoy!

Francesca xx