those small moments

the topic of savoring the small moments has been something that has been lingering in the back of my mind for a while now. its so cliche, i know, but after becoming a mom, i feel as if i truly understand what it means. it hit me the other day when i was sitting on the floor watching charlie play with her toys. i wasnt really interacting with her, just observing and lost in my own thoughts. i marveled that she can now entertain herself, squealing and babbling, and bouncing on her little butt. later i caught her pulling herself up on her tippy toes and peeking over the barrier i put up. my favorite moment was when she just sat there with her toys, her back turned to me, and i could see the strands of hair that curl towards the nape of her chubby neck. in that moment, i was in awe of this little body. i realized that the helpless newborn i held just a few months ago (soon to be a year) is becoming an independent little lady.

i suppose thats why i have this obsession of documenting everything, be it in writing or in images. its as if it gives me back some of those moments, so to speak. still, it doesnt slow down time, but at least i could see where it all went.

a touching moment

a couple of weeks ago, i had the opportunity to document an event for a family who was celebrating their grandmother. i have only done events like this for my own family, and little did i know what an impact it would have on me. even when i think about it now, i am deeply touched.

turning 100 is no ordinary event, and it definitely isnt everyday that i get to be part of that celebration. family members came from different parts of the world to celebrate grandma's birthday. it was interesting to see a few people who were meeting each other for the first time.

everything went smoothly...as people came in through the door, they had their portraits taken with grandma. then people got acquainted with each other, took their seats and lunch was served. some of the great-grand kids performed for their great-grandmother. and then before cutting the cake, there was a slideshow.


this was the highlight of the event for me. as the slideshow played, pictures of grandma in her childhood, youth, and adulthood flashed on the screen. i was able to watch for a few moments here and there and i couldnt help but be moved. it brought back memories of my own grandparents lives. towards the end of the slideshow, i clicked a couple of grandma watching and i wondered what she was feeling and thinking. did she experience joy? sorrow? her expression was one of nostalgia, but i suppose i will never know the answer. i was just glad i was able to capture that instant. and each time i look at this image, i am reminded of what i felt. and perhaps, what she felt.

its stuff like this that makes me fall in love with photography even more.