Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas and keep your memories...

As you prepare and get ready for this Christmas Eve, be sure to not only take pictures and post movies to YouTube, but make memories that will last a lifetime.

Now with technology, it's so easy to get so "wrapped up" not so much in the giving but on the gifts. This year we decided to just to select one person and exchange gifts with that one person. We hope things will work out fine, we will all know later on in the evening but it's a new way at looking at this process of giving.

From our family to yours may this Christmas be filled with all of God's promises as you seek the one that is worthy of all our worship. His name is Jesus!

ps. A Christmas Extravaganza with the Family!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

What would you do for a buck...



I am always fascinated by the things people do in life for a living. One of my favorite questions,
when I meet new people is to ask them what they do, I am not as interested in where they went
to school or where they grew up (usually that is answered after the first question).
But I enjoy people describing their current line of work, because it usually will let you know many things about the person. Recently, on my trip to Argentina looking for a gift, I was surprised to see a couple dancing Tango in a busy intersection of a busy street that's like an outside strip mall. These folks after a small break after dancing a few minutes and sweeting it out, they shared briefly about their passion to dance and they loved making a living by practicing their craft. After seeing them dance, you walked away seeing a perfect example of someone that not only loved what they where doing, but was willing to do it for a buck.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Every now and then...

As you get a little older you really start cherishing special moments more than while younger. I do not know that it's the case because you did not worry about time as much before, but you do come to appreciate those special moments that have a lasting impact on your life. Just recently, I was on a trip to Argentina and managed to snap a few pictures of our daily activities and put into a short video. We did manage to get away for a few hours on the last day and get a personal guided tour by my good friend, professional tour guide of Argentina and boss ;-) Dr. Andres Panasiuk. This was not only very educational, but brought into perspective many loose ends that I had about the history of the country.

It was a week of meetings, speaking engagements, then more meetings...but it was an overall excellent time of reflection on what God has been doing in Latina America specifically the country of Argentina for the last decade. I always say that "every now and then" it's good and see what it is that your work and efforts are doing, especially in the life of others. This was one of those moments to see what God had done in the lives of so many.

That's a question that we should always ask ourselves and be in our minds, as we inventory our purpose and destiny this side of eternity.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Great weekend for Car Show!


Well the weekend came and left, but memories will last a life time! This was the 1st Hispanic Car Show in Nashville,TN and it was exciting to see how many new friends we met on Saturday morning. They where some that braved it out to come to a place that might have been out of their comfort zone, but history never writes about the ones that did not dare to venture out into the unknown. Being that it was the first time, we did not have a large turnout in cars but had a good crowd of people that really enjoyed seeing the beautiful cars that came to the show. Plus one of the main objectives was to raise funds for a mission project in Mexico of which $2,200 where raised with all the activities, we are truly thankful to all that participated. As to the winners of the event pretty much, Chevies cleaned house with a '56 taking 1 and 2nd place was his younger brother the '57, plus Pastor's Pick.
The beautiful '56 Nomad owned by John Crowder was a truly a crowd pleaser. Here is Miss TN Latina with John and his trophy the Pastor's Pick award. I believe that even more than all the awards people truly enjoyed the atmosphere, meeting new folks and enjoying great food! We have to be very grateful to all the folks that believed in this vision and I want to especially thank God for allowing us to enjoy a beautiful day with good weather in the midst of days with rain. Rachel from Texas Road House, Chris from O'Reilly's Auto Parts on Nolensville Road for their contributions, E-Spanglish Magazine you folks are great! After experiencing this weekend, I can truly tell you that cars will always be able to bring cultures together.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

One week... and counting!



We have one week for the 1st Hispanic Car Show in Nashville,TN. There is alot of excitement in the air and we are looking forward to a great turnout! I want to thank Mr. Bill from the Mt. Juliet Cruise-in every Saturday evening at the Chick-Fil-A, last week there where over 400 cars. In addition, to Mr. Lyle of the Hendersonville Cruise-In every Friday evening.
Both these gentlemen are local heroes to the sport and great guys that love cars and people.
I would personally invite you to stop by one of these next weekend, you won't regret it.
These shots (On Right) where from last night in Hendersonville's Cruise-in by Chick-Fil-A. I want to give a special thanks to E-Spanglish Magazine, a Nashville bilingual magazine that has helped to get this
message out to the Hispanic community.

See you next Saturday morning at the Car Show!

ps. About the picture with the flames: Like I say, there's always one in every crowd ;-)

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Don't miss out this summer!

Just as you go mostly anymore, you prepare for the occasion. If you go to the beach, you take the sun screen, sun shades, cool drinks and food, well you get the message. This summer as you go out and enjoy outdoor activities, be sure you go prepared. I enjoy car shows because you get to meet people from all walks of life. Especially, if you get to start talking to them...that's where the fun begins. They well tell you about the history of the car, if they are the original owners well that's always a big thing. This will tell you alot about the person and how much they have treasured their vehicle, and what they have done to keep it in shape.
A few things I have noticed over the years, there are some tips that you might want to remember when you visit a car show.

1. Keep your hands to yourself, remember most of these vehicles are costly and owners would appreciate if you "did not touch".

2. Be friendly and "do not think there is a stupid question", you will be surprised how much you can learn from others. Owners are ready to answer your questions about their masterpiece.

3. Take a friend or family to enjoy your time together, and don't forget your camera. You won't see these cars on the highway while driving to work in the mornings.

4. If you have never been to a car show, this summer go out there and just "do it"! The entrance to most of these are free, or have a low cost so you can take the family. We invite you to come on August 1st, the entrance is FREE!

5. When you plan to go, plan ahead well like going to the beach bring the sun screen and sun shades, don't worry about the food and drinks will have those ready for you!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Culture and Cars...

If you did not get to read the previous blog, it's not too late. If you have not noticed yet, I truly enjoy cars, especially if they are a little older especially those with character. But like myself, there are literally millions across the planet. People that truly appreciate a piece of history marked by a vehicle that sometimes brings memories, from growing up to seeing one in a movie. A classic car always seems to turn heads. Mostly to those that appreciate the artistic beauty of the past, present and future in a driving machine. For this reason, I have felt for so long to bring the Hispanic culture to experience this by helping to introduce the 1st Hispanic Car Show ever sponsored in Nashville,TN. So if you are in the area the weekend of August 1st, you won't want to miss this great opportunity to see some of the most beautiful automobiles in the area.
We have two objectives with the show, first to have a good time where two cultures can come together and enjoy each other's company, in the midst of automobiles that have left a mark not only in history but in many of our lives. But truly the most important, is to raise funds for a mission church in Mexico. This is a place where people walk for miles, to attend church and receive a word of hope and encouragement each week. The church sponsoring the event, has already sent a church van to help with transportation. But we would want to do more.
So for the month of July, I plan to post a few notes on the event. If you might want to know more about it, or would like to participate and possibly support it don't hesitate to send me a note. We believe this will have positive impact in our community and as a result, will draw many afterwards to see automobiles in a brand new way while meet new friends and find out how much we have in common.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

"Caliente" a lady's car

I will be posting soon some info. about a local car show we are helping to put together, but I wanted to hear from you about this misunderstanding about "car nuts". Most of the commercials on TV are either directed at NASCAR fans, guys drinking beer with chics, but women are almost never shown as people who truly love their cars. A friend just recently sent me a video that you must see regarding this chic that I truly have to take off my hat to. Think about it, she calls her car "Caliente" which means "Hot" in Spanish, so you can imagine how passionate she must be about her car. Let me know if your relationship is as strong with yours.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Got Milk?

We all remember this ad, that had all these high profile people with a white mustache as if they had dipped their mouths in a glass of milk. It's funny that years later, people are still trying to come up with derivative ideas from the original concept.
Now a days you got from Got Money?, Got Debt?, Got Sex? to Got Horsepower? an the list is endless. I wonder why we would think that a great idea works with anything across the board, without considering the original context.
Living in the country let's you take a break once in a while and allows you to ponder on God's creation face to face, on real HD viewing. Sometimes you wonder what in the world are these animals thinking about our marketing campaigns and what we "truly know". The other day I managed to catch a small herd and was able to see the whole family, including the baby calve that was recently born.
It's really funny to see what an interesting life these animals live and how they resemble a family. How the father is leading the way to the pasture, for his family to follow. The young kids playing around and looking at strangers and not obeying their parents instructions. Well and the mom, yes the voice of the home.. protective of her small ones and not worried a bit to tell you what's on her mind ;-)

Friday, June 5, 2009

When things don't work out...

Sometimes you wonder why things don't work out? Well nestled in the a lush green scenario with all kinds of critters, which is my surroundings. This year we have had numerous bird life activities around, until recently. As you might expect, every animal has a rival looking out to see how they can take them out. Well recently, one morning we woke to find that the fruitful nest which was full of promising life had been invaded by a non-welcomed visitor. I was surprised that this snake (actually it does good around the yard to keep away rats from the area), was up in the bird house.

I wished this would have worked out better for the birds. Hopefully, they will
be back next year and have forgotten this incident and visit again the nest. I am sure we won't forget anytime soon.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Miss TN Latina... photo shoot

This week I had the privilege of doing a photo shoot for a Bilingual magazine that will be publishing the photos in the next month, but here are a few samples of the work.

While on the road...be sure you do not miss out on the beauty along the journey.

Congrats to both young ladies on this wonderful achievement representing
our Hispanic culture!

Miss TN Latina

Saturday, May 9, 2009

South Africa ... we will return


One of our finest adventures has truly been in South Africa, a land of undiscovered beauty by the rest of the world. I believe after July 2010 when the world sees it via the World Cup, many will
start heading in that direction to visit a new vacation destination.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Enjoy the scenary...


I recently visited Guatemala and had the opportunity to get away to visit the small city of Antigua. This is a haven for both tourist that love the outdoors, volcanoes in the background and kind people that inhabit the quaint little town. Although much time was not spent photographing since it was a in and out visit, most of these shoots where literally taken on the run.
Next time, I will go with a 2.8 and a wide angle. I know have a better idea of the place and what
I would want to capture next time... enjoy!