Happy Birthday Mi Hija

My curly haired girl, Happy Birthday! I wish I could hug you in person, but we are both staying safe at home this year due to the coronavirus.

I love you. I still remember walking down the hallway and stopping to listen to a Prince song playing on the speakers at Toledo Hospital. You came out trying to talk, hungry, with curly hair and beautiful dimples. It was love at first sight.

You are my sunshine,
Mom

Tall Ships #WeddingWednesday

Attending festivals are a way to connect with a city and the community. Your future spouse and you may want to arrange to have your engagement photos taken during your favorite event. One of my favorite events is the Tall Ships Festival in Northeast Ohio.

Sail away!
Monica

2020

The coronavirus is serious. We are staying home to flatten the curve. I have severe asthma and I don't want to become a statistic. As of today over 1.6 million people have COVID 19 and 97,000 have died here in the United States. It's a world wide pandemic. Praying for all of you.

Stay safe, wear a mask if you can, and take care,

Monica

Chicago #WeddingWednesday

Find your favorite place in Chicago to schedule your engagement or wedding photos!

Bliss by Monica

Life

I will be putting my blog on hold.

This is not goodbye, but see you later.

Abrazos,
Monica

OAESA - Educational Leadership

I am going back to school for my administrative degree.

In my 25 years of teaching I have worked with many administrators. Some have been great, others horrible, and the most somewhere in between. I believe students, especially now, need leadership. Fair, unbiased, and compassionate principals.

I want to give this a try. I want to work in a district that wants and needs someone like me. I want to work with the staff who is passionate about the children and their content area. I want to be in a district that mirrors society. Diverse groups of people from all ethnic backgrounds, cultures, religion, and walks of life.

The first step was making the decision, now I must put in the work. I will be busy, you might not hear from me much in the fall, but know I am still here. I will stop by to share stories, updates on my social life (lol), and of course fabulous wedding inspiration posts under the #WeddingWednesday section.

Abrazos,
Monica

15 - Quince

You would have 15 years old today. Probably waking up and getting ready for football practice at the high school. I imagine you being tough and playing dirty, but planning everything out like me.

I would insist on putting energy bars in your bag, plus two water bottles. You are a growing young man. You would be tall y muy guapo.

Your sister would text you Happy Birthday from Chicago. You would reply back with a funny picture. Both of you are funny.

I would be making a list of your favorite foods to buy at the grocery store. Today (and always) you would eat like a king. My baby boy.

I love you. I miss you. I know you are watching us from Heaven. One day I will hug you and tell you how much you mean to me in person.

Take care.
Mom

Forever Changed

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an adventure. In my opinion it's not a place where you can just breeze through. Try to spend at least two or three days exploring the spectacular exhibits.

You will receive admission stickers that will allow entry for three days. This is great for budget friendly travelers. I am not a New York resident, so my entrance fee was $25.00.

I will never forget how I felt being in the presence of artifacts from my ancestors... If you have the time, go. Take your time. Absorb the beauty in this breathtaking museum.

My Gossip Girl fantasy came true.

xoxo, 

Monica 

#WednesdayWisdom

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it...

Abrazos, 

Monica 

Blessings

So much has turned around in the past two months. I am so grateful and rejoicing.

xxoo, 

Monica 

#WeddingWednesday ~ Cherry Blossoms

If you love cherry blossoms and want to have your wedding photos featuring these beautiful pink blossoms, consider traveling to Washington DC.

Cherry blossoms do not last year round in Washington DC. There are websites and social media groups that post under #cherryblossom and #blosswatch. Follow @CherryBlossFest for the peak season of this amazing gift from Tokyo, Japan to Washington DC.

The cherry blossoms smell as gorgeous as they look! 

Mesmerized, 

Monica