R.I.P. mom (Ruby E. San Juan April 10, 1948 - February 22, 2009)

Hello everyone! This will be my first blog post. What can I say? Well, it's been awhile since doing any type of artwork. The last 6 months must have been the hardest and saddest part of my whole life. Early last year I started pursuing my life of becoming an all-around artist particularly in Photography. I started doing free sessions of portraiture of friends I met on MySpace and also of family members so I can gain experience and practice before committing to anything serious or do any type of paid projects. Everything was going well until my family found out that my mom was going to need brain surgery to remove a 3cm tumor. After her first surgery in August, my mom was hospitalized for 6 straight months. Sadly, she never recovered from many complications which lead to her passing on February 22, 2009. During those 6 months, I was constantly busy helping and keeping my father company. I helped him with paperwork, bills, and attended family meetings for my mother every other Tuesday in Camarillo. Also, every weekend we traveled a total of 4-6 hours to either UCLA or Camarillo to visit my mom and back home. It was very hard to see my mother like that especially when she was so confident that she was going to come home as soon as they took out the tumor and also knowing that she was so healthy before the surgery. I lost inspiration to do anything. My only priorities was to take care of dad and save every available time to visit my mom. After my mom passed away, I still struggle to move on, but I had to whether I liked it or not. I know my mother would want me to continue with life and continue to do what I love and that was art. I eventually enrolled myself at our local community college, Allan Hancock College, to an introduction course of Web Design. (In the near future I will post what I am currently working on in class). So far it has been a good experience and education. At the same time I am also trying to save money for a new camera, a Canon 5d Mark II and hoping to get more exposure in Photography and start making money from Weddings, Engagement, Senior pictures, etc.


Well, sorry to start you with a sad note but with the help of God, family and friends, I know things will get better and I hope you continue to stay tuned for updated pictures and posts.