Blue Skies, Brooklyn, St. Balmain & Some Babes

Days off. 

Days off from work are few and far between for me. 

I love them.

This particular day off was the best of the best. After a luxurious sleep in, Mer and I headed out to Brooklyn for a lazy day in the sun at St. Balmain. I had planned to catch up with my friend (and past featured World Changer) Diane, so we all convened in Williamsburg.

The sun was out, and the back deck of St. Balmain was bustling with people. 

I love that when I catch up with Diane, I also get to hangout with her son Levi. He is the most incredible little person and will totally be a famous drummer someday. 

Diane got the Breakfast Sandwich.

I had the Green Breakfast Bowl...

...and then the Hipster Brownie.

Levi was a constant source of energy and entertainment for everyone hanging at St. Balmain.

Diane and I decided to take some really awesome "Prom" shots. I love friends that you can laugh a lot with and just be yourself.

Enjoy.

Levi has an obsession with Superman, so he was ready to go when Steve picked him up to fly.

After sunning at St. Balmain, we wandered over to the Williamsburg waterfront. Mer perched on a picnic table for a lounge in the sun.

I decided to join for a bit.

Then Levi wanted to play. He affectionately nicknamed Meredith "Mary"... "Hey Mary!"

Levi then decided to run around in the grass. Shoes off and straight into the mud. Totally kid style, but look at that view!

I decided to take advantage of Diane's amazing photography skills. Check out her company Spanglish Studios.

That NYC skyline is just the best...especially on a crystal clear blue sky day.

(lazy day look - jeans: Loft / t-shirt dress: ASOS / ballet flats: JCrew / scarf: H&M)

Days like this are so refreshing. It is important to take moments to rest, relax and refill. Living in New York is busy. It is non stop and people are pulling at you in millions of directions. But, strong community and understanding how you can refresh are key to fullness and survival. Praying you all have the best week ever. 

xoxo

Coffee with a World Changer - Diane Rodriguez

THANK GOD MY INTERNET IS WORKING AGAIN! Major delay in posts this week due to that setback. 

It's time for another "Coffee with a World Changer" post (check out the first one here). I met my beautiful friend Diane at Starbucks on 3rd & E 15th for a little chat. She brought her amazing son Levi, who is literally the most incredible little person. He is a future professional drummer and takes after his father as a worship leader. 

Diane is incredible. She came from humble beginings and is now living a full beautiful life. She's a World Changer because she is embracing each day she has, living life to the fullest, and tackling challenges as they come with grace and wisdom. 

Diane is a photographer. Her company is called Spanglish Studios and specializes in wedding photography. Diane is an incredible photographer because she doesn't just take pictures. She gets to know her subjects and creates an environment for them to fully expereince their special moments. 

photo c/o Spanglish Studios

photo c/o Spanglish Studios

photo c/o Spanglish Studios

3 words to describe your life right now.

Stretched. Hopeful. Full-Speed-Ahead.

A goal you have for yourself for the next 6 months to a year.

Personal goal, have another baby. Professional goal, expand business, shoot weddings in other states.

Best advice you've received. 

Don't turn your world upside down because you have a baby. Just make them apart of your life. They are not your life, they are a beautiful addition to it. Don't let being a parent get in the way of what God has for you, they are apart of the bigger plan.   

What is one word to describe what you do for a living?

Life-stories. 

Tell me more. 

Everyone has such great stories. I really get a kick out of it. Stuff like, "3 years ago I was pumping gas and he came over and asked for my number. Who would have know he'd be the love of my life". Just crazy things. The ways people meet and fall in love are incredible, the stories are wild. 

What are some things that you value in life.

Family. God. Friends. 

How did you get into photography?

I grew up in foster homes and I did not have any pictures to document my life. So, I always wanted to get to know people through their pictures and their stories. Eventually, I realized that everyone has a story and I find people are sometimes more comfortable telling their story through a picture. It was a friend that pushed me into chasing my dream. I always had the fear of what if people wouldn't let me tell their story or want me to take their picture. God just opened the door for it. 

What is your favorite place to shop in NYC?

Thrift shops. I like Beacon's Closet and Crossroads Trading Co.

What is your favorite restaurant in NYC?

Milk & Roses. Rabbit Hole. Cafe Mogador (one of Naturally Ginger's favorites). Five Leaves.

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC? 

Go to Dumbo and lay in the grass between the Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridges. I also like to Google abandoned sites and explore them. 

What is your favorite place for Coffee or to edit photos?

Grumpy Cafe. One Girls Cookie Cafe. House of Small Wonder. Starbucks.

Levi and I may or may not have decided to have a photoshoot. Thanks to his very talent Mommy, these shots turned out great. 

Thank you Diane and Spanglish Studios for taking time to chat with Naturally Ginger. Love you and the work you that you do. Looking forward to memories and beautiful life-stories to come.

d.eileen.