What's In a Name? }:{ Jaden Knight

Jaden - "God has heard"
Knight - "Warrior" or "Champion"

Five years ago on September 19th, my little warrior took his first breath. He entered this world forcefully and was met with the screams of a mother in unbelievable pain.





Maybe he took his cues from the first sounds he heard out of me. Maybe he knew the meaning of his name. Maybe it's in his DNA. But whatever the case, Jaden Knight was born a fighter. He fought to enter this world (and did some damage in the process)...he made it his routine to scream nightly for at least an hour for the first few months of his little life...and he's perfected the art of pushing my buttons. If nothing else gets me to pray, Ja will. I pray for patience, for wisdom and for peace, both for me and for him.

There were many times when things were so stressful, due to Jaden's behavior, that I found it difficult to remember the good times. But when I take time to really look at my boy through eyes of love, instead of eyes of stress or fatigue or frustration, I am able to see him for who he really is. He is a strong-willed, loving, funny, intelligent boy with a heart of gold. He knows how to make me laugh like nobody's business, and I love him to pieces for it. His quick wit and the way his mind works, at only five years old, amazes me daily. I can't wait to see the man he grows up to be.





So, to my warrior, my little champion, I know there are great things in store for you. I know that you will fight your way to your destiny. I know that when you begin to call out to God for his guidance and direction, He will hear you every time. In the meantime, I'll do it for you. Mama loves you, JKnight.

Live in Love,
}:{ Keda }:{

What's In a Name? }:{ Nessaja Camille

It was a Friday. I was exhausted and just a bit loopy. But it was a day that forever changed my life. On April 18, 2003, I met the most exquisite, delicate, breathtaking creature to ever have crossed my path. It was the day my Baby Doll entered my life.







My obsession with butterflies demanded that my little girl's name reflect just that. Nessaea is a genus of butterfly that lives in the Neotropical Ecozone, which includes Central & South America, Southern Mexico, the Caribbean Islands and Florida. It didn't hurt that Nessaeas are beautiful, some with jet black wings adorned with bold splashes of turquoise. A fitting name for such a treasure.

There is some debate as to the meaning of the name "Camille." Some say it means perfect or unblemished character. Now, you know I'm not saying that Saja is perfect, but she has one of the sweetest hearts I've come across in a long time. I admire her character. She sincerely cares about the feelings and well-being of others, sometimes too much. I often struggle with teaching her balance and how to keep her soft heart without losing herself in the process. Others say it means altar server/attendant of religious ceremonies. I truly believe that, even now, Saja has a heart for God. She's often my nudge to make my way to church on days when other things have creeped their way to the top of the "to do" list. No matter the meaning, "Camille" works for my girl.

So, here's to my beautiful, delicate, breathtaking princess. Mama loves you and the young lady you're transforming into.

Live in Love,
}:{ Keda }:{

What's In a Name? }:{ Papillon }:{

Coke. Cadillac. Apple. Starbucks. What happens when you hear these names? Does a certain image come to mind? Are specific memories triggered? Do you think about the product itself or its consumers? My guess is that you most likely did not simply read the words and move on, but that your mind immediately made a connection, whether you realized it or not.

Names are powerful things. Sometimes they come with concrete meaning of their own, but many times we are able to assign meaning and substance to them. "Papillon" is French for "butterfly." But when you hear the name Papillon, I want you to think of more than a simple winged insect floating about. I want you to feel the excitement of a child as they spot one of those beautiful creatures on a warm summer day. I want you to remember the anticipation and sensations of new love. I want you to dream of taking flight and immersing yourself in the colors and sweet fragrances of life's garden.

Life is a beautiful thing and love gives life its meaning. If I can offer a glimpse of that for you to treasure, from my perspective, then I'll be satisfied.

Live in Love,
}:{ keda }:{
Papillon - perspectives of life & love
"photography for lovers of life"

Immerse yourself in the colors & fragrances of life's garden.