Taylor Swift | Houston Texas

This past weekend we flew down to Texas to see Taylor Swift in concert with our nieces, Chanti, Ali and my sister Norma. The crowd of 42,000 people at Minute Maid Park was electrifying. To see their faces light up when Taylor hit the stage was simply priceless. I couldn't help but tear up thinking about the impact this one night is going to have on the trajectory of their lives.

Romeo, Chanti & Ali | Galveston, Texas

On our trip to Texas, we took my nieces, Chanti and Ali, and my nephew Romeo to the warehouse district in Galveston for a photo shoot. We don't get to see them often, so we spoil them rotten when we visit. Here are some of my favorite shots from their session.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Galveston, Texas

Galveston, Texas is where I was born and raised and where most of my family still resides. So, John and I decided to visit the island and look for a small office space we could potentially use as a second studio. There are so many beautiful old buildings just begging to be used.

It was nice to see the ocean and fill our bellies with fresh seafood! We had jumbo shrimp just about every night!

We also got the opportunity to visit Pastor Joel Osteen at Lakewood Church in Houston. It was simply amazing to be a part of such inspirational worship.

Here are some of my favorite pictures along the way.



























Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

My baby, Lu Parker | Miss USA 1994

One of the most loving, positive, and inspirational people I've ever met is my dear friend Lu Parker, Miss USA 1994. She and I worked together at the Fox TV station (KABB) in San Antonio.

I remember my first day on the job like it was yesterday. I walked into the newsroom and found a little note on my keyboard that read, "Welcome to the family!" It was signed, "Lu," with a smiley face and a Hershey's Kiss. I didn't know who Lu was, but the small gesture made me feel a lot less nervous.



When Lu walked into the newsroom, I was stunned by her physical beauty. With her million-dollar smile, she walked right up to me, shook my hand firmly and said, "Hi! I'm Lu. Congratulations!" It was such a genuine moment. And I realized her beauty wasn't only skin deep...it coursed through her veins. We shared many, many laughs and moments of personal growth. She taught me how to see the positive and beauty in everyone.

At any rate, Saturday's Miss Kirksville Pageant reminded me of Lu and her amazing book, Catching the Crown. She wrote the book to help young women understand the complex world of pageants. Catching the Crown: The Source for Pageant Competition covers everything from preparation to the big night of competition. Lu even includes personal stories and pictures from her exciting year as Miss USA. She had the dream, conquered it, and now shows you how to Catch the Crown.



So if you are a pageant hopeful, I totally recommend her book.
Here is a link to buy the book...and to her website.

And remember if you or someone you know is a pageant hopeful, I'm waiving the sitting fee ($55 value) during the month of February as part of our "Pageant Pix" special.

P.S. Lu: My baby, my baby, my baby! I'm SO proud of you! I love you lots and can't wait to see you soon! :)