Happy birthday, Stefcho!

You know the friend who stands out in a crowd not just because he is the tallest guy around, but more because he has the biggest smile on? Yeah, the guy who tells a funny joke, and a dirty joke, both with equally great success? The guy who follows every game of FC Levski Sofia be it live or online. Of course, you'll never see him wear a red shirt...
 The friend who plans the best (road) trips that turn into happy memories! Oh, well, and only a few days later you see photos of you sleeping in a bus/car/boat/plane/train/younameit, uploaded on facebook :D (so glad he stopped that! =D)
This guy, who worships milk chocolate and his girlfriend, maybe just as much as I do, is one of the best people I have ever met, not just in college, but in life.

Very merry happy birthday to you, Stefcho, full of lovely moments and heartwarming-wishes! Big presents, too! :D
Sending you both kisses and hugs and cannot wait to see you! =)))))))))))))

3 days to Christmas: Old friends

Christmas is about going back to roots. Moreover, it's a comeback to old friends that we've set our ways apart with for a while. If you don't come across them by chance here and there during the tiresome Christmas shopping, you should definitely check on them while you take time off :))

In today's world of optimized communications we have never been closer to each other. Let's use it wisely and write/call/ask friends out so we keep old friendships alive besides of the time-&-space factor.

This sweet snowman on my sofa is someone we met last Christmas in a gift shop. We took him home right away. He's been a good friend, showing up this Christmas again, watching movies and spending time with us over the holidays.
Meet Stefcho :)))

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 170: Days of summer...Mountain Dew

It's the mountain dew!

Sunbathe.

Swim.

Read.

Play.

Shoot the photographer.

Jump.

Dress to impress.

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Apriltsi, July, 2011

Day 169: Days of summer...Balkandjii by the pool

When it's hot outside we all dream of a continuous breeze and cold water to splash in.
For me, the perfect summer vacation has always been someplace by the sea. But this year I tried something new. We booked a villa in the mountains with a group of friends, and spent a weekend at the town of Apriltsi, which is full of renovated country houses to stay in. Ours had a swimming pool and that's not the only thing about it, but as you can imagine the whole day revolved around it. So did my photos.
I must acknowledge that I did learn myself a lesson. The mountain can be just as hot, pleasant, and hospitable in the summer as any seaside resort, but there's one thing which makes it better - it's so cool in the evenings! Yes, I actually put socks on, and got wrapped into a cardigan. But it was worth it!

The town of Apriltsi is loved by many for the green surroundings everywhere you turn, clean air, and hospitable landlords taking great care for all of us urban tourists in their most comfortable guest houses. I recommend house Balkandjii (http://apriltsi.org/index.php?page=hotels&hotel_id=6) and I'll probably see you there sometime next summer ;)

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 140: Comebacks lovin' ♥

I love comebacks. I love them especially when they have to do with my dearest friends.
If you ever found yourself in the situation of impatiently waiting for a loved one to arrive...you know what I mean. You know they are coming, it's scheduled, and long-processed in your mind, and it still feels as exciting as a roller-coaster ride. Every single time.
I haven't seen those guys for 6 months. Was I excited?!...BIG TIME!

Gate opens. Camera's shaking. Here she goes. A smile. Bear hugs. A kiss. And finally a breath of fresh air. At least for a couple of days or so. :)

Nikon D60, 18-55mm.

Day 132: The surprise bag

Yesterday we got a pleasant surprise. In the late afternoon we had a bag with chocolate treats delivered from abroad literary in our hands.
It made me and my family feel really happy and thankful for the thoughtfulness of the friends who sent this. That's why I decided I would take a photo and share it on my blog.
THANK YOU for the great surprise (you know who you are!) :))))) We would take really good care of all that chocolate, you know :D

Looking forward to meeing you very soon.. :)))))

Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 116: Meet-Magdalena-Vienna

It's been almost a year since I last saw my friend Magdalena in Madrid last summer. She's one of the people I loved hanging out with all the time - be it parties, botellions, dancing, mujer de las tres, shooting around Retiro, beaching at Palma de Mallorca..........and so many more! :))))

I was in Vienna for the weekend and I am so happy we met again! I was also so grateful to find out that she barely changed! She has this positive attitude towards life and people, and she charged me so well for another time! I wish we meet again soon!!
And I feel the same way about all the friends I made in Madrid!
Virtual hugs and kisses to all of you! :)))))))

Nikon D60, 18-55mm.
*Photograps by Misho

Day 83 - Joy of ♥ 18: going out

The next post I want to dedicate to the year 2009 and my girls. We used to go out every week and each time would be exciting, glamorous, and never finishing before we are the last ones standing in the disco. You might remember us, if you happened to go to the Big Apple Piano bar at that time.

I'm being nostalgic lately...but with this kind of past, who isn't?! ;)

♥ ♥ ♥


Nikon D60. 18-55mm.
P.S. I don't have a clear memory of who did that photo, but if he/she remembers it, I am totally giving the credit, just give me a sign :)))))))

Day 73 - Joy of ♥ 8: love from the heart

The next joy of love topic is called love from the heart. The assignment was to try to capture a "gift" from the heart - something said, promised, done or given by a loved one.

I could probably make more than a thousand photos on this topic with all the faces and the things I was given by friends and family...it makes my heart warm just thinking about all those things said, promised, done and given.

The gift I chose to capture today is a pair of heart-shaped earrings I got from M. last Christmas. They quickly climbed to the top favorites in my jewelry box. And it's not just because they are pretty. When I get a gift that I feel comes from the heart of the person giving it, I hold on to this gift, whatever it is, because it gives me faith, strength and makes me believe in the good side of everything.

So, give and receive with love, and hold on to everything worth loving! And, please, not only on Valentine's day ;)



Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 71 - Joy of ♥ 6: who they love

Okay, time for the next challenge - who they love.
If you know those guys you already know the ultimate boy love story.

They've been friends forever...actually, they were even born in the same week, only 5 days apart.

I don't remember seeing them separately, they've always been a pair in town and now that I have the insider view I can almost get to the core of it. I say almost, because those friendships have a certain level of privacy that even an insider lacks access to.

I wonder if this is just the boys who make lifetime friendships larger than life...I think not ;)



Nikon D700, 50mm.

Day 14 - Eskimos

I came across another folder of old winter photos from one of the best winter holidays I've had so far, with some really, really great friends! (White Fir Resorts, January 2009)

I played around with PS for a while and added some oldies-goldies vintage effects so that I enhance on the "happy memories" look.












In these photos: Dani, Valkata, Stefcho, Avi, Krem