Fortunately, I was blessed enough to enter three pieces to be accepted at the University of Tampa art show that took place on 15 May 2009. Typically, this is a pretty exclusive show as far as Central Florida goes and according to the website, at least 800 pieces are submitted every year and only 100 are chosen every year. Only one of my pieces were accepted, but that is such a blessing.

Here is the piece that was accepted:

[link]

Here are the other to pieces that were submitted, but not accepted:

[link]
[link]

I must give credit to all of the artists who participated in the show. It was quite a great show and I enjoyed all of the art that was submitted. My friend also had two pieces accepted ([link]) and I was honored to even be in the same show as her. At the show, five awards were given away, and one $10,000 scholarship was given away. Much to my shock, and I am sure everyone else's, I was fortunate enough to win one of the five Las Damas de Arte Award for my one piece that was accepted. It is such an honor to receive one at such a wonderful show. Also, this was the first art show I have ever entered, so that added to my shock.

And for once, I can actually say I am proud of something that I have done. I have never been proud of anything I do, my art, my academics, nor my morals. The only thing I was proud of was my religion (Roman Catholicism), but I felt that was more on part of the whole institution and not myself as an individual. I just can not help but feel as if I am never good enough for anything. But for the first time in my life, I feel like I have accomplished something. I feel like I actually am worth something. I feel like after all the pain, frustration, and trials that God, others, and I have put myself through; I feel like it is finally paying off. A year ago at Covecrest (a Catholic camp up in Tiger, Georgia), I told my girlfriend and everyone that I felt like I was doing everything in my power to do all I can or fix the problems in my life, but it felt like it was coming to no avail. It felt like I was not doing anything. This idea came into my self also all of my sophomore year; it plagued my life for so long. But now that this has happened, I feel so... free. I feel freed from the bondage that I have been under. I feel like I have the power to change something and to affect somebody. Finally, there is something for me to be proud of.

Thank you sooo much to the following people:
God - Well, obviously, he gave me my talent and guides me through life. I would be absolutely nothing without him and I love him so much.
Amber Melissa Fernandez - This is my beautiful and absolutely amazing girlfriend. Honestly, I do not know where my life would be without you, in complete honesty. I wrote a blog similar to this a year ago, and she was one of the only people still on this list. I love her so much and she inspires to continue my art everyday. I love you.
Janelle Sanchez - You all probably know her from my photos, but she is a good reason why I keep at photography when I am feeling lazy. She listens to me complain, and she is always there for me, no matter what. I am so glad we have gotten closer within the past year. Te Amo Mucho, ¡Mi chica cubana y puertorriqueña!
Kenny Roundy - Mmmhmm, what a whirlwind. What a... whirl of wind. Haha, this is my best friend and he is always there for me and honestly, I do not think I could ask for a better best friend. He always makes me push through in everything in life. Love ya, man.
My family - Thank you sooo much to all of my family; my Mother, Father, Auntie, Memere, Pepere, Grandmother, and yes, even you Tyler (my brother). You have always been there for me in all of these fiscal journeys and encourage me to continue in my art.
Alley Lestrange - This girl is an amazing girl who continues to inspire me in my faith and art. You are amazing. I love you!
Jane Fletcher & Josely Vivar - They inspire me so much and I am glad to call them my good friends. I love you two so much!
Sarah Rabel - Thank you for helping me out so much in the journey of my art. You continue to inspire me everyday! I love you so much and I have no idea what I am going to do without you next year. ;(
Jackie Angela - Thank you so much for being a wonderful model and inspiration. You are the best! Love you girrrl.
Also, thanks to: Amanda Altu, Katie Scott, Lady Gaga, Andy Warhol (if he were alive), Kelly Zak, Sherinel Serrano, Bailey Schinella, & Allyssa Halverson.

Also lastly, thank you so much to all of you. You all inspire and encourage me everyday to continue my art and passion. Thank you much, and I am so glad to have everyone in my life. We can only wish that the rest of life can be as great as the past two days. Thanks be to God for everything. And thank you all for being so amazing to me.

You Are The Best.
Be Happy.
I Love You.