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My name is Joan Solitario and I'm a photographer :)

I did not find photography and photography did not find me. Instead, I believe it was a gift from God. He gave me the opportunity to learn photography so that I can help people capture their memories. Most of all, I can use this gift for His glory.

Photography has given me the opportunity to meet and get to know so many wonderful people! It has also given me the opportunity to photograph events that has helped in strengthening my faith. These events have also given me inspiration and memories that will truly last a lifetime! Hopefully, I can inspire someone by sharing these memories through my posts.

I believe that everything that has happened in my life; everything that I have experienced; and every single person that I have met in my life were all part of God's plan for me. So, unto Him, I return all praise, honor, and glory.

Ako'y Iglesia Ni Cristo! (I am a member of the Church of Christ!)

I Miss Mary Jane

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I’ve been wanting to blog, but I’ve been lost for words for the past couple of days… My friend Mary Jane Castanaga passed away on Friday… Mary Jane and I always had such fun conversations.. most of the time, we would end up talking about her curly hair… :o). She was such a kind and loving friend..and the way she passed is too much to think about and hard for me to accept… I can’t believe I won’t be seeing her during our district activities…

Ka Johnny, Ka Frida, and Rose: I can’t even imagine what you are all going through right now… but please know that there are so many of us that are here for all of you…

For those who were not able to meet this young woman in person, here is a remembrance website created for Mary Jane: http://sites.google.com/site/maryjanecastanaga/

Rosalie: Thank you for scanning and sending this picture to me. I remember that night when she asked to take a picture with me.. I’m not a picture taking person… but I’m so glad she pushed me to take a picture with her.

****Edited to Add 5/28/2009****:

I wanted to add my most memorable stories with her so I never forget…

We had so much laughs and our conversation always ended up talking about her curly hair. One time as we were dressing after the worship service in LB, we were talking and she suddenly said to me, “You know, my hair and my sister’s hair used to be really straight when we were younger.” I looked at her and said, “yah right Mary Jane! You’re kidding me right?” and she said, “no really, it was!” We started to crack up and I said, “What happenned?” and MJ just kept on laughing.. saying, “I have no idea”..

Another unforgettable conversation I had with her.. also after w.s. in the choir dressing room.. she again suddenly says, “you know, people used to call me “weed girl”. I looked at her seriously and reply back, “that’s messed up! is it because of your hair??” she defensively said, “NO! Because of my name! You know.. Mary Jane…..” I looked at her apologetically and said, “Oh.. sorry!!!” Mary Jane just started laughing…. ever since then.. when I’d get a message/text/call from her, she would reference herself to me as “weed girl”…. I miss her..

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11 comments

Jeannie - M J had many meals at my home. She loved my grandkids and always engaged them in conversation. She was always so bubbly and outgoing. I can’t believe she is gone. She will be terribly missed!!!! I am SO sad about this!!!!!

Henri - How did it cost to start up this blog…I want to start my own.

Jayson S. - i didn’t know that she passed away until this morning at work. I was shocked!
i rem. her as a very nice, sweet person. i used to make silly jokes with her when she was still in long beach.

XVXV - It is sad to know she passed away. It is because of her that i found out about other and better college options, when she went to my class to talk to us about many types of careers.

Dahlia Bautista Aquino - It’s me Dahlia, your cousin. We met each other when we were young, but still I never forget you. I felt so sad and I was shock when I heard about your death.

Marci Gerber - I miss you MJ. I’m so sad that you couldn’t meet Ethan Charles who was born on May 26, 2009. I will make sure that as he grows up, he will know about you, his auntie Mary Jane.

Chris - So sorry to hear about MJ. We are still in shock and confused about it all. She was such a positive person, always had kind things to say to me and my family, and I never saw her without her patented smile and quick tongue. She will be very missed.

Rheina - Hi Joan,

Mary Jane is my cousin. It’s so tragic how she’s just gone like that. We will all miss her.

Gracie - I will always remember mary jane. Her smile, her laugh and her sweet voice. God Bless You Mary Jane Girl… I will never forget you!

Janice - I miss her so much!

Tira J - I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. May God’s Love surround you and your friends.

ES-Sense Photography – International Wedding Photographer – Ako'y Iglesia Ni Cristo! Based in Southern California, City of Long Beach » Thoughts of a Wedding Photographer

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I Miss Mary Jane