Happy Soul

What is it about some places that just make your soul happy?  For some people it's the warmth of a tropical place, for others it's the stillness of an old lake, and for others (like my hub) it's the restless waters on the cool Oregon Coast (Siuslaw River pictured here).  It's really amazing how I can so clearly see a sense of calm and peace come over him as we came into view of the moving water.  He instantly decompressed...today his soul was happy. (and that makes me happy too!)

Flowers and Wine

The theme du jour really was flowers and wine...and wine and flowers and then some more of each.  I love the idea of using wine barrels as pretty much anything but these planters are absolutely gorgeous.  The whole trip has been a reminder to us of when we lived in Anchorage and everything was in bloom on steroids all summer!  What a gorgeous setting these were today at Erath winery...yummy wine too!  Oh, dinner in Eugene tonight was at a place called "Belly" -- probably the best soft tacos I've ever had (no kidding), wow.  Good food up here, I'm telling ya!  

Bike Town

It's no surprise that hippie-Oregon is home to eco-friendly bikers and that signs like this one are everywhere but I was a little surprised that it still feels very dangerous to ride a bike in Portland.  These old, narrow roads just aren't wide enough to support the kind of infrastructure that's established in other bike-friendly towns such like I've seen in Europe, like Stockholm and Copenhagen.  A bike path does not always equate to a safe environment...hopefully that will change.  I honestly struggled with what to share today because there were so many fun photo ops today!  I loved the "Chicken and Dumplings" neon sign on the historic highway, the fifty shades of green in the parks, the cool rock music night club with red and blue lights glowing in the night, the AMAZING ice cream shop in Alberta called "Salt and Straw" (a MUST), or the cool looking "Vaudville Theater" that appeared abandon at this time.  Lots of fun choices but I think I'll leave Portland with the feeling of eco-loving, bike riding, organic eating, easy going people most of all...which is what will bring me back.

Portland Hotel

This is some of the grunge I have been craving...a cool hotel in West Portland had this sign in the lobby.  I know, it's silly but I love the rusty old sign so much, it oozes character.  I did struggle between posting a beautiful picture from our day hike through the rose garden and forest park and this but this is the kind of stuff I love.  It's tactile, gritty and eclectic...love love love!

Photo Booth

I just had to share the photo booth pix from last night...soooo much fun!  I highly recommend it for any party.  In fact, I want to own one of these babies, what a hoot!  I'm sure it wouldn't be that hard to construct, eh?  The costumes are what really made it fun, like these glasses, or a viking hat (ahem).  It's off to Portland tomorrow.  Lots of beautiful scenery to capture and (hopefully) some street fun too!  See you then.

Shape of a Martini

Here's a shot I took last year but never posted.  I think it's fitting to post it on a Friday night in Vegas, especially since we went to a party at THE Hotel, in a swanky suite.  The hit of the party was the rented photo booth.  You're never too old to enjoy a silly shot with friends.  I hope your weekend shapes up to be fabulous too!  

Urban Flower

This little guy is my homage to my favorite local (Las Vegas) artists, Joseph Watson (http://www.josephwatsoncollection.com).  His art is so fricken cool!  He creates urban masterpieces full of soul.  His trademark urban flower (as I'm calling it) is a beautifully painted, blue flower that grows out of urban cracks.  It can grow out of concrete and bring beauty to any environment, just like art does.  It's a lovely concept and his paintings never cease to impress me.  I really feel like Joseph is our blue flower in Las Vegas.  Check him out and look for the little, blue flower.  It'll make you smile too!

Bubbles

I don't know what it is about round shapes that make me so happy.  I'm sure there's some Freudian theory that has something to do with ovaries or my mother's breasts or something ridiculous like that (come to think of it, my mom does have huge boobs...hmmm).  Anyways, I always find myself smiling whenever I see bubbles, bouncy balls, and balloons.  I prefer softer architecture, with curves instead of sharp edges and I like curves in nature, like the curve of a tree branch, the petal of a flower or the brilliant, bright sun.  I wonder if I make more of an effort to surround myself with these shapes I might find a little more calm and relaxation.  I wonder what my husband would think about a round bed?  Hmmm, maybe not.  Enjoy some bubbles soon, seriously, they are fun!

I'm seeing stars

How can you not love these tiny gems?  I am reminded of that scene in the (fabulous) movie "Amelie" where she sticks her hand in the bag of coffee beans with such private joy.  I would love to squish all these little pasta stars in my hands and later, in my mouth!  Fun!

Curly Q

Today I received a package from a dear friend who is deployed in Afghanistan...yes, SHE sent ME a package!  Silly girl, I am the one who has been bugging her for her deployed address so I can send her a package, eeesh!  To my delight, I opened a colorful bounty of the softest scarves, a beautiful, hand-made dress for my daughter, a hand-stiched purse and a gorgeous blouse.  I wish you could touch this image...it's as soft as a baby chick.  What a gorgeous contrast these colors must be against the desert landscape.  I certainly understand what draws the Middle Eastern women to this rich palate.  Now, for you "rule followers" I know that a "curly q" is not exactly a proper shape, and to you I say, live a little!  Smile.

Geometric Apple

The world is full of eye-catching shapes and they are often made of the simplest things...like an apple.  I will spend this week capturing colorful shapes and I will try to do this by also capturing the everyday.  I believe that when you begin to open your eyes to the simple beauty around you, you start to appreciate everything a little bit more.  Your neighbors garden might look a little prettier, a balloon blowing in the sky will catch your eye or the spinning tires on a bicycle might make you smile...try it!  By the way, this apple was part of gift from my dear friends, and it was delicious, thank you, Lesa & Hank!


Technical comment (for Allison & Jen): I created this cool, blue color cast (in Lightroom) to make the apple pop more and make the background look a little more even, it was very white on top and very gray on the bottom...agh!  Thoughts?

Trees

Today I am wrapping up my "tree week" and I'd like to finish with one of my favorite poems about trees, by Joyce Kilmer

TREES

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree

A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day

And lifts her leafy arms to pray,

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair

Upon whose blossom snow has lain; 

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems were made by fools like me

But only God can make a tree.

Here's a fun fact for you (since I love fun facts), Alfred "Joyce" Kilmer was a chemist and physician who invented Johnson's Baby Powder.  Crazy!

Natures Designs

I've always loved palm trees because they make me feel like I'm on vacation (not as much as they used to--they are all around me now).  There are quite a variety (as you can imagine) but they share a unique characteristic in that their leaves/palms grow in a deliberate criss-cross pattern (necessary but still cool).  I love the patterns in nature and this is one of my favorites.  The gray color is neat too since the palms are always so green and the trunk is usually a beautiful orangey-brown.  Lots of contrast makes this one one of my fav's.

The Lone Cypress

This is my photo of the famed "Lone Cypress" on 17-mile drive in Monterey, California (Pebble Beach).  It's truly a sight worth putting on your bucket list.  I took this shot in 2008, when we lived in Monterey (best place on Earth) and only edited it today.  I could stare at this image all day...why haven't I printed it yet?  OMG!  MUST PRINT CYPRESS IMAGE...another thing on my massive to-do list!  How many things are on your list and how many images have you failed to print, hmmmmmm?  The down side to digital, eh? Of course, I used to print doubles of all my rolls of film and I can't tell you how many thousands of crap pictures I still have in boxes, because it just feels wrong to throw away a snapshot in time, no matter how crappy the picture.  For some reason it seems even worse to bury images on my hard drive, never to be enjoyed...must print image soon!

Twig and Berries

Crass, I know, but it still makes me chuckle!  As I was walking to the Vassa Museum in Stockholm I spotted this silly scene and couldn't resist snapping a shot.  I know Euro-humor enough to know I'm NOT the only one who thinks this is funny, nor do I think these boulders were placed there by nature...ahem.  

Tree Love

Here's a photo I shot years ago but only edited today.  The hub and I were camping up in Mt. Charleston when I saw this sweet scene...it made me smile to see these trees intertwined.  If you google the question "do trees have feelings" you'll get dozens of crazy hits with opinions, myth busters, vegans and pagans all opining on the subject but who really knows?  I think these two dig each other, why not?  I call it tree love...

Pretty Turkish Pine

I decided to dedicate this week to photographs of trees.  They are one of natures most amazingly generous gifts and are a welcome respite in this harsh desert climate.  This beauty lives in my backyard, she is known as either a Turkish or Afghan Pine. Apparently, this tree is home to "sap-sucking aphids" and I'm sure they are quite happy here because this tree is full of honeydew sap.  Apparently bees love it and make fabulous honey with it...haven't figured out where to get any yet.  I just love the beautiful rust tones within her layers and the elephant-skin gray bark on top.  I intend to print a few of these on acrylic as a way of bringing the outside in so I can enjoy them even more!

Goodnight Moon

Goodnight Moon, goodnight stars, goodnight noises everywhere...time for a new week to begin.  Another weekend gone too quick, tomorrow is almost here.

Little Touches

I just love fresh flowers on the dinner table.  It really doesn't take much to add such a lovely thing to a table to add that cozy feeling.  When I lived in Europe, I was so spoiled by the amazing farmers markets which sold fresh flowers, crusty bread and delicious rotisserie chickens every Sunday.  My home was always filled with flowers, no matter what.  These little guys live for weeks too!  Tonight, a dinner out with good friends was wonderful and made even more special by these little touches.

The Olympic Flame

The torch has been through our home and in our hearts tonight as the 2012 Games officially began.  The Olympics is one of the last great family events most of carry memories of and long to create new ones.  I ignited my daughters fire tonight by crafting a torch (she and her friends carried them around all night), playing our own version of the mini-olympics (hoola-hoop, sack race and limbo), complete with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals (she was devastated to earn only Bronze in two events).  I hope this tradition remains in her memory as a joyful childhood moment, but if it doesn't...it will always be in mine.

Stripper Bar

I'd like to introduce you to my alter ego...Ginormica!  Yeah Baby!  Another Vegas moment tonight on the strip with my favorite person...the hub.  We saw a slutty show (Peep Show) so I thought this image was appropriate.  Our only hope is that our little redhead never grows up to dance on a pole (I think that's funny, he doesn't)...we gotta get out of this town soon!

I have crabs!

Two, to be exact...this is "Coco" and the other one (in the cage) is "Marshmallow."  Coco is a bit shy and took a few minutes to crawl out of her shell enough to walk across the table.  We have successfully introduced additional pets into the home without freaking out the dog or the husband, Whoo Hoo!  Isn't she cute?

...it's not Kansas

 

You have to appreciate the uber sparkly shoes and the bruised, scratched legs together in one shot...then the sassy walk away when she thought I was finished shooting.  "Mom, you HAVE to get these shoes!  They are sooooo shiny!"  "Yes they are...but I think I already have a pair like that, darn."  One thing I've learned from this whole "kid raising thing" is that you can't teach this behavior, it comes naturally.  I am not a fou fou girly girl...I was wearing my work out clothes and gym shoes in the store...she was wearing lip gloss and shiny shoes, love her!

Love Hurts

Ok, I don't know why egg-art cracks me up so much (pun intended) but it does.  It makes me feel crafty and artsy to draw and since I can't paint (although I long to paint like you can't imagine) or draw...I create egg-art.  I also love to laugh and to make others laugh, hence the silly scenario you see here...complete with an egg-uvula!  Make your own little scene today, it's fun and all you need is a few eggs and a sharpie!  :D  Hee hee

New Look!

Hello, Friends, I hope you like my new look.  I really wanted to switch it up a bit by brightening my blog page with my own background image and cleaning it up visually.  I also added a gadget that enables translation (mostly because I enjoy reading my own words in French).  I am thrilled that people from all over the world have checked out my chronicles to include my faithful followers in Russia, the UK and Germany.  I've also wondered if my photography or writing or a combination of both amuses you the most.  Please share any suggestions you have that will help improve my blog. As an art student, I am accustomed to feedback, trust me.  I have grown a very thick skin over the years.  ;)


Until tomorrow...ciao!

Moments

Life is full of precious moments, you really have to try to enjoy them as they come.  It's the little things that really mean the most, like a laugh over a movie quote, a tickle on the armpit, a silly face or a joke that doesn't make sense.  Children can be so exhausting at times and at others, they remind us what life is really about, don't they?  It's scientifically proven that laughter relieves stress, so why not turn away from your favorite show for a few seconds and have a giggle with your kid, your dog or a friend? (Or, your cat...sorry, Mary)

Sister Friends

My dear friend, Sharon, once told me that no matter what your age, you should have friends from age 4-70 and I couldn't agree more.  Siena had such a beautiful morning with a lovely girl twice her age and it made me think of the sister friends in my life (not to mention my own sister who is 5 years younger than me).  My sister and I would have danced over splashing water like this at the exact same age...then we would have started fighting but for that one, sweet moment, it was probably this much fun.  I cherish every minute I have with my sister and my sister friends of all ages.  They make life worth living.

Faith

Just when I was having so much fun with Barbie, something terrible happens and propels me back into reality.  The shocking news of the shooting at the Aurora movie theater, the very same location I used to love going to as a teenager, the place where I saw "Footloose" with my two best friends one winter and danced around the parking lot, in the dark, after the show...is now a place of horrible tragedy.  Such senselessness is everywhere and probably always has been but the media brings it right into our lives, in color, and it stings and creates an unforgettable memory in your brain.  Because of this, I found myself at my church today, lighting a candle for those affected by this and all of the sad stories we read about each day.  Peace be with you.

Mom's Revenge

I got you back, Barbie!  Mwoooaaahhh (evil laugh)! 

Barbie Got the Boot

Why did Barbie get the boot today, you ask?  Why not?!  It's fun to crush her ridiculousness with my hiking boot, that's why.  It's liberating too...unfortunately, my daughter saw this image and was less than amused.  I had to promise not to step on Barbie again.  I guess you can say that Barbie got the last laugh today.  Barbie-1 Kristin-0  Damn!

Summer Vacation

I just love poetry, one of my favorite books is a beautifully written novel in poems called "girl coming in for a landing" by April Halprin Wayland.  Here's a little poem from the book that makes me giggle--especially when my "little Miss" is being a "little stinker"

Sand Crab

I stomp along the hard sand

that's been licked by the sea,

watching a little bird

search for sand crabs.

I want to yell,

"Hey, you!

Looking for a crab?

Look at me!"

Hope your summer is full of little moments that touch you.

Martini Monday

Nothing is quite more modern-Vegas than a martini and Mondays are no exception to the rule.  Here we have a pear-tini complete with poire vodka, but of course.  It's just one of those days, so why not?

Zion Zen

Something about this place just calls me.  It's not only a great escape from my desert reality but it's peaceful and brings me joy to be surrounded by natural beauty.  People from around the world flock to Zion National Park to experience their own escape and although we are all different, we commune in this awesome environment.  It's pretty fantastic.  On this visit, the thing that caught my eye the most were the multitude of zen-like rock art statues along the trails.  Many different people seemed to want to contribute as they passed by and soon there were hundreds of these totems.  My daughter made a few of her own...the rocks called to her too.  I will take this Zion Zen moment through this week with me, you can too!

Freewheeling a Photo

 I thought I'd share with you the evolution of one of my photos.  It's really fun to see what you can do from start to finish.  As we walked around town today (Springdale, UT) I really enjoyed checking out the work of the local artisans.  This bike was among my favorites.  It's so fabulous, fun and free!  She is adorable with her little heart license plate and crazy hair.  Her bike rides into the clouds with passion and grace.  She is my alter ego at this moment in time...how about you?  I think I want to print her on acrylic so she is brilliantly clear and modern.  Which edit is your fav?

Majestic View

It's late here but my view is still majestic.  This is our third trip to Utah this year and we keep returning because of all her beauty (and a much needed respite from the relentless heat in the desert).  I love listening to the crickets out the door as I type this...yes, it's cool enough to leave the door open, it's a perfect 69 degrees outside, lovely.  More views tomorrow!

Fremont Freaks

What can I say that this image doesn't already sing to you?  You have to have a soft spot for the Fremont Street Freaks if you live in Vegas (or just avoid them because they aren't going anywhere).  I posted this image today because I had a little escape from the normal routine and went to a Vegas Show, Absinthe (was hil-ar-i-ous) but my dirty martini shot was crap so I dug deep to find this one (from last year, sorry) to amuse us both.  I hope you dig it.

Show Off

Yes, I admit it, these could have been my legs circa 1975...I have been and probably will always be a show off.  I am lucky, the people in my life have always allowed me these opportunities and the space to dance in my own little, imaginary spotlight.  Or perhaps, I never noticed or cared if people rolled their eyes at me because in my mind I was fabulous...until I turned 12, but that's another story.  I found my spotlight again in my 20s and have stayed in it since then!  As I watched these girls trying to one-up each other at the pool today, I just smiled at the next generation of little show off's and clicked away...

Butterfly

In the hands of a child, anything can be real.  They have the most powerful and inspirational imaginations...everything is animated in their world.  This little butterfly she made today became so much more than a craft, he became a little fluttery friend she flew around the house.  I wish adults could find as much joy in something so simple as a butterfly.

Popsicle Toes

Does this image conjure up the taste of childhood?  It does for me.  I can literally taste each flavor (or imitation flavor, as it were) on my tongue as I look over these slender gems.  I remember them melting in my warm hands before I could finish so I would drink the melted, sugary liquid before asking for another one.  We would then wrap the plastic around our fingers and watch it uncurl as we threw each one in the trash can.  It was another cheap form of entertainment I enjoyed so much back then.  I wrote the title "Popsicle Toes" because I was suddenly brought back to my adult world and smiled when I thought of a favorite version of the song by the fabulous jazz musician, Diana Krall (although, I think I heard somewhere she hated it now and wouldn't sing it anymore--whatever, I love it).  So, now my childhood and my adulthood have melted into their own sugary goodness and I'm diggin it...

Farmers Market Tomatoes

Yummy, nothing like fruit in season to whet your appetite!  I LOVE tomatoes so much, especially those delightful little black cherry ones--to the left, wow!  Talk about a mouth explosion!  Slurp.  Confession time, I took this yesterday at the market in the Tivoli.  Today, I really wanted to take some pictures of our beautiful church but we were late and the hub was stressed out!  He said we would only get "1/2 credit" since we were late (guilty Catholics)...I didn't want to freak him out by slowing down by shooting.  Next week!  The only image I captured today was of my daughter devouring stuffed grape leaves.  I know her Armenian grandmother would rejoice! Enjoy whatever yummy food is in season in your neck of the woods!  

Love Affair with Joe

I'm a hopeless romantic, the simplest display of kindness, such as this lovely, frothy, heart in my cup makes me all a flutter.  It's a bit of a love affair with both the barista and the drink itself...Joe...oh how I adore thee.

My Rooster

This little fellow greets me everyday with a (silent) "good morning" as he swings around above his chimes.  I've become quite obsessed with the kitchen cock and this is no exception...I've even got Shane to appreciate the Euro-style of the rooster.  He is kinda cute, don'tcha think?

Chalk Deux

I couldn't help myself...the little Alpha Chick inside forced me to reshoot and rework that whole image.  I knew there was hope, and I'm pleased with this version of her chalk.  


I feel so much better now.  :)

Sidewalk Chalk

I can't tell you how much money I spend on toys.  Barbie everything, puzzles, dress up clothes, games, etc. and the stuff that gets used the most is the cheapest most common of all...bubbles and chalk.  I have grown clever enough to buy the cheap stuff at the dollar section at Target or the dollar store but still buy the other stuff too (why?).  If there's nothing to watch on TV, no homework to do, no dinner to eat, or no friends to play with, the sidewalk chalk is always the steadfast back-up plan.  It never disappoints.


ps. yes, I know it is a bit out of focus...so are my old eyes today.  Mea Culpa!  It's dark now, can't reshoot.

American Belly

Happy 4th of July!  I was so fortunate to have a willing friend let me take some belly pix of her (and thank you to Micah for waiting until at least your due date).  It's funny how nervous I get when I take pictures of friends and family, something I'm trying to overcome as I create more and more images I can be proud of--like this one. You really have to "just do it" sometimes to overcome that nervous, sweaty pit feeling!  The American Belly is my new favorite--love it!  Thanks, Friends!


ps. Loving Lightroom...wow.

Yes I did...

...no it didn't.  I honestly thought it was hot enough though...I guess not, not yet anyway.  

My Little Spartan

Here's a shot of my little Spartan Warrior Princess!  She rocked the Spartan Jr. this weekend in Utah and we couldn't be prouder of her!  Our princess did it with dangly earrings and pink pants on too!  What a diva.  Can you see the warrior spirit in her eyes?  The look of a true warrior...both Dad and daughter walked out of there with medals...my turn comes in Malibu in December, can't wait!!  Maybe we should get matching Spartan tattoos for Christmas?!  YEAH BABY!
http://www.spartanrace.com/socal-obstacle-racing-spartan-sprint-2012.html

Utah Fires

Such a sad and helpless sight...the fires are raging across the West and here's a shot about 100 miles south of Provo, Utah.  You can see the desperate attempt at quelling the destruction by the sprinklers showering the fields below.  Unfortunately, the fire made it down the mountain over the weekend and it appeared that the cattle had been moved elsewhere.  We saw this one as we drove from Vegas to an area near Park City, Utah where the hub and kiddo both competed in the Spartan Race.  


We had no internet this weekend...sorry for the delay in my posts!  I feel so behind. Yikes!