Bowling

I'd Rather Be....Bowling!  That was today's assignment anyway.  I think it turned out great, I love how Casey looks like she's actually having fun here, in spite of the fact that her fingers are killing her after 20 takes with a 16lb ball!  I have the most amazing friends.  ;)

Wishes

Photography really is capturing light...not much more than that.  Art is capturing light with intention.  I saw this dandelion in the setting sun tonight and it actually grabbed me.  I felt so compelled to photograph it, with all the intention it deserved.  What a beautiful thing nature is, so sweet and so strong in the same wind.  In case you're wondering, I didn't pick it, I wanted to leave this wish for someone else.  I have so many fulfilled already, it felt greedy.

My Distraction

What do you do when you "should" be doing something else?  I do really cool things like clean house or read...oooooh, I'm living by the seat of my pants, I know it!  Ok, sometimes, when I'm really feeling wild, I cook.  Here's my reading pile du jour...yes, I have devoured each one this week alone and I'm hungry for more...in spite of my workload at both um, work, and 3 classes, shit.  But, it's reading, how that's a good thing, right?  What's your distraction?

PS. I have even contemplated taking a bath to avoid schoolwork but just can't bring myself to enjoy that level of relaxation.  It's too decadent!  

Buy Local

I love the Farmers Market in the Fall.  The weather is perfect to sit outside and enjoy some yummy local fare.  After a delicious, fresh salad we rocked out the hulu hoops for a while and then she got a shave ice to go...and we happily walked home.  Tonight, she said, "Thanks, Mom, for the best day ever."  How awesome is that?

Sandcastles

Shane woke up to a view of Haystack Rock this morning, which inspired me to post an image I took the last time we were at Cannon Beach, OR.  I love a cool beach...the kind that you inhabit year round, even if it's cold, you just throw on your slickers and rain coat and go walk the dog anyway.  You can sit around a bonfire at night and enjoy the sounds of the ocean...I long for it.  Here's an image I want to share, I'm not the only one who loves wet sand!  

I'd Rather Be...Swimming

What would you rather be doing?  To be completely honest, I love being in my kitchen with my little cherub.  It is one of my happy places.  However, for the sake of my homework assignment, I chose to be swimming instead.  Too bad there's no water around here!

Art District Vacancy

It might be cheesy, but I love the posterize effect on this one.  It's the arts district, what better place to posterize?!  This is a sad but strong message that resonates from the local artists..."Never Stop Fighting" is what is felt among so many "off the strip" artisans.  It's sad to see vacant galleries, but when you drive around the corner, many more appear to be opening.  One block away sometimes can mean the difference in this town (in any town, really).  I hope these folks keep fighting and find their bliss eventually.  For now, I'm still a fan.

"Playing Tennis"

Here's yet another image for my "I'd Rather Be..." series called "Playing Tennis."  I'm not loving it but it's a good test shot for what can be...  In all honestly, this one should be called "behind the camera" instead!  Ha!

6 Going On 16

Isn't life funny, your whole childhood you ache to be older and most of your adulthood you long to be younger...aren't we ever happy?  This is the perfect example of 6 going on 16...what's next?  The years fly by and I truly embrace every minute of it (now that we are past that sucky 3 and under phase).  It's fun to watch your mini-me reveal more about yourself each day.  It's eerie and remarkable all at once.  Here she's talking to her grandma instead of a boy...but I'm sure that time will come soon enough.  For now, I'm enjoying the 6 yr old moments, they are pretty awesome.

Red Chairs

How deliciously inviting are these cherry-red chairs?  I just love them!  The geometric shapes appear designed to fit you just right in a sleek, modern way and they are so uber-modern that they beg for attention.  (They got mine!)  I didn't do anything exciting today...I cleaned house, cooked and listened to the rain (love) so I thought I'd share one of the many interesting sights of Stockholm that I captured this summer.  It's a fantastic city that I fell in love with during my short visit (as a part-Swede I'm partial though).  Every city has something crazy like this...you just have to walk around and find it--and hope you brought your camera!

Rainbow

Just like yesterdays treasure shot, I love the way kids can find rainbows.  We don't get many of them here so it's really special when we do (even the adults notice) but this one I just drove right by until my daughter shouted with excitement, "MOM, LOOK!  RAINBOW!"  Luckily, I had my camera with me...sweet!

(FYI, this image looks a lot lighter in my PS)

Found Treasure

How many things would you call treasure?  Isn't it amazing how children think?  My daughter found at least 6 things in this picture that she would call treasure.  How refreshing.

Happy Place

Here's the newest addition to my series "I'd Rather Be..." called "in my happy place."  I'm still working on my lighting techniques, not thrilled with this one (the light is too gold) but it's a step in the right direction.  If you don't have an ND filter and you shoot in the sunlight/blue sky...get one, they rock!

Mt. Charleston Hike

It was a perfect day for a Mt. Charleston escape.  You have to appreciate the pink explosion in the distance...always a girly girl.  Why let a little dirt keep you from pure self-expression?  She has grown up hiking and we are so happy she loves it.  On todays adventure, she found several deer, an owl flying by carrying a mouse, a message in a bottle (I'm not joking) and a woodpecker...pretty cool, eh?  Next time you have a slow Sunday--take a hike!

Freak Society

More love for local artists.  Here's a very hip cat who runs the Hiptazmic space in the Arts Factory.  He's really very nice and smiley in person!  Check out their goods...it's a family affair and it's all very unique and full of heart and soul.  I love sporting my crazy Freak Society tshirt.

www.hiptazmic.com

Dig it.

Eyes Wide Open

I took this shot while I was driving with a friend (Mary) to lunch.  I said, "This red hand thing is driving me nuts!  I can't figure it out!" when she replied, "Are you kidding?  It is about Kony 2012 and the child soldiers in Africa."  And my eyes were opened once again.  Years ago I was forever moved by a life changing book called "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah.  The book is written by a man who endured a childhood of being a soldier.  I educated myself on the LRA in Uganda and never came across this Red Hand movement, until today.  

Apparently, the Red Hand symbolizes the children still at war today.  Although I hate to use wiki-anything as a reference, the write up is pretty informative:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Hand_Day

Here's a better source, an article on the UNICEF website:

http://fieldnotes.unicefusa.org/2011/02/child-soldiers-and-red-hand-da.html

UNICEF seems like an amazing organization to me.  I am so grateful to anyone who gives their time, money and prayers to help children anywhere, for any reason.

My red hand mystery is solved and my eyes continue to be wide open...

Old Friend

You give until it hurts.
Your love knows no limits.
You are a generous soul and a true gift.
Thank you for this time together...I love you and I always will.
Our time runs short, has 11 years gone by already?
I will hold you until the end.
It's almost here, I can barely say good bye.
Just a little longer, I promise I won't let you suffer.
Rest tonight.
My Zoe.

Pasta

Ok, I am playing around with which lens works best with close still life shots.  This one is NOT the right lens but I will try again tomorrow.

Siena wrote the following for the blog tonight:

Here is the spaghetti extravaganza!  Who might rather eat these delicious spaghetti's that are screaming and asking for help?  But we have to cook them before we eat them.  We can put tomato sauce on the cooked spaghetti extravaganza.  That is the end of the screaming and howling story extravaganza.

OCD?

So, I came downstairs this morning to find this installation art on the kitchen counter.  I don't know how long it took her to do it, but our daughter is the chief architect and builder and the hub swears she's not a bit OCD...what do you think?

Casey's Zen Moment

Doesn't every mom need a little zen?  Here's one I designed for Casey today...smile!

Oktoberfest

This is what happens when you leave your husband alone with your children...hee hee.  I was only too happy to be the one BEHIND the camera (the whole night).  Our favorite part of these events is catching up with good friends and last night was no exception.  I even got a few people to enjoy some Apfelkorn shots with me, yum!  Ein Prosit!  Until next time...

Pre-Oktoberfest

The calm before the storm...our annual Oktoberfest celebration is on in 45 minutes!  The Biergarten is set up, the beer is chilled, the Chef Heinz is on his way with the food, can't wait!  Prosit!

Yummy Eggs

Thank you to my sweet friend, Casey, for telling me about the fresh eggs at our local Farmer's Market!  My daughter never saw such beauties before and, quite frankly, I don't think I have either.  I love patronizing the hard working folks at our market and this just made me giddy!  By the way, the yokes on these suckers were the richest shade of orange I've ever seen... in a yoke!  YUMMMY!  They are much smaller than the extra-large eggs I buy at my grocery store too...which really makes me wonder what the size comparison is among the chickens?  I always say that life is about the little things and these little gems are certainly a little thing that makes the morning even tastier.  

Chicago with Love

Ah, nothing says true love like the gift of a shot glass from an airport vendor.  I often wonder who buys these and with what intent do they buy them?  Did they go on vacation and decide to pick up a shot glass as an afterthought?  Or, is it a perpetual gag gift?  Or maybe someone has a shot glass collection and the giver thought it would be a nice addition for them (most likely)?  I guess it doesn't really matter...just consider this your virtual shot glass souvenir from Chicago today, with all my love.

Candy Machines

Wow, does anyone else remember when a handful of candy from a machine cost 5 cents?  Crazy!  I love using hipstimatic for shots like this (app on iPhone)!  Vintage rules!  :)

Drink, Think, Relax.

This is what I always say!  I feel so justified by seeing it in print, on the coaster in my hotel room.  I think I need to keep this as a souvenir.  I over-exposed this to blow out the highlights because I wanted to amplify the message...it's that important to me, smile.

iFreak

I'm traveling again this week...New Jersey this time.  I'm sick of traveling.  The hub and I have been two ships passing in the night and haven't had a normal, boring conversation in weeks.  This is the first time in years I've traveled without my camera.  I wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone and will use my iPhone all week (as creatively as possible).  I know tons of people use their iPhone camera but I want to use it for some Fine Art images.  Starting with this one...iFreak!  This shot captures exactly how I feel to be in yet another hotel, in another hotel room, another strange bed...alone.  Blah.

Zebra

I felt so fortunate to be in the presence of such a magnificent animal today.  Isn't she amazing?  We should never take such gifts for granted...cool to imagine your life crossing with that of such a unique creature, eh?  She was so sweet and gentle, I was humbled.

Greek Festival

It's that time again, for the annual Greek Festival in Las Vegas!  This was the 40th Annual Fest and I think I heard them say it was the first time they had the children performing in traditional dress.  They were all adorable but this boy looked like a little man to me and I just love his expression.  It was another amazing display of food, the music was great and spirits were high for this joyous event.  Loved it!

Hello Recycled Kitty!

More local art to whet your appetite!  I just love the creativity and resourcefulness of people.  You look at these little gems and they are not sharp at all, in fact, they are quite soft and fragile.  I love the pop art quality with the modern day soda cans morphed into the fun Kitty design.  Enjoy some of your own local art this weekend and ask them how they do what they do...this little kitty project is quite a process!    Dig it!

Surfers Rock

Nothing exciting today...so I pulled a recent picture I took in Oregon of this surfer and her dog.  Ok, I don't know if that's her dog but I really loved to see the surfers push off in the morning, into the cold ass water with their dogs socializing on the beach.  How cool is that?  I loved watching the dogs hang out while their people were out catching waves...life can be so sweet and so simple...

Oscar Goodman

What a perfect place for the former mayor of Las Vegas...graffiti'd on some seedy back stairs in the Arts Factory for all to step on.  Actually, this was probably done as an endearing legacy of some sorts to the man who talked about reviving the arts community...he didn't...the artists did.

Scarecrow

I wish this lovely little scarecrow would scare away summer for me!  I thought if I put out my fall decor, it would at least feel a little cooler...but alas, the triple digits still remain.  She does make me very happy though (this is the "Mommy" one, we have one for each of us, I'm sure the hub is thrilled).  I also put up wreaths made from grapevines and there are some dried leaves still wrapped around the vines, it makes me think of how amazing it was to live in Carmel during harvest.  What a gift!  Everyone is so joyful this time of year at the wineries as they prepare the new wines in hopes of a fabulous vintage and harvest dinners are enjoyed by the families and their patrons.  I think our best family autumn was spent in California because we were able to enjoy all the season had to offer and even taste a huge variety of organic squash and pumpkin at Earthbound Farms, yum!  We'll see what we can dig up around Vegas...fingers crossed that we find a pumpkin patch but I'm not holding my breath. My cute scarecrow will have to do for now.  

Feelin Crafty

I was feeling a bit crafty today so my daughter and I went to The Artful Potter and got our paint on!  It was fun and the hours flew by.  She chose to paint a unicorn bank and she helped me pick out an olive oil dispenser.  I couldn't help but giggle all afternoon about an episode of Portlandia the hub and I just watched that featured a misfit musician who called herself "Sparkle Pony."  That unicorn bank will always be Sparkle Pony to me...hee hee.  

Huge thanks to Rachel for such a fun birthday present, we are very excited to pick up our creations in a week!  We had a great afternoon.  :)

Mom's Night Out

I'm so glad that my crazy "Mom's Night Out" has morphed into a champagne cocktail, followed by a 4 hour dinner and fabulous conversation that still includes some crass language (as appropriate, of course).  Life is good.

ps. Siena told me to add "Isn't it magic how the table looks like it's sideways in this picture and things still aren't spilling?"  She loves to sit with me while I do my posts and always asks me to read what I wrote.  She's a great critic too, trust me!

I'd Rather Be...

Here's another image to add to my thesis project called, "I'd Rather Be...sipping on a cold beer."  My subjects were so kind to help me out today...my neighborhood garbage men and the poor guy fixing my air conditioning!  I keep telling people, if you want to take a shot of someone, all you have to do is ask...in all my experience, I've only had one guy say no.  

18b

When I need inspiration, I have to physically return to the places that inspire me.  In Florida it was Ybor City and in Vegas, it's the Arts District, also known as 18b (the district used to be 18 blocks long).  The graffiti in this area is nothing short of spectacular so I decided to complete a series on the Arts District.  It won't all be graffiti, but it will be part of the collection since it's so prominent here.  I love this area of town for the raw, urban, toughness of it.  It's not shiny, it's not touristy and it's not a place you will see slot machines -- it's soulful and fabulous and I look forward to introducing it to you.

Blessings

When it comes to blessings, I'll take all I can get from whomever is willing to offer them.  I was delighted to meet a lovely man named Peter in Boston who maintains an alleyway full of the Catholic Saints.  The brick walls are adorned with every saint known to man.  It's really a feast for the eyes and the soul.  He was kind to invite us in to see the entire area "Saint Alley" because he keeps it behind a locked door (tourists can see some it from the outside, but not the entire space).  I thought this was an appropriate post on yet another day of mourning as we learn of more senseless violence and death in the Middle East.  Seems insane to me to kill someone over a moronic, poorly made video...I will never understand people.  I'm just glad to have met Peter at Hannover and Battle in the North End, a gentle soul who made me smile.

People Fun

Timing really is everything...hee hee!  :)

Boston FD

Every girl loves a fireman...couldn't resist taking a shot of Boston's finest tonight.  Loving the North End!

Magical Caffeine Mermaid

Ahh, the sight of her always feels like home.  She is the beautiful, magical caffeine mermaid who welcomes me in to have a double espresso in nearly every airport I traverse.  I enjoyed seeing her this morning...as always, thank you mermaid lady!

Birthday Party

Today we celebrated her 6th birthday and by the looks of it, she had a good time!  :)  They really are fun at this age...I wish I could remember my 6th birthday party.  Do you?

Painter Backpacker

It's back to school for Mom too and I have a ton of homework already, whew.  So, I knocked out one assignment today...create a new image for your thesis project.  I have to accomplish nearly 2 of these/week so it's going to be a very busy (hopefully not too stressful) semester!  As I was walking out of the grocery store I looked back at the men painting the facade and thought...hmmm, I wonder if they'd be willing to model for me?  As you can see, the answer was yes and they were awesome!  I had some trouble with one guy who kept staring and smiling at the camera, hilarious!  I was trying so hard to be still with the monopod so I could keep the shutter speed very low (to capture the movement) and he kept making me laugh.  I know my subject has his face in the shadow but I really don't think it detracts from the concept.  I am actually quite pleased with this one because of all the fun lines here.  The complicated set really adds to the need for an escape!  He is reading the hub's Backpacker mag and I used his old hiking boots as an additional prop (I couldn't bear to ask this guy to wear a backpack in 100 degree heat when he was already gracious enough to do me this favor--as you can imagine, his workmates gave him crap for it non-stop).  I guess my morale this story is to "just go for it" when you think of a project.  Strangers are nicer than you think!

Tip: Don't forget to use an ND (neutral density) filter when you want to shoot outside, on a sunny day, especially at low shutter speeds!  You can't get your ISO low enough or your f-stop high enough to compensate, trust me, I learned the hard way!

Glimpse of Fall

The temperature may have been in the triple digits but the view sure wasn't.  These golden leaves gave me the mental respite I was so desperate for as the sweat rolled down my back.  Fall is my favorite season, all the fun holidays are coming...Halloween and Thanksgiving, yay!  The two easiest, most fun days of the year...you dress up and eat candy for one and you dress down and eat turkey for the other, awesome.  (or tofurkey for my vegan mates, wink wink)  I'm happy to see natures defiance in spite of the heat...I sure wish it were a little cooler though! 

Homework

Yes, it's homework time again.  It was a rough start but we survived...there were tears, pleads for delay, stomping of feet, but I finally got her to sit down and knock out those 4 painful pages.  How?  By telling her she could do each page with a different colored pencil...and it worked.  Wow.  What a simple solution to such a dramatic scene, geez.  Isn't it funny what motivates us?  Is there something silly that brightens your workday or chores?  I'm a candle girl.  If I'm struggling to get inspired to sit and write or work, I light a candle and suddenly, I feel cozy and comfortable and happy to sit still.  I guess her thing is color...for today anyway!

Captain Kirk's Fantasy Girl

You'll only get that if you're a bit of a Trekkie too.  (I'm a nerd, I admit it)  I decided to post another shot from Orlando instead of showing you something boring like my laundry (which was my major accomplishment du jour).  She's really fabulous, isn't she?!

Tic Tac Friend

My trip came to an end today but I wanted to squeeze in one more shot before I left.  This was taken with my iPhone as I looked up at a tilted wall of mirrors.  The reflection is that of my good friend, Lauri, sitting and waiting for our ride at...Disney World!  Smile.  I love how it turned out, a complete happy accident that I just might print now!

Dancing Girl

Here's a badly edited photo of a beautiful girl dancing.  Her smile is infectious and her energy was amazing.  I loved watching her dancing so easily and smiling so wide the whole time.  She personified the word joyful to me today...I hope you feel joyful admiring her.  Where do you think I am?

Where in the world?

I'm traveling again...where in the world do you think I am?  Take a guess!  It's hot here...