Positive Media Messages

Being that I live in LA, at times I feel bombarded with Negative media messages telling me that I need to be sexy, thin, cool, etc, etc. I also see many billboards, bus ads, bench ads, and with internet with all the advertisements and movies that are mainly selling things of the world. I have a strong testimony that although there is so much negative media and videos out there.... there is also the good things that come from media. I often watch the short clips and videos on LDS.org and they never fail to inspire me, touch my heart and strengthen my testimony every time I listen to and seek out their messages. I have been feeling a little blue lately, and this video really made me feel so lightened and happy that I really wanted to share it with all of you!

Wild Things

I saw this preview before Harry Potter last week, and I have to admit, I was totally giddy! Where the Wild Things Are has always been one of my favorite books growing up and it is awesome that it has been made into a movie. Also, the fact that Spike Jones has been totally faithful to the look, and more importantly the feel of the book. I am so excited!

p.s. I also love the song by the Arcade Fire!

10 photography quotes everyone should know

I recently ran across this article on blogger, I really loved the quotes and thought I would share it. For anyone who is interested in taking better photos.

In this post Hákon Ágústsson from PhotoQuotes.com and www.Imageree.com. shares some great quotes on the topic of photography and explains why they’re worth knowing.

Take note of and remember the following photo quotes. It’s always worthwhile to learn from masters.

“The wisdom of the wise and the experience of the ages are perpetuated in quotations”. - Benjamin Disraeli

1. “ You don’t take a photograph, you make it. - Ansel Adams

Full awareness of what makes a good photo is essential in taking great photographs.

Why would anyone be interested in this photo and what elements can be included or excluded to make it truly great?

2. “ Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst. – Henri Cartier-Bresson

Do you know how many photos you have taken up until now? You will have to take thousands of pictures to reach a point where you can begin to evaluate them objectively. Looking upon your photos as if you were looking at them through someone else’s eyes is a good way to give yourself constructive criticism. Comparing your first photos with your most recent, do you see improvement? Do you remember how you loved some of your first photos – do you still love them or are they now not so good anymore?

3. “ Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph. – Matt Hardy

You often don’t or can’t see beauty in the world until someone shows it to you. Take a look around you just now – even without moving from the computer. Can you see something in a new way, a different way of presenting something common? Just take a look again…

4. “ Nothing happens when you sit at home. I always make it a point to carry a camera with me at all times…I just shoot at what interests me at that moment. – Elliott Erwitt

When the world is your canvas, so to speak, you need your tools with you to capture everything around you. Make a habit of always carrying a camera with you—you will never suffer the regret of wishing you had.

5. “ Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow. – Imogen Cunningham

Never be fully satisfied with what you’ve done.

Never stop photographing. It is very likely that your best photograph has not yet been captured.

6. “ You’ve got to push yourself harder. You’ve got to start looking for pictures nobody else could take. You’ve got to take the tools you have and probe deeper. – William Albert Allard

We are always looking for reasons for not taking good pictures. Cartier-Bresson used film camera, same lens, no flash, same shutter speed – he didn’t need the newest digital equipment to take great photos.

We all have access to some subjects that no one else has access to – look at your friends’ hobbies, the workplaces of friends and family, and any place you have access to to find a vision that comes uniquely from your access. Many people would dream of having the same access you have, and you might not have considered how valuable your access is.

7. “ If I saw something in my viewfinder that looked familiar to me, I would do something to shake it up. – Garry Winogrand

How often have you seen a photo that is missing something, thinking, “This is a good photo but I’d make it different somehow.”? Sometimes small things make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to shake things up.

8. “ I always thought good photos were like good jokes. If you have to explain it, it just isn’t that good. – Anonymous

Sometimes it is interesting to hear the story behind the photo and you see the photo in a new light. But in most cases a photo shouldn’t need a story to back it up. It has to speak for itself.

9. “ Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop. – Ansel Adams

Even one of the masters in photography, Ansel Adams, didn’t expect to get more than 12 great photographs each year.

How can anyone expect more?

Take a look at your last year in photos – do you really see 12 photos that stand out from the rest?

10. “It can be a trap of the photographer to think that his or her best pictures were the ones that were hardest to get. – Timothy Allen - On editing photos

Editing photos can often be the most difficult but also the most satisfying part. Sometimes taking a quick look at all the photos and then going away for a while before taking a closer look lends a fresh eye to your viewing. You may see things you did not notice previously. Stepping away from the mass of photos can make certain images stand out in your mind’s eye, leaving a memorable impression that can characterize a good photo.

MJ

This week the world lost a great performer, despite all the odd behavior and image changes Michael Jackson has gone through, I still think he is pretty freaking cool. I have fond memories of making up dances to MJ songs and his music and persona were a fond part of my childhood. I am sad for the way his life turned out and hope that he will find love and peace in the next life.

A random, quick post

Can I just say, I love google reader! If it wasn't for that I have no idea how I would keep track of everyone! Its nice to go one place to get all the dirt on all my friends far and wide.

And speaking of dirt, the dirt on me is this: I recently joined a gym (Burbank Athletic Club with my friend Maureen) and have been doing well thus far in going to the gym. Also Chad and I have officially started our walks again and are making an effort to eat more fresh fruits and veggies and drinking more water. I know we haven't been doing it long, but man I feel great, hooray for endorphins! I feel great taking care of my body, including getting some much dreaded and put off procedures. Now that I almost have all this medical crap behind me I feel like I can really get serious about getting healthy and fit. I also think it will help me mentally to not have anything hanging over my head and know with a clear conscience that I am taking steps (albeit baby steps) to being a better person.

I am also excited that my cousin and good friend Christy and her family are moving about 20 minutes away. This is such a great thing because I have been feeling pretty lonely and been missing familiar faces. I do have a few friends that I have made in my ward, and a good friend that lives in the OC. But it will be so nice to add a long time, and very good friend to my life again! I also will hopefully be a nanny for her little boy Paul. It will be fun to have a 'trial run' at mothering, and it will be great to spend time with Christy, Tom and Paul.

Life Support?

Over the past few months Chad and I have discussed a living will or for you californians (advance directives). We have been weighing out the options of life support and I wanted to know how you all weigh in on the subject. So the question is, If you were injured and had to survive on life support would you pull the plug? In the event that you can never be revived or you have permanent brain damage, would you choose to put your family through all the medical bills and pain?

I guess my question to myself is, if I do not want to be kept alive artificially does that mean I would be giving up on life? or not enduring to the end? If someone is kept alive but is severely brain damaged what type of life do they have? I have a strong reverence for human life, and I would never dream of taking the easy way out, but is choosing to not go on life support the easy way out?

I know this is a very personal subject and please don't feel obligated to comment, I wanted to ask these questions to myself, and to you who read this because I think it is important to make your intentions known. Whatever side of the debate you are on. I think it is important to discuss with those you love, even if it will more than likely never to be an issue. It has just been on my mind these past weeks as I prepare for a couple surgeries and I wanted to get everyone thinking about it. Thanks for taking the time to think and talk about this issue.

Little Dorrit

Little Dorrit: I am sorry to say that I found out about this Charles Dickens classic novel 'Little Dorrit' from facebook. Sad that I found it on facebook but happy that I found it none the less. When watched one of the PBS Masterpiece installments I completely fell in love with the series.



It is so beautifully filmed and well done that it has inspired me to not only want to read the book immediately, but It also inspired me to photograph more, because of the beautiful cinematography. Here are a few screen captures so you can see what I mean. It is also intriguing that the novel is loosely based on Charles Dickens life. I hope you all go to the link and check it out!

Bike or DiE

I need to lose weight. I need to get happy. I need to get healthy.

I am publicly making a goal to choose to break the cycle I have been in. I am going to try to simplify my life, but FIRST my main goal is for me, and my husband to get healthy. I love taking walks and I love riding bikes, so that is where I will start. I may have publicly made this goal before, but this time it is serious!

This week I am going to NYC with Chad to see my brother and to just enjoy the city. It will certainly be A LOT of walking and this will be the boot camp to start off our new exercise regimen. If anyone has any tips or advice, I am all ears! I want to be the best person I can be, for my husband, and for MYSELF! I know, that I may never get down to that 'perfect' or even 'ideal' weight, but at least I will be taking steps toward being healthy and happy.

Today

Today I am totally freaking out! I have been known to make mountains out of mole hills long story short, I am freaking out, and I am paranoid about getting cancer and dying! I know its a pretty irrational fear, but genetics are against me. I mean my Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, and cousin died of cancer, and two of my brothers survived cancer! I know that I need to be vigilant to prevent cancer, but sometimes Doctors and Insurance companies make me crazy!

To add to my freak out of the day. Today is my Dad's Birthday. He would have been 74 today. He has been gone 7 years. 7 YEARS! what?! Where has my life gone and how come I still cry so hard and miss him so much! Especially around my and his birthday? Usually around this time if year I have a major freak out, and for some reason I thought this year I was going to make it without it hurting so much. I guess I was wrong, but the hurt and the missing him, proves to me that he was really here, and that I really loved him and that he will never be gone from my memory, even when I think I might be forgetting him. I know that he is happy, and still loves me and I want my daddy to know today that I love him and miss him so very much.

*I just wanted to say how FUNNY, smart, tender, forgiving, LOVING, talented, dedicated, hard working, interesting and selfless my Dad was and is! I love you! Thanks for my family and friends with words of support! 

Portrait Photography

photo painting

Today I came across some old photos I took a while back of my grandmothers dresses. I played around with some filters to make a photo 'watercolor'. I am experimenting with wacom tablet I got to use for my retouching jobs (hopefully, if I get a new one!) So I will be posting more photos from this series. I am also going to write about this to start up my creative juices.

Honesty

Today I was reading a friends blog and I had a bit of a wake up call. I have a really hard time opening up, i mean REALLY opening up, especially when it comes to my blog. Sometimes I wonder why people don't always read my blog or bother to comment. But then i realized that I have been (with a few exceptions) been blogging about the random ins and outs of my life, which is not always very interesting or worth commenting on. However, I have many friends who's blogs read like a diary. Sometimes i think that to open myself up like that would be horribly uncomfortable but yet, maybe it will be liberating. So as a result of my new enthusiasm, I am going to start trying to be more honest and more open with what I am REALLY feeling and not care who may read it or who or who may not comment. In addition to being more honest on my blog, I am going to start (again) keeping a real live journal. Since moving to california, and being married, and being away from my friends and family, and being on an eternal job search, I feel like I am having some sort of identity crisis. I know I am the same person, but at times I wonder who I am becoming. Am I the person that Chad fell in love with? Am I the person that is worth being a friend? Am I a person who is worth hiring? I know my strengths, but at times i feel so crippled by my weaknesses and it makes me feel so small and so riddled with anxiety and doubt about everything. I am hoping that by setting new goals and by being more open with myself (and those to care to read my blog) I will begin to bring back and cultivate my strengths and grow by learning from my mistakes. I know the person I know I am deep down is still there, I guess i just need to make more of an effort to bring that person out.

Baby Natalie!

Over Christmas Rich and Heidi let me take some photos of 2 week old baby Natalie. It was so fun and good for me because I haven't shot too many babies. After Christmas I took my camera cards and put them somewhere so safe that I could not find them! I was worried and felt silly but the other day I found the photo cards and was able to process the images. I am seriously considering making a blog/website for just my portrait stuff. So I can have a place for Wedding, engagements, senior portraits, babies and head shot type photography. I don't feel like I have a PASSION for portraiture (nor do I really believe that I have the knack or talent for it) however, I think it would be a good thing to do to make earn some extra money and gain experience shooting people. I wanted to post the pics to show off how cute my niece and to see how people feel about me deciding to make a portrait blog. I will keep you all posted!

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines day one and all! I have felt so lucky and so loved over the past year. So much has happened, getting married and moving to California has been such a wonderful change and so rewarding! I feel so grateful to Chad, and all my family and friends who have helped me become the person I am today (for better or worse! ha!) I just wanted to send out some e-love to all those who need a hug this time of year.

I know that V-day can seem like D-day to so many people because it makes people feel more alone when they are bombarded with schmoopy and cheesy valentine EVERYTHING at every store and right around every corner. V-day can kill a small blossoming romance stone dead because of all the expectations and hub bub! I know that Chad has even felt some pressure to live up to the 'perfect' day! I think Valentines day should be everyday, people should do sweet things and show our love to one another in small ways not just one day a year but all year round. Check out our Last Valentines day was amazing and I know this year will be too!

I just want everyone to know, where ever you are, whoever you are, whatever state you and your life is in, I appreciate you and dearly want you to know that I LOVE YOU!

As a Valentines day gift to you all I am posting a
Valentines Day Mix
(This is also my wedding mix tape, so I wanted to share the love!

1 Wouldn't it be nice - The Beach Boys
2 Pure - The Lightning Seeds
3 I Got You - Wilco
4 Hair from your face - Derek See
5 This will be our year - The Zombies
6 Tired of being alone - Al Green
7 Very Happy with - Cerulean
8 Baby I'm-a want you - Bread
9 My conversation - The Uniques
10 Just like honey - Jesus and Mary Chain
11 Romeo & Juliet - The Chambers Brothers
12 Heartbeats - Jose Gonzales
13 Temptation [Original 12" edit] - New Order
14 I found a reason - The Velvet Underground
15 A kiss to build a dream on - Louis Armstrong
16 Just like heaven - The Cure
17 I will - The Beatles
18 Everlong [KROQ acoustic] - The Foo Fighters
19 Every Reason - Sense Field
20 Into your arms - The Lemonheads
21 I believe - Stevie Wonder
22 Fade into you - Mazzy Star
23 At Last - Etta James

I hope you like it! Enjoy! and stay tuned for the ANTI-Valentine's Day Mix!

Here are some pics of My Valentine, just after getting a flat tire on the freeway, in LA rush hour traffic!

He cleans up pretty darn nice! Love you Chad!

The Mother Hips/My Favorite Hips Mix Link

The Mother Hips truly and securely hold a place in my heart where many of my best memories are stored. I first heard these guys in maybe 98 or 99 and saw my first live show in 99 or 2000. I'm not exactly sure, but I know I have been in love ever since. I have since gone on to see them over 50 times in many different venues. And they never disappoint (except when they fake breaking up that have done a few times).


Happily they are making music together again, their newest release Kiss the Crystal Flake is amazing! Its great that they are also touring again, though on a much smaller scale. The reason for my post, is I am going to see them this weekend in two live shows in San Juan Capistrano and Hermosa Beach. Elin, my best friend of many years and my partner in crime in all things Hips related and also the person I owe a great big THANK YOU for introducing me to the Mother hips.


This weekend, I am breaking in a 'Hips' newbie, my husband! He has only heard them in bits and pieces as I have made him mix tapes or when Ive been listening to them. So in honor of seeing them live, I made him a mix tape of my favorites, and thought I would break in all you other 'Hips' newbies out there! Click the link and download my mix! I am hoping that you will all fall in love with them and purchase all their albums and support them so they can keep making music!


Some of my favorite Hips shows have been at the Bit and Spur in Springdale, Utah (right outside zion), which provided me with some of the most memorable shows, some being, when Kgordee played with the Hips, and my 21st birthday, and him kissing his wife for the first time, a weird lady sitting on Elin's lap who was sitting on Emilie's lap, crazy crazy crowds and the fun road trips with hours of 'who would you rather games'. When I came home from 4 months in China, after an 18 hour flight and little sleep, I surprised all my friends by showing up at the Mother Hips show in Provo at Johnny B's. Seeing the Hips at the Zepher in Utah! always the funnest and most joyous crowds of fans, being surrounded by friends all singing along to every song. Once I was singing so loud to 'Hey Emilie' that I was 'overcome' by the spirit of rock and roll and literally Collapsed at Egos, in Utah. Of course the Hips road trips to different states, especially the Belly Up in San Diego, always a rowdy crowd but worth it. Also fun to camp in San Clemente on the beach and look for records at Lou's! I have so so many memories of my time 'following' the Mother Hips, and I hope that anyone who reads this will comment and share the love! Because I know their music has certainly made a difference in my life and gotten me through a lot!