MELINDA HOLLAND

NEW BLOG!

2009-06-29T00:57:00.008-07:00

Alright folks, I have a new blog and I'm jumping with excitement!
www.melindahollandblog.com
is the place to be!

So head on over to the new blog and check out the improvements! Larger photos, better search capabilities and Oh So Awesome!!!
I love it and I hope you do too!

So what are you waiting for?!! Go! www.melindahollandblog.com

Website Down!!

2009-06-12T19:44:00.004-07:00

UPDATE: Thanks to the marvelous folks at Bludomain, the site is back up!! They resolved the issue wayyyy faster than my hosting company (which I'm now thinking of switching away from...)

Way to go Bludomain!!! If you're an artist or photographer, I recommend Bludomain's website templates. They're easy to set-up and Blu's service has been absolutely fabulous. Go to their website!!
__________________
Hello Everybody! Yipes! The website is currently down due to several frustrating reasons. I hope to get this all resolved soon.

Little Lela

2009-05-20T23:30:00.005-07:00

Five day old Lela with Daddy Jack and Mommy Nikki. Beautiful!

My first time photographing such a young baby and they were all wonderful during the shoot. Very accommodating and relaxed. Mom and Dad were so very calm, self-assured and laid-back. You'd never guess this was their first baby!

Nikki and Jack: Thanks for opening up your home and for sharing Lela's precious early moments with me. What a privilege and blessing!

Dogwood Blossoms

2009-05-11T20:13:00.006-07:00

This has got to be one of the most gorgeous blooming trees in existence. I drove past these blossoms on a rainy day last week and had to come back for a few shots. It was a good thing I had my rain jacket with me because it was pouring, but the rain made for some nice "dew" on the petals though.

My Latest Craze

2009-04-28T10:28:00.009-07:00

I don't know what it is with overexposure and zebras, but I totally dig these white-hot glowing stripes with the black bands. I shot these zebra photos a while back and they remind me of a printed t-shirt.
I always did like the look of screen prints...

Holland Boys

2009-04-22T07:00:00.008-07:00

Okay, so the above photo isn't all that nice as far as resolution goes, but sometimes the only camera you've got is the one in your phone. And when there are moments that demand photos, a camera phone will have to do.

I took this in a hotel room to document three sons hanging out & kickin' back with the old man. I love it.

A Photo Salad...

2009-03-30T18:22:00.009-07:00

I've been meaning to update...so here goes a medley of photos to show you what I've been up to; a "photo salad" so to speak.

A wolf named Yazhi peers up at me while on exhibit at the Oregon Zoo. It was (obviously) an extremely cold day. My hands usually do pretty well in the cold, but--whew!--they were suffering! These beautiful photos made the suffering well worth it though.

I don't know why, but the falling snow in the photo below reminds me of a Coca-Cola Christmas commercial...I know, I can't explain it...

A polar bear licks cream cheese off the exhibition window at the Oregon Zoo during St. Patrick's Day festivities.
An intriguing shot from the amazing Timberline Lodge in Oregon.

the mailboxes in one of Timberline's hallways

a detail...

From my recent trip to Sacramento. Such fantastic weather. I went jogging in the park and never have I felt happier during a jog. It was absolutely beautiful there.

And then some belly shots from the maternity shoot I did yesterday.

There are more photos...always more. But I've gotta run! I'll be back.

Oregon Zoo

2009-03-08T19:53:00.006-07:00

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of photographing visually impaired students from the Columbia Regional Program at the Oregon Zoo as they touched a 400 pound anesthetized Amur tiger during the tiger's annual physical. It was a great opportunity for the students to experience a tiger up close and gain a greater understanding of animals whereas normally a trip to the zoo would encompass mainly animal sounds and verbal descriptions.

Pictured above are Isaiah Dinsmore, 9, of Boones Ferry Primary School in Wilsonville, OR and his vision specialist Deirdre Luke-Brown.

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...And just a few of the many great animals I've had the privilege of photographing in the last few weeks.

Bull Asian Elephant in the snow

Absolutely gorgeous Golden Eagle

A curiously cute meerkat

It sounds hokey, but it was really enchanting to watch this sea lion swim graceful patterns in the water.

There are more pictures and I hope to get them posted soon.

Minestrone Soup

2009-01-30T18:12:00.006-08:00

Cold days call for hot soup.

Lemon Cake...w/Carrot Cake in the Bkgrd

2009-01-26T16:40:00.001-08:00

Oh, this lemon cake was sooo good. Light, fluffy, lemony...Ummm. The carrot cake: not so good.

Multnomah Tunnel

2009-01-20T22:40:00.003-08:00

The tunnel leading from the highway to Multnomah Falls in Oregon was especially intriguing as I left the falls last month....and here's some of the beautiful surrounding greenery dusted in snow...

Dreamscape vs. Realscape

2009-01-02T00:12:00.010-08:00

The Dreamscape...-Versus-
The Realscape...
The top photo was taken from a moving vehicle off of I-5 coming into Portland, OR. The bottom photo was from an excursion to the WSU Vancouver campus during one of the snow days. Both were taken before Christmas in December 2008.

In this case, I'd have to say I like my "dreamscape" better than the more realistic "realscape." Sometimes I get tired of the same 'ole same 'ole. It revives me to create something different.

Multnomah Falls, Partially Frozen

2009-01-01T22:30:00.004-08:00

Footage of Multnomah Falls in Oregon on December 17, 2008 in the midst of an unusual amount of snow. Thanks to Jon for this nice video.

And now for some photos...

So, uh...yeah...
When you're standing in front of a tourist destination such as Multnomah Falls and you ask a bystander to take a picture of you, you'd expect they'd obviously know to include the tourist attraction in the background, right?

Wrong.
Apparently, we expected too much of the three gentlemen--all friends--hovering around the Falls, each of them with a camera (they even had tripods so it wasn't just casual shooting...) We figured we were in good hands...but no. This is what we got:
Oh yeah. That's nice. A picture of us in front of some greenery. Thanks.
Frankly, we were flabbergasted. How very odd. We figured we could do better than that and hence ended up with this:
And then one of me flying solo:

Luna Restaurant: Private Wine Cellar Tour

2008-12-23T01:57:00.012-08:00

When my friend Rachelle and I lunched at the fabulous Luna Restaurant in Spokane, WA back in October, we were invited by the staff to take a private tour of their wine cellar. It was completely unexpected, but we delighted in the opportunity to see the work going on underneath the lovely decor of the dining room.

This is Dave, our knowledgeable guide, underlining the many varieties of wine that Luna serves.

The photo below is from a wall covered in corks depicting a wine bottle.
If I remember correctly, it was the handiwork of a manager with far too much time on their hands....and a shot of the beautiful Luna Restaurant. If you're wondering why it looks empty, it's because all the lunch diners have already left.
Love this whimsical display! It's the kind of thing my brain dreams of at night yet rarely designs in real life.

I love the decor. I'd love to own a home outfitted in Luna style.

Sweet Funkylicious

2008-12-16T23:00:00.006-08:00

I love it when I happen upon a completely funky home interior. While this may not be the funkiest of funkies, I have to give it kudos for that sweet collection of real paintings hung all over the wall. Definitely the focal point. Who knew I would happen upon such a treasure of a room? All I wanted to find was the bathroom and yet I found so much more...

A walk in Nine Mile Falls

2008-12-12T12:22:00.003-08:00

Brody the Golden Retriever, Nine Mile Falls, WA

Jeremy Camp: The Response Video

2008-12-11T22:52:00.002-08:00

Ha! I posted a video a few days ago where we recorded singer Jeremy Camp wishing our friends a Happy Thanksgiving. Turns out those same friends went to his concert two days after we recorded the video and they got Jeremy to record a video for us. That's awesome. Too funny.

Jeremy Camp from Donald Hughes on Vimeo.

Portfolio Trip: Walking in Walla Walla

2008-12-11T09:01:00.006-08:00

An impromtu portrait before we ventured out into beautiful Walla Walla, WA.

It was the perfect time of year (October) to be walking around Walla Walla. The leaves were in full color and the sun was bright. I felt like I was walking around the set of Anne of Green Gables. A completely gorgeous fall day.

Tyler

2008-12-10T15:45:00.004-08:00

My nephew Tyler. If ever there was a good kid, this would be one of them. Well-behaved, intelligent and sweet as can be. He's got a good heart.

Jeremy Camp

2008-12-09T17:13:00.006-08:00

Singer Jeremy Camp and I at DFW Airport

On our flight into DFW for Thanksgiving, Jeremy Camp and his band were on our plane sitting all over coach with the rest of us common folk. Jon stepped out of the airplane toilet closet only to come face to face with a very familiar looking man waiting for the next vacant bathroom. Taken aback, Jon stopped and stared the stranger down thinking, "Is that?..." before going back to his seat.

Meanwhile, I'm in the bathroom opposite with no idea that there's a SUPER STAR right there. As I'm headed back to our seats, there's Jon standing up next to his seat, looking down the aisle toward me. I get closer and he goes, "I think Jeremy Camp is on our plane."

"Nuh Uh. Where?!!" We're in the second row of coach and I start peering down at all the seats behind us, both of us still standing while tons of people stare back at us.

"I ran into him coming out of the bathroom," Jon said. "You'll see him. He's got the big muscles and everything. --There he is!"

We banter back and forth, all the while speaking in hushed tones, as this trendy looking guy comes down the aisle from the back of the plane.

"No it isn't!" I say, scrutinizing the guy's face.

"That's him, " Jon says.

"No it isn't." I maintain. His hair is darker than I remember and he's wearing glasses. Two things he didn't have the last time we saw him in concert. "That's not him," I say.

"Yes it is. That's him." Jon's totally confident now. Nodding his head.

"No it's not," I continue to say, but then the guy gets closer, "--OH! Maybe it IS him!" Suddenly, I'm sure of it, too. WHOA, I think to myself, THAT'S JEREMY CAMP!

As soon as the plane lands, we hurriedly get off and wait for him like a bunch of stalkers.

I must say. Jeremy Camp is so nice and genuine. He was about to get on his phone when we accosted him, but he stopped and took the time to talk and tell all about why he was in town and what he was up to for the next few days. Truly such a kind individual.

He and his band create music that is worshipful and from the heart. Jon and I were greatly impressed with his depth of character, but listening to his lyrics and his life story told us that already. It's a great thing, though, when you actually meet the person behind the music and find out that the genuine & kind person on stage and the person in real life are one and the same. Awesome.

The video below was Jon's idea. We have friends who are super-fans of Jeremy Camp, so we had him record a Thanksgiving message for them. Wasn't that sweet of Jon? What a thoughtful guy. I do wish I was in the video though...just for selfish reasons. But I'm happy I got a photo with him.

UPDATE: See the video response our friends got Jeremy to record for us after attending his concert 2 nights after we recorded the video above for them.

Porfolio Trip: "Daddy & Me"

2008-12-05T15:12:00.009-08:00

The following photos were taken during a trip to eastern Washington to visit some friends:

The little munchkin on the swing.

No, that is not a wig. Yes, that is her real hair.

I love how their legs are following the same line.Tickles & Giggles

Little munchkin hand.

Portfolio Trip: "Mommy & Me"

2008-12-05T14:33:00.003-08:00

My wonderful friend and accomplished artist, Rachelle Tiner, took me to this beautiful Japanese Garden back in October when the leaves were in full color. It was absolutely stunning. And the garden was free! I couldn't believe it. Such a nice garden and they let any 'ole person saunter in. Unbelievable.
Of course, with such a pretty place around us, I had to snap some pics:

Rachelle is such a natural in front of the camera. I just love photographing her!

Evangeline's a beautiful little baby girl. But, geez, look at her mother. I guess it's no surprise!

Look at these delicious boots Rachelle was sporting. Had to get a photo of those.

Evangeline's little boots were adorable, too!

Heidi + Ukulele

2008-12-04T22:32:00.002-08:00

Love ukuleles. They're such happy instruments.

Styling Pasta: Round 2

2008-11-21T22:56:00.007-08:00

Whole grain pasta with asparagus, zucchini, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Ever since I saw a cover this summer from Real Simple magazine featuring spaghetti on a red background, I've been on a semi-mission to learn how to style spaghetti. I say semi-mission because I only try my hand at styling spaghetti when I make it for dinner. And, pasta's not the easiest thing to style as far as I'm concerned, so I actually didn't attempt it until last month. Needless to say, my first attempt was...well, not so good. The above photo is my second attempt. I've got a ways to go before I figure out how to wrestle spaghetti, but the good news is that at least it looked a lot better than my first try. And, it tasted a heck of a lot better than the other spaghetti dish I made. ;)

2008-11-18T11:08:00.002-08:00

Lone Tree

2008-11-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

Beautimus.

Yesterday the weather wasn't just rainy, it was rainy, blustery and awful. Just miserable weather. The kind of weather you don't want to go out in.

But today. Well today was a new day. Surprisingly bright with sunlight--still cold--but sunny and wonderful. The kind of sunshine where everything looks good and happy, even this gnarled old tree.

The Ramer House

2008-11-11T14:13:00.006-08:00

Ramer House, October 20, 2008, Walla Walla, WA

I've mentioned in the past that I'm a big fan of Joel Meyerowitz's work. His images are timeless and take me back to peaceful and idyllic times. It was 2004 when I had my first "Meyerowitz Experience" at the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, TX. I was there for my photo professor's grand Artist's Talk regarding his exhibit Brent Phelps: Photographing the Lewis and Clark Trail. Unfortunately, I drove around too long trying to find a parking space and they ran out of seats and wouldn't allow any extra people in. So, alas, I never did get to hear him talk about his experiences photographing along the trail. What a stinker. But--the flip side is that while I was milling around the museum waiting for Brent to finish his talk, I happened upon a beautiful color photograph hanging among several other pieces on one of the smaller walls. The photograph was Hartwig House by a certain Joel Meyerowitz. I made a mental note to look him up when I got home. Hartwig House is a photo of a home interior looking down a hallway full of doors which ends with a screened door filled with shrubs beyond. It's hard to describe adequately, but this I do know: As I stood there with that photograph an inch from my nose, just a youth in my early twenties, absorbing the creamy colors of the print, I stepped into another time: calm, peaceful. I became part of that photograph, walking down that hallway, floating through that print. I know that sounds artsy and fanciful, but the experience was so incredible. Meyerowitz's Hartwig House changed the way I looked at photography. His books A Summer's Day and Cape Light changed the way I viewed the world and shaped the way I shot for the next couple of years.

Meyerowitz's work is way beyond the photo above, but as I stood in the Ramer home that day, I couldn't help but remember and be inspired all over again when I saw that hallway and those doors.

Judy's Place

2008-11-07T16:14:00.004-08:00

I do believe I've found myself a new prop stylist: Judy Thompson. She has such a great sense of color and balance. Her home is deliciously Crate & Barrel-esque complete with closets full of linens, a fully stocked kitchen, a garden...and on and on and on. I was giddy with all her "props". They were so fun and scrumptious in detail, variety, texture...Oh! I loved it! Can't wait to work with her again. Thanks Judy!

Above: The cookies are from a new recipe I've been trying. Rosemary Shortbread Cookies. Sounds kinda weird but they're completely great. They taste best before they start to brown--but...pale cookies aren't always so good for photos. 'Course, I shouldn't have put them on a white plate... Ah well. Live and learn.

Applesauce

2008-11-06T17:47:00.005-08:00

Jon made the best applesauce I've ever tasted. Like....ever. While I was out of town on my portfolio trip (of which I still need to post photos...arrgh), he decided to use up the rest of the apples we picked a few weeks back. I'm so proud of his fabulous applesauce-making skills: Boiling the apples and putting them through the, uh....an apple grinder thingy.

I hear it took a really long time, was quite cumbersome, and was the first and last time he'll ever make applesauce.

Well.
In that case, I will have to savor this last bowl and then lick it out when I'm finished.

Festive

2008-11-03T11:37:00.006-08:00

I don't know about you, but I looove the Christmas season. It's not about gifts for me, that's for sure. I just love the colors, smells, lights, sparkles... all the desserts, all the ribbons! Oo la la! I freakin' LOVE ribbons. I'm a ribbon fanatic. Well, okay, maybe not a fanatic, but I can definitely spend at least an hour in the ribbon aisle. If you gave me an empty box wrapped with tons of fancy ribbon for Christmas, I'd be really stoked and excited. Ribbons are just so pretty. I recognize that they're totally unnecessary and entirely lavish...but if I could justify it, I'd have an entire closet full of ribbon.

Above: My friend Rachelle sent me these chewy and moist gingerbread cookies and I must say they are wickedly good!

Update: Apparently, these are "molasses sugar cookies" and not gingerbread cookies as I previously thought. That makes sense, actually, because they do have a different consistency than gingerbread cookies. ;)

Angel Hair Pasta

2008-10-24T09:46:00.002-07:00

Our dinner last night: Angel hair pasta with garlic, parsley, capers and sun-dried tomatoes. Really good stuff.

Wow-o: October Leaves

2008-10-24T08:50:00.002-07:00

Took this two days ago while on a walk. Gorgeous.

Portfolio Trip

2008-10-22T15:22:00.005-07:00

Got back from my roadtrip yesterday. Traveled to Spokane and Walla Walla, WA to visit my fantastic friends, Travis and Rachelle, and meet Rachelle's family. Saw some beautiful fall foliage and had lots of fun. Drove approx 900 miles and took thousands of photos in 7 days. The shots included food, flowers, home interiors, landscapes, portraits and some funky artsy stuff mixed in. Just shooting, shooting, shooting, having fun and eating really well.

Here's a shot to get you started. This is from the fabulous Luna restaurant in Spokane, WA. I'll post more later.

The best crispy tofu with vegetables I've ever had.

Memories that double as dreams

2008-10-15T00:24:00.009-07:00

My computer desktop tends to get cluttered with folders full of images. I was cleaning it all off and backing it up when I came across this photo I took of my friend, Vickie, this past May 08. She and I often go for walks, rambling about whatever comes to mind as we meander through the woods and dirt paths. I forgot I took this photo. Vickie and I love the sun and are transplants to the Northwest from much sunnier states. I remember the woods looked particulary enchanting that morning with the sunlight filtering through all the greenery. I'll have to amend this post sometime and post more "tree & sunlight" photos from this past summer. I really got on a sunny tree kick for a bit there, but I never posted those photos.

I often shoot as I go along in life and then the photos never get posted for anyone to see. Like Garry Winogrand, many of my photos may never be seen by anyone else but me. Not even my own immediate family sees all the photos I take. Kind of sad really.

Anyway, I like the feel of this photo. Something nostalgic and dreamy about it.

Worst Case Scenario

2008-10-14T21:01:00.008-07:00

UPDATE: It turns out the UPS driver delivered my equipment to my neighbor two doors down. My neighbor showed up on my doorstep the morning after my gear was delivered holding an open box saying, "Sorry, I opened it. I thought it was my sales materials." As much as I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt, I can't help but wonder. I mean, really. Does he get so many packages that he doesn't even look at the label to see whom it's addressed to? ...I dunno....It's a darn good thing I didn't order my dream camera worth the price of a good used car. Otherwise, that neighbor might've been tempted to gift himself with a new camera or make some cash selling it on eBay. Yikes.
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1) Worst case scenario: You order some needed equipment for a shoot and it doesn't arrive on time.

2) Better yet: You order some needed equipment for a shoot and it arrives on time but gets delivered to somebody else.

3) Even better: You order some needed equipment for a shoot and it arrives on time but gets delivered to someone else and they pretend like they don't have it all the while they're gleefully playing with your couple hundred dollars worth of gear.

So the winner goes to #2 and the scary thought of #3 is playing in my head.

Great. Just great. I won't say the exact carrier of the package but let's just say they've been known to wear the color brown.

I ordered a couple things from B&H Photo (I highly recommend them. Fantastic business.) Not the biggest purchase ever. But hey, a few hundred bucks is still a few hundred bucks. And it's never fun to have money disappear.
Anyway, I ordered 4 different items to take along on a roadtrip to Eastern Washington tomorrow to photograph a couple of awesome home interiors/exteriors and also several tablescapes and food shots at the homes of an artist and an interior designer.

It was supposed to arrive at my doorstep today and, according to the tracking page online, it was delivered to a "Front Door." Well, that's great. Good. Wonderful. Now here's what I'd like to know: Who's front door was it delivered to?

It sure wasn't delivered to my front door.

Time will tell. I hope this all resolves itself tomorrow morning. The good news is that it's only a portfolio shoot to bulk up my portfolio and get some fresh work going, plus I only really needed one of the items I ordered. The other 3 items would've made the shoot easier but I wouldn't have suffered too badly without them. Ah well. I'll just have to regroup and make the most of what I have...and pray that there isn't some evil person out there playing with my hard earned money. If I'd have gotten someone's package, no matter how expensive, I would've returned it to them--that's the absolute truth.

Hot Chocolate

2008-10-11T23:59:00.004-07:00

Hot Chocolate with fresh whipped cream, cinnamon & red sugar sprinkles, and red hot cinnamon candies.

More Pizza

2008-10-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yet another pizza picture. Been making a lot of pizza lately. If I had a last meal, pizza would be it. I love pizza. Well, I take that back. I'd have pizza and Pei Wei's Thai Dynamite. I love Pei Wei. I love pizza and Pei Wei.

Cuckoo for Coconuts

2008-10-09T20:22:00.008-07:00

There's nothing like cold, fresh coconut. My parents picked these beauties up from the asian food store. Mom is a whiz at hacking these things open with a butcher knife. I LOVE these things. You just hack a hole in the top (easier said than done), insert a straw and drink away. That cold, fresh and sweet coconut juice is so indescribably wonderful. Praise God for the creation of coconuts. And then the meat of the coconut is such a treat afterwards...Oh, how I want one right now.

Deee-lish...

Alette & Ian's Wedding

2008-10-09T00:54:00.005-07:00

Was in Mississippi last weekend for a wedding. Just a quick snapshot as they were about to take off to the reception. One of my favorites. Top left corner bugs me. I dunno what that is. Part of the limo door? Anywho...just one of the reasons I'm not a wedding photographer! ;)

Anybody need a toothbrush and some paste?

2008-10-08T18:51:00.009-07:00

My father.

He never ceases to crack me up with his antics. I was home this past week when he excitedly busted out a hard black suitcase full of dental fun and threw it on the bed. I repeat...a suitcase full. Too funny.

"Where'd you get all this?!!" I exclaimed.

"Albertsons! The store was closing. They were having a clearance!" He was so excited.

There are conflicting reports as to the exact amount he spent on all the toothbrushes and paste. He says he spent $75 while mom says the number changes each time he shares his treasure trove of dental supplies. Sometimes it's $100 sometimes less.

They were nice toothbrushes though. Not just a stick with bristles. They were actually the "fancy" technologically advanced ones with the rubber cups and rubber wavy lines going through the bristles and whatnot. They're the toothbrushes that I look at when I'm in the toothbrush aisle contemplating how well they brush and admiring them while also knowing that I'd never spend the extra money on a "fancy" stick toothbrush. Now the Sonicare ones...that's a different story.

All I know is, Dad is so silly when it comes to sales. There's, like, eight DVD players at the house because they were all on sale. So silly. Dad cracks me up.

I just shake my head and get a good laugh.

P.S. Love that funky flowery bedspread next to the crazy suitcase full of brushes and paste.

Dried Cranberries

2008-09-28T18:12:00.009-07:00

So I went to Crate & Barrel for the first time in my life.
I know...what took me so long. Nevertheless, I have been exposed to the wonder that is Crate & Barrel...and I will never be the same. And though I wanted to, I didn't go into a buying frenzy. But I must say they have kitchen and tableware that I have not seen anywhere else. And then the furniture upstairs...Oh, if I had money to throw away I'd completely give myself over to the likes of Crate & Barrel furniture....so magnificent.

But instead, I managed to walk away with none other than this little white bowl and spoon. Pretty generic and nothing that screams, "I'm fabulous and I look like I came from Crate & Barrel!!" but I really think it's going to be a useful prop. ...funny how I buy things not for social gatherings and meals, but only as quiet models.

Oatmeal Cranberry Pecan Cookies

2008-09-26T18:00:00.003-07:00

How yummy is this. I recently went prop shopping and whoo-whee am I ever having fun! I found this fabulous wood cutting board at Bed Bath & Beyond and the napkins were on clearance at Target. You know what I love more than pretty kitchen items?
Pretty kitchen items on clearance. WHOOOOO YEAHHH! I loooove me some clearance.

Napkin Rings

2008-09-25T10:45:00.006-07:00

Just a few shots from a collection I've been working on.

Beautiful Dumpster

2008-09-21T23:35:00.009-07:00

Vancouver, British Columbia, July 2008

"Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world I feel like I can't take it, and my heart is just going to cave in." --Ricky Fitts played by Wes Bentley, American Beauty, 1999

The dumpster above reminded me of one of the most memorable, beautiful and profound movie clips I've ever seen. I was in high school when American Beauty came out. I watched it at home with my brother since we didn't see it in the theater. Back then, I was a lot younger (obviously), vibrant, creative and a lot more "artsy" than I am now. So fresh and brimming with excitement for what I was going to become in the world. It seems time and life has a way of numbing all those firing synapses. It's too bad, really. But I know it doesn't have to be that way.
Likewise, a friend of mine recently enrolled in a book making class saying, "I wanted to do some creative stuff with my hands again..." Yes, he too felt the pull of his creative roots and decided to do something about it before it got buried by the weight of work, family and everything else in life.

To my disappointment, the "Embed" function from the best YouTube clip of this scene from American Beauty has been disabled so I can't embed it here, but you can still watch it by clicking on the hyperlink. I love this scene. Others may think it's completely out there or too fartsy...but I still love it.
(At the time of this post, the linked clip does not contain any violence, nudity or graphic nature of that sort.)

Portland Cityfest 2008 w/Chris Tomlin

2008-09-21T21:49:00.011-07:00

I'm a month late in posting the pics from our time at Portland Cityfest on August 22, 2008. I wanted to see the amazingly talented Chris Tomlin since I've never seen him in person before. What excitement when he finally took the stage and sung his well-known and inspiring songs.

Below: No Tomlin concert would be complete without "How Great is our God". Which he expertly sang. He's sounds just as good live.

Below: "Your Grace is Enough"

I love watching the crowds huddle after events. All the little groups.

A shot of legs and feet. Ever since my talented friend, Justin Clemons, shared with me his affinity for shooting feet, I've started noticing legs and feet too...Thanks, Justin, for letting me jump on the bandwagon. I promise not to take feet photos as cool as yours.

Sunday Morning Serendipity

2008-09-17T20:29:00.011-07:00

I had a hankering for eggs and veggie bacon strips on Sunday. To my utter delight, out popped not one, but two gorgeous egg yolks from my beautiful brown egg. What a stroke of luck! Honestly--I resembled a child as I gasped with my eyes wide before immediately breaking out in an awe-filled smile. What can I say? Simple things please me so. It was a beautiful morning. The air was crisp, the breakfast aromas were mixing with the fresh morning breeze, the sun was pouring through the window...ahhh...so very nice. All I needed was the sound of coffee brewing and the fantastically heady smell that comes along with it.

homemade pizza anyone?

2008-09-12T14:03:00.005-07:00

Tasty Little Things

2008-09-12T12:14:00.009-07:00

For my birthday I had two things of which I don't normally have:

1) A fantastic Twix bar (which I haven't had in FOREVER. And by forever I mean years.)
And
2) What I call "Birthday Cheetos!!!" A completely delicious Family Size bag of crunchy Cheetos. So good. I'll buy another bag in 6 months or so. Good stuff. It'll probably take years off my life...but...oh well.

Honey Lemon Ginger Tea w/Mint

2008-09-02T16:30:00.004-07:00

My favorite homemade tea is made from fresh ginger slices boiled in purified water. Once the ginger's boiled and steeped, I add tons of lemon and honey to my cup with a bit of mint. I think it's super yummy and absolutely love it, but others tell me it's too spicy. Depends on how long you boil the ginger.

Ummm...that spicy ginger coupled with tangy lemon, then swirled with honey to sweeten and reign it all back in...Yum! I've yet to find a pre-packaged tea like it. But who needs pre-packaged when you can make it fresh and it's so easy too.

Blueberries on Quaker Squares + Fresh U-Pick

2008-08-23T22:36:00.010-07:00

My current favorite cereal is Quaker Oatmeal Squares (the brown sugar flavor) with fresh picked blueberries that are only $1.10 a pound at the local produce farm. The cereal is hearty with a good crunch and flavor, not overly sweet. And with the blueberries...oh...Perfect!

Below: fresh-picked blueberries from our favorite u-pick farm, Philbrook Farm, in Vancouver, WA. They don't have a website yet otherwise I'd link to it. This season, the u-pick blueberries were only $1.10/lb!! Such a steal for a bit of work picking the berries, which are so easy to pick compared to thorny blackberries.

Lilah Maureen

2008-08-21T23:17:00.008-07:00

I just love the outtake above from Mark and Marella's newborn shoot. Great energy.

...and, of course, a family photo...

Silver Star Mountain, Round 3

2008-08-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

It was an overcast day as we set out for our third trip up Silver Star Mountain. The third time is the charm. Not only did we finally make it to the top but the hike was the most stunning I'd ever seen it, just chock full of blossoms and color everywhere! In some parts I swear it was like hiking through someone's well-maintained garden. I can't believe how perfectly the wild blooms grew. Just smashingly beautiful! The pictures don't do it justice. Like so many things, you just have to be there.

That hill in the background above isn't our final destination, just a bump along the way.

Can you believe how perfect the plants look? Utterly amazing.

Couldn't resist posting another one of Max among the blooms. He looks so cute!

When we came to this huge flat field bursting with yellow flowers I honestly felt like I was in some whimsical land. It was fantastic and magical like The Wizard of Oz and the Yellow Brick Road. The sun would come out for a fleeting moment and the whole expanse would light up powerful and golden. It was the most exhilarating and breathtaking thing I've seen since living here. Amazing. Just absolutely amazing. It was an experience so wonderful that I wished all my good friends could be there to experience it also.

It's Blackberry Pickin' Time!

2008-08-20T17:49:00.007-07:00

We've been picking the free blackberries that grow around here and I tell ya what...There is nothing like FREE produce to make something as delicious as a homemade pie. Well, the inside was homemade. The crust was organic, whole wheat, ready-made crust from Whole Foods. I took one look at the directions for making pie crust, deemed it far too time consuming and quickly opted for the (actually quite scrumptious) store variety.

Above: me quickly devouring a warm piece of pie a la mode. And yes, I was shooting and eating at the same time. I love to eat. I love to shoot. So why not do it at the same time?

Below: More blackberry and ice cream fun at home!

The Tiners

2008-07-31T15:28:00.007-07:00

I had an incredibly effortless shoot while in Seattle shooting the oh-so-photogenic Tiner family.
They were marvelous models, I didn't have to direct them at all. All I had to do was show up and they did their thing!
It was hard to choose just a couple for the blog, but here are some of my favorites:

and then the entire beautiful family:

Seattle

2008-07-30T18:36:00.014-07:00

View From the Top, Seattle, WA

We've been on the move once again. Two weeks ago it was Bend, OR. Last week it was Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Next week it'll be Welches, OR.

The adventure starts at the sweet --I mean, really sweet-- Pan Pacific Hotel in Seattle. It's currently only 1 of 2 Pan Pacific Hotels in the United States. The other one is in Hawaii. Of course. I highly recommend a stay at the Pan Pacific Seattle. They are highly accommodating and pride themselves on two words: Of Course.

Whatever you want, that's their response. You say, "Can I get a..." or "Yeah, I'd like..." To which they answer, "Of course."

Within reason...of course.

That bed was soooo comfy. And the 32" flatscreen TV wasn't so bad either.

Oh, and why is the window blown out? Because if it wasn't then you'd see a bunch of construction on the building across the street. And nobody wants to look at construction when they're pampering themselves.

Loved the sliding doors separating the bath from the rest of the room. Nice touch.

A view from inside the glass-walled shower.

And me.
About to eat breakfast while soaking in the tub.
Why?

Because I can. That's why.

In fact, I even watched an episode of So You Think You Can Dance.
From the bathtub.
Why?
That's right.
Because I can.
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It was my first time in Seattle and my friend Rachelle (who is an AMAZING artist, check out Rachelle's website) showed me all the sights and sounds of the city. We had a full day experiencing the thoroughly intriguing Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, and dinner at The Pink Door. After which we decided to stuff one more attraction into the day and that was certainly none other than the attraction of all Seattle attractions: The Space Needle.

...and the view from the top.

Marella

2008-07-30T14:58:00.002-07:00

Update: Marella had a girl. Just as I suspected! It seems like everyone I know is having baby girls. Three out of four couples I know had baby girls this past year.
Just a shot from Marella's maternity shoot about 2 weeks ago. She was fabulous and looked great for being 9 months pregnant. In fact, I believe she's due today! Will it be a boy or girl? We don't know! Only time will tell!

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

2008-07-21T18:05:00.006-07:00

If you've never tried this, you should. It's as good as Twix if you dip the pretzels in caramel first.

Cara Barer

2008-07-14T17:04:00.004-07:00

I discovered this amazing artist photographer today through FotoFest, a Houston based photographic arts organization where I was an intern a couple summers back.

The following four images are courtesy of photographer Cara Barer. www.carabarer.com

Kaleidoscope, photo by Cara Barer

Torso, photo by Cara Barer

Carmen, photo by Cara Barer

Angel Food, photo by Cara Barer

I was immediately intrigued upon my first glance at her work and quickly went to her website to find out more about the mysterious objects in her photos. Off I went to www.carabarer.com and --Lo and Behold!!-- the mysterious objects in her photos are nothing more than books!

Now that is an artist.

I had a conversation a few weeks ago with my cousin (who is not an artist) about how artists see the world differently than non-artists. Artists notice and find beauty in simple, everyday objects whereas others may pass by the same everyday object without a second thought.

Cara Barer has turned tired old yellow pages, computer manuals, and many other books into incredible photographic sculptures. And I do believe this is one book collection that is definitely worth taking the time to browse.

Lights at Night

2008-07-07T23:31:00.006-07:00

Though it's been done, re-done, and done again, photographing lights at night with a long exposure never ceases to amuse me. Plus, it's a good way to pass time at a barbeque social that's lasted far too long.

Travels

2008-07-01T15:56:00.003-07:00

Hiking Silver Star Mountain in Washington with a view of Mt. Hood

Now that the weather's nicer, we've been out and about seeing what nature has to offer. The last time we hiked Silver Star it was foggy with a chilly wind. This time around it was still cold at the top but the sun has a way of making things look and feel a hundred times better.

Some silly goobers ice surfing at Silver Star Mountain.

Then I went off to Sacramento for 5 days to help my cousin with her wedding plans since it'll be "Bridesmaid Round 2" for me come March 2009. While there, I sat in this amazing big tree near the capital building and got back to my roots as one who loved to climb trees as a kid. I had a great time sitting in that tree, relaxing...just being. I had my cousin take a pic with my phone to capture the moment and then I accidently erased them the next day. **grimace** It's been a long time since I've accidently completely erased a set of digital photos...I dunno what I was thinking.

And then the day after departing Sacramento, Jon and I were off to Oswald West State Park in Oregon for camping where I again sat in a tree and this time I have a photo to prove it. We watched surfers, enjoyed the beach, and hiked, hiked, hiked. Crazy enough, we met a girl there who is from the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area of Texas. Which is where I grew up! Small world, right? We also met a lady from Shalimar, Florida which is close to another place where we have family. Great times. I love meeting people on my travels who are also well-traveled.

Tree hugging at Oswald West while also watching the surfers come in after a long day of surfing. I even got a few delighted smiles and laughs as some of the surfers noticed me up in the tree. Glad I could make people smile.

Orzo Salad

2008-06-18T16:36:00.005-07:00

Oh yum. Jon and I were at Whole Foods a month or so ago and I was shoveling a ton of food from their supremely marvelous buffet into my $7.99/lb To Go box. Pricey but sooo good, fresh, and tasty. Among the variety of curried tofu I scooped into the box, there was this wonderfully light orzo with veggies and feta. I don't recall ever having orzo before but I'm happy I tried it 'cause it was LIP-SMACKIN' GOOD! UM!

Since then I've made it twice. The first batch was just as good as Whole Foods' and the second batch turned out kinda dry and tasteless. Definitely needed more salt and lemon juice. But hey, as long as it looks good in the picture, no one will ever know...

Oh. And for all you eco-lovin', green, organic types who tend to give me a hard time for being from Texas (full of shotgun toting, red-neck, planet-littering, red-meat-only types, of course...)

Off the top of your head:
Where do you think Whole Foods was started?
And where is it headquartered today?

Check your Whole Foods 365 Everyday Brand labels.

Uh huh. That's what I thought.

Chives!

2008-06-16T19:43:00.002-07:00

This past Saturday I saw the prettiest, most healthy herb garden I've ever seen at a beautiful home in the woods of Yacolt, WA. The garden thrived with basil, lemon oregano, parsley, rosemary, and the chives pictured above. Aren't those pink flowers beautiful? Plus, I'm sure I missed a bunch of other herbs growing in the same vicinity that I simply didn't recognize. So wonderful to see such a mighty collection of herbs.

Group Shot from Derek & Angie's Wedding

2008-06-10T22:43:00.004-07:00

Okay, I had to add some more pics from Oahu. Derek & Angie's photographer, Susanne Pridoehl did such a fabulous job. She did an incredible job exposing in full-on sunlight from 9am and on. I'm just amazed at the color and clarity, especially since she was shooting into the sun for most of the ceremony. Amazing. I'm in awe at her skills.

Friends Let Friends Shoot Friends

2008-06-09T16:30:00.006-07:00

Josh gettin' his mug on.

Many thanks to my buddy, Josh, for being my guinea pig and partner in crime as we waded through manuals and the fabulous Strobist.
I'm just starting to put my toe in the water when it comes to balancing flash with ambient so there's plenty of improvement to be had, but I'm glad I finally jumped in--with Josh's discerning help, of course.

Here's a test shot from our impromtu session on my back deck.

The Groomsman & Bridesmaid

2008-06-05T22:42:00.004-07:00

Another pic from Derek & Angie's Wedding this past April in Oahu. What a cute groomsman & bridesmaid. I dunno...something tells me there's more to this couple than just opposite sides of a wedding party. Must be the eye contact and "come hither" smile they're giving each other...

Completely gorgeous wedding! We were so blessed and fortunate to be a part of it!

Here are some pics from their photographer:

Derek & Angie are GORGEOUS.

Derek looks sweet in his faux hawk. No really. I mean that.

Super Hot Angie!!!

I love this pic of the guys!!!

Luscious Lemon...

2008-06-02T22:26:00.004-07:00

I admit it. I made these lemon bars over a month ago, managed to eat half the 8x8 pan, left the rest in the fridge, and decided I couldn't & shouldn't eat the rest of the pan by myself. Since it was so old I definitely didn't want to give it out to friends or bring it to a church potluck. So I finally hauled out the rest a few days ago in order to take its portrait.

After taking several shots, off they went into the trashcan under the sink, never to be seen again.

And me? I didn't feel so bad about their sad demise since I'd gotten some shots out of it...

Byodo-In Temple, Oahu, Hawaii

2008-05-27T16:00:00.002-07:00

In our latest trip to Hawaii, we visited the stunning Byodo-In Temple nestled among trees and a mist-enshrouded mountain. We arrived with the grounds to ourselves and were truly delighted by the beauty of the surrounding scenery.

There are so many things to see and love in Hawaii. I keep telling everybody that one day I'm going to live there!

Jamie Livingston's Photo of the Day

2008-05-26T23:34:00.003-07:00

Above image courtesy of Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn

I came across this haunting & intriguing piece of work in which a man named Jamie Livingston took a Polaroid every day, for 18 years, chronicling his life until his death in 1997. I first discovered this story on PDN's blog, which led me on a trail to Mental Floss's blog, which led me to Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn.

There is a comment reprinted on OTBKB by a person with a screen name of "krippledkonscious" that best describes why the reaction is so strong to Jamie Livingston's work:

"I had to think a little bit about why this is so stirring. This is not a technical achievement, nor an endeavor that requires an inaccessible skill set. This is one thing, done once a day. Something so spare and ordinary, just taken to extraordinary lengths. A simple thing: whatever struck his fancy on a given day - just capture one thing on film. Simple.

"I know a lot of people try to do this on Flickr, but this is strikingly different in many respects. This isn't a collection of forced poses or composed shots or juxtapositions, he isn't looking for something funny, weird, or ironic. I find myself thinking I should try this, but give up within days because I'd try to wait until something interesting happened. That's me not appreciating the ordinary, or trying to force it, and not having the discipline to just do something on principle. These photos are as simple as memories. They don't always make sense, they don't always fit into some grand theme or design. Here is a memory. Here is another. All you need to know is: this was then, on this date. This happened, I was there. Do you remember?

"Nothing seems framed here. You don't feel as if he is trying to sell you anything about himself. I like to think that the people in his life probably questioned this hobby or wondered what purpose it could ever serve - especially in those days before such a scheme could bring you internet glory. There was no market for this kind of thing. Who would care? Why keep at it? No one will see it. That camera isn't even portable. The resolution is terrible. Why bother?

"I think we react to this because it is so rare. A refreshingly simple thing, devoid of polish or fanfare, suddenly set in front of us by chance. It doesn't ask anything of you. You take what you will."

Derek & Angie's Wedding - April 27, 2008

2008-05-20T16:53:00.008-07:00

Derek & Angie enjoying the awesome VW Surf Bus given to them by friends and family. The bus was signed, decorated, and filled with wacky stuff in remembrance of their special day.

Our friends, Derek & Angie, got married in a GORGEOUS ceremony on Kailua Beach on Oahu. I must say it was more beautiful than our beach wedding. I don't have any pictures from the ceremony since I was a bridesmaid, but I did find time to snap a few pics & some video during the reception at the awesome beach house where we all stayed.

It was really edifying to watch the wedding photographer and her assistant throughout the day as they captured every moment. The technique of wedding photographers varies across the board and I'm highly interested in seeing how well they blend into the ceremony and interact with the couple to get the best shot. I've seen some pretty bad wedding technique, but on this occasion the photographer was quite good. She was laid-back & out of the way, but always working and offering guidance when needed.

Friends and family watching Derek & Angie open their "wedding night gifts."

Magical Fireworks on Magic Island

2008-05-02T16:37:00.006-07:00

Jon & I were in Oahu all last week for a wedding. Jon was a groomsman and I was a bridesmaid. For some odd reason, the powers that be paired us up to walk down the aisle together. I dunno why... I'll post pics when the photographer completes all the post processing.

The above photo was taken at Magic Island in Honolulu, Hawaii, during a cookout at the park with the engaged couple, wedding party, family, and friends. I didn't lug the tripod along on this particular outing so I shot sitting on the grass with my elbows on my knees, trying to keep as steady as possible, while shooting at 1/3 sec @ 5.6.

As far as our time in Hawaii goes...the week itself was pretty awesome: 20 friends in a gigantic house--complete with a pool and hot tub--two blocks from the beach.

Good times.

I Model Armani

2008-04-29T22:14:00.004-07:00

What good is life if you can't have a little fun? This photo cracks me up! Props to my friend, Jayme, for taking this stellar photo of my short modeling career at the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Hawaii last week. The look on my face could've been better but I was about to bust out laughing. You should've seen the shoppers cracking up as they walked past the window. Ah... So great.

Spinach & Goat Cheese Phyllo Triangles

2008-04-16T19:07:00.005-07:00

Good grief. With all the recipes I've been trying lately my beach bod is fast disappearing. The lemon ricotta muffins I made were quite scrumptious, but not something I'd make all the time. These spinach triangles, however, are absolutely a winner. Most recipes call for feta cheese but I used plain goat cheese from the fabulous Costco (such a fantastic price for goat cheese!)

I've made them 3 or 4 times in the last month (that's a lot for me). I even got a "Those are really good" from my fantastic & hardworking husband. Which I don't hear often, though not because I'm a horrendous cook, it's just that I'm not the healthiest cook around...(wink!)

These keep in the fridge and re-heat really well. With that said, I give these ultra-savory spinach & goat cheese phyllo triangles Two Forks Up.

Tazo Passion Tea

2008-04-16T17:57:00.002-07:00

I love this tea! I've loved it for years. I love it hot, I love it cold. I absolutely love it with sugar and I definitely don't like it with honey. Yum Yum Getcha Sum.

Giada's Lemon Ricotta Muffins

2008-04-09T22:03:00.008-07:00

I made these muffins yesterday with a recipe off the Food Network from the fabulously engaging Giada De Laurentiis. These are her lemon ricotta muffins with--you guessed it--fresh lemon and ricotta cheese. The dough was so thick and gooey I thought the end result would be closer to a scone, but they turned out super moist and absolutely fluffy. Amazing. Everyone loved them! Giada not only has a winning smile, she has winning recipes as well.

And check out that gorgeous blue plate. Aren't they fabulous?! My sweet husband bought a set of four square salad plates. He knew I'd like them. He has great taste and a great eye for color.
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And then a shot of some moody muffins before they got all pretty and colorful on the set.

Photographer Andy Batt

2008-04-07T15:41:00.015-07:00

Andy Batt, Therese Gietler, Melinda Holland (Good to see you again. Those were sweet outfits, by the way.)

From opening night of photographer Andy Batt's Portraits of the World Famous March Fourth Marching Band. The exhibit includes 70 black & white, 17" x 22" prints of the March Fourth Marching Band of whom some of the portraits can be seen behind us in the photo above.

In the same way that I love people watching, I love looking at a series of portraits. Photography creates a portal into human life and it was a privilege to see how each individual chose to interact with the camera and photographer. The lighting and dark background added unity to the show yet each portrait was extremely engaging and unique.

The exhibit is up at Nemo Design in Portland, OR until April 28, 2008. Go see it. The work is truly captivating. If you like Richard Avedon's portraits, you'll like this exhibit.

Oh. And buy some of Andy Batt's work. For a slideshow of the exhibit and to buy 2 or 3 or 70 of the prints, go here.

For the rest of his portfolio, go to his website: www.andybatt.com

Sweet stuff. All hail the Battster.

---
Oh, and here's a video from the folks at Nemo Design detailing Andy's show. Thanks to Therese for hooking me up with the link.

Lifeguard Stand on the Oregon Coast

2008-04-01T04:31:00.003-07:00

A blustery day on the Oregon Coast. Lots of wind and sideways rain. This shot reminds me of my photo hero's work, Joel Meyerowitz. Fantastic photographer. I'd say he's legendary. His work on Cape Cod stopped me in my tracks. His entire portfolio is incredible but it was his work on Cape Cod that first caught my eye. Meyerowitz's stunning seascapes and documentation of life in all its idyllic quietness gave me a better understanding of what it's like to just live. To just experience. His images are simple yet complex and they arrest me with such a compelling strength.

Oh...I am at a loss to describe the power of his images. I can only strive to see and create as he does. I think I got lost somewhere along the way and started photographing lightly and without thought, forgetting how much Meyerowitz's work inspired me.

Eggplant Parmesan & Asparagus

2008-03-24T18:04:00.004-07:00

Just some new yuminess I've been working on. Um um um...!!! I love asparagus. And I love a good eggplant parmesan. Although I styled the top layer of cheese and parsley, I must give thanks to Chef Jon for cooking the eggplant and arranging it so nicely with the initial layer of sauce, parmesan, and greens. YUM.

The Utility Closet

2008-03-21T11:46:00.004-07:00

This photo was taken a few months back at Franklin High School in Portland, OR. I dare say it's the sweetest looking utility closet I've ever been in. Well, it was actually more of a small room; a large walk-in closet if you will.

I love photographing old schools. I just told a friend yesterday that one of these days I'm going to go back to my old university and spend a week or two going through all the buildings and photographing all the unique spots. I've wanted to do this since my first year of college but never quite had enough time...or didn't make time...hmm.

Nevertheless, I'll add it to my project list...which is already eight feet long.

2008-02-29T14:38:00.003-08:00

Happy Leap Year!

Might as well get that out because it'll be another four years before I can say that again with gusto.

The Change Mug That Made its Way Home (sort of)

2008-02-22T17:00:00.007-08:00

In early January I was standing at our dresser in the master bedroom putting away some socks and other folded laundry when I glanced at Jon's glass mug full of change sitting atop the dresser.

As long as I've known him he's had that mug, full of change, sitting on top of the same dresser. He had it at his place when we were dating, then it moved (along with the dresser) to our first home after we married, and now there it was, sitting on top of it's old buddy, the dresser, in our home in Washington state, twenty minutes from Portland, OR, home of the Rose Festival.

I don't know what prompted me to read the mug. It's just one of those things in your home that you get so used to seeing you hardly notice the details.

My eyes opened incredulously as I saw clearly for the first time the words "Portland Rose Festival."

What? I had to laugh. Who put those words on there? Surely it hasn't always said that.

I later mentioned to Jon, "Hey, you know your change mug says, 'Portland Rose Festival' on it."

"Really?" He had to go and take a look for himself and then gave a prompt "huh" once satisfied.

"Where did you get it?" I asked.

"I dunno. Somewhere in Colorado. Maybe. I dunno."

I don't know where Jon got the mug or how it ended up several states away from Oregon, but here it is, eight years later, twenty minutes from home.

1965 Polaroid "Swinger" Camera

2008-02-19T00:33:00.012-08:00

This little commercial is too catchy and nostalgic not to post. It stars Ali MacGraw and the Polaroid Swinger Camera.

Polaroid announced on February 8, 2008 that they're ceasing production of instant film. Although there's something captivating about the jagged and painterly edges of a photograph taken with Polaroid film (with those those terribly intriguing yet telltale circles), I'm only slightly sad about this. I remember playing with an old black polaroid camera when I was young. Ah, childhood...Wish you could've been here just this second as I flipped through the pages of my mental album, viewing all the polaroids of the family from ages ago. ...Baby pictures... Mom and all the girls in the family playing dress-up, Mom and Dad before I was born...

And still recently Jon and I were in a thrift store before Christmas rummaging through ancient electronics tossed on a metal shelf when we found an old Polaroid Camera with film still in it. Granted, the film was light leaked but for some inexplicable reason I just had to have it. The chemicals had long since dried, leaving random bubbly designs on the front and back of each Polaroid. We eventually left after deciding there was nothing worth buying but I left that thrift store a happy girl with three little mysterious Polaroids tucked under my arm.

Well, goodbye Polaroid. There are ways to recreate things digitally, but I imagine it'd be hard to recreate something as tactile as the real thing.

And so the digital age moves on.

Beachy Rings

2008-01-11T01:14:00.001-08:00

I have some friends getting married in a few months. They're getting married near a body of water.
On some sand.
Like, on a beach.
Not just any beach. A Hawaiian beach.

And I'm invited.

Of course I am.
I'm in the wedding party and apparently the wedding party is riding in a limo around the island taking pics in different locales on the wedding day. How sweet is that? Very sweet I tell you. So sweet I think I'm already getting a cavity. (....yeah...I'm just so funny...)

Anyway, yes, these are their actual rings. The bride's is super pretty! Very sparkly. And we girls know it's all about the sparkle. (click on the pic to get a better look, then hit your browser's back button to read the rest of this fascinating tale)

The groom's? Whew! I've never held a ring that heavy. It's like holding a car part. SO HEAVY!!! Jon would be going crazy with something that heavy on his finger. Good thing he doesn't have a heavy ring.

So anyway, the groom knows his ring is heavy, he picked it out. He just hasn't seen the actual ring in person. I don't know, man. That thing is super heavy. My arm would be dragging behind me. But it's a nice looking ring. Very sleek, stylish, and yet completely masculine.

A nice choice--a heavy choice--but nice.

Okay, good night for now.

Max Playing at Mt. Hood

2008-01-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

Maxie at Mt. Hood

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Imago Dei Community Church

2008-01-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

Imago Dei Community Church at Franklin High School in Portland, OR.

Jon and I and a couple of our friends went to Imago Dei yesterday (by friends I mean Jack, Nikki, Kessia, Josh, Kessia, Kessia and Kessia). Jon and I were in search of a true worship experience and we found it in the community at Imago Dei. What an awesome, awesome place. I felt like I was back at my home church in Texas. The atmosphere was great, refreshing and not full of stuffy, rigid traditions. Praise God for Imago Dei.

www.imagodeicommunity.com

Volkswagon Bug

2007-12-20T13:41:00.000-08:00

I was photographing some fireman boots in Texas last week for a client in my friend's garage (yes, I know...how ghetto--I mean, "resourceful" of me). Anyway, she's got this awesome VW bug in her garage that just begged to be photographed. I love photographing old vintage things. Plus, the interior of the bug was this reddish color which made it even more fun and vibrant to shoot.

Yes, I enjoyed my time back in Texas. Thank you for asking. It was rainy and cold for most of the time I was there and everyone kept commenting on how strange the weather was and even mentioning that it was sunny the day before I got there. Uh huh.
I guess I brought some freaky weather with me from Washington.

Christmas is almost upon us!!

2007-12-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

Choco Christmas Tree!

Portland After Dark

2007-12-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you're on a dark bridge heading out of Portland and traffic's bumper to bumper? Whip out the camera, crank up the ISO (AKA "grain, grain, grain"), and start snapping, my friend. Yes, do whatever it takes to stave off the boredom of "parking lot traffic."

And wouldn't you know, traffic on the other side is always going faster than the side you're on. Hence, the mac truck whizzing past the window in the photo above.

It's just a law of nature that we all have to come to grips with.

I call this oh-so-sharp and fabulous work of art "Leaving Portland." Okay. So the quality's pretty crappy. But sometimes you just gotta snap a pic for your own sanity and therapy.

Leaving Portland. Ohhhh yes. That's what I'll be doing tomorrow evening. Leaving Portland and taking off for a much deserved time with family and friends in good 'ole Tejas. Thank you Lord!!! If I didn't get out every so often, I think I'd go crazy.

'Course I'll probably cry on the way back in...

Ah well. You win some you lose some. Give and take.

Christmastime

2007-12-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

I love the Christmas season. I love the festive atmosphere, the lights, the mood...hot drinks & peppermint, gingerbread men. And ornaments. Oh how I love looking at ornaments. So many different kinds from fancy glittering pieces to the homemade. The season is full of creativity, color and smiles!

(on a sidenote...I'd normally take my reflection out of the ornaments but it's the Christmas season and who has time for that?!)

Thanksgiving on the Oregon Coast

2007-11-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

The Oregon coast was actually quite beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery.

...and then some fun pics of the giant driftwood log on Manhattan Beach.

Jon & Melinda: Total Swingers

2007-11-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

San Francisco, CA, Nov. 2007

When I was younger, I used to go to the park and swing a lot. But then I grew up and didn't swing as much.

Jon and I found a little bit of an oasis from the busy downtown scene in San Francisco. After visiting the always bustling China Town, it was great to swing amongst the skyscrapers and blue sky with my head tilted back and my hair flying all over. There was this relatively empty park with swings, benches, and this really springy rubber floor. I wish I could remember the name. St. something.

Simple pleasures. That's what life's about. What fun.

The Espresso Machine (and more Melinda adventures)

2007-11-21T14:55:00.000-08:00

I took this at Jon's aunt and uncle's home in Oakland/Berkeley (I believe the address is Oakland but they pay Berkeley utilities...or something like that). It was an amazing home. Anyway, I was absolutely excited and in awe of their fabulous home and all the fun things they had to shoot. Like the espresso machine above. To them, it was just their regular everyday countertop appliance, but to me it was a fun photo waiting to happen.

Fun and hazardous.

Okay. So I have no idea how to use an espresso machine.

And that black handle in the middle of the photo looked distracting...all protruding awkwardly outward and whatnot....

So I grabbed that black handle and twisted it to the right in order to gain a more "pleasing" angle. That big hunk of metal came completely off, FLEW out of my hand and rammed into one of the little brown cups before promptly stopping a short distance from the rest of its dismembered body.

My heart was beating. Oh my gosh. I broke something.

I froze, saucer-eyed, with my shoulders stiff and hunched. The sound of the little brown cup crashing against the green tile echoed in my ears. The noise had been so loud!!

Whew. I'll tell you what:

1) It's a good thing the owners weren't home.
And
2) That little brown ceramic cup must've been made of steel. Nothing broke.

Jon came in from the other room, "What'd you break?!!"

Silly me.

Note to self: those "handle-jiggy thingers" on espresso machines can come off.

Plane Series 3

2007-11-20T00:38:00.000-08:00

Another installment of plane wing pics from my flight from Portland, OR to Oakland, CA.
Click on the pic to get a larger view and click your browser's "back" button to return to the blog.

Favorite Shot from CA (amongst many)

2007-11-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

Jon and I stopped by Dean & Deluca while we were in Napa Valley. Dean & Deluca always reminds me of the show Felicity. I loved that show. Especially the first two seasons. I don't love a lot of shows (I barely ever watched Friends and only watched Seinfeld when others were watching it), but I absolutely loved Felicity. It made me smile and laugh out loud. I really identified with her. It was always a great story, always captivating, and always a good, meaningful time.

Berkeley Home

2007-11-15T18:20:00.000-08:00

Some pics from the sweet home we stayed at in Berkeley, CA. I had so much fun enjoying the home that I didn't take as many pics as I should have. They had this great balcony in the front of the house and the backyard had three tiers of fabulous greenery and landscaping, perfect for watching the sun go down over the city. Oh, and the teenagers' rooms were full of color and fun decor. I love colored walls!

Front Hall

Dining Room

Living Room

Den, 2nd Living Area

Backyard

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-11-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

I'm really not that big a fan of chocolate chip cookies but there's just something irresistible about fresh-baked, warm, chocolate chip cookies with the chocolate morsels all drippy...Ummmm!

Thanks again to Raylene for the awesome cookie rack.

Scrumptious Snacks

2007-11-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

1 loaf Wild Oats Organic Pan Bigio Parisien Loaf
1 container Emerald Valley Greek Olive & Roasted Garlic Hummus
1 jar Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Julienne Cut Tomatoes marinated in olive oil and herbs
Equals:
A quick and tasty, utterly scrumptious snack.

Chocolate Chunks & Pirouettes

2007-11-02T04:57:00.001-07:00

Yum. That's all I have to say. Yum.

Teacups

2007-10-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

"Cups cups cups cups cups" said the silly little fairy from Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" as she looked around for the proper utensil to make Aurora's birthday cake.

What a great movie.

I watched "Sleeping Beauty" over and over when I was a little girl, sighing at the courage and manliness of Prince Philip as he fought his way through the thorns to the castle where Aurora lay imprisoned in sleep. Oh, and the part at the beginning when they first meet. I love how he surprises her by singing and dancing along with her. That's right, sigh with dreamy eyes.

It amazes me how, for the majority of females, this innate desire for romance and a dashing prince starts at such a young age. I babysat a little girl who was not yet 2 years old and already she delighted in taking me upstairs to her room, opening her dresser, and showing me all her clothes, shoes, purses, hair bands, and other accessories.

And this past Sunday at Costco (why did I go there on a Sunday...), right as I walked in I saw a little girl trailing behind her mom, holding a baby doll up to her shoulder as she tenderly patted it's back as if it were a real baby. I rolled past with my cart, observing, completely amazed, thinking, "Wow, so young and yet already training to be a mommy."

I Love Bread!!

2007-10-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

So, I made my first loaf of homemade bread a few months ago and it actually turned out like real bread! I was so excited that my first batch
(I made 2 loaves) turned out so usable and delicious. It really made our entire home smell good, too!

Unfortunately, when I tried making bread a second time a couple weeks ago, I got busy and left the dough to rise in a cabinet for a day and a half. I know, I know, how nasty am I to leave the dough out for that long...
When I finally got to it, the dough smelled like wine. Completely fermented. But, I baked it anyway just to see what would happen. Sure enough, when it was finished it still smelled strong like wine and tasted just like it; kinda bitter. Ugh. Totally not edible.
-But- It still looked pretty enough for a photo so I left the brick, I mean bread, on the counter covered with some plastic wrap. Days later, my mother-in-law came over and, since she's super hungry, decided to unwrap the brick bread and eat a mouthful even though I specifically warned her it was fermented and not edible.

Well, what can I say. The woman's got a mind of her own. I watched, incredulous, as she shoved a chunk of fermented brick-bread in her mouth and started chewing. I gotta hand it to her though, she actually chewed it for about 7 seconds before spitting it out in the trash. Seven seconds is way longer than I would've chewed it. I tried it. It was gross.

So even though the poor brick-bread was a failure at feeding starving people, at least it was a winner when I photographed it.

Which one is the brick loaf? Well, I'll let you decide which loaf was full of alcohol.

Spinach Dip

2007-10-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

On a sidenote, Jon came up with such a great little snack the other day. He bought a fabulous uncut loaf of whole wheat bread at Wild Oats (kind of like a Whole Foods) which he thinly sliced, toasted, then spread with some tasty garlic and herb hummus, and topped the entire thing off with a layer of julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes that'd been marinated in olive oil and more herbs...
It was so yummy and easy to make!!! What a genius. We ate it too fast for me to get a picture but I'll have to recreate it one of these days for a shot. Oooo, it was sooo yummy!