In a world of so many great photographers and writers, I am venturing into some unknown territories, leaving comfort zones, finally very willing to practice the art of seeing. By maintaining the practice of posting daily photos, I hope to continue learning about the possibilities that I trust are out there for the taking.
Arrived in a very over populated Vegas last night. Wishing Susan and Andrew a wonderful wedding day.
Melissa brought over Moo this morning.
Moo has zero interest in facing the camera so I consider myself very lucky with this shot.
Melissa left and Stacy came by to pick up the Franklin Planner 2012 refills we’d ordered together. I told Stacy she could come over right away to pick up the planner as I had to get ready to drive to Vegas. Not long after we hung up Stacy arrived I cracked up when I opened the door and Stacy was standing there in her pjs holding a cup of coffee. Her husband Jim had yelled out to Stacy as she left home, “I hope a cop doesn’t pull you over.”
Stacy arrived looking like this (but holding a coffee mug in her hand).
#1 Trial practice shot.
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Lucky #13
Yes, it’s no call Tuesday. Mid year I declared Tuesdays are now my day, a day without interruption (Exception – my son Lane’s call). A day to get caught up. Or a day to do something fun. Or, like right now, to just let the day unfold going over a bunch of throw away photos from yesterday’s morning hike. I don’t know if I’m going to pick up my camera today and I don’t want to wait until to the end of the day to post a blog photo.
Adult, Black Throated Sparrow, I spotted at the end of yesterday's hike. I'd noticed these nervous birds on previous hikes. When we'd walk by them, they'd all fly away. Yesterday morning, I approached the bushes they hang in slowly, inching my way closer, hoping to photograph one of the birds. This bird wasn't scared.
“Versatile Blogger Award Nomination”
Wow, what a wonderful surprise! Thank you, thank you to Otto von Munchow for nominating me for the “Versatile Blogger Award”. I feel fortunate that Otto happened upon and then commented on my blog not long ago as I might never have found his interesting and informative blog. Otto’s posts are Ninja-like! He doesn’t post everyday, however, when he posts, I feel as if he answers my un-asked photography/life questions.
As Otto wrote, “According to the rules for this award, with this Versatile Blogger Award picture, one should make a post with a nomination blog list (which should be 15) and one should inform the nominees that they are nominated for this Versatile Blogger Award. In addition one should share seven items about oneself that readers don’t already know. And one needs to thank the blogger who gave you this award.”
Here are some things most people don’t know about me:
1. I’m involved in a 12 Step program, as is my husband, and we both each sponsor over 25 people. As in “I teach to learn”, I sponsor to learn!
2. I am my husband’s 6th wife (I know he’s thinking, “Tell your own story Linda.”). We have been married for 21 years.
3. I love sweets but have not had any sugar and white flour food for almost 3 years.
4. I can’t remember one joke, lyrics to a song, or what I’ve read. So learning everything requires much repetition.
5. Thankfully, I have become the kind of woman I always wished I’d be.
6. My husband is my best friend, favorite speaker, funniest man I’ve ever met. Can’t imagine being with anyone else.
7. I’ve learned what makes me happy and now make time for “it.” Number one on that list is learning more and more about photography.
Here are my nominees for the “The Versatile Blogger Award”:
1. http://carolleigh.blogspot.com/ Carol Leigh has been my online teacher for almost 4 years now. She is an incredible teacher, artist and photographer who never sleeps.
2. http://jenniferjclark.com/ Jen only recently started blogging and photographing. She is an excellent writer.
3. http://zackarias.com/ I first found out about Zach when he was a guest blogger on Scott Kelby’s blog. Love him.
4. http://aaantiporda.blogspot.com/ I met Alan at Zach Arias’ One Light Seminar in LA 2011.
5. http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/ Unbelievable woman.
6. http://susanswildishwhims.blogspot.com/ My friend. Susan artistic talents are endless.
7. http://www.photosbyjudy.com/ I met Judy in Santa Fe at one of Carol Leigh’s workshops. Neat lady.
8. http://ezpixels.com/blog/ Know Marianne from Carol Leigh.
9. http://www.laurieexcell.com/blog/ Wonderful teacher and exciting photographer.
10. suzannefinney.wordpress.com/ Adventurer and excellent writer!
11. http://www.emonhassanphotography.com/blog/ A photographer I met online. Great photojournalist.
I am four shy. Sorry.
Mystery guest hiker:-)
Jen and Ann trying, with my poor direction, to make a heart with the empty space between them.
Jen and Ann doing yoga poses, at my request of course. About 10 minutes of each Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning hike we photograph each other. We need Melissa for some creative ideas on posing.
Rituals. Up until the beginning of this year, since we moved to Rancho Mirage 8 years ago, we have been driving to LA every Thursday to continue the tradition of having Thursday night dinners with “our” people. I wish I could remember how many years we have been going to El Rancho all together. Thursday night dinners at the restaurant El Rancho in Sherman Oaks were a regular occurrence. If it was Thursday night Ray and I were there – he seated with the guys and me with the women. Those of us who ate dinner at El Rancho at 6pm never called asking who was going. We just arrived knowing someone would be there.
In 2011 Ray and I decided to only drive in once a month. Change is difficult and I was worried about not seeing the ladies. Gas prices soared and our cars were showing the sign of heavy travel. Being gone an entire day was also taking a toll on our bodies.
Starting in 2012 we have decided to only drive in every other month. More change. Of course we will miss seeing our special people, but we also realize how much the owner of the restaurant might potentially be affected if others decide to eat elsewhere on Thursday nights. Of course this is out of our control. But it is interesting to be out self enough to see how individual choices and actions may unknowingly affect others.
Below are photos of George, the owner of El Rancho, Tally, George’s right hand man, and two other loyal workers who always have the biggest smiles on theirs faces.
I’m going to have the photo of the four of them blown up as a gift. I’ll make smaller prints for the guys (who have become our friends) too.
George, the owner of El Rancho in Sherman Oaks, treats Ray and me real good. We've been going to El Rancho on Thursday nights for years.
The rest of the crew at El Rancho. Tally (in the dark blue shirt) knowing everyone's needs serves us, and takes care of us like we are family. George is the patron and takes special care of us. A close group of men who know how to serve, cook and care.
I met Leo 25 years ago. Leo and I have been friends ever since. Leo’s friendship was one of those friendships that generated a turning point in my life. I will be forever grateful to Leo for his ability to get me to do things I didn’t want to do. One of those things, being of service to others, brought me, and continues to bring me, happiness and freedom I never thought possible.
Goodbye Leo.
Leo Sullivan March 15, 1035 - September 14, 2011. "Be good to yourself."
Sometimes I am powerless over taking photos where I'm not supposed to take a photo. I held my camera on my knee, waited for a laugh and quickly depressed the shutter. Don't think anyone noticed.
Special friends quickly gathered per my plea.