Origamibandit

Yes Please.

2011-05-10T22:29:00.000-07:00

Find a boy who calls you beautiful instead of hot. Who calls you back when you hang up on him. Who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or stay awake just to watch you sleep. Wait for the boy who kisses your forehead. Who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats. Who holds your hand in front of his friends. Who thinks you’re just as pretty without makeup on. You will know he is the one because he will apologize first even if he feels he was right, because being right won’t matter if you go to bed angry. When you tell a joke he will laugh out loud. He will constantly be reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have found you. He will turn to his friends and say, ‘that’s her.

Yes please. Bring it. And for those who've already found their "one", please, cherish them, let them know everyday how much you love them. And remember to show it too.

xoxo

The Good Earth

2011-04-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Painting: Jehovah Creates the Earth. Artist: Walter Rane

Today is Good Friday and Earth Day...coincidence? I think so. But the symbolism is very fitting. Today we, (some of us at least), honor the earth and all it gives to us, and most importantly, we honor the One who gave us the earth. I am so thankful for Christ. I was driving home from my work meeting tonight and I felt His patience and love for me. I am grateful for it.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend.

The Love Gun

2011-02-20T23:41:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day teaching the 6 year olds in my new Ward. For those of you who don't know, my young single adult days came to an official close the last Sunday in January. I am now a "family ward" attendie. There were rumors that the Primary wanted me and when I was officially called last Sunday, I thought wow, they don't even know, this is a dream come true; working with kids is one of my favorite things in the world. What did I do to deserve such a "cake" calling???

Then I had my first day teaching today and realized... Hmmm I had no idea what I was getting into. Lets just say, class room management has never been my strong suit and I will be relying heavily upon the scripture that talks about weaknesses becoming strengths.

There were several highlights from the day that made me want to laugh and cry due to their innate humor, but embarrassing because of the inappropriatness of the timing and setting. An example: Jr. Sharing Time: one of the children turned their heart-topped bookmark into a "love gun" and began to cry out, "this is my love gun! it shoots love!!!!" He pointed it at all moving targets and completed his movements which were accompanied by sound effects.

My brother came dressed as King Benjamin-a special guest speaker from long long ago... he wore a dish towel on his head and an old mustard colored blanket ties around his body. The children loved him.

I left the church feeling humbled. The Lord gave me this calling to teach me. What exactly, I'm not sure yet, but I know I'll find out.

Good Bye Old Friend

2011-01-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

The three things that have gotten me through the past 24 hours are 1. prayer 2. being surrounded by family 3. music.

I was able to leave work a half hour early yesterday, only to come home and find my house surrounded by medical vehicles and flashing lights. My sister was in the front yard, tears streaming, cell phone in hand. I rushed over to her-- "what's happening?!" "It's Grandpa..." My grandma was finally taking him to the E.R., (he could hardly breath most of the weekend), when he collapsed in the patio never to revive again. The paramedics were warring with Grandpa's chest-- no pulse-- it was surreal, poetic, and gruesome all the same time.

My Grandpa was one of my dearest friends. We had many adventures together, including a road trip to AZ, in a red convertible mustang!, to visit his boyhood farmhouse-- I got to experience the place I'd only heard about in stories-- He grew up on a cotton farm in the southeast corner of the state and was in the same Stake as former President of the Church, Spencer W. Kimball. He was one of 11 children and the last one to pass away-- He loved a good crossword puzzle and telling corny jokes. His favorite: If your nose runs and your feet smell, what's wrong with you? You're built upside down. My favorite: What do you call 4 bull fighters in quicksand? Quatro Cinco.

Grandpa, thank you for all the memories! xoxo

Plugged In

2011-01-06T21:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I type to you from my very own computer desk, staring into the screen of my brand new 27" iMac. Almost in heaven... aside from the fact that, sadly, it makes an audible humming noise due to the 2T hard drive. I wish I wasn't so sensitive to, and bothered by, odd little noises. Thank goodness for ear plugs... Sorry. What did you say? :)

On the upside, I fully and completely love my desk, got it on Craigslist for a real deal... on another cheery note, I made it on my 4th annual (and consecutive) New Years Day hike! Walked up Grundy Canyon with my sister, auntie and her boyfriend-person. Tons of Los Angeleans take their dogs for runs/walks up this winding canyon path, so not only was it great exercise, but also a flurry of toothy-grin color. Seeing such a wide variety of dog breeds made me smile. In general, domesticated pets bring a smile to my face!

The view from the top of the canyon was breathtaking! From one angle you can see the Hollywood sign. Turn 45 degrees to the right, downtown L.A., 45 more and you can see Catalina Island, the ocean (obviously), and Century City. By the time we reached the top, the sun had begun to set-- the sky was aflame with orange and pink. I am always wowed by God's greatness when out and about in nature! God is good.

Happy New Year to all!

Wow.

2010-12-15T14:18:00.001-08:00

Can it actually be 10 days till Christmas?! Really!!!? Is it true I haven't blogged a single entry in months?! Since September? I think I'm about to cry. The slackiness has got to stop! The buck stops here... (what does that saying really mean?) Raise your hand if you're excited for Christmas... (dawn's hand is raised.) Raise your hand if you're only just starting your Christmas shopping today! (dawn's hand is raised once again...)

Can I just say, 2010 has been amazing!!! Passion and hard work have collided- I can't wait for 2011, it's going to be even better! Joy to the world for so many reasons, the most important one being, Christ the Lord!

Merry Christmas to all and a very happy new year to come!!!

Have An Epiphanie!

2010-09-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

Epiphanie is holding a contest through the last day of September that might just make all my photographic dreams come true!!!
They are a chic camera bag company celebrating their one year anniversary by giving away a Canon 5D Mark II!!! You can follow them on facebook and twitter.

Contest rules for the 5D, (hence the photo posted above), can be found here:
http://www.haveanepiphanie.com/home/2010/8/28/discount-code-canon-mark-ii-give-away.html#comments

To shop: http://www.epiphaniebags.com

Fingers crossed and lots of prayers!!! Thanks for the chance Epiphanie!!!

You can call me Fluffy.

2010-09-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Autumn is undoubtedly my favorite time of year. Even though it does not translate the same way in California as it does in other parts of the country, with the changing leaves, the crispness of the air-- I'm sure if I were to experience those elements, I would only love the season more.

I love the cooling of the weather, the salt-kissed breeze in the air, earlier sunsets, pumpkin ice cream, and family togetherness.

I finally finished Randy Pausch's book The Last Lecture. I cried my eyes out! It is such a good reminder to put others first, show kindness, and taught me when I feel it impossible to pay those back who have blessed my life in tremendous ways, I can pay it forward without guilt.

I had a blast at work with the little ones. Moment of the week: Silas, (a name I haven't heard since I was in Australia), was sitting with me at a lunch table. Excited to be sitting next to me, he grabbed hold of my arm, giving it a good squeeze. He then began pumping my bicep between his fingers, stared at me in amazement and exclaimed, "Teacher! You're SO fluffy!!!" I burst out laughing and the 7 children at my table followed suit. He continued compressions for another 3 minutes, with interjections of fluffiness every 30 seconds--like some pseudo-CPR. Only much more welcome!

Love to you all! Have a great week!

Yarg!

2010-09-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

After weeks of toil... the little white box from Hades has been dispelled! (HURRAY!) Alas, in the process my beloved former blogger template was lost forever! (BOO!) So...this is the interim. Since my last post, summer vacation has come to a close and I've done several more photo-shoots. I went on a great mountain vacation with the fam and started back, (Monday), at the preschool part-time.

I really am blessed in so many ways and look forward to future growth and betterment.

I hope you are all well!!!

Please Help-

2010-08-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

By now you have seen it; the little photobucket notice on my blog. It is causing me GRIEF! I have violated their policy, (unintentionally), by using an image from PB and now I have a nasty little white box that won't go away. It's so distracting to me that I'm considering deleting my blog and starting afresh. (Trust me, I really rather not!!!)

Does anyone know how to irradiate this square-shaped impostor?

Pioneers

2010-07-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

I saw a play last night based on the journal entries of Patience Loader, an English pioneer who traveled with her family across the plains with the Willie Martin Handcart Company. She and her family were following the call to religious freedom. Unfortunately, they left too late in the year and became subject to a merciless Wyoming winter. Their struggles, suffering and faith are a strength to me.

My grandpa just had major surgery on Friday. At the moment he is not permitted to eat or drink anything. He is so thirsty and hungry. Granted, we are so thankful he made it through surgery, still I feel so bad for him! There is nothing worse to me than desert-mouth! It would be the ultimate hell. Having visited him in recovery an hour before going to the play, it caused the pioneers predicament to feel all the more real. I could envision in a personal way, what it would be like to harbor a gnawing want for sustenance.

The bishop of my homeward says there is a reason for trials- with special reference to the physical trials that come with old age/physical deterioration. He feels the reason must be to give us a greater appreciation for our resurrected bodies- when we have them...

I love the pioneer heritage of the Church of Jesus Christ. I loved the last scene of the play where an angel and father Loader's spirit appeared, heavenly helpers assisting the starving frozen family with their handcart which became entrenched in the frostbitten ground.

We are all pioneers in some way. May we forge good paths and keep the faith.

God bless those pioneers and my grandpa.

Encircled by His Love

2010-07-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

Each Saturday and Sunday morning, my family gathers for our weekend brand of family scripture study. We congregate round the T.V. and watch reruns of General Conference via DVD (one talk per diem). Today's talk was given by Cheryl Lant, an outgoing member of the Primary General Presidency.

Her talk revolved around the idea of seeking the Lord's face (living a life that will allow us to be with Him and thus, see Him, (His face), in the afterlife.) The comment that stood out the most was, "being filled with the Lords love requires selfless service." Being filled with His love is the ONLY way we are truly able to freely and fully love anyone outside of ourselves. Selfless service and loving others are departments that frankly, I have been slipping in. Sister Lant's words were like manna to my crumbling soul! Selfless service is the key to all woes!

Give selfless service = become encircled by God's love = encircle others with genuine love = love for self, the world, and God increase. This process is one eternal round. No beginning and no end.

Please post an act of selfless service you have enjoyed participating in or receiving. Myself and others would love to read about it!

This week's personal challenge is to give an act of selfless service each day- I will return and report next week.

Sidenote: I love the Claddagh ring~ I really want to travel to Ireland!

Us

2010-07-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

They made a statue of us
And it put it on a mountain top
Now tourists come and stare at us
Blow bubbles with their gum
Take photographs have fun, have fun

life & liberty

2010-07-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

I was summonsed to jury duty this week. I made it through the first cut of juror selection, but was let go the second day. As I sat in the jury box the first day, I felt a sense of excitement to be involved in a legal undertaking and fulfilling my civic duty as an American citizen. I was equally grateful however for being let go as I have so many things to finish up this coming week. A tender mercy indeed.

As tomorrow is Independence Day, my mind turns back to one of the inscriptions on the Superior Court building in DC. "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." Isn't this the truth with so many areas of our lives! Watch and pray always that we may conquer temptation and any that would seek to destroy or weaken us in even the slightest way.

I am thankful for the freedoms I enjoy. I am thankful I can leave my home daily, going about my errands free of suicide bombings and the threat of rape and hunger. My heart goes out to those who live in the midst of oppression, fear and war.

May we live our lives in such a way that the Lord can continue to bless and protect our freedoms and our nation(s).

~Father's Day~

2010-06-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

I have all sorts of names for my dad, but perhaps my favorite one of all is "Poppy". It has a fun, old fashioned, Popeye the Salior kind of ring to it. It makes me smile when I say it and also engenders a fun response from my pops. I'll call up the stairs for him, "Poppy?" He will appear at the top of the stairs with a smile, "Yes my little opium flower?" We have a good chuckle to ourselves and then carry on with conversation.

There are so many good things I could confirm and express about him; his tender heart, his passion for and devotion to the Lord; his countless actions and endless strive to raise his children in the gospel, to help us endure to the end and endure well; his goofy, witty humor. He knows exactly what to say to make my family melt into laughter. He warms my heart.

I love him. I give thanks for him. In family prayer this morning, he gave thanks to Heavenly Father for all He does and has done for our family. He's always deflecting the glory-giving it to God. I give thanks for both my fathers~ Heavenly & earthly.

Happy Father's Day to all the men out there who honor their sacred title of Father.

Color Correcting is fun!

2010-06-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I did head shots for an improv actor. It was a blast. There's something about actor folk that I dig! Aaron had a lot of red tones in his skin so it was good practice working with color balancing filters and hue/saturation.

I hope everyone is having a great week!!!!

Much Love!

d

In Cars

2010-05-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

They say true photographers always carry a camera with them wherever they go. Well, today I happened to have mine in the back seat of my car.

I pull up to a stoplight and looked to my left. Lo and behold there was a gargantuan forest green semi-ancient-really-cool truck with a pit bull with a melancholic gaze resting his head on the opened window's sill. It was too perfect! A true Kodak moment!

At first I tried to be all stealthy-like and snap a photo unawares- but each time I'd bring the camera up to my eye the light would turn green and all I'd capture was blurry streaks of green...

I kept pace with that truck for a good 3 minutes-- finally we both pulled up to a light just turning red. I asked the man if I could take a picture of his dog and the result made me so happy that I drooled on myself! (Really!)

On a spiritual note, I've had so many prayers answered this week and so many happy shiny moments. I thank Heavenly Father for every bit of it!

Muscle Your Life.

2010-05-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

This morning my brother was updating me on his mission to become the next Mr. America. (That's not how he phrased it though--) You see, he has more muscle mass in his little pinky finger than the whole Altier family combined. (OK, that's another exaggeration, as ALL the boys in my immediate family are super buff!)

Justin was informing me that the other day, he did 8, then 6, then 3 push-ups (in a row). (I know what you're thinking, "big deal. I can do that too.") But here's the crazy part: he had a grown woman sitting on his back!!! Yowsers! Just 3 weeks ago he could barely do 2 (with a grown woman on his back). (Where does he find these women???)

"My, my!" I exclaimed. What a quick advance in such a short period of time!" "Not really." "Why not?" "Because, he explained, our bodies are capable of so much more than we usually subject them to. When we attempt something for the first time, it comes as such a shock to what our body, (and brain), that our brain tells us we can't do it. When we persist, that is when our brain begins to get used to the new activity, and can prepare for the next time, even recruit previously unused muscles that were laying dormant."

This line of reasoning resonated with me. It parallels so nicely with life! We are capable of so much more than our usual groove. Is there something you've been wanting to attempt, but feel it's just not possible? Give it a shot! You will find inner resources and those from without to help you form new habits. Realize your possibilities. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD. When possibility jives with necessity, God steps in and helps.

Much Love!

Derby Girl

2010-04-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I did a shoot with Marin. She skates for a local roller derby team. She is also a film photographer and collector of all things vintage-- The shoot was a two parter- Theme One: Living Space (this girl knows how to design interior!)Theme Two: Derby Girl!

I'm excited to edit and post the pix!

It's been a busy week: I got rear-ended on Wednesday (I'm OK); attended and shot an art auction on Friday; attended the temple on Saturday and had a couple great missionary experiences. Now I'm getting ready to head off to a mid-singles conference today in Huntington Beach.

Have a great week and thanks for reading!

Take a Trip on Route...

2010-04-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who was born in Los Angeles County, but moved to Kingman AZ when she was 10. She came back to CA when she was 19 and is now serving a mission in Spain. She comes home in June- I couldn't be more thrilled! So while surfing Flickr this morning, I found another favorite photog-- lj holloway, of none other than Kingman AZ! When Catina returns from her mish, maybe I will be able to talk her into a road trip to Kingman- the place looks super cool!

Reasons to LOVE Catina:

1. Her love for and testimony of the Lord.

2. Her insatiable desire to help everyone around her feel special and loved.

3. Her confidence in others.

4. Her fearless spirit.

5. Her smile.

I LOVE CATINA!

No Jellies on this Toast...

2010-04-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

Cause it's Fast Sunday. Besides, Jelly Fish are our friends (a.k.a. not for eating).

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. I love going to church. The Sabbath is a departure from the usual and that's refreshing!

I took a trip the Long Beach Aquarium on Friday with my Momma. We both had fun with our cameras. I got some great shots of the Moon Jellies. The earth is full of wonder and beauty- even in places we are rarely able to catch a glimpse of.

Quote of the Day

2010-04-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

"The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone... The things you do for others remain as your legacy."

Ode to a Memory

2010-04-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

Mary Magdalene by Frederick Sandys

I remember visiting the San Diego Museum of Art (Balboa Park), in the summer of 2007 to see "Waking Dreams: The Art of the Pre-Raphaelites from the Delaware Art Museum." I sat for hours with notebook in hand, sketching and taking notes on the works of Rossetti, Hunt and Millais; paying tribute to a bygone era.

Their rebellion looked back instead of forward. A group of seven artists and writers who yearned for medieval expression, banded together and took on a new identity: The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. They created a fanciful world pieced together from the past and inhabited by pale-skinned sulking beauties crowned with endless billowing locks and Pre-Renaissance fashion.

Just a Spoonful of Sugar???

2010-03-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night I went to Souplantation with Jamie. We dined on delectable salads full of color and texture, hot creamy soups, and a ton of ooey gooey pizza! Then I made the mistake of helping myself to the molten peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars (with ice cream on top). The entire meal, conversation and company was amazing-- alas...

Sugar has a way of dusting off the welcome mat for any and all cold germs to come visit me. Not even 24 hours later, I was beginning to feel like death. Thursday, blick! Friday, left work early. Yesterday, did a photo club shoot and overextended myself-but loved every minute of it. Today, feeling crappy again. Moral of the story? Don't eat sugar dawn!

Latest photography news: just got booked on Wednesday to do a wedding in June.
Jessica and Josh, Saturday June 19th. :)

Still Life

2010-03-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

I helped on a friend's film set yesterday- I captured some video and some stills. Still photography is certifiably my favorite medium.

My cat is doing so much better. I love that Heavenly Father is allowing her to stay on the earth a bit longer!

I'm teaching Sunday School today- woot woot! Stay tuned: Adam and Eve get dismissed from the Garden! Blessings to follow!

I'm in search of a summer job- out-of-state would be fine- something artsy and creative, working with kids, or at a national park would be cool too!

A Cow's Meow

2010-03-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

I have a cat named Cow. I found her on my way to a church activity back in '97. She was in a box next to a dumpster outside the building, along with her 5 brothers and sisters. I took the box inside, the kittens scattered and I scooped up the one that came to me and took her.

I could say many things about her- She is full of idiosyncrasies, has an unusually poor sense of balance (for a cat), and drools all over the place when you pet her. She often runs up to my car when I come home, meowing for attention.

This week she got really sick and I thought she was going to die-
She had looked so ghostly on Friday- My grandma took her to the vet yesterday for a super vitamin shot and hydration. I dreamed about her last night- I dreamed that she died. I woke up crying around 4a.m. Cried for a good 20 minutes- prayed for another chance to have her walk up to me for affection and hear her purr—

I walked out to the pool area around 9 a.m. and watched her take a few bites of food. She hadn't eaten in 3 days. She saw me, meowed, and walked slowly over to me. I scratched her head and she purred quietly. I said an immediate prayer of gratitude-- thank you Heavenly Father for allowing me to have this moment with my kitty. May she recover.

Meow

The Theme of the Weekend...

2010-03-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

Why limit ourselves? Why attempt to control the uncontrollable?

I met a man named Craig yesterday while helping a friend's relative move. I took an instant liking to him. He calls himself a story teller. Consequently, he told several stories on our trips to and from the storage units.

He fell in love on a blind date at a doughnut shop. He lived with this woman for over 20 years and took care of her for the last 8 after she was paralyzed in a car accident. She passed away 8 months ago. He is still mourning her loss.

I wanted to share with him the knowledge I have about eternal families and temple ordinances. I later found out that he is LDS. He even served a mission in Kentucky when he was 30. He hasn't been to church in a long time and can't see himself coming back. He referred to himself as "a monster".

I made a comment about the limitations we put on ourselves. We go through life believing our inner talk, that we can only have or be certain things- and it's just not true. I too struggle with self-limiting thoughts, but the difference is I now know those thoughts aren't reality. We can be and do so much more than we tell ourselves. Our potential is divine and with God's help it is infinite.

Flash forward to this morning. I felt prompted to open Jack Canfield's Success Principles. I picked it up and opened to a chapter that I'd bookmarked months ago after reading. What do you know, it was Principle 33: Transcend Your Limiting Beliefs. It was a positive reinforcement to the experiences of yesterday.

"Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone."

- ROBERT ALLEN

Chile con Wreckage

2010-02-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had a chance to read about the 8.8 quake that shook the daylight out of Chile Saturday morning. The report spoke of the rising death toll, (currently in the thousands), 1.5 million homes damaged or destroyed, and massive looting sprees igniting across the country.

The quake hit in Concepcion, a city which my brother spent a good deal of time in while serving a mission for the Lord. Through this one degree of separation, I began to feel the weight of what these people must be experiencing. Another thought that came strongly to my mind was the importance of emergency preparedness!

Chile is not a newcomer to seismic disasters. In fact, Chile was home to the largest earthquake ever recorded. The 1960 Valdivia earthquake or Great Chilean Earthquake rated 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale. Its resulting tsunami's affects reached as far as southeast Australia! This formative quake changed the course of Chile's building codes, laws, and regulations. Their retrofitting standards are among the highest in the world! Thus, many of the building were able to roll with Saturday's quake for 3+ minutes straight.

Unlike Haiti, Chile also takes great care in mixing high grade cement- 3 parts sand, one part cement. The sand is washed first to remove impurities that could cause it to fracture and crack under pressure. Much of Haiti's cement was 5 parts impure sand to one part cement which is why it pancaked.

Disaster forced Chile to prepare themselves for the future which spared them from greater destruction. For decades modern prophets have pleaded with the membership of the church to gather and store a years supply of food and water in case disaster strikes. We are asked, at the very least to have a 3 day emergency backpack on hand, with enough water, food, clothes and supplies for 3 days.

After reading about Haiti and Chile's woes, the importance of being prepared is so clear to me now.

He Stopped the Rain

2010-02-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Jon and I drove out to Irvine to catch The Young Victoria- clearly one of the best films of the year. The DP's style is unlike any other- a fascinating use of shallow and rack focus! After the movie we went to the Irvine Spectrum and ate at the Veggie Grill; 3 words: Sweet Potato Fries (with chipotle ranch)!

Yesterday Nick and I drove to downtown Long Beach to plan a pirate scavenger hunt for my birthday. It rained all the way there. We parked the car and prepared ourselves for the frigid wet cold we were about to embrace. Minutes after shedding our vehicular skin, the rain ceased. We proceeded to have a great time traipsing about, pinpointing hiding places for clues, concocting the puzzle our guests will unravel on Saturday night.

I felt like a parent on Christmas Eve wrapping the last gifts- It's an exciting feeling to create something for others to enjoy!

Exhausted from our adventure, Nick introduced me to a delicious El Salvadorian eatery on 7th- our famished state made grand food more glorious, our hilarious server Able added to the impressiveness of the experience.

When we walked to the restaurant there was no rain- as we ate, the sky rung heavy drops from the clouds... we walked back to the car and the skies were dry yet again! I could not help but feel watched over, smiled and upon even- Heavenly Father stopped the rain so two of His children could enjoy a beautiful afternoon by the sea, worry free of future colds or sore throats:)

The evening concluded with Br. Johnson's Institute class. He taught us about the importance of bridling (directing) our passions. Loved it.

Kids!

2010-02-18T15:59:00.000-08:00

Some of you know that I work at a preschool part-time. I absolutely LOVE 4 & 5 year olds! For some reason, this year more so than other years, the kids have been taking a great interest in my fingernails; they'll take my hands in theirs and try all sorts of tactics to remove them. Yes children, I felt that. They are real. They all comment on how long my nails are and counsel me to cut them as soon as possible.

Yesterday, one of the girls came up to me, scoped out my nails briefly and concluded, "Teacher, you have long claws!" I laughed so loud and quickly shared the observation with fellow teacher Sarah.

Earlier that day, Sam was laying across the bike path staring and the ground with his arms pulled into his shirt. I called over to him to make sure he was OK. He called back and said, "Teacher! I'm a snake!!!"

Preschoolers never cease to amaze me with their beautiful minds! :)

Traveling the World

2010-02-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

World Book style.

I overheard a conversation yesterday, in which my brother was informed tomorrow would be Columbus Day; to which the other person informed him that Columbus Day was not February 8th, but was in fact in October, the month Columbus struck land, San Salvador, a little island off the coast of Cuba.

Well...I forgot about this correction of dates and was pleasantly surprised when this morning, the encyclopedia I was holding in search of the color wheel, fell open to Christopher Columbus. "How appropriate", I thought to myself, "with Columbus Day just around the corner."

Thus, I refreshed my memory in honor of February 8th: Non-Columbus-Columbus Day.
I read about Columbus' Italian birth, his young love and loss, his 4 voyages, in which he only touched, very briefly, what could be considered North American soil, (Costa Rica), once.

Most of his explorations were contained in Hispaniola. We give him a lot of credit, but his vision seems so limited from the account I read this morning. He continued to return to and work to redeem his original discovery which did not produce the kinds of results anyone had hoped for.

Myth Busters: Most of the world did not believe the world was flat at the time of Columbus' voyage and Columbus did not intentionally bring diseases to the people of Hispaniola (i.e. nasty blankets). He did enslave the people, make them mine for gold, and punish them if they failed to meet their quotas. A bit of a power trip?

The positive note:
He ended centuries of ignorance about what lay on the other side of the Atlantic, and his discovery led to trade with Native American peoples who taught the ancestors of our future founding fathers the love of freedom and shared leadership. So in an indirect way, Columbus led the way to democracy and freedom, even though his personal choice did not reflect such values. This is most likely how he ended up being mentioned in the Book of Mormon (1 Ne. 13:12) and why we of the LDS faith, consider him to have played an integral part in the restoration of Christ's gospel.

Lights... Camera...

2010-01-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I helped film a short called A Drink to Savor. I was invited by a friend to be the lead camera operator. P.S. The B camera operator was Australian!!! It was such a diverse mix of people coming together in the name of art! We shot from 10:30-8. Craft service was delicious and the fight scenes were exhilarating. Both of the "assassins" were individually directed to sit on top of me while I held the camera and pretend to stab and beat the junk out of each other (me). Then we did a 360 roll, where I ended up on top of them-- It was the most intense film making I've experienced to date.

Thanks to a great crew and super talented director!

Safe and Sorry

2010-01-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

I was away at a training retreat for work this week high above the little Podunk town of Banning California, off Highway 243, in Idyllwild. Despite horrid weather conditions we traveled anyway rather than holding retreat in Long Beach. 5 minutes after our arrival on Wednesday, it began to snow- it rained and stormed and felt like the wind might blow our cabins away.

We were set to return home on Friday. We began the slow descent around 10 a.m. My car began sliding off the road on a few icy turns leading to a side-on collision with a guard rail, which protected us from a 500 foot drop to Never Never Land. Thanks goodness the railing was there.

We were towed down the mountain, yes, me and 4 passengers- still in my car, riding at a 45 degree angle. Thank you AAA man #1. We got on the 60 W and made the interchange to the 91 W. It had begun to rain again. All my passengers were now sleeping. I attempted to clear my mind while listening to the melancholic crooning of Keane, trying to be thankful that my car,(pictured above- pre-accidents), was still drivable and everyone unharmed.

Minutes later, I hydroplaned at 50mph into the center divider waking everyone up with my shouts of terror just before impact. We hit the divider, flew 3 feet in the air, slammed back down to the ground, and went sailing ahead, still uncontrollably, for about 30 feet before the popped front wheel managed to create enough resistance to stop us-maybe our halt was angelic, both were most likely responsible.

A CHP officer pulled up behind us within 5 minutes and helped us pull over to the side of the road. We called AAA again. A man arrived, threw a spare onto my car and said in a hurried tone,"gotta go!" Another wave of relief began to wash over me- Wow! My car is STILL drivable! After all that, it's really ugly, but drivable!

However, it turns out that the underpinnings of my steering/wheel system were twisted and bent, so when I attempted to drive my car again, with the wheel turned all the way to the left, I was still moving right.

My passengers, once again protected from injury, were picked up by the last drivers from our group to reach the bottom of the mountain- I rode the last hour home with Joe the tow truck man, Great White trailing behind us in all her new found glory.

Yesterday...

2010-01-06T09:25:00.001-08:00

Maria hired me back at The PURPLE SIDE!!! :)
Yay.

Hello 2010 : NYD HIKE 3.0

2010-01-02T15:18:00.000-08:00

I am such a fan of creating traditions! And I am happy to say that the annual New Years Day Hike is 3 years strong now! Yesterday Erin and I, the co-founders of NYDH, welcomed a new member- We'll call her Autumn, cause that's her name:)

We drove down south to one of my favorite destinations! San Juan Capistrano. We took the Ortega Highway towards Riverside and parked across the street from "The Candy Store', a.k.a. tell-tale sign you've arrived at the San Juan Loop trail head.

Highlights: The descent into the cool, damp, earthy smelling shadiness of the trail; Lots of great photos; Great conversation; El Champeon for delicious Mexican food; and all the laughs on the way home.

It was an absolute success- I can't wait to do it again!

Good Bye 2009

2009-12-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

What a year this has been! Even though I know time is relevant, I'm still committed to using it as a measuring stick for everything in life. I love what a friend wrote in her blog about her fast approaching birthday. She came to the realization that being a step closer to middle age really doesn't really mean anything because we are as old as we feel. This topic could continue in a multiplicity of directions, but I will steer it in the following:

One thing I have learned this year is; the only limitations we have are the ones we impose on ourselves. This fact was reinforced in my mind as I watched a particular movie yesterday. My friend Matt bought a Clear Play DVD Player which filters out any unwanted elements from PG-13/R rated films: language, sex, nudity...you can even kiss "mushiness" goodbye!

Thus, Slumdog Millionaire became a PG movie, and we watched as Jamal emerged from the pits of oppression, neglect, and greed. He did not allow his circumstances to dictate his future. He used what he was dealt to his advantage, stayed focused on his goal, which was "others-centered", and achieved.

I am ready to do better in 2010.

May God bless you with a safe and happy New Year!!!

The Job Hunt Continues

2009-12-30T14:18:00.001-08:00

I've just submitted my resume again.
This time it's for a product photography gig in San Gabriel.
"Eep-Op-Orp-Ah-Ah!"

December

2009-12-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to show Catherine her head-shots! I have a portrait shoot this afternoon in San Pedro and a website looming in the not too far off future. Christmas is less than a week away and a dear friend just flew in from Colorado! I'm excited to reunite with him!

I hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas season!

Much Love!

Haw Ha!!!

2009-11-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

Last night I returned to the studio where I was going to do a re-shoot. Two fellow class-mates were waiting with me. No one ever showed up to unlock the lab. We ended up laughing and having a good time anyway. That was nice-ness #1. Nice-ness #2;

I walked to my car, got in, inserted key, turned it, nothing-

Long story short, I had my first dead battery.

Thank Goodness my grams has carried me on to her AAA account for the last umpteen years- free roadside assistance! Ricardo came, gave my car a jump, did a diagnostic test and confirmed my battery was the trouble maker.

As I drove home, a principle flashed through my mind: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS DAWN!!!

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

So, I am thankful for:

My new car battery- and to my generous grammy for picking up the tab.

The great experience I had with Ricardo the AAA guy- got to give him a Joy to the World Pass-along card!

For having to leave campus early so I wouldn't have to wait for the tow truck late at night, in the dark, by myself-

For the Holy Ghost!

For Jamie Van Santen who's getting baptized on Sunday!!! :)

One More

2009-10-22T20:10:00.001-07:00

Still Life

2009-10-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

Today was a challenging one- in studio- I attempted a 60's style still life with lava lamp- It didn't turn out the way I'd hoped- I'm going to re-shoot... The picture above is inspiring- Human creativity- its an amazing thing- I can't begin to imagine what Heavenly Father's brain must be like!

A beautiful night to all- or day, depending on what side of the hemisphere you're on~

Photo by Dan Tobin Smith

http://www.dantobinsmith.com

Hair Creme?

2009-10-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

I did my first "hair shoot" yesterday- Loved it. Sudie was a fantastic model- such a sweetie- and her stylist, Hannah, was extremely helpful- it was a gorgeous afternoon in the park-side. I had tons of fun and can't wait to do it again!

~Awesome~

2009-10-17T10:55:00.001-07:00

p.s. photo by Jason Tran.
p.s.s. I love my studio lighting class!!!

Ghostly Calm

2009-10-11T19:56:00.001-07:00

I have a lot to be grateful for... I attend an awesome ward (congregation). I have a wonderful family. Heavenly Father blesses me often. I had a wonderful Sabbath today-

Last Night: Kristen hosted a ghoulishly delightful party at the Lawrence Manor- Loved the music, freshly baked bread, and the sabotage of the "Hanging Doughnut Garden". Derek wins a silver!

As Justin and I walked back to the car after the party, it was closing in on 1:30 a.m. The street was silent black- the only sounds were the harmony of piano and Catherine's voice spilling out of Kristen's opened door, carrying down the road- It was so still and so peaceful last night- We stood in the middle of the street, almost holding our breath- absorbing the calm-

October Goodness

2009-10-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

Fall, how I love thee- Let me count the ways! I love the cooling of the weather. Even though an Indian summer is in full force, my morning walk was crisp, breezy, and cool- It filled me with excitement for the months to come.

I just spent the last two weeks with a former missionary companion; Michelle "Williams" Ma Chong. We engaged in a light-speed tour of Southern California and now she is in Salt Lake, getting ready to experience General Conference up close and personal.

It's been a blessing to see her again- I've learned so much from her during our brief visit together; what it means to love, "It's not about you", Aussie culture and life... The list is lengthy, but I'll stop there.

In sum, I am grateful for the people Heavenly Father places in my path.

My Wacky Family

2009-09-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

During our family's evening prayer, offered by my mother just moments ago, she gave thanks for "the diverse and interesting people we,(our immediate family), find ourselves to be." That phrase caused me to combust with laughter.

Some of us have been amicably challenged as of late.

Literacy through Photography

2009-09-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

I am fascinated by the interconnection of the visual arts, critical thinking, and allignment of the body and spirit. I found a link today to a plentitude of nonprofit websites. Their common goal is to teach chidlren to better understand themselves and their world through the help of photography. Of course, a true understanding of our lives and the world develops through coming to know the One who has given us both.

http://www.kids-with-cameras.org/community/

Dream Dream Dream

2009-09-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

I had the most beautiful healing dream this morning- all because I choose to ignore my alarm clock and fall back to sleep. I felt as if I had recieved a love note from God, reminding me that everything with work together for good.

Also, I had my first studio lighting shoot- still life- white on white- and managed to leave my 4 gig flash drive in one of the computer lab computers. Thus I am waiting for the lab to reopen at 7.

And now I go on with the eternal job hunt...

A Rose is a Stone

2009-08-30T11:58:00.001-07:00

I was doing a bit of reading about the Rosetta Stone this morning. The article was covering the progression of the Egyptian languages... in order for all of Egypt to read the writings of the Stone, the Egyptian priests inscribed the Stone's decree in 3 languages: Greek, hieroglyphics, and Demotic. They wanted everyone to know their King was a good fellow deserving of admiration and respect.

Because hieroglyphics was such an intricate and sacred language, the Egyptians developed hieratic, which was like an abbreviated version of hieroglyphics. Hieratic was used to record some governmental and business transactions, but it wasn't used for sacred purposes. By the Ptolemaic Period,(Ptolemies a line of Greek rulers of Egypt, 323 B.C-30 B.C), when the Rosetta Stone was inscribed, Egyptians had turned to Demotic, an even more simplified version of hieroglyphics- keeping hiero sacred.

Until the fourth century A.D., the Rosetta Stone was perfectly readable. But as Christianity became more widespread in Egypt, hieroglyphics was abandoned for its association with pagan gods. Demotic wasn't a taboo language like hieroglyphics, but it eventually evolved into Coptic. Coptic was based off of the 24 letters in the Greek alphabet as well as a few Demotic characters for Egyptian sounds that weren't represented by the Greek language.

When Arabic replaced Coptic, the last frayed thread to hieroglyphics finally snapped. More than a thousand years of Egyptian history became lost in translation. Egypt made way not only for a new language but also for new politics and religion.

It was the cracking of the Rosetta code that allowed access to this lost Egyptian history.

I wonder if hieratic or demotic is the reformed Egyptian the Book of Mormon was originally written in. Any ideas?

For more info on the topic, I found an elaboration of the above info here: http://history.howstuffworks.com/rosetta-stone1.htm

The Game is Ah' Foot

2009-08-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got to photograph Alan, Stacey, and baby Noah! We braved the 100 degree heat and the neighbor let us shoot in their carefully manicured back yard! (We are in the middle of a heat wave and it isn't fun!) I am building a portfolio of portraiture and look forward to learning how to run my own business. I found a new favorite photography site today! :)

Loridorman.com

She's amazing. I want to be like her, temporally/professionally.

Happy Friday! Much love to all or any who read this!

A week ago Today.

2009-08-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

Just want to give thanks for the great time I had last Friday- Girls night out. It's been a long time since I can say, honestly, that I had that much fun. Maybe my attitude is responsible for that:) I drove out to Erin Foxy Nuggets house and so did Erin's good friend from film school, now my friend too, Nabby. Nabs brought over garden burgers, Erin made hot chips- we talked about love, life, projects we're working on, and then we went to a Karaoke bar and sang our little hearts out! (I want to take a moment to compliment Erin on her beautiful singing voice- she's got the voice of a 40's style lounge singer- she sounds like heaven!)

We closed with a personal favorite, Don Henley's Heart of the Matter, India Arie style. We got Yogurtland afterward, upstairs, and walked to a community Dojo to watch and film young martial artists at work. We went back to Erin's place, watched The Blvd and I snapped a couple of photos of Ms. E. I loved my night with the goils. Thank You Muchly for the great evening.

Now on with my part time job search.

P.S. I can't seem to get away from school land- I started my Digital Work flow and Studio Lighting classes this week! Love the professor.

Things that make you go Boom

2009-08-09T21:27:00.001-07:00

I was sitting in the computer lab on Wednesday feverishly finishing editing Corri and Karri's photo shoot when my phone began vibrating. A 310 #. No I.D. I answered. It was one of the professors in the film department. She was looking for someone to boom for her the following day in Santa Barbara. She's in the process of making a documentary detailing the corruption of the UC/CSU administrations and regents. I hesitated to accept as I have never done spontaneous boom work- all my experience is with sit-down interviews. But, she convinced me to go...(I couldn't say no to the money.)

I hopped on the freeway at 5am the next morning and sailed northward. I exited Mission St 2 hours later- record time! Found a park, went for a walk, photographed the Santa Barbara Mission- near and dear to my heart- (all 4th grade Californian children construct a miniature version of a CA mission, with gobs of help from parental units- and you guessed it- mine was Santa Barbara!)

After the morning festivities I was still plenty on time to Sharyn's accommodations.

We set up the camera- checked all equipment- she taught me about time coding and the rainbow bars that encode all the info an editor could possibly need to sync sound with picture...I ran some last minute errands as Sharyn loaded the car- We ate breakfast and drove to the shoot location.

We connected all cables, batteries, and did a light metering and balancing test- and then we dove into the crowd of protesters who had pooled outside the UC chancellor's hotel which he would be speaking at that day.

I was good for the first, maybe, 10 minutes. A little arm shake- I tried to find a position to stand in that would allow the rest of my body to shoulder some of the weight of the equipment. It just wasn't working for me- the only results these various strategies brought about were back and neck cramps. As the interviews progressed, I began to note the increasing pull of my messenger bag which had been stuffed with extra DV tapes and mammoth sized batteries-

Note to self: do not perform any work that involves raising your arms above your head for any length of time if you have low blood pressure.

We crossed the street. Sharyn had periodically let me know "sound is good!" We maneuvered almost flawlessly. This was a feat as I was connected to her camera by a 15 ft XLR cable. Unfortunately, it was at this point that a slow wave of nausea began to set in. My arms were struggling to hold position- Sharyn suggested I reposition the pole beneath me with the mic pointing up- it had begun dropping into frame- I wish this shift would have made the difference, but now my arms felt like lead pipes and everything seemed to be pulling me downward.

Mental ramblings went a bit like this: Don't throw up dawn. Hold in there ol' girl. You can do this- this interview will probably wrap in a minute- then you'll just tell Sharyn you really gotta sit down. Crap! I'm really going to puke everywhere! I feel like death! I can't do this another minute!

My left hand reached out for Sharyn's arm while my right continued to keep mic in correct position. All I could muster was a whisper. "Sharyn" She couldn't hear me. She was wearing ear buds- the only sound she was channeling was the input from the mic that was about to come crashing to the ground along with the girl gripping it.

On my second and last attempt to call her name zero sound left my lips as I had no strength with which to speak. The next thing I knew I was regaining consciousness- a white soundless blur of light broke the darkness. I heard people talking but couldn't understand anything they were saying- I began to make out the shapes of people faces and outlines of palm trees. Then the horrible realization hit me: I'm not in my bed... I', not waking up from a dream... I'm on the ground. I was supposed to be holding a boom pole! I must have passed out! NO!!!

I was being cradled in the arms of a stranger- Sharyn was barking orders at people: Everybody back up! Someone get a damp cloth for her face!

One of the protesters was shielding my eyes from the sun with his sign. Another man was praying for me...and my parents had been concerned that it would be a violent crowd.

I didn't want an ambulance to come- Death would be better than an inflated hospital bill! But I couldn't answer anyone's questions: What's your name? I shook my head yes and began to lose consciousness again.

No one ever plans to have an emergency- No one ever plans to leave their house that day only to end up on a cold metal tray, clothes being stripped away at lightening speed- please don't cut my shirt off my body- I.V.- E.K.G.- CAT Scan- they ran a billion tests on me- I was so thirsty- this wasn't in the contract- I'd gone into convulsions after I my head hit the ground. Diagnosis: Concussion. Do not pass go- Do not collect $200.

Sharyn was the perfect blend of mother and professional. I feel so bad about the whole thing and so does she. Her friend picked us up from the E.R. 3 hours later. I rode in the back seat with her friend's dog Willy licking my face the whole way to the house. I received top rate TLC. It could've been so much worse and at the same time it feels so bad.

Concussions leave one negotiating constant bouts of dizziness and nauseousness. I am taking it easy for a while. I am thankful for the wonderful staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital- and all those, pre and post hospital escapade, who nursed me back to life.

Raising money 4 romantic

2009-08-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

As I exited the 405 freeway at Santa Monica Blvd, a very curious person came into view. A wild puff of golden hair swayed atop a wide blue-eyed head. A million dollar smile flashed in the daylight. He was holding a piece of cardboard with the inscription, "Raising money 4 romantic". Romantic what? I've seen some clever cardboard signs in my time, but this one was particularly intriguing to me.

He must have discerned my puzzlement for it was then that he flip the sign over, which finished the sentence: Comedy. Raising money 4 romantic comedy! Ha! I loved it!

I began jiggling with laughter! He responded by joyously jumping up and down. Non-verbal comm. It's a beautiful thing. I sat for a moment wanting to do something- roll down my window- make some sort of contact- give him a dollar! Anything! But, alas- the light turned green before I took any action aside from pushing on the gas pedal.

I thought about that young man the rest of the way to the temple, during the session, and afterward. I resolved to speak with him if he was still standing street side when I drove back to the freeway. And what do you know? Three hours later he was still there! But he was on the wrong side of the street which meant I had to get on the freeway, exit, get back on the freeway and exit- you get the picture.

Upon exiting Santa Monica a second time, my unnamed brother had shifted stations. He was now standing on the median. My heart was racing- must go opposite direction to connect- turned around- light is green- check mirror- no one behind me- Yay!
I pulled up next to him, braked, and the light turned red which gave us time to talk.

I rolled down my window wanting to give him the gift of the gospel in return for the giant smile he put on my face. "Hi. I don't have a lot of money, but I have something I feel is more valuable..." I gave him a pass along card- we had a great 2 minute convo- His name is George- he's from upstate NY and knows about the church- He held my hand the entire time we talked- As the light changed, his parting words were, "You're so loving!" That love is the Lord's love! It was incredible.

I then drove to Curry in a Hurry and met up with long lost friend Erin Fox- We digitized footage for the YSA Conference coming up next weekend- listened to favorite YouTube music vid's, and laughed as we watched the footage I got the night before of Brigham and his viola!

I LOVED TUESDAY!!!!

HT be an Explorer of the World

2009-07-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

Click on the list to enlarge - it's easier on the eyes- :)

Keri Smith is an author/illustrator turned guerilla artist. She is the author and illustrator of several books. I love these scribbled in the middle of the night thoughts!

Quilted

2009-07-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

For double the softness...

This morning on my walk I met a lady named Joyce. Our introduction: Her full sized poodle Weezie almost took a bite out of me! Luckily Weez was attached to a rope that yanked her back right before her teeth connected with my side. Joyce gave her an earful and then we started a great convo. Joyce is a homemaker- and artist- a Christian- a crazy quilter- she invited me to her church's singles group. I told her about my congregation and the humanitarian project the Young Singles are crewing next month- we're going to make 1,000 quilts!

Joyce donated a Hawaii quilt to our cause- I finished my walk with a fleece lined quilt in tow. It was awesome.

P.S. New fact about Adenmore: many residents have lived on this street for several decades- some were born and raised on this street and were later able to buy their own piece of property- it's home for them... :)

I AM HIGH ON LIFE!!!

2009-07-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

I LOVED TODAY!!!

I just got back from shooting a friend's wedding reception and it confirmed to me that this is what I want to do with my life! I want to live my life in pictures- taking pictures-- I get such an absolute rush from it- I thanked God tonight as I drove home, for giving me that unexpected opportunity tonight to photograph Kira and Brando's reception- their other photographer bailed on them right after the temple- THE NERVE!

I have had 3 photo adventure this week- on Monday I photographed Corri and Karri the twins- who model- hence they were the easiest people to work with- coaching each other on how to pose, constantly morphing facial expressions from cute to exotic. We shot at Forrest Lawn in Glendale (where Michael Jackson was laid to rest the following day!) and in and old Cathedral in Pasadena.

I shot Kira's Bachelorette party on Tuesday- action packed and full of fun. And you know the rest. Experience gives us...experience. I now know, thanks to this week, why photographer use external flashes- so there's no camera delay while the flash recharges=continuous shooting power- and diffused beautiful light! and why they use a 105mm lens or 18mm-200mm, so they don't have to ride people to get the good shot!

So, list of things to do:

Buy professional lens
Buy professional flash
Buy professional body

:)

I can't wait!!!

And my friends Derald and Elaine met with the missionaries at my house today! It was GREAT!

Walkabout

2009-06-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

I started a Morning Walk regimen this month. Seeing as I usually wake up around 5am... early to bed early to rise...I decided to get out into the neighborhood, give my regards to fellow early-risers, and get a bit of exercise while I'm at it. (They say the best time for cardio is on an empty stomach. Another plus for the time frame.)

So many great interactions have been created because of this new practice. I'm beginning to know my neighbors and I love it!

I enjoy studying the quirky landscapes and architecture of Lakewood.

I even scored a free art print of Jack Vettriano's The Singing Butler- one of my all time favorite paintings and one of the UK's most celebrated and successful artists. Thanks to Rachel and Yvette's yard sale. :)

I Heart My Momma!

2009-06-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

Love You Lady!

A Little Thing Called Love

2009-06-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

I just read a friends Love Story online. She's getting married soon- never thought love would come her way, and here's the rub: The night she had her first real convo with her soon-to-be hubby, she was in a low place, emotionally speaking. She was stressed out about work and money and didn't feel like being around anybody- let alone a coursing gathering of over 100 people. (She'd helped to put together the night's event.)

She escaped for some fresh air, Brian followed her, listened to her vent, encouraged her, even invited her to dinner for that same night- and they've been inseparable ever since! She was depressed and still met a wonderful faithful man!

I want to add to this, a thought that's been simmering in the mental pot for a while. I was conversing with my brother and a guy friend earlier this year. My friend's brother-in-law has a gaggle of cute single sisters, two of which attend our congregation. My brother asked our friend if he'd ever considered dating one of them. He quickly replied, "No way! I know too much."

That sentiment sat with me and then this thought came: Loving someone is knowing "too much" and loving them anyway.

All the myths I've built up in my head about having to be perfect or perfectly prepared to meet a great guy, are crash and burning at my feet. Yes prepare. Yes have a strong relationship with the Lord first... but, perfection may just be a starry-eyed dream, reserved for the other side--

Me Graduated Now

2009-06-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Crowning Event of my closing CSULB career occurred last night. It was the Advanced Documentary track Student Showcase, where my film, No Place Like Home, debuted. After weeks and weeks of intense, tiring, glorious work, my doc hit the big screen at the William Link Theater on campus. It received praise all around!

I grimace to think of all the premature and needless fretting I exposed beforehand- The sound isn't perfect- That voice-over happened too soon...True, it needs a little fine tuning, but the other fact that's just as true is, people dig it! :)I am so thrilled!!! I look forward to cleaning the film up, and begin to learn the festival submission process. I am so thankful I stayed on another year to do a film production minor- and for Kirk Marcolina who was hired 3 days before the start of the Fall semester to take on my class- he is brilliant- a true God-send- I learned so much from him!

YaY!

Happy graduation to all Spring 2009 graduates!

Great Scotts!

2009-05-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

What a day! I slept at my editors house last night- attempted a late night and morning crunch session of final editing, as Maya left for San Fran this morning at 9. Still work to do- so tired- work was hectic- After work I drove to LBCC where I have my Photojournalism final in 30 minutes- Needed the memory card in my camera, which I forgot at work- drove all the way back to work- back to LBCC- left my flash drive at home- borrowed one which fried my memory card- drove home and cried- took Jen to the airport- so tired- came back to school- lost some great photos- which are now being retrieved by a man named Scott at the computer lab on the 2nd floor of the newly beautified LBCC library- God bless Scott and his file retrieval software!!!

Swing Like There's No Tomorrow!

2009-05-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

I really like Ingrid Michaelson's The Way I Am. Just wish she didn't support smoking.

It's the eve before crazy, wonderful, endless editing- Maya and I are about to have a 48 hr marathon- We're finishing up the Documentary.

I'm so thankful I've had this afternoon/evening to regroup and rest.

Earlier in the day, I went to an ancient cemetery to photograph my final photojournalism assignment; Death (Is Not the End!)

The stone and woodwork that fashion the ceilings and facade of these final resting grounds are absolutely amazing- Unfortunately there is a No Photo-Taking policy indoors- Otherwise I would've snapped away at the 400 ft swinging pendulum this swings smack dab in the middle of this archaic maze! -With it's gigantic stone weight, swooshing slowly, yet powerfully, through the air- It's antiquated song echoed through the empty halls- mesmerizing- creepy- lovely.

P.S. We're in luck- someone broke Mausoleum Code of Honor and posted a pic of the very pendulum I was referring to on Google Images!

Fried Pineapple and a Soccer Ball

2009-04-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

Mmmm mmmm. Nothing says lovin like the ooey gooey-ness of pineapple slices fried in their own juices...the thick brown crust that forms around the edges- how the natural sugars seep out and solidify. Yes. Frying pineapple is one of my most favorite preschool activities to conduct. Today the children laughed and pointed as the steam rolled upwards from the hot plate, fogging my glasses. We feasted upon fried fruit as the coolness of the morning whipped around us.

My fellow teacher assistant Sarah L. asked me to save her a slice. I looked up a bit later to find her replacement. She'd gone on break, so I saved her a bit of tropical heaven. When she returned, the pineapple was still warm. She smiled and said, "aww. you really do care about me." Then skipped over to the sand box. It filled my heart with joy. Like I'd given a little secret treasure. It is such a good feeling to connect and to give. Back to giving- I want to give more. Maybe 2 RAofK a day...

Right before lunch I got involved in a rousing game of soccer with the kids- I had SO MUCH fun. It was 5-8 against 2. The odds, although fair, (I was on the 2 member team), made me laugh. I realized once again how great team sports make me feel. I never played them growing up and didn't appreciate them then, but I certainly feel the benefits of them now!

One more thing. Morgan, our preschool chef, made the best chicken mac n' cheese and cucumber salad today for lunchy! And Sara the kid brought her hamster to school:) Toot-sey Sparkle Diamond is the hamsters full name.

D to the P

2009-04-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, friends from Charles Lauren Films came over to help with pick-ups (shots/scenes still needed) for my doc. I am so grateful to David and Kelsey for all their help and hard work! You can see some of their commercial work at: http://www.charleslauren.com

They are brilliant and talented!

Ahhh Sunday

2009-04-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

As I sit at the computer, my grandma is occupying the room next to me, giggling away at the Sunday funnies. Laughter is one of the things I love most about living at home. No one can cause fits of laughter to seize upon my soul like my family can. I think it's one of their superpowers. Yesterday for instance, my brother at I were driving homeward, he'd just gotten head shots done. One of us made the comment, "it's a small world..." This sent Justin into a seismic sing-song production, rearranging the words of Disney's It's A Small World. "The world is someting, the world ah ah,...the world is smaaaaaall!" What made it so silly is the nasally-whinny-latin accent he was singing with- I love my brother.

My dad is endless quick-wit. I was on hold with the DMV customer service line this week- every few minutes this automated voice would come on the line encouraging me to hang up and opt for clearing up my issue online- "Your hold time will be more than 10 minutes..." I ignored the prompt, leaving the phone on speaker. My dad and brother were putting about the kitchen also encouraging me to end the call. The 5th time the automated voice came on, there was a glitch; "Yer...yer...yuh". The machine was trying desperately to spit the phrase out. My dad chimes in, "It's laughing at you." He mocked the recording (and me for waiting so long) adding repressed laughs between each "Yer".

Maybe you would've had to have been there, or get my family's humor. :) It's a blessing to have so much fun con mi familia.

I Like this List A-Lot.

2009-04-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

So I'm gonna share it:)

9 Things You Can Do to Be Happy in the Next 30 Minutes (+2)

1. Raise your activity level to pump up your energy. If you’re on the phone, stand up and pace. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Put more energy into your voice. Take a brisk 10-minute walk. Even better…

2. Take a walk outside. Research suggests that light stimulates brain chemicals that improve mood. For an extra boost, get your sunlight first thing in the morning.

3. Reach out. Send an e-mail to a friend you haven’t seen in a while, or reach out to someone new. Having close bonds with other people is one of the most important keys to happiness. When you act in a friendly way, not only will others feel more friendly toward you, but you’ll also strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.

4. Rid yourself of a nagging task. Deal with that insurance problem, purchase something you need, or make that long-postponed appointment with the dentist. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of elation.

5. Create a more serene environment. Outer order contributes to inner peace, so spend some time cleaning off your desk and tackling the piles in the kitchen. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Set the timer for 10 minutes and see what you can do.

6. Do a good deed. Introduce two people by e-mail, take a minute to pass along useful information, or deliver some gratifying praise. In fact, you can also…

7. Save someone’s life. Sign up to be an organ donor, and remember to tell your family about your decision. “Do good, feel good” — it really works!

8. Act happy. Fake it 'til you feel it. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile boosts your mood. And if you’re smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.

9. Learn something new. Think of a subject that you wish you knew more about and spend 15 minutes on the Internet reading about it, or go to a bookstore and buy a book about it. But be honest! Pick a topic that really interests you, not something you think you "should" or "need" to learn about.

10. Pray sincerely, even if you don't feel like you want to. The adversary wants to keep us from praying because he knows how helpful and potent it can be- not to mention, his main objective is to cut us off from the presence of God-

11. Read from the scriptures- return to a favorite verse and try memorizing it. My current favorite is 2 Ne. 8:12

Maya the Brilliant!

2009-04-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

Maya pulled off a intensive full night of editing successfully and I am ecstatic! She stayed for my Doc production class, watched the rough cut with us and we were able to take in the positive reactions together:) I am SO grateful the 1st rough cut came together!!! And I am SO GRATEFUL for Maya! 3 more weekends of filming, a 2nd rough cut, and hopefully a lot of changing for the better will be wrought in the life of the main character because of this experience!

:)

You want a Necklace Beard too!

2009-04-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

And I want to make you one! :)>

On Tuesday, one of the girls arrived to school clutching a handmade necklace for her friend. Her mom marked how excited her daughter was to Give. It was another inspiring moment for me- I want to get into that habit of finding Joy in Giving to others just for the sake of Giving-

Speaking of giving, Saturday March 28th Matt came over to help me film- I interviewed my parents talking about their hopes and fears for the main character of the doc- It was during this interview that my parents taught me I don't have to be perfectly prepared to find love- we're never really prepared for marriage when it comes our way, and the right-person-for-us can help us become the person we need to be-

The following day at church, preparing for Linger Longer, I learned that one of the mellowest people I know used harbor a boiling temper. They had ripped down the garage overhang and pulverized it to bits the day they banged their head on it- they were married to a easygoing happy person even!!! One day they finally decided it wasn't worth it to lash out in such violent bursts. Slowly over time they changed- the point is 1. they decided to change and 2. That change came after the person had married a wonderful companion-

I'm not saying we should enter into that most sacred union nonchalantly, lazily, or purposely under prepared. I realized however that what's Ideal, isn't always what's Real.

Fuse Beads

2009-03-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

There is a time guzzling drug marketed specifically to 4 and 5 year olds- It's manufactured in a multitude of colors, with or without glitter, transparent or opaque... Yes! Fuse beads! If in your youth you missed out on this activity of wonder, there's still hope- somehow adults are willingly lured into the fuse bead festivities of their children-

Today at work a valuable lesson was reintroduced to me. Gabriel had be slaving away at a circle template with a deliberate color pattern. This had involved asking everyone at the table to excavate their individual fuse bead bowls for a few rare and precious black fuse beads. Then he had to convince the other 6 children that they wanted to devote their coal colored beads to him. It was an arduous process. I had been so proud of him for working hard to obtain his goal.

Meanwhile, one of the girls was drawing a crowd at an adjacent table with her 3 pokey-backed black caterpillars she'd captured at home. Gabriel and "Carlito" left for a moment of admiration and upon return, Carlito's elbow sent Gabriel's beads rocketing across the deck- Gabriel's face dropped, his brow crinkled, he huffed a few understandably flustered words and jetted to the structure to be alone-

My heart ached, especially because Gabriel refrained from retaliation (a common response at this age). I wanted to scoop all the orphaned beads into a bowl and recreate his masterpiece for him. As a Purple Side teacher, I know that fixing or saving a child from disappointment is a big no-no. Still, I let my natural response mode get the best of me, at first. I collected as many black, green, red, and white beads as I could find from the floor, put them in Gabe's bowl and even started beading the black periphery. Years of training began creeping into my mind.

Am I helping Gabe by trying to take this negative experience away? It might make me feel a whole lot better. In the long run though, kids need to go through hard things so they learn how to handle trying situations, the emotions *and appropriate solutions* that accompany them.

I dumped the beads back into Gabe's bowl, set the template on top, and asked another teacher to check in with Gabe. No immediate response. A while later he started playing with Ricky. Then! A half hour later he returned to the table. This was terribly rewarding to see.

I offered him the scavenged remains and his barren template. He refused the template saying he wanted to use a square instead of a circle. With the same color scheme, he created a white door with a black nob and deemed it far superior to the original. In his words, "I didn't like the other one. This one is a lot better."

As he made this remark Andres' fuse beads spilled from his template. Disgruntled, he began chucking the beads across the table. I stopped him and explained how Gabe had lost his work that day and that sometimes when we are forced to start over, it is an opportunity to assess where we've been and create something better- :) The principle clicked and Andres began a new project, agreeing that he could like this one even more than the last.

Great lessons for life. I heart preschoolers!

Ansa Verse SOiReE

2009-03-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

A soiree- a party; a social gathering of celebration and recreation, with religious, cultural, or seasonal implications...

Last April I ventured to the desert wonderland of Ansa Borrego with my dear friend Erin. Yesterday we returned to this arid landscape, bustling alive with flowering spring- it was GORGEOUS! And, instead of two, we were three! I accompanied Erin and her fiance of two months, Brandon, and shot a days worth of engagement photos.

As I reminisce about the day's activities, I smile. It was truly a fun adventure- Loved every minute- even the moments I stepped and sat in cacti! I'm still laughing about that! :)

Thank you Erin and Brandon for a great day!

My Momma

2009-03-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

I gotta pay some homage.

In countless ways throughout my life, my mother has shown me what it means to put her children first. She has modeled sacrifice, sheltering, and selflessness. I hope to shadow her one day.

Let me share two illustrations.

Two weeks ago, she attended an annual Spaghetti dinner fundraiser- after dinner, to add to "the pot", they had a dessert auction. My mom monetarily maneuvered her way into winning a plate of rice krispy treats sprinkled with a rainbow of M&Ms. Let's just say those turned out to be the costliest marshmallow delights in the world! AND she gave them to me to take to church the next day for the Linger Longer Pot Luck! Elmo says sharing is caring.

Yesterday, after having spent a full morning orchestrating and running the Scouts Pinewood Derby then grocery shopping the afternoon away, she agreed to prepare and host a family dinner especially for a scene in my documentary short film. She fed all the family and my small crew of friends and helped dinner convo to stay on topic. She is a lifesaver! God bless you Momma! Thanks for 31 years+ of hard work and love.

Free at Last

2009-03-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

Friday was laced with good intention. I attempted to fulfill requirements for 2 photography assignments in one go; one project focusing on color, the other composition. I drove to Signal Hill's industrial district, parked in 1 hour parking, and began to scout the area on foot.

I stumbled upon a photographic treasure trove at Gardena and 29th St. A giant lot heaped with monochromatic and analogous colored scrap metals, orphaned car parts, and towering trucks. I asked the 2 men sweeping for permission to take a few photos. They welcomed me. Before I knew it, 1 photo led to another and another...and...

One of the men called to me as he was leaving, "Good luck with your project!" "Thanks!" I called back. Half an hour later it occurred to me that it might be beneficial to my pocket book to move my car so I wouldn't get a parking ticket, or worse, towed.

I walked towards the gate I had originally entered. Strange. It was closed. Anxiety inducing. It was locked. It was the only way out and I was the only one inside! Which left me with this chilling challenge: To find a way out!!!

Like a pinball rickashaying off all 4 walls, I bounced from corner to corner, searching for a loose board, a latter, anything that would help me scale the tall gate sporting it's wiry barbed hairdo. Nothing.

My eye spied the vintage truck parked beside the gate. I hopped onto the running board which lent me enough height to become a floating head. "Look at me, here I am, right where I belong..." A bobbing head-

I tried waving down the cars driving by, yelling to cell phone man down the street- no one noticed me- My car! I had to get out of here! I offered a desperate prayer. Heavenly Father, please please please send someone to rescue me. Five minutes later a delivery truck pulls into a driveway across the street. On his way out, he begins rolling down his window. I call to him, he stops! He let me borrow his cell phone. I called the cops.

An officer showed up with backup. The first thing he said to me was, "So you're turning yourself in for breaking and entering huh?" "No officer, I got permission to be here." "Oh yah? From who?" "Shoot. I didn't get their names." "Oh. You don't know their names..." He gave me a really hard time, laughing all along the way.

The officer had just completed a two hour lock picking training a couple weekends before! Unfortunately it didn't help him. Somehow they were able to get a hold of the company's owner and 2 hours later I returned to my car. Yes! It was still there and no ticket! :)

Cappy

2009-02-19T22:00:00.000-08:00

Answer to prayer #40,109,327.
After rushing to class last night, I was surprised and saddened to see the lens cap was not attached to the lens of my camera. Where could it be!? I was sure it was intact before I got in my car to drive to school...

Long story short; I tore apart my room, my car, and retraced all my steps. This included leaving a half hour early for work this morning, returning to school to comb the grassy lawn, carpeted floors, and hallways.

Fortunately, I had more than luck on my side. I'd prayed to find cappy and the Lord saw fit to align circumstance. The Lord has the power to put us in the right place at the right time. For me, this meant being in my car, facing west in a parked position at 8:15 a.m. Having to wait for peace of mind any longer than that may have figuratively killed me.

After scouring the campus, I returned to my car defeated, yet oddly hopeful. I opened the driver side door, eyes skimming the ground as I sat down with door still open. And there it was- a brilliant ray of morning sun, acting as a spotlight, shown into the floor of my car in the exact spot where my lens cap lay, upside down, atop a patch of plastic flooring that matched the cap exactly.

I immediately and profusely thanked God for this tender mercy and went to work with a huge smile on my face.

The night ended just as wonderfully. I had a great reciprocal visiting teaching session with Meagan, Alyssa, and Ashley. I love those girls! It's such a blessing to be surrounded by people who share my values.

Thirt Tee Won

2009-02-10T22:52:00.000-08:00

I had a great birthday today starting with a serenade from my mum and salmon tinted tulips from Autumn (my favorite flower and sister). When I walked into work, all the teachers and kids sang to me- I got lots of hugs- they made me a birthday banner signed by kids and staff, complete with a gaggle of glitter! As I was getting ready to leave work, a group of kids walked the completed banner towards me, surrounded me and cut off my air supply. Not really, but that would've been creepy. The afternoon staff and kids sang to me- more hugs!

I went to Institute, Br. Johnson and the people hanging out sang to me- a stream of texts poured in throughout the day- I have yet to check my facebook profile, but as of yesterday I'd had several happy birthday posts. Do I feel loved or what?!

I went to Disneyland in the afternoon *for free* It's their new promotional for the year, and then upgraded and bought an annual pass- a gift to myself- Autumn and I met up with Kristen and her friend Joseph-- We went to dinner at the Grand Californian and rode Heimlich's Chew Chew Train- it was my first time, and I laughed my head off for the entire duration of the ride! What a great way to end a first day back at the park-

The day finished with my beloved photography class and when I got home I opened a gift that had been dropped off by my friend Jon...a 24 carrot necklace. That's right folks. Literally. We plan to juice it tomorrow.

p.s. I got my first dslr camera last Friday from Momma. YaY! I shot pix all day on Saturday- loved it! A BIG THANK YOU to everyone whose helped to make this birthday SO special!!! xoxoxo

The Crazy Chicken

2009-02-03T05:31:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in Moran's History of Broadcasting class last night when he offered this philosophical gem: We are unnecessarily competitive. There is more than enough for everybody, if we organize it right- so stop hurting each other.

It's a beautiful thought and invitation. What kind of world would it be if everyone operated from a place of abundance rather than scarcity? Certainly our mortal sphere would be a much different place, if everyone had sufficient for their needs.

This is not a Utopian theory- it is a call for the elimination of greed and a belief in abundance.

I'd come home between work and class- Momma brought home El Pollo Loco for dinner-bringin home the chicken- I noted that each of us prefer a different cut- and when all is divvied up, there is a perfect amount for each of us and everyone gets what they want- it works out perfectly. With a little faith, maybe this is how all areas of life are meant to work- not just dinner.

Saved from the Eternal BBQ

2009-01-29T19:58:00.000-08:00

This week has been filled with goodies, with the best yet to come; a weekend in the mountains with family- we leave tomorrow- yay!!!

The 24th marked the 8 year anniversary of my return home from my mish and the 27th, my 1 year celebration of semi-regular contribution to this here bloggie-poo.

On Monday, my coworker brought homemade chocolate chocolate chip cookies to work- I told myself I would wait to snag one after a proper lunch, if there were any left- When I finished work, there was one lowly cookie, staring up at my open mouth as I chomped it to oblivion. One left, just for me!

Little Albin came running up to me today, hands cupped, smiling. he said, "dawn. guess what i have." "what is it albin?" his hand blossomed to reveal two plump purple worms with bodies swirled around each other. albin's smile widened, "they're wrestling!" we both started to laugh. SO CUTE!

A miracle transpired yesterday. If ever you've wondered if miracles still happen today, I am here to tell you they do.

I've had a power strip that plugs into a wall outlet, closest in proximity to where I lay my head at night to sleep. This power strip has been the hub of all nightly electrical activity in my room; the alarm clock, stereo, lamp, cell phone charger, and camera battery charger have all juiced up here until two nights ago.

It was akin to a scene from the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. It started with my alarm clock, which began to flicker. My lamp sulked 12 degrees dimmer than usual, emitting an eerie fluorescent glow instead of it's usual intense white light. There was a faint smell of electrical burn, but I couldn't pin point the source and assumed it must be my lamp which I then promptly turned off. The smell subsided.

In the morning, I found my alarm clock completely dead and my cell phone uncharged. I went to turn on my stereo to listen to my morning news show- it fuzzed out twice, defaulting the tuner to the beginning of the fm dial, causing inconvenient interruptions to my programming. What the heck was going on?!

Long story shorter, I later shuffled things around and plugged my lamp directly into the wall instead of the power strip to see if it would bring back the brightness. It did. As I was plugging my phone into it's charger last night, surely I was hearing a sizzling sound coming from behind my bed. I crouched down to get a closer look. There it was. The converter situated between the power strip plug and the outlet was melting before my very eyes! Hence the smell and all other weirdness.

I quickly unplugged everything and threw the power strip away. An electrical garden had been sucking energy from that source the entire day. A fire could have easily spewed forth from that wirery orifice- I am completely convinced we were protected from harm these past few days. Thanks be to the sheltering hand of the Lord.

Did I Do That?

2009-01-15T10:13:00.000-08:00

All week, my sister's car has refused to do it's job and start! Well, today is street sweeping day and you know what that means. Move it or be fined. It was early, round 7:15a.m. Zack came over to give Autumn a ride to work. In addition, he thought he could jump-start her car so she could drive, rather than push, it onto the sidewalk and out of the Sweeper's way.

I'd previously overheard Autumn explaining she'd just bought a new car battery and felt sure that wasn't the source of malfunction. Still, Zack was now attaching battery cables. Old Red's ignition clicked away- nothing connected. Zack unplugged the cables and while storing them in the back seat, I decided I could make his job easier by shutting the hood of his car for him. He could then simply board his car, back it up, and we could push Autumn's car to safety.

Sturdy and almost unwavering, I really had to give his hood a good shove downwards before it connected with the rim of the front bumper. All I saw was the expression on Zack's face, a combination of terror and quivering lips.

Yes. There was a metal rod holding the hood in upright position. And no! I had not removed it from said position before closing the hood! You can imagine my dismay when my eyes commuted from Zack's panged visage to his now v-shaped hood. Oh me! Oh my! Oh no! In the immortal words of Urkel from Family Matters, "Did I do that?"

I immediately boosted the hood back up and reached for the latch which proceeded to break in my hand. That couldn't be good either. The whole thing was just sort of unbelievable. I left the house with intentions of being helpful and I broke Zack's car instead. I'll probably have to pay a pretty penny to get it fixed.

Moral of the story: when given the choice to stay inside your warm cozy home or egress to the frigid exterior and help someone in need, Please! Stay inside! Both of you will be glad you did.

A Vote for Walkable Cities

2009-01-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

I would love to live in a walkable city. Why? Opportunistic for cool shoes! And the real reasons: For cleaner fresher air, water, and world; less traffic accidents; less DUI's; retention of moola that might have been spent on fuel, insurance, registration, tickets; increased physical activity; added opportunity for cordial community exchange; less conflict over oil...world peace? OK. Maybe that's taking it a little too far, but the list of benefits go on!

Transportation could be provided for the necessaries: large loads to carry, women giving birth (other medical oriented stuff), travel to far away places, etc. But, if a majority of movement could be made by foot, everyone might just be a lot happier and healthier. AND incidents (as mentioned in above post) would be eradicated from reality.

P!S! After walking back to the house from noted auto-fiasco, we discovered the storm drain had detached itself from the side of the garage and landed on top my grandmother's Camry, leaving a large gray scratch in place of the once umber-toned paint. Another mishap that could have been avoided if we didn't have such a dependency on automobiles!

Spirited Away

2009-01-07T15:54:00.000-08:00

Today at work I was surrounded by the chitlins- I've been given an opportunity this week to get to know some of the younger kids at The Center, as age groups 2&3 and 4&5 are combined for Winter Session.

We were in a woodsy corner of the yard where clusters of bamboo and pine tangle together forming a natural wall separating us from the outside world.
Some of the kids were showing off their bamboo balancing skills when without warning, pine cone particles began spilling from the tree tops. I heard a rustling in the boughs and told the kids we had a visitor-- "A squirrel is having lunch up there." I pointed skyward.

A hush fell over the group. We all huddled together, chins up, trying to locate the little critter. "I don't see it!" came the bewildered chorus. "I don't see the squirrel either." I tried to appease them. The kids resumed their acrobatics.

Claire approached me. Something had just fallen on her head. I removed a russet colored pine cone piece. And then the little showers of debris began again. This time the squirrel was hopping from one tree to another. We watched it shower over there, then there, then there... I smiled.

Phoenix deduced, "I can't see the squirrel, but I can hear it! And I can feel it!" The thought came, "this is a perfect parallel to the Holy Ghost!" I paused. My eyes began to get all salty-wet as I looked at this sweet little girl and thought of how precious kids are- We had just experienced an eternal truth in a new way.

Jan You Air Re

2009-01-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

This smorning Erin and I put our best feet forward! As tradition, 2009 marks year New Years Day Hike #3. :)

We rolled along the 110, and followed the twisting curves of San Pedro. Across the board, every possible view was dripping with fog. It reminds me of the new song my brother and I made up last night. Put to the chorus of The Killers, Human, "Are we driving? Or are we flying? Are they clouds? We can't tell..."

8 hours later the land of So Cal was still blanketed in brume. Erin and I managed to arrive at a perfect hiking spot. We drove aimlessly right to a hillside dropping down to a rocky beach. Here is what we found on our adventure:

1. Drunken ninja man, dressed in black from head to toe, stumbling over the tall grass across the street. He was calling out to the wind, "Yaaaaaghhhh! Ughhhh-Yaghhhh!" fighting some invisible force known only to him. We stood in amazement, hoping he'd win.

2. A beach side cat colony- approximately 60 gatos! They are being fed and cared for by a team of volunteers, one is a woman named Sandy who had pushed her graying hair back with a fuzzy black cat-eared head band. She gave us the low-down on the situation-

3. Sea glass for Sarah L., frosted by the relentless pounding of the sea.

4. A network of rock-side channels, miniature water slides.

5. Rob and family who'd arranged a tiered kaleidoscope of flowers and fruits as an New Year's offering to the God of the Sea. Talk about organic art. Swollen purple grapes, placed inside a halved coconut, floating in a bath of molasses, mangoes tangoing with oranges... Yum!

It was such a beautiful varied morning & early afternoon, which brings me to my New Years Resolution. Grateful girl in 2009.

Happy start of the year to you all! Much Love!!!

Who does Number 2 Work For?

2008-12-31T07:21:00.000-08:00

I find myself thinking a lot lately about a dear former friend. We used to spend gobs of time together. Gobs is actually an understatement. Our spirits had been surgically sewn together.

Sadness caused his face to crumble the day we parted ways. I was leaving for my mission. Yes, *sigh*, that was a long time ago... If I had known, as he most probably did then, that that moment would eventuate our slow divide, my face most likely would have joined The Puffy Pink Pancake Club too.

Those few years together were sheer panacea; The Wonder Years; some of the happiest times of my life. (Funny how our minds can polish memories into perfection-overlooking the rough and tumbly.)

I miss our connection. I hope to find someone like him again one day, God willing.

Sweet Ginger

2008-12-27T22:20:00.000-08:00

Ginger Cox married Sean Jones today. They are so happy together. *Yay* I happened to be volunteering at the L.A. temple and finagled my way into being assigned to Ginger's wedding party- Hah! Ha!

When I approached Ginger and Sean to unite them with their adoring, but reverent, fans, Ginger invited me to witness their sealing- that was sweet of her! During this same shift, I ran into a couple whom were married last November, whose family I had been assigned to help congregate, and now his brother was getting sealed- both cousins of Mark Wright... Small world!

Speaking of love at Christmas time... though ironic it is, did you know mistletoe is a parasitic plant that usurps nutrients and water from it's host plant? It's also poisonous... I wonder who decided to deem it the trigger to share a kiss.

"Look honey! A poisonous parasite is looming above us! Can't eat it, but why don't you come over here and gimme a kiss!"

Butterfly in the Sky

2008-12-12T17:49:00.000-08:00

I can fly twice as high.

Yesterday I crashed an advanced writing class in order to be a part of a magical experience. Levar Burton, a familiar name to anyone with children or a childhood over the past 25 years, is the proud co-creator and former host of the pivotal children's show Reading Rainbow. But you don't have to take my word for it.

The series aired by PBS from June 6, 1983 until November 10, 2006, encouraged reading among children. Each episode centered on a theme from a children's book and was explored through a number of segments or stories. In later years the series tackled issues that other children's programs have historically avoided, such as poverty in U.S. inner cities, the September 11 attacks, childbirth and its impact on the family, and prison, all from a child's point of view.

Levar has an electrifying presence. It was such a pleasure to be in the same room with him. He spoke for practically 2 hours. He asked which of us were born to be filmmakers. Which of us MUST make films? If we don't wake up every morning living, breathing, and dreaming the film making process, then it is time to get out now.
Find your passion.

He told us of his journey from USC grad to stardom. His first film role was Kunta Kinte in Roots. I remember watching that 8 hr miniseries in 10th grade history with Mr. White. In the period of a week, when Roots aired, Levar's life changed forever.

He talked about the importance of balance. If there was one thing he would have done differently in early life, it would be to just relax. Relax. Everything will work for your good.

The life he dreamed of as a youth was never as good as his life has turned out to be. He gives all the credit to God. It was awesome to hear him praise and offer thanks to God in front of the class.

Stepping Into Liquid

2008-11-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

I attended a baptism tonight. I'd originally planned on going straight home after Linger Longer clean up (Linger Longer = snacks after church). Instead, I drove myself straight to the baptism and thoroughly enjoyed it.

A young man baptized his girlfriend of two years. I watched as they entered the water together, both dressed in white. I thought about the commandments they were living in order to be worthy of participating in that ordinance.

While millions of teenagers in the world are caught up in themselves, partying, drugs, sex...the list goes on- here are two young people who care deeply for the Lord. They are committed to Him and to living His teachings.

I am so grateful I ignored what I wanted to do and chose instead to be a part of an uplifting evening. The Lord's way is always the better way.

What Choo Talkin Bout?!

2008-11-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

As I reviewed Our Hearts Knit As One by Elder Eyring yesterday, the immortal words of the "Different Strokes" theme song came into my mind-

Everybody finds a way to shine,
It don't matter if you haven't got a lot
They'll have theirs, You'll have yours, and I'll have mine.
And together we'll be fine....
Because it takes, Diff'rent Strokes to move the world.
Yes it does.

What this song says to me is, there is abundance in the world and I have a little piece of it. Each of us carries a person-sized portion. This is why we must work together to combine our parts to make a whole. Each of us has a unique gift to contribute. Knitting our hearts together as One.

Two of the stand-out thoughts from Elder Eyring's talk were:

1. The Great Truths of the Gospel are more important than our differences.

2. Differences can help bring you what you lack and help you serve God better.

I sometimes feel intimidated by qualities in others that make them different from me. Fear exists because the Unknown exists. We fear things only because we feel there's a possibility they can hurt us...

I now know that differences in others are encouragements for us to become better and stretch a little further.

Prevent the Madness

2008-11-16T06:39:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought there was nothing left to burn...California is on fire... again. This time it started in Santa Barbara County Thursday night.

Since Thursday evening, the wildfires in Southern California have destroyed an estimated 800 mobile homes, houses, apartments and other buildings and blackened an estimated 67 square kilometers of land. Street signs are melting like milkshakes.
Add to this, the infamous Santa Ana winds, scorching temperatures (which were predicted earlier in the week), low humidity levels, and you've got a recipe for disaster.

Fire erupted in both Orange and Riverside counties last night.

Capt. Leonard Grill, a 20-year veteran of the Riverside County Fire Department,has been quoted as saying, "It's gotten worse and worse every year. I can't keep track of them anymore. These used to be the out-of-the-ordinary fires, once-in-a-career kind of fires. Now they're every year."

On a local level, a blanket of smoke that came from the North stretching towards the sea, choked all the blue from the sky. Buckets of ash were falling in flurries to the ground- California's version of a "winter" storm?

Employees at Costco were wearing masks to prevent extreme exposure to the carcinogenic dust. The afternoon took on a bit of an Apocalyptic feel... This mornings air quality is incredibly poor. It's really difficult the breathe right now. *cough* *cough*

Interesting that these fires are raging on the weekend of the planned nation wide protest against Prop 8. Could this be God's way of saying, "Protesters stay home."
It's very possible.

The Garden

2008-11-15T23:30:00.000-08:00

Today I attended a pot luck lunch at the Wild Oats Organic Garden in Long Beach upon invitation from my co-worker Charlene. If I could give Charlene a nickname, it would be Mother Earth...She is One with the soil, rooted deep in concern for the environment. I like her. She's always smiling and her pockets are filled with inner peace.

The idea of a Community Garden fascinates and intrigues me. It appeals to me in every way! People come together, practicing principles of self-sufficiency, organic sustainable living, hard work, and getting back to the basics. It's a remarkable way to connect with your neighbors and the serenity of creation!

A note about the pot luck lunch- (they have work days from 9-12 every 1st and 3rd Saturday which ends with lunch at 12ish- let me just say, the chicken dogs, homemade lemon hummus, fresh salads, and the thick sweetness of the raw smoothies were divine!) Come give service and then enjoy the food!

What I learned:

Spinach doesn't like to grow in heat.

There is a variation of mint that tastes like lime called, of all things, lime mint.

Cauliflower comes in purple.

The director of the garden, Heidi, is brilliant and she says non-profit work is SO much harder than being an Executive Program Developer...she wants to create a quilt of gardens throughout the city.

If you eat a pot belly pig, it will trigger a virus in your body that goes straight to your brain and makes you wacko.

I ate with a potato fork. (Forks can be made out of potato!!!) AND I've drank from a biodegradable cup made from corn!

Sorrel is a baby green that tastes like lemon!

LBCC has a spring sale with all sorts of seeds and starters for sale!

Quote for the day: A poochie poochie girl in a gucci gucci world.

West Coast Rendering Company off of 4105 Bandini Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90058 has a subdivision, which I believe is called Baking Commodities, who are part of the animal food production process. They add all sorts of evils to pet food, such as cancerous cow tumors, and euthanized animals from the pound... dogs weren't meant to eat other dogs were they? Combine this with the soy and wheat that go into most major brands of pet food and wuh-la! You've got pets with cancer, allergies, asthma...

I met Johnny the urban missionary, who was tending his plot. He plans to embark on a missionary trip around the world in 2010 through a program called TheWorldRace.org

I took a hulking amount of photos- maybe I'll post some on Facebook...

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Wild Oats Garden.

Just the Beginning

2008-11-07T16:19:00.000-08:00

The elections were three days ago, and proved historic is so many ways. On a personal note, it was my first time getting involved in a campaign, one which was not just political, but moral too. I am so thankful I was able to participate in the overwhelming task of fighting for freedom of religion and the sanctity of marriage within one of the most liberal states of the Union. Sweat, disappointment, and blessings flowed, as the LDS community, in a small way, helped Proposition 8 to pass. We were a small cog in a BIG wheel.

I spoke with a gay father several weeks ago, and his words now return to my mind. "No matter which side "wins", you think that will be the end? This is just the beginning!" Is it really the beginning though? It seems to me, an extension of the war that has been waging since the beginning of the earth.

I watched the 11 o'clock news last night. They had air-cam shots of the L.A. temple. No on 8 protesters swarmed the grounds, flooding the streets. The boiling point was reached when some of our Pacific Islander brothers and sisters began tearing down hateful signs that had been posted on the temple gates, and telling protesters to take their anger and energy somewhere else. They were among the few brave enough to face the rioting masses.

Threats were made regarding the temple, fire and destruction were promised- Thankfully the temple was reopened today and serenity has maintained. The Lord is protecting us.

Yes Means No

2008-10-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

I've had a wonderful afternoon doing something I LOVE; Interviewing a bunch of people while holding a video camera. The first was my potential documentary subject, (a.k.a. homework.) Afterward, I met up with David Land-o-Lakes to distribute yard signs for Proper 8. 1st street, one bumper sticker, 2nd street, one sign and 2 bumper stickers, and as we were shrouding the metal post with it's plastic sign cover, 2 neighbors began their ascent upon us. Here it comes Dave-o. They want to scrap. The first guy says,"I want one of your signs. How can I get one?" "Uh, I've got a trunk full. I'll give you one." The guy next to him says, "Give me one too. In fact give me three." Then his neighbor comes driving down the street. He stops him in the center of the road. "Hey! Yes means No! You voting Yes on 8?! Give him a sign too." Then this same guy calls to this lady whose just emerged from a 3rd house. "You want a Prop 8 sign for your yard?" he calls to her. She says yes! Are you keeping count with me, cause I'm not. :) The man who instigates this all, disappears into his garage, brings back a 20 ft. ladder and leans it against a towering tree in his front yard, shimmies up, and lassos two sign around the highest point of the trunk! Talk about the right place at the right time! And I caught a bunch of it on video!

The night closed with FHE dinner and Luau and an interview with Wayne, a guy I'd met with Johnathan last Saturday when we walked for Prop 8. Lets just say Wayne is absolutely hilarious! I hope to have his video posted on You Tube by Thursday.

The Four Agreements

2008-10-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have a screen writing class on Wednesday nights. My prof is a former lawyer turned Hollywood writer. He possesses the vernacular of a genius yet, thanks to 20 years in all boys schools and years in a profession where swearing is almost prerequisite, managed to pick up a sailor's tongue. The man wreaks of brilliance and I knew he could do so much better than the protruding prolificness of his four-letter-word vocabulary!

So it happened one night- towards the end of September. Class ended and I was gathering my belongings, seriously considering dropping the class. The thought came to my mind, if not now, when? If not you, who? (a reiteration from Sunday's meeting regarding Prop 8). How awkward to approach the professor about his word choices.

It was the first class meeting I had made a vocal presence, overcoming my shut-down defense mode. I had made an impression on the professor- he'd even asked my name. This helped me in initiating the conversation. He started with, "So how are you liking the course?" "Well, I like parts of it..." "Oh no just parts?" "Yah I can explain it to you once everyone has left." It's just the two of us now:

"This is really hard for me to say..." I trailed off.

"Did I do something wrong?" his voice was worried, sincerely. "Not intentionally or maliciously," I replied, trying to ease his mind. "It's just that it's hard for me to listen to swearing." He took a step back and raised his hand to his mouth.
"I am so sorry. I had no idea..." He continued, "I needed to hear this. I need to push the envelope of literacy. Do me a favor. If I slip, will you raise your hand? You don't have to say anything, just raise your hand and I'll know what you mean. We can even keep a tally going on the board. Should we involve the class?"
"If you want to..." "Let's see how we feel come next week."

His reaction was above and beyond anything I could have hoped for. I choked back tears of joy as I walked to my car that night.

The next Wednesday not only marked the start of October, but a renewal of all that is beautiful regarding this class. Not a single swear word left his lips! NOT ONE! It was wonderful. I was able to let down my guard and soak in the class content unconstrained. My trust, respect, and appreciation blossomed for this man.

Where's the Candy?

2008-10-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Breakfasting with pops:

I stayed home from work today, a climactic finish to the build-up of Monday's attack of evil-throat. Presently, to formulate any kind of audible speech is pure exasperation!

We laughed over runny eggs and and homemade wheat toast, Pops doing most of the talking and joking, as my voice is on hiatus. It went a little bit like this: "You know, McCain has seen the face of evil! I didn't know Cheney was at the Convention." (A Jay Leno joke.) My dad joked about Maureen (my Australian Mom) coming for a visit next year, accompanied for the first time by her husband Zeller. They were married in 2005. :) They'll pull up in the army jeep. Mo will emerge wearing camouflage, and call out, "Zeller! Front and center!" His scenario was too silly, considering Maureen is relatively soft spoken. Then he included me in his fun.

A bit of background:

My dad was born and raised in Washington Heights NYC. I've visited twice. The first time I went with my Aunt Wendy. We found and met Aunt Lucy, my father's mother's sister. She was living out the end of her days in a Bronx nursing home. She knew exactly who I was when I started talking about my father Richard. "You're the preemie!" she exclaimed.

My second trip to NYC was with Maureen (Mo). The two of us have done quite a bit of traveling together. During this trip, Mo supported me in a second endeavor to connect with Lucy. Just as we exited the subway in the Bronx it starting to rain. We jogged parallel to Van Cortlandt Park and sought respite under a drug store's awning. This is when my pops corrected me. "They're called candy stores in New York...We don't have drug stores. Although, most candy stores were simply fronts for drug dealers."

As Mo and I are standing under this awning, we're wondering why we're still getting wet. A man to our right, who is managing to stay dry, gives us the answer. "Hey lady. You're standing under a hole." We look up. So we are. Daddy loves to recall this, and other personal past chagrins.

He recalled a favorite childhood purchase, an emerald colored fountain drink, the Green Rickey. A sweet lime-ish concoction.

I love my green Rickey.

Give Me Back My Phone!

2008-09-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

Part II of previous entry:

While in the shuttle, walking to our seats at the Bowl, and thereafter, I would periodically fish around my handbag, then the shoulder bag it was sitting in, grasping for any object that remotely felt like my cell phone. I was sure I had brought my phone with me.

Upon returning home, I poured all contents of both bags onto my bedroom floor... No Phone! How could this be??? Wait a minute. Retrieving seating arrangements from mental compartment: Johnathan, me, my bags, strange man stuffing face with greasy popcorn and guzzling beer. Hmmm. He left his seat mid performance and NEVER CAME BACK! Dun Dun Dun! Could it be that I was robbed?! My heart began to pound as I thought of all the potential lost phone numbers and the inconvenience of procuring a new phone!

I'm just sure I had it in my purse! (You know how the mind begins to fog in moments of anxiety?) Maybe I was completely off. Maybe my phone was somewhere in the house. I ran to the kitchen phone, dialed my number, and then proceeded to listen VERY carefully for the whispered buzz it would emit upon connection. Nothing! But the phone was ringing. My voice mail clicked on, but where was my pre-recorded message?? Simultaneously, the caller ID flashed my phone number. How strange! *BEEP* I began leaving a message for the perpetrator holding my phone captive! (My voice was a raspy desperate whisper):

"Hello. You have my phone. Give me back my phone. I need my phone. Give it back! Good Byyyyyyyyyyyyyye...."

I hung up. The number was still flashing on the caller ID. I read it one last time...562...805...wait a minute! That's not my number! I'd switched two of the numbers around!

Some poor unsuspecting person woke up that morning, saw they missed a call at 1:50 a.m., then listened as some creepy whispering weirdo was going on about their phone; a non-stolen stolen phone!!!

A Chair of Bowlies

2008-09-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

It was a Saturday August 30th, 2008. I had walked for Prop 8 in the morning with Miss Cassidy. We had a few truly unexpected encounters. The first two doors we knocked on were answered by felons...why were they on our list of registered voters? Then there was the ribbiting motion detector frog. Cat asked the couple, "If the frog were to vote today..." Cat came with me to Costco- we had lunch, bought and loaded 7 watermelons into my car, then I drove to church where I met Johnathan.

I mentioned to him a group was going to the Hollywood Bowl that night. John Williams was to conduct the L.A. Phil while they played various film scores he has composed spanning half a century. J said lets go!

We found free parking by the Kodak Theater and proceeded to scout out a foodish venue. While in the midst of a crowd waiting to cross the street, my and Johnathan's gaze were pulled in opposite directions as we stepped off the curb. There to my left, was a greasy middle aged man, cradling a digital camera, which he was aiming straight at the women's butts in front of him! As he began snapping away, I uttered, "Sicko!" But he continued on. Johnathan on the other hand was busy being baffled by a second man clad in cowboy boots and black underwear. (I thought that was strictly a Times Square phenomenon...) When we hit the opposite curb we both turned to each other and exclaimed, "Did you see that?!"

This was Johnathan's first concert of any kind. What a beauty it was. Projected on gigantic flat screens were various film clips and medleys which coincided with the live music. My favorite part was the army of light sabers sprouting up as the opening strains of the Star Wars theme song began. Stems of red, green, and blue bounced to the beat of the symphonic swells. It put a HUGE smile on my face.

After the show we opted to walk back to the car, bypassing the hour long shuttle line and rows of cars piled bumper to bumper for miles.

This brings me to one of L.A.'s little treasures. The only street food L.A. can really claim it's own: the famed "heart-attack dogs". Passing by a string of carritos, the smell of bacon coiled hot dogs, onions, peppers, and poblano chilies crackling and spitting on an open grill captured our full attention. (Swirl a bit of mayonnaise on top and your mouth will be caught up in the rapture.)

We had parked behind Crossroads of the World, hailed as America's first modern shopping mall. Located on Sunset Boulevard and Las Palmas, the mall features a central building designed to resemble an ocean liner surrounded by a small village of cottage-style bungalows, complete with a working lighthouse! Once a busy outdoor shopping center, the Crossroads now hosts private offices. It has been used for location shooting in many films such as L.A. Confidential.

It was here that J and I tried to cut through the parking lot to Sunset. Bad move! Two monstrous thugs quickly came into view. They began yelling and ascending upon us as we drove past them. We didn't dare slow down for fear that they might thrash us with heavy chains. Our bypassing them only led us to a fenced off parking lot- Oh No! What now?! J said, "I'm gonna turn around and mow them over if I have to!" Thankfully we were able to maneuver past them. It felt like we tore out of that lot at 65 mph!

The last incident of the night had to do with my phone, but I'll save that for the next entry. :)

The State of Our Unions.

2008-08-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

A button that will certainly sizzle when touched, is the controversially charged Proposition 8. It will be voted on by the people November 4th. If passed, it will amend to our State's Constitution to read, only marriage between a man and a woman is recognized or valid in the state of California.

There is a growing friction between "Tradition" and "Tolerance".
I wrestle with both words. I feel traditions are mainly people-perpetuated-practices.

Prop 8 reinforces something more powerful than a conventional or orthodox custom. Marriage is an eternal law and a commandment tailored by God. He created boundaries for this alliance. His direction for a man and woman to leave their families and partner in marriage remains unchanged.

The very fact that the perpetuation of our race depends on this type of union should be proof enough that God's instruction is inherent, real, and necessary. This speaks nothing to the ends of morality or the potential loss of civil rights associated with this Proposition.

We live in a confusing world. A cornucopia of lifestyles have come into practice, and subtly and slowly, have become permissible. If tolerance means turning a blind eye or numbing the heart in the name of Acceptance, then I can not accept.

I wonder how many of us truly understand the significance and ramifications of this legislation (Prop 8), or even care.

A "Yes" vote will preserve God's definition of marriage. A "No" vote will allowed the recent decision of the California Supreme Court's 4-3 vote to remain intact; legalization of same-sex marriage.

I will be voting Yes on 8.

For more info on Prop 8 visit:

http://protectmarriage.com

They Might Be Giants

2008-08-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

I could say many wonderful things about Family Camp at Lake Sequoia- (I just returned.) My aunt Wendy started attending Central Valley YMCA Family Camp 4 years ago, fell in love with it the first year, and has extended an indefinite invitation to me for the years thereafter- I have since completed 3 successful stints, returning to the same wonderful place, the 2nd week in August, each year.

What I thoroughly enjoy about Family Camp:

Oscar a fellow camper turned friend, leading us through swathes of tall grass, wild rose, and Indian Paintbrush. Hovering close to the towering Redwood Sequoias, stooping down to scoop up one of it's pine cones, and marvel at how an entity so considerable in size, precipitated from beginnings so small. The constant smell of earth and pine. Recurring reminders of Creation. Lake hikes. Campfire in all it's silliness and glory. (Families take turns performing skits, songs, etc. each night at sundown-).

Above all, my favorite event is "family camp rules" volleyball! The camaraderie and sheer joy of it all! My love for the sport was born 5000 feet above Fresno, 3 years ago, and has since shown me likable aspects of my personality I wasn't aware existed before. An unexpected blessing.

You shall know a tree by it's fruits, and Sequoia Family Camp is irrefutably, terrific timber.

The Dawntrix Rebuffed.

2008-07-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

I am feeling utterly rebuffed. Three! Count them, three times I've been abruptly refused passage into my latest facebook obsession: Pieces of Flair. Mind you, I've only been a subscriber to this application for 5 days, but it's latched hold of my brain, and is threatening to take hostages!

The snubbery started this morning when I dragged myself to the computer at 5am because I couldn't sleep. Power on, Internet...not connecting- Weak signal. I tried engaging the signal at least 92 times- without success. Then, when at the computer lab this afternoon, I told myself I would only check my email to get a ph # I'd emailed to myself. My hand maneuvered the mouse in such a way, that I found myself trying to log onto Pieces of Flair! I swear officer- It wasn't me!!! And then, for a third time I was not allowed access! This time it was due to kinks in the app. Moral of this story: do not put your trust in the applications of man.

This Sure is Quality Popcorn

2008-07-26T07:33:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday night I tagged along with Autumn and Erin to see a movie at the beach- the cinematic classic Casablanca, with a surging soundtrack of the sea behind it. (One of the many reasons I love L.B.).

The best part of the night was riding bikes to and from Autumn's place- like cowgirls tackling the West, we rode into the sunset. Literally. We were drenched in golden luster.

Before the film began, levity ensnared us-

It started over the quality of the free popcorn being handed out in WWII-style rationings. Erin was mortified that it was bagged rather than freshly popped. She reminisced about the days when she used to buy cheese flavored popcorn from an elementary school, far superior to the homogenized yellow puffs we were now munching on. Her solemnity and conviction spurred us on.

"This stuff isn't even popped in America!"

"Do you smell that? Smells like... lead!"

"How can you keep eating at a time like this!"

"These kernels probably date back to the 80's before they started turning corn into fuel- No wonder it's so crappy! It's vintage!"

There we were, three little burritos, wrapped snuggly in our blankets and hoodies, laughing hysterically into the night.

Silly Martian, Tricks are for Kids.

2008-07-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

While studying for my summer class final,(Music for Early Childhood Ed.), I was allowed a single note card to miraculously cram 6 weeks worth of copious notes onto- a teacher-approved cheat sheet... Because it was early morning and only hours till the exam, words began spilling out my pen all rushed and googily... For example:

Instead of writing the song title, Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes, I began with, "Heads...". This version of the song was arranged with Martian-children in mind. After all, the goal is all-inclusive classrooms, right?

Still on Tuesday of this week: To give you an idea of how little "the little things in (my) life..." can be, let's just say that 3 weeks ago I enthusiastically planned my schedule around donating blood on Wednesday in order to claim a coupon for a free Subway sandwich- (Food... a legitimate and persuasive bait!)

Anyway- to my surprise, I saw what looked like the Blood Donor Trailer, parked in it's usual spot, a day early! Beads of drool starting forming prematurely at the sides of my mouth...

I marched over to the trailer, cleared my throat and said, "Excuse me. I'd like to donate." The woman with her back to me, wearing scrubs and fishing for something inside a drawer, turned around and paused.

Then, with a mix of confusion and curiosity she asked, "Donate what?"

"Ummm, blood?"

"Honey, we're doing free Pap and STD testing."

OK Dawn, just like we practiced; Smile, nod your head, and slowly back away from the vehicle.

What Drink Are You?

2008-07-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

Just one of the millions of applications (I'm sure), that you can add to your facebook page- I saw it on a friend's profile today. She's a Cosmopolitan: Girly, Stylish, Classy. I could chose to think nothing of this little app, but I often tend to careen about in an ocean of scrutiny...so...here's what I came up with: External entities defining our very selves. Another cloud-like haze to cover our eyes while here on earth.

I spent many formative years concocting an outward image, how I wanted people to interpret me as an individual, based on style and personal interests. Sure, style and interests are great, I guess it's the motive that bothers me.

What measures do we use to define ourselves?

Advertisers want us to believe it's trendy brands, fast cars, what you've got on your ipod...that will morph us into chic, attractive, fashionable peeps. We will increase our surplus population of friends if we shop the isles of this world carefully.

It's not the ruby blush of a Cosmopolitan that defines us, but the inner fire of our souls, burning white with divinity. The spirit's inhabiting our bodily frames are what make us each unique, courageous, and lovable.

Mind, Tummy, and Soul

2008-07-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

I've just experienced one of the best evenings of my life! Driving home, I felt like I was wrapped in a soft fuzzy blanket, plucked straight from the dryer! We had Enrichment Night (dinner club) @ Jamie C's tonight. We laughed, lounged, and savored ethnic cuisine in her top floor apartment by the beach. Candle light danced in the cool salty breeze. Talk about a glorious comfort food concoction! The main course was a chicken potato rice dish that catapulted us all into Nirvana! Our Columbian dinner was complemented by the fried plantains and fresh frothy watermelon juice. YUM!

Meaningful faith-building conversation intertwined with random silliness; Jamie busted out an airbrush makeup kit, then proceeded to give impromptu makeovers- high tech glamor at it's finest...I left feeling (and looking) a million times better than when I arrived- what a gift! One last highlight: Tamara and I dished out some love to the burgeoning hydrangea plant at the bottom of the stairs. We laughed till we were red in the face. Happiness abounds.

It is true- life is SO much better when you have wonderful people to share it with.

Origamibandit

Yes Please.

The Good Earth

The Love Gun

Good Bye Old Friend

Plugged In

Wow.

Have An Epiphanie!

You can call me Fluffy.

Yarg!

Please Help-

Pioneers

Encircled by His Love

Us

life & liberty

~Father's Day~

Color Correcting is fun!

In Cars

Muscle Your Life.

Derby Girl

Take a Trip on Route...

No Jellies on this Toast...

Quote of the Day

Ode to a Memory

Just a Spoonful of Sugar???

Still Life

A Cow's Meow

The Theme of the Weekend...

Chile con Wreckage

He Stopped the Rain

Kids!

Traveling the World

Lights... Camera...

Safe and Sorry

Yesterday...

~~~~~~Hello 2010 : NYD HIKE 3.0~~~~~~

Good Bye 2009

The Job Hunt Continues

December

Haw Ha!!!

One More

Still Life

Hair Creme?

~Awesome~

Ghostly Calm

October Goodness

My Wacky Family

Literacy through Photography

Dream Dream Dream

A Rose is a Stone

The Game is Ah' Foot

A week ago Today.

*Things that make you go Boom*

Raising money 4 romantic

HT be an Explorer of the World

Quilted

I AM HIGH ON LIFE!!!

Walkabout

I Heart My Momma!

A Little Thing Called Love

Me Graduated Now

Great Scotts!

Swing Like There's No Tomorrow!

Fried Pineapple and a Soccer Ball

D to the P

Ahhh Sunday

I Like this List A-Lot.

Maya the Brilliant!

You want a Necklace Beard too!

Fuse Beads

Ansa Verse SOiReE

My Momma

Free at Last

Cappy

Thirt Tee Won

The Crazy Chicken

Saved from the Eternal BBQ

Did I Do That?

A Vote for Walkable Cities

Spirited Away

Hello 2010 : NYD HIKE 3.0

Things that make you go Boom