finding one's neck

sometimes inspiration is hard to find. yet when i hear a person discussing bad photography experiences, i can't help but want to get my camera out and help.

in this case, ms. alicja was in need of a neck...yes, after two different sittings and disappointing results, we took a stab at finding her neck and her inner diva. think we succeeded.

with limited room, we worked lighting and angles to define and enhance. the ever-important fan added a bit of fun sizzle while cooling us down under the hot lights and heat outside. although small, we made the most of the makeshift studio to deliver maximum results.

ms. alicja, it was great working with you. now, who will be my next model?

on display at CannesAlso

The Brand Union has created a new exhibit this year at the 2011 Cannes Lion International Festival of Creativity called CannesAlso. "The Big Book" that showcases approximately 1,200 photographs from around the world is meant to highlight the external creative influences of industry members.

Three of my images were shortlisted and are currently on display in Cannes. Take a peek!

Torn Stockings: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Boy at Play: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Lone Ranger and OJ: Marrakesh, Morocco

the omg dog...jeff

1250 Miles of Photographic Exploration

Pour le plaisir des yeux by Kendra Peavy | Make Your Own Book

my qr code

The Metro: A Parisian Paradise

The Metro: A Parisian Paradise | Make Your Own Book

doing our part

no one will deny that the bp spill is a travesty. however, how many people can say that they've done anything about it? step in 5th grader olivia bouler. she took her disappointment and sadness in the situation and has made an unbelievable difference. having raised $70,000 through her original bird artwork, she has done more than sit on the couch and watch the news...or complain about it. she's taken action and is a living testament to the power of caring, determination and unbridled belief that we do make a difference.

an inspiration for those of us who continue to walk aimlessly wondering what our calling may be or how we may contribute to a better good -- stop talking and start walking...or in this case, drawing. you go, girl!

To read more, visit USA Today: fifth-grader raises $70k

Or go to the National Audubon Society and see how you can help make a difference.

Choose to ‘Do Something’ and Share Some Love

From Erwin-Penland's Food For Thought blog -- part of a three day inspirational ride:

When you think of Newark Mayor Cory Booker, the first thing that may come to mind is determination — a dogged resolve to not just BE better but DO better. That’s something he has been able to demonstrate firsthand by transforming a fairly self-destructive town into a city of possibilities.

He’s been recognized by many influential people throughout his career and certainly joins their ranks in terms of dedication to making a difference and inspiring others to take action. Wednesday at Food For Thought was no exception — Mayor Booker did not disappoint. In an hour’s time, he passionately illustrated the power of choice to mobilize action, and the power of love to transform lives. We didn’t sing “Kumbaya” during his presentation, but it is safe to say a few hearts were aflutter as he gave us a dose of Booker inspiration. Here’s a sampling of what he shared:

*  We have the power to choose, and what we do with that choice can inspire others.
*  Challenges do not define us, but our responses to them do.
*  The world you see outside of you is a reflection of what you have inside of you.
*  Change is not about “can,” but an issue of “will.”
*  Accept things as they are or accept the responsibility to change them.

Yoda couldn’t have said it better. And while these ideas are not new to us, his words are a reminder of what we can do to inspire others with our actions. By approaching the world with a creative mind we can enact positive change, open our hearts to what is important, and open ourselves to the possibilities that await us.

Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”  By sharing our thoughts and ideas, we can all help each other become better “unconventional” thinkers in a “conventional” world.

You can read more about Mayor Cory Booker by clicking HERE.

go outside

kind of digging this song by the cults. makes me think of a mellow morning sitting in the sunshine, watching the grass grow, the clouds pass and contemplating this beautiful life.

check it out:

henriettra lacks...to give and give and give some more

a fascinating article and i'll guess a fascinating book about henrietta lacks in today's usa today. elizabeth weise has her questions answered by author rebecca skloot.

the story raises some interesting questions about patient rights and who should benefit from today's scientific advances.

check it out here: Q&A: How Henrietta Lacks' cells fueled medical breakthroughs

Raging Grannies Pissed About Tebow's Super Bowl Anti-Abortion Ad!

Raging Grannies Pissed About Tebow's Super Bowl Anti-Abortion Ad!

think this says it all. when you allow an anti-abortion ad to run (and turn down a gay-dating site commercial), how can you expect anything else but controversy. is super bowl really the place to make this statement? time will tell.

grammy inspiration

the grammys were phenomenal last night. truly a testament to the way music and art can inspire the masses to a higher level of performance and life. pink, in particular, kicked some serious ass last night demonstrating her elegant circus skills and what truly sets her a part from the competition. take a look at her performance her:

tzatziki yogurt recipe

tzatziki sauce: easy, healthy and delicious recipe from about.com

In Greek: τζατζίκι, pronounced dza-DZEE-kee

Tzatziki is traditionally served as an appetizer and can be left on the table as an accompaniment to foods throughout the meal. The key to great tzatziki is the thick creamy texture that allows it to be eaten alone, as a dip, as a spread, and as a condiment.
(Recipe in Video)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (2 cups) of thick Greek yogurt
• 4 to 10 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (definitely closer to 4)
  
• 1/2 cup of diced or grated cucumber (Kirby or "English")
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons of dill
• salt to taste
  

Preparation:

Prepare all ingredients in advance. Combine oil and lemon juice in a medium mixing bowl. Fold the yogurt in slowly, making sure it mixes completely with the oil. Add the garlic, according to taste, and the cucumber. Stir until evenly distributed. Garnish with a bit of green and serve well chilled.
Yield: about 2 1/2 cups

Preparation Tips:

• Kirby or "English" cucumbers work best (usually wrapped in plastic wrap at the market). If not available, peel and seed the cucumber before dicing or grating.
• After dicing or grating the cucumber, pat it dry with absorbent toweling to remove excess moisture.
• The longer the tzatziki is refrigerated before serving, the more intense the garlic taste will become.

Storage:
Tzatziki will store safely in the refrigerator for several days. If excess liquid accumulates on top, just pour it off.

Serving Suggestions:
Those who are passionate about tzatziki serve it with non-Greek foods including fried chicken, lunch/dinner omelets, and in other ways suited to their tastes.

yum, yum!

authentification

life
authentic inactment
breath hitting the mirror
curses hitting the air
another moment unsensored
ease, comfort, peace
life, nice, cool, unsealed -- real
pfffffffff

Sadie, Sadie -- Married Lady

Funny Girl: Sadie, Sadie Lyrics
Act ii opens with the newly wed fanny and nick arriving at their home in long island.
Fanny’s friends have prepared a surprise party for them. Ziegfeld is there, hoping
Fanny will be in his new show; he’s even hired her friend Eddie as dance director.
Fanny’s Ziegfeld friends ask her what it’s like be married and she replies:

Fanny:
I’m sadie, sadie, married lady,
Bow when I go by.
I’m a corporation now,
Not me, myself and I.
Oh how that marriage license works
On chambermaids and hotel clerks.
The honeymoon was such delight
That we got married that same night.
I’m sadie, sadie, married lady,
Still in bed at noon,
Racking my brain deciding
Between orange juice and prune.
Nick says nothing is too good for me,
And who am I not to agree?
I’m sadie, sadie, married lady, that’s me!
All:
She’s sadie, sadie, married lady,
Fanny:
Meet a mortgagee,
All:
The owner of an icebox
Fanny:
With a ten-year guarantee.
Oh, sit me in the softest seat,
Quick, a cushion for my feet.
Do for me, buy for me, lift me, carry me,
Finally got a guy to marry me!
I do my nails,
Read up on sales,
All day the records play.
Then he comes home, I tell him
Oy--what a day I had today!
I swear I’ll do my wifely job,
Just sit at home--become a slob!
I’m sadie, sadie, married lady, that’s me!
All:
She’s sadie, sadie, married lady,
Boys:
Sadie, you did the trick.
Fanny:
It’s nothing!
Girls:
Not ev’ry girl can get herself
A guy who looks like nick.
Fanny:
Wait, to tell the truth, it hurt my pride--
The groom was prettier than the bride.
All:
Sadie, sadie, married lady,
Fanny:
Husband, house, a mortgage, a baby,
All:
Sadie, sadie, married lady,
Fanny:
That’s who?
All:
That’s you.
Fanny:
That’s me--married lady.
All:
Say hello to ziegfeld’s married lady--sadie!

Sadie, Sadie, Married Lady - Barbra Striesand

pilots n paws -- on a mission

this is a wonderful organization that makes me smile every time i read about it: pilots n paws. an organization that uses private planes and charitable pilots to fly dogs to no kill shelters in different areas across the u.s. according to usa today, they've set a lofty goal to save 5,000 dogs in september. fingers are crossed.

to read more, go to usa today or pilots n paws.

photo contest

In an effort to follow the artist's way...to stop being a shadow artist and become the real artist i'm destined to be, i entered into the "world in focus" photography contest. just one entry, but a starting point to more hopefully.

here's your chance to vote for my photograph: children at play, rio de janeiro. feel free to pass the link along and we'll see what happens when we're done.

next up: the dog stalker exhibition.

carcassonne

jacques prevert

The Garden

Thousands and thousands of years
Would not be enough
To tell of
That small second of eternity
When you held me
When I held you
One morning
In winter's light
In Montsouris Park
In Paris
On earth
This earth
That is a star

Paris at Night

Three matches one by one struck in the night
The first to see your face in it's entirety
The second to see your eyes
The last to see your mouth
And the darkness all around to remind me of all these
As I hold you in my arms.
   

quitting time

i wonder sometimes when the cracking point will come. when the mind will stop working...mush will set in and the quitting whistle will sound. i'm kind of ready for that whistle.