Arlington Fair #2

It is an experience attending the town carnival and hearing the stories of the carny workers. The smell of popcorn, cotton candy, and fried dough are back in town.

The Art of the Fair

One of the most memorable nights of my photography life was hanging out with the carnies in Arlington, Texas. It was late summer and very hot in the big T. I went to fair with Buttons, a family friend, and took photos at different times during the evening. It is educational taking photos in the evening. The light continues to change every hour into the night. My husband was hanging out with my Father, at the local Plaza Bar, around the corner from the town fair. Word got out the carnies slipped over to the corner bar after their tour of duty.

Summertime

It is time to get outside and go see a Parade. Summer is a great time to get out and go have fun. Hang loose a bit. It only comes once a year. Now doesn't that look like fun?

The Art of "The Farm"

                                                                      

Today was the grand opening of the Arroyo Grande Care Center Farm. It is an amazing patient based service based farm. Residents participate in some aspect of farming with results that produce feeding local seniors in need and participating in a  local farmers market. Patients get to regain their strength while working out on the farm with Occupational, Physical, and Activity Therapists. The history of Occupational Therapy reminds us that through the use of one's hands to produce a product helps us to establish meaning in life. It was an honor to have our mayor of Arroyo Grande join us to kick off the official opening of the farm. Thanks to the residents, the AGCC administrator, corporate staff, managers, workers of AGCC, and  family and friends, that took time out of this busy Summer day to observe supporting the Farm and giving residents a reason to recover. Today I felt like I was part of a bigger picture in life.

Happy Summer Solstice

Happy Summer Solstice. My dear friend Lorie always remembers to call us and wish us Happy Solstice. She is from Santa Barbara, home of the famous Summer Solstice Parade. The parade is Saturday June 23 and it is a people powered parade that I love to photograph. It is a fun day to get outdoors and enjoy the fabulous weather in Central Coast. Happy Summer Solstice.

Cindy Sherman the Innovator

                       

This is Cindy Sherman. She is considered groundbreaking in the photography world. The first time I saw her conceptual portraits in which she was the subject, I did not know if I liked them, or hated them. I cannot say I dislike them. They are very creative and  exemplify  image and what we present to the world. She is innovative and uses wigs, makeup, prosthetics, and props to create her characters. Her west coast venue is at the SFMOMA July 14-through October 8, 2012. If you want to see Modern Photography go see her work and form your own opinion.

Andrej Pejic

                                           

Andrej Pejic is the most sought after fashion model of the day appearing as the bride of the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring 2011 Show. He was on the cover of  Dossier Magazine and his look is versatile. He walks in the male and female apparel shows. Photographers are fascinated by his distinctive look.

Beauty of Ektar

This one is for my Dad. He was a good photographer and took many photos for his Roof Engineering Job. He shot with an Olympus Point and Shoot. These photos I took with my Macro lens were shot with Ektar film. My Dad loved little things. He was a true hobbiest.  Happy Father's Day Dad.

Spring to Summer

 If you are into photography go shoot flowers. It is the time of year to get your macro lens on the camera and bang away. If you want to see some stunning flower photos, view  the book Flowers by Mapplethorpe. His erotic images of flowers make you want to weep. My good friend Shawn shared his Focus on Flowers book that I continue to use today to further understand composition. If you are daring and can open your mind to see flowers shot with black backgrounds, try 500 Flowers by Roger Camp a true artist.

2012 Honorees

                                                         

Today is a special day. My sister Deb Swink and her friend Norma Meek are in NYC to receive the Advocacy Award at Garden City Hotel on Long Island. They have been national trainers and have done outstanding work with the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum and represent their states Arkansas and Kentucky.The North Shore Animal League America is the World's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. These ladies are dedicated and have worked many hours building the  Mutt-i-grees program in their states. Linking kids up with pets. I say win win. Congrats to Deb and Norma. Outstanding work.

Dan's Stovetop Coffee

My husband Dan loves to brew espresso on the stove top in the late afternoon. He has used a stove top espresso maker for years. He has a Morosina  in red by Gnali and Zani. It makes a mess of the stove top, but who cares, you only live once. I swear he is Italiano.

Happy Birthday Mom

My Mom. Bernadine Roman. Born June 8, 1935. I think of her fondly every day. She was not afraid to speak her mind. She raised us Roman girls to be strong and not let any grass grow under our feet. She taught us how to cook, show respect, and find value in having hobbies and things that made you happy. She was not afraid to yell when we were out of line or drove her crazy. She was the best Mom to us girls.
She showed me NYC and exposed me to NYC Dance and Theatre. She loved fashion and had a savvy fashion spirit. Thank-you Mom.

The Art of Buying Coins

                                                 

I like to do something special for Katherine, my Goddaughter. My Godparents always looked after me. I went to buy her a yearly savings bond and found out you can no longer walk into a bank and buy one. I want to do something a little more exciting  than going to online Treasury Direct. My  husband gave me the idea of buying Katherine gold. I ventured into Paul A. Brombal Coins and Jewelry and met Christopher who helped me make my way through what to buy and how to stay in our budget. I learned that gold is eternal and enjoyed looking at the prettiest silver dollar ever made. It was a fun outing and I can only hope Katherine has as much fun cashing these in, or not, one day to match the fun I had buying them.

The Queen's Jubilee

                                 

                                              

Tens of thousands of people were cheering from the riverbanks as Queen Elizabeth II lead a  flotilla of 1000 boats escorting her Royal Barge along the Thames to mark her Diamond Jubilee. This was the largest public event of the monarch's 60 years. She wore a silver and white dress with matching coat embellished with Swarvoski crystals. What a spectacular event to honor the Queen's 60 years.
     

Alexander McQueen

    


Alexander McQueen was a genius.  We lost him last Feb. of 2010, but his legacy will live on forever. I watched a video of Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibit and his work about blew my mind. His work was provocative, innovative and he gave a very strong voice to the world of fashion. His dramatically staged events were a trademark of this London-born designer. He mixed avant-garde, poetry, provocation, and high quality tailoring. At age 27 he was appointed head designer of the Paris couture house of Givency. A few years later he received the title of Commander of the British Empire from Queen Elizabeth II. His styling on his jacket designs was impeccable and his embroidery was stunning. He mastered six different cutting techniques. The son of a taxi driver and the youngest of six children proved to the fashion world he was great. We miss you Alexander.