Hazleton Pennsylvania

                             



                             

Dr. Michael Apichella is a widely published award winning writer, professor, teacher, public speaker, and artist. He earned a MA in Communications from Wheaton College and PhD in English and creative writing from Univ. of Wales. He takes time out of his busy life to write a column for the Hazleton Standard Speaker. He recently published an article, "Coal, suits, art, Chicken Pluckers-our legacy" for the Hazleton Standard Speaker newspaper. His articles make my sisters, relatives, and friends, from Hazleton remember the hard working, intelligent, industrious, and blended people that we come from. These individuals helped shape our lives and choices by showing us that a lot of work really does pay off. I would give anything to sink my teeth into that real Italian Cold Cut.

Cambria's Scarecrow and Harvest Festival

                

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I love to go to Cambria this time of year and snap pictures. Cambria locals have spirit. Last year there were over 250 scarecrows to see. There is something about those early dark nights and Cambria artistic garden delights. The local folks decorate their storefronts and yards to create fantastical sculpture gardens. They create a roadside environment that make you want to stay up late and get into some kinda trouble. The Scarecrow and Harvest Festival runs Oct 12-14.

I Want My Ninja! Tee

        

                                              

                                            
                                   

My Ninja! Clothing Line was developed by music producer and designer Peter Hong.
 I found out about the line from JamesTanouye. I was immediately taken by the creative logo and message of Peter's street fashion.  His shirts convey a statement that allows individuals of today to connect and blend their cultures. This is a creative way to remind us that our blended backgrounds have something to teach each other. His mission is that  We Love, We Live, We Balance, and We Forgive. I like what this guy is designing and I like his street sense. I think some street photographers may be buying these soon. Love the colors and various letter styles.

Christopher and Dinah Lee

We had another successful buying trip to GOWA CREATIVE ARTS in Cambria. This is the fashion store of designers Christopher and Dinah Lee. We caught Christopher before he took off for a trip to Paris. He is a pleasure to buy from, because he not only knows the clothes he designs, but he actually assists you in fitting you and telling you what colors suit you. Deb bought a gorgeous top/jacket for her big event in NYC in December. I bought a stunning scarf with crystals hanging from the edges that I have worn several times since the splurge and also wear it around town on my handbag. This is the place to shop for special silk and chiffon fabrics for that special event. You will not regret this shopping trip. It is always special.

The Untouchable Intouchables

Untouchables is a French Film directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano. It is about the unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and a young poor man from the ghettos who is hired as his caregiver. It made us laugh and cry. It brings to light the closeness that caretakers have with people they care for on a daily basis. It is one we will try to see again on the big screen. Do not miss this fantastic film.

There is No Falling Back

These were taken out at the San Luis Botanic Garden. Fall is here. Fall is a time for building your immune system and enjoying the warm colors and weather changes. In Coastal California, we get to enjoy the warmer weather patterns. Fall brings to us photographers some of the most amazing colors. The  nights get shorter. Make the best of this time. Invest in a floor or table lamp. Embrace the change.

A Smile Goes A Long Way

                       

People smile. Pets smile. One of my favorite things to do is to smile at a crying baby. They either continue to ball their little eyes out, or they change their frown into a potential smile. The photo at the top of the page is a man from the Summer Solstice Parade in Santa Barbara. The Street Art is Andre (Paris), and the smiling animals are my nephew Lucky and neice Tesse.

Orange is BACK

                      



                               


                           

Orange is so versatile. It is a lively happy color. I love it and I know my sisters love it. Mulberry and Kate Spade are not afraid of it. Marc Jacobs is not afraid to design in Orange. It goes with many colors. Be bold. Wear Orange.

Nars

                                         
                                                                      

                               

This is the look created by Francois Nars for the Marc Jacob Spring 2013 campaign. The eyebrows have strong definition and matte eyeshadow is used to accent this look. Notice the line drawn above the brow bone. The eyebrows are very dark. I always wandered what the darker eyebrow color was for. Now I know. Brooke Shields, Debbie Harry, Audrey Hepburn, Ali MacGraw, Madonna, and Patti Smith have all sported the prominent eyebrow.

Mark Weedon's Display in Santa Maria

                                                                                   

We ventured to Santa Maria's Museum of Flight to see Mark Weedon's amazing display of mannequins showcasing the first women in history trained to fly military aircraft. The women were organized during WWII and employed to fly military aircraft of the US Army Air Force during WWII.  Peter Burgett gave us an exceptional tour of the Museum of Flight.  Mark Weedon's show will be a part of the permanent collection in the museum. If you look at a photograph from the time period, you will see that Mark captured the essence of just how remarkable these women really were.

Grateful Threads

Grateful Threads, at 957 Grand Ave., Grover Beach, Ca. is a great local boutique. Sarah Crosby, is the savvy owner of the shop. She has been open since 2/2011 and continues to bring us quality clothing to the Central Coast. She carries local art, jewelry, and vintage clothes. There is something magical about watching Project Runway and heading over to Grateful Threads to stare at that electric blue Neiman number. I am heading back to buy those awesome handmade art cards that are sitting close to the register.

For the Love of the Bug

I took this photo in Moab, Utah. I love this photo. This guy had a car lot of older bugs he was restoring. Some things never go out of style. This roll was Portra 400 S for the 1984 Hasselblad.

My Louie is not a Baby Anymore

Ragdoll cats are so great. They take 2 years to grown into their full coat and color. Louie had a lighter face and now his coat has acquired its dark saddle. They are playful and docile. They love kids and elders. We love Louie. My Louie is not a baby anymore.

Portland Food Trucks

Why I Love Portland? Food trucks are big. I love to photograph them. This year we found the trucks in different pockets of the city. It is great to surround yourself with culture and experience different foods. The trucks offer great food at good prices. Just another reason to go to Portland.

Meet Jeremy and Jerome

These guys are really great to photograph. Jeremy and Jerome are friends I work with at AGCC. I have taken medium format portraits of Jeremy (on left) and his family. I like to use Portra 400 S film and I use my light meter and like to photograph in slightly overcast skies. I did not ask them to pose. They are intuitive men and I do not have to prop them up like two dolls. They know what to do. They are themselves . This is really the beauty of solid portraits. It helps to have people that can be themselves and have a trust with the photographer. I find it ironic that they posed themselves in the same posture/stance. I am on a mission. This passion began in SF photographing the SF Twins. Specialty Color Services does all my developing and printing. I will have this made into a 16 x 16 matte print scanned on foam core.

Fab X-PRESSIONS

                            

Desa owns X-PRESSIONS and when my sister Deb comes to California we love to dunk money in Desa's Fab store. Deb finds tops, jewelry, sweaters, and jackets when she makes her yearly trip to Central Coast. Anita and I walked out with costume jewelry that is fun and affordable.  I find it refreshing to shop where the retail owner is pleasant and is there to assist you. Desa has been in the retail business for 18 years and she has always loved shopping and keeping up with the styles.  I am telling you to go to Pismo, meet Desa, and shop where you will find something you love at  X-PRESSIONS, 260 Pomeroy Ave.,Pismo Beach.