A man and his horses: Papa John

Well, it's happened again. It looks like this thing has turned into a full blown photography blog, which really isn't too bad. I'm hoping I can tell a few interesting stories here and there, but for now I'll tell them through the photos I post.

I flew back from Sacramento on Tuesday and JR's dad asked me if I would go down to the stables and take a few photos of him with his horses. Papa John Kurtz is John Wayne's alter ego. His house is filled wall to wall with southwestern memorabilia, cowboy decor, and horse paraphernalia. He has this magnificent American Indian headdress sitting on a pedestal in the corner. He crafts amazing things with leather and has painted the most beautiful cowboys and countrysides. He is a real meat and potatoes man, and has conquered absolute mountains in life. He graciously lets my whirlwind messes through his house on a weekly basis. He has raised the most talented and loving children in the whole wide world. And he loves his horses.

Sacto photo shoot: Edith

Today marks the beginning of a new era, I was paid to push the buttons on my camera. Which I suppose makes me a legitimate photographer now? I've spent the past week in my dear old Sacramento downtown/midtown grid, seeing so many familiar faces, hearing wonderful tunes, eating the most delicious food, imbibing exquisite coffee and beer, visiting nostalgic old sites. I will always love this place and the opportunities and friendships I've found here.

This dear girl who I met in nursing school even decided to throw me a bone and let me take pictures of her. We rolled around on the filthy ground, sat in the middle of the road, did our best to run away from the strange downtown folk who either like to yell curses at you or be your best friend, and got away with some pretty photos if I do say so myself.

Without further ado, the beautiful Edith:

Film from days past

A few gems from my memories of the past couple of years. All from my first roll of large format film. I am beginning to realize, it is important to look back on days and experiences I remember fondly, so I can remind myself how full my life has been, and how it won't be so stagnant forever. Life is full of highs and lows, it is all a cycle. Things will pick up soon.

City of Angels

I spent a lovely little weekend exploring in LA . It's a funny city, and whenever I visit, I either really love my time there or hate it. The thing about LA is that, amongst all the angsty traffic, and the smog, and the crap, there are little pockets of niceties, and in order to have a splendid time, you have to know where those places are, and ideally be spending your time with good people. But really, all of life is sort of mirrored in that fashion. You find the beauty amidst the chaos and you do it with the loveliest people you know.

This time around, I pulled out my granddads old film camera, and I'm trying to make a point to use a bit of film instead of relying incessantly on auto focus and instant gratification. Which is also a nice way of describing my life as of late.

As always, there was good food, good people, good music, good drinks, good talents, and (hopefully!) a good new career on the way. And a little more inspiration to carry me through the day.

Music Mondays: Kimbra

This girl. Her music, her voice, her quirks, her red lips, her crazy hair, her style, her numerous dresses with lovely bodices and mile wide skirts. And she just won two Grammy's! I'm in love. Enjoy.

Music Mondays: Little Dragon

I sold my first item on Etsy today! 

Let's celebrate with some whimsy in the form of beautiful tunage and cinematography.