Thanksgiving!

Tomorrow's Thanksgiving. We'll be in Tahoe, slaving over hot ovens in the morning, and sitting down with family and friends in the afternoon.  I hope that wherever you are, whoever you're with, that you're enjoying the day and spending it with those you care for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Learning as You Go

This is a great video I yoinked (yes, it's a word!) from Dave Delnea's blog. It's worth watching because it highlights the fact that sometimes in creativity the passion comes first, and then the skills and the methodology tag along behind. Honestly, without the fire and the drive to do it, what do the other things matter anyway? The ability to speak cogently about the entire process is not to be sneezed at, either. And he does a bang-up job.

 
Andrew Zuckerman: On Curiosity, Rigor, and Learning As You Go from 99% on Vimeo.

In a similar vein, Jasmine Star has just written a magazine about her own journey from broke bride to brilliant wedding photographer. I haven't read it yet, but I did order a copy. Partly because I'm an easy sell, I just like her writing, and also because I'm sure I'll learn something new from it. And I'm addicted to reading, so I'm sure I'll make my way through it like a house afire. (Is that the right way to use that expression?)

The Waves Below

Taking the plunge is supposed to be the hardest part. You shut your eyes tight, breathe deep, and just let go.

Jump.

After that the momentum takes you down. You're not driving. The water meets you whether you're ready or not, and there's a certain peace to that. There's the first cold shock, yes, and the wait for the first gasp of air that lets you know you haven't drowned, but after that it's done.

It's a nice metaphor but it doesn't work that way in real life. Even after you jump you can't let go. You have to steer. There are rocks where you least expect them, and there's no one moment where you can realize you've made it, you've survived another jump. Other people will let you know when they think you've resurfaced. But to you? You're still treading water.

I'm not sure I'd have it any other way. But some days I long for the cleansing jolt of the water, and the satisfaction in the strength of my arms bringing me to the surface. And the clear, clear blue.

Wordless Weekend - Portrait

Happy Caturday!

Chee plots havoc while sunbathing. 

I hope you all are enjoying the weekend. This one seems particularly sweet - I've got a pan of tomatoes roasting in the oven, a kitten attacking a toy to my right, a pile of photoshoots I'm excited to edit, and no real obligations tonight -  just a quiet dinner in, me and my boy and two cats.

It's the first weekend in a while that feels so relaxed, and I'm grateful for it. Especially with the excitement of Thanksgiving looming in the future, tinging everything with a touch of anticipation, I'm content. Happy. We've got big plans to go see the snow and pretend we know what winter is really like, hang out with family, and take a lot of long walks. Just like I like it. 

Five Things That Are Underrated

1. Winter light and shorter days. I don't know why, but I'm getting a real kick out of our slightly changing seasons here. It's nice to see the longer shadows on the pavement, and being outside at five in the evening means magical light.

2. Unexpected warm breezes. I was in a Bart station a few days ago, and it might sound weird, but the approaching train made me feel like I was back on an island somewhere. So I closed my eyes and just enjoyed it.

3. People who are quirky. Give me someone who's passionate on a subject I've never even heard of, and I'm fascinated. I love it when you feel like you've pegged someone as a normal nine to fiver and then you find out that they cultivate bonsai religiously. Or they've written three books on vampires that haven't been published yet. (Watch out, Twilight!)

4. Good smells. Our local supermarket smells like cinnamon in the entryway right now (probably to manipulate us into a holiday spirit so we buy more groceries, but, whatever).

5. Abandoned evidence of a good time. The scene on this table made me take a picture. What a lovely setting for a good cup of coffee with a friend. I imagine they only talked of poetry and friends they had in common.

So, what about you? Something you love that no one else appreciates?