Monday, May 31, 2010

Project 365 - May 30, 2010

Faces

Sometimes I like to just focus on one thing. Today I focused as closely as I could without a flash on my cat, Grace's face. It isn't as clear as I would like and all the Photoshop in the world won't make this any better. But hey, it is what it is!


Project 365 - May 29, 2010

Where the Boys Are

On Saturday, Rachel and I were guests of the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at the 50th Anniversary of the film, Where the Boys Are!

When we got there we weren't sure that we would be able to park or how we were going to get into the VIP tent, but my good friend made sure that my name was on the list! And we also knew one of the volunteers in the tent because she had kids that attended Virginia Shuman Young Elementary where Rachel and Adina both went to school.

The City closed A1A from Las Olas Blvd. all the way north to Beach Place! There were boothes lining the street, there was a showmobile with continuous bands playing all day long and then at 8 PM the Film Festival showed the film, Where the Boys Are, on a HUGE inflatable screen right on the sand.

It was a perfect event. There were all age groups out there enjoying the day. There were hula hoop contests and other fun activities. There was also a very wholesome sense of community. It was something we don't feel too often down here.

I do hope that the City does this type of event more often.

Of course Connie Francis was there to sing the song, "Where the Boys Are" and then she sang God Bless America to the color guard of Vietnam Veterans. Her voice is still very strong and clear.

Afterwards, Rachel and I wandered up and down A1A and explored. We found Pirate Alley, my friend, John Wang -- a street artist who finally won his court battle to do his street art, and tons of old cars and the one from the movie when they lift it up and move it from the corner of Las Olas and A1A!!

We really had a fun time and we didn't really want to leave, but we had to go pick up Adina at her friend's house. Ah yes, reality always sets in!!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Project 365 - May 22, 2010

URBAN MARKET

Today I was up by 6:30 a.m. Yeah, I know it is a Saturday, but I slept great and woke up raring to go. By 8 a.m. Joel and I were in the car heading down to Riverwalk to the Urban Market. I have been hearing all about it, but wanted to check it out myself.

I wandered from vendor to vendor and chatted with almost every vendor! I think they appreciated it. And when they see a camera coming, they seem to warm up immediately. Maybe one of these days I will get an official media pass!

As I wandered, I also ate my way through the market! I started with oatmeal cookies, moved on to spinach empanadas, then wonderfully fresh tomatoes and a rugaleh from one of my colleagues at Stonewall Library!


And as we were about to exit the parking lot at Home Depot, we found this homeless man sitting under the cover of the shade to keep cool with his belongings all around him. Kind of puts a knot in my stomach when I see this and I see this so often where I work. I actually know some of the homeless because they are regulars at the library. Hey it is a public place and they have access to restrooms, water fountains and plenty of books to read and chairs to rest their weary bones.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Project 365 - May 11, 2010

I'm Back

Today I hung my photos at the Sailboat Bend Artist Lofts gallery (with the help of Jose of course!). The opening night for "The Right Moment" is Saturday night. When I stepped back and looked at my photos, my hard work of shooting, crawling around, waiting for the right time to snap the shutter, endless nights of editing . . . . well, I couldn't really believe my eyes. There is was in front of me. Art! And I had done it. It was a great accomplishment.

What is even more exciting is that on the opposite wall across the room are my teacher's photos!! To have been invited to exhibit is one thing, but to be exhibiting with my teacher . . . well that is a privilege!

I got home a little earlier than I have been lately. I have been working hard, and long hours. I lot of events, night meetings. So to be home and have eaten dinner before 8 p.m. was special. So off I went with my camera.

To be honest, I wasn't very inspired by much of anything. But these are the results of what I shot.





I just wanted to show off the landscaping around our house. It is looking pretty spiffy!




This last photo is the end result of my daughter, Adina, and her artwork. She did this in about two hours (after she finished her homework!). It was all done with charcoal. I am amazed at her talent. She just keeps getting better.