Ladies of Vienna

Bianca and Isabelle

July 2012 – Vienna, Austria

City of Angels

A few sunny images from my trip to Los Angeles in September. The ocean was so warm, we could run right into the waves.

Splash

Last summer in Uncle David's pool. 

Year 2 Begins

Today marks the fourth week of my sophomore year in college, and while it feels good to see how quickly and successfully I have accomplished forty-five credits, it is becoming increasingly difficult to be a decade or more older than all of my classmates. I've been walking out of classes feeling frustrated and bored. We do not share the same level of understanding, and so oftentimes the discussions are lacking a certain complexity and maturity that I desire. I am trying to remind myself that it's not their fault I decided to become a student at my age, but nevertheless, I find myself wanting more.

Meanwhile, I am doing an independent study in photography which is helping to fill in where other courses are lacking. I have been working one-on-one with my photo teacher from last quarter, and my time with her has been fulfilling and constructive. My first project was to replicate a photo by another photographer, and then create a response to it. No surprise, I chose to copy a few images by Francesca Woodman. I am pleased with how my interpretation turned out, though Woodman obviously did a much nicer job. I have yet to come up with a response photo that I am excited about, but you can be sure that I'll post it once I do.

Underfoot

Things I've seen on the ground recently.

Rosebuds

Gather ye rose-buds while ye may,

   Old Time is still a-flying;

And this same flower that smiles today

   Tomorrow will be dying.

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,

   The higher he’s a-getting,

The sooner will his race be run,

   And nearer he’s to setting.

That age is best which is the first,

   When youth and blood are warmer;

But being spent, the worse, and worst

   Times still succeed the former.

Then be not coy, but use your time,

   And while ye may, go marry;

For having lost but once your prime,

   You may forever tarry.

                   -   ROBERT HERRICK

Cake & Selfies

A few more recent photos I've been spending time with in the dark room. 

I will begin working on my final photo project this weekend and will be exploring a few different themes: minimalism, pattern, reflections and shadows. I'm excited to see what happens!

Constants

Kai, Asher and I still go on imaginary trips to Hawaii, continue to play in tents in the back-yard, and will forever be "goofy grapes" completely. Kai will be five years old soon, and Asher three... How?!

In the last frame, Kai wondered, "There are hearts around us – how does the computer know we love each other?"

Always the sweetest words from this boy.

Some things never change.

Obsessed

Laura Letinsky's still life photography is so rad.

Breakin' / Wishin'

Taking a study break – made a little birthday wish list, just for kicks.

The last year of my twenties is upon me!


1. SkarGorn, #61 Tee (a perfect white t-shirt), 2. Kinfolk, Issue #8,  3. Karen Walker, Helter Skelter sunglasses, 4. Warby Parker, Wheeler sunglasses, 5. Wendy Nichol, Billy Kid Washed Tote 6. Martiniano, Glove Slipper, 7. L'Occitane Pivoine Flora Hand Cream, 8. Dior, Vernis nail polish, 9. Nars, Trouville nail polish, 10. Fresh Sugar Rosé lip balm (the best stuff ever).

Testing

BELL FLOWERS – TEST STRIP OF A PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPH

My morning was spent processing in a dark room – the first time I have ever done this! It is so much fun to work with my hands and create art this way. Rewarding, too. I am really looking forward to shooting a roll of film this weekend and taking it into the lab next week. 

Going, Going, Gone

Time moves so quickly. I want it to slow down, and I want it to speed up.

East & Forward

We drove through the mountains to Selah for a couple of days over the long weekend. The sun didn't hang around much, but we made the most of it. The kids still spent the majority of the day in the pool, despite the wind and rain. I kept watching them through the window, wishing I were as tough as I once was. Kids seem to have a certain tolerance for discomfort, as long as they are having fun.

Need Something

Feeling a little gloomy whenever I'm alone lately. I think I feel a bit stifled by my environment – this room is not mine, these things don't belong to me. I have been remembering my apartment on Belmont Avenue and missing the space that was all my own.

I miss the cherry trees that grew outside the windows, and the little birds that would socialize there – and the evening sun, the way that it danced across the building opposite mine, scattering little rays of light across my room – and the familiar noises, like the click and hum of the heater (my electricity bill was so expensive!) – baking and listening to podcasts in my kitchen, and having picnics on the floor of the living room while watching bad redbox movies...

It was pretty romantic. 

The sunshine just broke through the clouds and is warming my face. That helps a little bit.

Summer Love

I keep finding things that I never got around to sharing with you. These are photos I took at Kristen and Michael's wedding last year. It was such a sweet and enchanting weekend.

El Año Pasado

Entries I made during my time abroad in the journal that Ashley gave me.

I was reading Tender Is The Night at the time, and this postcard that I found at the Pollensa Sunday market fit the vibe perfectly.

(exactly one year ago today!)

I've been awfully reminiscent lately. A welcome distraction from studying for finals, I guess.

Places I've Been

There is a part of me that wants to have these, despite the fact that I already own an authentic pair - which have walked on actual Mallorcan ground - sitting on the floor in my closet. I suppose in some silly way, finding these in a box on my doorstep might feel like a small piece of Mallorca is coming to me, since I cannot go to it.

I miss Spain, and that part of my life, in such a deep and crazy way -- it's hard to put those feelings into words.

Ps. And wouldn't this be nice, too?

2 Down

Well, this is a rather unimpressive photo that I've taken of a very beautiful one from this week's New Yorker. I am too tired to do any better right now, so do forgive me!* Spring break is around the corner, and I look forward to finally having some "me time." It's exciting to think I will be able to read something other than my text books!

So, here I am already nearing the end of another quarter. Finals are next week, which I think I may be in denial about. Ten weeks really do pass so quickly. My classes have been challenging, and extremely demanding of my time - but ultimately so worthwhile. I will especially miss my political science class. It was by far the most interesting, and my professor, who dressed mostly in Bill Cosby sweaters, shared insights which pressed me to think deeply and critically about so many things.  Next quarter will be less interesting, but also less intense (I think/hope). I welcome the break.


Spring is trying so hard to show its face around these parts. I can hardly wait for all of the flowers to bloom. While walking to class today, I could detect a sweetness in the air; a promise that the season is very near.



*Also, in my defense, I sadly cannot seem to transfer my Adobe Design Suite onto my new Macbook. :( It's rather painful.

2013

The last few days of 2012 were spent in Selah, Washington at my Uncle's house. (I've decided I need to vacation at his place as much as possible not only in the summer, but in the winter as well. They get the best of both worlds over there on the other side of the Cascades. Sunny, hot summers and snowy winters. Lucky!) My entire family stayed for several days and we had the best time sledding (and crashing), laughing, playing games, watching movies, singing by the fire, making homemade "snow nog" (egg nog made with snow - a delicious creation by my Uncle David) and last but not least, visiting some wild Rocky Mountain elk while they breaked for lunch. It was a wonderful weekend.

Before I go (and possibly not return for a while - seems to be the new trend) I thought I might share some happy news that I received shortly after I last wrote here; which is, that I have been awarded a full Pell Grant for the school year! Such a wonderful relief - I am so grateful for that. It feels like a reassuring sign; like I am doing the right thing and headed in the right direction. I am very excited for next quarter to begin, especially now that I'll be able to go full time. The classes I'm taking may turn out to be a bit of a heavy load, but I very much look forward to it! Classes start tomorrow - I cannot wait to get back into the classroom.