Evan is Two!

I don't know how many of you remember that I took birthday celebration photos for Evan's first birthday last year. I was so happy to meet his parents, who are really nice, nice people, as well as his grandparents who came from the East Coast to help celebrate his big milestone birthday.

Well, quick as a wink, Evan is now a happy little two-year-old! I was thrilled when his mom, Lillian, contacted me and asked that I photograph his second birthday. I was also looking forward to seeing how much he had changed and grown over the past year. The family was all together again, and this year I got to meet Evan's Uncle Richard, who I thank for helping me out of the quicksand! LOL!

I was NOT disappointed! What a doll he is, and he was loving the beach like only a child can. It's wonderful to see the world through a child's eyes, all fresh and new and terrifically exciting. I also have to admit that I love watching the interaction between Lillian and her son. There is just absolute pure unguarded love there, and it is my pleasure once again to record it.

Here are a few of my favorites from the day...










Happy Birthday, Evan!

B

Exhibit - John Wayne Airport

Well, all good things must come to an end, and that includes my solo exhibit at Orange County Airport (also known as John Wayne Airport). I thank all of you who made it down to see my exhibit, and I really appreciate your effort and support.

To those who weren't able to see it in person, you can see the pictures HERE on my website.

The curator, Jeff Frisch, was great to work with, and it's an experience I'll never forget.

Now let's see what I can get going for the future!

B

More New Orleans Photos

LAISSER LES BONS TEMPS ROULER!

Today is Fat Tuesday, so the crowds are out in droves for Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

I had such a fun time when I was in New Orleans a few years ago. The history of the area is incredible. I made it a point to take as many ghost tours as possible (I love that stuff). The Cajun music took me over completely, and I think it was a good two months or so before I could stop playing my "Hot Cajun" CD's.

Sipping chickory coffee and eating beignets at Cafe Du Monde, watching the riverboats, and enjoying all the street performers.

(Travel Tip 1: IF you take a picture of the street performers, make sure you give them their tip. Trust me on this! LOL!)

(Travel Tip 2: If you find yourself in the vacinity of a voodoo practitioner, DO NOT take pictures. I repeat, DO NOT TAKE PICTURES. Again, trust me on this!)

The above picture is of some masks and beads I got while I was there. (I'll spare you the shot of the gator head I brought back for H). I'll dig up some more pics and post them in the next day or two.

Laisser les bons temps rouler!

B

I Hate When Things Don't Work...

I don't know if you've noticed, but some of my blog postings are missing.

Blogspot is working fine, I deleted them intentionally...like an idiot.

So, long story long - I am completely addicted to my iPhone and the glorious selection of apps that come with. I found this really cool app recently - iBlog, or something like that, which would allow me to blog directly from my iPhone.

Yeah, right.

It has some pretty good reviews, although, I admit I usually only read one or two (ADD-esque). I toss my 99 cents into the mix and download it. I selected my blog host, loaded my blog url and password. All's well.

When I select my blog to actually open it up I get completely bbooted out of the program! Argh!

Try, try again..and again, and again (just keep repeating this for about a day - that's how many tries I made)

I contact the app writers and I get a response in a reasonable amount of time. They suggested a couple of solutions (disable Feedburner, fix any errors, blah, blah, blah). Okay. Feedburner disabled. No luck.

I check the validity of my blog feed. It says it's okay, but offers a few suggestions for "fixes" that might optimize my feed.

Fixing the suggested "errors" (suggestions) is an endless loop of bait and switch. I fix one, and then another is listed. Most of these errors involve any posts with images.

Hello?! I'm a photographer!

So that is why there are some posts missing. I deleted them.

My blog is still in the exact same condition it always was, and the app still does not work.

That sucks.

B

DID YOU KNOW???

Think about it...

B

Exhibit - John Wayne Airport

I am so excited to be exhibiting my series, Coastal Access: The Beaches of Orange County, at John Wayne Airport!

You can read the press release on the airport website HERE

This is my first solo exhibition, and it has been a really great experience for me, from jurying through the completed installation. Having my artwork displayed in such a prestigious location is so inspiring, and has really boosted my artistic confidence.

I must give thanks to Tom Lamb, who is an extremely talented photographer, a guiding force for many, and an all around great guy. It's because of his guidance that I was able to take my work to a higher level (Thanks, Tom!)

Also, Jeff Frisch, the arts coordinator at the airport was so kind and helpful to me while I was getting this exhibition together that it made it a very smooth process. He is a very kind and patient man, and I was lucky to be able to work with him.

I hope some of you will be able to stop by and see the exhibit. It runs through March 3, 2009. I really believe Orange County has the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it would be my absolute pleasure to share them with you.

A Very Happy

B

Inauguration Day!

Today we will have a new president...

Whether or not you voted for Barack Obama, let us all wish him -

Health,
Wisdom,
Compassion

and show him respect as our president.

God bless the president, and the United States.

B

Making a Small Adjustment in Support of the U.S. Economy

I had a minor epiphany the other day.

While I work on something creative, I usually have the television in the background - not really paying attention to it, but just keeping away the deafening silence. Somehow the channel ended up on some travel item featuring Michigan. That grabbed my attention, because I have a trip planned for next autumn to go visit a really good friend of mine from waaaaayyyyy back, who just happens to live in Michigan. We're going on a photography extravaganza together - but more on that another time.

AAAnnnnyyywaaayyy...

So, I while I was watching this brief bit about Michigan, and all the scenic landscapes and fun activities to do, my interest was even more piqued when they moved along to Mackinac Island. For anyone who is a fan of the movie,Somewhere in Time you will immediately recognize the beautiful Grand Hotel, which just happens to be located there. (H and I are crazy for that movie and have watched it a ridiculous number of times)

Also, there is an ordinance banning cars on the island. The WHOLE island. No cars. Anywhere. None. I mean, HOW COOL IS THAT??!!

So, after mentally jotting down on my internal "to do" list, I've decided that I'll extend my trip by a day or two to include Mackinac Island. I mean, since I'm in the neighborhood anyway...

Okay, long story, long... ( As you can tell, I'm a back-story kind of girl).

GET TO THE POINT ALREADY!

My epiphany was that since our economy is in the dumpster, I am going to focus my travel adventures within the U.S. only. It seems that either I don't go anywhere out of a 50-mile radius, or I'm as far across the globe as I can actually manage at the moment. Watching that little travel piece, however, reminded me that there are so very many places in my own country that I have yet to see.

And let's certainly not forget the benefits of traveling within the U.S.

-- I can use my cell phone without mortgaging my life to pay the tab (YAY!!!)

-- I can use my laptop (awesome!)

-- I can use my own health insurance, should, God forbid, something go wrong.
-- I'm in my own country.

-- I can use my own currency. (Checked the exchange rates lately???)

-- Air miles go twice as far when flying in the U.S. and Canada (again, awesome!)

-- The most time spent in the uncomfy little airplane seats with bad air to breathe is 5 hours (as opposed to the last trip which was 14!) Although, business class on long flights RULES! (Oh, crap. I forgot to do that blog entry...)

-- I speak the language and know all the local customs. And if I make a faux paus, no one makes any rude "American" remarks (gotta love that)

So, all my travel dollars are staying in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. The tourism industry is hurting as much as any other industry in the world, so why not help out our own "family" first?

Be American, Buy American.

B

Music Brings the World Together - Playing for Change: Stand By Me

This video starts out simply, but as it continues you will be amazed at how many voices can become one beautiful musical experience.

This is from the YouTube website:

(playingforchange.com)

From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it travelled the globe. This and other songs such as "One Love" will be released as digital downloads soon; followed by the film soundtrack and DVD early next year.

Sign up at www.playingforchange.com for updates and exclusive content available only to those who...

Join the Movement to help build schools, connect students, and inspire communities in need through music

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas

Moonlight Dreams

I have a new Etsy shop for all my non-photography handcrafted items. Drop by for a visit and see what's new! The address is: MoonlightDreams.etsy.com

I'm currently loading in items and I have a lot more to go, so please check back often.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade MoonlightDreams.etsy.com

McCain or Obama - either way, you'll like this!

It's been a long, tough presidential campaign, and it's good to see a different side of the candidates.

McCAIN ROASTS OBAMA:




OBAMA ROASTS McCAIN:




Make sure to vote.

B

I had some good news :-)

Someone bought an extended license of one of my stock pictures! That was a very happy surprise for me yesterday, and I just wanted to share.

(Yay!)

B

New Picture - "Los Rios Reverie"

Christian, the Hugging Lion : Full Ending

Enjoy.



PLEASE SUPPORT PROP. 2 WHICH GIVES ANIMALS SOME HUMANE TREATMENT.

Thank you,

B

New Picture - "Make a Wish"

I found this lovely fountain in the center of a peaceful autumn garden, and had to toss in a coin to make my wish.



Yes. It came true...

B

(All images are available in my Etsy shop)


xo

New Picture - "Epiphany"

My beautiful orchid in full bloom, against a cobalt background.

B

There's a NEW presidential candidate in town!!!

Just wanted you all to see why I haven't been blogging regularly - I've been VERY busy doing this...

I know it's a long shot - but I think I can win! :-D

Vote for me.

B

New Pictures - Laguna Beach

Some more views of beautiful Laguna Beach.

Thalia Street Mural
The Ruins and the Island
Laguna 10
Sun, Waves and a Grass Umbrella
Laguna Pier Memory
Laguna Tide Pools
Dolphin Mural

All are available in my Etsy shop or email me for direct sales.

Happy Looking!

B