It's A Small World After All ....

I have to share a story with you.

I am always amazed at how teeny our great big world is. Every time. Running into someone you know when you are on holiday. Or finding out your new friend is next door neighbors to a long lost friend of yours. It knocks me over every time. But this story is beyond incredible.

I went to Ethiopia in August 2008. We (Mom + I) went with a mission organization that supports a soccer camp during the rainy season. So, there we were, deep in the heart of Ethiopia - 4 hours from Addis Ababa and 2 hours from the nearest paved road (and bottle of cold Coca Cola).

I was so giddy to be there - I was snapping photos like crazy - soccer kids, baboons, village people, trees, rain bouncing off the lake. Basically, if it held still for 1/8th of a second, I snapped it. I can home from a 10 day trip with over a thousand images.

After we got home (and I recovered from my parting gift, Malaria), I opened my Etsy shop. I filled it with Africa images and then lots of other goodies I have. For some reason, I kept this one particular image of a village family in my shop. It never sold but it was sweet. I had been meaning to remove it but never got around to it.

A couple weeks ago, I got a convo on Etsy (that's an email through Etsy). A woman in Canada wanted to know more specifics about that image. Where exactly was it taken and when? Not the normal client questions but I was more than happy to respond to her. I explained where Lake Langano was and that it was an image of a village family.

Ok, hold on to your socks.

She writes me back : their son was adopted from that area and given the information she had, there was a very good chance that this was an image of him with his biological mother and brother. Did I have any more images of the family or other villagers?

Langano family ... !

I immediately scoured my archives and contacted my aunt who works for SIM and Sports Friends (they took us to Africa and still go every year). My new Canadian friend also sent me images she took of her son and his biological father. I immediately recognized the father - he's distinctive - but I could not find an image of him. I was sure I had one. I was positive. Then I remembered we were introduced to the village elders but I was asked not to take their picture. He had to be one of them.

So, as the story goes now. My wonderful aunt is going to take copies of my photos and copies of the photos my Canadian sent me when she goes back to Langano in June. And my family snap shot is on its way to Canada.

I am so excited to see if anything else develops. But, as I told my new friend/ client, something made me not remove the photo and in my heart it is her son.

Have a great holiday weekend!

It's a New Year!

Sadie's new beanie from Santa

How was your Christmas?  And New Years?  Heck, for that matter, how was your Thanksgiving?? I've neglected this poor little blog for quite a while - apologies - I have missed it and you.  I have a few new irons in the fire.  Don't get me wrong, I still have many an un-finished project floating around the house.  But what is life without a few more things to look forward to?!?!

I am still refining my editing skill set and learning as much as I can.  I miss my darkroom terribly but one must move with the times and caustic chemicals are best in a house with kiddo.  This is small image I began playing with lat week - it's not finished but it's coming along ...

Hot Afternoon Sun in Langano

I joined Twitter.  I know, welcome to 2010, right?  Truth be told, I have no idea what I am doing.  You can find me at ... @LoudWaterfall ... I promise not to inundate you with tweets (first I must learn HOW but even then I'm pretty sure you're safe).  I am excited to follow anyone back - so consider me a happy follower in the making!


I am also so very thrilled and proud and excited to tell you about fPOE Artist Event *The Love of Photography Extravaganza*  17 crazy talented women have combined for an online exhibition and sale.  It is January 24-26th - mark your calendars, join the event, enter the raffle (about half way down the page), see amazing works, buy amazing fine art -- it's a win-win-win-win!  Each artist has an album that you can peek at prior to the event - here is mine!  And here is the Look Book of all the artists (cover below)

I cannot wait!!

A Little Dash of Pixie Dust

I love to travel.  L.O.V.E.  I still remember being giddy when I got my first passport.  The world was my oyster.

I never turn down the opportunity to hop on a plane, train, or automobile.  Some of my most amazing experiences and most beautiful photographs are the result of saying *yes* and then sorting out a way to make it happen. I attended Pasadena Community College right out of high school, not convinced where I wanted to spend to the next 4 years. Posters advertising a semester at Oxford University were all over campus. I saw them for weeks, maybe longer. Then one random day, I was actually early for class - traffic was light, I found a parking spot immediately. I stopped and read the advert for the semester abroad. The deadline to turn in applications was in 4 hours.  I dashed over to the dean's office to inquire what had to be done to apply. He said, "Since your name is very English, if you write the deposit check now and have your paperwork in by next week, I will extend the deadline for you." SOLD! I wrote him a check for $400, grabbed the application and rushed back to class. I went home that night and asked my parents to put money in my account to cover the check and, oh, by the way, I'm leaving for the UK in 8 weeks. It was an awesome experience.

These days, with a toddler, a wonderful husband, and a part time job that I actually enjoy - that level of spontaneity isn't always possible.  To offset the lack of new travel photographs, I have begun playing with some of my images in Photoshop - textures, overlays, brushes, actions - and they are transformed. It is truly a whole new experience.  I am used to creating an image in the darkroom.  I have found some of the most wonderful blogs and tutorials.  Rita, of The Coffeeshop Blog, is my go-to gal.  I love her techniques and easy-to-follow tutorials. Rita Rocks.

There is now a new side to my photographs - I think of them as sprinkled with pixie dust. I love my variations. I can see my progress; I like that tangible nature.  I like that photos originally dismissed as mundane or just blah are now a feeding ground for my imagination.  I am giddy when Flypaper Textures publishes a new set.  I find myself hopping on the computer at midnight because I happen to think of a tweak for a variation I spent hours on earlier - I won't be able to sleep until I see how it looks.

Frankfurt, Germany

Now that I rely more heavily on my computer and my software, I need to look into upgrading and ways to keep current on techniques. My hands may not stink of stop bath anymore, but my photos will continue to be a creative outlet even after the shutter has closed. The student in me is excited ...

Lake Langano, Ethiopia

Central Park, New York

Los Angeles, California

Outside Tulsa, Oklahoma

Pike National Forest, Colorado

Cheers,

I love functional art!

Sadie was so excited to have a tea party on the lawn. I brought out some of her *friends*, 2 blankets that were lovingly made by her great Aunt Carolyn, her new bubble machine, freshly baked peanut butter cookies .... and her kitchen. We fluffed her hair, tossed her into a new dress from Persnickety and I grabbed my camera. Hold onto your hats ....

I now remember why I always had help on photo sets. I needed about 3 more hands. One for the camera, one for the bubbles, and another to swap out magnets on her freezer. I am definitely doing this shoot again - she had fun (me too!) and I would love to be able to have her bubbles going.

Making cookies for Momma

I love functional art. I love seeing beautiful images incorporated into our everyday lives. Art brightens up a room. Art accents our moods and and thoughts and deeds.

My images are now available in custom magnets - I have almost every image in stock, ready to ship. They are high quality 2x3 inch magnets. Gloss finish. My daughter's messy little fingers have yet to tarnish or maim them.

Golden Gate Bridge Fogged In ...

I will begin listings for each image; but, in the mean time, if there is a particular photo you want - please convo me & I can create your listing.

Individually each magnet is $8.25. Sets of 3 are $20.00. They come wrapped for immediate gifting or they may also be sent to your lucky loved one directly! Large orders can also be arranged - please let me know what you are thinking and we can sort out a listing for you.

Please note: In stock items will ship immediately. If you want an image that I need to create, there may be a week or two lead time before I can send you the item(s).

Loving on her Piggy

And as always ~~
Side Note: $1 from every image sold (from all LWP outlets) is donated to Nothing But Nets to combat malaria around the world. $10 is all it takes to send a life saving net and peace of mind. Because, malaria just sucks ....

Thank you for taking a peek! 


Sneak Peek ....

Working on listings tonight to put up throughout the week ....

Thank you to my stellar assistant + model, Sadiecakes! Love you .... (Wardrobe from Persnickety Clothing)

Have a good night everyone!

Learning From My Toddler (or Teaching Moments for Momma)

I'm a turn the other cheek kinda gal. And turn. And turn. And turn. But the Momma Bear in me does come out a-raging when the situation calls. This isn't one of those times but I am sure it's a teaching moment regardless (more for me than the kiddo).

Really. Excited. About. Paint.

Sadiecakes goes to school a few days a week - you know that. She adores it. We drive up the long ramp and every time she shouts *Woo Hoo! We're back!* I had my hesitations and crying fits about putting her in at all.  The fact that she now lists off her friends names as she goes to sleep instead of counting sheep melts my heart.

Outside playtime revamped to inside playtime

Sadie got her first Ouch Report yesterday. She and another child (whose name & gender are withheld, even from me) were playing play dough. Both had a dough and cookie cutters.  Ok, this is going to just get everyone confused - we will say *Clifford the Big Red Dog* wanted all of the play dough. Sadie wasn't exactly game for that. So Clifford tried to take it from her. Sadie firmly said *No, I'm playing with it* and continued making her sheep. Clifford got mad and grabbed her hand with the play dough in it and bit her. ((Here is teaching moment #1, ready??)) She got up from the table with her play dough and went to the teacher. No crying. No yelling. No biting back. Ok, maybe here is the moment - my Momma Bear alert would have gone off and I would have intervened to say the least. Sadie handled the whole thing like a pro, and after a talk with the teacher, the two resumed playing together. The bite did not break the skin; in fact, the only thing on her hands when I picked her up was pink marker and sand.

So we get in the car after collecting her numerous necessities that get hauled back and forth each and every time.  I try to be aloofly inquisitive.  She's 2, I don't know why I thought I had to be so cloak & dagger.  How was you day?  Did you paint?  Play with play dough?  How are your friends?  She answers each question as she skips across the parking lot and into the car. It's just like any other day. So I prod further. I'm asking if anything happened at school? Did she get any owies? Still zilch.

Now fast forward all the way to bed time. I've now been plotting for hours on exactly how to talk to her. She's been playing and reading and singing and dancing. Clearly a better use of time than what I was doing. So she all ready for bed. Teeth brushed. Jammies on. Book picked out. I tell her I want to talk to her for a minute. I want to make sure you're ok. I want to know what happened at school today. Miss Teacher told me you got hurt. She stares at me blankly.  Did someone bite you? Yes. (Break through!). Ok. Who? She then names all 11 other kids. (Damn) Now, let me be clear. I'm not interested in who it is, per se. I want to know that she is ok and that her friendship with *Clifford* is still as great as it was last week.

((Teaching moment #2, hold on to your hats!)) As soon as the incident was resolved - it was done. She was over it. It was a 30 second blip in an otherwise normal day. And I had festered and worried and fretted for hours.  Had it happened with a sibling or cousin, I too, would have been over it in the same 30 seconds.  Kids are going to be kids. They are crazy resilient.  It's our over thinking and fretting (OK. My over thinking. My fretting.) that gets things mixed up and turned about.

Waiting for me at the gate

This morning on the way up the driveway came a voice from the backseat *Woo Hoo! We're back!* My kid rocks.

The Zen of Jammies

You wouldn't know to look at my house that I like things neat and tidy.  You wouldn't know that I hate to go to bed with a single dish in the sink.  Life happens.  You only have 1,440 minutes in a day (I just had to break out the calculator) and you have to use every one of them wisely.  Would I rather finish the dishes or blow bubbles in the front yard?  I will always choose the latter.

The crazy heat wave we have been enduring here in Los Angeles has everyone hyper aware of energy use.  Appliances need to used after 7pm; So, laundry has been a bit of a back burner.  It's ok.  Tonight I caught up on Sadie's hamper.  I had completely forgotten how much I love to wash her clothes.

Fresh out of the dryer - a jumble of color

Before she was born, I must have washed anything that said NB or 0-3 months a dozen times.  Wash, dry, fold.  Yes, I was on bed rest, so laundry kept me seated & busy.  Folding everyone of those little onesies.  Arranging and rearranging her dresser drawers.  Matching up brightly colored socks.  It's calming.  Cathartic.  Hopeful.  Children's clothes are bright and happy and soft right out of the dryer. How can you not have a smile on your face when you match up jammies with flowers and big bright dots all over them?  A tiny little break in your heart when you realize something is too small now won't fit her.  Folding her laundry is the perfect way to end any day.

Jammies

Ready for the closet

Now would someone kindly put them away for me?  I would love to go bed now ....