Committed at the Courthouse: Rachel & Michael

Rachel and Michael wanted to get married by themselves. They wanted to save the big hoopla for later and celebrate their committed love now. If it wasn't for the need of witnesses on their court documents, they would have gone about it solo. As it was, Rachel's mother and sister live near-by and were more than eager to be a part of the intimate ritual. The ceremony really was lovely and ideal. Situated in a corner office with a retiring judge who seemed to have no shortage of things to say about my camera and shooting style (I had to remind him in a whisper, "This is about them [pointing back and forth between the bride and groom]."), Rachel and Michael actualized their commitment and love amidst the glowing city lights of Smith Tower.

Before we all headed to the courthouse via fancy SUV and driver, I photographed "the family" of Rachel, Michael, Ruby and Nelson.

Red Cowboy Boots and a camera in San Luis Obispo

Ethan and Rebecca Heck have to be two of the nicest, shoot from the hip, sorts of folks you'd ever want the honor to photograph. Their love is real... not that it isn't for other couples, but I can't tell you how much I LOVE how I just disappear when the two of them are together, loving each other, lost in eachother's gaze. If I were their judge, "forever" feels good for them... it simply works. I had the fine honor of not only photographing their wedding, but roadtripping with them down to San Luis Obispo, CA where they tied the knot in October.

Rebecca

Ethan



Holland Ranch

The Love

The Crew

The Details

The Party

The Boots and the Camera

The Mighty Midwest

There are so many projects begging to be created in the Midwest. The land is more rich in history than the topsoil is in nutrients, but as science continues to wave its mighty "fix-it" sword, the corn will continue to grow. I headed back for a family reunion in Bettendorf, Iowa and made a side trip to Chicago where my dear friend attended a wedding. Excited to be a guest with no expectations of photo responsibilities, I took the camera anyway. The ceremony and reception were held in the Sears tower Metropolitan Club with views more stunning than I could have imagined. Chicago is quite the city. I made friends with a four year old girl with curls as blonde and full of personality as the sprite who wears them. She and I danced and danced and danced... even as the band packed up to leave. She walked around and to each band member, shook their hand, and said, "Thank you for the wonderful music". Sure I scripted her, but she took the ball and ran with it.


I took the bus each way and had an incredible experience getting to know a recently released inmate (released that day!) who happened to get out early on good behavior. He was charming and hilarious and not to mention extremely candid about what put him in prison in the first place. I took breaks from conversation to admire the rolling hills of corn and soy and developed a deep respect for a land so prolific in feeding so many people.


Back in Bettendorf in preparation for the incredible feast and frenzie of 30 family members, we baked and cooked and cleaned and mowed... It was quite the process but well worth the efforts. We were rewarded one day with the sight of Hot Air Balloons right overhead.

Rhizomey Loam

Sticking my fingers into the darkness of nutrient rich soil, creating small compartments alive and welcoming to the seeds that find their place within them, I am nurturing life and absorbing it through my pores. The smell of freshly watered sungold tomatoes penetrates my olfactory senses, thanking me for simulating rain. I've been drawn to this. This lifestyle of nurturing through nourishment and homegrown vegetables has been dormant for 25 years, since we drove West away from the farm. I recently made my way back to my roots through Cascadian Edible Landscapes, an organization dedicated to not only creating gardens out of everyone's urban yard, but to the service of the community where they're educating and enriching the lives of the under privileged. Working with this amazing group of people is awakening possibilities and dreams within me that only seemed distant dreams when I first began harvesting agricultural fantasies a few years ago. As my role becomes more defined, I will share experiences and post photos in hopes that my pursuits inspire those who read this.

Food + People = Community

Last night I attended the Seattle Tilth hosted Eat Local for Thanksgiving dinner at the Good Shepherd's Center. Individuals were encouraged to bring a locally grown item with which a volunteer chef would create a masterpiece. I had no idea what I was in for, but I showed up with my locally grown garlic from both Nash's Farm and Willie Green's Farm, three very large Mishirasu Asian Pears from Dry Slough Orchard via Pioneer Organics, and Quark from Appel Farms. I couldn't help myself but bring along my camera to document the process of how strangers create community through their love for food.

We're not experts in the kitchen. Most of us have the knife scars to prove it. There is something so gastronomically empowering when people drive forward with the desire to learn. Nothing is more delicious than the experience we had learning about food! Beth of Matt's In the Market fame, discussed nutritional facts, modestly showed off chopping techniques, enlightened us on varied cooking times, and fed our souls and tummies with straight out of the oven and off the stovetop goodness. One of my favorite dishes, aside from the roasted garlic cloves, was the kohlrabi bake that comforted everyone in the room. Whether our minds were on the voting tallies (as it was a voting Tuesday) or on whether or not we turned off the coffee maker that morning, Beth brought us back to center with her mustard and lemon salmon, roasted root vegetables and feta, pan-seared baby bok choy, honey-dipped parmasian cheese, beet salad, and pan-seared chard and pomegranate. We were in absolute bliss. A few of us brought wine and a little champagne, jokes and great stories. We arrived strangers, uncertain of how the evening was about to unfold and then we walked away, but not without hugs and promises to make this a monthly event.

We're Here... Where's the luggage?

wo de bao diule (my bag is lost)
ni shuo ying yu ma? (do you speak english?)

Uh yeah. So we're at the Ritz Carlton in Shanghai. I'm in my own bed sans pajamas. Pretty much all I had covering my back and backside will be all I'll have until the bags ever arrive. We presumed the bags never made it on to the new flight (despite the assurances of our favorite accommodating ticket agent from SFO). We were assured with confidence that our bags would be transferred... to no avail. I'm pleased to have chosen quick dry pants and underwear for the journey. The Business Class couple we met in the search for solutions actually checked their baggage (after 2 hours of tracking it down at SFO) and only one of their bags arrived... The other ended up in Mumbai! The same situation occurred with few other folks who got onto the Jet Airways flight. I think I'd rather my bags "safe and sound" (who knows?!) in San Francisco rather than traveling another mighty distance to the Southern region of India. All that matters right now is that I'm in a crazy comfortable bed, the bathroom came equipped toothbrushes and all the necessities, and we're off on our first tour adventure in the morning!

Ahhhh Jet Airways India

Fresh warm towels and kind customer service immediately greeted us after boarding our flight 209 to Shanghai at 8:50pm, 11 hours after we left for for LAX. Surrounded by individuals on their way to Mumbai, this was only the beginning of a long journey back to India. Our own television screens full of movies, games, news, and even texting options (in case you bump into some cute guy from row 25B on your way to the bathroom) left little room for all of the reading I intended on doing. There were so many incredible movies from which to choose! I watched the highly entertaining and greatly recommended, "Be Kind Rewind"- of the Hollywood menu, "CJ7"- a delightful Chinese film about a private school attending, poor precocious child who finds an unlikely friend, and "Bienvenue Chez Les Ch'Tiz-, a hilarious film about the far Northern part of France from the European menu. It's a little silly to realize you're laughing aloud and you're the only person watching the film that's so deeply entertaining you. Mike gave me a few looks.

The bathroom came equipped with eau de cologne and lotion- cheap smelling and widely used, but preferred to the usual 12 hr stink. We were handed menus with a series of courses at the beginning of the flight from which to choose our meals. The vegetarian option was delicious accompanied by a lovely glass of vino and followed by a Ghirardelli mint chocolate and a hot cup of black tea. The service is the best I've ever experienced of any other airline. They regularly brought us water and were immediately there as soon as we needed anything. I'm not looking forward to returning to "the care" of United. I can't imagine their seats are as comfortable as this brand-new airline or their service as gracious. United employees are constantly laid off and their hours cut* (source: bitter complaining ticket agent at LAX).

We're about to land in Shanghai and we've been transported forward in time. We completely missed Saturday, August 9th!