May 12, 2008
Mikey is Homeward Bound
Mikey's been making such great strides over the last few days that the doctors have said he's going home tomorrow.
Woo hoo!
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:11 PM | Comments (1)
Soldiers' Angels Founder Patti Patton-Bader is America's Favorite Mom
But, we already knew that, right?
Now America knows, too.
Soldiers’ Angels founder Patti Patton-Bader was named “America’s Favorite Mom” in a primetime television show Sunday night on NBC. Sponsored by Teleflora and hosted by Donny and Marie Osmond, the show highlighted fifteen outstanding mothers who had distinguished themselves in categories ranging from Working Moms to Military Moms and “Non-Mom” Moms.Humbled by the honor, Patti is thrilled to be able to use it to continue the Soldiers’ Angels mission of “May No Soldier Go Unloved.” As the grand prize winner, she will receive $250,000, a set of household appliances, and other valuable items. Patti hopes to apply the winnings to her plans for a small ranch that will allow newly returned soldiers to relax with their families after deployments.
“I really am lucky to know so many heroes in my life,” said Patti, who herself has two sons in the Army, one currently deployed to Iraq. “Whether they are the troops who serve our country or the amazing mothers here on this America’s Favorite Mom program, I am honored to be in the presence of such inspirational people and also am humbled to know that America thinks the same of me.”
I met Patti two years ago at the conclusion of Soldier Ride (photos) and she is a warm, gracious, amazing, beautiful spirit -- inside and out. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Patti Patton-Bader.
Here's to Patti and Soldiers' Angels!
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:46 PM | Comments (1)
May 10, 2008
Soldiers' Angels and Little Dude
Today was the first day of Gator by the Bay for us. We were supposed to man two booths -- the blues society and Soldiers' Angels. We had a couple folks out sick for the blues booth so I stayed there and Little Dude made the decision to stay with Soldiers' Angels. Since Susan, the woman running the booth for SA, said it was okay with her, it was okay with me.
Turns out it was a great decision all the way around.
Little Dude was happy to be helping out a good cause and he turned out to be a fantastic salesman. They were selling beads and he would wander the crowd, gathering money like it was growing on trees. He even ended up selling to a friend of mine who doesn't spend money on these things. Ever. Yep, the eskimo bought ice from LD.
He also ended up having a head shot done by a group who were looking to cast kids in two new shows locally. Little Mr. Reluctant finally gave in and something tells me he could have a chance.
Lots of photos to upload.
Lots of rest needed. Especially if LD's going to charm everyone again.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:07 PM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2008
Rescuer and Rescuee
Yes, this was taken today. Yes, it's May. In Southern California. It was cold enough that LD was wearing a long sleeve t-shirt and a long sleeve flannel shirt. At 4pm.
Global warming, indeed.
By the way, the rescuee pictured here wasn't in any danger, but LD felt it necessary to rescue the puddy tat anyway. Poor Kiwi.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:56 PM | Comments (0)
May 08, 2008
Fingers Crossed
In a secret hideaway in an unidentified city, an ominous cabal of photographers gathered and plotted, not altogether unlike the Brain, to take over the world -- one photo at a time.
Okay, so maybe it was brunch at Coco's and we spent most of our time discussing the pros and cons of pbase vs flickr. Whatev. We laughed, we cried, we scared off other customers. Maybe it was the dummy at the head of the table. Or maybe it was the frequent references to fast glass, which apparently some heard as fast "ass".
I had brought with me a list of items I need to feel completely ready for anything thrown my way. On that list was a 70-300mm (or 75-300mm or even the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS -- the f/2.8 being really fast glass) lens. Now, these lenses can run anywhere from $159 to over a grand, depending on which series it's from, whether or not it's a fixed aperture, and a few other things I won't bore you with. One of the very kind gentlemen with the group said he had such a lens he'd be willing to sell me. My friend, the gear expert, said she'd happily take a look at the lens and evaluate its condition, etc. She's picking it up tomorrow and I'll be taking it on a test run this weekend. If I like it, I can have it for about 1/5 of what it'd cost brand new. ONE FIFTH. Uh huh. This is one of those lenses that start at over $1000.
At this same gathering, it was determined that I can do without an external flash for the time being (whew!) since I've become so comfortable with adjusting my popup flash's exposure. I also have a rather inexpensive diffuser I can use if I need, but it hasn't been necessary thus far.
I thought I had a line on a monopod, but that turned out to be a dead end. Le sigh.
Still, I considered how much money I'd be saving by not having to get the flash and I can apply about $100 of that to the lens purchase and the rest toward the monopod.
Thanks to a very kind someone (if I told you who, you'd never believe me -- I'm still in shock), I now have the monopod and a great quick release locking ball head. I also have a new camera case that accommodates larger lenses as well as one smaller one. I figure if I need more than two lenses, I'll just use my clip-on pouch and haul that along. Two other items were purchased: a lens cleaning kit (d'oh! didn't have one) and a remote so I can actually be running around, adjusting a scene, then SNAP! Photo done. It'll also be a blessing when I'm attempting long exposures, which I'm hoping to do quite soon (borrowing a tripod).
You know, I have this small bit of guilt when I'm buying gear. That is, until I realize that this is simply an investment in my future. And again, because of a last minute infusion of funds, I was able to pick up more much sooner than I thought possible.
I'm giddy as a schoolgirl as I contemplate the new lens purchase. My fingers are crossed that the lens is perfect and produces a quality image. We shall see. Fingers. Crossed.
Oh, and more about that dummy later.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:58 PM | Comments (1)
May 07, 2008
Was It Worth It?
All photos taken with the 35-135mm lens. Since I couldn't shoot the stage with flash, everything's been edited more than I generally prefer. Still, I was happy with most of the results, although I'd love brighter lighting in venues across the board.
Lots of fun was had by all. The band was great and the music was rockin'. Even the opening act was good. Unfortunately, there was some sort of "sticking point" with the camera during the first part of the evening and all my early shots had to be scrapped. There was just no saving them. Sure, if I'd shot RAW, maybe. But I didn't because, to be quite honest, until I get myself Photoshop CS2 or CS3, there's really no point. The adjustments I can make with Canon software don't do nearly enough and Paint Shop Pro XI doesn't handle the files as well as I'd like.
I felt horrible that the first part of the evening's product was crap, but at least I didn't give up. Whatever the problem was with the camera (I had everything set properly -- I checked 3 or 4 times -- but the camera wasn't cooperating), it resolved and life went on.
There was a special significance in photographing the drummer. Not only is he a friend, but he's an inspiration. Picture this: California, 2007. A man -- no spring chicken, mind you -- gets the opportunity to realize a lifelong dream of playing with an internationally recognized act. His successful business can be run by his wife, sister, and son. He jumps at the chance and has been having the time of his life ever since. This wasn't where his life was headed 20 years ago when he was an addict. It wasn't even where his life was headed after he got clean and sober. It was more a case of an unrealized dream gnawing at the very fiber of his being that caused him to grab those sticks and start playing every chance he got. Sounds a little familiar, no? Substitute sticks for a camera and a back injury for the addiction, but don't even try to substitute that passion... It doesn't matter what form it takes as long as it drives you.
I keep telling myself if Dave can do it, so can I. He tells me the same thing, which is very cool. And he has echoed what many others have said about the universe giving you what you need once you give it a chance.
All in all, I'm fairly happy with the photographs and I definitely think the lens purchase was worth it.
Posted by Da Goddess at 04:08 AM | Comments (4)
May 05, 2008
Lots of Reading, I Know, But This is Important. Really.
Look, I'm in the middle of a mental (some may call it psychotic, but they'd only be half-right) meltdown with editing work and upcoming projects. My sudden burst of posting can be attributed directly to the fact I'm avoiding as much work as possible for as long as possible. That's just how I roll.
Anyhow, here's a post that MUST BE READ.
Because of our American military, America is blessed not to be ‘war-weary’. However, instead of facing a barrage of bullets, missiles, bombs, and suicide-murderers, we have an onslaught of the MSM telling us ‘we are bad Americans. We are killing all these really nice people. Those nice people hate us because we are in their country. Let’s all sing kumbaya* and then no one will be war-weary’.
Hat tip: Pam.
Posted by Da Goddess at 03:28 PM | Comments (0)
San Diego Happenings
Tonight is a benefit for Candye Kane down at Humphrey's Backstage Lounge. She's been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is without insurance. She's already had her surgery and it went quite well, but there are major bills to be paid and a fairly intense recovery period when she can't be touring and earning a living. Starts at 6:30pm and goes until...
Friday -- all day -- begins the weekend-long grand opening of the new Borders store in National City. There'll be music and book signings and all sorts of prizes handed out. Meet Oliver North and Ingrid Croce and a host of others. I think I might go Friday just to get some free candy and to see Little Dude's eyes pop out of his head as he gets a load of the size of the place. Book stores are like toy stores for the brain, you know?
Saturday and Sunday are our big days around this house. Gator By The Bay! Big time fun with great music and good people. Oh, and there's food, too. LD and I are doing double duty, working with the blues society and Soldiers' Angels. And we have to squeeze in time for photos and music enjoyment. It'll be a long weekend, but I'm packing my pain pills and planning plenty of breaks to save my back.
So now that you know where to find me, are you gonna stalk me? If so, bring presents. Or at least buy me a drink or a nosh.
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:18 PM | Comments (0)
Break Out The Cerveza, It's Cinco De Mayo
I've been getting loads of hits for people looking for info on Cinco de Mayo (although they're spelling it Cinco DA Mayo, which is totally wrong and just so we're all clear here, I prefer Dia De Los Muertos to the 5th of May -- I just don't get the same buzz off a 5th of May like I used to so I've switched to a 5th of whiskey) thus it's entirely warranted that I update a post from the borked archives of way back in Aught-Four.
I'm including an old photo after the old post, too, cuz you haven't had enough of those picture thingies lately, have you? (Surly -- at 6am -- without any alcohol...this is why I'm considered a "catch".)
Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not the date of Mexico's freedom from Spain (that occurs on September 16.) Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexico's victory against the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.Old Town San Diego held its Fiesta Cinco de Mayo last weekend. [ed. note: there was another celebration this weekend, too. Funny how they seem to do it year after year at the same time.]
You can do a little celebrating yourself with some tasty food and a little cerveza.
Click below for a yummy Pork Empanada and Chipotle Salsa recipes. Enjoy!
Pork Empanada
Filling
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 12-ounce pork tenderloin, trimmed, cut into 1/3-inch pieces
1 jalapeño chili, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons sour cream
Dough
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup Masa Harina (corn tortilla mix)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, cooled
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon water
2 large eggs
Chipotle Salsa (see recipe)
Sour creamFor filling:
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork, serrano chili, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon and allspice to skillet and stir 3 minutes. Add lime juice; boil until almost all liquid evaporates, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Mix in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper. Cool.
For dough:
Butter 2 large baking sheets. Mix flour, Masa Harina, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Stir in melted butter. Whisk water and 1 egg in small bowl to blend. Add to flour mixture; knead in bowl until smooth pliable dough forms, about 2 minutes. Working with half of dough at a time, roll out on floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Using 3 3/4-inch-diameter biscuit cutter, cut out rounds. Reroll scraps and cut out additional rounds for a total of 12 rounds per dough half.Whisk remaining egg in small bowl to blend. Place 1 tablespoon filling in center of each dough round. Lightly brush edges with egg. Fold dough over, pressing edges with fork to seal. Place on prepared baking sheets. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with plastic wrap; chill.)
Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush empanadas with beaten egg. Bake until light golden brown, about 25 minutes. Serve with Chipotle Salsa and sour cream.
Chipotle Salsa3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle chilies in adobo sauce (sold at Latin American markets)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cuminCombine all ingredients in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Makes about 3 cups.
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:02 AM | Comments (0)
May 04, 2008
Photos From Last Night
Taken in a dark nightclub with a 35-135mm lens, flash at low burst. Joe is a local musician who is genuinely nice and quite interesting. He kindly posed for me.
Same setup as before with flash and lens. Now, if you're wondering why the side by side or why even go with a different version, I love color, but there's a certain something about B&W that makes me happy. Of course, I didn't do the standard B&W conversion here because that would so...normal. I'm anything but.
Both of the B&W images were altered to look as though I'd used a platinum process. I like this version of B&W imaging because it's a bit warmer in tone and because it definitely has a certain "age" appeal. It also brings shadows and light into a whole different level of play. I find it fascinating. To see what a photographer who uses this process for real (as opposed to using editing software to cheaply replicate pretend results), check out Tom Millea.
Not convinced about the difference in the B&W options? I thought as much. Okay, here's what I mean. You pick the one you think has more depth and warmth. Or go with whichever one you like best.
On the left is the platinum process version of the image and on the right is a standard black and white conversion of the same color image.
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:17 PM | Comments (2)
Llama of Death and Orange Marmalade
No, it's not the name of a some crazy new band, but maybe it should be. I mean, we had prunes of the electric persuasion and alarm clocks of strawberry, not to mention ponies of stone and a million other things. Why not the Llama of Death and Orange Marmalade. If anyone decides to cop the name, please acknowledge my part in all of it. And make the music decent. That's all I ask.
Little Dude on Friday night. He was playing a game on the computer. Standard kit lens (18-55mm). Flash was adjusted for lower burst and more natural tones.
LD calls this his Llama of Death hand. I don't know why. It caused serious bouts of giggles though. You know, the sort that go on forever for absolutely no reason. Maybe it was the name. Just after this shot, I got chastised for causing him to mess up on his game. Silly me.
You get to decide which you like better: is it Rex au naturel or Rex after I've played with the color? Poor cat only wanted to nap, but I insisted on shooting and disturbing his sleep. He tolerates me only because he knows I'll go home eventually.
After two or three shots, Rex decided to turn his back on me, thinking I'd leave him alone. Not so much. I simply went to the other side of the chair upon which he was perched and proceeded to shoot. But only this one frame. Again, which do you prefer? The natural light or the color manipulation? This time around, the manipulated colors are reminiscent of cross-processing of the 60s. A little retro look for a little retro kitty.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:38 PM | Comments (2)
Busy Busy Buzz Buzz Buzz
Little Dude and I had a very busy week. He's been working on a report about Jackie O. (his favorite first lady at the moment) and being a super duper helper around the house.
Yesterday and Friday were all about errands, which were largely accomplished. I had to pick up four boxes of festival guides from a friend's house and needed LD to be the muscle. He did an excellent job. It was no fault of his that one of the boxes 'sploded in the trunk of the car. I saw that was inevitable when the box barely made it from my friend's front porch to the car. It happens.
After that, we headed over to Ikea. I've been put in charge of finding some bookcases or shelving of some sort. I have some ideas but I need more muscle than one little boy and a bigger vehicle to get the stuff home once the final decision is made.
By the time we got home Friday night, we were both wiped out. It was TV and snuggles, which was just fine with us. Have I mentioned lately how great a kid I have? If not, let me just say: I have the best kid in the world. Sigh. I'm so lucky. He really is a sweet guy and so much fun to be around.
Yesterday was a late start kind of day. LD slept in until about 10am and we didn't get out of the house until after 1pm. We stopped off at my sister's house where my daughter was just getting around to having her breakfast. Apparently the late start thing wasn't confined to just one household. The kids watched TV while I talked lenses with my brother-in-law. I ended up getting a lens from him and it's freakin' amazing. It's just...it is. So much for the shelving budget. But it was a good investment and a really good deal. I got this thing for a quarter of what I'd have paid if I'd bought it brand new. You can't argue with a value like that, although I'm sure the roommate will (and he should...he really should since that money was earmarked for shelves). I figure I have four days to find my way out of this mess and I'll do it. It won't be pretty, but I'll find a way out of this one.
Now, once we got the lens business done, LD and I had to take a run up to the super huge camera emporium to check out a few items I desperately need. I got three of the six and they were all on the inexpensive side. The three, that is. The remaining items are big ticket items and they'll just have to wait.
From the camera store to Toys R Us. LD brought his own money and got himself a Lego set. Indiana Jones. Oy. Until he sees the movie, he's going to be driving me nuts with questions I can't answer since I haven't seen it either. 17 days, 21 hours, and blah blah blah until it opens. Seems like forever to a kid.
Legos in hand, we traipsed on over to Payless Shoes and I picked up two pairs of shoes to go with some "work" clothes that were early birthday gifts. I can now officially look appropriately attired for photo shoots (the sort that require me to be more professional). Two less things on my super long list of business necessities that aren't actually camera-related. I'm getting there. Slowly but surely.
Once we finished, it was time to drop my son off at his dad's for a couple days. I came home, took a short nap, and then headed off to shoot a concert/celebrate my birthday a couple weeks early. I'll have those photos edited at some point later today. The show was fantastic and I ran into several people who reinforced my belief that the universe is speaking and I'm actually hearing what's being said. What a wonderful gift -- to be open and ready for opportunities. I'm glad I'm finally in a place where I can see how everything fits together. I have a lot of great friends here for helping me get here and I will always be grateful. Always.
I'm going to be a good little worker bee and get busy with my photo editing so I can prove that your faith in me was not misplaced. I may even take a nap again, but only maybe.
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:04 AM | Comments (0)
May 02, 2008
Mikey's Truck
Mrs. Mikey snapped these photos yesterday when she went down to look at Mikey's truck. The last photo is the passenger side of the vehicle without its door. There was no door left. And the bed of the truck was obviously thrown completely out of whack. The photo with the airbag doesn't show enough for you to tell that the jaws of life were used to extract Mikey, but even still, it doesn't look pretty.
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:30 PM | Comments (3)
May 01, 2008
Looking Good
We just got back from the hospital and I can happily report that Mikey is looking pretty damn good! (dancing and joyous laughter)
Surgery on his arm was yesterday, natch. Today he was weaned off the vent and has stayed off. They've removed his restraints as well, which is a no brainer when you realize they really only had him in them to keep him from pulling tubes and such.
Mrs. Mikey and Mini Mikey were in good spirits. LD and Mini Mikey "did homework" while the Mrs. and I went in to see Mikey. Thank God for the ride home otherwise I don't think LD's homework would have ever been done. Oh well, kids need diversion and distraction in stressful situations and that's why LD was along for this particular visit.
Anyhow, back to the patient.
Mikey really does look good. There's some faint bruising on his left chest (seatbelt compression), a huge lump on his right arm (no break), bruises on his legs, a massive bandage and cast on the left arm from the surgical repair, and a small, open pressure sore on his right wrist from the restraints (he was writhing so much, it was bound to happen). Oh, and the really good news about the left arm is that they were able to save the graft/fistula for his dialysis! They won't be able to use it until his cast if off, but it was saved. Yay!
Now, he wasn't awake enough yet for conversation. Well, he was earlier for Mrs. Mikey, but not by the time I got there. Still, seeing is believing and I believe he's going to be back to his old self in no time.
The same can't be said for his truck, though. That was scary! I'm hoping Mrs. Mikey's photos make their way into my mailbox soon so I can show you just how bad it was and how lucky we are Mikey lived.
And there you have it. Mikey's making strides!
Posted by Da Goddess at 07:33 PM | Comments (0)
April 30, 2008
Mikey's Post-Op Update
Thank you all again for all of your well wishes!! Your prayers and good juju have been working!!Mike had a really good day today! He had his surgery on his arm and it went great. He also had his head and neck CT today and the preliminary (reading) looks great. The CT results still need to be looked over by a radiologist before the results are official but again they look good. So the plan for tomorrow is to start to wean him off of the ventilator and the sedation meds. Yah!!! They plan to try to get him to start breathing on his own and get back to consciousness; they are hoping he will be able to be awake tomorrow but they plan to let him make the pace. So I am really hopeful he will be home sometime next week! YAHHHHH!!!!
Anyways, thank you all so very much for helping our little family yet again. We truly are blessed to have all of you in our lives!!
I will update you all as soon as I have something new.
Tomorrow, Little Dude and I are heading down to the hospital. We'll help keep Mini Mikey company and help distract her. She's having a rough go of it this time around. Can you blame her? No kid should ever have to see his or her parents in a coma, let alone twice. Forget that this one is medically induced. The fact that Mini Mikey has held up so well until now is a miracle. Same with Mrs. Mikey. She is undoubtedly the strongest woman I know. But this has to be weighing on her. I can't imagine.
Keep up the kind thoughts, the prayers...all of it.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:46 PM | Comments (0)
From Mrs. Mikey
First, I would like to say thank you to everyone for all of your support, prayers, and good juju! We couldn’t do this with out your support and love.Mike is still stable yet listed as critical. He was not able to have the surgery on his arm today. They have it scheduled for tomorrow at 2pm. They will also be doing another head CT tomorrow because he is still very disoriented and they are concerned that he may have a head injury. I was informed today that they found he has a fractured sternum; probably caused by the seatbelt, nothing serious though. Mike’s BP is still a major concern; they are having trouble keeping it in a normal range. At this time there is no way of knowing how long he will be there. I was told it could be any where from 1 week to several weeks it all depends on Mikey’s progress.
I didn't go down to the hospital yesterday. Mrs. Mikey had other friends with her and keeping visitors to a minimum is actually more helpful, I think. Less overwhelming. Anyhow, we did talk on her way to the hospital in the morning and she was rather optimistic. When I called later on in the day, her phone had died (all those calls asking about Mikey, no doubt). I wasn't worried. I knew I'd get an update later on.
Sounds like things are moving along. That's good. It's not major progress, but that's fine. Slow and steady wins the race, right? Right.
Keep on praying, folks.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:07 AM | Comments (1)
April 28, 2008
Things Could Be Worse
Mikey's accident made the news. What drama! His wife and I teased him about this while we stood by his bed and tried to carry on one-sided conversations with him. Or was it a three-way convo with only two active participants? Hard to tell.
Anyway, here's the latest:
His arm is severely broken. They were talking about doing surgery tonight, but it won't happen until tomorrow.
He's heavily sedated because he's super combative otherwise. He's on a vent again, but without the extra tubes and machines that they had for his head last time, it doesn't looks quite so bad. Mikey was a little agitated off and on while Mrs. Mikey and I were in with him. He calmed down quickly though. Seems like anytime housekeeping was causing any sort of noise with trash, he'd get all riled up. And when respiratory came in, he'd get a bit restless.
Blood pressure is looking good for now. The fluid around the heart and in the lungs is, well, they don't know what that's from. It could be there because he had a shorter dialysis session today or from the impact. Nobody knows.
His left shoulder is a bit swollen from the shoulder belt, but isn't too bad.
They'll be doing more films and such tomorrow, I'm sure, checking to see if his back and head still look good. You never know with these things.
While Amy and I were outside talking and waiting to get in to see him, I thought I recognized someone across the parking lot. I walked a bit closer, then a little closer, and finally I realized I had it right -- two local musicians (who've been very good to me and who have brought good luck my way in the past plus they're proudly using one of MY PHOTOS on their site at this very moment) were smack dab in front of me! It was a surreal moment to be sure, but I took this as a very good sign. If Nate and Ben could magically appear in the parking lot of the hospital, Mikey would HAVE to be okay.
Things aren't nearly as bad as they were last time, but Mikey has a long way to go. Say a prayer, think good thoughts, do whatever you have to in order for Mikey to get well.
I'll try to keep everyone updated as best I can.
Oh, and do me a favor and add a prayer for our friend Gracie who is having part one of her sinus surgery in the morning.
Gotta keep everyone healthy from now on, right?
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:38 PM | Comments (3)
Mikey Hospitalized
Mad Mikey was in a horrible car accident today and is currently in the hospital.
He's responsive to pain, which is good, but otherwise not so much. There's swelling around the heart and lungs, and who knows what else.
I'm on my way down right now. I'll have more details when I return.
Say a prayer for our buddy, please.
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:43 PM | Comments (1)
April 27, 2008
Christos Anesti!
Thanato thanaton patisas,
Kai tis en tis mnimasi
Zo-in charisamenos!
Trampling down death by death,
And upon those in the tombs
Bestowing life!)
Posted by Da Goddess at 07:50 AM | Comments (1)
April 24, 2008
Beta Testing
One of the funny little things I did this past year was to volunteer as a beta tester for a company that produces computer games. I don't test every game, but I do try to tackle as many as possible.
This time around: a hidden object game based on a James Patterson book!
Woo hoo!
Aside from a few typos and a need for better explanations of certain types of clues, the game looks to be ready for release. The colors were great, the details were amazing, and the story was pretty darn good.
Forgoing stale TV fare, I put my brain to work today and found a good way to keep my mind off the pain. It's not much, but it's still progress in the right direction!
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:49 PM | Comments (2)
April 23, 2008
Boom De Yada
Dear Discovery Channel, er, Network,
Thank you for your great new commercial. You know, the one featuring Bear Grylls, Mike Rowe, Jamie and Adam, an egyptianologist, and a cast of many others singing the praises of our amazing world. It's no "Ahh, the Atmosphere", but it's pretty damn cool.
Imagine my surprise and delight to find a second, longer version on YouTube. (See both below*)
Discovery, A&E, and Bravo have saved my sanity, such as it is, during my confinement. Tonight's episode of Mythbusters hit close to home. They did a segment on cabin fever. Yes, that's the sound of bells ringing for them knowing exactly what I've been going through cooped up here.
Last night, of course, was Deadliest Catch. Sigh. I love the raw energy of the show. It's the real man vs. wild (no offense, Bear) aspect that keeps me on the edge of my seat and wishing each episode had an extra hour or two every week. The captains, the crews, the weather, and even the crab fascinate me. Crab fishing is brutally hard, requires a fiercely independent spirit (and some would say a death wish), and again, there's that epic battle between the adventurous men and often unruly Mother Nature. It's the best kind of reality television -- little artifice, some selective editing, and yet, it's the real lives of real men and even some women. Take that, Big Brother.
I should point out that as big a fan as I am of Captains Sig Hansen, Johnathan Hillstrand, Phil Harris, and all the rest (though in no way of less importance -- it's the meds, guys, my apologies), you will not find me on message boards discussing them, their lives, writing fan fiction, or scheming of ways to someday meet them. I leave that to the rest of their very weird, rabid fanbase. Although, I do admit that the new book from the Hillstrands looks pretty damn interesting. Anyhow, should I ever decide I really did want to meet any of them, I'd do it for portrait sessions and a subsequent book of essays on the men and their lives, natch.
After countless hours spent medicated and bored, I looked forward to evening TV. I've already seen every episode of JAG, Nash Bridges, Golden Girls, and The Nanny. The only upside to daytime is catching up on Matlock. I never watched it while it was in first run, so it's new to me now. Give me prime time TV anytime and I'm much happier.
I'm tapering off my Flexeril, Vicodin, and Tylenol with high hopes of being med-free by the weekend. I have yet to see my darling son since before he left on his trip. I'm taking baby steps forward, folks.
For now, I must return to Discover the world from my living room sofa. (Thanks to the roomie, it's actually more easily visible with an early birthday gift.)
Signed,
Your Semi-Medicated Cabin Fever Goddess
* Take your pick (I love them both)
Shorter version (the one with which I've become most familiar):
Longer version:
My favorite Discovery.com commercial ever:
Don't miss out on Fellow Partially Eaten Fish and Hello Mosquito
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:35 PM | Comments (2)
April 11, 2008
Little Dude at Arlington
From the photographic files of Little Dude's teacher, here are the latest from the big trip to Arlington National Cemetery.
Someone was looking very handsome. LD worried about what to wear until he found out he could be in his scout uniform. Several of the boys brought theirs and they took a group photo all decked out.
Little Dude gave a speech in honor of Jared Landaker. Just a week ago, Jared's parents spent the day with the kids, talking about the kind of man Jared was. LD took extra care in preparing this speech because he feels such a connection to the Landakers. (Yes, there's a lingering post to be finished -- with photos -- from last week.)
Even though Jared's not buried at Arlington, there is a special place set aside for those who have died in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition to this wreath and the one placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the class placed one in honor of the cousin of one young lady.
Little Dude will be home late tonight and I likely won't see him until Tuesday. Feh. I don't know if I can wait. I want to hear all the stories and see all the photos from the trip.
I'm so grateful to LD's teacher for the nightly emails and photo uploads. It was nice to see what was going on even though I couldn't be there. All that's left is tracking down the folks with the video!
Posted by Da Goddess at 03:51 AM | Comments (5)
April 10, 2008
Flickr Schmickr
Flickr's response to those of us against video on the site is, to say the least, unimpressive, if not more than a little flip.
Here's what they said in the forums (and despite Heather being one of the founders, she seems to not understand using spellcheck or perhaps doesn't care that she comes across poorly) -- Round One:
heather says:Marie Antoinette I am not. I think we've responded to constructive critcism throughout and we're definitely pow wowing here back at Flickr HQ. That said, these forums topics are like surfing a wild tsunami and feedback that we do provide can easily be lost.
I've been with the team through a variety of feature launches that have brought change to the community. Through it all, we've been hear listening to feedback, making change where necessary to make Flickr better. We want to hear your feedback and I think that for the most part, we take all comers.
Personally, the emerging side of feedback that's become almost abusive via protest images in comments leaves me mostly speachless (and I'm a talker). But we understand that it's important for people to have their say. We haven't implemented any sort of "clean up" tool for this, leaving it up to individuals to determine what they are comfortable with within their own photostream.
I'm not sure what to say to those who don't want peanut butter in their chocolate (so to speak). Video is now part of the Flickr DNA and while we will definitely be addressing some of the great feedback for ways that the implementation can be massaged towards better things, we're not pulling up stakes and rolling back. When we're ready, we'll share those changes with you hear (if you've seen any of Dunstan and I tripping overourselves regarding video in Explore, you'll appreciate that we want to have our ducks in a row).
We have a wonderfully passionate community and whether your imagery moves or stays still appears to be divisive. I mentioned earlier in this thread that I was very much against it when I heard that it was on the road map. If I had my way, I'd chuck all things digitial (even your beautiful DSLR) and dial the flickrverse back to all things film. That's not going to happen. I have to respect that there will be change and that the flickrverse is really a multiverse of people all who have different ideas of how they want to share the world around them.
Just as there are more megapixels now than there even a few years ago, I think that how we capture both still and moving is going to change dramatically over the next few years. Including video within Flickr will enable those who choose to....
I think I've gone off on a tangent, but as I began this post with Marie Anne I am not, I want to finish that we're about being inclusive. While there are a few rough edges that need to be polished out, I think that in the long run, video on Flickr is a wondeful complement what's been built so far.
People weren't happy with that, so the comments continued, which led to Round Two:
heather says:If you missed it, please read what I wrote last night.
Here’s our response to what we see as frequent feedback here in the forum (I’ve paraphrased the feedback in some instances):
“I don’t want video on Flickr.”
We’re sorry, but video is here to stay. We’d love for everyone to give it a shot. If it’s not to your taste, then you should change the default on autoplay. You can distinguish between video and photos by the white arrow bottom left.“I think video should have it’s own separate site.”
Just as with our international launch last year and building language on top of our global community, we wanted to avoid siloing what is after all, just another format.“…did none of the staff see this coming?”
Given our experience with the outrage in moving sets from the left-hand side of the page to the right a few years ago (and various adventures since then), we’re very familiar with the passionate response of our members. We can’t be afraid of that. We need to continue to improve, release new features and iterate.Feedback and iteration are very much part of our process. We very much value the feedback that we receive after features launch. It gives us a chance to take something good and give it that extra polish.
“I should be able to filter video out of my view of Flickr.”
There needs to be a balance between the “voice” of the creator and visitors. While it’s one thing to exclude certain content while searching, it’s quite another thing to presumptively curate what a member is choosing to share in their photostrem.“I haven’t uploaded any video, why do you say “view [member name]’s photos and videos”
Yup. This is stupid. We’re working on fixing this.“My group pool is photos only, why does the language reference video?”
Yup. This is stupid. We’re working on fixing this.“it should not default to auto-play….”
“videos shouldn’t begin to pre-load until I press play”
“video shouldn’t be in explore….”
“I shouldn’t have to use extended search to filter out video”These are things that we’re pow-wowing about here at Flickr HQ.
And my favourite:
“…We're like the toilet paper she wipes her a-s with!”
I promise you that I don't think of you all as soft, fluffy rolls of triple ply toilet paper. Kittens maybe.... (some with sharp, pointy claws....).[edit : common --> frequent]
Without addressing some of our concerns directly, Heather's deftly danced around and around, picking and choosing her non-battles. When folks brought up specific existing problems, they were ignored. We've all been ignored. Easier to circumvent the issues with blah blah blah than actual solutions. And, "oh, by the way, we added thusandsuch." That's not a solution. That wasn't even part of the question. Maybe if they'd sent someone other than Heather and her flippant responses, that would have placated some of us. But no.
TopTechWriter.US probably said it best:
flickr can't be bothered to fix comment notification so it doesn't repeatedly blurt out that I've got NEW COMMENTS.And flickr won't give us options to format the screen background so I can try a nice black or charcoal gray background with understated caption colors that don't scream for attention. Anything but the minimalist Web 2.0 nightmare that is the current color scheme.
But flickr will give us 90-seconds of video that apparently very few people want (and of those who want their minute-and-a-half of fame, far fewer know what to do with it).
But I'm not upset--and y'know why?
Because flickr LOVES ME!! It says so right on the logo.
And you always hurt the one's you love
Yeah, they love us. Sure. I believe it. And I believe their check's in the mail, too. Does Flickr really care what its users want? If so, why haven't they fixed known bugs? Why wasn't there more notice about this new "feature"? Or at least a general polling of paid users? Give us the chance to weigh in and determine what's most important in the way the site functions. We're the ones who use it, why not find out what we really want? The answer lies in the push to compete with other sites and to make more money, obviously. It's not about the paying customer.
Anyhow... My response to all of this was:
Look, not all of my shots are works of art, but I do have clients who use my site to look through all the photos I've taken to determine what will work best for their needs. They've always marveled at the way Flickr was set up because it was obviously all about photography. Not so much anymore.My personal (photography) site is limited as far as storage and the ability to display my work for clients. That's why I chose Flickr.
What this really boils down to -- for me -- is that the people who visit me occasionally wander about, getting ideas from other photographers about something they'd like to have me try, to find inspiration, and I've always thought that's a good thing. But now they're going to get video as well. These are people who eschew myspace and facebook because they don't want to be bombarded by crap. I value their business and their support, but I'm afraid they're going to run far far away when they can't get past video, no matter what the size.
I just renewed my subscription for TWO years. I had to work to do it because the paypal feature went missing, but fine, fine. Whatever. I did it. Now I feel stuck in a very abusive relationship with someone who doesn't give a rat's posterior what will work best for me, for us. I can't afford to leave at this point, not unless someone's willing to spring for me to make the move.
The blasé attitude and the blatant disregard for what many PAID users are saying is bad business, if you ask me. If I treated my clients like this (even my freebies), I'd be out of business.
Additionally, I pay in advance for Flickr's services. Instead of supporting and improving the available and much-needed functions of the site, they throw bells and whistles and shiny things at our feet, hoping to distract us from the poor quality of their customer service relations.
That's it in a nutshell, I think. They're trying to distract us from the lack of service and/or their lack of concern over the quality of their service.
A lot of folks have said Flickr's video option will lead to a Myspace type of atmosphere. And one has to wonder if that's where all this is heading. After all, we're told "more surprises to come!" If I wanted moving photo montages, I could go to Myspace or webshots or photobucket. Flickr was always safe from that sort of thing. Good, bad, or ugly, it was about photography and the photographer. No matter how it was used, it was about the images and that's what people saw. Once they started allowing people to host photos that didn't belong to them (original terms of service forbid this), the slippery slope was drenched.
Perhaps if Flickr had fixed many of the existing problems and shown us some proof of their love, we'd be actually get behind new features. It would definitely be better than their current approach. Instead, we've been summarily dismissed.
It may seem silly to have my panties in a bunch over this, but as a paying customer, I want to feel valued for more than just the money I pay them. I want my opinion to matter. I want my voice to be heard. Flickr's throwing all that out the window. If customers no longer matter, they'll lose all credibility and they'll lose business. It's really that simple.
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:28 PM | Comments (0)
April 09, 2008
No Way, Flickse
This just ain't what flickr needs.
Look, there are already issues with load times of photos, photos going missing, and a million other bugs. Do we really need videos, even short videos, adding to the strain on the system? I think not.
Maybe I'm just bitter and pissy right now, but no, not so much upon second thought. Flickr is about PHOTOGRAPHY. We don't need video there.
Consider this a big raspberry pointed in Flickr's direction.
And to further illustrate what can go wrong, I got this message when trying to post this (because I'm very "advance flickr" and special and can post a photo directly to my blogs, not to mention totally full of crap sometimes):
Your blog posting failed. If your configuration details have changed, update them now. Sometimes web services can be a bit flaky - click the button below to try again.
Flickr? This is the kettle calling. You're black.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:30 PM | Comments (4)
April 02, 2008
Hidden Objects
I must confess I'm addicted to Hidden Object games. What are they? Well, aside from whatever story driving the actual game, you are generally given photographs with objects added to them for you to find. Some objects are easier to locate than others, of course. Then there are mini games where you have to solve a puzzle of some sort. Most games allow you to play in timed or untimed modes.
Why tell you this? Because I actually found a photographer whose work was used in one of these games!
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:27 AM | Comments (3)
April 01, 2008
There's No Fool Like A Fool In Love
Four years ago, it happened. It was the most unexpected and beautiful thing ever.
Three years ago, I wrote this:
Today I lit a candle for you. It was the same one you lit for me exactly a year ago today.I remember waiting in the airport, leaning against the column, thinking of our first kiss - the kiss I had yet to experience. I looked up in time to see you walking toward me, your hair slightly mussed, eyes looking a little sleepy. You stopped in front of me. You were smiling. You reached out and wrapped your arms around me, pulling me to you. I had to tilt my head back because you're so tall. Remember me telling you how much I like tall?
You looked into my eyes and then we kissed. It was a wet kiss, not unpleasantly wet, just wet. I melted. I'd waited so long, not realizing I'd been waiting.
That's the funny thing about you. I'd waited all my life to meet you and never even knew it until the moment we finally did.
So many things ended and began one year ago. The course of our lives changed, for ill or for good. Some may consider it all one big April Fools Day joke, but it isn't. It never has been.
We've danced our dances and cried our tears. We've laughed 'til our sides ached and we've exchanged angry words. We've kissed and made up. We've said hellos and goodbyes. How many times? Does it even matter? All I know is that I cherish the time spent with you, be it face-to-face, over the phone, or however we've had to make contact. I wouldn't trade this last year for anything.
Today I lit a candle for you. It was the same candle that you lit for me exactly one year ago today.
I lit the same candle today. And there was a brief phone conversation that made my heart sing and ache all at once.
My feet shall run because of you My feet, dance because of you My heart shall beat because of you My eyes, see because of you My mind, thinks because of you And I shall love because of you ~ unknown
Love is good. Even when a romantic relationship ends, love lives on.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:16 AM | Comments (0)
March 29, 2008
Now You Know Something, Too
Okay, I got the word that Little Dude officially knows about this, so I can spill the beans.
A group of 5th graders and some of their parents are going to D.C. on April 6. Part of the trip includes a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. While there, four children are chosen to place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Little Dude is one of those kids.
How cool is that?
As well, the kids from school will be placing a wreath in remembrance of a fallen Marine who was a penpal for the class a year or so ago. The class has stayed in contact with the family and LD has a special relationship with them now (read the quoted text a little more than halfway down the post).
LD was also asked to give a brief speech to the other students while they're at the cemetery.
The only bad part of all this is that I won't be there with him. His teacher has promised me many photos and I'm hoping another parent will capture the entire thing on video for me.
This next week is going to be very exciting for us as I help him with his speech. Given that he's an extremely patriotic kid (he's been declared the most patriotic boy in class), and that he takes his job of placing flags on graves at Ft. Rosecrans so seriously each year, he will be totally engaged in this event. In fact, I'd hazard a guess that he'll be one of the only kids to fully comprehend the meaning of what they're doing.
Pretty awesome stuff, eh?
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:23 PM | Comments (7)
March 28, 2008
I Know Something You Don't Know
I just got word about something fabulous and exciting. BIG TIME.
It involves Little Dude. And I can't tell anyone just yet. In a week, though. In a week.
LD is going to flip his lid. I'm flipping mine!
I. can't. wait.
I need someone to hold me in my seat.
Posted by Da Goddess at 04:04 PM | Comments (4)
March 27, 2008
Vote For Me
I'm not asking for much, just a quick vote. You can do that for me, right? Good. Well, here I am.
I chose the "Fresh" category for this one because it was a "fresh" point of view. Definitely different from the fruit and brightly colored girls in most of the photos I'd seen on JPG thus far. Who says fresh needs to be all bright and sunny anyway?
If you vote for me, I promise to leave you alone for at least a day. Honest. I would not lie to you about this. Not even a little.
Posted by Da Goddess at 07:33 AM | Comments (2)
March 26, 2008
Stupid Logic
Do you set your child in the middle of the freeway hoping he'll develop speed and that he'll toughen up? No.
Do you stick your kid's head in the oven so he gets used to desert heat? No.
So why is it that men, in particular, consider subjecting a child to continued bullying at school preferrable to putting the same child in a new learning environment?
There are bullies at every school. That's a simple fact. But if a kid has already spent the last couple years dealing with these little turds, should it be considered running away if his parents enroll him in a school different from the one the bullies attend? I don't think it's running away at all. I think it's giving the kid a chance to learn to like school again, learn to stand up for himself for the right reasons instead of the wrong ones, and find a new group of kids who aren't so sick of each other that they turn mean just because they're bored. The new school will undoubtedly have bullies, but the new kid will be just one of many new kids and not a predetermined target.
Kids who are bullied begin to falter in class. Kids who do the bullying often find other bullies to team up with if given the opportunity and then go pick on familiar victims. Parents who do nothing because they don't want their child to look like a "chicken" are messed up, if you ask me.
A fresh start at a new school can do a lot to boost a child's confidence, don't you think? Instead of being bogged down by an established pecking order, kids can actually find opportunities to develop better strategies to avoiding conflict or build a different persona.
Obviously I'm in the middle of a disagreement with the ex over how to best approach school next year. I have serious reservations about sending Little Dude to the same school with the same kids he's seen every day for the last six years. Why not break the "boreditism" cycle these kids have developed? I'm tired of the little brats who constantly target the nicer kids -- boys and girls -- who choose to behave and who choose to avoid cliques. Little Dude isn't a nerd or a goody-two-shoes. He's just a nice boy. He likes plenty of rough and tumble action, likes to get dirty, likes to run and yell and pretend to shoot guns. He's also a convenient target because he gives people too many chances at friendship.
Also a concern about middle schools next year is the fact that one school is right next to a high school. I'd really prefer not to have those two populations mixing for a variety of reasons.
As the ex and I hash out all the issues, I keep coming back to the single most important factor: LD. What's best for him? A slightly smaller school with more teachers we know, fewer racial problems (but with a more diverse group of kids), consistent test results, and a small group of kids who know him from our neighborhood (as opposed to his dad's) and who will look out for him...that all sounds like a really good start to 6th grade, doesn't it?
I feel as though my ex-husband will fight this to the bitter end, just to be contrary. I don't think he's thought this through beyond the "running away" line of thinking. LD wants to go to a different school. I actually asked if it was more because he doesn't want to face the bullies or if it was something else. He said he wanted to prove he can make it work at a school where he's not worried about "stupid kids" and where he knows other smart kids who like to study and succeed. Yeah, he said that!
Speaking of success, Little Dude has totally turned things around in school the last couple weeks. He's gone from struggling to get through the easiest tasks to getting 100% on tests of all kinds, completing homework in a normal amount of time, and keeping his attitude positive. I have no idea what that glitch was about, but the kid we've always had in the past is suddenly back. My son was actually doing extra credit homework tonight! I want to keep this trend going any way I possibly can.
With this progress, do I really want to throw him into the middle of a busy two-school environment where he could very well languish? Where the known bullies can gang up on him? Where he could get lost in the crowd and be overlooked by teachers? I can't wrap my mind around the thinking behind sending him there when we have other options. Why throw your child into the most challenging arena on multiple levels (not necessarily academically) and expect him to succeed? Why not give him the chance to start over with a will to achieve big things and a more positive outlook because he can focus on the important business of learning?
My son is not a wuss. He prefers not to fight. And I admire this. "I'm a lover, not a fighter, Mom." Wanna guess how long I laughed when I heard that? I didn't even know he knew that phrase.
Look, we spend all a child's early years telling them not to fight, to talk through their differences. Why would we intentionally place them in a situation that guarantees failure in that regard? We shouldn't.
When my daughter went through all the same things, we had a situation that necessitated a change in scenery. She didn't "run away". Is it a guy thing? Or is it a step-parent thing? Why didn't the ex care then? What I saw happen with my daughter was a renewed interest in school, new friendships, and improved grades. She bloomed in her new garden. Why can't that happen with LD?
I don't get the twisted logic I heard from my ex: "If we move him, it's just like running away." No. If we move him, it's saying we believe he can accomplish anything given a safer environment with more friends who think like he does. That's not quitting, that's STARTING down a better path.
I'm not trying to be an overprotective parent. Really. I just want to give my child every opportunity to succeed in an environment that's less chaotic and where he'll have the advantage of at least knowing a couple of kids a grade ahead who have the same mindset and who will also look out for him.
Grumble grumble. Somehow I think this is going to be a bloody battle. Blech.
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:32 AM | Comments (12)
March 25, 2008
Springtime Field Trip
Obviously most of these are self-explanatory, but I'll give you a quick run through anyway.
Many more photos from the trip are on Flickr, including the dead mouse I found on the side of the road. I almost stepped on it, but at the last minute looked down to see it. I'd already walked past it twice. Go figure. The first part of the trip, I'd resolved to shoot whatever I saw only once. Ha! Didn't last for long. What I did do, though, was shoot minimally. At least until I got into the desert. In the harsher light, I played with exposure settings (thanks to Audra and Patty's help) and made adjustments as necessary. If not for these two ladies, I don't think I'd have discovered the quickest way to adjust what I needed. They've made me much braver with the camera and I'm progressing faster than I anticipated.
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:11 AM | Comments (2)
March 24, 2008
Vaccines Not The Cause of Autism, Despite What Headline Says
Just read an article called "Vaccine Autism Case Gets US Government Compensation" wherein a family sued the government over the vaccines their daughter had, claiming she got autism from the vaccine.
If you were to read the headline and the first paragraph of the article, you'd probably come to the conclusion that the autism was caused by the vaccines.
The parents of 9 year-old Hannah Poling spoke to the media this week about the US government's landmark decision to pay compensation following their claim that childhood vaccines caused their daughter's autism. The government's sealed decision, made last November, was recently made public on an autism advocacy group website.
However, you have to read a little further to understand that vaccines were not the cause of the autism.
...The ruling effectively states that Hannah's pre-existing rare mitochondrial disorder had disposed her to autism and this was "significantly aggravated" by the vaccines she received as a toddler eight years ago.
Even further into the article, you'll find this amazing clarification:
While conceding that childhood vaccines contributed to Hannah's autism, government health officials maintain that there is no proof that they cause autism directly [emphasis mine]. The government decision does not support the parents' claim, they said.
Here's the thing. Autism Spectrum Disorders are all very complicated and have many genetic factors which contribute to the onset of the expression of the disorder. Vaccines, a normal part of childhood in the U.S., are not the cause of autism, but can trigger genes to interpret the vaccine components in a way that thereby trigger the expression of the autistic characteristics. If vaccines alone were the cause of autism, all of us would be in the same boat. Autism is genetic. Do we know all the genetic markers for autism yet? No. Are we actively involved in research to discover them? Yes. Should we stop immunizing our kids for fear of autism? Not on your life. We must protect our children from disease, especially in this day and age when we continue to be a great big melting pot, not just for people, but also the diseases they might unintentionally bring with them. Autism can be devastating, but death from a preventable disease is worse.
My guess is that without vaccines, we'd still see autistic diagnoses in a significant number of children. If one tiny component in a vaccine can set things off, no doubt there are many more environmental factors which can do the exact same thing.
I feel terrible for families with autistic children, but many of these kids go on to lead very productive lives. Early detection, early intervention, active therapies on a regular basis, and sometimes even medication can help a great number of families and children through very difficult times and improve their lives.
Will there ever be a cure for autism? Until we discover each genetic contributor, and the triggers of the expression of these genes, it seems unlikely. But in the meantime, can't we expect better reporting and fewer lawsuits that do nothing but take money away from research and improvement of current vaccines?
Personally, I'd like to see the lawsuits against drug companies and the government come to a complete halt regarding autism/vaccines. I'd like to see a huge statement in the press without misleading headlines. I'd like to see common sense prevail for once.
VACCINES DO NOT CAUSE AUTISM. Vaccines can trigger a cascade of reactions that cause the expression of the autistic genes, but they DO NOT cause autism. Even the parents of the child in this case are pro-vaccine. What they hope to accomplish, as does the Autism Society of America, is to make vaccines safer. I absolutely agree with this. But in order to do so, we need to make the monetary rewards of such cases go toward the research necessary to make safer vaccines, to improve genetic screening, to prevent wide-spread disease.
Please read the rest of the article. Send the author and the newspaper editor a note about how misleading the headline and first paragraph were.
And then go out and read the book Look Me In The Eye by John Elder Robison, a man with Asperger's -- an Autism Spectrum disorder.
Do your research, vaccinate your kids, support research, and demand better reporting from the media.
Posted by Da Goddess at 07:20 AM | Comments (2)
Easter, Greetings, and the Whole Kit 'n' Caboodle
What a week that was! Highs, lows, and in-betweens abounded. All worth it, though. From doctors' appointments to the desert and lots of stops in between, it's been an adventure.
I look like a raccoon. I'm covered in bug bites. The really itchy sort. And about 900+ photos. Yeah, I was busy with the camera this week. Got good stuff, got some clunkers, and have lots of editing.
Spent yesterday with the family. Went to my sister and brother-in-law's for supper and had a wonderful time. My folks, my daughter's best friend and her grandparents, my sister's best friend, and Little Dude were there.
My sister had a great meal all prepared. Ham, scalloped potatoes, sweet potatoes, lots of crudites, the works. Cheesecake and brownies. And Easter baskets. More than a few peeps were beheaded, let me tell you.
Brother-in-law noticed the camera and actually was very kind and helpful with it. Can you say "wow!" with me? Much nicer reaction than expected. In the past, he's not been so keen on the idea of me out shooting and possibly making money with it. But yesterday? Different attitude. Probably because there was a glint of recognition that I'm not going after his "market". Regardless, it was nice to have his input and the positive feedback.
Took the kids out to photograph them in various combinations and got shots of them with my folks, too. Haven't done that in a while.
After we finished eating, Little Dude and I had been invited to a friend of some friends' house. There was a band jamming, kids running around (little boys for LD to play with; he was thrilled), dogs, a cat, pigs. I had a nice long laugh when my friend introduced me to the singer, "she's our photographer." His eyes were fixed on my cleavage, his arm snaked around my shoulders, and in a silky smooth voice, he asked, "Have I seen any of your work?" He looked up briefly and then back down, "great boobs!" Now that's what I call a greeting! A girl needs validation like that every now and again. Especially after feeling like a Sasquatch much of the week.
Met many new people and discovered the hostess of the party is also a low back injury gal. And loves photography. The universe speaks again.
Backing up to Saturday, spent the day at the harp fest. Shot so many talented artists, I lost count. Had two very amazing conversations. One was with a harmonica legend. What a gracious man! Then there was a gentleman whose music you've all heard, whether you know it or not. Chances are if you've ever watched TV, especially Nick @ Nite, you've heard him. He was also gracious and more than a little flirty. You can't beat that! Was given a nice stack of CDs to listen to, some to send to the troops, and experienced eight hours of kick ass music. Little Dude was supposed to come with me, but his uncle (on his dad's side) wanted to take him hiking so I said he should go for it. He was a little mad to be missing out on a day of music, but he doesn't see his uncle that often and I thought it was important. This is how I got LD for Easter. I missed having him with me for the fest, but I know he had a great time hiking and we still got to share music yesterday. It worked out just fine in the end.
Earlier in the week, I shot a duo at a dark, little venue. Got to play around with my flash settings and became rather brave about it. One of my new photographer friends was shooting with me and she makes me brave. Her encouragement has done a lot for my confidence and willingness to try shooting more in situations that normally make me quite nervous. Found a new artist that night, which was a wonderful little bonus.
Even earlier in the week, I went with the friend mentioned above and another photographer to the desert for a shoot. I think that was the day that really pushed me, both physically and photographically. The physical side -- let's just say I did a lot of walking and it was a good thing. While the ladies went out further on a trail, I wisely decided I'd reached my limit and remained behind. Regrettably, I missed that part of the shoot, but I was able to find other things to photograph and felt good about the amount of walking/hiking I did. It was more than I thought I was capable of doing, probably more than I should have done, but it felt good while I was doing it and that was a major accomplishment in my book. Photographically, my other friend had shown me how to adjust the most important setting on the camera and once I had that, I was a happy camper.
In a short period of time, I've come to embrace the huge learning curve on the camera, learned a million things, and have found a confidence with it that I thought would take much longer. I don't feel like such a fumble-fingers anymore. Yes, there are more features to Charlie that I will eventually get to understand, but I really feel like I have a good handle on things and am happy. Tired, sore, itchy, and happy.
And now I have to go finish two articles and a calendar.
Photos will be posted at some point this week.
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:10 AM | Comments (0)
March 17, 2008
Re:Miss
I've been remiss. I should have blogged this weekend but I was too busy recovering from Friday night. I had a blues society event that lasted way longer than anyone had planned.
I got there at about 8pm and didn't walk back in the house until after 2am. I was beat. Saturday, I was sore. I anticipated that from doing so much standing. What I didn't anticipate was how awful I felt yesterday.
Much of my Sunday was spent sleeping or lounging around, trying to pretend I didn't hurt as much as I did. That's pretty typical of what happens when I'm too active anymore. I know this and try to plan around it.
Still, I was bummed that I didn't get to do some of the other things I wanted to over the weekend, but it was worth it. I think I secured another interview with a bluesman for Little Dude. It's an artist he likes and wanted to see, but couldn't since he's so young. If all the groveling I did pays off, he'll have another interview under his belt and he'll be a happy boy.
By the way, in case you missed it, there's a big Soldiers' Angels logo atop my sidebar for a reason. I'm officially a volunteer. Let me just say this: you don't have to wait for a fundraiser to get involved with SA. Go adopt a troop, send a care package, send a letter, donate a couple bucks, ANYTHING...do it now. Your whole week will be so much better if you do.
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:14 AM | Comments (0)
March 13, 2008
Angering the BTs
I think the MRI pissed off the old BTs yesterday. They've been screaming and fighting for control of my body ever since. In fact, THEY are responsible for my foul mood and any outward displays of surliness.
This would be such a great excuse if I believed in body thetans, wouldn't it?
Scientology absolves one of all personal responsibility blame. I totally understand why some celebs love it so much.
I'm not being religiously intolerant. Not in the least. I don't consider scientology anything more than a very successful marketing ploy, now with more brainwashing!
If I had fewer body aches and nothing more important to do, I might actually have fun joining Anonymous on Saturday. Not that I don't consider this important, but I have other things I MUST do if I'm up and walking. Still, the idea of capturing all activity (check out the pics from San Diego in Feb.) is tempting...
I'm all for religious freedom, but Co$ ain't it. I won't try to speak for all the harm done by those in power at Co$, I leave that to one of my very capable friends. The thing is, this organization is nothing more than a sham, created by a man who wrote sci-fi books and saw the chance to make some serious money. He made plenty. Then he died. But his scams live on. And the crazy mob mentality amongst the leaders has led to some horrifying consequences for too many people. Lives ruined, lives lost. All for what? Money? Power?
It's not just gullible adults seeking belonging who are drawn to this idiocy. Their children are dragged along for the ride. Some escape, some don't.
It's one thing to have FAITH, it's another thing to have to pay for it, to have it ruin lives, to kill.
What started off as a silly throwaway post has morphed into something else. Take away what you will from it. Learn the truth and don't take any wooden nickels.
Posted by Da Goddess at 07:44 AM | Comments (1)
March 08, 2008
The Outing
The learning curve is definitely steeper than I thought. Especially regarding exposure settings and a few other functions. Still, the first official outing is under my belt and I can move forward.
Met a lot of very nice people today on our photography meetup excursion. It was just up the street from the apartment, which was a huge plus. And Little Dude had the other camera in hand the entire time, shooting away. He impressed a few people with his interest and dedication to getting good shots. Plus, he was very into "lighting". It was wonderful to watch him go after various shots.
All in all, a great day. I wish I had felt up to going to the second meetup function tonight. Spencer Davis was supposed to be there. Unfortunately, I hit my limit early on in the day. I know better than to push myself. I will be spending part of the day tomorrow with one of my new photography friends, helping her with a little project.
I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed myself and the people I met. Big bonus: two live very close to me, two more live not much further away. Sounds like trouble, if you ask me.
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:58 PM | Comments (5)
March 06, 2008
Don't Lose The Loose Ends
For the last time, would everyone please take note of the proper use of these terms:
LOOSE:
- Not fastened, restrained, or contained: loose bricks.
- Not taut, fixed, or rigid: a loose anchor line; a loose chair leg.
- Free from confinement or imprisonment; unfettered: criminals loose in the neighborhood; dogs that are loose on the streets.
- Not tight-fitting or tightly fitted: loose shoes.
- Not bound, bundled, stapled, or gathered together: loose papers.
- Not compact or dense in arrangement or structure: loose gravel.
- Lacking a sense of restraint or responsibility; idle: loose talk.
- Not formal; relaxed: a loose atmosphere at the club.
- Lacking conventional moral restraint in sexual behavior.
- Not literal or exact: a loose translation.
- Characterized by a free movement of fluids in the body: a loose cough; loose bowels.
LOSE:
- a: to bring to destruction — used chiefly in passive construction: the ship was lost on the reef, b: damn if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul — Matthew 16:26(Authorized Version)
- to miss from one's possession or from a customary or supposed place
- to suffer deprivation of : part with especially in an unforeseen or accidental manner
- a: to suffer loss through the death or removal of or final separation from (a person) b: to fail to keep control of or allegiance of; lose votes, lost his temper
- a: to fail to use, let slip by, waste; no time to lose, b (1): to fail to win, gain, or obtain; lose a prize, lose a contest (2): to undergo defeat in; lost every battle, c: to fail to catch with the senses or the mind; lost what she said
- to cause the loss of
- to fail to keep, sustain, or maintain
- a: to cause to miss one's way or bearings; lost himself in the maze of streets b: to make (oneself) withdrawn from immediate reality; lost herself in daydreaming
You LOSE a competition if your dog is let LOOSE of his leash or if your bladder lets LOOSE on stage.
You do not loose a competition. Unless you are letting loose the competition on the public, you do not use those words together. Ever. End of discussion.
Next lesson: the proper use of "then" and "than". Stayed tuned.
Posted by Da Goddess at 04:12 PM | Comments (0)
February 23, 2008
The Notebook
I had a little notebook I loved beyond all reason. Slightly larger than 3 x 5 index cards and about an inch thick. And a nice poly cover. It was very utilitarian. Yes, I could have said "useful" but it was a much deeper relationship I had with said notebook. It inspired me. I took notes on everything, everywhere I went. And when I was done being inspired, I could slip it into a pocket or my purse and go merrily on my way.
I loved this notebook so much, I had a blue one, a green one, and a purple one.
I wanted to invest another couple bucks and buy a new one, but, guess what? I couldn't find one. Not a single one.
I ended up with a notebook that's 5 x 7 and roughly a 1/4" inch in thickness. Nothing exciting about it at all. It inspires nothing.
Life would suck if you were stuck with an uninspiring notebook, don't you think?
The search continues.
Update: The item I miss so greatly was a Mead Brights "Fat Lil Notebook" with 200 pages, Model 45370. The more I think about how much I love these things, the more convinced I become that I need to get a life.
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:47 PM | Comments (2)
February 19, 2008
The Camera, She Is Almost Ready
Thanks to so many generous people, I'm very close to my goal for the camera and the opportunities it will afford me.
My benefactor(s) are currently out of the country for another month, so figured I'd try to get the camera before they return and if they're still looking to help out, use that money for a good lens or two.
I think about the camera and how close I am to my goal and all I can think of is Antonio Banderas whispering in my ear, "the camera, she is almost ready. Ready for you to hold her like a loveeeeeeeer. Treat her like a lady and she will treat you like one, too."
I have no idea where that came from, but there you have it. Think maybe it was the Flexeril? Anyhow...
If you know anyone who might be willing to help out, please send them here! I could actually be out shooting a real, paying job next weekend if I get the last little bit needed.
Many ginormous thanks to each of you who contributed. It feels so very good to know people believe in me. I won't let you down!
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:30 PM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2008
Walk This Way
Silly me. I got my days all mixed up.
I thought I was taking Little Dude on a special adventure today, but it turned out I was so very wrong. I was hoping to introduce him to one of my favorite local bands (featuring "Chachi"). Obviously that didn't happen. The "big event" isn't until tomorrow.
However, we did manage to catch a gospel choir, hear the sound check for DMC (of Run DMC), and meet the guys of Diablo Dimes. Very diverse groups there and not a horrible way to spend a couple hours. Tomorrow, I get two of my bands and that makes me happy. Just wish LD could come with. Le sigh.
Diablo Dimes is adorable in person. Sweet as can be. Think of him as a cross between Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and an old bluesman. Good stuff.
During the sound check for DMC, we got a little of "Walk This Way", which was one of my favorite videos from back in the day. Honestly, what better way is there to honor the original inspiration and bring new life to a classic rock tune? Whatev. I loved it. The drama from Tyler. The taunting from Run and the guys. The final collaboration. It was fun! C'mon now, admit it -- you liked it, too.
Funny how the past comes back to haunt you sometimes. Ain't never really gone, is it?
Music in the car was also something to behold. But that's a different story altogether.
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:08 PM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2008
Fat. Naked. Dangerous.
Yes, as a matter of fact I am. So what?
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:22 PM | Comments (6)
February 11, 2008
Super Special Events Part Deux
Tis the season for super special things for Little Dude, I guess. Tonight, he will meet a genuine GRAMMY WINNER. Yes, indeedy, folks. David Honeyboy Edwards, 92 ("and a 1/2, Mom!"), is performing here this evening and LD and I are heading down to the venue early to set up a table for the blues society.
A couple weeks ago my mom wondered if this was something LD really wanted to do. He replied, "YES YES YES YES YES YES! This guy's a LEGEND! He's the best!" I looked at my mom and said, as dryly as possible, "I think this is something he might enjoy."
Hopefully we'll have better luck getting LD's mini interview questions answered this time. We're still awaiting Tab's responses via email. Oh, and to anyone concerned about this being a school night, don't be. LD's teacher is coming with us.
Now, what to wear?
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:37 PM | Comments (0)
February 09, 2008
Good Night
It was a good night. Little Dude had a great time and he impressed lots of folks with his outstanding good manners and his interest in the blues. He's such a fun date.
P.S. LD says the heavy lids were from the flash and NOT because he was tired.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:08 AM | Comments (2)
February 08, 2008
Can Do
There are many things I can't do anymore and many things I can't do for my son. It breaks my heart to not be able to buy him little things or take him places because current circumstances don't allow such things. However, there are things I can do and tonight I have managed to pull a very special, big deal sort of thing out of my hat.
I had help. One of the greatest blessings of my accident was that I found kindred musical spirits. Tonight, they help make one of my little boy's dreams come true.
Tab Benoit plays some damn fine Cajun blues. Not only that, he's also a Voice of the Wetlands All Star. Music and conservation...my kid eats this stuff up. Is it any wonder he considers Tab a hero?
I can't give my kid fancy things, go running around the baseball field with him, or so many other things I'm sure he wishes he could have or do. But I can give him moments he'll never forget. I can do this.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:50 PM | Comments (2)
February 06, 2008
ROC for Fire Relief
Okay, here's the dealio...
Reunited Overture Concert will be happening February 23 and 24 sometime in the future at Qualcomm Stadium.
From Randy Seol:
Dear Friend,Magic is created when old friends come together. Many old friends are hoping this magic will be transformed into substantial aid for the thousands of Southern California fire victims by helping them restore their lives. And we need your support to help us fulfill the victims’ hopes and honor the heroic fire fighters and others who came to our rescue.
My name is Randy Seol. With help from my band, The Strawberry Alarm Clock, elected San Diego officials, Qualcomm Stadium and H.M. Artist Foundation, I am organizing the “ROC” (Reunited Overture Concert). Proceeds will be donated to the San Diego Foundation’s After the Fires Fund to aid in rebuilding San Diego Communities and help the fire victims.
The event will be a two-day Music Festival Extravaganza February 23 and 24, 2008 at Qualcomm Stadium!
Join us in the company of your “old friends” and a broad arrangement of musical talent such as The Strawberry Alarm Clock, Electric Prunes, Buddy Miles, Vince Martell of Vanilla Fudge, The Ravers, Sky Saxon with The Seeds, Rose Garden, Indian Classical featuring Shri Arup Chattopadhyay (Tabla) and Shri Suman Laha (Veena), Jimmy Kunes, Jim McCarty of Cactus and Stephen Bishop as well as popular local bands.
“ROC” (Reunited Overture Concert) will bring thousands of San Diegans together to help us thank the firefighters who courageously risked their lives to put the fires out, the media who diligently kept us informed with up-to-the-minute information and the city and state officials for their quick response to our cries for help.
Only with your participation can we make this a successful and special reunion by personally thanking these individuals as we bring them on stage between acts so they can feel thousands of us cheer and applaud them for their acts of heroism and success!
Your generous charitable support will be instrumental in making this event a success. All contributions are tax deductible under H.M. Artist Foundation’s non-profit 501c3 classification. A form is enclosed with specific details. We encourage interested sponsors to sign up as soon as possible.
We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at “ROC.” Please feel free to contact us for any additional information.
Sincerely,
Randy Seol
Daniel Hendrick
Check out Reunited Overture Concert or H.M. Artist Foundation for further info.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:56 PM | Comments (0)
February 05, 2008
A Little Light
Despite the less than stellar quality of the photos, I like both of these. Look at the arms on Dennis (first image)! I love that you can see the sweat and muscles. To me, it says he's putting all he has into his playing, and he does. Tony, his bassist, well, I simply love the ripples of shadow against light on his shirt, the dreads, and the fact it was so hard to catch him with his head still. He bounced and bobbed while he played.(More photos of Dennis Jones and Tony Ruiz of the Dennis Jones Band.)
I try to shoot without flash as much as possible during performances because I like the mood the lighting creates. It can be problematic, though. It's been my experience that most clubs/venues don't have adequate lighting, or rely too much on red gels. There are any number of issues that can occur, including some band members appearing totally in the dark because of how the lighting is arranged. Even if you use a flash, it's not a guarantee that it'll light the subject properly. While shooting this band, I did use flash for a lot of the shots, but I like the ones where I didn't better. Flaws and all.
I've always been fascinated by the way light plays with texture, shape, and movement. Whether I'm drawing, taking a photo, or even just sitting and looking at something, light can change how you see things. A stray shadow can elongate or shorten the proportion of a figure. It can create an entirely new figure! If you watch the same tree from the same angle throughout the course of a day, does it not seem to change before your eyes? At sunrise it may look fresh and new. At noon, it becomes both a bright being and a cool resting place. As the sun shifts behind it a bit, there's a renewed vibrancy in the leaves, but it's still different from the way it looked at dawn. At sunset, it can be a mere shadow against God's palette.
Take away color, light becomes even more important. Without it, there's no depth, no being. That's pretty much the core of my fascination.
Amazing what interrupted sleep and a need for distraction can produce, isn't it? Must. Try. To. Nap.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)
January 29, 2008
Cameras, Photos, and Deals, Oh My!
Some extremely nice person wrote to ask me about the photo shoot I just did. While I'm pleased with most of the images, I see where I'm lacking and what I have to reshoot. I was having issues with my camera early on and I was so uncomfortable because I felt extremely unprofessional. No backup camera. Nothing. All I had was a quick fix plan that I prayed would work. It did. But I was still left feeling like I had failed to complete my assignment properly.
When I look at the photos (see link above), I have a few favorites. I'm also picking apart everything that's wrong with them. I can usually critique my own work fairly well, although I tend to pick things apart more than most people would.
So what do I see? Imperfect color balance. Sure, I can do some post-production work on them, but it's not true to life color that I would like. I see digital noise and loss of sharpness due to 1) my camera's limits and 2) aging equipment. It happens with fixed-lens cameras. There's no way to properly clean sensors or between glass. It just can't be done unless you have someone take the whole thing apart (which costs as much as a replacement cam).
I also see a limited field. I can't just pop on a wide-angle lens and compensate for close quarters.
Even with all those criticisms, I am proud of some of the portraits. If you knew this band, and their energy, the little bit of playfulness in a few shots makes perfect sense. I'm proud that I managed to get any of that when I think of how I had to stop shooting to fix my fussy camera. I mean, I lost some of the momentum with the band. I lost the immediacy. They started wandering off. It's not how I operate. Had my camera functioned properly, I would have kept shooting and the guys would have stayed focused and loose. Do those two terms even belong in the same sentence? Well, yes. It's a precious thing that happens when you're on a roll.
Immediate solution to immediate problem: retake the headshots. Maybe borrow a better camera for the group shot.
Longterm solution: get new gear.
I mentioned briefly a while back that I'd had an offer to help me get a new camera. There are stipulations and the like, but it's a viable plan. But only if I have help.
So here's what was offered to me.
I have to raise money -- through donations. All funds raised can only be put toward new gear. I can't pay rent or bills with that money. The whole idea being that a good camera will allow me to earn money to pay for the necessities. All funds raised will be matched, dollar for dollar, by people who believe in my photography. I also have to come up with a print portfolio (which I've started) to show potential clients. I'm responsible for developing my own clients (and I've already had, thanks to this last job, referrals to other bands and to a community events planning board). If I raise more money (coupled with the matching funds) than I need to buy the camera I want, I must use those funds to invest in lenses and other essentials.
Which cameras am I looking at? The Canon Rebel XTi and the Nikon D40x. Both are approximately 10MP and come with a 2GB card and 18-55mm lenses. One offers a bonus 55-200mm lens. If I go through Costco, I'm looking to spend between $650-800 on the camera itself. In store, the price is comparable. I will eventually need to look into more lenses and lighting, but I can likely borrow until then. I'm also looking at other vendors, but few can match the bulk rate discount Costco does. I could drop to 6 or 8MP and spend less, but photography trends dictate the need for better resolution NOW. (I just missed another magazine opportunity because of my puny 3.2MP situation.) I'm approaching this as an investment in my future ability to earn a living outside of nursing. I'm not looking to remain a hobby photographer. And I'm not looking to invest way out of my range because I'm realistic. I know I can work with either camera and produce quality results. If I can manage to do good work with crap, imagine what I can do with better gear! I also want to keep costs down to be able to raise the money needed in a shorter time frame.
I'm serious as hell about making this happen. I don't have a husband to help me out of my current situation. Nor do I have a house against which I could take a loan. I'm not asking for reasons of vanity or entitlement. I want to make life work for me instead of working against me (or feeling as such). I can't wait for my work comp case to settle. I can't wait to win the lottery (I don't even play). I have to make it happen and this is my chance.
As I've mentioned to a few people, asking for help is very hard for me to do. However, I feel some opportunities are worth taking the risk. This is worth the risk.
It's a doable plan, but only if I get those donations. Do you believe in my eye? Do you like what you see? Brother (sister), can you spare a dime?
Update: I've adjusted my goal a bit after being yelled at for not considering sales tax and shipping (I've found I can get a better price on a camera and two lenses by going through a company my friend uses). For once, I'm heeding advice from those who know and those who are interested in me getting the best deal possible. They speak, I listen.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:08 AM | Comments (6)
January 24, 2008
All I Want For...Um...Today
The minute I saw it, I fell head over heels in love with this delightful, eco-friendly "trophy" from Cardboard Safari. There are three designs and each is available in small, medium, and/or large. Prices range from $14-48.
I've always loved dimensional art. I'm practically swooning over these! Thanks to Chris Jessee and Luis Rodrigalvarez from Virginia for creating such fun art pieces.
From the website:
Cardboard is a 100% recyclable, non-toxic, environmentally friendly product. Our raw cardboard is made locally, further reducing the impact on the planet..All of Cardboard Safari's animal figures are designed and manufactured in the United States, free from unsafe foreign toxins and waste products
Found via George at Design Canteen via his other blog - Project 365 via my big addiction, the fabulous Project Rungay.
All very confusing, I know. But let's just assume I never intended to be predictable. Hey, it's a rainy Thursday and I don't feel well. I take joy wherever I can find it.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
January 20, 2008
Goodbye Josephine
From the San Diego Zoo:
We regret to announce that 47-year-old Sumatran orangutan Josephine, who lived at the San Diego Zoo for 14 years, died January 17. Josephine was diagnosed with heart disease and had been under veterinary care and management to treat her condition for several years. In January 2007 she underwent a procedure to drain fluid accumulation from around her heart. Although the procedure provided her immediate relief from pain and increased her quality of life, it only extended her life for a short time. Since then, despite drug treatments, the heart fluid had returned on a few occasions and she had difficulty recovering from the procedures that prolonged her life. Her condition had continued to deteriorate despite these measures. On January 17, Josephine went to the veterinary hospital to have her condition evaluated. Due to her age and advancing health issues the animal care staff made the difficult decision to euthanize her.Josephine was one of the oldest orangutans living in the U.S. She was Satu's mother and Cinta's grandmother. She was well loved by staff and Zoo visitors alike. She will be sorely missed. Please take a moment to share your sympathy with animal care staff who have cared for her over these many years.
Josephine was one of my favorite apes. Sweet, curious, and friendly, she would often sit at the window with visitors. I spent many hours there with her and will miss her terribly.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:09 AM | Comments (0)
January 18, 2008
Harpy Boy
Some guys are harpier than others, don't ya think?
Another local musician with oodles of talent. Makes ya wonder what's in the water when you consider how many great musicians we have here. Sadly, the water hasn't worked any wonders for me.
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:16 AM | Comments (2)
Not Scott
One of our local guitarists, who happens to be incredibly talented, looks a lot like Scott Baio. This means I can't stand anywhere near him for long because someone will inevitably comment, "Oh, it's true! Joanie really does loves Chachi." Yes, they're adults, but the temptation is apparently too great for them to pass up.
Anyhow, here's a photo from my archives.
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:06 AM | Comments (0)
January 06, 2008
And So It Begins
They said it would be windy. They said there'd be lots of rain. For the last couple days, none of the predictions had proven correct. Locals kept hoping we'd miss out on the worst of the worst, at least until after the Chargers won their game.
Well, the Bolts won and a few hours later, it's here.
The wind blew my front door open. It's become gradually cooler. And the rain is coming in a little more steadily with each passing moment.
Rancho Bernardo, where I used to live, and one of the communities hit hardest by the October fires had 1.51 inches of rain from today's storm. Most places got around an inch, with lots more expected overnight.
I think tomorrow should prove very interesting. If there's power (yep, it's flickering already), I'll attempt some photos or something.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:52 PM | Comments (0)
December 30, 2007
Memory Lane: The Old Vet & Da Goddess
One of my favorite posts from, uh, a while back, I wanted to give it another shot at daylight because I've been thinking about Murray a lot lately. Just before I moved, I went looking for him and couldn't find him anywhere. I feared the worst, prayed for the best, and found out (through one of his many local merchant pals) he'd been in the hospital for a while. His trips around the neighborhood are less frequent, but he's still going. Yay, Murray!
As this year comes to an end, I wanted to remind myself why every year -- good or bad -- matters in the long run.
There's an older gentleman that I see almost every time I head out during the day. His name is Murray. And he's quite a character.
Murray is "86 years young this year," he says. "I'm a Marine. Retired, of course. Still a Marine. I'll be one til the day I die. Next to marrying my lovely Jeanne, it was the best decision I ever made in my life."
We've spoken on many occasions. I see him in restaurants and grocery stores. He always stops to say hello. He knows everyone in every shop in the three strip malls that run together in our neck of the woods. He walks from store to store, greeting each employee, every single day. He catches a couple shifts on his rounds. You see, he starts right after breakfast and continues on past dinner.
"These folks are like family. I know who's happy or sad. I know what who'll give me the first smile most days. This is what I do. I'm a people person. It's what keeps me from getting old. Well, that and knowing that at least one of my neighbors will need something from the store."
I asked him once about his wife.
He smiles and chuckles a bit. "She has her activities. She doesn't mind me being out and about as long as I don't bring another lady home with me."
I know about his children and his grandchildren. He's so proud of them all. Murray's pride and joy, though, is his son - a Marine Corps chaplain.
We sat and talked about his son's service in the Marine Corps. I asked him if he worried about his son being deployed and possibly injured or killed.
Looking me straight in the eye, he said, "I'm proud of that boy! He didn't have to become a Marine. Hell, he didn't have to