salton sea photos part 1
It’s been ages since we went to the Salton Sea now, and I’ve only just gotten the film developed from the trip.* It makes me want to visit again, but it will have to wait for cooler days. I’m particularly fond of this prize winning cat. Also, I find it quite amusing that the accidental light leak is a look that so many iphone photo apps are trying to recreate. Film has its magic, but quickly capturing a moment has its perks as well. There are still a few more photos for another day.
*Actually Shawn took it in finally so I wasn’t even the responsible one here. Five months later, that film was just sitting on the counter taunting me.
summertimes
Fall is my favorite season, and as it rapidly approaches, my excitement grows exponentially. Before summer departs for good, I’m trying to hold on to some of the good times, the quintessential summer times.
My friend Shiri’s wedding was the embodiment of summer celebrations. I grew up going to summer camp far away in the woods. The friends I made there are still my nearest and dearest, no matter how long passes between us seeing each other. I am the lone west coaster, so for me, these times are few and far between. This wedding was like summer camp revisited (except with booze and of course Shawn).
Agatha, Robin, Shiri and I have known each other since we were eleven or twelve. We spent our tumultuous teenage years as each others confidantes. We went through all the requisite phases together, goth, raver, any other embarrassing style you can come up with. It’s easy to let my guard down around these girls, and when we’re together many silly antics ensue.
Shiri asked Robin and I to fire twirl and we of course obliged. It has been a long time since I’ve done it, and there were definitely more nerves than in the past. How come age makes me more anxious, more reserved? Luckily, we didn’t light ourselves on fire and the guests seemed to be entertained. Mostly I think Shiri, as a fire twirler herself, enjoyed it the most.
Mostly though, the wedding was beautiful and filled with joy. It was such a treat to come together and celebrate Shiri and Chris. I only wish I could have spent more time with everyone.
seasons of life
March is here. Spring is creeping in. In this mixed-up, seasonless city, that doesn’t mean too much, except more sunlight in the evening, which surprisingly makes a huge difference. More importantly, it signals the progression of the year and the cycles of life. Things are surely changing around here. February, while peaked with some wonderful things, was a trying month, so I’m greeting March with open arms and high hopes.
We spent the weekend starting a massive spring cleaning. We moved in to our apartment nearly a year ago now but there are many cabinets, closets and boxes filled with things that have gone unsorted for much longer. It felt so good to reorganize and get rid of unwanted things. Not to mention the joy of finding so many strange treasures in the process. Sometimes, cleaning our home is like going to mystery estate sale for me, as Shawn has so many collections of trinkets, memorabilia and vintage medical equipment hidden away. I’m working on finding ways to display more of it, rather than having it packed in boxes.
This weekend was just the beginning of home projects that I’ve been thinking about for months. From simple things to putting up some new shelves to more complicated and time intensive projects like repainting our kitchen and all its cabinets. I’m going to have to do some serious research on stripping paint and restoring wood. Any tips are greatly welcomed. There are years of paint on everything in our place, but the last coat was done with a cheap white which has left all the previously glossy surfaces peeling. So much work, but I’m looking forward to it.
So here’s to March. Has spring rolled around your neck of the woods? Do you feel the impending changes and light it brings?
Philadelphia
A few street shots from our quick visit to Philadelphia. One day I will get to explore this city completely. Currently my time there has been limited to brief moments in cafes and a stop at the Mutter Museum. Yet in the little time we’ve spent there I’ve met some really nice people and had lovely snacks. That’s enough to win me over.
pretty bits
As the end of the year approaches, things start to get a little batty. There is the nervous anticipation of holidays and vacation and the possibilities of all that the new year could bring. There’s also lots of work. Finishing many things and tying up loose ends on projects and gift hunting and holiday decorating. For me there are numbers and spreadsheets and bills and late hours at work for everything must be finished before the clock strikes twelve on December 31st (actually days before that). Things are moving quickly and while there is lots of stress there is a sort of glee in it all too.
I’m looking forward to having some free time, to letting my brain relax and take in what’s around me instead of focusing on deadlines and things that must be done. I’m looking forward to doing some traveling and seeing places outside of Los Angeles. Is it really possible we haven’t left this city since our honeymoon? I feel like I need a reset on my brain, as it’s in an infinite loop of work, different kinds of work but work all the same. I know my true creative self is hiding in there somewhere.
And next year holds so many things, I’ll be attending Alt Summit and the Sundance Film Festival. We’re also planning to visit SXSW. So much too look forward to. But that’s next year. We’re only half way through December and there is still much to be done.
