Praha

I have neglected my blog once again. Being in Europe for 4 weeks and not posting a picture should be a crime. Yesterday I was able to explore Prague a bit by myself so i was able to take more time with my photos. The sights in this town are so magnificently beautiful that I haven't really tried to capture the small things. Here is a mix of some of the shots I have gotten so far. More to come.. I promise...

happy happy happy!

'Celebrate Diversity'


I am happy! It feels amazing to have an uncontrollable smile, sense of adventure and positive outlook on life. I spent the weekend going with the flow and having the time of my life in the city (San Fransisco of course). I was able to meet up with my long lost roommate Britney and her family in china town. We then went to Lombard Street. It was strange feeling like a tourist in a city that is so close to where I live. I had never been to either place and was still able to navigate my way to them. I can only imagine how crazy Europe is going to be. I promised myself that I won't experience the whole four months through a camera lens. I am going to take time to indulge in the surrounding and immerse my self fully into every culture I visit. I have a don't say 'no' attitude, an open heart and mind, and a high tolerance for ambiguity. oh yeah.... and tomorrow I am jumping out of a plane!...

Rocking out to Radiohead

I'm going to a concert in Golden Gate Park tomorrow. Radiohead is headlining with Beck. Readiohead is my new addiction. I could swim in their music all day and night. Listening to them makes me feel like I am in another world. I'm thrilled to spend the whole day in the city. I haven't decided if I'm going to bring my camera or not. If i do bring it I can only hope to catch a close up opportunity like this photo that I took at a Something Corporate Concert. I heart you Andrew McMahon.... and may you heal from lymphatic leukemia in peace.

Art in the Park

Oh little Martinez how I love you.... I went to Art in the Park the other day and only took a few photos. When I used to go when I was younger the market seemed so much larger. I expected there to be more photo opps. Oh well. The chicken, artichoke hearts and lemonade were delicious. I hate bumping into people I used to know.. usually... It is awkward and I never know what to say.

Garlic Festival and Santa Cruz

Sunday I went to the 30th Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival. From the second we drove into town the smell of garlic lingered in the air. The festival basically consisted of people eating, drinking, listening to music and browsing local artists booths. I think my breath still smells after scarfing down garlic fried artichoke hearts, garlic marinated and stuffed mushrooms, garlic ice cream and just about anything else that sounded interesting or delicious.

After the festival I went with Allison, my old roommate to Santa Cruz. We walked around near the ocean as I took pictures.

This post will consist of two, three picture sets. Each set tells a story... sort of....

Beautiful moments

I went on a run today around the Lafayette reservoir. These pictures that I took a while back in Chico on my little point a shoot remind me of the view. I was on the final stretch about to die (from being out of shape) as I climbed up this hill, and as I got to the top I witnessed a moment. Time sort of stopped as I saw the setting sun shining through some trees across the water. Everything at that point in time seemed clear and crisp and although I could barely breath I managed to repeat several times " oh my God... that is beautiful... wow it is just so pretty....wow!". Maybe these picture will remind you of a similar time.

Bulbous

I want to be at the beach right now so I decided to post random pictures of the bulbous.... and a different picture from the beaches of San Diego. Please comment and let me know what bulbous photo you like better. I know they aren't anything special but I think they are fun.

"Bad Ass & Drama Queen"

What a 'perfect couple'. This image is of one of my best friends and her finance. I can't wait to be part of their wedding next year. They are wonderful together.

Tahoe for the 4th... keeping it BLUE

Wow... almost a month since I posted last.. I'm such a slacker... or I just haven't liked many shots recently.

I just got back from an amazing 4th of July in Tahoe. It was relaxing to be surrounded by such beauty, both in the landscape and the people I was visiting. It was so relaxing.... that I did not take much time to great pictures. Ooops! So much laughter and love...(in my memory and not my camera). I got a chance to play around with shutter speed a bit and got a few OK , sorta eerie shots which you see here.

I think that I am meant for Tahoe. It calls to me. When I am there, even if I am doing nothing at all, i am 100% satisfied and at peace. It is lovely. Goodnight.

Just for Mom

My mom loves artichokes... I have inherited this taste. They sure do photograph well because they give you so many shadows to work with!

Meadow Valley.... not as photogenic as expected

So I went to my cabin and took about a billion pictures and I didn't love any of them... here are a few that were OK. I figure that it is better to post these than nothing since i have been slacking in the picture taking department.

Graduation Weekend

Graduation weekend is finally over and I don't think I have been able to sleep this much in 3 months. I'm torn between moving back home or staying in Chico and having fun. I went wake boarding yesterday and regret not bringing my camera. There was a great opportunity to shoot a photo with strong composition that included the boat driver, boarder and the audience all in one frame. Too bad I missed out. Here are a few portraits that I got from Graduation weekend. If I had a larger lens I would have been able to get more. Maybe later in life.

Why study when you go house boating instead?

Graduation is here...I turned in the last paper I will ever write at Chico State today (although I must admit that i was in the library printing it out at 11:58. It was due at 12:00). Standing in line to get my cap and gown made the whole thing real. I feel that I am struggling to balance having fun with friends, studying for finals, packing and eating right. I was up 'til 4 last night eating peanut M&M's, Starbursts, Garden Salsa Sun Chips and Snapple teas...What a good combination (Sorry Dad... this is not typical of me).

This weekend was a blast. Went on a boat trip with my manager and a bunch of girl friends. Swimming in the middle of a lake at 2 AM is more fun than most may ever know. 1 hour of sleep. YES! I think it is mind over matter. I feel I am beginning to function better on only 2 or three hours a day... only for now of course. Here are a few pictures I took(pardon the composition and focus as i may have been a few deep)... and one that Peter took of me. ( I think it should be a Bud Light ad, so I thought I'd include it)

Allison... moving on

I am getting incredibly depressed about leaving Chico. Less than 2 weeks left of school and this town and I am not ready. My roommate, Allison, has already moved out to her cabin in Santa Cruz. I haven't even started to pack... or wait.. I put my snowboard and my ihome away today!... baby steps.... But back to Allison.... I love how independent she is and I have enjoyed watching her grow into the beautiful person she is. I respect that she has such a passion for others and will miss her constant tenderness and encouragement. She is a great friend and has always been there for me. I hope that I was, and am, to her at least half as what she was/is to me. It makes me sad because I know i am not one to keep in contact with friends as often as i would like. As i take this step into the next phase of my journey of life, I hope that I will stay in touch will all the great people I have been blessed to meet in college. Here is a picture of Allison that I took on one of our adventures in Paradise.

Farmer's Market

Chico's Thursday night market is an amazing place to take photos.Every week I go with 'Team Fierce' and we eat delicious organic homemade pie and drink jasmine mint tea. So satisfying! The fountain brings many kids, who run around like wild maniacs. I felt sorta like a creeper taking pictures of kids this Thursday. I always have that problem where I see someone I want to take a picture of but I don't want to ask... I'm sure I will build this confidence eventually. I had a lot of fun taking candid shots. There are so many interesting people to capture and the combination of flowers, fruits and vegetables makes for a vibrant playground for a photographer. Until next week....