F-Word

I miss writing. Seems that part of me goes to the background when I focus so much on photography. I did a shoot the other day for this Mormon documentary on Feminism. I've been a pretty loud voice on that front, so no wonder that they asked me to be in the film. They came and did the interview stuff and then followed me around on a shoot. I did a photo just for them. I think it's one of the most beautiful things I've ever caught on film.

There are so many more breathtakingly poetic shots from this session, but I'm saving them all for an exhibit. Any of you coming to Utah to see it? I sure hope so.


And yes, I wrote that on her lovely breast myself....with black eyeliner from Sephora.

Amanda Blake Art

It's no secret that I love art. It's probably no secret that I love Amanda Blake art. And now, it looks like she's painted a painting I could actually afford. Too bad I doubt I could really see it if I hung it on my wall. However, I was obsessed with this miniature store my mom used to take me to as a child. Looks like these little pieces would have fit right in.

Happy Weekend. I've got about 5 photo shoots and about 3 Sundance premiers to go to. I'll need another weekend after Sunday, for sure.

Humor Me.

After the drama of the last novel I taught in English, I figured my juniors were ready for something fun and lighthearted, so I decided it was time for Huckleberry Finn. That's right! That's exactly what it is, too. It really is a fun satire that Twain wanted people to enjoy and think about without feeling preachy (I'm looking in your direction, Crash). 

So, we started our class discussion today about what makes something funny and why Mark Twain is considered one of America's best humorists. That's right. I took them straight to the Awkward Family Photos website. Here were some of their favorites.

I'm sure the stuffed animals are just as much a part of the family as everyone else.

A family that shares the same hobby, always stays together.

Great minds.

Best Positioning EVER.

George Clooney started the trend.

Reindeer Games?

Republicans?

HEAT

It got so cold here that I couldn't stand it anymore. I booked a flight to the O.C. to see my stellar cousins. We'll be beaching it up, hanging out in Hollywood cemeteries, and eating gluten free food together. I can't wait.

I'm also thinking there might be a reason for a black tie event on the beach. If so, I get to be the one with the untied bow tie.

We Don't Care About the Young Folk

Actually, we DO!

Because they are hosting the Oscars.

Seriously? SO EXCITED to see what these two do! I'm glad they are giving some Newbies a whirl.

Some Sundance

Last night I went to a Sundance party. I met a man with a mustache like the one featured on Daniel Day Lewis in Gangs of New York. Not kidding. He was nice, but after five minutes, I was bored.


Is it because I'm not good at conversation?


Is it because he was boring...even though his facial hair was exciting?


Is it because my heart just doesn't care about trying to connect and flirt with men anymore?


Is it because, while the party was amazing, and people were fashionable, and rumors of James Franco being there (because his directorial debut film was showing) circulated through the dark, saturated walls--that despite all that, I didn't really connect to anyone?


Is it because I've lost my ability to connect with anyone at all unless I'm behind the camera?

That's a real fear. And it's growing.

Here's another. I like to photograph people, but so do a lot of people. What will make mine special? What will make me satisfied? What is it all about? I guess if everyone stopped creating because the person before them created something similar, then American Literature would have stopped with The Scarlet Letter and we'd have no Huck Finn, no Poisonwood Bible, no House on Mango Street? But at the same time, shouldn't some people just stop the dream and do something else? I'm surrounded by talent on a daily basis with people I know, speak to, facebook, blog, and even the local cafes. I go to galleries and look at other people's creations. I like them, I always have. I used to enjoy them more. Somewhere, deep inside I have this drive that has exploded over the last three months and is telling me that this next year is my make it or break it time. This next year will determine if I have any talent at what I'm doing. This next year I'm giving my all to do something that many, many, many other people have already done before me.


So, my question is, will I be better off if I just sit at home and read a book?

We Love Jenny Auction: 36th Item: Makeup & Photo Session with Bee Photogr...

Hey everyone. Check out this link to an auction for a good cause. You could get a session with ME.

We Love Jenny Auction: 36th Item: Makeup & Photo Session with Bee Photogr...: "Item: Makeup & Photo Session From: Bee Photography Description: Enjoy a portrait, bridal, or engagement session, captured by a profes..."

We Love Jenny Auction: 37th Item: Earrings from 28th Street Photo & Gift

We Love Jenny Auction: 37th Item: Earrings from 28th Street Photo & Gift: "Item: One Pair of Earrings From: 28th Street Photo & Gift Description: Take your pick! One pair of earrings from 28th Street Photo &..."

We Real Cool

We like Gwendolyn Brooks. In fact, so deep is our love, that my 11th graders all had to write their own version of "We Real Cool". Here is the original poem, along with four of my favorite adaptations.

We real cool. We
Left school. We

Lurk late. We
Strike straight. We

Sing sin. We
Thin gin. We

Jazz June. We
Die soon.

We Are Great

We are great. We

stay out late. We

Shoot drugs. We 

Chill with thugs. We 

Drink our drink. We

Puke in the sink. We

Smoke weed. We 

Have what we need.

YOU REAL DUMB

You real dumb. You 

Jump the gun. You

 All hate. You

Infiltrate. You

All fall. You

Feel real small. You 

Now loose. You 

Can't choose.

We Talk Fast 

We talk fast. We 

Leave last. We 

Stress out. We 

Scream and shout. We 

Obsess. We 

Distress. We 

Have cracks. We 

Need to relax. 

WE REAL COOL

We real cool. we 

Like rule. We

Joke 'round. We

think sound. We

Know legit. We

Have fits. We

Think chill. We

Live thrill.

In Just Two Weeks

I painted my room blue. And I went with those decals I was apondering about.

My white pillows got a spot on some old couches.

I bought a paint color called "Country Dairy" with no shame and put it on these here walls of my kitchen.

I took my little childhood chair out of storage.

Found a resting place for an old milk can.

Put my rusty bench on my very own front porch.

Loved this pillow so much I went back for it after a week of salivating.

Discovered these old vases I bought from a lady in Tuscany a few years ago.  I liked her.

Had tea.

Bought fruit.

Lined up glasses.

In addition I have:

Painted three rooms and four ceilings
Refinished an antique dresser
Unpacked over forty boxes
Caulked a bathtub
Painted cupboards
Mudded and sanded walls
Replaced power outlets
Visited Home Depot about 23 times
Replaced blinds
Hung curtains
Hammered things
Got a power drill of my own
And so much more.

Phew.