Day 11 - Munchkin Masquerade

Thought of the day:  Jasmine was upset this morning because we were going to remove a few aspens in the backyard that were affected by fungus.  She went out with me to snap photos of the aspens.  She also took branches and pieces of barks from each tree as keepsakes.  She was much calmer afterwards.  It was good for her to go through these rituals.

Photo of the day:

The annual Munchkin Masquerade in Boulder downtown.  Jasmine was able to let go of her sorrow at least for a couple of hours.

Day 10 - Morning Light

Thought of the day:  Tonight a friend took me out to a Takacs concert where they played Beethoven's string quartet in A-Minor, Op. 132.  Takacs performed with their characteristic energy and intensity.  There was so much joy in the music that it was hard to believe that it came from a man who was deaf, ill, and lonely (abandoned by his adopted son).  There is so much depth in human emotions that I think it can only be captured by the best of music, literature, and other art forms like painting (and photography!)


Photo of the day:

Early this morning Lila came downstairs when she was still a little sleepy.  The first thing she did was to lie on the floor and played with her baby exactly where the morning light hit.  Lucky me:-)  I didn't take more pictures for the rest of the day!

Day 9 - Face Mask

Thought of the day:  This morning when I was still reeling from yet another fire near Boulder, a friend told me that her 48 year old brother-in-law just had a massive stroke.  Life is so fleeting and full of uncertainties.  The best thing to do is to be kind to others and enjoy the life that you have.

Photo of the day:

It is that time of the year again.  A day to become somebody else.

Day 8 - Orange

Thought of the day:  This morning I was at Walnut Cafe and observed a woman eating alone at a table next to me.  She was an older woman dressed simply but elegantly.  She sat next to a bright red wall and above her hung a painting of primitive looking creatures in bold colors.  I thought that would make a striking image.  So I asked for her permission to take pictures of her.  She agreed but unfortunately I was not very good at putting her at ease - I was probably more embarrassed than she was - and we didn't end up with very good pictures.  It takes a special skill to take pictures of strangers, especially when you need to ask for their permission (like in a restaurant).  I hope I'll get better at the end of this year!

Photo of the day:

Jasmine at Carelli's Restaurant in south Boulder.  She is melting into a wall that makes her feel "dreamy".  She is getting more used to me taking pictures and is less self conscious when I do.

Week 1 - Kiva.org

Because of the birthday trip and starting up of this blog, this had been a pretty self-obsessed week - I hope this won't be the trend for the year!  Luckily, I remembered that I had some credits sitting on kiva.org for a while so just went ahead and loan the money to three groups of women: a woman in Kenya named Kibibi to restock her cloth shop, a woman in Philippines named Juvy to grow more rice, and a group of women in Nicaragua for farming.  Microloan has its share of problems, but these loans at least give me the satisfaction of directly helping some people in need.

Day 7 - Cafe de Paris

Thought of the day: Living in Boulder is like living in a bubble.  Sometimes I forget to look outside.  So it's a good thing that Jasmine's activities force me to venture "out" once in a while.  We are in Louisville every Wednesday afternoon and that gives me the opportunity to check out its historic downtown and trails.  Louisville was listed as the best small city to live in by Money magazine in 2009.  It's actually only a couple of miles away from Boulder.

Photo of the day:

Cafe de Paris, my favorite place to hang out in downtown Louisville.  The natural light coming in from the windows and the interior lighting and decoration make this cafe a very special place.  And it's run by Bryn and Nick - two of the nicest people I have met!

Day 6 - Fashion Girl

Thought of the day:  This morning I watched a father and his little boy sitting at a table in a cafe.  The father was taking cell phone pictures of his son drinking chocolate milk.  It was a lovely scene.  Before I left, I walked up and told the father that his son was beautiful (and no, I didn't take pictures of them:-)  His face lit up with a big smile.  His son was indeed beautiful and I'm sure it was not the first time that he got the compliment.  And I'm equally sure that his face will light up every time.  Such is the joy of parenthood!

Photo of the day:

This is Sarah, a girl working in a shop in 29th St. Mall.  She was dressed up as a fashion girl for Halloween and had a beautiful smile on her face.

Day 5 - Autumn Colors

Thought of the day: It is good to be home!

Photo of the day:

Today I played with the autumn colors outside of the house.  It's amazing what you can do with just a little movement of the camera.  I like the abstract ones better than the straight shots.

Day 4 - Going Home

Thought of the day:  Today I am happy to receive words of encouragement from Mia Semingson.  My blog was inspired by her 39+, which I followed for the entire year. I was grateful that she opened up a window into her life with beautiful images.  I felt that it was such a generous gift for all of us following her blog.  One reason I decided to do this blog was to pass along her gift.  The timing couldn't get any better with the photo workshop starting on the same day as my birthday when I started my blog.  Today the workshop is over and I am heading home.

Photo of the day:

Edward, a long time Tucson resident, drove me to Tucson Airport this morning.  I talked with him all the way and was intrigued by his profile - I think a cowboy hat would suit him really well!

Day 3 - Saguaro National Park

Thought of the day:  The workshop is, sadly, coming to a close.  Being in a resort that thoroughly pampers you is unreal; being with a group of free spirited people who share a common interest and passion in photography is unreal; being instructed by a world class photographer is unreal.  This will forever be part of my memory.

Photo of the day:

Today we shot at the Saguaro National Park in the early morning.  This park is special for me because it's where my husband and I first met more than 19 years ago.

Day 2 - Camp Fire

Thought of the day:  A stream gathers momentum to overcome boulders that threaten to block its way.  It can work in the same way for people.  Obstacles can be turned into your advantage if you use it to motivate.  They can help you overcome your inertia and resistance for change.  Thought inspired by Nevada Wier.  Her photo workshop is all about overcoming your inertia and getting out of your "old way" of taking pictures.

Photo of the day:

Tonight we watched a Kiva performance by Tony Redhouse.  Listening to the performer's flute next to a fire under a full desert moon can really take you to some place far far far away...

Day 1 - Water Fountain

Thought of the day: Today is the first day of a National Geographic photo workshop that I'm attending in Tucson.  The instructor is Nevada Wier, a life time explorer, traveler and photographer.  Tonight she showed some photos taken during her expeditions around the world.  What a remarkable photographer and what a remarkable person!  Her love for the outdoors and photography set her on a path unlike others.  Her life must have its special challenges but it must be a full and satisfying life.

Photo of the day:

The photo workshop is hosted at Miraval Resort Tucson.  The resort is all about tranquility and self discovery.  This is a water fountain near my room in Village 4.