West Coast Adventure

I'm currently in Vancouver, BC. I've been on the west coast for about a week now. I arrived in Seattle last Sunday night then off to the Northwest coast of Washington for Shi Shi Beach for a couple of days. We arrived after some delays around 5:30. After hiking for an hour and finally figuring out where we were supposed to be we sat up camp about 8pm. Camping for 2 days there was amazing... except we never saw the sun, unfortunately but it was still an amazing site to see.

Then off to Portland. 3 shoots later, the Columbia River Gorge, mud, sand, dirt, frigid waterfalls, and people always gawking, along with a Guinness and some wine Portland was a success. I really love Washington and Oregon a lot, i'd venture to say they are my favorite states so far... but alas must move onto Vancouver.

A relaxing day ahead then two shoots then home to my little guy on Thursday. Ah how I miss him and his kisses.

This trip, aside from the lack of sun, has been amazing. I got to see and show the best parts of these two states and of course do what I love to do, model and photograph.

Oh and thanks Nicole for the thermos of wine at the airport. You're alright.


This is an image taken by a shitty POS in a cave overlooking tiny tidepools and a couple examples of the wonderful Point of the Arches;

Lost World

I'm currently receiving kisses from my baby love (Aidan)... i'm going to miss him. I wont see him for two weeks.

The bright side is i'm finished packing for Shi Shi Beach/Portland/Vancouver all in 11 days. I'm so excited I havent been here in nearly a year yet I havent shut up about it since then. I remember the crashing silvery waves rumble over sand and stones, interrupted only by looming sea stacks and towering bluffs fringed with sitka forests. What could be a scene from a land before time is real now, part of Olympic National Park and considered the Northwest's purest stretch of coastline. Having gained notoriety as the most gorgeous of the beaches in the US and even hemisphere... because it is.

I cant wait to see it again. then off to Portland for a few days seeing the most talked about Oregon coastline while shooting in it. Then of course what northwest trip would be complete without seeing my good friend/photographer Michael and shooting there? Ah it's all so exciting. I remember why I love the summer now.




This photo is taken by a more talented than he knows photographer, Mike, in Indianapolis just two days ago. My first visit to an Observatory which has been abandoned for many many years.

Aidan's Take on Iran and Outsmarting Mommy

I came home from New York a couple of weeks back and Aidan picked up my Time magazine I had in my purse. He opened it up to a page with Mousavi addressing the crowds of protesters. He kept pointing at him;








and then this;





and something monumental... this is when it started raining last weekend. I said; "no Aidan you cant go outside, it's raining." He went into his room and came out with an umbrella and pointed at the door. As if to say; "but I have an umbrella, now I can!" I couldnt believe it. He typically just spins the umbrella ... I had no idea he knew what it was for. So I let him, because he outsmarted me;






They're baby steps but man if they arent loud and heavy.

My Little Prince

In the grocery store a few days ago, with Aidan. As we were checking out he kept smiling at the cashier as she was asking his name and how old he was. He just kept pointing and making noises. I said; "his name is Aidan and he is 4." After a few compliments we were ready to go and she asked; "if you dont mind my asking, what is his disability?" I answered her and then started reflecting on the fact she noticed he had a disability. This was the first time I was faced with that, and it was hard. Very very hard...

Then Aidan smiled and kissed me and I was happy she was curious and concerned.

I had a friend tell me one of the greatest things last night, it will stick with me forever. "most of the time, I don't want kids, but when I see your pictures of aidan, I want a child so I can love them as much as you love your son."

here he is chewing his blanket. My little Mr Wonderful.

Leaders

Arrived home tonight around 4ish. Took a well needed shower. After the infant wailing for 1.5 hours straight around 4am last night... and maybe 4 hours of sleep cleverly placed in the airport chairs with my packed t shirts as blankets... I kind of needed that.

I woke up at 6 am flight of French Canadians looking at their Iphones and at me. The guy to my right said; "rough night?" I said; "well my idea of a rough night isnt spending 24 hours in Newark Airport." he laughed.

I'm home, and it feels great.

My little man did something quite amazing tonight. I captured it on film and i'll show it this week.

Until then..





Dean, when he has motivation, he can be incredible.

Stuck.

I am currently stuck in the Newark airport due to "weather"....meaning there wasnt a storm until 5 hours after it was delayed so they can blame it on weather to avoid compensating for hotels or the flight. I'm spending the night in the Newark airport - i've never done that before. Nor have I ever had these issues with as much flying as i've done. My flight is at 8 am to DC then home... finally.

Otherwise I had a great time in New York, aside from the monsoon season they seem to be experiencing in late June... I modeled in the rain for 2 hours which was fun. I also modeled with my good friend Melanie who is one of the best art models in my opinion and a wonderful photographer. She is currently 7 months pregnant. We modeled for Constantine - who is just a beautiful person inside and out along with a very talented painter/sketch artist/photographer. I had a wonderful time with both of them. The photos are going to be unbelievable - I just know it.

Thursday my great friend James Graham and I hung out. Enter George Pitts around 6:30 pm telling us the news that Michael Jackson had died. Floored. I couldnt believe it. An American icon, innovator, and musical genius wasnt here anymore.

James shot George shooting me in his apartment. We went out to dinner afterward and they were playing Michael's songs - which was pretty damn great. Walking back to the apartment we saw a bunch of kids with a boombox on the corner dancing to his music. It was epic. George and James are great company during an iconic loss.

So here's to Newark Liberty fucking Airport and my dark little corner I found far away from people. - I always see the positive side to everything - typically.

And RIP Michael - you were a legend.



Photo by Ron Skei in Vancounver, BC about 2 weeks ago. He said I smell like flowers. :P

Aidan Adore

I'm driving to North Carolina tomorrow... I always love this drive. I've not loved a drive as much as I do this one in a long time. I will update this in August when I make my way down the eastern seaboard and Washington/Oregon coast.

It's just theraputic and the perfect drive with enough highways to keep you psychologically and attention satisfied and the gorgeous Appalachians. NPR helps as well.

I had the most amazing weekend with my son. He let me photograph him waking up. I cant tell you what an amazing feeling that is when someone let's you photograph them. I suppose I take it for granted. Sita Mae Edwards once told me; "you let the person in to capture the real you." I didnt really understand what that meant until this morning... With his disability I have no idea how he knows what to do but he does. He said; "OM" today a million times... that means Mom....



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