Shiny, Happy, People

I'm getting ready to head out the door to drive to North Carolina. I dont have much to say other than i'm incredibly happy in my life right now and I had one of the best days i've had in a long time yesterday.

I'll leave on that note... and perhaps take some self portraits this week....




John Green Portland Oregon

Volunteering

I had a very serious conversation today with one of my best friends about myself, my son, and my family. Everyone goes through times in their existence on this earth where they dont know what they want to do with their lives. I'm at that point currently. I'm aware I cant be a model forever but I know I am an artist and a photographer. I feel like I have so much artistic talent and I care a lot about people.I suppose I just want to take my experiences and talent and do what I can to make the world a less horrible place.


The backstory in my photography is what i want to touch people and make them think and be aware. So having said that, my first step is to get involved in nonprofits and outreach groups related to things I think need awareness and my help. The first two are obviously Fragile X Syndrome and Autism. I'm going to put all my efforts in this as well as publishing a book on Aidan and his struggles and achievements. My hope is that people will relate to images and think and be well, human. I'd like to photograph a lot of these events as well and hopefully a huge goal is to photograph the Special Olympics.

This world sucks and I want to at least put a dent in the humanitarian effort. Not just to do my part but to make a difference.




Walk with us;



http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fragile-X-Awareness/134533923207?ref=mf

Thank you Lauren, for being you.

Wish Me Luck

I'm driving in this tomorrow.

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.