111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 13

April 5, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hi!

This week, we meet two different Rons and a Dallas!

Ron - 37

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “People and their happiness!”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “Being wise.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: For the problem of racism, Ron said, “the solution is not being a vicim of it. Don’t do to others what they do to us, meaning, I will be better than my adversaries.”

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My goal has been to be a wildland firefighter. I’ve already done two years, and looking forward to more.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I want to be remembered as a person that overcame anything that I faced. Period.” Ron gave the examples of racism and growing up hard in LA as challenges that he’s overcome.

Thank you, Ron!

Ron - 38

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Playing music.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m patient.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Ron identified a problem that there’s not enough respect for musicians. The solution, Ron said, “is for people to recognize what we’re doing and realize that not everyone can do it.”

I have eternal gratitude for musicians, and I’m in a constant state of awe for the creation of music.

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My thing has always been to play music and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to do it full time for the last 25-30 years.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I just want to be remembered as a good musician…that’s all.”

I got to see Ron perform and I will, indeed, remember him as a good musician! This was my first time getting to see live music since COVID and it was the best day I’ve had in a year! Ron and my friend Jen played at Lake of the Woods Resort and it was excellent! Looking forward to going again this summer! It’s been years since I’d been to Lake of the Woods and it’s definitely going to become a favorite destination.

Thank you, Ron!

Dallas - 39

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Snowmobiling.”

If you couldn’t tell, I met Dallas when he was taking a break from snowmobiling.

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “Snowmobiling.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Dallas joked that my questions were way too deep and passed on this one.

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “Snowmobiling full time.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I think I’ll be remembered for being like how my friends describe me - as being a ‘really nice asshole.’”

“I could see that,” I replied, when Dallas answered the question. OUCH!!!! I didn’t mean it the way that came out!!! Luckily, Dallas IS a really nice…guy, and totally forgave me.

Thank you, Dallas!

I’ve not been pleased with the quality of my images since starting this project. I cut myself some slack because it’s been winter and I often seem to find myself photographing on gray days. But there’s been a little more too it. I wondered if I was so out of practice that I lost my “eye” entirely, or maybe COVID and this time we’re living in has just been so intense that it’s impacted me more than I had realized. Yes, it’s true - I’m both out of practice, and I’ve definitely been affected like everyone else. I’ve reached the conclusion, however, that I’m looking at things “differently” in this project, compared to my previous street portraiture project(s). I’m using a different lens in order to keep a little more social distance between me and the subject.

My go-to lens for street photography, and the lens I used to teach myself photography, is a 50mm. I’ve been shooting this project with a 24-70mm zoom lens because it enables me to stand more than 6 feet away from the subject in order to keep us both safe. It’s a great lens…an excellent lens! I’ve owned cars that cost less than this 24-70mm lens, so please don’t think I’m saying there’s anything wrong with the glass. When it comes to street portraiture, I just know how a 50mm lens behaves. I can intuit how an image will look because I know the lens well. Of course I still made, and continue to make, unsatisfactory images with a 50mm, but for the most part, I can see an image in my mind and know what I need to do to capture it. And most importantly, the 50mm is a much more intimate lens. It’s a prime lens, meaning, it’s always at 50mm. You must actively work to make or create an image when using a prime lens. If you want to change the composition of a photo, you have to do so by moving your feet, changing your position, changing your point of view, getting higher or getting lower…you have to “work the scene” (a saying by one of my favorite current street photographers, Eric Kim) in order to capture the image you’re striving for. So my realization is that using the 24-70mm zoom lens for this project has accidentally made me…lazy! Photographers always warn you not to get “lazy” when you go from shooting on a prime lens to a zoom lens. I know this!!! Even though the lens zooms, it only zooms in or out…you still need to “work the scene,” change your point of view, and change your positioning in order to capture the image you desire.

I’ve recently experienced some things in life that I had been unable to work through. At one point, during an internal dialogue I was having in attempt to sort out a problem, I actually said out loud to myself, “work the scene.” I was viewing my problems through a zoom lens, instead of actively engaging and “working the scene” like with a prime lens. Yes, I was trying my best to work through those things, to examine the issues by zooming in and zooming out, but I had gotten a bit lazy, thinking that “zooming out” by just allowing the passage of time to put distance between the problem and myself would change my perspective and right the situation. Yes, zooming out and just allowing time to pass, does often lessen the sting in a lot of situations, but sometimes being lazy, zooming out and letting time take care of things, doesn’t result in the best possible outcome. Sometimes, just “zooming out” actually makes the problem worse! To capture the image or the outcomes we desire, we have to work the scene. If we continue to look at a problem or situation from the same point of view, with the same mindset, we’ll be unable to see the true nature of the problem or issue. We’re able to see the true origin of the problem, we can’t see the solutions, and we’re unable to alter our mental or emotional response to the problem. The outcome will be undesirable or less than ideal. In photography, we put the subject in good lighting. In life, we put the problem in good lighting. In photography and life, we have to view the subject or the problem from all possible angles, and all points of view, and all positions, until we can see it for what it truly is. In photography - the result is going to be a beautiful image. In life - the result is often going to be a beautiful lesson. (And even painful lessons can be beautiful ones, depending on your point of view…)

Thank you for following along so far.

And thank you to everyone who’s allowed me to photograph them for this project.

Hope you have a fabulous week!

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 12

March 28, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello!

The next three subjects in “111 Faces of Klamath Falls” are Joseph, Ed, and Nicole.

I consider Joseph a friend, but our connection is unusual. We’re not connected on any social media, and we don’t have each other’s phone numbers, but we see each other around every so often, when it’s time to see each other around every so often. I had JUST been thinking that I would like to include Joseph in this project and was hoping to run into him soon, and just like that…I ran into him at the park! A few weeks or months will pass and I’ll think, ”I haven’t seen Joseph around,” and then just like that… I’ll see him!

Ed and Nicole aren’t complete random strangers, but I hadn’t actually ever met them.

Joseph - 34

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Communing with nature.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m an easy-going guy."

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: For the problems we’re facing now, with division and divisiveness, Joseph said, “we’ve got to bridge the gap to bring each other together as one untied family. We’re one human family that is being divided by everything…we need to be more loving towards each other.”

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: Joseph is a filmmaker and for as long as I’ve known him, he’s been dreaming of, and working toward doing a project with Netflix. (A film called, “Smile and Be Afraid.”) He continues to persist, and he’s optimistic that he’s getting closer to someday making this a reality! Best wishes and all the good vibes that this comes to fruition soon!

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I would like to be remembered as a good person, as a kind person, as a happy person, and as an honest and reliable person.”

Ed - 35

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “My Grandkids!”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m 71 years old and I’m still alive!”

Ed also added that he climbs Mt. Shasta every year!

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “I don’t have solutions, I have a few ideas…dialogue solves a lot of problems, but it’s not a strong trait in a lot of our leaders today.”

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “At this point in my life, my goal is to pass some of my knowledge and my business to my children, and give them the same opportunities that I had.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I want to be remembered as fair, and that I listened to other people and helped to guide them with calmness and serenity.”

Ed is a farmer. I spotted Ed doing some spring cleaning with fire. (Burning to clear weeds.) I pulled off to the side of the road to observe his process and then walked over near him, careful not to catch myself on fire, and explained that I had stopped to watch and ask a few questions about burning and other tractor options.

Ed and I visited for quite a while. It would take well over a thousand words to explain to you the significance of our encounter. It was a meaningful exchange, and important to me. I’ve spent the past week considering just how I would try to adequately explain this if you’re not from around here. Someday, I’ll write about this topic at length, but this photo project isn’t the right place. Instead, I’ll give you the super condensed explanation of some background, so you’ll understand just how special our visit was to me.

Please understand, this is an extremely over-simplified explanation. (and the explanation is coming from my point of view, and opinion.) I’m only sharing it because meeting Ed and talking with him has made an impact on me. I meet people in my photo projects who will stick with me forever, and Ed is one of those people.

One of the biggest issues in all of Klamath County, is our ongoing water crisis. Agriculture is a main industry here. Another important part of our community is our Indigenous People - The Klamath Tribes. We’ve been battling severe drought conditions for over two decades. In the most concise explanation I can give, there’s too many consumptive users and not enough water to sustain our ecosystems and agricultural industry. Remember, I’m over-simplifying this! Our water crisis has resulted in an ecological crisis and a crisis within our community, or communities. We must fight to preserve species and prevent fish from going extinct, which are culturally significant to the Klamath Tribes, and also protected by both the endangered species act, as well as protected by a nation-to-nation treaty with the US Government. Basically, by law, and by law of nature, we need to protect species from going extinct. Because the Tribe has Senior Water Rights, and because our Irrigators also have water rights, and of course, crops can’t grow without water and fish can’t live without healthy water and the endangered fish are of critical cultural importance to the Tribe, and were once a subsistence food source…the result is a divided community because there hasn’t been enough water to sustain thriving fish populations (because of poor water quality and a host of other reasons) and enough for irrigation needs.

If you don’t know me personally, I’m a Klamath Tribal Member, but I also ventured into farming. Well, I can’t make that claim any longer, since this will be the second year in a row that I’m not going to farm. What I desire more than anything — are solutions that will prevent our endangered fish species from going extinct, solutions that will save our fish and sustain agriculture, for regenerative agricultural practices to become part of the solution, and for our divided communities to heal and thrive.

Ed sort of figured out who I was after I stopped to ask him questions about burning vs. tilling, but I hadn’t realized that I also sort of knew who he was until after we had talked for a while. We just visited. We had a dialogue. We talked about the problems in Klamath County, about agriculture, about fish going extinct, about what could have been done differently in the past so that we wouldn’t still be in this situation, and we touched on racism and white privilege, and what that means to Ed. We just talked. Ed shared his knowledge with me, we laughed, and at times, I even got a little teary-eyed. I lost track of time. I don’t know if we talked for 20 minutes or if it was closer to an hour. Our conversation was honest, respectful, and at times, a difficult one. We started out talking farmer-to-farmer. Our conversation then evolved to one between a farmer-to-Indigenous woman+environmental & social justice activist. Eventually, our conversation evolved to a HUMAN-to-HUMAN conversation. We were having a dialogue. Together, we were dreaming of better days and better ways…to a future when we’re united, collaborating, and thriving.

Ed is right…open dialogue and actual human-to-human communication is critical to solving so many of our problems. He showed me right there, with calmness and serenity, just how much can happen when we have human-to-human dialogue.

I appreciated Ed’s time, knowledge, and conversation. If you’re from around here, know of our ongoing crisis, or know me personally, you understand the significance of our conversation. You also understand just how rare this sort of dialogue is, and just how much it’s needed. I stopped just to ask Ed a few farmer questions but left with so much more. Once again, a subject I met has refilled me with hope and optimism.

Nicole - 36

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “My dog!”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m a Grandmother of three.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: For the problem of racism, Nicole’s solution is, “killing people with kindness.”

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My dream is to be rich in love.” “I have Shawn,” Nicole added, when describing how she’s working towards it. (Remember VaShawn? You met him back in week three!)

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I want to be remembered for always giving a helping hand, and as a great friend, mother, and girlfriend.”

Sincere appreciation to you - Joseph, Ed, and Nicole! Thank you!

Thanks for following along. Wishing you another great week, and some great dialogue. Let’s solve some problems together.

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 11

March 22, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Happy Spring! Thanks for checking in!

Our next three subjects are Ireland, Dave, Tasha, and a bonus person…Layla!

Ireland is a recent acquaintance. Dave, Tasha, and Layla are strangers I met at the park, and they saved this week’s post from being just a one-subject week! I’m not being overly dramatic when I say that I was *this close* to giving up and only sharing Ireland’s photo for the week. It’s a challenge to find strangers who are up for letting another stranger photograph & “interview” them. I now know that I can’t let myself get in the position where I don’t have at least a subject or two lined up for the week.

Ireland - 31

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Sunbathing!”

I share Ireland’s delight in sunbathing, especially in Klamath. Have you noticed the sun shines differently, more intensely here? There’s something pretty special the way the sun shines in Klamath Falls…when the sun shines down on your face and hits your cheeks, it can warm you to your center unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been. It’s an instantaneous mood-boosting, spirit-lifting, life-affirming warmth.

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m resilient.”

Ireland has had to deal with some life-altering health issues, and it was only fairly recently that she finally received a diagnosis. She’s become resilient because she had to for her own well-being. She remains optimistic, and she knows her own personal life experiences will help her to help others in the future, but it’s been difficult at times. She’s young, ambitious, and she aspires to help others, but she acknowledged that at times, she’s felt discouraged by having to cope with so many health challenges at such a young age.

I’m hoping for the day to come when Ireland is well, and doesn’t have to be so strong & resilient.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Ireland envisions a new way of allocating how our federal tax dollars are used. She would like to see a system where we get to choose how to solve our societal problems, specific to the community where we live. “We vote with our tax dollars,” Ireland said, “taxes would be used democratically.” She imagines a system where federal tax dollars are directed back to the communities from which they came, and we, the taxpayer, get to specify how we want that revenue to be distributed. We would decide where we want our income tax to be allocated, whether it be toward environmental health, the military, border security, or anything we choose. Ireland wants us to be able to see our tax dollars at work in the communities where we live. It’s Ireland’s vision that a completely different system of tax revenue distribution would enable us to build the local communities that we desire, by being able to fund the programs that are important to us each individually, and locally.

I really wish I had used a recorder or voice recording app. I’m just barely scratching the surface of Ireland’s vision for a new tax system. We could have talked at length about her idea, and I hope I’m conveying it in such a way to do it proper justice.

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: Ireland’s goal is to become a Naturopathic Doctor. She’s currently a pre-med student and will attend naturopath school after she graduates in a couple months! “I’ll continue to broaden my understanding of health and continue to learn and grow,” Ireland said. “My dream is to have a successful career and to be well known for what I do, and help as many people as I can in life, with their health,” Ireland added.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I want to be remembered as someone really intelligent. I want to discover something groundbreaking…and if that doesn’t happen, that’s fine too.”

Ireland will soon be graduating and leaving Klamath Falls. It was important for me to include some OIT students in this project because Oregon Tech is such a critical & valuable part of our community. Wishing Ireland all the best of luck and success, and I can’t wait to read about your groundbreaking and life-improving, possibly life-saving, discovery someday.

Tasha (left) and her daughter Layla (right) - 32

I got a little teary-eyed after meeting this little gem of a human, Layla. I just wish you could see the way Layla passionately and whole-heartily wants for a better planet for us all. She gives me hope.

Tasha’s answers are immediately below, and then Layla’s answers will follow beneath.

Tasha’s answers:

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Jesus.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m about to get my GED!”

Congratulations, Tasha!

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Tasha wants to be able to help kids, youth, and teens early so that they can make good choices.

Tasha is clean and sober today, and her life experience has inspired her to want to be able to reach our youth early in life, before they have problems or troubles, so that we can help to shape their paths to a bright and successful future.

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My goal is to help get people to heaven by spreading the news of God.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I want to be remembered as a great evangelist.”

Layla’s answers:

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Helping nature.”

Layla couldn’t contain her excitement as she went on to explain to me just how much she loves nature and animals!

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m doing well in science. I’m a good science student. I’m in the 4th grade, and I love science.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: For the problem of littering, which impacts fish, wildlife, water and the environment, Layla said, “the solution to help parks is a law requiring you to throw your garbage away when you go to the beach or park.” Layla added, “I just want to make the world better. Nature is beautiful.”

(We wouldn’t need litter laws if we could just be a little more like Layla. )

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My goal is to become a forest ranger or something that helps nature. Nature was given to us and we need to take care of it.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I want to be remembered as a person who helped everyone and helped nature,” Layla answered, “and I want to bring peace.” Layla also added, “I don’t want things to be bad. I miss how the world used to be when it was kind and sweet.”

Same, Layla. Same.

Wow! This young lady is out to do big things for us all. Good things.

Tasha and Layla, thank you. Best wishes for your bright futures. (and ours.)

Dave - 33

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “I’m a Christian…I love nature and everything the Lord made.”

Dave added that he’s a farmer and a gardener and he loves to work the ground and work with plants.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I love good things, I like righteousness, peace, rest, and truth.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: My note-taking was slower than Dave spoke, but I hope I’ve adequately summed up his answer. Dave sees many problems in the world such as abuse of powers, inhumane treatment of people, and millions living in poverty. He sees the solution as being when the Lord returns to end it.

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: Dave answered that he has no earthly dreams, and added, “my dream is to go to heaven.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I don’t have a plan on being remembered, I don’t plan on coming to an end.”

Thank you Ireland, Tasha, Layla, and Dave!

And thank you for following along for another week!

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 10

March 15, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello!

The subjects in week 10 of “111 Faces of Klamath Falls” are all strangers to me. Well, technically, I kinda know Matt because I frequent the store where he works. Nate and Eleaza were both strangers that I met at the park. Thinking back, I don’t think a person with a dog has ever declined to let me take their photo, so when I saw they both had dogs, I was optimistic they’d let me photograph them. Dog people are great!

Nate & Ava - 28

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Praising God.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “Sobriety - I’m free from drugs and alcohol!”

Congratulations, Nate! Best wishes for your continued success…one day at a time.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “For every inherent problem, there is a solution - turning your life to Jesus.”

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My goal is to walk on a righteous path."

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: I want to be thought of and remembered as someone who lived as an example of Jesus coming into his life.”

Matt - 29

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Animals.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m hard-working.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Matt passed on this question.

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: Matt’s goal is to work as many hours as possible so that he can buy land.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I would like to be remembered as a good provider and a good human overall.”

Eleaza - 30

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “My dogs.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: Eleaza has experienced a great accomplishment recently - she became a probation officer!

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Ok, this is a one-of-a-kind answer, TMI, and pretty funny. This issue was on Eleaza’s mind because she was at the park with her dogs. Are you ready for this problem? Eleaza explained that her puppies were eating their own poo, and she discovered a supplement they can take that will prevent them from poo-snacking after about a month of taking the anti-poo-eating chewy. We laughed about this and she seemed somewhat embarrassed to use this as her answer, but I assured her I was actually interested to hear about this because I’m pretty sure I recently caught my own little dog having poo Pupus. (Get it? Pupu means appetizers in Hawaiian.) Thanks for the tip, Eleaza!

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My dream is to become a police officer.”

Eleaza has been progressing toward achieving this dream by participating in the Explorer program, then becoming a reserve officer, then graduating with a degree in criminal justice, and now working as a probation officer.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “Work hard for what you want,” Eleaza answered.

Thank you Eleaza, Matt, and Nate!

Here’s the part where I normally like to share a glimpse into my life…a lesson, realization, or observation I’ve had during the week. I haven’t known what to share with you for the past couple of weeks, however. I’m not sure if it’s because, for the first time since COVID, my schedule is really busy again, or if it’s because I’m getting distracted by this feeling of impending HAPPINESS! Do you feel it too? Do you feel this re-awakening and a sense of hope and promise?

For now, I just want to thank you for reading. We’re straddling two different realities right now…we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic, but we’re also beginning to feel optimism for the future. This project is helping to ground me in the present moment. I appreciate all of the subjects who’ve participated so far, and I appreciate you for accompanying me on this journey.

Have a great week!

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 9

March 8, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hi!

It was a reunion week! The next three subjects in “111 Faces of Klamath Falls,” Jennifer, Stan, and Eileen, are all friends from school! (and Eileen is also my cousin!) I haven’t seen Jennifer in about 32 years, and I’ve only seen Eileen a few times in the past 30 years. (I get to see Stan every 5000 miles at the Subaru dealership.) It’s always both surprising and comforting how easily old friends fall immediately back into stride after long separations. Aside from the urgency of wanting to hear everything that’s happened in each other’s lives over the past 3 decades, reuniting with dear friends, classmates, and family just feels like home.

Jennifer - 25

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Making people laugh."

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “My curiosity…about people, things and ideas.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “I have a really good idea about a national service program for kids.” Jennifer explained that she envisions a program where high school graduates or students who’ve finished the GED path could then participate in a national work experience program to earn money for college or to start a business. The closest existing program examples are AmeriCorps or Peace Corps, but Jennifer’s program would be available to all students and would serve as a bridge from High School/GED completion, to College or Entrepreneurship.

I love this idea!

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “Independence.”

Jennifer explained that she’s proud to have purchased a home. She’s fulfilled her goal of independence and the security of knowing that she and her family will never be homeless.

“I also have stand-up comedy dreams,” Jennifer added!

As soon as it’s COVID safe to do so…I will personally encourage, cheer-lead, and push Jennifer to perform at the next open mic opportunity!!! I can’t wait!

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I would like to be remembered for trying hard and showing up.”

Thank you, Jennifer! Jennifer was one of my best and dearest friends in grade school. Jennifer is part of my very best memories from that time.

Stan - 26

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Jennifer…and cookies.”

Jennifer and Stan are a couple, in case you hadn’t figured that out. I didn’t know until this day that Jennifer had crushed on Stan since early high school days. It’s just the sweetest thing!

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “My loyalty and discipline.”

Technically, Jennifer came in with the assist on this answer. Stan attributes the Marines for helping him to develop these traits. Jennifer also added that it’s pretty great that Stan arranges his life to take care of his Pit Bulls to ensure they never find any trouble.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Stan would love to see our health care problems get solved. Together, we also identified “breed bans” as a problem for both dogs and their humans. The solution is to change breed-ban legislation so that dogs and humans can’t be discriminated against. Too often, people are being forced to re-home their pets when they move because their new housing situation bans certain breeds. Our shelters would be a lot less crowded if certain breeds weren’t automatically prohibited or banned simply for existing. (without any history of “misbehavior.”)

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My goal is just to be comfortable and loved, and moderately successful.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I would like to be remembered as being a good guy…someone that listens and someone that you could talk to if you ever need anything.”

Stan & Jennifer - wishing you love and happiness. Seeing you together makes my heart swell for you both.

Eileen - 27

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “My sons and my family.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’ve never given up, and I’ve always stayed positive.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Eileen explained that for any problem, she always tries to look at the problem lightheartedly and then the problem doesn’t seem so big. No matter what, she tries to see the positive in any situation or problem. The example Eileen shared is that her car recently broke down on the side of the road. This is a terrifying experience for anyone! In pursuit of the bright side of this potentially dangerous problem, she recognized that as bad as the situation was, at least the weather was good, it was daytime, and she had a cell phone to call for help. “I’m not cheery all day long, Eileen said, but I’m not a pessimist. “If there’s a problem, don’t stay in the negative…don’t let it consume you,” Eileen advised.

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “I don’t necessarily have a life dream or goal…I set a goal, I meet it, I set a new one.” Eileen moves herself forward by a series of short term goals instead of one grand life’s dream.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I’ve always told my sons that it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of me, as long as my boys can stand at my grave and say that I was a good mom.”

This is also the first time Eileen and I have been able to spend more than a few moments together in over 30 years. Our dads were the best of friends, and being able to re-connect with Eileen, in a way, felt like a way to re-connect with our dads. The biggest regret I have is moving away and losing contact with family. Eileen, I just know you’re a great Mom. Much love.

Jennifer, Stan, and Eileen…thank you for being in the project.

One more week until daylight savings time! Can’t you just feel the energy shifting, moods lifting, and vibes elevating? I’m also looking forward to daylight savings and warmer seasons for the change in light. Our sunsets will once again be vibrant and beautiful, and in the spring and summer, our golden hours are the gold-iest.

Wishing you a fun and happy week!

Thank you for reading.

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 8

March 1, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello!

Thanks for stopping by to check out week 8 of “111 Faces of Klamath Falls.”

Lena - 22

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “My family!”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “Being known for my beadwork.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “Healthy living is the solution to dealing with pain.” Lena went on to explain that whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual pain, we can help heal ourselves through healthy eating, exercise and self care.

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “I want to continue to help my people.”

Lena feels blessed to work for the Tribe. “The more I can do for my people, the more I can help my community, Lena added.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I want to be remembered for the help I’ve given to people.”

Cassandra - 23

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “My family….watching my kids grow up to be young men, and seeing them succeed.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I think that I’m one of the most forgiving people ever. Someone can treat me wrong and I’ll still forgive them,” Cassandra said. “I’m ridiculously loving and forgiving to a fault,” she added. Cassandra went on to explain that no matter how poorly someone has treated her or wronged her, she won’t allow herself to hate them. “We can’t have hate for them or we’ll become hateful, she said. Cassandra summarized, “I’m Bob Marley trapped in a woman’s body…just spread love.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Cassandra identified a problem that we have in smaller rural towns is that we don’t have enough organizations, groups, and clubs that will help our youth. She would like to see more youth organizations and services that will help fill the gaps for single parents, or families where both parents are working or absent for whatever reason. She envisions a program or organization that not only provides recreational activities and fun, but is also a source of life skills.

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My dream job is to work with youth who are struggling with life, but I’m not anywhere close to that yet.” Cassandra explained that right now, her focus is on providing for her family, raising her kids, and giving them a good life. After her kids are grown, then she’ll focus on herself and a new career.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I want to be remembered as the woman who never gave up. No matter what obstacle comes my way, I always seem to overcome it…usually alone.” Cassandra added, “I’m strong and independent, but also I’m the person who would give you the shirt off my back if you’re cold.”

I know this to be true. Cassandra is as solid as they come.

Phyllis - 24

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Kayaking!”

It took all my self-restraint not to invite myself to become Phyllis’ new kayaking buddy. (At least a time or two!)

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I was a great Mom, and I’m an incredible Grandma!”

Phyllis has 4 kids and a dozen grandkids!

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “The biggest problem in society today is division amongst Americans. If we could agree that we are all Americans, and that we all love America, it would go a long way toward healing the divide.” Phyllis added, “we’re all Americans no matter if you’re right or left.”

Q: What’s your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: Phyllis’ goal right now is retirement. Working at Ross Ragland now, is helping her cross that finish line. She’s eager to retire so she can spend more time with her Grandkids, her dogs, and of course…she’ll spend more time kayaking!

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (personal legacy statement)

A: “I would like to be remembered as someone who actively served our community…anything community oriented, I’m usually involved.” Phyllis likes to help and serve in any capacity she can, whether it’s volunteering, fundraisers, or even just as a participant in community events. Phyllis was the president of the Blues Society for a while, and has been active in the music scene for years. In addition to her community service, Phyllis added that she want’s to be remembered “for being a Mom and Grandma, and raising my kids to be good citizens…all my kids are awesome!”

Lena, Cassandra, and Phyllis - thank you for being in the project!

Just a quick realization I want to share with you…

I found myself getting annoyed with all the filters on Instagram and TikTok the other day. When I process photos, I tend to keep things quite minimal and as close to real life as possible. I mainly only adjust or correct for: crop, white balance, tone, exposure, contrast, and sometimes minor color saturation adjustments. (unless working in B&W which I love, and don’t look closely, but I also used a spot edit tool in this post.) When I deliberately try to process a photo to look more “filtered” or “Instagram-y,” or to match this current “aesthetic” of our time, I always end up reverting back to the more organic version of the photo. I love other photographer’s images that have that certain aesthetic, but I just can’t seem to embrace it for my own images. That’s just my style, I suppose. My style is not having a style, except for trying to capture a subject’s sparkle as authentically as possible. It’s a little funny when I think about it now, but I was actually getting pretty frustrated the other day as I was processing one subject’s photos. I really wanted to experiment and achieve the “instagram-y/filtered/modern aesthetic, but I just couldn’t accept it. It looked and felt wrong to me. I caught myself saying out loud in frustration, “LIFE ISN’T FILTERED!!!”

The thought that ‘life isn’t filtered’ stuck with me for a while. I was so wrong! LIFE IS FILTERED and it should be. WE ARE FILTERED!

We can live with a filter of gratitude. We can live with a filter of delight. We can filter with the assumption of good intent of others. We can live with a filter of hope and optimism. We can live with a filter of empathy and compassion. We can live with a filter of forgiveness. We can live with a filter of appreciation and wonderment. We can live with a filter of tolerance and understanding. We can live with a filter of patience. We can live with a filter of love.

Ok. Let’s layer on those filters...

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 7

February 22, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hi!

The next three subjects of “111 Faces of Klamath Falls” are Emma, Sarah, and Ashanti.

Meet Emma. There’s nothing I can tell you about Emma that she can’t say 5000 times better in her own words, writings, and works. I’m not slacking here…this is the truth! I’ll share some links - please check them out! This is an incredible woman who does incredible things, and I just really want you to get to know Emma and her environmental and social justice work. She has a TED TALK ! See what I mean - it’s much more direct and effective just to check Emma’s work for yourself.) Check out her TED video and you’ll begin to look for, and see that, nature is everywhere. Solutions are all around us.

Emma - 19

I first learned of Emma a few years ago when I listened to a random podcast on which she was the guest. I was happy to hear someone from Klamath Falls and began to follow her on twitter. I didn’t know at that time that our paths would intersect. Emma is a member of the Equity Task Force, and I’m honored for the opportunity to work with her. Emma is an indefatigable social justice warrior and ally. (Emma, thank you. Sincerely.) I intended to share that first podcast interview with you, but when searching to see if I could locate that episode, I discovered that she’s been interviewed on several podcasts. Search for Emma Marris on whatever podcast app you use and be prepared to be enlightened about nature and our planet, and our responsibility to it, and for it. Emma’s ability to communicate complex ideas is admirable and impressive. Emma is able to organize thoughts, ideas, and information, and present it to even the most unwilling of recipients with just enough softness for the message to be heard, but also with logic and data so that the message is irrefutable. She’s convincing. She’s persuasive. She’s powerful.

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Music really brings me delight.”

Emma grew up in Seattle in the 90’s. She joked that her Seattle upbringing tends to make her a bit of a music snob, but she’s been finding delight in her kids’ top 40/pop music since coronavirus. (Is this a thing? Since COVID, I’ve been finding myself, uncharacteristically, listening to top 40/pop too!.)

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment.)

A: “Great is a high bar,” Emma prefaced, “I guess I would say that I don’t settle for stuff. I want things to get better in my life and in the world.”

Again, these aren’t just words. Emma lives it in every way imaginable.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: For the problem of climate change, Emma’s solution is for us “to demand change!” “It’s not too late. We get organized and demand big changes,” Emma instructed. She cautioned that we can’t allow ourselves to feel so guilty about our own personal footprint that it paralyzes us and prevents us from making the real changes needed, which are so much bigger than our own personal footprint.

Emma also offered a solution for a smaller problem, “Everybody in America needs to learn how to cook fried rice and stop throwing out their take-out white rice.”

Q: What is your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “I just want people to say, ‘She did her best…she tried.’” Emma added that she’s working on not letting herself get too overwhelmed because her desire to always want to improve things extends to her entire life. “I’m going to keep trying to make things better,” Emma said.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Personal Legacy Statement.)

A: Emma wants to be remembered for her work. “I’ve written one book, and a new book is coming out this summer. Writers want their work to live on forever.”

Congratulations on your second book, Emma! Click here to pre-order Emma’s second book, “Wild Souls”

Learn more about Emma here on her website!

Sarah - 20

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Mt. Shasta!”

Sarah grew up near the ocean for most of her life. She liked being so close to something as vast as the Pacific because it forces some perspective. “The ocean keeps us in scale,” Sarah explained. The view of Mt. Shasta provides her with that reminder now that she lives here.

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment.)

A: “I’m optimistic!” (“Or maybe hopeful,” Sarah added.)

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “I don’t have a solution, no. I’m just a cog in the gears.” A problem that was on Sarah’s mind the morning we met is how we assign categories or labels to people, and how much better we could be if we just identified “people” as “people” instead labeling or categorizing.

Q: What is your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “To be part of something that makes others’ lives easier.”

Again, these aren’t just fluffy words. Sarah lives it! I’ve observed Sarah’s kindness firsthand, when she assisted a group of elderly travelers who were displaced by the 242 Fire this past fall. I won’t get into the complicated story, but Sarah didn’t hesitate in providing assistance and she continues to help our community and community members.

Sarah’s parents raised her with a sense of responsibility to be part of the solution. “I was born with a silver spoon that tarnished, but I haven’t had to have any more than my share of struggles. I like lifting others up”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Personal Legacy Statement.)

A: “I wan’t to be remembered as being kind and cheerful.” Sarah added that she also wants to be remembered for being funny!

Sarah is one of the most kind, cheerful, inviting people I’ve ever met! She’s also a woman who is as equally fierce in activism as she is sweet and kind! Thank you for being you, Sarah! (I’m grateful to have met you!)

Sarah and I left our mini-photoshoot dreaming of the day when it’s safe enough to be able to have a cup of coffee together on a sunny patio, finish the rest of this conversation and begin some new ones. I’m looking forward to it!

Ashanti - 21

Ashanti is a brand new friend I hadn’t met yet!

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Music always brings me delight!”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment.)

A: “I think I make really good fish tacos!”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Ashanti explained that he’s been finding himself thinking about how selfish man can be at times, with our own self-serving behaviors, our own agenda and our own desires. “The solution is to be considerate and treat others how you want to be treated,” Ashanti said, “and not just treating people that way, but the planet too.”

Q: What is your life’s dream/goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My biggest commitment to myself is to become content with my life.” Ashanti explained that to get to that point, he’s always pushing himself toward a better tomorrow and regularly asks himself, “what’s next?”

Best wishes to you, Ashanti, may all of your hard work take you to your destination.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Personal Legacy Statement.)

A: Ashanti wants to be remembered as someone who lived without self-imposed boundaries or limitations, and encouraged others to do the same. “If you want something, go get it,” Ashanti said.

Thank you, Emma, Sarah & Ashanti!

The idea of “curating community” and “cultivating community” has been a reoccurring thought. As I was reviewing photos of previous subjects and working on the photos for this week, I was struck and impressed by the incredible group of people who’ve participated in the project so far. ‘This is a great community we’re curating,’ I thought. I’ve used the hashtag #creatingklamath on Instagram. I’m inspired and motivated by the people in this project who are sincerely and actively working towards creating a community of which we can all be proud. Some people are working quietly, and some people are working boldly! I’m optimistic that in spite of everything we’ve lived through recently, or maybe it’s because of all that we’ve lived through, we have the ability to unite and curate the community we desire. All of these amazing, vibrant people in our community, create a vibrant community! We have the ability to curate, cultivate, and create a community that’s safe, welcoming, happy, equitable, sustainable, and prosperous for us all. These people are making it happen!

Thanks again for reading along and special thanks to everyone who’s allowed me to photograph them. Spring is coming and soon we’ll have more beautiful blue skies and impressive sunsets. I’m looking forward to pushing myself to look for, see, and capture better lighting. I know the quality of the images will improve as I learn how to see and capture the light.

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 6

February 14, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Meet David, Jason and Luke - this week’s “faces of Klamath Falls.”

David - 16

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Traveling with my family.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m creative and artistic.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “To spend time with my family and see the world.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.’

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “I want to be remembered as a good father to my kids, and as a good husband to my wife.”

David is only the second subject, so far, who’s been a complete random stranger. We met at a vaccine clinic this week. Sort of an odd time and place for me to ask to take a person’s photograph, right? I just had to make use of the waiting period after we received our vaccines. David is an artist and he didn’t seem too phased, or too bothered, that I asked if he would be included in the project. I’m so glad he agreed! We didn’t have the most ideal lighting conditions…but we need to push ourselves in less-than-ideal conditions in order to learn and improve. (We’re already several people into this project, but I’m still making super beginner mistakes after having had such a long hiatus. It’s embarrassing and frustrating to be so rusty, but photography is something that we never stop learning.)

What do you think? Should I push myself even further and start approaching random strangers again? I absolutely loved that aspect of the last project. It’s no big deal approaching strangers in a bigger city, but I really don’t want to freak people out here by asking strangers if I can photograph them, so I’m a little hesitant. Talking with David reminded me that I enjoyed the challenging aspect of photographing strangers in the first project.

Jason - 17

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “My Dog.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “My sense of humor.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “To get as good at what I do as I possibly can.”

Jason was being pretty modest when he answered that his sense of humor is his great trait or accomplishment. He does have a great sense of humor, that part is true, but he’s also pretty special and has an incredible skill, gift, and/or talent. (I’m not even quite sure what to call it! It’s both an acquired & learned skill, but he also has a rare gift.) Jason does body and energy work on people and animals. He’s able to help heal injuries and release restricted movement using “manual and energy treatments such as myofascial release, and craniosacral and trigger point release techniques.”

A while back, I overheard a coffeeshop conversation in which a woman was telling another woman about a guy who had helped her with an injury. As I continued to eavesdrop, I realized they were talking about Jason!

I was hoping to be able to video a treatment session Jason was going to perform on a horse, but it just didn’t work out in time for this post. He intends to film a session soon, and when he does, I’ll be sure to share it with you. His work is something that one needs to experience, or see, in order to fully understand and appreciate.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “Listening.” Jason is hopeful that if people could just listen to each other and “hear the other side of the coin with open ears, we could get our country back.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “I would like to be remembered as white light.”

Luke - 18

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Fishing brings me joy.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I have a pretty good sense of humor. I can usually diffuse situations that are tense or awkward with humor.”

Another great accomplishment is that Luke has caught close to 600 different fish species. He’s in the top 20 fishermen/women worldwide, as far as the variety of fish species caught.

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My life’s dream is to get a book published.”

Luke is so very close to realizing this dream! He’s already completed his first book and is currently just looking for a publisher! Luke also dreams of being able to write full time. (Wishing you the very best of luck and success, and that you find a publisher soon!)

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Luke identified our current climate of polarization as being a big problem right now. His solution is for us to view and see people holistically, instead of pigeonholing people based on labels. Luke is optimistic that if we could view people for who they are, and seek common ground, there would be less hate and disagreements.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “I would like to be remembered as someone that treated people with love, and that I helped them however they needed it.” Luke went on to explain that he hopes people will remember him as a person who gave them kindness and encouragement. “I hope people will be glad that we crossed paths,” Luke added.

This was the first time I had actually met Luke in person. He was, until this day, a stranger, but not a complete random stranger. We had pre-arranged our meet-up and his participation in the project. I have to confess…when Luke answered that he’s able to diffuse awkward or tense situations, my heart sank a little. I know this firsthand. My little lightbulb went off and I remembered that the whole reason that I know Luke, or know “of” Luke, is because of a tense and awkward situation.

Luke is the writer behind the weekly outdoors and fishing column, “Caught Ovgard.” (Luke’s column is published in our local newspaper and other Oregon and Washington papers.) A few years ago, I completely misunderstood the intent of one of Luke’s pieces. I think it may have been the first time I read his column. I don’t remember the exact timing, but I think the piece was published during a time when tensions were high here, due to drought and a stressful water year. I was concerned with a portion of the article about endangered species. What did I do about it? I mean-tweeted him! (I think that was my very first mean-tweet.) Luke could have easily ignored or dismissed me. Instead, Luke took the time to explain the full intent of his article and statement, and he did so with patience and a sincere desire for clarity and understanding. I also had a sincere desire to understand, and was open-minded enough to be receptive to his explanation. Now, fast-forward a few years, and I’ve become a fan and regular reader of Luke’s column! Luke’s writing is witty, funny, and informative! Even if you’re not into fishing, I know you’ll enjoy his column. (Also check out his blog/website to learn more!)

Luke, yes indeed! I will remember you as kind and encouraging, and I’m glad that we crossed paths.

David, Jason and Luke - thanks so much for being in this project!

Thank you for following along for another week!

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 5

February 8, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello!

Here’s three more Faces of Klamath Falls!

Flamingo Fred - 13

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Peace and love, and childlike imagination”

I love this answer! Remember back to childhood…how uninhibited were you? I think of this often, especially when it comes to art, creating, or trying new things. “Pure joy as a child,” Fred reminisced about the way we approached life as kids.

I can remember when I got my first real camera a few years ago. I didn’t even know how to use it. It was an entry-level DSLR with a couple of kit lenses. I headed to a classic car junk yard and photographed for hours. In my adult life, my junkyard photoshoot was the closest thing to that childlike pure joy that Flamingo Fred was describing. (Ironically, some of those first photos were some of my best, even though I had no idea what I was doing, simply because I was in that state of pure childlike joy.) We were so bold as kids…we didn’t worry whether or not we would succeed at something, or how well we could perform, we just did it and we had so much fun in the process! I’m convinced that can we can bring ourselves so much joy and delight if we attempt to recapture that childlike imagination and pure joy in our lives and our pursuits.

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I think I have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: My goal is to create beautiful things for the world, and to be free.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “I think people should be inspired to do something nice for someone on a daily basis.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “I would like to be remembered as a person with a big heart and as a creative genius.”

I just had to get another one in here…I couldn’t decide which image I liked best!

Flamingo Fred is another new friend. I’ve learned from our work on the equity task force that he hopes to unite the citizens of Klamath Falls through arts and cultural events. He’s a man with brilliant ideas, and I have no doubt that had it not been for COVID, he would have succeeded in creating a few new community events that would have helped bring us together. During our little mini photoshoot, he even stopped to to talk with a property manager to inquire about renting a vacant space downtown. I CAN’T WAIT until the day comes when it’s safe for us to gather and dance and celebrate again! (Don’t you worry…Flamingo Fred is already cooking up some great ideas!)

If you want to learn more about Fred’s works and his creative genius, check out his youtube channel and his bandcamp!

Nicole - 14

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “That first sip of coffee in the morning is my favorite.”

Ahhhhh. Me too! Nicole said the first day of spring is a close second.

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I just finished getting my Master’s degree!”

Not only did she earn her degree, but Nicole had to drive to Bend and back, a few times a week, to finish the program! (That’s 276 miles, roundtrip!) Nicole’s achievements and dedication are so impressive! (I’m so proud of you, Nicole!)

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My life goal is to have my own private practice.” The next step toward achieving her goal is more clinical hours, and obtaining her LCSW.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: This question gave Nicole considerable pause…solving problems is actually her career. “There are little problems in life all the time,” she remarked, as she considered her answer. “For the problem of work-life balance, I make sure that I pencil in time for myself every day.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “I want to be remembered as kind.”

Nicole is my niece. My biggest regret about moving away from home immediately after high school graduation is that I didn’t get to know my nieces and nephews, or my great nieces and nephews. I realized after our little photoshoot that this was the most time I had ever spent with Nicole. (Or at least the longest time we’ve spent together since we were kids.) Although I love my friends, I had the realization that I know my friends even more than I know my own family. Nicole, I’m looking forward to spending more time together. I love you.

Monica - 15

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “What brings me most delight is the innocence and the spirit of my brand new baby cousin, Levenza. Her spirit alone is so healing for my family. When she smiles, everyone just bursts with joy! She’s medicine and she doesn’t even know it.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “One of my greatest attributes is probably my commitment and my passion to help my community transcend historical trauma.” Monica added, “I’m fueled with a fire to change things and fix things and to just keep going…I appreciate that about myself.”

I recently had the opportunity to sit in on one of Monica’s cultural sensitivity training workshops that she presents to community businesses and organizations. Monica has single-handedly educated hundreds, if not thousands, of people about the history of the Klamath Tribes. Through her career and her personal dedication and passion, Monica is able to help individual Tribal Members heal generational and historical trauma. Educating the general community is an integral part in healing and uniting our entire community. Monica is a cycle-breaker and a peace-maker. She’s wise beyond her years and I’m amazed, humbled, and inspired by her every single day.

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “To become a kind, connected, and humorous Elder.” #lifegoals

Monica explained that those are the attributes of her favorite Elders, from whom she’s learned the most. Monica added that she aspires to be kind, patient, loving and funny. “I’m not scared to get old, I’m embracing eldership.” Realistically, life expectancy for Indigenous people is shorter than average. Monica embraces the prospect of aging and looks forward to making it to the position of Elder, and she hopes that she can earn and hold that position of honor by our community.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: For all problems, “when in doubt, call Mom!” “A Mother’s love is our greatest armor against everything,” Monica added.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “I would like to be remembered as an Indigenous woman who did more walking than talking, and who had more action than anything.”

Monica, I can’t think of anything that more accurately describes how I and others see you. You are absolutely incredible and it’s pretty awesome seeing you work…seeing your action. You’re an inspiration to all.

Monica also produces a big community culture event called “Restoration of the Spirit.” The event is hosted by the Tribe and the entire community is invited. We didn’t get to have an event this year due to COVID, but when it’s safe to gather again, it’s a MUST-ATTEND event! When that time comes, I hope you’ll attend and witness Monica’s work - you will indeed see that she’s an Indigenous woman of action. She does more walking than talking. She is a ripple of change and healing for us all.

Thank you Flamingo Fred, Nicole, and Monica!

We’re only 15 people in to the project and I’m already inspired by the depth of our community. We have beautiful people here, who aspire to do beautiful things in our community and in life. These are our friends, our neighbors, our family members, and our co-workers. It’s my sincere hope and dream that Klamath Falls can someday heal that which divides us. Only 15 people in, and I’m so filled with hope and optimism that someday soon, that will be a reality.

Thanks for stopping by!

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 4

January 31, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Laty - 10

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Just being alive! Just being Present!” Laty explained that he finds delight in a lot of things right now. In a time in our lives when everything is uncertain and often pretty dark, Laty is filled with gratitude and optimism.

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m a person of action!” Laty explained that once he has his mind set, he gives it 150%. “I don’t half-ass stuff!” “I go above and beyond.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: This was the greatest non-answer ever…and I hope it’s an indication that Laty’s life is happy and fulfilled. Laty explained that he was just contemplating this question the night before. Laty doesn’t really have a life goal right now, but he wants to think of something meaningful so that he can work towards achieving a goal.

Please don’t misunderstand this answer…Laty has his hands full as a business owner of one of Klamath’s most loved restaurants, Thai Orchid, and he’s involved in more community committees than I can even remember! He’s a kind, caring person who’s making a difference in our community at so many different levels.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “The solution for so many problems…THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!”

Thank you, Laty! I so needed to hear this reminder right now! Laty and I had a conversation about the pressures that we’re all under right now. “I hit a pandemic wall,” Laty explained.

We’ve all been in survival and self-preservation mode for months. We’re exhausted. We’ve never had to navigate a global pandemic before, and we’re finding ourselves in situations that would have been unimaginable just a year ago. Personally, I’ve never been more on-edge than I’ve found myself lately. I’m finding that even the most optimistic, easy-going, and go-with-the-flow people I know, have hit that wall within the last month or two. It’s manifesting in different ways for each of us. “If we can just think before we react,” Laty counseled. I can’t even imagine Laty being a person who needs to carefully choose his words or his actions and reactions, because his nature is just so good, kind, and thoughtful. I must confess - it’s a bit reassuring to know that even someone as amazing as Laty has to remind himself to think before he speaks.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “I want to be remembered as someone who was true to themselves, that I have sass and personality, and someone who was just colorful and positive.”

If you’ve ever met Laty, even just once, you would agree that he’s all of this and more! (A kind, caring, giving person who’s working to create a great community for us all!)

If you’ve hit that pandemic wall, know that you’re not alone. This is worth repeating - if you need help or support, please reach out to friends, family, or a professional.

Jonathan - 11

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “I enjoy reading, recreational activities, engaging with the community, and discussing issues that affect everybody.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’ve had the chance to work with great students and organizers in the the Klamath Basin.” Jonathan is a teacher, and also one of those great organizers in our community!

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “I’d like to continue to organize for progressive goals in our area, and continue researching for my academic work.”

I can't predict the future, but we can be certain that Jonathan is dedicated to achieving progress that will benefit our entire community. I'm positive that Jonathan will help us to progress. Keep your eyes out for good things to come!

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “We need a new deal for rural areas to address poverty, work/employment opportunities, and that will encourage a strong sense of empathy for people with differing socioeconomic backgrounds, and provide for the greater good for all.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “That I continued to grow in teaching and academics, and that I tried to do the most good for people and society.”

Jonathan is another new friend but in the short time I've known him, I know that he's sincere and authentic in his desire to bring about positive change for our community.

Michael - 12

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Being.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “That’s not up to me to determine. I don’t have an opinion.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “I just am.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “Self Reference.”

I asked Michael for clarification, "does that mean that we create our own problems, and that we are also the solution?” Michael responded with a smile, "think about it..."

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “I don’t have any desire to be remembered.”

I actually swapped the order of the subjects from last week and this week, so my memory isn’t as fresh as it should be, and I’m depending on the notes scribbled in my journal. I know I'm failing to adequately recall and recount my conversation with Michael.

Let me just tell you a little more about him. Michael isn't one of those people who knows a little about a lot…It seems like he knows just about everything about everything!!! (And I know he'd disagree with my assessment of him.) The second time I met Michael, at the Klamath Tool Library, our conversation was so in depth, he had to send me on my way with HOMEWORK! He’s helped me so many times that I’ve lost count. Do you know about the Klamath Tool Library? It’s an actual “library” of tools. For a small annual fee, you can “check out” any tool they offer for up to two weeks at a time. I utilized the Tool Library to borrow tools for farm projects, and would end up staying as long as they would let me, just absorbing knowledge from Michael and the other volunteers who happened to be there at the time. I learned a lot about soil, compositing, gardening, and farming from Michael. He’s one of those people who can explain complex material in such a way that you can understand it, even if you’re brand new to the subject matter.

Every time that I’ve ever interacted with Michael, I’ve left him having learned something new. I anticipated that he’d have some great answers to these interview questions, so I was caught off guard when he provided "vague" answers. Michael completely flipped the script and had me contemplating not only these questions, but my entire project! (But in a good way.)

After we finished the interview, I explained that I want these to be positive questions, resulting in positive answers, and remarked about his short answers. I want the the subjects to be able to highlight themselves. I like that people get to shine the spotlight on themselves, and it is my hope that subjects leave our experience together feeling a bit happier.

Michael understood my intent, but he’s at a different point, perhaps more enlightened, than I am presently. Michael remarked, “ego is an artificial construct…our personalities just get us through this space time continuum.” Michael knew the type of answers for which I was hoping, but by answering the way he did, less was more. Michael explained, “the individual is a reflection of the community.” I added that the reverse is also true, “the community is a reflection of the individual.” Michael’s final words to me were, “our identity is a reflection of unity…identity is in our unity.” Wow! My mind was spinning after this.

I left Michael questioning everything, and when I question things, I can over-think to the point of giving myself doubt. I questioned why am I even doing this project? Is it as simple as that this project gives me a “gym” where I can exercise my photography muscles? Why do I ask the subjects these particular questions? Are these questions providing any worth or value to the subjects? Do the subjects feel better when they get to talk about themselves, their dreams, their great traits, and the things that bring them delight? Is this an ego thing…for both myself and the subjects? Does any of this matter? Will any of this matter? Is this a pointless vanity project? I know Michael didn’t intend to cause me to doubt this project. He wanted me to dig deeper.

If the individual is a reflection of the community, than I am seeking to learn about our community by learning about “111 Faces” within that community. In learning about our community and the individuals in this community, I’m learning about myself. (this is a worthwhile pursuit.)

If there’s anything I’ve learned from Michael from the interactions we’ve had so far…it’s that I have so much to learn. (and I'm going to keep on doing that!)

Thank you Laty, Jonathan, and Michael, for being in this project, and for all the work you do for our community!

Thanks for reading!

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 3

January 24, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello!

Meet Sam, Sunshine, and VaShawn - the next three subjects in the 111 Faces of Klamath Falls project.

Sam - 7

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Music!”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m pretty good at learning things.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “I would like to create interactive media that teaches people things about themselves.”

Sam spoke passionately about this, to the point that I couldn’t even keep up with him - both intellectually, and with my note-taking! He summarized this concept to me as succinctly as possible and described his idea as a “VR empathy machine.” Sam is working toward this dream by pursuing a degree and learning all aspects of digital media, digital design, and emerging media.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Sam would like to solve the problem of a lack of critical thinking and rational thought. Sam explained that in our current world, our ability to form our own individual thoughts and opinions is declining. He sees value in critical thinking so that people have the ability to form an opinion that wasn’t fed to them by someone else.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “I don’t even care if I’m remembered, “ Sam laughed, as he answered this question. After some thought, he added, “I just want the world to be a better place.”

Sunshine - 8

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “People showing love to each other.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I absolutely love my job! It’s my reigning passion, and I’m fed by it every day!”

Sunshine is an occupational therapist assistant. She opted to be photographed in her mask, as it’s part of our current time in history and it’s life right now. It was important for her to find a translucent mask to wear on the job, so that her patients could still see her smiling face.

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “My life goal is to make change in the dementia treatment realm.” Sunshine is furthering her education and is in pursuit of her masters.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Sunshine explained that her idea for a solution to help our economy and job creation, is to improve our medical and social services infrastructure & systems so that everyone in this country has access to: medical care, social care, mental health care, and companionship for those who are isolated. If everyone had access to this care, rather than drain our economy, it would increase and stabilize our economy.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “That I left the place better than I found it.”

I’ve only known Sunshine for a few months now, but I’m certain that she leaves everyone she meets, better than how she found them. (Myself included.) I’ve observed Sunshine, on numerous occasions, as she interacts with homeless people in our community. She gives them respect, compassion, and love…and if she can help them in some way more than that, she does. Sunshine’s love is strong, as strong as her desire and pursuit of social justice and change in our community. She is fierce in both her love of people, and as a social justice warrior. Indeed, you will be remembered as one who left this place better than you found it.

VaShawn - 9

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “My Daughters!”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I was born,” VaShawn said jokingly, before answering, “I have 3 beautiful daughters, and I’m a damn good driver and tow truck operator.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: My goal is to have my own transport truck. VaShawn is working towards his goal by flipping cars.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “The problem is the racism that happens in this town, and that nothing happens about it. The solution is - to leave!”

VaShawn’s response is heart-breaking. I’m sad to find out that VaShawn has decided to move.

I wanted this to be a positive project, and this answer is not a positive outcome to the problem that exists here. Life isn’t always positive…no matter how optimistic we are. VaShawn’s voice needs to be heard. Racism is a serious issue here, and one that needs to be addressed, so I didn’t try to sway VaShawn to answer differently. VaShawn is also a friend, and our community has failed him. I’m sad and I’m angry to learn that VaShawn has decided to move.

VaShawn is a new friend. We met this summer at the first Black Lives Matter protest in our small rural town. Klamath Falls made national news when Black Lives Matter protesters were met with armed counter-protesters and “patriots.” The Black Lives Matter protesters were friends and neighbors, students and teachers, parents and children…and they were met with armed counter-protesters who believed a dumb rumor that bus loads of Antifa were headed to Klamath Falls to cause destruction. VaShawn was actually the first person I met and talked with at the afternoon BLM protest. (It was the later evening protest where Klamath citizens armed themselves against BLM protesters.)

Although the armed response by our community was unimaginable and unacceptable, something good did come from that horrible night. It was a clear tipping point for our community. Our town could no longer hide or deny our problem with racism.

The Klamath Falls City Council formed an Equity Task Force, in part, as a response to the armed counter-protesters. The first order of business for the Equity Task Force - we asked for our city to pass a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis.

VaShawn gave compelling public testimony to our City Council, sharing his lived experiences with racism in Klamath. I won’t go into specific detail regarding the incidents that I know VaShawn has experienced, because I didn’t ask him if I could share that here on the blog. VaShawn’s public testimony just scratched the surface of his experiences here. VaShawn shared that he has twice experienced blatant racism at two separate places of employment. There was ZERO problem resolution when VaShawn notified his employers of the incidents. VaShawn left both jobs. Although VaShawn’s compelling testimony prompted a personal apology from our Mayor, our City Council still wouldn’t pass the resolution to declare racism either a “public health crisis,” or a “societal crisis.”

Eventually, the city council did pass a re-written/re-worded and slightly diluted resolution that condemns racism and recognizes the individual, societal, and economic harm caused by racism. Equity will now be a guiding principle in all decision-making and policy. This is still major progress for Klamath Falls, and I know that VaShawn’s testimony was a contributing factor in the Council’s decision to approve the modified equity resolution. It’s still a win, but sadly, that victory it is too little, and too late, for VaShawn.

I’m sad for VaShawn. I’m sad he feels his only option is to move. The exodus of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color from our community is absolutely not the solution to the problem of racism here. VaShawn made an impact by sharing his personal lived experiences. We can do better as a community. VaShawn, I’m sorry you’ve experienced this in Klamath Falls. We will continue the fight for progress, equality, opportunity, and for a safe and equitable community for all. Thank you for your friendship, your strength, and your protection. You helped our community in your job, I’m just so sad that our community didn’t help you in return.

Best wishes for happiness and success…and for your own transport truck.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)
A: “I want to be remembered as being happy and always smiling.” VaShawn added, “I try to keep a smile on my face, regardless of what I’m going through.”

I will remember you as someone who was always happy, and always had a kind word. You will be missed when you move.

Sam, Sunshine, and VaShawn - thank you for letting me take your picture for this project! And thank you for reading along.

See you next week!

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 2

January 17, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hi!

Thanks for coming back! This is the second group of three subjects for the 111 Faces of Klamath Falls project.

I’m feeling like we can get a little deeper with some of the interview questions. Can you think of anything interesting to ask? Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I loved the questions in the first project. They didn’t appear too personal, intimate, or invasive on the surface, but somehow, the questions revealed so much about each subject. There were times in the first project when the subject (usually complete strangers) and I would end up laughing, crying, or hugging. I would love to find questions that will evoke the same genuine emotions.

Dane - 4

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Spending time with my parents, and a cup of coffee in the morning.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m kind to others.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “To live healthy: physically & mentally.”

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: “There will always be problems or speed bumps in life. You just have to deal with them as best you can.”

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “That I was a great parent.”

Matt - 5

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “Being outside.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: Matt shared an incredibly great accomplishment! Matt lost 70 pounds! He’s maintaining his successful weight loss with continued daily workouts. Matt runs/walks/hikes every day after work for at least an hour or more! He’s also extremely proud of his kids - their accomplishments are his accomplishments too.

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “To stay fit and live longer.” Matt accomplished his 70 pound weight loss goal over two years and continues to maintain it. I’m so impressed with his dedication to fitness and being healthy for his family. The hiking trail was covered in snow the day we met, but not even snow and close-to-freezing temperatures deter him from his workouts. Congratulations, Matt! I’ll be seeing you around as I’m working on my own fitness goals too!

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Matt explained that he normally runs/hikes with a little bag and collects any litter that he sees on the trails. He didn’t have his litter bag that day since any litter would have been covered by the snow. Imagine the difference we could make, everywhere, if we all did our small part like Matt! I loved his answer! Such a huge impact, with so little effort required.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “I would like to be remembered as a good father.”

Matt is the first stranger (friend I hadn’t yet met) in this project. This is a major difference between this project and the first one. It is difficult to explain, but the vibe in our small rural town is different than it is in Portland. People just wouldn’t be as receptive to having a stranger take their photo and interview them. It’s just not a “normal” occurrence here. I’ll slowly work up the confidence to approach strangers, but I just don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable. (And i’m a little uncomfortable as well.) Thank you, Matt, for letting me take your photo!

Alexa - 6

Q: What’s something that brings you delight?

A: “My Kid.”

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I can cook!”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I’m working towards certification.” Go get it, Alexa!

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Alexa took a sip of coffee as I asked her this question, and then proceeded to spill it. We laughed, and she answered, “normalize adult sippy cups!” Alexa would like to bring more culture to schools in the effort to prevent racism. Alexa is on our city’s equity task force, and is doing antiracism work in order to create a more diverse and equitable community for all.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a personal legacy statement?)

A: “I would like to be remembered as “Sunshine.” Alexa explained that her nickname is “Sunshine.” She wants to be remembered as being bright, and that her presence brings up the mood.” I would absolutely describe Alexa as a little ray of sunshine.

Dane, Matt, and Alexa, thank you for letting me take your photos!

The question, "what brings you delight?" was inspired by an interview with Ross Gay that I heard on the radio the other day. Ross Gay is the author of, "The Book of Delights." I have't yet read the book, but I was just so intrigued by the radio interview and have every day since, been identifying little things in life that bring me "delight." I love the exercise...it's a little like practicing gratitude, but different. And don't you think the word "delight," actually brings "delight"? Like, why don't we use this word more often? A nice warm bath brings me delight. Coffee brings me delight. Having a cup of coffee while visiting with a friend is just as delightful as delight can be.

Thank you for reading this week. Do let me know if you think of any questions you think we should ask the subjects moving forward.

Wishing you a week filled with delight!

111 Faces of Klamath Falls - Photography Project, Week 1

January 10, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello!

It feels so great to be at this again!

This is the very first week, and first post, of my new photography project. I’ve missed you! I’ve missed human interactions and connections!

This project differs significantly from the first project:

I’m in my small, rural, hometown of Klamath Falls, Oregon. I anticipate that most of the subjects in this new project will likely be friends and acquaintances. It’s not at all weird to approach a stranger in Portland to ask to take their photo for a project, but the vibe is different here. I’ll start with people I know, or friends of friends.

This project will be titled “111 Faces of Klamath Falls.” I’m not challenging myself to do a 365 day streak this time. We’re just going to take things at a nice and comfortable pace.

I’m rusty! So rusty! I was just beginning to immerse myself in concert and street portraiture photography when life was up-ended. Photography is definitely a use-it-or-lose it skill. I’m eager to resume learning, and to resume the lifelong pursuit of improving as a photographer. (Please also hang in there while I re-discover my writing voice, rhythm, and pace!)

The interview questions are new, and where we start might not be where we finish. (The questions have already evolved slightly since day one.)

Please know that safety is of critical importance to me! All photos will be outdoors and socially distanced. The subjects are wearing masks up until we make the photo. (And I remain masked.)

Here are our first three subjects from the “111 Faces of Klamath Falls” project.

Jenn - 1

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I gave up bullshit to be happy! I’m only going to do what I love!”

COVID business closures and changes put Jenn in a position to reevaluate her life and her job. She made a leap to sacrifice higher financial security in order to pursue a life that will bring her joy, happiness, and keep her and her family safe, healthy, and happy!

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “Just playing music is a dream…I get to do what I love to do.”

Jenn first responded that her dream was to have more grandkids. We joked and laughed about what she could do to go about achieving that dream. Jenn is so humble, and she could almost be described as being bashful until you get to know her. Yet, she’s the lead singer in her band and has been playing music most of her life! Jenn was so excited for 2020 - her band was booked solid for several months out. COVID hit and stripped away all that she and her mates had worked so hard to achieve. (When life resumes, we will show up and be there for you and your band, Jenn!)

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Jenn’s answer was conceptual and arose as she observed simultaneous flooding in some parts of the country, while other parts of the country were engulfed in wildfires. Jenn wishes that we had the ability and infrastructure to pipe floodwaters from one region, and move it to arid regions that are prone to wildfire.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a legacy statement?)

A: “I want to be remembered as someone who cares for others and that I do what I can to make the world better. I do what I can to make people happy, and to help solve the problems I see around us.”

Jenn added that music is one small way that she can help bring happiness to others. I know Jenn is a loving mom and grandma, and a fierce warrior for social justice.

Thank you, Jenn, for letting me take your photo. I texted Jenn one day and asked if I could take her photo. Rather over-dramatically, I begged her, “I need to make pictures or I could possibly die.” I know Jenn wasn’t feeling up to it, but she could tell that I needed to get behind a camera again. Jenn’s photo shoot was the spark I needed to reignite my passion and desire to create and make photos with others. She is, indeed, a woman who not only cares for others, but shows them too.

Dea - 2

Q: What’s something great about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I’m pretty in touch with what other people feel, and I’m able to be there for them and support them in what they’re going through.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: “I want to teach piano. It’s something I enjoy doing, and it’s fulfilling to teach.”

Dea is working towards her dream by finishing her degree in Piano Performance. Dea has been networking and has already started teaching a few students! Good luck, Dea. She also dreams of having a family someday. (I observed Dea caring for our friend’s baby once and it nearly brought tears to my eyes…she’s going to be such a loving mom.)

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Dea wishes for an overhaul of our tax system and for a redistribution of tax resources to benefit people, healthcare, and education. She hopes that someday, things could be more balanced to benefit everybody, instead of just big business and industry.

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a legacy statement?)

A: “I want to be remembered as someone kind and who showed care to others. Every interaction we have with others, changes people, even just a little…and that’s how we live on.”

Dea is one of the most kind and caring humans I’ve ever met. I watched her lead a temporarily-homeless man and his son to a motel, where she paid their bill for a few nights, providing a safe place to stay for the man and his son.

Dea is a new friend, but a dear friend. (As are all three of these ladies - the first subjects in this new project.) Dea is also another social justice warrior. Dea is a quiet person, but you NEVER forget she’s there. Her warm presence is always felt. When Dea does vocalize her opinions and insert herself into conversations - it’s best we listen! When Dea speaks, I know it’s important, and that she’s about to drop some knowledge and wisdom. I know to listen closely.

Gaea - 3

Q: What’s something remarkable about yourself? (a trait or accomplishment)

A: “I was home-schooled for 3 years.”

Q: Do you have a life dream or goal, and how are you working towards it?

A: Gaea would love to open an apothecary. She’s working towards that go by learning as much as she can right now.

Q: Is there a problem for which you have a solution?

A: Gaea’s response is more life-hack in nature. Gaea explained that the trick to prevent Christmas tree ornaments from falling, and to prevent them from dangling in every which way except the way you want them to dangle, is to “pinch and TWIST” the hook! Got that? When you slip the hanging hook into the loop on the ornament, remember to then TWIST the hook to secure it in place. :-)

Q: How would you like to be remembered? (Do you have a legacy statement?)

A: “I want to be remembered as a person who always went above and beyond to help people. It’s the one thing in life I’m really good at.”

(Oh Gaea, you are so good at so many things. It’s exciting to see you grow…your life is just beginning! Indeed, you are going above and beyond to help people.)

That’s it for the first week of this new project! It’s a little weird not having 7 subjects, one every day of the week, right? Like I said, let’s just ease back into this for now.

I’m so fortunate to know these three incredible women. Thank you, ladies! What a great way to kick off this new project!

Thank you for reading and being part of my photography-learning journey!

(PS: If you scroll down to the last post, I explain my long hiatus.)

I'm back! Happy New Year!

January 2, 2021 Joey Gentry-Smith

Happy New Year!!!

Yes, it’s been a while since my last post. I’m still here! The stories I could share…where do we even begin?

Let’s start with this post. This post isn’t about New Year’s Resolutions, or “New Year, New Me.” This post is a clumsy first step. I’ve been stuck…stuck in ways that I never imagined for myself. Until recently, I could always un-stuck myself, but this time was different. Finally, I’m “writing it down, and writing it out,” here with you, because writing is the one thing that ALWAYS works for me. You’re reading this now because I’m finally un-stucking myself.

I want to create again! I’m ready to create again! I NEED to create again! This first-step post is also to tell you that I’m going to start another photography project soon. Before I can start something new, I owe you an explanation as to what happened with the first project and what I’ve been up to the past 4 years. I’d like to keep this first-step post short, so I’ll summarize for now.

I successfully completed the 1,111 day photo project, but clearly, there are a few hundred photos/subjects that remain unpublished. The fact that I didn’t publish the entire project has been a dark little cloud looming overhead, but the truth is…nobody really cares about that except me. (And the people & subjects who’ve DM’d me just to make sure that I’m still alive. Thank you for that. And I’m sorry for ghosting. )

The short answer is that my life flipped in July of 2016. My mom had complications from a back surgery, and I found myself commuting from Portland to Klamath Falls every weekend to look in on her. I maintained that schedule for over a year - driving the 10 hour round trip when weather permitted, and taking the train during winter. (which could often be over 14+ hours, round trip.) It became clear that my mom needed me, and that I could no longer sustain that schedule, so I had leave my job, of over 20 years, in Portland and move back to my hometown of Klamath Falls.

I never wanted to move back to my hometown, but my mom needed me. Job opportunities are limited in Klamath Falls. I can be quite the lemonade-maker, and life had provided an abundance of lemons, so I thought I could make the best of it by making the investment to create my own opportunity - I became a hemp farmer! I met one of my business partners because he was a random subject in the 1,111 day photo project! Meeting him, combined with my mom’s failed back surgery, changed the trajectory of my entire life.

As far as the first photo project, I simply ran out of time. I was successful in taking a photo every single day for 1,111 days…but between the crazy year I spent commuting + working full time + shooting for Vortex Music Magazine, and then starting a new farming venture, I simply ran out of gas. There just wasn’t enough time in the day, and I was physically depleted. When I started farming, I was so tired that some days I didn’t even have the energy left at the end of the day to clean the manure off my boots!!! I stopped blogging and publishing the photos and never made the time to go back and publish them. It is as simple and as complicated as that.

There’s just so much I want to share with you about my experience farming hemp, but that’ll come later. Someday. Maybe. It was a lot of lesson-learning the hard way. Here’s the part where I got stuck. I didn’t do a grow in 2020. I didn’t completely make the decision not to grow until shortly before COVID hit. My soul was crushed. My soul is still crushed. I won’t grow in 2021, and most likely, I won’t ever grow again. I’m also mourning loss…losses in so many different forms.

Remember when the COVID shelter-in-place/“lockdowns” first started? It seemed like we would only be home-confined for a few weeks, maybe a month or two at the most, and then we’d be able to “flatten the curve,” right? I intended to use that “downtime,” which came at such a terrible price, to take care of all of our business, finally catch up and blog/publish all of the remaining photos from the first project, and then I would find a job and figure out what to do with the rest of my life. BUT - I got paralyzed! I’ve been paralyzed for months. I don’t know what the hell happened!?! I’ve been working since I was a teenager. I love to work! The busier I am, the better I am! Bring it on!!! I want to do it all!! But something happened…or didn’t happen. I found myself unable to do anything. Instead of cutting myself some slack by recognizing the constraints of COVID, understanding the limited job market, surviving the current state of our country and planet, and allowing myself space to grieve, process, and heal from what I’ve experienced the past four years, I came down hard on myself. I need to start writing and photographing again because it will help me fix the other parts of my life that are out of alignment. Activity breeds activity.

NOTE: I absolutely understand the severity and dire circumstances of COVID. Please do not misunderstand my desire to make personal progress for me being a science-denying, “open the country” type person. My heart is broken for humanity.

It was messy, but a dear friend helped me realize last week that I had basically hit bottom. I had lost my optimism, lost my positivity, lost my ability to see my way out of difficult situations, I was lying to myself and making things worse, and it was time for that to end. Here we are. First step.

My next project doesn’t yet have a name and I haven’t yet determined my objective with it. The next project won’t be a daily photo challenge, but it will be a similar format, but with different questions. The next project starts with this post…the post letting you know that I’m sorry I didn’t publish the entirety of the first project, but it’s time to start something new.

These are difficult, painful, uncertain times. I recognize that. I respect that. I mourn for our country, our world, our planet, and for humanity. Even though we’re living with all of this heaviness, I’ve also realized that it’s time that I take this first step to reenter the world and start living again. (safely, socially distanced, and masked, of course.)

So, hello! I’m back!

If you’re suffering during these times, please don’t remain silent and don’t suffer alone. Seek help and support from friends, family, or professionals. Please just take the first step.

365 More People Pictures - Week 50

December 20, 2015 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello!

I'm sorry that I fell so far behind on the blog. I've continued taking a picture of a person, every single day, and I post the daily pictures to Instagram. (you can follow me @missellanea)

I'm experiencing so many new life changes - some fabulous new developments, and some not-so-great. More about that soon, but in the meantime, I simply fell behind.

The photo challenge is still intact. In real-time, I've finished the second "365 More People Pictures" project, and I'm currently working on the next project: "1,111 Photo Streak." The 1,111 Day Photo Streak is the combination of the first two 365 Day Projects, plus another 381 days added to the end. When finished, 365 + 365 + 381 = will equal a total of 1,111 straight days of taking a picture of a person every single day.

Here's week 50 of the 365 More People Pictures Project. I've discovered that since so much time has passed, it feels awkward explaining that things may have changed for the person since the time the photo was taken, so I'm just writing this as though it were fresh.

Day 343- Mimi

This is Mimi. We met at the park. The happiest thing happening in her life is meeting new friends, and being with family. Mimi recently moved back to the area.

Something about herself that she considers to be a success is that she graduated college. It took several years and she accomplished it by taking just one class at a time, but she did it! She managed to do so while moving all across the country because of her military lifestyle.

When I first approached Mimi, I thought she was Claire from the week prior. These two ladies are both so interesting and personable, I hope by now the two of them have met. I've bumped into each of them since taking their picture and now I look for them whenever I'm at the park.

Mimi's recent act of kindness is that she accompanied an 89 year old woman who needed a little assistance on her vacation.

I visited with Mimi for quite a while this day, but looking back on my notes to share with you - I discovered a lot of blank space in my journal. Although I'm disappointed I didn't take better notes, I realized it was because I just set my pen down and allowed myself to be present with Mimi. I allowed myself to just be. Mimi is warm and welcoming, and she's had a fascinating life. One thing I've learned in this project is that just about everyone has a fascinating tale or two, but we often fail to seek it out.

Day 344 - Devin

This is Devin. The happiest thing happening in his life is his girlfriend.

Devin's recent act of kindness is that he bought a beer for someone he didn't know.

"To make other people happy," Devin answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

Something about himself he considers to be a success is his confidence. "I didn't always have it," he explained. It's funny the assumptions we make about people in just a split second. I think most people would be surprised to learn that Devin struggled with confidence, just like the rest of us. I'm happy he's found confidence in himself and his abilities.

Day 345 - Ken and Henry

This is Ken and his canine kid, Henry. The happiest thing happening in Ken's life is that he just started a new job.

Ken tries to do little acts of kindness every day, but one thing that came to mind is that he recently gave one of Henry's play friends a new dog toy.

"To enjoy it," Ken said, is his life's purpose.

When I asked Ken something about himself he considers to be a success, he answered, "I have a great career that I enjoy."

Day 346 - Sydney

This is Sydney. The happiest thing happening in her life right now is that she just moved to Portland.

Sydney's job is actually an act of kindness. She's currently interning as a physical therapist.

"To help others to heal," Sydney said, is her life's purpose. I've noticed a common thread woven throughout this project after having met so many different types of people working in both mental and physical health care. It seems those working in this field; therarpists social workers, massage therapists, nurses - have all recognized this calling to be a "healer." It's not a field one just chooses. It seems like they truly recognize their life's purpose is in helping others to be well.

I loved Sydney's answer when I asked her something about herself which she considers to be a success. "I should be way more fucked up, and I'm not," she said with a laugh.

Day 347 - Sarah

This is Sarah. When I approached and asked if I could take her picture for the project, at first, she happily agreed. After a moment, she started to reconsider having her picture published. I could tell that Sarah wanted to help me, and she also liked the idea of the project and being included. However, I could see she had big reservations. Sarah then suggested that I take a picture of just a portion of her face as a way that we could accomplish both her inclusion in the project, and also allow her to have a degree of anonymity.

After her brilliant idea, she was then extremely patient with me as I got all up in her face. Having never really done a picture like this, I think I was actually more uncomfortable than Sarah! She didn't mind while I took several pictures until we got just the right amount of her facial features.

The happiest thing happening in Sarah's life is that she's been awarded a full scholarship to go to school for geology.

Something about herself that she considers to be a success, is that she's fluent in two languages.

When I asked Sarah her life's purpose, she answered, "To be submissive to the universe and go with the flow in an organic way."

I'm so happy that Sarah didn't just abandon the project, but rather she helped me push this a little and get creative. In hindsight, Sarah's life's purpose is completely fitting. Together, we just went with the flow.

Day 348 - Jason

This is Jason. The happiest thing happening in his life is that he just moved to Portland and was promoted at his job.

Jason constantly looks for opportunities to perform little acts of kindness, mainly at his job. Being the new guy, he keeps his eyes open for someone who may be having a bad day. Jason then showers that person with a little extra kindness, attention, and smiles. Awww, Jason sounds like the best co-worker ever!

"To inspire others," Jason said, is his life's purpose.

When I asked Jason something about himself he considers to be a success, he answered, "making it to the West Coast, and being self-sufficient."

Day 349 - Celeste & Skai

This is Celeste and her daughter Skai. We met at the 3 Days of Aloha Festival in downtown Vancouver.

"Having my daughter and being here," Celeste answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life. Skai agreed, saying, "what I'm doing right now, and eating Kalua Pig." Great answer, Skai!

"To teach her good values," Celeste answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

I asked Skai something about herself she considers to be a success, and then simplified the question to ask something she's good at. "I'm a good Tae Kwon Do student," Skai answered.

Here's a summary of the life's purposes of some of the subjects from week 50:

To make other people happy.
To enjoy it.
To help others to heal.
To be submissive to the universe and go with the flow in an organic way.
To inspire others.
To teach her good values.

Thank you to everyone who has let me take their picture for this project. I appreciate your kindness and your time. And, thanks to you for reading this and not giving up on me! This thing is still going, and I'll be better about sharing it with you here on the blog, instead of keeping all of these amazing people as my own little treat.

Thank you!

365 More People Pictures - Week 49

October 11, 2015 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello! This is week 49 of my second personal challenge to take a picture of a person, every day, for a year.

This blog is actually a few weeks behind real-time. I'm sorry I'm behind here, but you can follow along in real-time on Instagram, where I post daily. My Instagram username is @missellanea.

Day 336 - Claire

This is Claire. We met in the park where I spotted her sitting on a bench, reading a book, and looking like she was just enjoying the day. We ended up visiting for quite a while. She told me a little about her life, and I told her a little about mine. We discovered that we share many similarities and in some aspects, we're living (or about to live) parallel lives. I love that this project has introduced me to so many great people. Visiting with Claire felt like I was talking with my mom or aunts.

The happiest thing happening in Claire's life is she's recovering from skin cancer, and she's also going to visit Spain and stay with family.

Claire's recent act of kindness is that she gave bus fare to a girl who appeared to be in a bad situation and needing to get out. Claire also gave a sandwich to a homeless person, along with a reusable bag for the person to carry their belongings.

"Being aware of life and understanding cultures," Claire said, is her life's purpose.

When I asked Claire something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "I think I'm a little clairvoyant, or I read people." Perhaps she's both...the interaction we shared was one in which I really needed this day and I felt better having met her. Hopefully she felt the same.

Thank you, Claire.

Day 337 - Sher

This is Sher. I love it when I ask people the happiest thing happening in their lives, and they're so positive and so many great things are happening, that they can't choose just one. (The only thing that makes me happier than this, is when someone is temporarily in a bad spot, but still manages to find happiness, or gratitude, in something...even if it is simply just being alive.) Sher decided to give the answer that she's happy to be close to her daughter, and her relationship.

Sher was recently on the receiving end of an act of kindness, twice over, in one situation. She scored a great used washer from FreeCycle and her friend drove over 30 miles to help her pick it up! (That's a great friend!)

"To bring more joy into the world," Sher answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

When I asked Sher something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "I have a great kid!"

Thank you, Sher.

Day 338 - Nate

This is Nate. The happiest thing happening in his life right now is his marriage. One surprising observation I've had during these past two years, is that men are entirely more sentimental and sensitive than what I've ever realized. I haven't gone back to do an actual count of how many guys have answered that their relationship is the happiest thing happening in their life, but the number is surprisingly high, and actually quite touching.

Nate's recent act of kindness is that before we met, he had just held the door open for a large family.

"Life's just to enjoy it," Nate answered, when I asked his life's purpose. Again, Nate is another person who grounds us and reminds us that while we're in pursuit of our dreams and fulfilling our mission in life, we must remember to also enjoy it!

"I'm pretty successful in my career," Nate answered, when I asked something about himself that he considers to be a success. Nate has managed to find it all. Happy marriage, successful career, and he's enjoying life too! Thank you, Nate!

Day 339 - Parrish

This is Parrish. The happiest thing happening in his life is that he's been clean and sober for a while, he's getting back in the gym, and he's going to school for engineering.

"To do something to change the world for the better," Parrish answered, when I asked his life's purpose. I was happy for Parrish, and reminded him that simply by keeping clean, he's already changed his little corner of the world for the better.

"Being a father...the father I never had, and having a good relationship with my kids," Parrish answered, when I asked something about himself he considers to be a success.

Wishing you continued happiness and success, Parrish.

Day 340 - Becki

This is Becki. You've met her before. She's one of my oldest and dearest friends. Although I didn't look up her comments from her first appearance in this project, we laughed because we're pretty sure she had given very similar answers.

The happiest thing happening in her life at the time of this picture, is that she had just returned from a great vacation with her family.

Becki is one of those people who pretty much performs an act of kindness at least a half-dozen times a day. She's just that nice, thoughtful and caring. She's also trying to instill in her kids to be of service to the community and to those in need, so her service-work is a family affair. They volunteer with several different programs, events and organizations. While on vacation, they saw a girl crying on the side of the road so they stopped to offer help. "I just need to get home," the girl cried. Becki gave the girl all of the food they had left, water, and money for a bus ticket.

"Live each day to the fullest because you don't know if you'll be here tomorrow," Becki answered, when I asked her life's purpose. Becki embraces this and truly lives it each day. She survived a near-fatal accident just after high school, and because of it, she packs in about 3 days worth of living into each day.

When I asked Becki something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "my family...my kids." Her kids are smart, kind and loving and they're growing into exceptional young adults.

Becki, thank you for being the beautiful mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend that you are. I love you.

Day 341 - Amber

This is Amber. We met outside of Hollywood Theatre. I seriously did a double check, and then a triple check, to make sure she wasn't Cameron Diaz. Amber is as nice and fun, as she is beautiful. She was on a date and I just wanted to steal her away so that we could go make more pictures! She's just so much fun in front of the camera!

When I asked Amber the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she answered, "this man right behind me," as she looked over her shoulder to her date who was patiently waiting for us to finish doing our thing.

Amber feels like she's on both the receiving and giving end of kindness every day! Recently, she lost her wallet and a stranger returned it to her!

"To meet and interact with people," Amber said, is her life's purpose. She's living this purpose - I don't think you could walk past Amber without stopping to visit with her. She radiates fun and friendliness, and she's someone you just have to talk to!

When I asked Amber something about herself she considers a success, she answered, "my babies."

Thank you for being your bright and sunshiny self, Amber!

Day 342 - David

This is David. When I met David, he and his photographer/videographer friends were in a hurry, chasing light, on their way to go shoot one of the bridges. We only had time for one question, but we exchanged numbers and we did the rest of the "interview" via text messages.

"To make other people happy," David answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

Below are the rest of David's answers from our text interview. (I want to try this more often!)

Question: What is the happiest thing happening in your life right now?

David's Answer: I have been doing a lot of reflection and practicing self awareness recently in my life, and I'm finally finding my own way here in Portland. I moved here a year and a half ago, for a job, and finally finding my way.

Question: Have you recently performed an act of kindness or have you been on the receiving end of an act of kindness?

David's Answer: I work for Willamette University's professional MBA program. On Wednesday, my coworker and I drove down to Eugene and back to Portland, delivering over 200 sugar cookies to a dozen of our students at their work. It was surprising for so many of our students who work full time, have families and lives and also take MBA classes. I am amazed by all of them. They're the reason it's easy to come to work everyday, so we do what we can to make them feel happy.

Question: What's something about yourself you consider to be a success?

David's Answer: My biggest success has been my personal growth since I moved here. I'm becoming the man I always wanted to be. I used to cry at sleepovers, (in my own backyard) worrying about my family. And [now] I find myself 2800 miles from home, away from family, starting and building a life for myself. I even surprise myself sometimes!

I loved meeting David. He's the type of person with whom you feel an instant connection. We said we would do coffee some day, and so much time has passed, I worry he wouldn't remember me. But, he's been on my mind and I definitely want to be in touch with him again soon. Thank you, David. I hope we can make that coffee date happen.

I loved our text interview. Regretfully, I haven't used a voice recorder for this project. I just jot notes in my journal as quickly as I can. Some people are short and concise in their answers and I can easily write what they've said, but other people's answers are long, beautiful, interactions but I miss so much of their valuable significance and wisdom because I'm simply unable to note everything they've said. I have to rely on my memory to fill in the gaps left by the hastily written notes in my journal. And, I had no idea my poor little memory was going to get so spotted after 40-ish-something. If I were to ever continue doing this, I think it's time to get serious and record the interviews. I've now even considered broadcasting the interviews live on Periscope. (But I'm just way too bashful for that, and I think potential subjects would also shy away from an interview if they knew it would be a live broadcast to the world - or at least the few people watching live on Periscope.) At the very least, I think it's time to dig deeper and learn even more about people's personal stories.

Here's the summary of the life's purpose of the subjects from this week:

Being aware of life and understanding cultures.
To bring more joy into the world.
Life's just to enjoy it.
To do something to change the world for the better.
Live each day to the fullest because you don't know if you'll be here tomorrow.
To meet and interact with people.
To make other people happy.

Thank you to every subject in this project. If you would like your picture, please don't hesitate to email me.

And, thank you for continuing to follow along. I'm striving to get back on track and will keep working at it until I do.

Have a great week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 48

September 13, 2015 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello! This is week 48 of the 365 More People Pictures Project.

In real time, I've actually finished this second 365 Day project. I've decided to combine the first 365 Day Project, together with this 365 Day Project, add another 270 Days, and call it: "1KPhotoaday." I'm currently working on the last 270 photos, and I instagram those pictures daily.

I'm sorry I've fallen so behind on the blog. Summer is peak season at my work and some big life changes are happening right now. I've fallen behind and it's been a challenge to catch up. Please know that I've continued to take a picture of a person every day, and if you'd like to follow along with the daily photo, my Instagram username is @missellanea.

Day 48 - Edward

This is Edward. We met at a rest stop along I-5.

The happiest thing happening in Edward's life, is his 10-year-old Son.

When I asked Edward his life's purpose, he explained that it changes all the time, but presently ,"it's my family...taking care of them."

"My career has been a success so far, and the raising of my family...that's what drives me," Edward said, when I asked something about himself he considers to be a success.

Thank you, Edward.

Day 330 - Deandre

This is Deandre. We met walking down the street.

"My children," Deandre answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Deandre's life's purpose: "to add to life."

"Graduating high school," Deandre said, is something about himself he considers a success.

Thank you, Deandre! Wishing you and your children much happiness.

Day 331 - Neil

This is Neil.

The happiest thing happening in his life is graduating college. Neil looked so stylish and professional, I assumed he had already landed a job after college and had just finished work, but Neil explained that he had been out job-hunting all day. I asked Neil what his dream job would be and he said working for ESPN.

"To learn and to educate others," Neil answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Neil something about himself which he considers a success, he answered, "it took 8 years but I finished a college degree while holding down a job and going to school."

Congratulations, Neil! Wishing you the very best of luck in finding a job that both fulfills and sustains you.

Day 332 - Elissa

This is Elissa. We met at the bus stop.

When I asked Elissa the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she said that she's happy when she's tending to the plants she's growing, or whenever she's outside, or riding her bike.

I asked Elissa if she's recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of kindness. On the receiving end, her co-worker had just given her a ride to the bus stop where we met. The ride cut out a ton of travel time and a couple busses on her commute home. On the giving end, Elissa found $10 and a receipt at the store. She gave both the money and the receipt to the cashier, hoping it could be returned.

"To realize my gifts and to embody them, and to use, or be, them to the fullest," Elissa answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

Elissa's answer touches on why I even ask this question. There are some pretty amazing people in my life, both personally and professionally. The only downside of being around so many amazing people who have their shit together, is that it can really cause you to question and examine your own life, sometimes resulting in massive feelings of inadequacy. Maybe "inadequacy" isn't the right word. At the very least, amazing people who have their shit together, motivate you to want to get your own shit together too!

One of the common characteristics of some of the people I admire and who are of inspiration to me, is that they don't wander aimlessly in life. They live with purpose and it seems like they've had definiteness of purpose nearly their entire lives. Like Elissa, even if they didn't know that exact purpose, they didn't sit around waiting for purpose to find them. They explored life, looking for meaning and their place in it.

Yes, I think it's probably apparent from this project and the questions that I ask, that I'm experiencing a bit of an existential crisis. I would blame it on my age, mid-40's, but I think I've been this way my entire life. I believe we're here for a reason, and as much as I've searched, I've not yet found mine. Hearing the answers of all of the subjects in this project is getting me closer to the target. Even the subjects in this project who believe we really have no set purpose in life, ironically, seem to fill the purpose of reminding the rest of us to be easy, have fun, enjoy life, and that pursuing happiness is an adequate and admirable purpose in life.

This project has gotten me closer to my life's purpose than anything I've experienced so far...I know it is part of my purpose. At least, it feels like the only meaningful thing I've done with myself in my 40-something years. But, I'm not done yet.

Thank you, Elissa. One of your gifts is planting seeds...be it seeds of actual plants, or of ideas. You help things to grow.

Day 333 - Tiana

This is Tiana. We met on the street.

The happiest thing happening in Tiana's life is that she just moved to Portland.

When I asked if she had recently performed and act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she said that a friend drove with her to help her move from Nebraska to Portland! What a great friend!

"To bear witness to other people's journey and to lead them gently back to themselves," Tiana said, is her life's purpose. If you gathered from Tiana's answer that she's a social worker, you would be correct.

Thank you, Tiana! Welcome to Portland!

Day 334 - Michelle

This is Michelle. We met on the street.

The happiest thing happening in her life is her new job, and hanging out with friends.

Michelle's recent act of kindness is that she gave a BBQ dinner to her neighbor who has 3 kids.

"To care about others and to give to others whatever I can," Michelle answered, when I asked her life's purpose. Michelle added that we always have something we could give, share or do for others. We may not have unlimited funds, but we can always give of our time or of ourselves.

Day 335 - Ryan

This is Ryan. We met on the street.

The happiest thing happening in his life is his new job.

When I asked Ryan if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of kindness, he answered, "both." Ryan collects jackets and clothing for homeless people and some of the local bars even help him in his collection efforts by setting out collection barrels to gather clothing. On the receiving end, his bike got a flat tire and a complete stranger gave him a ride home!

"To serve, and to be the neighbor that everybody wants," Ryan answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

"That I'm still alive," Ryan answered, when I asked something about himself he considers a success.

Thank you, Ryan. I would want you for my neighbor.

Here's a summary of the life's purposes of the subjects from this week:

It's my family...taking care of them.
To add to life.
To learn and educate others.
To realize my gifts and to embody them, and to use, or be, them to the fullest.
To bear witness to other people's journey and to lead them gently back to themselves.
To care about others and to give to others whatever I can.
To serve, and to be the neighbor that everybody wants.

Thank you for reading, and thank you to every subject in this project. If you're happy with your picture and would like a copy, please don't hesitate to email me.

365 More People Pictures - Week 47

August 23, 2015 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hi there! These are the subjects from week 47 of the 365 More People Pictures project.

Day 322 - Zach

This is Zach. We met at a park along the Columbia River.

I didn't know when I approached Zach that he's homeless, although that's not the word he would use. He described himself as being a traveler. When I asked him the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he spread his arms out wide and presented the park, the river, the picnic table, and his friend and guitar nearby and answered, "this." Whatever one would call Zach's situation, in that moment, I found it to be completely freeing and beautiful. It takes a strong, faithful and fearless person to live the life of a traveler.

I asked Zach if he had recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. Zach explained he's on both the giving and receiving end of kindness every single day. He receives sustenance from the kindness of strangers who give him food and water, and when he receives too much, he shares with the other travelers he meets. Earlier that day, he had also helped a lady in a wheelchair who was struggling to get across the street. Everyone else just watched her struggle, but Zach acted and helped her to cross the street safely.

"To be happy," Zach answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Zach something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered that he's able to eat every day. He knows his lifestyle isn't easy to understand, but in going without, he actually gains so much more than some people who "have everything."

Zach explained that because he doesn't have the luxury of being able to be on a smartphone at all times, he's able to observe his surroundings and connect with people, just like the experience we were sharing at that moment. I'm grateful to this project and my desire to learn photography because it's forced me to put down my phone and look at the beauty all around.

Thank you, Zach. Safe and happy travels.

Day 323 - Mose

This is Mose. We met at the bus stop. Mose spoke so eloquently and poetically, I failed to keep up. I wish I could have paused and recorded him on video. It turned out that Mose actually is a poet.

The happiest thing happening in his life right now is his process of self-discovery.

When I asked Mose if he had recently performed an act of kindness, or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, he answered that he tries to perform kindness every day. He's always certain to express grace and appreciation.

The blog is behind real-time, and because of that, my memory has faded a bit. As I mentioned, Mose's speech is poetic and fluid. Imagine trying to write down every word Eminem says as he's rapping...well, it was like that with Mose. No matter how hard I try to connect the dots, I've left too many gaps in my notes, simply because I was too slow to keep up. I asked Mose his life's purpose and here are some of the quotes of which I can fully make out in my journal:

"Large scale empowerment."

"Celebrating our own achievements, the gift of life, and finding our own calling in life in their noble and sincere forms."

"Create loving actions, take it, share it, expand it."

"Find the extraordinary out of the ordinary."

"Get beyond survival, and self-actualize."

I know I'm missing out on the connectors which made this all a fluid and beautiful conversation, but I did manage to document the high points. As you can tell, Mose knows.

When I asked Mose something about himself that he would consider to be a success, he answered, "celebrating every challenge...my brilliance is my resilience."

Thank you, Mose. It was such a pleasure meeting you. I may have forgotten some of your beautiful words, but you, Sir, are completely unforgettable.

Day 324 - Kevin

This is Kevin. We met outside of Sam's Billiards.

Kevin is pretty amazing. What's not pictured here in this portrait, is Kevin's wheels. (His wheelchair.) What's also not pictured is Kevin's sheer will, guts, determination and perseverance.

I had taken Kevin's picture and asked him the 4 interview questions and was basically wrapping up and saying goodbye. I wasn't going to ask Kevin about the wheelchair, but something just felt off. It felt like failing to acknowledge Kevin's wheels would have been more disrespectful and awkward than it would be to ask Kevin his story. It just felt right to ask more questions, and learn more about Kevin and his life. Looking back, I understand that it was Kevin who put me at ease with his welcoming and friendly nature.

Kevin had Spina Bifida as a child. His life expectancy was only a few years but against all odds, he lived to grow into an adult and was even well enough to join the military. I asked Kevin if the chair was a result of combat. Kevin explained that shortly after he finished active duty, he went on vacation in Mexico to compete in a surfing competition. I know you can tell where this is leading...yes, Kevin was attacked by a shark during the middle of the competition! The shark got hold of Kevin, and as a result, Kevin ended up losing his leg.

At this point, I had to ask Kevin if he was actually being serious, or if this was the story he told to strangers. We both laughed and he said it was the real deal. He didn't have to make up a shark-attack story because he actually lived through one.

The shark took Kevin's leg, but not his spirit. Kevin feels like the shark attack was a wake-up call and now he's grateful to be alive every day. Kevin said that prior to the shark attack and before losing his leg, he was living a pretty fast life and he knows he wasn't always as nice as he should have been.

Kevin's situation has given him empathy and compassion for others and he has an entirely new perspective on people and life. I got the feeling that Kevin, pre-shark-attack, most likely wouldn't have given me the time of day had I approached him on the street and asked if I could take his picture and ask him a few questions. Had Kevin not had a group of friends waiting for him inside Sam's, I think this post-shark-attack Kevin, would have visited with me long into the evening. Kevin's outlook is so courageous and amazing, and he's clearly done a lot of work in self-examination. Of course, we can't help but feel for Kevin and wish that he hadn't experienced this loss, but I truly feel like Kevin truly feels he's a better person for enduring the loss. He went so far as to say that losing his leg in the shark attack, quite possibly saved his life. Kevin's positive outlook is an inspiration.

At the time we met, the happiest thing happening in his life was that he was out enjoying good times with his friends.

Kevin's recent act of kindness is that he's been helping a friend whose wife had just passed away. Kevin has just been trying to be there for his friend in any way that he can...which was mainly, just being there. Kevin is able to be someone else's strength and comfort because Kevin has experienced tremendous loss and grief.

"Helping people," Kevin answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Kevin something about himself which he considers to be a success, Kevin answered, "living."

Thank you, Kevin. I didn't know you before, but the person you are now is a true class act. Wishing you the best of happiness.

Day 325 - Jake

This is Jake. The happiest thing happening in his life right now is that he's going to art school. Jake never thought art school could be a reality.

"To live my life to the fullest and create art," Jake answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Jake something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "trying to live my life as a good person."

Thank you, Jake! Wishing you luck and success in school!

Day 326 - Greg

This is Greg. We met at a fireworks stand near Hoodsport, Washington. (The location of our little cabin in the woods, where I will most likely be living soon.)

When we met, the happiest thing happening in his life was spending the holiday weekend at home in Mason County. (Hoodsport.) He's currently living in Mexico and was happy to be home.

Greg's recent act of kindness is that he gives money away.

"To not become like everybody else," Greg answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

"That I'm not like everybody else," Greg answered with a laugh, when I asked him something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, Greg.

Day 327 - Shilo

This is Shilo. We also met at a fireworks stand, one in which he owned and operated with the help of some of his friends.

If/when I do move to Hoodsport, I'm actually quite worried about finding subjects for this project. The town is tiny, as in, itty-bitty. Although the population swells to a few thousand people during the weekend, especially in summer months, I feel super embarrassed and unsure when approaching people in town. It feels like people are there to escape the city...not to have some weirdo asking them for their picture. The town is so small, once word gets out that there's a weirdo-woman who goes around asking people for their picture and an "interview," I'm afraid I will quickly become an unwanted pest. I'm trying to be optimistic that instead of being viewed as an unwanted pest of which to avoid, I'll be received and welcomed as a quirky person with a fun little hobby, and maybe people will even look forward to the day when it's their turn to be in the project.

Luckily, for this first real trial run, there were quite a few people in for the holiday weekend and I felt comfortable hitting up the fireworks stands in search of subjects.

"Beer," Shilo joked, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Shilo's recent act of kindness is that he often gives away fireworks to kids.

"To be cool," Shilo answered, when I asked his life's purpose. Shilo's friend piped up and added that Shilo is the most well-known guy in town. "He's known for being cool," his friend said.

When I asked Shilo something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "just my life."

Thank you, Shilo. Mr. Cool.

Day 328 - Ashley

This is Ashley. You guessed it... we met at the fireworks stand owned and operated by Ashley and her family. I showed up right at dinner time and at first, I don't think Ashley's family was too happy to see me. I think they thought I was inviting myself to dinner when I asked what was on the grill.

Ashley was celebrating her 8-year relationship when we met, and it was the happiest thing happening in her life at the time.

"To be with my family," Ashley answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

When I asked Ashley something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she said that it was their business selling fireworks.

Thank you, Ashley.

Here's the summary of the life's purposes of the subjects from this week:

To be happy.
Large scale empowerment.
Celebrating our own achievements, the gift of life, and finding our own calling in their noble and sincere forms.
Create loving actions, take it, share it, expand it.
Find the extraordinary out of the ordinary.
Get beyond survival, and self actualize.
Helping people.
To be cool.
To be with my family.

Thank you to every subject in this project, and thank you for following along.

365 More People Pictures - Week 46

August 16, 2015 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello! These are the subjects from week 46.

In real-time, the project just ended this past Monday, August 10th. The blog is behind a few weeks and I will continue to share the rest of the subjects from the 365 More People Pictures project.

I finished the first project and never really wrote a full summary as I felt I should have, but instead I just dove right into this second year. As the end of this current project was approaching, I put enormous amounts of pressure on myself that I really need to write something spectacular...or at the very least, special. I wonder if I allowed myself to fall behind on this blog as a way to force myself to spend time in reflection over all I have learned throughout these past two years?

All of these people, all of the wisdom they've shared...it feels like I was entrusted with this and now I need to do something with it. It needs to be bigger than what it is here on my little blog. But when I think about that, about that possibility, it becomes entirely too overwhelming for me. I shut down, and then all I want to do is keep on keeping on...just as things are.

I just want to continue taking a picture of a person every day. I just want to force myself each day to be brave, talk with a person, learn a little more about them, exchange genuine warmth and interest with another person, and through it all, hopefully capture them at the precise moment in which their sparkle, or their beautiful nature, becomes apparent to me. And I want to share it with you.

A better person could make something more of this. A better person could assemble all of these beautiful people and their beautiful messages together and create a book. Or at the very least, a better person could write some advice to photographers wishing to challenge themselves to a 365 Day Project. Although I'm lacking the knowledge to teach anyone anything about photography, I've learned a thing or two about perseverance. I feel like I owe it to these subjects, and I owe it to the effort I've given this the past two years, to creating at least something which will help inspire or encourage others.

For now, I'll continue sharing the subjects for this project. Perhaps I will be able to create some final words or something bigger to thank and honor these people the way they deserve to be honored and thanked. I may not succeed at any sort of book, or any sort of beautifully written and inspiring essay...but this process, and every subject in this project, has changed me.

Day 315 - Kim

This is Kim, my sister-in-law.

Even in its final days, I appreciated this project and process because were it not for this, I wouldn't have shared this moment with Kim. We see each other only at special occasions and holidays when the family gathers. I realized that Kim and I haven't really talked other than to catch up briefly on the happenings of our lives, which really only scratches just the surface. You know how that goes.

Visiting with Kim and asking these 4 simple questions, the same ones I've been asking strangers, provided us both with the opportunity to get to know each other a little better.

The happiest thing happening in Kim's life right now is spending the summer with her kids.

I asked Kim if she had recently performed an act of kindness or if she had been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. She thought about it for a moment and remembered that one of her friends had just given her some plants. Kim was feeling bad because she couldn't remember a specific example of an act of kindness which she had performed. I laughed as I had to remind her that less than a few minutes earlier, she had given me a surprise gift of a beautiful necklace she made. (Check out Kim's necklaces here.) She had completely forgotten the kind gesture she had performed just a few minutes prior.

I've noticed most of the subjects in this project have trouble thinking of, or remembering, specific acts. I think we often forget because we've performed the act selflessly. Although it's often difficult to think of a specific act we may have performed, it's been a common trait that nearly every single one of us strives to be kind and to do kind things for others. We can be pretty beautiful creatures.

"To be a good mom, to serve God, to be a good friend to people, and to be a good wife," Kim answered, when I asked her life's purpose. She does, and is, all of these things.

When I asked Kim something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "I have good kids...they're happy kids."

Thank you, Kim.

Day 316 - Rich

This is Rich. We met at the park.

"My recovery," Rich answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now. Rich is celebrating close to 4 year, sober. Awesome work, Rich!

I asked Rich if he had recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of kindness. Rich explained that he was on the receiving end of kindness in recovery and in the AA program, and now he's able to be on the giving end. Through his work in the program, he wants to "give back to the next suffering alcoholic, the same way it was so freely given to me." Rich had also recently paid for a guy's groceries at the store.

"To help others," Rich answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

As happens so frequently in this project, when I asked Rich something about himself which he would consider to be a success, the answer was the same for this question as it was for the first. "My recovery," Rich said, without hesitation.

Rich, wishing you the very best of luck and success in recovery and in helping others. Keep up the hard work. Keep up the good work. Thank you.

Day 317 - Josh

This is Josh. We met at the bus stop.

The happiest thing happening in his life is letting go to a lot of his attachment to ego.

Josh was recently on both the giving and receiving end of kindness when someone reached out for some help online, and Josh was able to offer help to that person. Kindness came full circle, when it was Josh who needed help with a situation. He put out a request online and someone was able to return the act of kindness and provide Josh with assistance and answers.

"Self-fulfillment, my spiritual quest, and discovering my true self," Josh answered, when I asked his life's purpose. (I get it, Josh. Sometimes I think it's the true reason I've found myself in this project.)

"Realizing that I'm something more than what I thought I was, detaching from ego," Josh answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, Josh.

Day 318 - James

This is James. We met outside Hollywood Theatre.

"My son just turned 4," James answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

James' recent act of kindness is that he was treating friends to a movie.

"To be a good father and husband," James said, is his life's purpose.

Something about himself which he would consider to be a success is his family.

Thank you, James.

Day 319 - Arielle

This is Arielle.

The happiest thing happening in her life right now is that she just moved to Portland, from Texas.

I asked Arielle if she's recently performed an act of kindness and she explained that she's hoping to become a volunteer at an arts center as soon as she gets settled.

"Helping people learn their full potential," Arielle answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

"I'm not a quitter," Arielle said, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success. Attagirl, Arielle! I love Arielle's answer and what I loved even more is that she didn't even have to think about it. She answered quickly and confidently...and having been one to say that about myself, I think I have insight into her little secret. When Arielle said the words, I think she was both congratulating and convincing her own self just as much as she was answering my question. Keep it up, Arielle. You're not a quitter. I can just feel it.

Day 320 - Joe

This is Joe. Although we met randomly on the street, I soon realized he was the same Joe with whom I had been working with on some personal business throughout that previous week!

The happiest thing happening in Joe's life is summer, here in Portland.

Joe's recent act of kindness is that he opened up his home to 5 friends who were on an epic road trip! Not only did he let them stay at his place, he fed them too! (And I would say he was also quite helpful and attentive to me as I was about to undertake something scary!)

"To make other people happy," Joe answered, is his life's purpose.

I asked Joe something about himself he would consider to be a success and he answered that it was being here on the west coast. He had set a goal for himself that he wanted to move here by his 25th birthday, and he just celebrated his 25th here in Portland!

Thank you, Joe. Welcome to Portland, and thank you for your help!

Day 321 - Erek

This is Erek. He's my dear friend's brother.

It's so confounding. One of my best photos ever taken was of Erek, but on this night, I could not make a decent image to save my life. I was having some technical issues, but once that was sorted out, I should have done better. Erik is a great subject but I just couldn't perform.

Until starting this project, I didn't have a complete understanding or appreciation of success and failure in photography. I never understood that for one decent or good picture, there were thousands and thousands of others which weren't good, or which were actually pretty horrible. The downside of a 365 Day Project, at least the way I've approached it, is that I've had to share all of those off-days to keep the 365 day streak intact. I've had to show everything...some of which actually make me cringe when I look at the photos. I've had to share every single mistake...the same mistakes I make day after day after day. And then every once in a while, we have a decent picture. I feel extremely vulnerable and naked in this project, but I wouldn't want it any other way. (For now, at least.)

The happiest thing happening in Erek's life right now is being a father.

I asked Erek if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. Erek said that he always tries to be nice to everyone.

When I asked Erik his life's purpose, he said that 6 years ago, he lacked the direction to be able to answer this question but now he's certain his life's purpose is, "being a father and raising my son to grow up to be a good man." I'm certain you're doing this, Erek. You're a great dad.

Something about himself which he considers to be a success is that he's never tried any sort of drugs. Although he's been around it, he's never been influenced.

Thank you, Erek.

Here's a summary of the life's purposes of the subjects from this week:

To be a good mom, to serve God, to be a good friend to people, and to be a good wife.
To help others.
Self-fulfillment, my spiritual quest, and discovering my true self.
To be a good father and husband.
Helping people learn their full potential.
To make other people happy.
Being a father and raising my son to grow up to be a good man.

Thank you for reading!

365 More People Pictures - Week 45

August 9, 2015 Joey Gentry-Smith

Hello! This is week 45 of the 365 More People Pictures Project.

Day 308 - Tamera

This is Tamera. We met at the park. I spotted her sitting at a picnic table, reading a book.

The happiest thing happening in Tamera's life right now is that she recently learned she and her family will be staying in Portland. They were facing the possibility of a transfer, but are happy to be staying here in the Northwest.

When I asked Tamera if she's recently performed an act of kindness, or if she's been on the receiving end of kindness, she told me about her tight-knit group of neighbors who are constantly performing kind acts for one another. It sounds like in Tamera's neighborhood, one day you'll find yourself on the giving end of kindness, but the next day, you will be on the receiving end of your neighbor's kindness. They provide child care for each other, prepare and deliver meals to each other when one might be in need of a little extra help, and most of all, they provide friendship and a true sense of community for one another. It reminds me of how we lived decades ago.

"To be as kind and loving as possible to the people around me, and to make the world a better place wherever I am," Tamera answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement. Tamera added that her life's purpose is to care for her daughter.

Thank you, Tamera.

Day 309 - Angie

This is Angie.

The happiest thing happening in her life is that she's settling into her new house.

Angie's recent act of kindness is that she donated to a group of kids who were fundraising.

"To make people laugh," Angie answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

When I asked Angie something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered that it was that she was able to overcome financial burdens. Congratulations!

Thank you, Angie.

Day 310 - Marie

This is Marie. We met at the bus stop.

"I'm just learning to be happier and more positive," Marie answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

Marie's recent act of kindness is that she helped one of her customers pay the difference when they came up short on their purchase. In general, Marie said that she always tries to be friendly and helpful at her job and wants to help make others happy.

"Trying to help others and help the planet," Marie answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

Something about herself which she would consider to be a success is that she's done well at her first job. She's worked there for over a year and is pleased with her job stability.

Thank you, Marie.

Day 311 - Trevor and Noah

These are two complete strangers, hugging. I wish that every day in this project could have been like this one. I pushed myself a little harder and just happened to meet two awesome guys who were willing to push themselves too.

This is Trevor (right) and Noah (left). We met outside Sam's Billiards. I approached and asked which one of them would let me take their picture for the project. They were both up for it! Hearing they were both up for it, I knew this was going to be my chance to try something I've been dreaming about. I explained to the pair that I've been wanting to do something with strangers interacting because I want others to experience the same joy and full heart this project has provided to me. Again, they were up for it!

I asked the two if they would be willing to hug. Obviously...they were up for it! What I love most about this, is that the hug was solid and genuine.

The two let go of any fears and apprehension, and hugged a stranger with the love one would have hugged their brother they hadn't seen in a while. I felt the love and positive energy just being an observer of this beautiful interaction. This was one of the best days in the entire two-year project.

Noah was just coming off the receiving end of 2.5 months of kindness. He had been touring with his band and it's the kindness of others which propels bands from one town to the next.

"The fact that I'm always trying to succeed," Noah answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

The happiest thing happening in Trevor's life at the time, was that he was on vacation with his girlfriend...and deciding to play pool at a random bar. (Which is where we met, and were now all hugging strangers.)

"Eat, sleep, fuck, and to be happy and to help everyone else around me to succeed," Trevor answered, when I asked his life's purpose. "Hey, I'm an animal," he explained. (Yes, a sweet, adorable, loving little animal.)

Thank you, Noah and Trevor. Thank you for your kindness in allowing me to take your picture, and for being brave enough and loving enough, to hug a complete stranger. You two are awesome.

Day 312 - Al

This is Al.

The happiest thing happening in his life is his new girlfriend.

Al's recent act of kindness is that he helped pull a guy's truck out of the sand where he had become stuck.

"Surfing," Al answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

"I'm a jack of all trades. I can learn just about anything, fast," Al answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Al was such an easy-going person. Throughout this project, I've often been so pressured by time (trying to get a picture before a subject's bus arrives) that I've sacrificed quality about 98% of the time. Given the nature of this project and the way in which I've approached it, I've been forgiving of myself. However, if you continue to do something incorrectly, day after day, month after month, you will train yourself in bad habits and any progress will be slow and in tiny little increments. (Exactly how it's been for me.)

It's like I continue to take "bad" pictures, knowing they're bad! Sometimes they're accidentally bad, but most times I've simply not taken the time to make them better. I already feel awkward and weird asking a person for their picture. It feels like people would get annoyed or upset if I then take them over to a spot where the light or background would be better. They're already taking time out of their day for me...it feels like I'd really be pushing my luck to then ask them to go to a different location. (Not to mention, I might really creep them out!) However, I could see the light was beautiful in this little corridor in-between two buildings. I could see it was there, but because I don't practice it enough, I was having a hard time finding the sweet spot. Al was so patient with me as we moved a few steps up, a few steps back, a few steps left, then a few steps right. I realize that had I approached this project with the same determination I had that day, the results would have been better. Al was patient and kind enough to let me take my time so that I could try a little harder than usual.

Thank you, Al.

Day 313 - Chris

This is Chris. We met at the bus stop.

The blog is behind from real-time and things have changed from when Chris and I met. I'll share the answers he gave at the time, and then the update we shared via e-mail.

"A fresh start - I just moved to Portland," Chris answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now. Chris had just come from a job interview when we met, and he was on his way back to his hotel.

I asked Chris his life's purpose and he answered, "to live as genuinely as possible and to publish a book that resonates with people." Chris is a writer and you can learn more about his work at www.ahliterature.org

"I got here on my own," Chris answered, when I asked something about himself which he considers to be a success. Chris packed up and moved to Portland, determined to make a new life here.

After meeting Chris, he immediately emailed me, explaining that he felt like a deer-in-the-headlights when we met, and that he would be more comfortable answering the questions in writing so that he could give them more thought and consideration. I completely understand this. If someone were to approach me on the street and ask me these questions, I would babble non-sensibly. I would also much rather prefer to write the answers than give a verbal in-person interview.

I find written communication to be preferred over the spoken word. I feel awful about this trait. It's nice knowing others have this preference as well. It's not that I dislike talking with people. I love it, actually. It's just that communication is a puzzle for me. Each word is its special little piece of the puzzle and when you assemble them correctly, a beautiful picture is revealed. When speaking with another person, it's like each word, or puzzle piece, has a helium balloon attached to it. Trying to arrange the words in proper order to convey a thought is like trying to grasp at the words as they're floating away. Once caught, the words continue to be mischievous and disobedient. When speaking, I continually arrange the words incorrectly. Half of the words, puzzle pieces, still manage to escape my grasp and are lifted away by their little helium-filled balloon, never to return to my mind or my mouth in time to be properly aligned with the other words. With all of those missing words, puzzle pieces, my thoughts, the picture, can never be delivered the way in which I intended. And as I age, I've discovered that the puzzle pieces are now escaping my capture in the the written word as well. It is one of my biggest fears, turning into reality, that words will continue to float away from me forever. With all those missing words, those missing pieces, I will never be able to reveal the beautiful picture.

Time passed.

Chris did get the job here in Portland but finding an affordable place to live proved to be impossible. Chris returned home. So much has happened since we met. Time passed and so so did his mood, or at least the spirit he was feeling when we met. Chris no longer felt like re-visiting the questions in order to provide written answers. I'm so sad Portland was unable to provide for Chris. He was so happy to be here. He found a job immediately and loved our city, but we failed at providing Chris with a place to call home.

I'm just really bummed about this. I enjoyed meeting Chris and was hoping to bump into him again in the future. It's been over 20 years since I've been on the hunt for an apartment or living situation in Portland, and now I'm also experiencing this challenge firsthand. It's now extremely difficult to find an affordable place to live here.

Chris, wishing you the very best of luck and success, and the completion of your book. It was a pleasure meeting you. Thank you.

Day 314 - Eddie

This is Eddie. He's another one of the most soft-spoken, sweetest people in this project. His style screams to be noticed, but his calm and gentle nature is more of a whisper.

The happiest thing happening in Eddie's life right now is his work with bridle leather. Eddie hand-crafts leather goods. I'm determined to find the shop in which he sells some of this things, and then I'll report back to you.

Eddie's recent act of kindness is that he returned someone's wallet. It was a bit of a chase, but he was able to return the wallet to it's rightful owner.

"I'm a nihilist. I don't think there there is a purpose in life," Eddie answered, when I asked his life's purpose. Eddie went on to explain instead, "I'm an artist. I challenge myself to do different things, or to craft in a different way."

I've observed a beautiful irony in my friends and acquaintances who identify as being nihilists. I've met a few people who are operating under the thought or philosophy that life is purpose-less, but those who I've met who live this operating system, are living some of the most purposeful, meaningful, beautiful lives of anyone I know. They live lives filled with kindness, generosity, and determination. Most of the nihilists I've met have been artists/creatives, born with gifts and talent that even the most dedicated person can never nurture from themselves. They have been visionaries, and more importantly, they accomplish as much as they dream.

To me, it feels like someone who identifies with nihilism may feel like there isn't really a purpose to life, or in life, but the funny thing is, they're often living such a beautiful and purposeful life that it practically contradicts this philosophy. It's as though their life's purpose is so hard-wired and so innate, they're not wandering aimlessly (like some of us) in search of their purpose in life, or of life's purpose for them. They are simply living it.

"My kindness," Eddie answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success. Eddie experienced a pretty traumatic situation just a few days prior to this in which he was caught in the crossfire of gang violence. He was actually standing in the middle of gunfire as two gangs were shooting at each other. Eddie is determined not to let this experience cloud his thoughts or feelings about people. He's forgiving. He will not allow himself to be led down a path and into the territory of discrimination or racism because of the violent acts of two small groups of people. Eddie will not be hardened by this. Instead, he is pretty much one of the most loving and accepting people I've met.

Thank you, Eddie. You are amazing.

Here's a summary of the life's purposes and personal mission statements of the subjects from this week:

To be as kind and loving as possible to the people around me, and to make the world a better place wherever I am.
To make people laugh.
Trying to help others and help the planet.
I'm always trying to succeed.
Eat, sleep, fuck, and to be happy and to help everyone else around me to succeed.
Surfing.
To live as genuinely as possible and to publish a book that resonates with people.
I'm a nihilist. I don't think there there is a purpose in life.

Thank you for reading along and thank you to every subject in this project.