365 More People Pictures - Week 49

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 26

Hi there! We're finished with week 26, of the 365 More People Pictures project.

Day 175 - Lowell

This is Lowell.  We met outside the mall.

"I woke up this morning, vertical," Lowell answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Lowell if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Lowell explained that he's been on the receiving end of kindness.  Lowell was homeless for a while, but he now has a place to live.  I'm so glad Lowell has landed on his feet and he received the kindness he needed most.

"I'm still looking, Lowell answered with a grin, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Lowell something about himself which he would consider to be a success, I thought for sure his answer would be related to his military service or his work, as he was wearing pins on his hat indicating both.  Instead, he answered in a thick Southern accent, "I raised 4 kids...they're good Church-going people."

Wishing the best for Lowell, and that he continues to have a place to live and love from his family.

Day 176 - Walker

This is Walker.  We met outside of Sam's.

Walker was such a great subject because he was willing to give me lots of time, and he doesn't seem to mind being in front of a camera.  I had a hard time choosing which picture to share with you!

"A really lovely girl I met," Walker answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Walker said that he was recently the recipient of an act of kindness, in that his sister just took him to the coast for the weekend.  In return, Walker helped her to learn guitar.  I was impressed they were able to achieve progress in weekend of guitar lessons. Either Walker is an excellent teacher or his sister is a natural!  (or perhaps both.)

"To find contentment in simplicity," is Walker's personal mission statement.  I love this!  Walker re-affirmed my objective to continue to purge and rid my life of anything (material) that I don't absolutely need or love.

When I asked Walker something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered that he taught himself how to play the mandolin.

Thank you, Walker.

Day 177 - Boo

This is Boo.  She was walking toward me as we walked down the sidewalk.  I almost didn't stop her because she definitely looked like she had places to go and things to do, but I just couldn't resist because she looked like an interesting person. She carried herself with confidence and determination, and she was wearing a motorcycle jacket so she had a little bit of badass-ness about her as well.  She struck me as an authority.  Oh, and I'm pretty sure her motorcycle jacket was an actual motorcycle jacket, as in, her bike was parked down the street.

When I asked Boo the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she said that she was on her way to get her first tattoo!  We were just a few footsteps away from the tattoo shop.  She was going to get her family's crest.  I asked if anyone else in her family had the tattoo and she said that all of her brothers have it, so it was her turn to get it.

"I try every day to be the best that I can be, to take care of my family and loved ones, and to be the best role model I can be," Boo answered, when I asked if she has a personal mission statement.

I asked Boo something about herself which she considers to be a success and she answered, "I think...the way I raised my son."

Thank you, Boo!

Day 178 - Benny

This is Benny.  We also met outside of Sam's.  He was taking a break before playing in a pool tournament.

"My relationship," Benny answered with huge smile, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now. "I'm the luckiest man alive," Benny added.

When I asked Benny if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of kindness, he answered, "Both - that's how I go about my day."  People often can't remember a specific example, but Benny is certain he both gives and receives kindness often.

When I asked if Benny had a personal mission statement or life's purpose, he said that he doesn't really have a mission statement, but more of an actual mission:  "Exploration."  When we met, Benny had just moved from Colorado and had only been in Portland for 4 days, so he's not only exploring the city, but exploring a new career and life here.  As far as his life's purpose, Benny said, "To help people find their potential." "I feel like I'm a good coach and teacher," Benny added. Benny is fulfilled when he helps others to fulfill their potential.

Benny told me that I was the first person to stop and talk with him since he arrived. I was so bummed to hear this, because we're so nice in Portland!  Portland is a friendly place, for the most part.  Benny explained that he had moved from New York to Colorado and he transitioned from being a person who kept to himself in New York, to being a person who talked with random strangers in Colorado.  Benny said strangers just stop and talk with you in Colorado and that's the expectation he had for Portland, but his initial experience left him feeling more like how things were in New York.  I assured Benny that Portland is friendly and he would have many more positive interactions to follow.  Hmmm...maybe we warm up when the weather warms up?

When I asked Benny something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he had a hard time answering the question because he's a humble.  Benny decided that he was successful with change.  He's uprooted himself a few times and even though it's intimidating, he's embraced the changes.  He's also a good pool player.

Welcome to Portland, Benny!

Day 179 - Richard

This is Richard.  Richard was on his way to go buy an umbrella when we met.  It's been pouring here for the past few days.  When Portlanders break down and go umbrella shopping, you know it's raining hard!  (I have a confession. Since starting this project, I've discovered that umbrellas are a fabulously wonderful invention!  I don't care anymore that Portlanders think you're an out-of-towner if you're using one.  I started using one to keep my camera protected and discovered the added benefit of not looking like a soggy muffin when I've been out wandering the streets.  So there.  I admit it.  I use an umbrella and I like it. Phew.  I really needed to get that off my chest.)

Richard was another person for whom I had a hard time choosing my favorite picture.  Although I love it when people are smiling and happy and their photo looks like they were genuinely having fun making pictures with me, when I'm faced with the decision of having more than one good picture to use, I tend to favor the photos which are a little more edgy, tough, and pensive, over the happy/smiling photos.  I've noticed I quite frequently choose more pensive-looking photos that are technically lower quality, over happy/smily pictures which may be more technically sound.  I liked this picture of Richard because he looks a little Rock Star-ish.

"My kids are growing up well," Richard answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked Richard if he's recently performed an act of kindness, he considered the question for quite a while before answering, "I should work on that."  Again, I'm sure Richard spreads kindness in some way...he stopped in the awful weather and let me take his picture.  That's an act of kindness.  It's just really hard for people to think of something specific when we're put on the spot.

"To leave the world better than I came into it," Richard answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

Something about himself which Richard considers to be a success, is his family.

Thank you, Richard!

Day 180 - Kayla

This is Kayla.  We met at a coffee shop.

When I walked into the coffee shop, the barista wasn't at the counter, like usual.  Kayla, sitting at a table in the corner,  told me the barista ran next door and would be right back.  This gave me the perfect opportunity to ask Kayla if I could take her picture for the project.  Kayla agreed, and then the barista returned at that moment.  Kayla told me I should take the barista's picture instead.  Kayla said something like, "She's beautiful and I'm not."  The barista there is absolutely stunning...like the kind of pretty where you seriously can't help but to stare at her, and then you feel like a creeper for staring!  The barista,  standing right there at our table, was trying to figure out what we were talking about.  I agreed with Kayla, that "yes, she is beautiful...but so are you!"  With that little bit of assurance, Kayla was back on board.  Then I got nervous!  The coffee shop is a really challenging place to get a nice picture. I've blown it every time I've taken someone's picture there.  If I blew it with Kayla, I didn't wan't it to impact her self-confidence since it was already a bit fragile.   Kayla is beautiful.  (She just doesn't see it when she looks in the mirror.)

The happiest thing happening in Kayla's life right now is that she now has no roommates! Although she's had great roommate experiences, she's also excited to be living on her own.

When I asked Kayla if she's recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of kindness, she explained that she works in customer service.  Her job is to give kindness.  Kayla also said that she'll sometimes buy coffee or drinks at Whole Foods, not really needing or wanting the drinks, but just making the purchase so she can sit down and use her computer and  free Wi-Fi.  When she's finished, she'll give the items she purchased to homeless people who are often sitting outside the store.  (That's both giving and receiving!)

Kayla is going to school to become a massage therapist, so her life's purpose is: "Making people feel relieved and relaxed, and helping them to feel better about their body."

When I asked Kayla something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "Surviving.  I've been through a lot of crap."

After meeting so many survivor type people, and surviving some crap of my own, it's so clear to me that positive life changes result from the most painful challenges in life.  Making it through to the other side of the crap times in life, increases one's capacity to truly experience gratitude and find joy in simplicity.  When you go through the crap, you have a new appreciation for simply waking to live another day.  ("I woke up this morning, vertical," Lowell said earlier.)  I think when a person reaches the point where they value the beauty of simply surviving and waking another day, then life really begins to happen.  When you come out on the other side of  bad times, then life is filled with hope and possibility.

Kayla was actually the survivor of a car crash. I didn't ask details, but I gathered her injuries were enough to be life altering.  After all that she endured, the accident led her to start living her life's purpose.  Kayla attended college on a golf scholarship but she wasn't going to school for anything she was truly passionate about.  After the accident, she had to go through treatment and rehabilitation which included seeing chiropractor. It was her experience in going through rehab for her accident, that solidified her desire to become a massage therapist.  She always thought she wanted to be a massage therapist, but had she not had the accident, she may have never followed her heart and pursued massage as a career.  She was able to turn a bad, life-altering, accident into a positive opportunity.

Thank you, beautiful Kayla.

Day 181 - Alvin

This is Alvin.  We met in the mall.  I wasn't even looking for a subject at that particular time, but when Alvin walked by, I was compelled to ask if he would be in the project.

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

When I asked Alvin if he's recently performed an act of kindness, he explained that he's been working with someone who is currently grieving.  The exact phrase he said, made me think that perhaps grief counseling was his job, but Alvin clarified that it was personal, not professional.  Alvin is actually a massage therapist and having just talked with Kayla the day before, reminded me that massage therapists are doing their part to spread kindness. It's much easier to spread kindness when we're not in pain or suffering in some way.

"Don't just aim to please, aim to impress," Alvin said, is his personal motto.

"I'm continuously evolving with family, business and everyday life," Alvin answered, when I asked him something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, Alvin!

Here's the personal mission statements and life's purposes of the subjects from this week.

• I'm still looking.
• To find contentment in simplicity.
• I try every day to be the best that I can be, to take care of my family and loved ones, and to be the best role model I can be.
• Exploration.
• To help people find their potential.
• To leave the world better than I came into it.
• Making people feel relieved and relaxed, and helping them to feel better about their body.
• Don't just aim to please, aim to impress.

Thank you for another week!