365 More People Pictures - Week 48

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

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

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 29

Hello! This is week 29 of  the 365 More People Pictures Project.  I've fallen terribly behind in the blog posts but I'm still taking a picture of a person, every single day.  I post the pictures to instagram, so if you'd like to follow along daily, my username is @missellana.

Don't worry! Everything is going great. We've been traveling on the weekends as we're considering a big move to a little cabin in the woods. It's a huge change to consider and I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of life...you know, paradise!  The driving time to and from the cabin has been cutting into my writing time and I've fallen behind.

Day 196 - Jake

This is Jake.  We met at a rest stop along I5.   The happiest thing happening in Jake's life is being in the Northwest.

Aside from Jake's service to our Country, when I asked Jake if he's recently performed an act of kindness, he answered, "I do good stuff for people every day."

"To live life to the fullest and do whatever it is to make yourself happy," Jake answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

When I asked Jake something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "I'm successful at turning any situation into a positive."

Thank you, Jake! Thank you for your serving.

Day 197 - Matt

This is Matt.  He was waiting for a movie to start at Hollywood Theater.

The happiest thing happening in Matt's life right now is that he's buying a new home.

Matt's recent act of kindness is his volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity.

"Do the best you can, while empowering others to do the same," Matt answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

I asked Matt something about himself which he considers to be a success and he explained that it was his decision to leave his job in D.C. and move to Portland.  It takes a lot of courage to uproot yourself and replant somewhere completely different.

Thank you, Matt!

Day 198 - Mary Grace

This is Mary Grace.  We met on the street.

I was having a horrible day when I met Mary Grace.  This project fills me with all kinds of love, hope, happiness and a general sense of positivity, but those feelings can sometimes get depleted and then I start feeling and reacting in the exact opposite way.

I had been feeling so down that I was ready to toss in the towel on the project.  One part of me is filled with all of these good feelings, but then the other part of me was feeling disappointed, stressed, a little angry, and not in a good place in general.  Then I met Mary Grace and she restored my faith and reminded me of the reasons I'm doing this in the first place.

We're not perfect. We never will be, because we're human.  But if we strive to make forward-moving progress, eventually the moments and days which we spread positivity and kindness, and see positivity and kindness in others, will outnumber the moments and days that we don't.

When I asked Mary Grace the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she answered, "I'm very happy right now!"  She went on to explain that she sold her home in California, she was enjoying some free time, she's healthy, has a great job, and is just feeling grateful.

Mary Grace's recent act of kindness is that she donated money so that a person could take a Zumba class.  Her instructor has set up an anonymous program where people can donate money to help women who can't afford the fees.

When I asked Mary Grace if she has a personal mission statement, she answered, "I try to remember that I want to keep my heart soft and sweet, and to keep it that way, I have to be aware of how I communicate with people and who I allow in my life."  Mary Grace added that she does this by questioning herself: "How do I make my heart bigger?"

I asked Mary Grace something about herself which she considers to be a success and she answered, "I've developed good friendships."

Mary Grace was one of the kindest ladies I've met.  I told her I will think of her and remind myself that I'm working on having a big heart and keeping it soft and sweet.  We had a frank conversation and I confessed to Mary Grace that I'm finding that as I get older, it's a harder challenge to keep my heart soft and sweet.  When we were younger, we didn't even have to try.  Naive and protected by the love of our parents and family, our hearts were soft and sweet and full of love.  I told Mary Grace that life and experiences have hardened me a little, but I will continue to work at  keeping my heart soft and sweet.  When I ask myself, "how do I make my heart bigger?" the answer is simple.  This project.  This project has been the best experience in the world for me and meeting all of these people, helps me to continue to grow.

Thank you, Mary Grace.

Day 199 - Maeve

This is Maeve. We met at the bus stop.

The happiest thing happening in Maeve's life right now is her job, and that she gets to work with fun people, do good things, and make puppets!

When I asked Maeve if she's either recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of kindness, she answered that she has a couple people in her life who are being really kind toward her.

Maeve's life's purpose:  "I am an artist."  Maeve explained that she experiences the world aesthetically and through her art, she tries to reflect back the beautiful and magical things she sees, which may be hidden to others.  Check out Maeve's work here! 

Thank you, Maeve.

Day 200 - Lou

This is Lou.  He was just trying to get coffee at Starbucks but I approached him to ask if I could take his picture for the project.

When I asked Lou the happiest thing happening in his life, he had so many he couldn't narrow it down! I love it when that happens.  He finally just answered, "an accumulation of a lot of different things."

Lou shared two recent examples where he was on the receiving end of kindness.  A co-worker had shared their lunch, and his wife had given him a ride to work.

"To pass onto other people, good intentions," Lou answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

I asked Lou something about himself which he considers to be a success and he answered, "bringing up my kids to the point where they are right now."  Lou thinks they're pretty good people.

I was so glad to have met Lou and I hope he was a little re-inspired by our meeting. He shared that he's been sitting on an idea for a project of his own.  It is an excellent idea, and I hope he pursues it. I won't spill the beans because it's a good idea and I forgot to ask if it was ok to talk about.  I encouraged Lou to start right away, and hope that he does!  His idea would make an excellent book!

Thank you, Lou.

Day 201 - 1985

This is 1985.  "1985" is his DJ Name on the KPSU radio show, Departures. (Thursdays from 9-10pm)   We met at my favorite coffee shop in the Hollywood District, Nectar Cafe.

I had stopped in for my after-work coffee and the barista asked if I had found a person for the day.  I told her I was on my way out to go searching, and she volunteered 1985.  (He isn't just any ol' customer, he's her boyfriend, so she knew he'd say yes!) I would have never known from his great spirits, but 1985 had just had his wisdom teeth removed earlier in the day.  He was such a trooper!

This picture is just from my phone because I learned the hard way that my new camera will let you take pictures even when there isn't a memory card in the slot.  Luckily I realized what I had done and took a few more pictures with my phone.

I asked 1985 the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "pursuing my passion of music and discovering that to be a true form of happiness."

1985 was recently on the receiving end of an act of kindness when a guy at the gas station complimented him on his nice smile.  1985 and I both anticipated that he'd also be receiving lots of loving kindness from his girlfriend who would be helping to take care of him while he recovered from his surgery that day.

When I asked 1985 if he has a personal mission statement, he answered with two quotes he refers to:  "Perfection is a curse" and "There is no finish line."

"Keeping myself in shape and having an open mind and a good heart," 1985 answered, when I asked something about himself he would consider to be a success.  1985 explained he had lost a bunch of weight and he's now keeping fit and healthy.  Awesome job, 1985!

Thank you, 1985,  for being in the project and going with the flow when I discovered my error.  You were so awesome! (especially considering your surgery that day!)

Day 202 - Charlotte

This is Charlotte.  My husband and I had traveled a ways to go buy a little pick-up truck from Charlotte's husband and while my husband and Charlotte's husband did their thing, Charlotte was so nice she agreed to let me take her picture for the project.  I thought this was so sweet.  Buying a new vehicle can be pretty stressful and then I realized I still hadn't found a person for the day.    Charlotte saved the day when she agreed to be in the project!

"My grandchildren," Charlotte answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Charlotte if she's performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. She said both, but she couldn't really share what they had been.

"To be content with whatever state I'm in," Charlotte answered, when I asked if she has a personal mission statement.

I asked Charlotte something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she answered, "getting to this point...having the basics, the kids are happily married and we have grand kinds, and we're all alive and healthy."

Thank you, Charlotte!

Here's a summary of the personal mission statements and life's purposes of the subjects from week 29:

• To live life to the fullest and do whatever it is to make yourself happy.
• Do the best you can, while empowering others to do the same.
• I try to remember that I want to keep my heart soft and sweet, and to keep it that way, I have to be aware of how I communicate with people and who I allow in my life.
• I am an artist - I experience the world aesthetically and through art, I try to reflect back the beautiful and magical things I see, which may be hidden to others. 
• To pass onto other people, good intentions.
• Perfection is a curse.
• There is no finish line.
• To be content with whatever state I'm in.

Thank you!

Week 30 is coming right up too!  We'll get caught up slowly but surely!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 50

Hello, and thank you for checking in on week 50, of The 365 Day People Picture Project. If you're just checking in for the first time, I challenged myself to take a picture of a person, every single day, for an entire year.  When I started this project, a year seemed like so long that I couldn't even allow myself to imagine the end.  I could only focus on one day at a time, otherwise it seemed an impossible challenge.  Now that we're down to only two weeks left in the project, it seems like the past 50 weeks have flown by and I'm not ready for the project to end.

Let's just get down to business, shall we?

Day 344 - Jaisa & Anne

This is Jaisa (left) and Anne (right).  Anne and I went to the same high school in Southern Oregon, and coincidentally, ended up moving and living within a few miles of each other in the Northwest! We had no idea we were even in the same town, but my co-worker's son played on the same sports team as Anne's sons, and one day they both connected the dots and realized they had a mutual acquaintance...me!

Jaisa and I were co-workers for several years.  Jaisa was 18, going on 28, when we started working together.

Anne has been a project-saver several times this past year.  There were several days, especially during the winter months, when I couldn't find a person, or it was just too stormy to go outside in search of a subject.  On those days, I'd meet up with Anne and her friends and find a subject at a bar/pub.  Were it not for Anne, I'm sure there were days I would have just thrown in the towel!

It was Anne's birthday and I wanted to finally get her picture for the project.  Jaisa had politely brushed me off the other times I'd asked  her, so this day - I finally got them both!

I asked them both the same questions as always, and amazingly, it was quite the therapeutic session for us all.  One that resulted in laughter, tears and hugs.  Not only has this project enabled me to connect with complete strangers, but it even aided in reconnecting with old friends!

"My son and his happiness, and his success and well-being," Jaisa said, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Jaisa is always at the same level - you can't find a more even-tempered person than she.  However, when it comes to her son, her emotions are pure, raw, and intense. Her love for him has been evident since the day I first met her, some 19 years ago.

"My Birthday, surrounded by friends and family, and the boys are doing great," Anne said, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Anne's sons are now both in college and their success gives her joy.  Anne was a star athlete when we were in high school, and her sons take after their mama in that respect!

I asked Anne and Jaisa if they had recently performed an act of kindness.  I was sort of shocked at how much of an impact this question had on them both.  Anne and Jaisa were rather distressed that they couldn't think of an act of kindness.  Jaisa, at one point, said, "I really have to think about this, it's serious to me."  After much consideration, Jaisa responded, "I opened up my home for a friend's wedding reception."  Jaisa was beating herself up that she couldn't think of anything else, but hosting a wedding reception at your house is a huge undertaking and a huge act of kindness.  Anne responded, "I'm always nice to people."  Anne works from home, so other than her cat and her roommate, she doesn't get to interact with people throughout the day, so the opportunities to perform a physical act of kindness, are fewer for her.   When Anne gave her answer, I realized that I have never, ever, heard her say an un-kind word about anyone, and she is always extremely friendly and nice.  Both Anne and Jaisa have devoted the past several years of their lives to raising their sons to be nice young men.  Raising nice young men and sending them out into the world, is an act of kindness for us all.

I asked them both if they had a personal mission statement, or could define their life's purpose.  Jaisa responded, "to be successful and to be a provider for my son's future."  Jaisa went on to say that her life exists for her child and her husband.  Even though her son is now a grown adult and on his own path in life, she still continues to plan for his future, and she wants to be able to leave him with a sense of security.

"To find my future, to find my happy, " Anne said, is her life's purpose.  Anne's focus has been on raising her sons, and on her son's happiness. Now that they're on their own path, she realizes it's time for her to find her own happiness.  She's going to allow herself to be open to possibilities.  "I want to be in a loving relationship," Anne said.

I asked Jaisa and Anne something about themselves which they would consider to be a success.  Jaisa said, "my marriage and my son.  I have the most amazing husband and the most amazing son."  I pushed my friend for even more, and she replied, "I made it through the school of hard knocks."  Jaisa has pushed herself and survived a less-than-ideal childhood, and has gone on to become one fine woman.  She carries herself with confidence and class.  Anne's answer; "my boys - hands down.  They are happy, successful, well-liked people,"  Anne loves it when she hears people saying positive things about her sons, not even knowing that she's their mother.

Thank you, beautiful ladies, for being in this project!

Day 345 - Dave

This is Dave.  He was parked right behind me and we were getting into our cars at the same time.  I took the opportunity to ask him to be in the project.

"I just got married," Dave said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Dave if he had recently performed an act of kindness.  "Nothing's coming to mind," Dave said.  I reminded him that it was an act of kindness that he let me take his picture.

"Never settle for the mediocre," Dave said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Dave something about himself he would consider to be a success.  Dave responded, "I'm a great foosball player."  I laughed and told Dave that had he answered air hockey, then I would have challenged him to a game.

Day 346 - Pete, Nathan and Grace

This is Pete (left), Nathan (center), and Grace (right.)  We met in the crosswalk as I was walking around, looking for a subject.  Knowing there are only a few days left, I pushed myself to take a group photo.  If you've been following along, you know how intimidated I am by group photos.  Ok, so I was secretly hoping one or two of the group would push one person into being the subject of the day, but all three agreed to let me take their picture, so I just had to make it work.

My new lens, a 50mm prime,  is so superior to the kit lenses I've been using.  Its superiority and performance actually bring with it even more challenges than before.  It's so powerful, on auto or any of the scene modes, it beautifully blurs the background. This is desired for a portrait, but not in a group photo.  If not set correctly, a group photo taken with the new lens will result in the person who is closest being in focus, but everyone else will be blurred.  The day before meeting these three, I had attended a very beginner photography class and the main take-away from the class, was that I need to push myself. (Yes, I know - pretty ridiculous that I finally took a photography class just days before the project ends.)  I need to stop being scared and intimidated and just experiment.  Having gained a little confidence from the class and knowing the challenges I was facing with the group and the lens, I was able to properly change settings and get a picture.  Yes, composition was lacking, but I was happy to get three people, in the frame, and have them each be in focus.  I chose this picture in particular, because Grace's genuine look of happiness on her face, makes me feel happy.  I don't think you can look at these three and not feel happiness and fun!

I asked them each the happiest thing happening in their lives right now.  Pete responded, "just everything in general.  I'm feeling less anxious."  Nathan, an artist, answered, "just painting."  Grace said, "I just moved into a new apartment."  Grace is happy she now has her own room!

I asked Pete something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  "work, my career," Pete answered.

I asked Nathan if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  "focus on art, keep doing art, never stop doing art," Nathan responded.

I asked Grace if she had recently performed an act of kindness.  Her recent act of kindness is that she gave a gift of a drawing she had made, to a person she didn't even know very well.  She also returned her roommate's act of kindness by making him a cup of tea.

Day 347 - Samir Gonzales

This is Samir Gonzales.

I asked Samir the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "that it's summer!"

Samir's recent act of kindness is that when he spotted someone breaking into a car in the parking lot, he got the license plate number of the suspects and called the police.  The police were able to apprehend the suspects a few blocks away!

I asked Samir if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot. Samir responded, "stay happy."

"I've gone through a lot of hard stuff this year and I've gotten through it," Samir responded, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Update on the Person from Day 2 - Trenton

This is Trenton.  He was day #2 in this project!! We just happened to run into each other!

After I had finished taking Samir's picture and as I was walking back to my car, I spotted a familiar looking person.  As we crossed each other in the crosswalk, I asked, "hey, what's your name?"  He responded back, "you took my picture!"  We stopped to visit and I couldn't help but notice the beautiful baby in his arms.  I asked Trenton if he had his baby when I had taken his picture.  Trenton said that he learned he was going to be a father right after he had been in the project.  It's been less than a year, but Trenton went from being a young man, to being a man and father.  It was awesome seeing him and his new little one, and I was struck at that moment, just how much things have changed this past year. Changed, yet, the same.  What a cool experience this has been!

Fatherhood looks great on Trenton, and I know he's an excellent Dad.

My husband was day #1 in this project, so Trenton was the first stranger I approached to ask if I could take their picture. Having had such a positive experience with Trenton, set me up with the confidence to carry on.  Trenton was nice and seemed interested in the project. Had I been rejected on the first attempt with a stranger, it's possible I may have bailed on this project before I even really got started.

Day 348 - Tamela

This is Tamela.  Tami is my friend's friend, but that makes her my friend too! We met up at Ecotrust's Sundown Concert Series, to see The Builders and the Butchers. The Builders and the Butchers put on another awesome show!

It's been close to 5 years since I've seen Tami.   It's sort of ironic that we re-connected at a concert together.  Tami is the the whole reason I discovered that I love attending shows/concerts by myself.  Years ago, when I couldn't find anyone who could go to a Lucero show with me, our mutual friend suggested I go alone.  She told me, "just go by yourself, Tami does all the time!"  What?  It's possible for a woman to go to a concert in Downtown Portland, all by her self!?!  I thought sure, Tami could to it.  Tami is Tami.  She oozes confidence and she's a totally uninhibited free spirit.  But, I didn't think attending a show alone was something I could ever consider myself doing.  My love for Lucero out-weighed my personal insecurities and I went to the show alone.  I haven't stopped since!  I've reached the point now, where I prefer going to shows solo.   I'm free to get lost in the music and the moment, without having to be responsible for making sure someone else is having a good time.  I will always be indebted to Tamela for showing me that it's perfectly acceptable for a woman to go out in this world and have fun all by herself!  It's ok to be a lone wolf.

I asked Tamela the happiest thing happening in her life and she first responded, "I love this question! I ask people this question all the time!"  Tami then answered, "my family is my happiest thing; my husband and my dog."

When I asked Tami if she had recently performed an act of kindness, she explained that she's intentionally tried to perform at least 1 act of kindness a day.  Most recently, she paid the toll for someone behind her.

"Spread love, hope, and the possibility that you can have anything you want," Tamela responded, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on-the-spot.  Tami is the type of person who forges her own path in life.  She's always had an entrepreneurial spirt.  She's never let fear of the unknown, or fear of failure, prevent her from doing what she wants.  If she has a business idea, she goes for it!  If she decides things aren't what she wants, she simply changes course.

I asked Tamela something about herself which she considers to be a success.  Tamela replied, "my ability to activate and motivate myself and others... I'm an activator!"  Tamela is a Take Shape for Life coach and she's enjoying the success of her clients and wants to help as many people as possible.

Thank you, Tamela for being in this project!

Day 349 - Dustin

This is Dustin. I just spotted him when I was walking down the street, in search of a subject.

"A new baby," Dustin answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Dustin works for a coffee company and his recent act of kindness is that he left two bags of coffee on the porch of his new neighbors!  A neighbor who brings you coffee is pretty much the best neighbor in the world.

"Laughter is the key to life," Dustin said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Dustin something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "finding my wife."

Day 350 - Mary

This is Mary.  We met at the 3 Days of Aloha, Hawaiian Festival.

I asked Mary the happiest thing happening in her life right now, and she didn't say a word...she just moved her hands to her tummy, rubbed it, and then the source her beautiful glow became totally obvious to me.  Mary is expecting another baby!

Mary's recent act of kindness is that she added more time to a stranger's parking meter.  She also feels like she's been on the receiving end of other people's kindness because she's received so many gifts.

"Love, loving people," Mary said, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or could think of one on the spot.  Mary's mission statement is influenced by her practice as a Yoga Teacher.

I asked Mary something about herself which she would consider to be a success. Mary said that her daughter is a success, but also that she had gone through some challenges but she was able to remain true to herself.  She didn't let the challenges change her.  "I'm still me."

Best wishes to you and your growing family, Mary!

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

• To be successful and to be a provider for my son's future
• To find my future, to find my happy.
• Never settle for the mediocre.
• Focus on art, keep doing art, never stop doing art.
• Stay happy.
• Spread love, hope, and the possibility that you can have anything you want
• Laughter is the key to life.
• Love, loving people.

Thank you to each and every subject in this project!  This wouldn't exist without your willingness to share a little bit of yourself with us.  Thank you!  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you would like for me to e-mail your picture to you.

Thank you for following along with me on this project.  Your interest and encouragement helped to carry me along when I questioned myself for even starting such an undertaking!

Have a great week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 49

Hello, and thank you for checking in on week 49 of The 365 Day People Picture Project.  Can you believe we only have 3 weeks left? I get teary-eyed when I think about the project ending. I know it seems silly, but I can't help it.  The tears seem to come from someplace where I don't have the ability to turn off the spigot. Again, it is very much like a marathon.  I don't know what it is, but tears just happen and they seem to happen anywhere from around mile 21, all the way through the finish line.

I have a very athletic, manly-man friend who's completed a few marathons and right before my first, he prepared me that there will be waterworks.  He told me he cried like a little baby as he was finishing his first marathon!  It's just such a labor of love, and you give so much of yourself...the tears just happen.  Given my manly-man friend cried, I figured it was ok when I cried too.  These project-is-ending tears must be coming from that same well from which the marathon tears flow.  The end is in sight.  I want to finish strong.  Although every cell in my body wants to cross that finish line, I also don't want this feeling to end.

Day 337 - Jami, my Sister

I made another quick trip home to Southern Oregon last weekend and after two, back-to-back, trips home, I've realized I need to make the trip more often.  Weeks turn into months, and months turn into years, and it's been years since I had last seen my Sister.

I asked Jami the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "seeing you."  We laughed and I persisted because I wanted to learn the real scoop.  Jami then said, "the success of my children."

I asked Jami if she had recently performed an act of kindness and she jokingly responded, "I'm ornerier than heck!"  Again we laughed.  Jami said that she lets people go in front of her at the grocery store, and that she let elders go in front of her in the food line at a gathering we had just attended the day before.

I asked Jami if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot, and she replied, "to have empathy for others, and to grow on a daily basis."  Jami went on to say that she's trying to look beyond herself, in attempt to see the perspective of others.

"I never give up," Jami said, is something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  She then questioned her answer, saying she's not sure if that's good or bad.  Jami and I share that trait and I understand it can be both a blessing and a curse.

Technically, Jami is my half-sister and she lived in California when I was growing up.  I can recall two specific pictures which sparked my fascination with photography, before I even knew I had one.  One of the those photographs was of Jami.  I think the picture must have been taken by my Dad, or one of my Brothers.  Jami had the most perfect 70's hair - long with a center-part.  I looked at that picture often since I didn't have Jami close in proximity.  I looked at that picture so often, my memory of how Jami looked was replaced by my memory of how she looked in that picture.  The photograph became Jami, and Jami became the photograph.  It's difficult to explain, but maybe you understand exactly what I'm talking about.  Before the project ends, I'll share with you the other picture which piqued my interest in photography.

Jami - I love you, and thank you for being in the project!

Day 338 - Isis Estela 

This is Isis.  We met just walking down the street.  I asked Isis the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "just moving here."  Isis is new to Portland, having just arrived from Seattle.

I asked Isis if she had recently performed an act of kindness and she explained that she's editing a book for a friend.  Wow!  That's quite a laborious act of kindness and I'm sure her friend must be grateful!  You can read some of Isis' writing on her blog.  

"Love, laugh, learn, live," Isis replied, is her personal mission statement.

I asked Isis one thing about herself which she would consider to be a success and she replied, "my life up until now."

Wishing Isis lots of luck and happiness in Portland!

Day 339 - Kaely & Jake

This is Kaely & Jake.  They were waiting for a friend to arrive at Mt. Tabor park.

I asked Kaely the happiest thing happening in her life right now and after much consideration, she replied, "the summer and the sunshine!"  I'm noticing when people answer, "summer", it's like a catch-all for all of the events, activities, happiness and good times we  have during the summer months.

The most recent act of kindness which Kaely could recall performing, was that she held the door open for a person who had their hands full.

I asked Kaely if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot. Kaely explained that while on a recent hike with friends, they spent time defining their personal mission statement and life's purpose.  Kaely answered, "to tread lightly, make the most of every day, and to make things easier for others."

One thing about herself which Kaely would consider to be a success, is her involvement with the Forest Grove Farmers Market.  Kaely manages the market and she's enjoyed seeing it evolve from a small farmers market, into a large community event.

Day 340 - Andrew

This is Andrew.  We met outside of Velo Cult as I was walking by in search of a subject.

"Cooking and moving to Portland," Andrew said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Andrew is a chef, in town from Austin,  and he'll soon be moving to Portland.  While in town, he staged ("tried out") as a chef at one of Portland's most popular restaurants.  He knows he won't be working there as they're at capacity, but he's optimistic he met a few excellent connections and his networking will result in a job soon!

I asked Andrew if he had recently performed an act of kindness.  Andrew said that he was an Eagle Scout and they're to "do a good turn daily."  Andrew's most recent act of kindness is that he complimented a man on his bike, and then struck up a conversation with the stranger.  They ended up having a lengthy conversation.  Andrew is quite personable and friendly, so I can imagine he maintains the "do a good turn daily" code, simply by being himself.

"Go with motivated people," Andrew replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.  This is such good advice!  When you surround yourself with people who make things happen, you can't help but to absorb some of their energy and you'll soon find that you're also making things happen for yourself!

I asked Andrew one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success.  He replied, "my knives are sharp."  Ha!  I don't know much about cooking, but I do know that a good chef takes care of his knives as they're critical tools for their trade.  Andrew said he had the sharpest knives at the tryouts!

Wishing you luck and success, Andrew!

Day 341 - Carl and Max

This is Carl (left) and Max (right.)  They were just finishing up their job canvasing outside the library.  I was still smiling hours after meeting these two!

I asked the two the happiest thing happening in their lives right now.  Carl answered, "hanging out with this other free spirit I met recently."   Max explained that although he's currently between employment, he's taking it as a blessing and as an opportunity to find something he really wants to do.  I love Max's optimism and that he's finding a silver lining, even in a difficult time.  I have no doubt he'll soon find the perfect job!

I asked the guys if they had recently performed an act of kindness.  Carl replied, "I gave a homeless person change today."  Carl then explained that he's generally a nice person.  He smiles at people and tells them he loves them.  Max said, "I've been a much better son to my Mother."  After talking with the guys a while, and answering their questions about this project, Carl said, "I love you for doing this."  Carl genuinely loves people.  When he said he tells people he loves them, he wasn't just talking about friends and family. I have no doubt that he tells complete strangers that he loves them, because I experienced it!  Part of this project, for me, has been about rediscovering love for people and restoring my faith in people.  I'm not quite as evolved as Carl yet, so in response to his statement, I said, "I love the interaction we're having."

I asked the two if they had a personal mission statement, or if they could define their life's purpose.  Carl responded, "to be the most wonderful, loving father in the world."  Max replied, "whether I fail or succeed, I'd like to make a positive difference in the world."

When I asked something about themselves they would consider to be a success, Carl responded, "I broke my family's cycle of abuse."  Max answered, "that I've made it to age 20 without being a very rude and angry person."

I almost didn't approach Carl and Max because there were two of them. You know how I struggle with group pictures - even when it's just a group of two.  I'm so glad I set aside my apprehension and approached these two!  We pass by so many strangers on any given day, but if we only stopped to interact with some of those friends we haven't met yet, we might just find they will change our lives. Or, perhaps we will change theirs.  At the very least, we can start a little ripple of happiness.

Day 342 - Reanna

This is Reanna.  She was waiting for the bus when we met.

"I'm a Mom of a 2 year old," Reanna answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

When I asked Reanna if she had recently performed an act of kindness, she said that she does little things all the time but she was having trouble thinking of an answer.  Then it hit her, "I bought a friend a milkshake!"

"Being the best that I can be, not just for myself, but for my Son," Reanna answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or could define her life's purpose.  Reanna then clarified that everything she does, is for her Son.

"I'm a good Mom, and the fact that I can see the glass is half-full," Reanna answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.

Day 343 - Ralph

This is Ralph.  He was passing time at the park along the Columbia River, while he was waiting to meet a blind date at a restaurant down the way.

When I asked Ralph the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he joked that maybe it was about to happen!  He then went on to say that his Dad gave him a musical education when he was younger and it still brings him happiness.  He had just played the night before.

I asked Ralph if he had recently performed an act of kindness. Ralph's profession gives him the opportunity to give kindness.  He helps people to feel better. He performs body work, massage, and acupuncture.

"Help deserving people," Ralph answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

"I've retained my inner child," Ralph answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  Ralph's date is in for a fun evening with this young-at-heart man!

Ralph was so nice and personable, I'm confident his date was a success. At least on his part!  I got a chuckle after leaving Ralph, thinking that if any awkward silence happened during the date, maybe Ralph could fill it by telling his date how he had just been photographed and interviewed by a complete stranger in the park.

I turned a corner with Ralph.  This is one of my favorite pictures.  Well, I guess we'll see if I've truly turned that corner or if I was just lucky with Ralph.  I got a new lens, and finally forced myself out of my comfort zone and changed some camera settings. It's been so intimidating to experiment with camera settings during this project. For one, I simply don't know what I'm doing.  Secondly, I'm usually under intense time pressures to get in, get a picture, and get out.  People don't have all day for me to figure out my camera, or I've had to race to get a picture before their bus arrived.  I also can't afford to fail.  I had to get a shot, every single day! All of this pressure and lack of knowledge and practice, caused me to get quite complacent where I was and prevented me from trying to improve.  I've been reading and studying so much, it was time I finally implemented some of what I've been learning.  I'm pleased with the result and I'm so excited to finish out these next few weeks. I had a little more time with Ralph than I have with most people, but I'm going to continue to push to see if I can get some marked improvement these last three weeks.

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

• To have empathy for others, and to grow on a daily basis.
• Love, laugh, learn, live.
• To tread lightly, make the most of every day, and to make things easier for others.
• Go with motivated people.
• To be the most wonderful, loving father in the world.
• Whether I fail or succeed, I'd like to make a positive difference in the world.
• Being the best that I can be, not just for myself, but for my Son.
• Help deserving people.

Thank you to all of the subjects in this project!  Thank you for your kindness in letting me take your picture, and for sharing a little of yourself with us.

Thank you for following along another week!  Do you have any ideas for me? What would you like to see next? I welcome your input and would love to hear any ideas you may have for the next 365 days!

Wishing you an awesome week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 45

Thank you for checking out week 45 of The 365 Day People Picture Project! I compare this point in the project to being around mile 21 in a Marathon.  For anyone looking on, it would seem that if a person has made it to mile 21 - the rest would be in the bag.  But, a lot can happen in those last 5.2 miles and in those last few miles, the battle that's happening in your head is now a full blown war.

By mile 21, you know if you can still hit your goal, or if you're so far off track that you now just need to concentrate on crossing that finish line.  At mile 21, one moment you're praising yourself for all of your training for the past several months, and then the next moment, you're cursing yourself for not training harder or smarter.  You fight to quiet the voices of self-doubt in your head and replace them with with a loop of positive mantras - I'm strong. I can do it.  I'm strong. I can do it.

So here I am, around mile 21.  I'm off track to meet my goal as far as showing improvement in the quality of the pictures I take - but I'm determined to cross that finish line anyway.  I could have done more.  I could have "trained" harder.  I could have studied more, practiced more, and learned more.  Just like in a marathon - it's time to hush those stupid negative voices and just finish strong.   For now, let's just concentrate on these last 5.2 miles ahead of us.  Let's just finish strong.  Finishing strong doesn't always mean that it's pretty, and quite often it hurts. Badly.  Finishing strong means giving it your entire heart. Finishing strong means you dig down deep to pull out more from yourself than you even knew you had left to give.  You might even just surprise yourself with what you can find when you dig deep.  Finish strong.

Day 309 - JL21

This is JL21.   I broke my own rule and decided to include a costumed street performer in the project.  But, there is a very good reason why I broke the rule.

Saturday night, I met up with my friend Anne and her friends.  We were having the kind of conversation I live for - one in which we talked about exploring and honoring creativity, doing what we love, finding who we love, and how all those seemingly random life coincidences one day align themselves to reveal that they weren't at all random, but meaningful occurrences orchestrated by the universe to lead us to exactly where we're meant to be.

Anne's friend, Jeannie, brought up "the Robot" during our conversation.  Jeannie knows the true identity of "the Robot," and although now I can't even remember how he was introduced into our conversation, he just fit the topic and he actually played a pretty key role in our beautiful conversation.  I didn't know "the Robot" who Jeannie was referring to, as I had never seen him before.

The next day, as I was driving to the library, I somehow turned down a completely different street than I normally take to go to the library.  I thought it was odd at the time because I get pretty set in my driving routes and routines.  I took a few turns in the attempt to get myself back on my normal route and all of the sudden --- THERE HE WAS!!!!  THE ROBOT!!!  Less than 18 hours after hearing about "the Robot," in a conversation about coincidences-not-being-coincidences, "the Robot" was right before my eyes!   I decided that even though it was against my rule, I just wanted and needed to include him in the project.

In the time that I had "interviewed" JL21, several people had stopped to take pictures with him.  He's quite the popular robot!

I asked JL21 the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "my relationship," and "I'm not overheating."   JL21 is a seriously determined robot.  I can imagine that on a hot day, his robot suit could get practically unbearable.

JL21 works for tips but his act of kindness is that he still lets people take pictures with him, even if they don't have money for a tip.  People love him!

"To live every moment," LJ21 replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement, or if he could think of one on the spot.  JL21 explained that living every moment is actually the art of slowing time and that it helps if you have a love for everything.

I asked JL21 one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied in a robot-like voice, "that I am a happy Robot."

If you would like to meet JL21, he can be found on Saturdays and Sundays  near Vancouver Farmers Market and Esther Short Park.

Day 310- Ian

This is Ian.  A person sitting alone at a patio table has officially become an invitation for an invitation...it's become pretty easy for me to invite myself to sit down with them to ask if I can take their picture.

"I'm moving to Canada in 2 months, " Ian replied, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Ian if he had recently performed an act of kindness.  He said that he does little things all the time, the most recent thing that came to mind is that he had just given a man a cigarette.

"Be nice to people, leave a little footprint, and spread happiness," Ian responded, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

I asked Ian one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "I'm still skateboarding at 28 years old."  I both kidded him and encouraged him, telling him my boss is 50+ and still skateboarding, and that hopefully he'll be able to say the same when he's his age.

Day 311 - Mercy

This is Mercy.

"I'm working on trying to buy my house," Mercy said, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Mercy if she had recently performed an act of kindness.  Mercy couldn't think of something specific, but she then explained that she works in customer service and she has the opportunity to be kind to people every day in the job she does.

"To be better and better," Mercy replied, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot.

I asked Mercy one thing about herself which she would consider to be a success and she explained that in addition to her job, she also has a coaching business - Left Turn Coaching.   Mercy travels the country teaching and coaching Roller Derby Teams!

Good luck in the home-buying adventure, Mercy!

Day 312 - Marc

This is Marc.

In my search for a daily subject, I often pass by Portland Shoe Repair, in the Hollywood District, and it always looks like such a happening place!  I couldn't figure out why so many people would be at a shoe repair shop, so I finally decided to stop in and that's where I met Marc.  There were enough guys for a basketball team and I learned they were all family, just hanging out and helping the family member who was working at the time.

I asked Marc the happiest thing happening in his right now and he replied, "enjoying the summer."

Marc's recent act of kindness, one in which he often does, is that he gave a person a MAX (lightrail commuter train) ticket.

"Take pride in your work," Marc responded, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

I was a little surprised and impressed at Marc's next answer, given his age.  One thing about himself which Marc considers to be a success - is his perseverance.  Marc said he stays mentally strong and no matter what happens, he sees the silver lining.   Marc has a pretty wise outlook for someone just beginning his life.  With that mindset, he'll go far.

Day 313 - Emily

This is Emily.

"I'm dancing again," Emily replied, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Emily is a dancer and when I asked if she danced a particular style, she explained that right now, her work is mainly Latin style dancing.

Emily was having a hard time recalling if she had recently performed an act of kindness.  I could tell she had been searching her memory when she finally stated that she had made pancakes for her boyfriend.

In this project, I've noticed that some people have a tendency to minimize the act of kindness they perform for their partners.  Seems we don't place enough value on the little things we do for our friends, family and loved ones.  Those little gestures are of huge significance because they set people up to do good things throughout the day.  My husband makes my coffee 96% of the time and I can't even begin to thank him enough.  This one little act of kindness is not so little for me...it's HUGE!

We just never know...a tiny little thing we do for someone could be the stone that starts the ripple of kindness.  We don't have to be millionaire philanthropists to make a difference. It can begin with a smile, or a pancake.

"To stay in a constant state of evolution," Emily replied, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot.

I asked Emily one thing about herself which she would consider to be a success and she replied after careful consideration, "defining my own success."  Again, such an insightful answer from a person who's just beginning her life.  She pretty much nailed the whole point of this question and the reason I've been asking it.  How do you define success?  Specifically, how do you define success for your own life?

Day 314 - Andi Caroline

This is Andi.  He's another person I met by simply inviting myself to sit down with him at his patio table.  Thankfully, he didn't mind me interrupting his break from work.

When I asked Andi the happiest thing happening in his life right now, the first answer he gave was, "getting to walk to work every day."  He then revised it to be, "consciously simplifying my life."  Andi has made the decision to simplify his life. He doesn't want to waste time or money.  It was as though Andy had been reading my mind.  Just earlier I had been thinking that the majority of the money I waste, ironically, was wasted by trying to save money.  In addition to wasting money, I end up with closets or drawers full of stuff I just won't or can't use. I had decided it was time to do another exercise in simplifying and Andi was a great reminder the time is now.  Living simply can feel liberating and obviously for Andi, it's bringing him great happiness.

I asked Andi if he had recently performed an act of kindness and I could tell he was feeling a little stressed and disappointed because he couldn't recall a specific act of kindness.   He made a very good point that if he does an act of kindness, he doesn't write them down or log them mentally, so nothing was coming to mind.  I think that's the same for a lot of us.

"Live by your values,"  Andi replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

I asked Andi one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success and after considering the question again, he replied, "growing brussels sprouts."

As we visited, Andi kept circling back to the "act of kindness" question, determined to provide an answer.  When people start to feel bummed because they can't think of an answer, I normally remind them that they allowed me to take their picture.  For some reason, I don't know why I didn't tell this to Andi. I t Andi seemed so disappointed in himself.   He questioned if I was going to say that he hadn't performed an act of kindness.  It was really bothering Andi!  Poor guy!  I was so happy and relieved when Andi reached the conclusion on his own when he announced - I let you take my picture!  His inclusion in the project was his act of kindness!  Yes!  Andi gave me a huge amount of his kindness by letting me take his picture and share it with you.   After agreeing with Andi that it was an act of kindness and actually a pretty big one since a lot of people don't enjoy having their picture taken, he confessed he's one of those people. He's much more comfortable being behind the camera.  I have not doubt Andi performs acts of kindness on a daily basis - he's a nice person and his act of kindness, is his kindness.

Day 315 - Yesenia, Maria, and Angel

This is Yesenia (left), Maria (center), and Angel (right).

I headed down to Ester Short Park and the Vancouver Farmers Market in search of a subject.  The park was gated off for a wine festival, so I was restricted to the Farmers Market and the area around there.  It's difficult to explain, but I have the hardest time finding a subject in big events.

Not having any luck at the farmers market, I decided to just go sit on a bench outside the park and wait for someone.  I noticed a steady stream of sharply dressed men and women flowing by me.  The Hilton Hotel and Convention Center is just down the block from where I was sitting, so I gathered there must be an event happening.  I decided to ask Yesenia, Maria and Angel if I could take their picture for the project and they confirmed they were attending a Hispanic business conference.

Given there were three people, I asked them each only two questions.

I asked the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and they answered as follows: Yesenia - "the opportunity of being financially free."  Maria (as interpreted by Yesenia) - "in a few months, I will be financially free and without a boss."  Angel - "the opportunity to succeed."

I asked the the trio if they had a personal mission statement or if they could think of one on the spot, and I clarified the question by asking about their life's purpose.  Yesenia replied, "faith can get you to where you want to be."  Angel replied, "trying to better the life of hispanics and immigrants."  Maria responded, (with interpretation provided by Yesenia) "to help other people and to put God as a priority.  Thanks to him, we're free."  Yesenia went on to say that we have two choices in life. We can choose good or bad.  She wants people to know the good in life.  She wants people to uphold family values.

I was totally kicking myself after meeting Yesenia, Maria and Angel.  They were three beautiful and kind people and I could have better captured them had I had the right lens. I just had to make do. I almost didn't approach them, knowing I had on the completely wrong lens for a group picture, but I'm so glad I didn't let it stop me.  I'm so glad I got to meet them and I'm inspired by their genuine desire for good things and prosperity for the Hispanic community.  I just had to remind myself that limitations are only limitations if we allow them to be.  Sometimes, we just need to figure out a way to work around them.

Here's the summary of the personal mission statements from this week's subjects:

• To live every moment.
• Be nice to people, leave a little footprint, and spread happiness.
• To be better and better.
• Take pride in your work.
• To stay in a constant state of evolution.
• Live by your values.
• Faith can get you to where you want to be.
• Trying to better the life of hispanics and immigrants.
• To help other people and to put God as a priority.

Thank you for following along on another week of this project.

If you've been a subject in this project - thank you for your kindness and your generosity in sharing yourself with us.  I appreciate you, and thank your for letting me take your picture. If you like your picture, please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail and I'd be happy to e-mail you a copy.

Have a successful week - however you define success!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 24

We've completed week 24 of the 365 Day People Picture Project. If this project were a marathon, we're right around mile 11. Day 162 - Mason

Sunday, I headed back down to Esther Short Park in search of a subject.   It's been a gamble here, on whether or not I'll find a subject, but I love the little park so I seem to go there at least once a week.   When the farmers market isn't in season, the park can be pretty sleepy.  Unlike Portland's waterfront, which is filled with interesting people no matter what the time or season, there are times of the day and year in which the only life you'll find in Vancouver's near-waterfront park are the squirrels!

As soon as I arrived downtown and before I even found a parking spot, I spotted Mason with camera in tow. A person with a camera will most likely agree to let me take their picture.  I parked and then began my chase to catch up with him.

Mason is a photographer and he was actually shooting for a client.  He was working for a bank and getting images for the bank's upcoming community campaign, but he paused long enough to let me take his picture.

I asked Mason about the happiest thing happening in his life and was envious when he replied, "I'm moving to Hawaii in a month." Mason is moving to the Big Island,  so I asked if he happened to be a scuba diver. He is, so we talked about the night dives with the Manta Rays.

I asked Mason if he's performed a recent act of kindness and since he's moving, he's been giving away a lot of his possessions.

Because of Mason's upcoming move, his website is going under construction but he shared his flickr page.  I love Mason's work!  I'm happy for him and his move to Hawaii, but I wished I had met Mason a few months ago and we could have become photography friends.  I forgot to ask Mason if he's also an underwater photographer.  I'm going to keep an eye on his Flickr to see his work evolve as he makes the transition to his new surroundings in paradise.

Day 163 - Crystal

"The Girl with Stars in her Eyes."

I met Crystal on the patio of the Doug Fir.  Shauna and I had met there on Monday and before leaving, we headed back to the fire pit in search of a subject.  We saw, what we thought a was a couple, hanging out by the fire.  I asked the guy if I could take his/their picture simply because he was closer to me.  He half-heartedly agreed but said I should really take Crystal's picture because she's so pretty.  I've mentioned before how much I love it when people's friends volunteer them to be subjects!  Crystal agreed to let me take her picture and it was only later that we learned that the guy who volunteered her for the picture wasn't actually with her. He had been a complete stranger to Crystal as well!

Crystal has an actual star-shape in her right eye. (her left eye as you're looking at the picture.)   After I had taken a few pictures, she mentioned her special feature and hoped I had captured it. I've been debating which picture to share with you.  Although the fire pit is the greatest place to meet new and interesting people, it's actually quite challenging to take a picture there.  Not only did I nearly catch myself on fire, but because I'm inexperienced, I don't yet know how to control the ISO and aperture for the conditions.  Once I learn this, I bet some of my favorite pictures will come from that very spot!  I wanted you to be able to see Crystal's star, but I love her picture in black & white over color. (Black & White seems to not only be my personal preference, and I have a tendency to look at something and envision how it will look B&W, but I think it's slightly more forgiving of my mistakes while I'm in the process of learning.)   Even in the B&W version, you can see her special and beautiful feature.

What started out to be just a quick shoot-and-run mission to find a subject, turned into an extended stay at the fire pit, just hanging out and talking with Crystal and the other people who gathered as the evening went on.  Crystal is not only nice and very pleasant company, but she's quite interesting as well!  She's also a photographer!  She describes her work as abstract.

When I asked Crystal about the happiest thing happened in her life, she told us she's going to school and currently "learning about neuroscience and how it connects to self awareness."  Crystal told us that if we spend 20 minutes a day in thought/reflection/meditation, it improves brain cell function by 30%!  Hopefully my brain cells are working efficiently and I'm reporting this accurately.  Once again, I think it's time to get a recorder if I'm going to be meeting such interesting people!

I asked Crystal if she's performed an act of kindness and she said that she and a friend had just been to Washington Park and she spent time picking up litter.

Day 164 - Sarah and Brian

I met Sarah and Brian, walking down the street.  I spotted them immediately and because they pretty much ooze niceness, I was optimistic they would say yes if I asked them if I could take their picture.  I approached them at the crosswalk and they agreed!  We waited for the light signal to change and I accompanied them across the street.

Sarah and Brian are also both interesting people. I'm getting to meet so many great people in this project!  They just moved to Portland a week ago and I'm happy I got to be a part of the unofficial welcoming committee!

I asked the happiest thing happening in their lives and Sarah responded, "my relationship." She's inspired by her relationship with Brian.  When I asked if she's performed a recent act of kindness, she told me that she had just helped and elderly woman who had spilled out nearly the entire contents of her purse.  Sarah wanted to help the woman but also be respectful of her space and things.  The woman thanked her.

Brian is a performing story teller and he's happy about their move to Portland and hopeful it will be beneficial to his work.  He's another person who I plan to keep an eye out for and hope to catch a performance soon! (You can also learn more about his work here.)   Brian was having trouble thinking of a recent act of kindness in which he's performed but Sarah came in with an assist and explained that he's always doing kind things for her. She was recently sick with a stomach ache and Brian cut up ginger to make a remedy.

Brian and Sarah were both so gentle and nice! Sarah shared her blog with me. If you check it out, you'll discover that she's quite a writer and poet!

I'm wishing Sarah and Brian the best of luck in Portland.

Day 165 - Derek

I first met Derek's dog as she waited for Derek outside of a building.  I visited with her for a few minutes, went inside, and was happy to meet her human when I came out. Since I had already introduced myself to his dog, I figured I should make his acquaintance as well, and ask if I could take his picture.

Derek agreed but he was in a hurry, so I had to be quick!

"I just got married, I play music, I'm a happy man," was Derek's response when I asked about the happiest thing happening in his life.

Day 166 - Brendan

Brendan was another person I met just walking down the street. He caught my attention because of his slight resemblance to Portland's former Mayor, Sam Adams.

The happiest thing happening in Brendan's life are his two kids and his family.

I asked if he's performed a recent act of kindness and he tries to do things all the time, but recently, he had given a few dollars to someone.

Day 167 - Jason David

I had one of my biggest challenges taking Jason David's picture.  He's actually the one who brought it up and we both laughed when I confessed that I had indeed taken more pictures of him than anyone else in the project,  but I did my best to assure him that it was me who was photographically challenged and not him!

Jason had been having a hard day (actually, more like a hard year) and he was having a difficult time shaking it off and it was coming through in the pictures.  I could easily see Jason's sparkle when we were talking, but when I would start to take his picture, he would tense back up again and we just couldn't get a good shot. So, we tried to work with the tension and exaggerate it by trying the squinch.  My timing was off and the attempts at the squinch resulted in him just looking sleepy or just a tad too tough-guy.  I felt bad because he felt bad, but I explained that if I were better skilled, I would know how to help him feel more relaxed.  I was definitely seeing a nice person in front of me, and he was fun and friendly to talk with, but because this is such an awkward situation, we both had to work at it.  I mean, c'mon…you're having a tough day and then some complete stranger asks you if you could take their picture?  That's not uncomfortable or anything!

After all of our shots, I ended up with two favorites. This picture, and a picture in which he was happy and mid-laugh.  I debated which one to show you and after working so hard at creating a happier look, I opted to share this one with you because I like that it had just the right amount edge, and I also see a hint of a resemblance to Russell Crowe.  I know I've been working on not chopping off the tops of people's heads and my gut reaction was to discard this picture. You would think that I would have shared the other picture with you for this very reason alone,  but after studying the work of other actual photographer's, I've discovered they don't all automatically discount a photo just because of a slight head-chopping-off.  I've seen some photographers who even seem to do so intentionally.  It is still my intention to eliminate this from my personal style and I understand that I've contradicted myself in sharing this with you.  I just like and chose this picture, in spite of my error, simply because you can see Jason David is a nice guy, but his look also creates a mood…you just get the feeling that he's pensive.  I also pick up on sort of a musician vibe as well.  Perhaps it's me, but I just look at this picture and wonder what he's thinking about.

I asked Jason David the happiest thing happening in his life right now and although he's experienced some turbulence, he was quick to answer, "my career."  Jason loves his job.  I asked if he's performed a recent act of kindness and he said, "I tip well." He then tried to dismiss this, thinking it didn't really count because it's not something he goes out of his way to do, it is simply a part of his daily life.  We then had a nice discussion that this is actually a great act of kindness and is really one of the ways in which we can do kind things on a daily basis.

Day 168 - Josiah

Josiah was a runner I met on my favorite trail.  A friend from work joined me on my walk this morning and we did 7 miles. This was the longest distance she's ever gone! We did the walk as sort of an assessment so she could decide if she would like to do a half-marathon in April.  (She did excellent by the way, and I think I'm now going to have a new half-marathon buddy.)  We crossed paths with Josiah on the trail. He was impossible not to notice. The guy is fit!

We were under time constraints and I was hoping when we finished that I would be able to quickly find a subject at the trailhead.  Josiah had just finished his run and stretching, so I asked if I could take his picture.

I asked Josiah about the happiest thing happening in his life and he's about to realize a dream, 16 years in the making.  He's always wanted to fly missionaries in third world countries and he's nearly finished with requirements for both piloting and missionary work. He and his wife will be leaving on their first mission soon.

When I asked Josiah if he's performed a recent act of kindness, he couldn't think of anything recent and I told him it was ok, his entire life is about to become an act of kindness.  I think he wished his wife were with him at that moment so I could have asked her that question. He described her as an incredible person who is constantly performing acts of kindness and it's the reason he married her.

Thank you for reading this week! It's great having you as my partners in this project!  Now, I have a question for you…can you think of any new questions that you'd like for me to ask the subjects? I've been so stuck on our two questions and although I feel like I should change things up a bit, I also really enjoy hearing about the happiest thing happening in people's lives. Even if things are difficult for people, the question helps them to identify at least one positive thing happening in their lives. It is my hope that after we're finished with the picture and they're on their way, they reflect on the answer they had given me and even more happy thoughts come to mind, and for a moment, their happiness is multiplied.  I also like to find out about the acts of kindness performed by people because it is my hope that by us learning about the kindness of others, in a tiny little way, we could potentially breed and spread even more kindness.  So, what questions would you like me to ask?  I'd love the questions to be not only interesting and enlightening for us, but also positive for the subjects as well.

If you've been a subject, I give you my sincere appreciation and thanks.  You've made this project happen and I feel honored that you let me take your picture and share it here. I hope you were having fun.  I was, and I thank you for that!

Have a  great week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 23

Hello and thank you for checking in on week 23 of the 365 Day People Picture Project! After several weeks of having at least one subject a week who has been a friend or acquaintance, this week's subjects have all been complete strangers.

Day 155 - Colby

This is Colby.  I met her in the park in Downtown Vancouver. She looked like she was on a mission as she walked through the park with coffee in hand.  I suspected she wouldn't have time to stop for a picture, but I was happily surprised when she agreed.

Colby said, "I just got into a relationship with someone I really like," when I asked about the happiest thing happening in her life.

I asked if she's performed a recent act of kindness and after thinking about it, she said that she recently bought coffee for a friend who didn't have any money.

Day 156 - Two Handsome Police Officers

Do you remember how just last week I was saying that I hoped to get a Police Officer in this project, since we've had EMT's and a Fireman?

I ended up being someplace I wasn't supposed to be and three police officers let me know about it!

Monday, I headed to the MAX Light Rail/Bus stop on 82nd and Halsey, in search of a subject.   I've gone there once before when looking for a subject (remember Tony from Day 96?), and I know it's always a busy place. I wasn't really finding anyone who looked like they might let me take their picture on the upper street-side bus stop, so I descended down the stairs to the MAX platform.  (MAX is Portland's light rail train system.)

As I approached the MAX platform, I could see several uniformed officers.  At first I thought they were Transit Officers, but then I figured out that they were actual Police Officers.  I stopped. Whoa! What's going on here, I wondered.  Unsure if I wanted to venture the rest of the way down to the platform, I noticed that everything was calm and business as usual. I didn't see any sort of situation or drama, so I continued down the rest of the stairs and onto the MAX platform.  At the bottom of the stairs, I was greeted stopped by three officers.

"Do you have your fare?" one officer asked.  I told him I wasn't taking the MAX, that I was actually just looking for someone interesting to take a picture of for my picture project.  He told me that I wasn't allowed on the platform without a paid fare.  I apologized and politely explained that I didn't know that.  Then, even more politely, I asked, "how 'bout you, could I take your picture?" Perhaps I caught him off guard with my question because the smart thing for me to do would have been for me to turn around and head back up the stairs where I was supposed to be.  He sort of chuckled as he declined my request,  but then he suggested that I ask the "handsome guys."  (The officer who declined me was also quite handsome, not that I noticed or anything.)

I did a quick survey of the platform to make sure I wasn't going to be distracting them from their work and decided the timing was perfect. I just went for it!  I asked these two Officers if I could take their picture and they agreed.

So, there I was, trying to direct these two Officers to, "get closer. A little closer, please."  At the time, I was serious and focused on getting a good picture, but looking back at it now, I just have to laugh at myself.  I'm so embarrassed!  I can't even believe I was trying to direct these two!  I'm not sure which I should have found to be more intimidating; that they're beautiful, or that they're police officers!

I quickly snapped a few pictures and then explained that I also had two quick questions if they had the time to spare.  I asked about the happiest thing happening in their lives, and the officer on the left responded, "being young and enjoying each day…."  Then, before he could even finish his answer and before I could ask the other question or even their names, they had to go.  I didn't see what was happening, or about to happen, but our time was up.  The three officers left the area where we had been standing,  joined a few other officers, and I decided I needed to get out of the place where I wasn't even technically supposed to be.

Once again, time with my subjects had been cut short at this particular station. And, once again, I was sad.  As I was leaving, I sent out a little wish (I guess it was actually sort of a little prayer) that the Officers will be safe and protected.

Day 157 - Selene

Tuesday, I decided to look for a subject at a park-and-ride bus stop.  Seems I have the best or worst timing.  Several busses had just pulled away and of course, they had taken all of the potential subjects with them!  I found one group of people still remaining and that's where I met Selene.

Selene had been visiting with another passenger (or friend) when I approached them both to ask if I could take their picture. Her friend volunteered her for the job!

What I hadn't noticed when I approached them,  is that they were standing in the long line to actually board the bus which was already there.  I had to be super quick! So quick, I was only able to take a couple really fast pictures and I didn't even get to ask Selene any questions.

Day 158 - Paul

I met Paul outside of Velo Cult, which I had no idea was so close to my work.  Velo Cult is a Bike Shop, Bar, and Coffee Shop.  I'll definitely be going back there!

When I asked Paul about the happiest thing happening in his life, he responded, "I'm about to go get a beer!"

Paul's recent act of kindness, well, I don't know how to say it…he really was kind when he managed to remain nice to his brand new roommate who accused him of stealing her laptop.  He told me the strange story and he's a pretty nice guy for being able to be calm, even when someone was accusing him of something he didn't do.  His new roommate felt horrible when she found her laptop…right where she left it!

Day 159 - Lillie

This beauty is Lillie.

I've explained before that I don't yet have photoshop or lightroom. The only editing programs I have are iPhoto which just comes on/with the computer, and an app I downloaded from the App Store.  I'm still having a lot of fun experimenting with the two programs I do have.  It's taking all of my restraint not to post about 17 different versions of Lillie's picture!  She's got a pretty amazing look and she looks great in nearly every "effect" I could apply.  Ironically, even though her look goes beautifully with all of the different effects,  my favorite picture was the plain ol' unedited, original photo. I think the original best shows her beauty.  I struggled with which picture to share with you, and although the unedited version was my favorite, I couldn't resist sharing her photo in black & white.  I'm too inexperienced to have developed a style, but whenever I see great texture such as in her hat, hair, and jacket, I'm compelled to go black & white.

Lillie looked like she could have been coming from work or on her way to a fancy party but she was actually on her way to the gym!  She said she had on her gym clothes underneath her dress.

"Going back to school," is the happiest thing happening in Lillie's life.  She's learning to be a grant writer and will work with non-profits.  When I asked Lillie if she's performed a recent act of kindness, she explained this is basically her motivation for going back to school.  She doesn't feel like she's done enough. She considers herself a nice person, but she said she hasn't really done anything extraordinary.   I suspect Lillie is quite extraordinary and when she finishes with school, many people will benefit from her efforts.

Day 160 - Marielle

This is Marielle.  She works at the Nectar Cafe, with Natasha from Day 89.  I met Marielle on Friday evening. It's been a bit of an exhausting week and I coasted into the Nectar Cafe, needing coffee, just like a car running on fumes coasts into a gas station.

Marielle filled me up and was nice enough to also let me take her picture.  Marielle thought about it for a moment when I asked about the happiest thing happening in her life, and then she shared that it was a very happy day for Nectar Cafe!  Their coffee was just picked up by a co-op/shop, so good things are happening for Marielle and Natasha!

I also asked Marielle if she's performed a recent act of kindness.  She said that always tries to hold kindness with her, and then explained she's a person who does her giving in secret.  I didn't want to pry.  There have been times when I've done kind things that I've never told anyone about, so I totally understand her philosophy of giving in secret.

Marielle is a kind person. I thought I left my wallet at the shop and when I returned, she was in the process of closing but she still helped me to look around.  We couldn't find it anywhere so I was hoping I had just hidden it from myself inside my giant purse/camera bag. Sure enough, that's where I found it!  I was relived and finally able to enjoy my much needed coffee.  Which, by the way, was the best cup of coffee I've ever had. (Sorry, Debbie.)

Day 161 - Rick

Rick had just finished running 7 miles when I asked if I could take his picture.  I remembered that had we crossed paths on the trail and that he was friendly, so I was optimistic that he was going to say yes.

When I asked Rick the happiest thing happening in his life, he said, "I'm just happy to be alive."  He went on to say that he's intimate with his higher power and that no matter what life throws at him, he knows he's not alone.

I laughed at Rick's answer when I asked if he's performed a recent act of kindness, "I put the toilet seat down for my wife," he joked.  (I know my husband is going to read this and will once again open up the debate that if I were kind, I'd put the seat up for him!) Yes indeed. This is a great act of kindness and one often overlooked.

Rick recently started Master Builder Ministries and you can read more about his work and program here.

If you're reading this and you've been a subject in this challenge, thank you!  If we were pressed for time and I didn't get the opportunity to thank you properly, I just want you to know that I appreciate your kindness and that you allowed me to take your picture.  Thank you.

Thank you for following along in this project! I hope you're having as much fun meeting these people as I'm having introducing them to you.

Wishing you a great week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 21

Happy New Year! The start of 2014 closes week 21 of the 365 Day People Picture Project.  Thank you for following along!  It's funny when I think back to the start of this project - it started on a random Sunday, August 11th.  Had I waited till the start of the new year to start the project, which I considered for a split second, this would have been week 1.

I didn't make any resolutions to share with you, but I've made a big change.  It's more like a New Year's declaration than a resolution.

Have you noticed that I've said, "I'm not a photographer" probably 21 times in the last 21 weeks?  I've decided that I'm not going to say that anymore.  By refusing to embrace the "photographer" title, I've been giving myself an excuse to remain exactly where I am, and an excuse not to improve.  Hey, you can't expect me to take a good picture if "I'm not a photographer."   With the help of a new friend and the haunting words of an old friend, I decided that the only way I'm going to improve, is if I accept and embrace the title of "photographer."

I reached this decision last night.  I met my new friend Scott, from day 83, to find a subject for the day.  I overheard him describing this project to someone and when talking with that person, he referred to me as a photographer, working on an art project.  I cringed!  This is not the first time he's said that but it's just so hard for me to accept.  I've half-heartedly tried to embrace the title and I definitely like the sound of it, but I just can't take my own medicine!  When Scott denied the title of "artist," I encouraged him to own it, but I've been unwilling to do the same.

On my way home last night, my thoughts drifted and my mind replayed a conversation I had with a friend years ago.  That old friend (the friend who inspired this post) and I had been talking about a writing contest that I was afraid to enter.  The friend had finally grown tired of listening to me talk about writing, but never actually writing. He said, "you know the only difference between you and all the writers who enter the contest - they write and you don't!  You talk about writing but you don't write."  He went on to simultaneously scold and encourage me with more simple brilliance and although I can't remember word for word, he said something like; to be a writer, you just have to do one thing - write.  You may be a shitty writer, but at least you can call yourself a writer.  It's better to be a shitty writer than it is to be someone who just sits around wishing they could be a writer. If you want to be a writer, write. If you're a shitty writer, get better.

With the words of two friends swirling around in my head, I made the decision:  I take pictures. I'm a photographer.  I may be a shitty photographer right now, but I am a photographer and I will get better.

Day 141 - Ryan

I saw Ryan sitting outside the mall on Sunday evening and I actually passed him by.  I was having a challenging day finding a subject and I think I was feeling a little defeated because even though I liked his form, I just continued driving past him.

I came to my senses, parked my car and walked back to find him. I thought he would be gone by time I reached the area but he was still there.

When I approached Ryan, he agreed to let me take his picture right away, but then he was concerned he would look upset.  He had been waiting for someone and was starting to get both annoyed and concerned that the person hadn't shown. I assured him he didn't look mad.

I asked Ryan the happiest thing happening in his life and he replied that he's "trying to start a clothing line."  I asked who he's working with and explained that I work for a screen printer.  I think we both thought it was more than a coincidence that I just happened to randomly stop to take his picture.  He told me who he's been working with and although I've heard decent things about the shop, I still told him where I work.

When I asked Ryan if he's recently performed an act of kindness, he gave me quite the look!  I couldn't tell what he was thinking! It turned out to be another big coincidence, as he was trying to perform an act of kindness at that very moment.   He explained that he was there,  waiting for someone whom he had just offered to help.   He told the person where and when to meet him, but they never showed.  I could tell Ryan was upset and concerned for that person.  He did his best to reach out his hand to someone in need, but the person who needed the help just didn't reach back.

Day 142 - Anonymous Girl at Sam's Billiards

I surprised this girl when I approached her to ask for her picture. She didn't think she was picture-worthy but I insisted she was.

I've learned during this project that glasses are my nemesis.  I'm constantly battling glare, reflection, and how they sit on people's faces.  Being inexperienced, I mostly lose the battle.  I've just recently learned to ask people if they would be willing to take off their glasses.  Actually, it may have been after this picture that I realized I need to ask people to remove or reposition their glasses.  I  love her look but I wish that I had been a tiny bit lower, or asked her to reposition her glasses just a tiny bit higher, so that we could see her pretty eyes.  I get frustrated with my mistakes, but I understand I need to make them in order to improve.

"Living in Portland," is the happiest thing going on in Anonymous Girl at Sam's life.

Day 143 - Shelly

This is Shelly and she was the last person of 2013!  We're both from the same small Southern Oregon town and we actually went to High School together.  Unknowingly, we've ended up living about a mile away from each other in the same town, over 250 miles from where we came.  Were it not for Facebook, we probably would have never known we were so close!

Shelly is pretty amazing.  She's both a student and teacher of the Law of Attraction.  She publishes a blog on the subject and she's even written an e-book, "Happy Change Life."  Shelly keeps busy writing, blogging,  being a mom and managing her ebay store, Cherry Picker Boutique.  Her job sounds like so much fun but I realize it must be a lot of work.  I know that she's often out treasure-hunting for inventory for Cherry Picker Boutique.

I understand the foundation of the Law of Attraction is that basically; our thoughts become reality, so keep our thoughts good ones.  Shelly lives this!  In the 3+ years that we've been Facebook friends, everything she says is positive!  It's refreshing and inspiring.

Not only is Shelly's positivity inspiring, but if there's something she wants to do, she just does it.  She's also currently studying to get her real estate license and working on a novel. I know she's the type of person who will actually finish it! "Writing my book is giving me the most pleasure in life," is what Shelly said when I asked the happiest thing going on right now.

When I asked Shelly if she's performed an act of kindness, she responded that she gives money to a homeless couple - this happens to be the same homeless couple that Megan just gave her meals to last week!

Shelly has encouraged me since day one of this blog. It's been nice having a friend cheer me along and I appreciate her and her support.  I'm so glad she agreed to let me take her picture and close out the year! (Shelly, thank you for being in this project! Your support means a great deal to me!)

Day 144 - Mary, My Sister-in-Law

I had a great surprise on New Year's Eve!  I learned my brother and sister-in-law would be in town for the night so we made plans to meet for breakfast on New Year's Day.   I don't see my family often enough, so it was great to be able to see my brother twice in a week and a half, and this time, I also got to see Mary too!  Although our visits have been short both times, my little heart gets a much-needed fill-up when I do see my family.

When I was little, I didn't really understand the "in-law" of sister-in-law.  I always just thought of Mary as my sister. Although I'm older and I now know the difference between a sister and a sister-in-law, my heart doesn't distinguish the difference.

We had a nice New Year's Day breakfast and spent some more time catching up and visiting, but this time I remembered to ask Mary about the happiest thing going on in her life.  "The commitment to the change that I've decided to make - I'm encouraged to be more Christ-like in every situation and to be filled with spirit, love, peace and joy," is the answer Mary gave.  We went on to have a good conversation where she elaborated that she wants to be more Christ-like in her life and interactions, not just when she's at church.

Mary - thank you for letting me take your picture and being in this project and most importantly, I'm glad you're my Sister-in-Law Sister.  I love you.

Day 145 - Rachelle

I met Rachelle waiting at the bus stop.  It was another race to take her picture before the bus arrived.  I'm disappointed in myself because I didn't do as good of a job as I should have.   Rachelle had also told me that she didn't think she was picture-worthy.  It's obvious that she is quite picture-worthy and a beautiful girl, but I really wanted to take a fabulous picture; one that she would love so much, she would never say those words again. But, on the bright side, I think I proved the point anyway.  She's so picture-worthy, it can't even be hidden in my poor execution of the photo.

"Being able to restart," is the answer Rachelle gave when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life.  Diet and exercise are important in her life and a new year is definitely a new start for us all.

When I asked if she's recently performed an act of kindness, she explained that she likes to do small things every day because it makes her a better person.

Day 146 - Jeff

This is Jeff and I met him at Out-a-Bounds. (Anne and Scott's Cheer's.)  It took some encouragement from Jeff's girlfriend and from Scott, but he agreed to let me take his picture.

This is actually the most cropped photo I've ever posted on the project.  I could be mistaken, but I think I've actually only cropped 2-3 pictures so far.  If you're a photographer, you might be saying, "yeah, I can tell!"  (There's several that could have benefitted from being cropped.)

One of the first lessons I've been able to grasp when learning about photography, is to minimize the amount of cropping done in post.  The pros suggest that you learn to compose a picture properly to begin with, so that you don't have to do so later.  If you can train yourself to compose a shot properly, you'll train yourself to have a better eye and you'll be a better photographer.  Of course, there are times when this is unavoidable and there isn't a rule against it, but it's one thing I've tried to be diligent about because even with my lack of knowledge, this is one skill that I've been able to work on since the first day I got my camera.  No matter what your skill level and no matter what you know and don't know about your camera's operation, this is one skill that you can work on from the minute you first pick up a camera.   I sort of blew it on this one, but I knew at the time that I was blowing it.  Jeff was standing to the side of a dry cleaner business and although I knew the awful and distracting window signage was in the background, Jeff looked awesome!  Although I accidentally make this mistake quite frequently, this is one time that I knowingly took the shot with the intention that I could always crop it later.  Jeff and I moved to a different spot after this picture, but this was still my favorite picture because of his eyes.

I asked Jeff the happiest thing happening in his life and he said, "I'm really happy the holidays are over."

Jeff works at a care facility, so he performs acts of kindness every day!

Day 147 - Cyclist 

I met this man at the trailhead of my favorite lake trail.  I had just finished a little 7 mile walk and he was taking a half-way-there break from his ride.  Like a waitress, I approached him just as he had taken a giant bite of a protein bar, but he agreed to be day 147 just as soon as he finished chewing.

I love to watch people's faces when I ask them about the happiest thing happening in their lives. Some people answer right away and other people really take their time in forming the answer. I secretly hope to myself that they have so many happy things going on in their life, that they're trying to figure out which is the happiest.  On the flip side, I also appreciate that perhaps things aren't so happy but they're working really hard to think of something positive to say.  When I asked the cyclist about the happiest thing in his life, he responded after much thought, "that my son is doing well in the air force."

I asked the cyclist if he's recently performed an act of kindness and he thought for a while and then said that he's not the most generous person in the world in that he doesn't give away everything he owns, but he tries to do little things all the time.

I wanted to share another picture of the lake along which my favorite little trail runs.  I met the cyclist at the start of this trail. This is actually from last week, but I forgot to share it with you then.

Thank you for sharing in this project and for spending time with me and all of the subjects so far.  It's nice having you along!

If you've been a subject in this project, thank you!  Although our interaction was brief, every one of you has made an impact on my life and I appreciate you.

I'm just a little curious - has the start of the new year inspired you to start a project of your own?

Wishing you a great week and a year filled with happiness and acts of kindness.

Thank you!