365 More People Pictures - Week 39

Hello! Thank you for stopping by to check out week 39 of the 365 More People Pictures project.

I've been taking a picture of a person, every single day, for the past 653 days. I'm not a photographer.  I completed my first 365 Day Challenge and loved it so much, I just couldn't stop.  I post each daily picture to Instagram and then post the summary of the week here on the blog.  I've fallen behind here on the blog and will catch up eventually, but if you'd like to follow along daily, my instagram username is @missellana.

Aunt Nancy

In real time, I just returned from a trip to my hometown to attend the funeral of my Aunt Nancy.  You met my Aunt Nancy in last year's project.

When I took this picture of my Aunt Nancy, I didn't know at the time, that it would be the very last time I saw her.  I'm so grateful for the moment we spent taking this picture and talking with one another.   Were it not for this project, I know I would have missed the opportunity to share in this special moment .  Our conversation would have been different, were it not for the questions in this project.

The most beautiful photo slide show played at Nancy's service.  Seeing her life, captured in photographs, reminded me of so many good times, and also introduced me to her life as a young woman, before some of my cousins were even born...her life, before our lives.

If I had known this was our last time together, I would have asked more questions. I would have hugged her a little tighter. I would have told her again how very much I loved her.  I would have thanked her for being our family's rock, our glue.  I would have told her that her's was a life that mattered.

Thank you,  Aunt Nancy.  Thank you for your love and strength.

Day 266 - R.J.

This is R.J.  We met at the bus stop.

We only had time for one question before R.J.'s " bus arrived.

"God is good," R.J. answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Thank you, R.J.

Day 267 - Tim

This is Tim. We met on the street.

When I asked Tim the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he answered, "leaving a bad job."  After talking with Tim for a few moments, I got the impression that he actually just left his job, as in, just minutes or hours earlier.  When he answered, it was as though the realization hit him that he was truly happy about his decision, even though it was probably a difficult and scary one to make.

Tim's recent act of kindness is that he's been helping his neighbor, an elderly woman, who had a broken foot.

Tim is an animator and he moved from LA to Portland.  When I asked his life's purpose, he answered, "to take my art and make it talk and move within a year."  We talked about animation prospects here in Portland and I'm hoping he'll land his dream job.  We joked that that these questions could help get him in interview mode.

"Being able to talk to anyone from the janitor to the president," Tim answered, when I asked something about himself which he considers to be a success.

You can check out Tim's work here.  One of my favorites is the set of adult Valentines!

Wishing you the best of luck, Tim.

Day 268 - Joshua

This is Joshua.  We met outside Hollywood Theater.  He was just so nice!

"Just this...today," Joshua answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Joshua's recent act of kindness is that he helped his co-workers, who weren't getting properly noticed, not only get recognition, but he also helped them to get promotions!

"To experience and enjoy life while we're here," Joshua answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Joshua something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he responded, "really enjoying life all the time."

I felt Joshua's energy and enthusiasm in just the few moments we hung out. I got the feeling that he was actually really having fun in that moment, and after we finished, it felt like he was going to move onto the next thing and enjoy it completely.  He's an in-the-moment kinda guy.  Wish I could be more like that!

Thank you, Joshua.

Day 269 - Omar

This is Omar.  We met at Starbucks.  Again, I just invited myself to join him at his table after he agreed to let me take his picture for the project.  His girlfriend joined us soon after I sat down, and we must have visited and talked for a good half-hour or longer.  I learned so much from them both, nearly all of which I can't/won't share due to Omar's circumstances.

"My family is safe," Omar answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Omar is currently in the U.S. as a student, but the rest of his family is still in Iraq.  Omar is a poet and public figure on youtube, which is part of the reason he was forced to flee from Iraq.

Omar's recent act of kindness is that he helped his brother to get married.

"To help people, be nice, and do something good," Omar answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

Thank you for being in this project, Omar.  Wishing you success and peace.

Day 270 - Nickolaus

This is Nickolaus.  We met on the street.  I kinda love Nickolaus' unicorn hair do.

The happiest thing happening in Nickolaus' life is that he had just made travel plans to visit friends.

Nickolaus' recent act of kindness is that he let me take his picture. On the receiving end, his employer is letting him take the time off to travel to visit his friends.

"To travel and see as much of this planet as I can while I'm here, and to experience as much as I can while I'm here," Nickolaus answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Nicholas something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he was having a hard time answering.  He pointed out the exact reason why I ask this question.  Nickolaus explained that he spends so much time being hard on himself that it was hard for him to identify something positive.  We joked about his beard and his hair style being a success, but I pushed for an answer, citing the very same reason he was having trouble thinking of one.  After much consideration, Nickolaus replied, "I'm an excellent house-keeper!"  Nickolaus said that his kitchen floor, sink and counters are spotless!

Thank you, Nickolaus.

Day 271 - Karmella and Gangsta

This is Karmella and Gangsta.  Is it just me, or does Gangsta have the cutest little old man face ever?

Karmella was on  her way to class, so we only had time for one question.

"To make an impact," Karmella said, when I asked her life's purpose.

Thank you, Karmella.

Day 272 - Colin

This is Colin.  We met at the park in downtown Vancouver.

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

Colin was recently on the receiving end of an act of kindness when he discovered that his lunch tab had been paid for, secretly,  by a friend he had bumped into at the restaurant.

"To do good or to do better, and to make sure the next day is better than the last," Colin answered, when I asked his life's purpose/personal mission statement.

When I asked Colin something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered that it was his job as a cook.  Some of his customers compliment him and tell him they come in to eat, specifically on days they know he's working.

I enjoyed talking with Colin.  We continued talking long after we were finished with the questions.  Again, I was just so thankful to this project for providing me with opportunities to talk with people who I would have otherwise never had the opportunity to meet.  Each person has touched my life in some way.

Thank you, Colin.

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

• God is good
• To take my art and make it talk and move within a year.
• To experience and enjoy life while we're here.
• To help people, be nice, and do something good
• To travel and see as much of this planet as I can while I'm here, and to experience as much as I can while I'm here.
• To make an impact.
• To do good or to do better, and to make sure the next day is better than the last.

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

365 More People Pictures - Week 37

Hello and thank you for stopping by to check out week 37 of the 365 More People Pictures project. Happy Mother's Day to everyone who nurtures.  And Mom, thank you for being the best mom.  I didn't make it easy for you.  I love you, and appreciate everything you do, and all that you are.

Day 252 - Laura

This is Laura. We met at the park.

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

When I asked Laura if she's recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she explained she was actually the recipient of an act of kindness right then.  Her Mother-in-Law was watching her youngest so she was able to be out for a while.

"To be a Mom...I think I knew that since I was little," Laura answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

When I asked Laura something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she said that she didn't really feel like she was there yet.  "I feel like I'm not done with school, not working...I'm just a Mom."

I've been thinking about Laura, and noticed that we have a tendency, when identifying our successes, to consider only past or completed achievements.  Some of our greatest successes are actually happening in the present.  A success isn't always a past accomplishment. Some of our greatest successes are simply the way we live currently and that which we're currently striving to achieve.  Finishing a marathon isn't so much about race day when you set out to do 26.2 miles and cross that finish line - it's about the months of training that you put in before that day.  The success isn't that you completed 26.2 miles, crossed a finish line and earned a medal.  Race day is more like thousands of people getting together in celebration of their months and months of successful training.  We can place so much value on crossing the finish line, that we  forget to celebrate that which got us to the start line.

Thank you, Laura.  You're a living success. You're a Mom.

Day 253 - Andy

This is Andy.  We met on the street. I could tell he was in a hurry, but he stopped to let me take his picture and quickly answer the questions.

"My kids," Andy said, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Andy's recent act of kindness was that he reached out to a relative.

"Fulfillment," Andy answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Andy something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "balance."

Thank you, Andy.

Day 254 - John

This is John.  We met walking down the street.

The happiest thing happening in John's life right now is that he's getting married in September.

John's recent act of kindness is that he mowed and aerated his elderly neighbor's lawn.  John is about the sweetest neighbor ever.  I wish all elders could have a next door neighbor as nice as John.

"To help others," John answered, when I asked his life's purpose.  John is currently going to school to become a doctor.  A Carhartt-wearing, lawn-aerating, neighborly doctor is pretty much the best kind of doctor in the world.  I think John is going on to do great things and help many people.

"My ability to put others at ease," John answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, John.  Best wishes to you.

Day 255 - Justine

This is Justine.   We met walking down the street. She looked a little lost, but I found her.

The happiest thing happening in her life right now is her new job being a Nanny for a family she really likes and enjoys.

Justine's recent act of kindness is that she helped her overwhelmed roommate by doing her dishes. Justine knows how busy her roommate is currently, and she's been doing extra chores to help her roommate however she can. "It's small," Justine minimized.  But to her roomie, it's probably a huge relief!

"I'm just figuring myself out," Justine answered, when I asked her life's purpose or personal mission statement.  Like Justine, I think we're all just trying to figure ourselves out.

"I made it here from New Jersey," Justine answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Have you noticed how many people we've met who have just completely uprooted and started a brand new life for themselves?  It takes a grand sense of adventure and faith to make such a bold move.  I'm inspired by Justine and everyone like her.

After we were finished, I asked Justine if she was lost, explaining she appeared to have been looking for something when I approached her.  She said she was looking for the shoe repair shop.     I walk by there every day and two of the guys have been subjects in this project, so I knew exactly where she wanted to go.  I walked with Justine down to the shop where we said our good-byes and well-wishes.

Thank you, Justine.

Day 256 - Johnny D.

This is Johnny D.  we met at Mt. Tabor Park.

I regretted not having a recorder.  Johnny D's answers were all so poetic, but there was no way I could keep up to him with just a pen and journal.  He was special, and so articulate, I wish I could have done a better job of capturing his words.

"Music - inspirational music with great friends," Johnny D. said, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked Johnny D. if he's recently performed an act of kindness, he answered, "I try to practice intentional and random acts of kindness."  Johnny D. explained that he's a "professional philanthropist, environmentalist, and justice activist."  Johny D.'s life's work, his job, is actually performing kindness.   "I'm just trying to make the world a better place," Johnny D. added.  Wow!

"To lovingly and ingeniously activate people to consciously celebrate, and make the world a better place through play,"  Johnny D. said, is his personal mission statement.

When I asked Johnny D. something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "the ability to balance wonderful extremes: work & play, discipline & improvisation, focus and release, and being able to dance with equipoise between the two."

Johnny D. is the kind of person with whom you just want to talk with for hours and hours.

Thank you for all you do, Johnny D.  Thank you.

Day 257 - Patrick

This is Patrick.

"Meeting my goal physique," Patrick answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Patrick was recently on the receiving end of an act of kindness when the person in line ahead of him at a coffee shop, bought his coffee.

"Travel," Patrick said, is his life's purpose.

Something about himself which he considers to be a success, is that he graduated college in 4 years.

Thank you, Patrick.

Day 258 - Buggsy and Ozzy.

This is Gary, but his friends call him Buggsy.  He was out walking his dog when we met.  His dog, I would guess to be a Bichon Frise, is named Ozzy. "After Ozzy Osbourne," Buggsy said. Buggsy is one of the few people who actually talked to me first.  He said hello as I walked near his direction, remarked about my camera and told me I would get lots of great pictures in the park.  Instead of continuing onto the park which is where I was headed when I met Buggsy and Ozzy, I explained the project and asked Buggsy if I could take his picture.  Buggsy was just an absolutely charming person.

"Being able to walk my dog, my health, and being able to say hi to people like you," Buggsy answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked Buggsy if he's recently performed an act of kindness or been on the receiving end of kindness, he said that he enjoys meeting people.  He often walks downtown near the park and talks with homeless people. He tries to help them in ways that will keep them healthy and moving in a direction to help their lifestyle.  Buggsy said that he's aware he can't change their lifestyle, but he can help provide direction.

Buggsy then added that on the receiving end, he receives love and kindness from people.  As we were talking, Buggsy said hello to every person who walked by.  I gathered that he knew several people, and those he didn't, he greeted anyway, just as he had greeted me.  Buggsy gives so much kindness, if he receives back only a fraction of all that he gives, he would be a very rich man.  Rich in love and kindness.

"To be honest, fair and kind. I've done that in business and throughout my life in general," Buggsy said, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Buggsy something about himself which he considers to be a success, he dismissed success in business and said that his greatest success was his marriage of 44 years. His wife recently passed away, and now Buggsy and Ozzy are now doing their best to continue on without her.

Buggsy is another great and kind soul and I'm so glad this project has led me to meet so many beautiful people.  When we were finished, we said goodbye with a handshake and we both left with tears in our eyes. Well, I know I had tears in my eyes and I'm pretty sure Buggsy did too.  He repeatedly thanked me for visiting with him and taking his picture.  There was nothing I could say to make him realize that it was I who was grateful and thankful for him.

Thank you, Buggsy.  Thank you for being you.

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

• To be a Mom
• Fulfillment.
• To help others.
• I'm just figuring myself out.
• To lovingly and ingeniously activate people to consciously celebrate, and make the world a better place through play.
• Travel.
• To be honest, fair and kind.

Thank you to each and every subject in the project, and to you for following along.

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 More People Pictures - Week 24

Hello! Thank you for checking out week 24 of the 365 More People Pictures project!

Remember, if you'd like to follow along daily on Instagram, my username is: @missellanea.

Day 161 - Garret & Bella

This is Garret & Bella.

I waited until after the game to go out in search of a subject and I knew it was going to be a challenge to find someone in downtown Vancouver. Everyone would be at home or in a bar celebrating the Seahawks NFC Championship win!  After wandering around for a while, I finally spotted Garret.  Ok, really, I spotted Bella and after admiring her, I noticed she also had a nice-looking human at the end of her leash.

The happiest thing happening in Garret's life right now is that he's moving to Austin soon!  He's transferring there for his work.

I asked Garret if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Garret's first visit to Austin left him feeling like he's been on the receiving end of kindness.  Garret said that in Austin, you can be walking down the street and people will greet you and ask how you are, and they really mean it!  They have a genuine interest in how you're doing. Garret feels like he's already made friends there.

"Try everything once," Garret answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

When I asked Garret something about himself which he considers to be a success, he answered that it was the advancements that he's made at his job.  Garret started from the bottom and worked his way up. He said he started, literally, sweeping floors, and now he's made such progress, his employer is transferring him to Texas!  Way to go, Garret! Wishing you luck and success in Austin!

I was bummed about the pictures.  I had two adorable subjects, but just didn't manage to show you that.  One downside of this project is that because the original challenge was to have a continuous 365 day streak of taking a picture of a person, every single day, I sometimes often end up posting pictures that I don't love.  Garett is quite good-looking, almost strikingly so, but I failed at conveying that to you.

There have been times I've felt like I've done a bad job of conveying a person's something-special.  Sometimes, I even manage to make a very attractive person look less-attractive than what they really are.

What I learned in the workshop I attended a couple weekends ago, is that we shouldn't show our "bad" pictures to the world.  When I start a new project or new blog, I will do just that. It will be a carefully and deliberately selected collection of images and I will only show, what I think, is my best work.  This project/challenge is a little unique, however, because of the added pressure to go for a continuous 365 Day Streak.  In order to maintain the streak, I've had to share "reality" with you.  I've had to share that some days I can do better than others. You've seen my entire one-step-forward-two-steps-back process.  Although I cringe when I have to post something I don't love, for now, it's ok. It's like you're right along with me and helping me through the learning process.

Day 162 - Bob

This is Bob.

"This...just getting my picture taken," Bob said, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Bob actually has some exiting things happening as he's getting a re-start in life.

I asked Bob if he's recently performed an act of kindness and he said that he had just given money to a street kid at a bus stop downtown.

Bob didn't have a personal mission statement but he's definitely a man on a mission!  Bob wants to be healed enough to start his job search and start working a new job, and then when he finds a new job, he wants to buy a car.  Bob then joked that when he's accomplished that, "then, I'll be looking for a woman."  I liked Bob so much, I called my Mom after meeting him and told her that if she moved up here, I'd "allow" her to date Bob.

When I asked Bob something about himself which he considers to be a success, he answered, "raising 5 kids, pretty much, successfully."  When I questioned his use of the phrase, "pretty much," Bob explained that he had a Son whose life was way too short. He died at age 27, but it was 27 years longer than they expected.  His son battled for his life since birth and they didn't know if he'd even make it out of the hospital when he was born.  Bob's son spent quite a while in the hospital.  Bob and his wife lived close to an hour away from the hospital and Bob would work all day, then he and his wife would drive into Portland, in his old truck, and stay with his Son as long as they could before going home and repeating the journey again the next day.  Looking back, they didn't know how they did it but they just made it through.

Thank you for sharing yourself, Bob. Wishing you good health and good luck on your job, car and lady search.

Day 163 - Heath

This is Heath.  He had barely parked his bike and taken off his helmet when I approached to ask if I could take his picture.

"My relationship is so good...my life is really good," Heath answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Heath's recent act of kindness is that he helped a woman to expand her non-profit organization by networking and connecting her with a friend.  Way to go, Heath!

When I asked Heath if he has a personal mission statement, he answered that he has a personal outlook which he adheres to - "to be grateful for what I have."  Heath then remarked that he feels like he has a lot for which to be grateful!  I mentioned to Heath that what little I've read about positivity and the laws of attraction, is that the simple act of gratitude attracts even more abundance.  When we appreciate and are grateful for what we have, we attract even more for which to be grateful.  Heath said it's working!

When I asked Heath something about himself which he considers to be a success, he explained that he's overcome failures and instead of creating barriers, he's opened new doors.

Thank you, Heath!

Day 164 - Sheari

This is Sheari. We met at the bus stop.  Sheari was so sweet.  We weren't quite finished with the interview when the bus arrived but Sheari decided to skip that bus and just catch the next one.  I couldn't believe that she was willing to do that!  I'm glad she did though, she was a genuinely kind person and I'm glad we met.

The happiest thing happening in Sheari's life right now is that she's about to move to LA!

When I asked Sheari if she's recently performed an act of kindness, she explained that she works in social services.  Sheari's life is devoted to serving others.  It's her hope that when she moves to LA, she'll be able to work with and serve the people who need it most - skid row.

"To leave the world a little bit better than I came into it," Sheari answered, when I asked if she has a personal mission statement.  You're already doing that, Sheari!

When I asked Sheari something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "my independence." Sheari left her small town and her Country to pursue her passion helping others.

Thank you, Sheari!  You're making a difference.

Day 165 - Jules

This is Jules.

He was part of a crew filming near my work.  I was a little nervous about marching onto a set to see if I could find someone to be in the project, but since they were taking up practically an entire block, they couldn't expect that people wouldn't need to walk through the area.  Remembering that I had just spent an entire weekend learning to be more confident, I decided to just go for it!  Plus, I was hoping they were filming Grimm and that I'd get a glimpse of some of the action.  (Jules told me it was a commercial but considering the huge production, I wonder if he was just telling me that to keep things a bit of a secret.)

When I asked Jules the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he answered, "my career is picking up!"

Jules' recent act of kindness is that he gave a friend her big break by getting her into the industry.

Jules' personal mission statement is: "Work to learn. Learn to play. Play to live."

When I asked Jules something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "my community."  Jules clarified, his community of friends.

Jules has a really good squinch!  It was actually cool to look back through the photos and see what a difference it made when he squinched.  I gave up trying to direct everyone to squinch because it's really hard, and some people just can't do it at first.  And, often times we would end up laughing so much that it became a distraction.  But, I could tell Jules had squinch in him.  I didn't even have to go through the whole spiel about a squinch.  I think Jules must have heard of it before because all I had to do was demonstrate a squinch, and ask him to raise just his lower eye-lids, but not to the point where he would look like he was glaring or mad at me.  He nailed it!  I love it when I'm able to contribute some direction because then it feels like we actually created the image together.  I didn't take a picture, we created it.

Thank you, Jules.

Day 166 - Shawn

This is Shawn.  We also met at the bus stop.

"I have a really good job that I like," Shawn answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  In a really strange coincidence, Shawn and Sheari are co-workers!  The world is definitely getting smaller.

Shawn's recent act of kindness was a bit of a surprise.  Shawn recently put out a fire on the patio of a bar/restaurant!  The bucket they have set out for cigarette butts caught on fire.  He explained this was the second time he had seen this happen there, so he was calm and knew exactly what to do.

Shawn's personal mission statement is a quote by Kurt Vonnegut:  "The wreckers against the builders, there's the whole story of life."

When I asked Shawn something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "I'm legitimately happy."  Shawn recognizes that he truly happy with life and knows that not many people can say that.

I was so glad to have met both Shawn and Sheari.  They work for an organization which I've intended to check out for a few years and after meeting them both in a matter of a few days, I've recognized it as a sign that I need to attend and participate in some of the community events they offer.  Meeting Shawn was also like meeting a friend who I should have had in my life all along.

Thank you, Shawn!

Day 167 - Tabatha

This is Tabatha.  She was on break from her job inside the mall when I approached to ask if I could take her picture.

"I got a job," Tabatha answered enthusiastically, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

When I asked Tabatha if she's recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she said that she's been on the receiving end of kindness. Tabatha explained that she's received a lot of help from her friends recently; one friend is letting her stay at their house, and another friend got her the job she has now.  I hoped to encourage her a little by telling her that her friend must believe in her to recommend her for a job.  I have no doubt Tabatha is doing great, judging from as much enthusiasm and appreciation she has for her job.

"I want to do good and help others," Tabatha answered, when I asked if she has a personal mission statement.  Tabatha then asked me if that's what everyone says.  Everything else aside, no matter how the words are packaged, the answer is yes.  One of the most common objectives of everyone in this project boils down to this one statement.  We are all the same - we want to do good and help others.  We're all connected in this way.

When I asked Tabatha something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "I'm very family oriented. I'm the glue that holds my family together."  Wishing you and your family lots of love and happiness.  It's a tough job, being glue.

Thank you, Tabatha.

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

• Try everything once.
• To be grateful for what I have.
• To leave the world a little bit better than I came into it. 
• Work to learn. Learn to play. Play to live.
• "The wreckers against the builders, there's the whole story of life."  
• I want to do good and help others.

Thank you for following along another week, and thank you to every subject in this project. If you'd like a copy of your picture, please don't hesitate to email me.

Thank you!

365 More People Pictures - Week 6

Hello!  We're finished with week 6 of The 365 More People Pictures Project.  If this is your first visit, you may have gathered from the title that this is my second year-long challenge to myself to take a picture of a person, every day, for an entire year. If you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram username is  @missellanea.

Day 35 - Trent

This is Trent.  He helps out at Ambiance Tan & Espresso, and you've already met some of his family in last year's project.  And no, I didn't have a mexican mocha this day so I was unable to determine Trent's place in the "who makes the best mexican mocha" rankings.  This is actually a good thing because I think I accidentally ignited a pretty fierce competition.

"Having a baby soon," Trent responded, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Trent if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he said that someone helped him to get a really good job.

"To be a good Dad," Trent answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

I asked Trent something about himself which he considers to be a success and he answered, "I have a career."

Trent's picture was taken late afternoon, during the harsh mid-day sun.  For some reason, I've struggled with the lighting every time I've taken somebody's picture there, so this time we went outside and I found the least sunny area I could find. Or, so I thought.  I hadn't sat down to prepare Trent's photo for instagramming until right before my bedtime and as soon as I saw the pictures, I was in a panic.  I screwed up.  Not only had I ruined the pictures, but I was in my pajamas and couldn't even imagine getting dressed to go back out into the world to find a new subject.  Plus, I really wanted to include Trent to complete the Ambiance Tan & Espresso family and team.

I did all I could do to rescue the photo in Lightroom, which isn't much because I only know the bare basics.  Trent is a handsome fella and a forgiving eye could look past my mistakes and see a nice young man, even in spite of my technical flaws.  The pros say to never publish anything but your best work.   Well, the upside of not being a pro, or being so inexperienced that I still can't even call myself a "photographer," is that I've shared it all with you.  In sharing both my mistakes and my good days, you can see that it's a constant process of learning.

You can make thousands of mistakes and then every once in a while, among the thousands of bad or just-ok pictures, you will discover that you've created something beautiful.

Photography, just like life, is a constant state of ebbs and flows.  I was making improvement for a while, until I wasn't.  I finally broke out of the slump and found my flow, and then I found myself swimming against the current once again.  Just when you think you're getting the hang of things, something happens to remind you that you still have a lot to learn and that you shouldn't ever get too comfortable.

In trying to educate myself on photography, I view thousands of beautiful images a week, created by both unknown and well-known photographers. It's enough to make a girl feel completely embarrassed for her sometimes-laughable attempts at photography.  Then I remind myself that they're not showing anything less than their best work.  I share every step and misstep in the process of teaching myself how to take a picture...how to create an image.  Everyone struggles.  Everyone makes mistakes.  Everyone is a beginner at some point.  Learn from those who are more skilled than you.  Don't let the work of others discourage you. Let the work of others inspire you to grow and improve.

Day 36 - Matt

This is Matt.  He was walking down the sidewalk when we met.

"My work in the Theatre," Matt answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Matt is a writer and director.

I asked Matt if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that he recently suffered a loss.  Matt has been overwhelmed by the support from friends and people who've reached out to check in on him.  The concern and support from Matt's friends reminded me that sometimes we don't know what to do when our friends are suffering and because we don't know the "right" thing to do, we do nothing.  In difficult times, simply letting a person know that we're thinking about them and that we care about them, is the right thing to do.

When I asked Matt if he had a personal mission statement, he quoted Shunryu Suzuki - "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few."  Matt and I talked about approaching life as a beginner in order to maintain excitement and motivation.  Matt told me about his work with a group of seniors in which he was teaching them to write plays.  Some of his students were 80 - 90 years old and hearing about their complete joy and enthusiasm of learning a new skill, was actually giving me goosebumps.  It also reminded me how when I first got my camera, every single picture was sheer joy and magic.  Now, I'm constantly frustrated with myself.  When we fall out of the "enthusiastic beginner" phase and slip into the "disillusioned learner" phase, it's time to take a step back, and allow ourselves the opportunity to enjoy our experiences with the open and inspired mind of being a beginner.

"My work with teenagers," Matt said, is something about himself he considers to be a success.  I loved hearing about Matt's work and his influence being spread across the generations.  From kids to elders, Matt's work is making a difference.

Day 37 - Chris

This is Chris.  We met at Mt. Tabor Park.  Chris was just finishing her workout and I was just about to start mine.  For the sake of caution, it's been my routine to take a picture after I'm finished with my workout so that I don't announce to anyone who may be scoping out the parked cars for a break-in, that I'm leaving a camera in my soon-to-be-unattended car.  I'm a complete sweaty mess after working out and it's so embarrassing to approach someone when you're a sweaty mess and breathing heavily, but I think this routine limits the possibility of  break-in.  However, when Chris walked by and flashed her friendly smile, I just had to ask if she would be in the project. She just looked so nice!

"My job," Chris answered, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Chris if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and she responded, "every day."  Chris went on to explain that even though it's so small and simple, every day when people smile at her, she receives a gift.  I told Chris that I'm sure she must receive a lot of those gifts, because she gives them out so freely.  Chris' warm smile was what prompted me to approach her.

I asked Chris if she had a personal mission statement and she explained that she tries to live by the "golden" advice from her Mom - "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

"My children," Chris said, is something about herself which she considers to be a success.

Chris' children have a great Mom!

I look at Chris' picture and her contagious smile, and I can't help but to feel happy, and feel a smile building on my own face.

Day 38 - Orville

This is Orville.  "Like Orville Redenbacher," Orville clarified, when I didn't quite hear his name correctly the first time.    Orville was sitting outside of Sam's Billiards, waiting for pool league play to begin, when I approached to ask him if I could take his picture.

"Being retired," Orville said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  He's happy to be finished with some of the drudgery of work-life, enduring the traffic, and having to get along with people with whom getting along is quite difficult.  (Orville was quite colorful in his description of those sorts of people, but I'll just keep that part a little secret.)

I asked Orville if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, "yes definitely," he responded.  Orville has meals at the Senior Center, which he considers an act of kindness.  On the giving end, Orville also volunteers at the same Senior Center.

I asked Orville if he had a personal mission statement.  Orville answered, "To survive. To live another day.  Today is the first day of the rest of my life."

"Having raised a family," Orville said, is one thing about himself which he considers to be a success.  Orville and I visited a little while longer. He told me about his kids and grandkids and said when it comes to raising kids, "be firm but nice."  When it was time to leave, Orville asked to view his picture, and then he actually thanked me for taking his picture.  I'm usually the one doing the thanking, although it feels like I could never adequeally express my gratitude to those who have allowed me to take their picture for the project.   I have a feeling that Orville then proceeded to go into Sam's and teach "the kids" a thing or two about shooting pool.

Day 39 - Mitchell.

This is Mitchell.  He was also just walking down the sidewalk when we met.  He was on break from work, so we had to be quick!

"My girlfriend," Mitchell said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Mitchell has been on the receiving end of an act of kindness in that his friends just took him out, and they enjoy and appreciate his company.

"Be the best person I can be," Mitchell said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Mitchell something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "my demeanor."  I agreed and told Mitchell he has a great demeanor.

Day 40 - Brenden

This is Brenden.  He was a co-worker, until this day, which was his last day at the company where I work.

I asked Brenden the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he responded, "Change is the biggest thing and the happiest thing, and the people in my life who are supporting me during this change."

Brenden was having trouble thinking of an example of having been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, but he said that he tries to do nice things for others.  Brenden's band, "When We Team Up," just had a show on Monday and he gave two of his comped drink tickets to a random stranger who didn't have any money.

I asked Brenden if he had a personal mission statement and he clarified that he has a life objective - "To make myself happy and hopefully one day I'll find my bliss, find my place in this world, and be successful in it."    We're going to miss Brenden, but we'll actually still get to see him as he's going to work for a customer.  His skill and passion are in design, and now he'll be able to do what he loves.

Because of this project, I learned more about Brenden in 10 minutes than I had learned in the past few years of working together.  When we talk to each other at work, we're talking about t-shirts and ink.  We can go months or years and without learning about one another and I'm so glad this project has given me great reason to get to know people.

"The fact that I'm a go-getter, instead of sitting back and waiting for things to come to me...figuring out what I want and making it happen," Brenden said, is something about himself which he considers to be a success.  I enjoyed our last conversation and was touched by Brenden's words.  He doesn't want to spend his time wandering and wondering his place in this world.  Brenden wants to find it, succeed in it, and be happy with it.

Brenden, you will find your bliss and in it, you will find success.

Day 41 - Josh

This is Josh.  He was sitting outside of Compass Coffee, looking so content, when I spotted him and asked if I could take his picture for the project.  When he agreed, I basically just invited myself to sit down with him at his table.

When I sat down, Josh asked a few questions about the project and seemed surprised that I wanted him to be my "person of the day."  After Josh and I were finished, I started daydreaming about the future.  Some day, I want us all to have a "person of the day."  You know how people Instagram pictures for #OutfitOfTheDay or  #ThrowbackThursday - I dream for the day when we're all wandering the streets looking for new friends we haven't met yet.  I can't wait for the day when you get to experience what I've been experiencing for the past 13 months.  I look forward to the day when people go out and talk with a stranger and share their #PersonOfTheDay photo, or their #NewFriendFriday or their #MeetSomeoneMonday picture.  Would you be on board with that?   Would you approach a stranger, otherwise known as a friend-you-haven't-met-yet, and then share their picture?

I asked Josh the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I'm currently between jobs."  Normally, this would seem like it could be a stressful position to be in, but after learning about Josh's work, I understood why he welcomed the break. I didn't want to pry too much, but from what little he said, I gathered his work is extremely stressful and intense.  This explained why he looked so content and peaceful when I spotted him. He was truly enjoying the simple pleasure of a cup of coffee on a sunny patio.

I asked Josh if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he answered, "I have a very large and loving family, so I receive acts of kindness every day."

I asked Josh if he had a personal mission statement. Josh answered with the quote, "Memento Mori.  Memento Vivere."  Josh translated (and I also looked it up to verify I had written it correctly) "Remember that you must die.  Remember that you must live."  I explained to Josh that in a strange coincidence, the reoccurring theme in the past 5 books I've read, is that facing our mortality can actually be quite liberating and inspiring.

I asked Josh something about himself which he would consider to be a success. Josh answered, "I don't consider myself a success yet.  I'm working on success.  My success is that I continue trying to be more successful."

Best wishes to you, Josh.

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

• To be a good Dad.
• In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few.
• Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
• To survive. To live another day.  Today is the first day of the rest of my life.
• Be the best person I can be.
• To make myself happy and hopefully one day I'll find my bliss, find my place in this world, and be successful in it.
• Memento Mori.  Memento Vivere. (Remember that you must die. Remember that you must live.)

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

Wishing you a week filled with happiness and good people!

365 More People Pictures - Week 2

Hello and welcome to week 2 of the 365 More People Pictures project! This post is actually a review of the subjects from two weeks ago.  I'm still taking a picture of a person every day, and I post those pictures to Instagram.  If you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram username is @missellana.  I'm not behind in the daily pictures, I'm just behind in sharing them with you here on the blog. We'll catch us up soon!

Day 7 - Jeff

This is Jeff.  He was sitting outside on the patio of a Starbucks when I approached to ask if I could take his picture.

It wasn't until I sat down at Jeff's table that I noticed a HUGE backpack sitting next to him. I asked if he was traveling.  Jeff explained that he's from France.  Jeff is backpacking and hitchhiking from Calgary to Ecuador.  Jeff was waiting at Starbucks for his Vancouver USA host, Tabatha, to pick him up for the  night.

I asked Jeff the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he responded, "the fact that I'm changing countries."

I asked Jeff if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and right then, Tabatha showed up.  They quickly introduced themselves, I told Tabitha that we'd be quick, and then Jeff answered that he's on the receiving end of Tabatha's kindness right now. They had never met, but Tabitha was going to host him for the night.   I suspect with the huge trip ahead of him, Jeff will experience kindness all the way to Ecuador.

I asked Jeff if he had a life's purpose.  "To find a purpose," Jeff answered.  Thinking about Jeff and his Journey to Ecuador, reminded me of Santiago, in "The Alchemist."  I imagine Jeff traveling in search of his Personal Legend.

"I just graduated from engineering school," Jeff answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  With that, Jeff and his newfound friend, Tabatha, were on their way.

Day 8 - Charlene

This is Charlene.  Surprisingly, I was having a challenging time finding a subject down at Portland's Waterfront Park.  I had already been rejected and had been wandering around for a while when I finally spotted Charlene.  She was photographing the Portland skyline.  I've always had great luck with photographers and haven't been refused by one yet.  Who else would better understand the randomness of a complete stranger approaching them to ask for a picture?

I learned that Charlene is a professional photographer. I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "my son is starting Junior High."

Charlene was on the receiving end of an act of kindness just the day before, when a friend had given her an art print with the saying, "don't ever let anyone take your sparkle."  It was a particularly thoughtful and meaningful gift because the friend knew it would remind Charlene of her mother who had passed away.  Charlene and her Mom shared a little saying, inspired by Shirley Temple and her mom.  Shirley Temple's mom used to say to Shirley, "Sparkle, Shirley, Sparkle." Charlene was given the same loving instructions from her own mom, "Sparkle, Charlene, Sparkle."

After hearing Charlene's great story, I told her that "sparkle" is a bit of coincidence for us both.  I explained to Charlene that I'm not a real photographer. I'm just learning and even after taking a picture every day for a year, I still know so little about photography.  I told Charlene that in order to compensate for my lack of technical knowledge, I've been approaching photography from an emotional angle.  I've simplified things in my mind and my objective has been simply to try to capture a person's sparkle.

I asked Charlene if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot.  Charlene said that her personal and professional mission are intertwined - "the art of love."  Charlene explained that she "photographs things that show love."  When she's shooting pictures, she's mindful that she's capturing someone special. She's capturing someone's wife, girlfriend, or mom... and she's taking those pictures for someone special in their life.  She wants the love to show and she wants their someone special to feel love.

"I made my Mom's life happier," Charlene answered, when I asked something about herself which she considers to be a success.  Before she passed, Charlene's Mom told her once that the past 27 years had been the happiest days of her life.  Charlene knew how much she was loved and her mom knew how much she was loved in return.  I loved Charlene's mom's play on words and it reminded me of my own mom.

I loved meeting Charlene and can't help  thinking it was meant to be.  On days which it has been particularly difficult to find a subject, I always end up meeting someone who leaves a lasting memory and I always end up thinking, so this was who I was supposed to meet today.  Charlene and I are similar in a few ways and it's amazing to me that she was a complete stranger, yet we connected immediately.

Wishing you lots of success in The Art of Love.

Day 9 - Matt

This is Matt.  I like this picture because I can totally envision it on the back of a book jacket.  I don't even know if Matt has plans to write a book, but looking at this makes me think that he has interesting and important things to tell us.

"My new car," Matt responded, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  I don't know for sure, but it looked like he could have just driven it off the lot that day. She was a beauty!

I asked Matt if he had been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he was certain that he's frequently on the receiving end of kindness.  The most recent thing to come to mind was that his Mom had just bough him kettle corn at the fair.  I thought this was such a cute answer.  Even as grown adults, our mom buying us treats at the fair is still one of life's greatest simple pleasures.

When I asked Matt if he had a personal mission statement, he answered with his personal mantra -"love, happiness, success and longevity."

"The position I'm in at my job," Matt answered, is a personal accomplishment that he didn't think he'd be able to achieve.

Day 10 - Karefan

This is Karefan.  He was waiting at the Park & Ride bus station when we met.

When I asked Karefan about the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he responded, "that's a good question."  He considered the question for a while, long enough that I was starting to feel sad that he couldn't think of something, but then he finally answered, "coming to USA."  Karefan and most of his family moved here from Ukraine this past year.

I asked Karefan about some of his good traits.  He couldn't, or wouldn't, answer.  Instead, he asked me what I thought his good traits could be.  I persisted, explaining I wanted to hear it from him.  He finally answered that he's a hard worker.  I only talked with Karefan for a few moments, but I think one positive trait is that Karafan is an extremely nice person.  Although Karefan speaks english, there's still a bit of a language barrier and he's in a foreign country. I would imagine it would be easy to isolate yourself under those challenges, but Karefan is nice and friendly.

One thing about himself which he considers to be a success is that he's starting college soon!

Wishing Karefan and his family happiness and success here.

Day 11 - Adam

This is Adam.  I met Adam several years ago at Sam's Billiards. He's a tattoo artist and I was happy to bump into him again. I asked Adam about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he responded, "my daughter."

I asked Adam if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he answered that his friend has been helping him out with childcare.

"To be honest and creative," Adam answered, is his personal mission statement.

One thing about himself which Adam considers to be a success, is his relationship with his parents and family.

You can check out Adam at Anatomy Tattoo.

Day 12 - Cameron

This is Cameron.  He's a new co-worker and were it not for this project, I'm not sure how much time would have passed before we had the opportunity to get to know one another.  Our work is extremely busy and intense so we don't get much time to visit.

I asked Cameron the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "change."  Cameron recently moved to Portland from San Diego. Cameron has known since he was 12 years old that he wanted to move to Portland.   He knew, even at that young age, that San Diego didn't offer him what he needed and he thought there's something unique in Portland which you can't get anywhere else.  I know exactly what Cameron was trying to describe.  I think I was probably the same age on my first visit to Portland.  My mom drove me and another friend here to compete in the Junior Olympics and as we crossed over the Marquam Bridge and I saw the city for the first time, I just knew I wanted to live in Portland.  (Ironically, the only other city to excite me in the same way, was San Diego.)

I asked Cameron if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Cameron explained, "basically, Portland is nice."  He went on to say that every day he experiences some sort of kindness.  Even something as simple as giving someone a cigarette opens the door to having a great interaction with a stranger.  It's the little things the people of Portland do which makes Cameron feel like he's experiencing kindness. People stop and say hi, and talk to one another.

I asked Cameron if he had a personal mission statement or if he could make one up on the spot. He lifted his arm and on his wrist I read the tattoo, "PMA."  In unison, we both said, "positive mental attitude!"  I loved this!!!   I told Cameron about my high school volleyball coach, who at random times, would yell - "how's your PMA?"  Our response was to be an enthusiastic shout back, "boy am I enthusiastic!"  To this day, I give myself, "PMA checks" and yes, in my mind I answer back, "boy am I enthusiastic!" As I'm typing these words, it just hit me. Our Coach's random PMA checks weren't random at all.  She would shout that when we were anything but enthusiastic.  If you give this a try, you'll find out that it's impossible not to have a spike in enthusiasm after just yelling, "BOY AM I ENTHUSIASTIC!"  Go on, try it.  See what I mean?  Instant attitude adjustment, right?  I love Cameron's tattoo and now when I see him, I will stop and check myself for a positive mental attitude.

I wanted to share Cameron's tattoo with you,  but as you can see - I'm still fumbling through getting the aperture correct.  My new lens is such a high- performer, I have to get it just right or it will blur too much of the background, or too much of the foreground. It's beyond my skill level but I'm learning to be deliberate and to change the aperture when I want to get both the background and foreground. Clearly, I'm learning the hard way as I didn't quite get it on this.  I'm getting a good grasp when it comes to taking a portrait of a single person, but I have to work at everything else.  They were still cool pictures and if I hadn't told you they were mistakes, you'd might even think they were cool too.

I asked Cameron something about himself which he considers to be a success.  "Who I am," Cameron answered, "I don't wan't that to sound braggadocious."  Cameron feels like he's able to make it through the ups and downs that life gives us and he added:  "We have to adapt. We have to move on. We have to keep going.  As long as you're breathing, life will keep going.  I refuse to wake up and say, this is it - this is the end."

Aaah... good stuff.  I'm really liking our new co-worker!  Wishing you lots of success and happiness here, Cameron!

Day 13 - Melvin

This is Melvin.  He was sitting outside the mall, looking exhausted, when we met. I learned it was because his wife was still inside shopping.

"I'm alive and healthy and above ground," Melvin answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  This is one of my favorite answers and is parallel to what Cameron had say the day prior. No matter how tough things may be, life will keep going as long as we're breathing. When we wake to live another day, we have the opportunity to get better, no matter how challenging things may be.

I asked Melvin if he had been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that he tries to be the giver.  He helps people out when he can.  When he sees homeless people on the street corner, he'll often take them to buy food.

"To live long and prosper," Melvin said, is his personal mission statement.  I laughed and told Melvin that he and my husband both share the same personal mission statement.  When my husband told me his statement, I asked him to think of a different one because he couldn't steal Spock's salutation.  After thinking about it, I realized Spock was onto something!   Spock had just about the most succinct, and most perfect mission statement and salutation ever! "Live long and prosper."  That says it all.

I asked Melvin something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he responded, "I've been married 23 years."   I have a feeling Melvin is one great husband.  He happily and patiently went out for air and let his wife continue with her shopping.   May you and your family "live long and prosper," Melvin.

Here's a summary of the personal mission statements and the life's purposes of the subjects from this week, and one little nugget which I edited from my conversation with Cameron.

• To find a purpose.
• The art of love - photograph things that show love.
• Love, happiness, success and longevity.
• To be honest and creative.
• PMA - Positive Mental Attitude
• Adapt. Move on. Keep Going. As long as you're breathing, life will keep going.  Refuse to say, this is it - this is the end. 
• Live long and prosper.

Thank you to the subjects from this week and thank you for following along!  I'll catch us up to date soon!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 52

Hello! This is week 52, of The 365 Day People Picture Project!

This is not a good-bye.  I'm just getting warmed up. Plus, we still have one more picture to go!

This post covers day 358 though day 364.  I haven't yet taken the 365th picture.  I decided rather than delay today's post in order to include day 365,  I'll just make a separate post next week, which will cover day 365 and also provide an opportunity to reflect on this past year.

Here's the deal...I'm not ready to stop.  It is my concern that if I stop the challenge, I'll not only stop photography, but I'll end up stopping the blog entirely.  I'm also concerned I'll retreat back into my own secluded little world.   I'm not certain of the future, but I'm certain I want to keep going.  I would love a day off, but if I stop, I can't ever go back in time to bridge the gap.  What if I decide I want a streak of taking a picture of a person, every day, for 5 years?  If I take one day off, I'll have to start over at square one.  I can always stop, but I can't ever get back any missed days.

So, this isn't over yet!  I don't know what will happen, but I'm going to continue taking daily pictures until I can sort myself out.

Day 358 - Bob

This is Bob.  I met Bob at Esther Short Park, in Vancouver.

"Independence," Bob said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Bob appeared to have just finished a stroll around the park when we met. I don't know if this is true, but I got the feeling that Bob has lived an active life.  I could make out an athletic form which has been slowed by pain, stiffness, and time.

I asked Bob if he's recently performed an act of kindness. Bob considered the question for a while and then answered, "yes, I perform Native ceremonies."  Curious, I asked Bob what kind of ceremonies. Bob, not sure I would understand, or not sure he could explain, went on to say he performs sweat lodge ceremonies, healings, and vision quests.

When I asked Bob if he had a personal mission statement, Bob said that he doesn't have one, but rather, "I go the direction Creator takes me."

"My purpose in life is to serve others, and I've been successful there," Bob answered, when I asked him something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  It's interesting that Bob went on to talk about his life's purpose.  When I ask people about their personal mission statement and it appears the question is too big of a bite to chew,  I often then re-phrase the question to ask about their "life's purpose."  It's an equally challenging question and almost identical in nature, but for some reason - it's a more manageable bite to swallow.  Bob made the leap on his own.  We talked about his lack of a mission statement in which he said he simply goes the direction The Creator takes him, but then Bob went on the explain his life's purpose.  This is exactly the flow I've intended with the set of questions I've been asking.

I think Bob is the best photograph in the entire project.  I'm sure I made technical errors that a professional photographer, or any experienced photographer, would critique, but I think this is my best.

When I started this project, I started following several photographers on social media.  I view thousands of images a week.  One thing I've noticed is that there seems to be a trend or tendency for some photographers to go quite heavy on the sharpening and contrast on portraits of elders.  When I first started seeing images like this, I was blown away!  They make for striking and unforgettable photographs.  While "developing" Bob's photo to be Instagramed on the day his picture was taken,  I experimented with extreme sharpening and contrast...but it just wasn't for me.  As striking as I find those types of photographs to be, I've realized that it's not my "personal style."  For the majority of this project, my "personal style" could probably be described simply as very poor quality.  I'm now starting to see that I have developed a bit of a personal style and I can see little improvements.  To me, Bob is striking enough on his own.  The few minor adjustments I made in lightroom were more than enough.  I think my eye tends to favor, for myself, the more organic look of photographs from the 50's through 80's.  Because of the changes in technology, the entire feel of photography has also evolved.  I'm just not there yet.

Day 359 - Phil and Sean

This is Phil (left) and Sean (right).  I've seen these two at Mt. Tabor for the past couple of years.  They're often working out with Timm and Nic,  from day 51.  They're all a bunch of beasts!  They workout with so much intensity, you'd think they were being ordered to do so by a drill sergeant!  They had just finished their workout when I asked if I could take their picture.

I asked the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and Phil answered, "I just became an uncle."  Sean replied, "my son - he's 1 and 1/2 years old."

Phil's recent act of kindness is that he bought his girlfriend 2 new bathing suits for her vacation to Mexico, which she will be taking without him.  Sean and I both laughed and asked if they were full body suits since she was going alone.  Sean's recent act of kindness is that he donated a $1.00 when he made a purchase at Walgreen's.

"Living every day to the fullest," Phil said, is his personal mission statement.  He went on to say that to do so, means "living every moment."  Just judging by the way these guys workout, I know Phil lives this.  There's nothing half-ass about the way they tackle the stairs, so I know they must tackle life with the same intensity.  "The pursuit of love and kindness," Sean said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Phil and Sean something about themselves which they would consider to be a success.  Phil responded, "my career."  "Family," Sean answered.

Once again, I'm thankful for this project for giving me a reason to actually stop to talk with people I've been seeing for months.  We've exchanged "nods" or quick "hi's," but we've never talked.  How many people do we continue to pass by on a daily basis?

Day 360 - Sanman

This is Sanman.  We also met at Mt. Tabor, where he had just finished a run.  He confessed that he doesn't like running, but his friends have encouraged him that he'll learn to love running once he becomes a stronger runner.  So, he's convincing himself to become a runner by running until he loves it.  His long term goal is to finish a marathon.

I asked Sanman the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "just talking to my family every day."

Sanman's recent act of kindness is that he donated things to a homeless shelter.

"To eventually get away from the day-to-day routine and enjoy the smaller, simple things in life," Sanman said, is his life's purpose.  Sanman has reached the point in his life where his hard work has earned the financial security to start enjoying life and his hobbies such as climbing.  Sanman wants to travel, and we joked/dreamed of being able to buy a private island.

Day 361 - T.J.

This is T.J.  He was the third Tabor person in a row.  He was just starting to warm-up for his workout.

"My own business," T.J. said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  He's started his own clothing line.

I asked T.J. if he had recently performed an act of kindness. "Every day," T.J. answered, most recently was holding the door open for people.

"To always do the best that I can do," T.J. said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked T.J. something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "my drive."

Day 362 - Nick

This is Nick.  He was waiting at the bus stop when we met.  This particular spot has been a challenge to me throughout the entire project.  Actually, there are a few ares in this one particular block which have challenged me.  My solution has been to avoid those spots whenever possible, but there have been times when the only subjects I could find, were in those troublesome spots.  I just had to figure out how to make it work.  When I got home to prepare Nick's picture to be Instagrammed, I was so disappointed.  362 days into the project and I still got hammered by a ball cap and the weird lighting thing that happens in that one particular spot.  I felt as if I hadn't learned a darn thing!  I may have blown the shot, but at least I've learned enough to know how to rescue the picture in lightroom. I was able to correct the exposure enough to see Nick's eyes.  Phew!

I asked Nick the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "my girlfriend is starting college."

Nick is a chef and he's working in a food cart.  His recent act of kindness is that he gave extra food to a homeless person and the recipient was extremely appreciative of the meal.

I asked Nick if he had a personal mission statement. Nick explained that when he was in school to become a Chef, they had a similar assignment, but how it related to their food.  Nick said, when people eat my food, "I want them to feel like they've fucked."  We laughed and Nick said, "I don't know if you can say that, but that's what I want."   Nick then clarified that I couldn't change the words to be "made love," because that's something different.  Nick has dreams of opening his own business some day. He told me a little about his plans and I'm excited for him.  He already has a clear vision, so I suspect he'll be up and running soon!

"Surviving the struggle," Nick said, is something about himself which he considers to be a success.

Day 363 - Ophelia Darkly

I had been wandering around in search of a subject when I reached the same bus stop where I struggled with Nick's picture the day before.  It's like I was being taunted, or tempted,  by that very same troublesome spot.  Ophelia was facing away from me when I approached the bus stop but I was determined to try to do better than I had done the day before.

I approached Ophelia and asked if I could take her picture.  When she turned to look at me, she revealed her amazing style.  I could tell she was conflicted, but it wasn't for the reason I would have expected.  She explained she's actually a professional model.  I understood.  She didn't even have to explain more...I got it.  Not only had I accidentally asked to take the picture of a professional Model, but I would not be compensating her for it.  Modeling is her profession.  Also, she was putting a great deal of trust in a complete stranger, a complete amateur at that.  She agreed to let me take her picture and when she did so, I became completely nervous. How many times have you heard me say that it's very easy to take a bad picture of a beautiful person?  I didn't want to blow it!  I confessed to Ophelia that knowing that she's a model was making me nervous.

When not in front of the camera, Ophelia comes across as a sweet and cute Portland girl, (although she's actually from Chicago) with excellent style.  The minute she got in front of the camera - BAM!!!!  She became Ophelia Darkly.  This whole other edgy persona emerged.  She went from being a sweet young woman waiting at the bus stop, to becomming this WOW persona.  I was stunned.  I think I even shook my head and said something like, "ok, yeah, I can tell you're a model."   I've learned in this project - NEVER discount the art of modeling.  An actual transformation occurs within a model which is so subtle that you can't even detect that it's happening, but the results are powerful and unmistakable when you see it in your viewfinder. It is indeed an art and a talent, and it is special and unique.

"I'm in love," Ophelia declared, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  At this point, the dark and edgy persona was a little more sunshine-y and the person in front of me was a cute young girl in love.

I asked Ophelia if she had recently performed an act of kindness and she explained that her friend's car was just towed from her apartment and she paid to have the car released because her friend didn't have the money, and she felt she should since the car had been towed while the friend was there visiting her.

"There's nothing greater than art, whatever that means to you," Ophelia said, is her personal mission statement.

I asked Ophelia something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she answered being "self-employed since December."  You can check out more of Ophelia's stunning work on her Model Mayhem site and her Etsy shop.

Ophelia was bitten by a dog when she was a child and as a result, she has a scar on her lip.  She was determined to be a model and to not let the scar prevent her from fulfilling the dream.  She went on to say that now, the scar is often just photoshopped out and it hasn't been an obstacle.  I explained to Ophelia that I'm a complete beginner and I don't even know how to do a quality edit to remove the scar, and basically asked her if it was ok to use an un-edited photo showing the scar.  She agreed.  I was so mesmerized by Ophelia's eyes that I hadn't noticed the scar.  I know, I know, this is something a photographer should see - but you would have been as entranced by her eyes and transformation as I was.  I understand in her profession that her childhood scar would often be re-touched to the point where it doesn't exist, but now that I see it and know the story, it is part of Ophelia Darkly.  Ophelia Darkly exists in spite of, or maybe because of, the scar on her face.

Wishing you success, Ophelia!

Day 364 - James

This is James.  He's in town, staying with Becki and Brent, to receive a promotion to Navy Chief Select.  We've actually known each other since grade school!

I couldn't figure out why my friend Becki was so interested in when I would be taking the pictures for day 364 and day 365.  When I couldn't give her an answer,  she told me that James was in town and suggested that I come over to take his picture for the project. I didn't want to impose on their plans so I started to pass on the invitation. After giving it some thought, I realized it would be great to have James as a subject!   I told her I'd be right over.  When I arrived, she told me she had something to show me. Becki told me that it was going to be a surprise which she wanted to present to me on Day 365, but she realized it just couldn't be possible.  She led me to her laptop, where on her screen I could see each and every picture I had taken this past year.  I was a little confused, but then it all made sense.  She had been poaching every single picture from the blog, organizing them, and she was preparing to have a photo book printed of every subject in the entire project!   It explained her persistence and why she needed to know when I would be taking my last pictures.  Since I didn't even know myself, I made it impossible for her to get the last few pictures in the book in time to present to me at a celebration dinner we're having tonight.  I started crying.  This is the nicest and most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me in my entire life.  I'm so thankful to have friends like this in my life.

Although Becki had ulterior motives, I'm so glad she let me know that James was in town.  He looks like the same kid I remember.

"My kids growing up," James said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked James if he had recently performed an act of kindness and he said that he had just bought coffee for someone.

"To always do the right thing" and "to enrich someone's life in some way," James answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement. James said that he knows it seems cliche, but that's how he tries to live his life.

I asked James something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "my kids."

Thank you, James, for being in this project!  Wishing you lots of happiness!

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

• I go the direction Creator takes me.
• My purpose in life is to serve others.
• Living every day to the fullest.
• The pursuit of love and kindness.
• To eventually get away from the day-to-day routine and enjoy the smaller, simple things in life.
• To always do the best that I can do.
• There's nothing greater than art, whatever that means to you.
• To always do the right thing.
• To enrich someone's life in some way.

Thank you to every single person in this project, and to you, for following along on this amazing ride!  It's not over yet!

See you next week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 33

Hello! Week 33 of The 365 Day People Picture Project is a wrap!

An interesting thing happened this week.  I ran into 4 random people who have already been subjects in this project!  One day, two separate and random subjects ended up at my work at the very same time!  It was a pretty weird feeling and also one that I loved.  This project has made my little world much smaller, or bigger, depending on how you look at it.  I'm starting to feel a whole new level of connectedness and it's been such a pleasure meeting new friends.  I'm meeting people whom I would have never had the opportunity to meet, had I not decided to just put myself out there and start talking to strangers.

Although I met some pretty awesome people this week ,and ran into a few people who I already knew were awesome, I could feel that I was having an off-week as far as the quality of the pictures I was taking.  Instead of feeling defeated and like I want to give up, I've simply decided to chalk it up to being "off" for some reason.  I'm not stressed. I know I can do better. If anything, I'm actually starting to feel a little bit of hope.  If I can tell and see that I was having an "off" week, then that means I had been making progress!  Yes!

Day 225 - Shanna

This is Shanna.  She was hanging out with a girlfriend at Esther Short Park when I ran into her.

Shanna and I had actually met about a year ago at the Couve Couture Fashion Show.  She's pretty unforgettable because, in addition to being beautiful, she's just soooo nice!  She was one of the models in the show.  Shanna is the type of person who just comes right up to you and starts a friendly conversation.  It was great running into her again!

Shanna is a massage therapist and if you're in need of a massage, you can check her out at Natural Body Works Massage, in Vancouver.  

I asked Shanna about the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "my beautiful husband and daughter, who I'm lucky to be a part of their lives."  Shanna's act of kindness is that she just recently volunteered to start mentoring a lady to be a massage therapist.

I asked Shanna if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot.  She replied, "to be involved with the community, to make this world and people more consciously aware of day-to-day life to live more fully."

Day 226 - Ed

This is Ed, of Ambiance Tan and Espresso.  He makes the best Mexican Mocha in all of Vancouver!  (Well, he and his Girlfriend are tied for the makers of the best Mexican Mochas in Vancouver.)

I asked Ed about the happiest thing happening in his life and he replied, "my relationship with my Girlfriend."

When I asked Ed if he's performed a recent act of kindness, he said that he bought milk and cookies for a little girl who had been in the shop. I also reminded him that the first time I came in, he had also given me a free coffee as well.   I joked that I didn't know if that was an act of kindness or a means to get me hooked! (which I am!)

Ed was quick to answer when I asked if he could think of a personal mission statement.  His personal mission statement, "do what you gotta do, to do what you want to do."

Day 227 - Natalie and Kate

Natalie (left) and Kate (right) were one of the few people at Mt. Tabor Park on Tuesday.  The rain kept most people away, so we practically had the park to ourselves.

The happiest thing happening in their lives right now:  Natalie, "I'm on spring break from engineering grad school." Kate, "I'm super excited to be healthy and able to enjoy the weather."

I asked Natalie and Kate if they had performed an act of kindness. Natalie helped a friend move, and Kate said that she was nice to somebody when she didn't have to be.  We talked about that a little more...how when somebody wrongs us, it's not easy to take the high road and let things go, but it's the right thing to do when we can do it.

Natalie and Kate were both quick with an answer when I asked if they had a personal mission statement or if they could think of one.  Natalie replied, "live in the moment."  Kate replied, "survive and thrive."

After we had taken the picture and I asked the "interview" questions, Natalie and Kate turned the tables on me and caught me completely off guard. They asked me a tough question and now I'm determined to work on the answer.  After asking a few questions about the project, they asked what I've learned, and what I've taken away from the project.  I could only think of two quick answers but I'm going to compile a list in order to write an entirely separate post when the project is finished.  After working on something for an entire year, this is something I must do and I'm thankful that Natalie and Kate made me realize that I need to start organizing my thoughts. I have a take-away nearly every single day, but I hadn't thought to sit down to actually articulate all that I've learned from this project.

Day 228 - Patrick and Polly

Patrick and Polly were taking a little walk at Mt. Tabor.

You've probably noticed by now that I've been spending a lot of time there lately.  My friend and I hit the Mt. Tabor stairs after work, as training for the Race for the Roses Half Marathon which is in a couple of weeks.  Although the location is the same, there are new and interesting people there every day.

I asked Patrick about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "a deeper relationship with myself."  When I asked if he had performed an act of kindness, he didn't give the specifics, but he said kindness is sort of his motto, so he thinks he's performed acts of kindness.  Patrick's impromptu personal mission statement, "to be true to myself and true to others."

Day 229 - The Long Family

This is Mr. and Mrs. Long and they had just finished their workout at Tabor when I asked if I could take their picture for the project. They are about the sweetest lovey-dovey couple you could meet!

I asked about the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and Mr. Long replied, "we're going on the right track in our relationship with God.  We put God first in everything we do."  Mrs. Long added to that, saying she's also happy about "weight loss, and our anniversary."  The Longs will celebrate their 1-year anniversary next week!  Before telling me how many years they had been married, they asked if I could guess. I totally called it! I guessed this would be their first anniversary because they were still acting like newlyweds.

The Long's recent act of kindness is that they had met a man who just really needed someone to talk and listen to him.  The man was in tears but they just listened to his story and now the man is going to attend Church with them on Sunday!

The Longs wanted to pass along information about an event happening at their Church, Highland Christian Center.  There's a not-to-be-missed play happening on Saturday, April 5th at 4pm.  

Day 230 - Frank and Jo Jo

This is Frank (left) and Jo Jo (right).  This was such an awkward shot, given our positions, but Frank and Jo Jo  agreed to let me take their picture for the project.

I asked about the happiest thing happening in their lives and Frank is happy about his March Madness Bracket. He's currently positioned to win about $800!  Jo Jo is happy that his sons are "becoming their own personalities and finding themselves."

I asked the men if they had performed an act of kindness. Frank assisted a disabled Vietnam Vet by opening doors for him and helping him to get into his car safely.  Jo Jo said that he bought a guy a beer and enjoyed his good conversation.

Both Frank and Jo Jo were  ready with a quick response when I asked if they had a personal mission statement or if they could think of one on the spot.  Frank replied, "it ain't bragging if you can do it!"  Jo Jo replied, "to be better today, than I was yesterday."

Day 231 - Cassandra, Norris, Nanuk and Cotton

 

Wow, do they make a great pack or what?  I had been sitting at the park for quite a while, looking for a subject. I was almost ready to give up and go elsewhere to find a subject but just then, I spotted Cassandra and her dogs.  I knew it was going to be tough to get a good picture of them all, but I just couldn't resist!

Cassandra walks all three dogs with the same ease and control as one would walk just a single  well-trained dog.  Although all three dogs were quite well-trained, they would have much rather been walking than sitting still for a picture.

The happiest thing happening in Cassandra's life right now, is that she and Cotton are training for him to be a therapy dog. (Cotton is the one closest to her, on her right.)  She's already taken the class and now Cotton is in the training program.  When I asked Cassandra if she's performed an act of kindness, she said that she couldn't think of anything but she likes to talk and listen to strangers.  I reminded her that she let me take her picture and that was an act of kindness, and also she and Cotton will soon be performing acts of kindness together.

When I asked Cassandra if she had, or could think of, a personal mission statement, she replied, "find your happiness."

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

• "To be involved with the community, to make this world and people more consciously aware of day to day life to live more fully."
• "Do what you gotta do, to do what you want to do."
• "Live in the moment."
• "Survive and thrive."
• "To be true to myself and true to others."
• "It ain't bragging if you can do it!"
•  "To be better today, than I was yesterday."
• "Find your happiness."

That's it for week 33!

Thank you for spending another week with me and the project!

If you've been a subject in this project, I can't say enough how much I appreciate you!  Thank you for taking a moment out of your day to help me with this project! If you would like a copy of your picture, please don't hesitate to e-mail me and I'd be happy to e-mail it to you!

Thanks again!  Wishing you a great week and that you'll "find your happiness!"