365 More People Pictures - Week 47

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

Day 322 - Zach

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Zach. Safe and happy travels.

Day 323 - Mose

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

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

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

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

"Large scale empowerment."

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

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

"Find the extraordinary out of the ordinary."

"Get beyond survival, and self-actualize."

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

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

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

Day 324 - Kevin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 325 - Jake

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

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

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

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

Day 326 - Greg

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Greg.

Day 327 - Shilo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Shilo.  Mr. Cool.

Day 328 - Ashley

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Ashley.

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

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

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

365 More People Pictures - Week 45

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

Day 308 - Tamera

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Tamera.

Day 309 - Angie

This is Angie.

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Angie.

Day 310 - Marie

This is Marie.  We met at the bus stop.

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Marie.

Day 311 - Trevor and Noah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 312 - Al

This is Al.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Al.

Day 313 - Chris

This is Chris.  We met at the bus stop.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time passed.

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

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

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

Day 314 - Eddie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Eddie.  You are amazing.

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

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

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

365 More People Pictures - Week 23

Hello! Thank you for checking out week 23 of the 365 More People Pictures project!

Day 154 - Jordan

This is Jordan.  We met downtown, Portland.  It's a little strange, but I had been shooting the entire day for the street photography workshop, but I hadn't actually taken any pictures specifically for this project. (I'll tell you more about the workshop in a later, separate, post.)  Class had just finished, my head was ready to explode with excitement and information, and simultaneously, I was feeling both complete exhaustion and absolute elation. I had just spent the past 2.5 days with an amazing group of people, filling my head with new knowledge and inspiration, and basically felt like I had fallen in love...with photography.  I was just wandering Portland on a Sunday evening, trying to absorb and process everything I had just learned, and hoping I could also find one more person to photograph for this project.  And then I spotted Jordan!  Yes!

When I approached Jordan to ask if I could take his picture, he agreed and then he totally turned it on!  He was such an awesome ham!  I can just imagine that he and his friends must spend a lot of time taking pictures, because Jordan was more comfortable in front of a camera than anyone I've ever met.  He was so funny! I actually had to turn down his volume a bit, just to keep it believable!

I asked Jordan the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I'm currently conceptualizing a dance party, called "Sway," to happen at the end of February.  Jordan is planning this huge event, in Baltimore, in addition to his responsibilities to his job.  He's got a full plate.

When I asked Jordan if he's either performed an act of kindness, or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, Jordan explained that he was just on the receiving end of kindness.  Jordan's Grandmother died recently and he unexpectedly had to miss work, and stay in his Grandmother's town.  Jordan's friend helped him in his absence, by paying for his storage unit rental.

Jordan's personal mission statement is actually in the form of a tattoo he has on his shoulder.  It was cold and raining, otherwise, I would have asked him if we could see it.  Jordan has a tattoo of an Egyptian Sky Disc, which has a banner of peace and three circles within a circle. The circles represent Art, Science, and Spirituality, and the unification of all three, and being of service to the world.   Jordan's job is actually in recruiting for an art school, so he's actually living his mission!

"I've had a lot of experiences that would lead a different kind of person to be more cynical or negative about life and people, but it's actually catalyzed a deep well of compassion and empathy," Jordan answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  It sounds like Jordan has gone through some difficult times in life, but instead of becoming hardened and calloused, his experiences have expanded his capacity for love and empathy.

Thank you, Jordan!  So glad to have met you!

Day 155 - Melanie

This is Melanie.  We met at the bus stop.  Melanie and I were having fun taking pictures. She was patient with me and let me take several shots.  It's a good thing she was so patient with me.  Of all the photos we had taken, only one came out.

I ended up with a casualty at the photography workshop I had attended over the weekend...I dropped and broke a lens.  I was broken-hearted, not because it was an expensive lens, but because with Eric Kim's help, I was learning how to use it.  I became familiar with it, appreciated it, and actually sort of started to love that little sucker.  Of all the lenses to break, however, this would be the one.  It was the inexpensive kit lens that came with the camera.  One thing, one very big thing, I learned over the weekend was that it doesn't matter what you've got to work with, just do it and learn to do it 10 times better than you've ever done before. (Or do it 10 times better than anyone else has ever done. For now, I'm just learning to beat my own self.)   That little cheapie lens and I did things we had never done before. I discovered a new appreciation for it. So much so, that I was going to start using it regularly instead of the nicer, more expensive, lens that I have been using.  After some tinkering around, I determined that the only thing broken was the auto-focus motor.  No problem, I'd just focus manually from now on.  Melanie was my first subject after my decision to continue using the broken lens.  I was mistaken though.  More than just the auto-focus motor had been destroyed.  Even with focusing manually, it would still slip out of focus after I thought everything had been dialed in.   I'm so glad Melanie was having fun with our little photoshoot, because had she been unwilling to let me take so many pictures, I wouldn't have had anything to show you.

The downside of taking so many pictures is that we ran out of time!  The bus came before we were finished with the questions!  Melanie answered the two questions I was able to ask as she was boarding the bus.

"School," Melanie answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

When I asked Melanie something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she first said, "overcoming...", then she paused, and changed her answer to, "maintaining relationships with my friends."  I don't know what Melanie has overcome in her life, but I'm so very glad she came through to the other side, and that she has a great group of friends to celebrate with her.  She was a joy!

Day 156 - Mari

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

The happiest thing happening in Mari's life right now is that she just got married this past year.  And yes, she confirmed that she and her husband are happily enjoying the honeymoon phase.

Mari works in social services. Her profession enables her to perform acts of kindness daily, for which, she feels quite rewarded.

"To be a good person," Mari answered, when I asked if she has a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

"I've gotten through some tough times this past 10 years," Mari answered, when I asked something about herself which she continues to be a success.  When we're in the thick of the bad stuff, it's so hard to believe that eventually we'll make it through to the other side.  But once we make it and can look back at all that we went through, we're amazed by the inner strength that we never even knew we had.

Mari, wishing you and your husband a lifetime of happiness!

Day 157 - Shane

This is Shane, another person I met at the bus stop.  And, I'm really sorry...but I did it again.  We totally ran out of time.  We only had time for two questions before Shane's bus arrived.

"My 2 year old son," Shane answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked Shane something about himself which he considers to be a success, he answered, "my family."

Thank you, Shane!

Day 158 - Kimmie

This is Kimmie.  I was having such a hard time finding a subject this day that I finally had to drive to the park & ride station, hoping for sure I'd be able to find a willing subject there.  It was pouring rain, and I had been rejected so many times that night.  I was almost ready to call it quits because the people who had declined me, did so in a not-very-nice way.  I was ready to halt the 365 project and go in a completely different direction, inspired by everything I had learned in the street photography workshop over the weekend.  Then I reminded myself that without fail, every time I've ever had a hard time finding a subject, I always end up meeting someone extra special.  Kimmie was that extra special person and I can't help but think it was meant to be.

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

When I asked Kimmie if she's recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, Kimmie explained that right now, she's on the receiving end.  Kimmie is new to recovery.  Addiction had taken her to the point where she had lost everything in her life.  Everything.  Some of the things/people needed to go but other things/people, she's working to reclaim.  A woman has taken Kimmie into her home and is helping to mentor her through recovery. Kimmie has been strong enough to know that she needs help.

I asked Kimmie if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose and Kimmie responded, "To be the best mother I can be. To be independent. To give my children the life I never had. To change the cycle so they don't have to struggle like I did."

When I asked Kimmie something about herself which she considered to be a success, Kimmie again answered, "my sobriety."

Kimmie and I then continued to talk while we waited for the bus to arrive.  It felt like we were meant to run into each other.  Kimmie admitted that she had been having a tough day and had potentially put herself at risk earlier, but she was able to maintain sobriety for another day.  I'm glad I was able to be an ear...Kimmie just really needed to be heard that night.

Keep up the good work, Kimmie.  I know you can do it.

Day 159 - Ryan

This is Ryan.  We met walking down the street.

When I asked Ryan the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he said it was a tough question but decided that it was having a 3-day weekend.

I asked Ryan if he's recently performed an act of kindness, or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. Ryan said he feels like he's always on the receiving end of kindness, but his job in employee benefits enables him to be on the giving end.  When people come to him, not understanding something, they're grateful when he can help explain things and clarify any confusion they have.

"To have as meaningful of life as possible, without having to work too hard for it," Ryan answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose. Ryan clarified that he doesn't, in any way, mean that in a lazy sort of way. Rather, we discussed the importance of actually living the life we work so hard for.

"Yesterday was my 13th anniversary working for the same employer," Ryan answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, Ryan!

Day 160 - Zachary

This is Zachary.

When I asked Zachary the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he answered, "being in a relationship with a woman I've loved for eleven years." The way Zachary answered, something about the tone in his voice, made me realize the relationship was new, but his love has obviously been long-lived.  I wondered if Zachary's lady hadn't known that he had loved her for so long. I explained my curiosity to Zachary, and he confirmed that the woman has always known he's loved her, but the timing has always been off. They've been the best of friends for the past 11 years, and they would sometimes go months without speaking with each other, but they would always pick right back up where they left off.  They've never had the chance to actually be with one another because they've always been with other people, or just in a friendship with each other.  Timing finally worked out, and now they're together.

Zachary said he likes to perform random acts of kindness, and one thing that is important for him is looking in and taking care of his brother.  I didn't ask details about Zachary's brother, but Zachary said that he tries to help him do basic things around the house. He said it doesn't feel like he's helping, but when he sees his brother's struggles, he realizes even just helping him around the house is helping is brother in a good way.

"Be better than you were yesterday," Zachary answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  Zachary explained that in the past, he's always had to have competitors or competition to motivate him to do better.  Then one day it dawned on him that he needs to stop worrying about being better than anyone else, or using competition as a motivator.  He decided he just wanted to be better than he was yesterday.

I asked Zachary one thing about himself which he considers to be a success, and he answered, "my education."

Thank you, Zachary!

Below is the summary of the personal mission statements and/or life's purposes of the subjects from this week:

• Art, Science, and Spirituality, and the unification of all three, and being of service to the world.
• To be a good person
• To be the best mother I can be. To be independent. To give my children the life I never had. To change the cycle, so they don't have to struggle like I did.
• To have as meaningful life as possible, without having to work too hard for it.
• Be better than you were yesterday.

Thank you to every subject in this project.  I appreciate you!   And thank you for reading another week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 5

Hello! We're finished with week 5 of The 365 More People Pictures Project!  As I wrote that sentence, I couldn't help but chuckle at how poorly I named both this project, and last year's 365 Day People Picture Project.

I owe you a bit of an explanation, and I owe myself a little slack. Ok, a lot of slack.  Before starting the first project, I thought long enough about the idea of taking a picture of a person every day for a year, to allow it to become an obsession, and then a burning desire. Or maybe the burning desire came first, and obsession followed.  (I'd have to think about that, but that sort of chicken-egg-chicken debate is one which I'll never be able to really settle.)  I thought about it long enough to know I was going to do it, but not long enough to talk myself out of doing it, or to really consider the actual reality of how it would impact my daily life or schedule.  By not giving it enough consideration to discourage myself from doing the project, means I also hadn't given any real consideration to naming the project.  I shot out of the starting block with a "working title" and that's what stuck.

The 365 More People Pictures Project was named, or un-named, in exactly the same way.  Once the first hashtag is used, you're just sort of stuck with it.  So here we are, week 5 of The 365 More People Pictures Project.  If you ever decide to do your own 365 Day Project, I hope you'll come up with a brilliant name before you start.

Day 28 - Kari

This is Kari.  She was walking the path along the Columbia River when we met.

The happiest thing happening in Kari's life right now, is that she's taking a month-long cruise from San Francisco to Sydney.

I asked Kari if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and at first, she couldn't think of anything because she's been somewhat isolated, recovering from a recent shoulder surgery.  After telling me about her surgery, she remembered that one of her friends helped her by taking her to her doctor appointments.

"I'm still trying to figure that out, that's why I'm traveling," Kari answered, when I asked her life's purpose.  Kari then when on to say, "what you think about, you bring about." Kari believes instead of focusing on what we're afraid of and "what ifs," we should have faith and focus on what we want.

I asked Kari something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she replied, "my whole life is a success. Everything I put my mind  to do, I keep at it till I get there."

I had a nice time hanging out with Kari for a little while longer and hearing some of her wisdom on everything from how to save money on travel, to getting what we want from life.  Kari and I day-dreamed for a moment about what it would be like live on a cruise ship rather than in an assisted living facility when we get old.

Bon Voyage, Kari!

Day 29 - Duffy and his Dogs

This is Duffy and his dogs.  We met at Mt. Tabor Park.  The dogs pretty much look how I look after doing the stairs.

"Walking these guys," Duffy answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life.

I asked Duffy if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and Duffy explained that right now, it's time for him to be on the giving end.  It's been a heavy year of giving and caring for sick friends.

"To do your best every day, and to be honest and sincere," Duffy Answered, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Duffy something about himself which he would consider to be a success, and he answered that it would be his outgoing personality.

I love taking headshot-like portraits of people.  I didn't have a "style" when I started this project, but over time, I've definitely developed a personal preference and my favorite is taking headshot portraits.  You've probably noticed that I love to get up close and personal...so close that you can see the twinkle in a person's eyes, feel a person's sparkle, and even imagine the sound of their voice.  Portraits are my favorite.  I'm getting better.  I'm seeing improvement.  However, I'm pushing myself to do more.  I don't think there's anything wrong with developing a specialty and over time, you find your own style, but I'm so inexperienced and such a beginner, that I think it's important not to limit myself to just one thing right now.  The more we try in photography, and in life, the more likely we are to discover something we love, or something at which we may even be good.  At the very least, working outside your comfort zone strengthens and sharpens your skills in other areas.  When I take a picture of anything other than a headshot/portrait, such as this, it feels like I could do a better job with my iPhone than with a DSLR.  It just takes practice. Lots and lots of practice.

Day 30 - Robert and Collin

This is Robert and Collin. We also met at Mt. Tabor.

"My girlfriend," Robert answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

"To enjoy myself as much as I can, without hurting others," Robert said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Robert something about himself which he considers to be a success, and Robert answered, "I'm the first person in my family to graduate from college."  Robert paved the way, and now his Sister and other family members have followed his lead.

Day 31 - Raul

This is Raul.

I asked Raul the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "my Daughters."

When I asked Raul if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, he answered, "all the time. I have good people around me."  The day prior, Raul's neighbor brought him dinner, completely out of the blue and unexpected.

"To bring good around me," Raul answered, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Raul one thing about himself which he considers to be a success and he answered, the "great community around me."

Day 32 - Anonymous Dog Walker and Anonymous Dog

This is Anonymous Dog Walker and Anonymous Dog.  They were in a hurry, but they paused long enough for a quick picture and to answer a couple quick  questions.

"I just got married," answered the anonymous dog walker, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  I joked that he was in a hurry to get home to his new wife.

"To keep things positive," is the anonymous dog walker's personal mission statement.

Day 33 - Paige

This is Paige.  We met at the bus stop.

"I'm going to a show with my girlfriend," Paige said, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

When I asked Paige if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she said that the cashier at the grocery store was nice, and that everyone had been nice today.  We talked about how when we're feeling happy or nice, we seem to attract other nice and happy people.  I know, personally, an extremely friendly cashier can also lift my spirits and put me in a great mood when I've otherwise been stressed or preoccupied with something else.  Paige then took that friendly experience and passed it forward.  Paige had purchased a bunch of juice because it was on sale, and then proceeded to give some of her extra juice to a stranger, just because they needed it.

When I asked Paige if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one, she asked if she could share her Dad's instead.  Paige's dad had just recently told her that he thought he'd finally figured it all out and asked her if she wanted his philosophy of life.  He had written it down for her on a little note card.  I'm going to share with you Paige's Dad's Philosophy of Life, exactly as he wrote it down for her.   (Between Paige's recollection and my hastily written notes, we had changed things a bit.  After our interaction, Paige and I became Instagram friends and she shared her Dad's note, so I'm taking it straight from the photo of her Dad's Philosophy of Life.)

Find something to do that you love and learn to do it as well as you can.

Find a partner to share life with.

Leave the world a better place than you found it.

Treat other people the way you want to be treated.

Enjoy life!

Such great wisdom from Paige's Dad.  This project has taught me one unexpected skill, which is how to keep the tears from welling up and actually spilling onto my cheek."  Paige's Dad's words were so loving.  I had to fight to keep my tears hidden.  My heart was just so touched by Paige's Dad's love for her, and his obvious pursuit of the meaning of life.

Day 34 - Alicia

This is Alicia.  She was packing up from having spent the day as an exhibitor at the Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair.

I asked Alicia the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she explained that she's soon going to get an apartment through the Share Aspire program, through the council for the homeless.  Alicia shared more about her circumstances, but rather than elaborate, I'd rather just be encouraging and supportive of the next chapter in Alicia's life and wish her the best of luck and success.

I asked Alicia if she had a personal mission statement and Alicia explained that her personal mission statement is the same as the mission of her business/organization, Casa De Las Palomas,  - "To promote peace, justice and well-being for all citizens, equally."

When I asked Alicia something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "my business."

The subjects from this week, with a guest appearance from a subject's dad, have shared the following wisdom with us:

• What you think about, you bring about.
• To do your best every day, and to be honest and sincere.
• To enjoy myself as much as I can, without hurting others.
• To bring good around me.
• To keep things positive.
• Find something to do that you love and learn to do it as well as you can.
• Find a partner to share life with.
• Leave the world a better place than you found it.
• Treat other people the way you want to be treated.
• Enjoy life. 
• To promote peace, justice and well-being for all citizens, equally.

Sincere appreciation to all of the subjects from this week, and throughout the entire project.  Thanks to you for following along.

Wishing you a happy and productive week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 4

Hello! This is the review of week 4, of The 365 More People Pictures Project.

I caught myself questioning the decision to do another entire year-long project of taking a picture of a person, every single day.  Again, I found myself full of self-doubt and fear that I'm not going to be able to do it, and wondering how in the world I managed to do it the first time around.  Looking ahead 365 days is entirely too much to comprehend right now, so I got through the week just focusing on one thing - I just need to take a picture of a person, today.  That's all.  Today.

Day 21 - Julie

This is Julie.  We met at the Island Cafe. (Yes, we went back for a let's-pretend-we're-on-vacation dinner.)

Julie was with a big group of jovial friends from Minnesota.  I approached the group and asked if I could take a picture of one of them for my project.  Julie's friends all nominated her to be the subject because she's a photographer.

The happiest thing happening in Julie's life right now is the birth of her third grandchild.

I asked Julie if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and she gestured to one of her friends and said that he just bought dinner for their group.

"To leave a legacy of love & friendship & kindness," Julie said, is her personal legacy.

Julie said that being a Mom is one thing about herself which she considers to be a success.

Day 22 - Guy

This is Guy.  He had just come off the lake when we met. He had been fishing from his Kayak.    Guy answered, "summertime," when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Guy if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that he had recently lost his backpack when it fell from his kayak, and miraculously, someone was kind enough to turn it in and return it to him!

"Life is a journey, live on," Guy replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

I asked Guy something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "I've traveled the world and had a good time."  Guy then listed off several countries to which he's been, and he's been to 48 states.  He has yet to visit North Dakota and Alaska.  Guy and I became Instagram friends and the day after I had taken his picture, I noticed he was flying off to his next journey.

Day 23 - Bob

This is Bob. We met at Mt. Tabor.  Bob agreed to let me take his picture, but then I could tell he wasn't thrilled about it.  It was his niceness which won out over his reservations of having his picture taken.

"People are healthy in my family, " Bob said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Bob if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he said that a merchant did some extra repairs for him and didn't charge him for the work.

I asked Bob his life's purpose and he answered, "to help, and enjoy, my family and the people I encounter."  True to his purpose, Bob helped me with the project, even though he may have been a little camera-shy.  Thank you, Bob!

"Being involved with an enjoyable family," Bob answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Day 24 - Johnny McMahon

This is Johnny.   We met at Mt. Tabor.

"Skating with my bass player, Lindsey," Johnny answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Mt. Tabor Park is closed to cars on Wednesdays so the park is filled with downhill longboard skaters.  Johnny is almost 53 and he was about to go skate with all of the "kids," he joked.  He was laughing at himself for putting on so much safety gear and wondering what the kids would think about his knee pads, elbow pads and helmet.  He pretty much padded everything that could be padded.  I told him they weren't going to laugh at him, they'd think he was cool for being an old man and still skating! (And, he's smart!)  He pointed out the board his friend and former bandmate, Lindsey, had given to him, which he had fitted with a custom foot brake.   Johnny was in a band with Lindsey in the 80's, called Avant Garde.  Johnny joked that the new brake was either going to be helpful or it could cause him to crash and he'd be propelled off his board and I may be the last person to have seen him alive.  I was nervous after he told me that and I was so tempted to stay to make sure he was safe!

I asked Johnny if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that his friends on his radio show set up a website for him to raise money for a new set of choppers.  He's just a few donors away from meeting his goal to be able to get a brand new set of pearly-whites.  Check out Operation Iron Choppers

"I'm going to Heaven and I'm going to take as many of you bastards as possible," Johnny said, is his personal mission statement.  Johnny is such a character.  Yes, Johnny is just the way you imagined him to be from having just read that comment.  He's fun, loud, gruff-voiced and full of personality!

I asked Johnny something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "The Iron Show."  Johnny has an online radio program with a reach of over 250,000 listeners!   Here's a link to Johnny's Iron Show.

Wishing you luck, happiness and success, Johnny!

Day 25 - Joonie

This is Joonie.  He was nice enough interrupt his run at Mt. Tabor in order to pause long enough for a picture.

The happiest thing happening in Joonie's life right now is that he's getting to enjoy the weather, play tennis, and run.

I asked Joonie if he's been on the recipient of an act of kindness and he couldn't think of a specific example but confirmed he's often on the receiving end of kindness and said, "people are good to me."

"Keep it simple, be happy," Joonie answered, when I asked if he could think of a personal mission statement.

I asked Joonie something about himself which he considers to be a success and he replied that he has, "self-supporting employment."

Day 26 - Morgan

This is Morgan. We met at the Park and Ride bus station.

"Living here," Morgan answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life.  Morgan just moved here from Florida a few months ago.

I asked Morgan if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that his new roommate here in Portland allowed him to stay rent-free for 3 months while Morgan settled in and found work.  Morgan is now working and will repay the back-rent, but this is a pretty amazing act of kindness from a complete stranger. Morgan's roommate wasn't a friend, she was just a random person he had met online!

"To be a better person than I was in Florida," Morgan answered, is his personal mission statement.  Morgan's move to Portland is a fresh start and I'm wishing him lots of success!

I asked Morgan something about himself which he considers to be a success and he shared that he's had a story published.  I asked Morgan if he wanted to share a link to the story with us here, but he was bashful and modest and said it was just a little small-town Florida publication.  He's optimistic the move to Portland will help him further his writing successes.

Day 27 - Jeff

This is Jeff.  He was hanging out in the park along the Columbia River.

I asked Jeff about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I'm happy every day with the free gift of life that God gave me!"

I asked Jeff if he had been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he said that his parents had just come to visit him here.

When I asked Jeff if he had a personal mission statement, he said he has a personal motto, "aim high!"  He has high expectations of himself with his school and family.

I asked Jeff something about himself which he considers to be a success and he answered that he's still working on it.  He wants to finish school, no matter how long it takes, and he wants to be successful in the future.  He has great ambition, but I was also want to hear from people something positive for the present, so I persisted.  Jeff then answered, "I'm raising two kids."

Wishing Jeff lots of success and happiness here!

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

• To leave a legacy of love & friendship & kindness.
• Life is a journey, live on.
• To help, and enjoy, my family and the people I encounter.
• I'm going to Heaven and I'm going to take as many of you bastards as possible.
• Keep it simple, be happy.
• To be a better person than I was in Florida.
• Aim high.

Yes, I've been having a little fun with the InstaQuote app.  Here's a picture from my little journey to Wahkeena Falls + Multnomah Falls yesterday, and Guy's reminder to us that to journey, is to live.  Even if our  journey is only as far as our own back yard, opening our eyes and our hearts to the beauty around us is truly living.

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

Have a great week and enjoy the journey!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 11

Week 11 of the 365 Day People Picture Project ended with me crying and hugging a stranger I had just met.  

Day 71 - Runner on the Heritage Trail

When I explain the project to potential subjects, I explain to them that I will Instagram their photograph that day and then do a little recap at the end of the week, here on the blog.  I ask if they'd like to share their name, give a fake name, or just remain anonymous.

I didn't learn a whole lot about this anonymous subject but one of my Instagram friends is convinced he's a baseball player and now when I look at his picture, all I can see is a baseball player! I think she called it right.

Day 72 - DJ

 

This young man is DJ.  When I approached DJ, with camera in hand, I barely got out 3 words before he was on-board with letting me take his photograph.  Hmmm, for some reason, I think he may be used to having his picture taken!

DJ and his friends were tossing around a football when I spotted them.  They were sporting neon clothes and  bright shoes and they were impossible to miss! I felt like I had just stumbled onto commercial video shoot for Nike.  After learning more about DJ, I realized I wasn't just picking up on their sense of style from their appearance, their style was an accurate projection of their real lives!  DJ is currently rehabbing an injury sustained in a car accident but he'll return to play college football next year.  In the meantime, DJ and his partner are the entrepreneurs behind Flight Skool Shoes.

I know we often describe women as stunningly beautiful, but is it ok to describe a man as stunningly handsome?  There's no other way around it. DJ is stunningly handsome.  Handsome, athletic, and entrepreneurial, and to top it off, he was a real gentleman.   DJ presented himself with the professionalism and maturity of a man at least twice his age.

OK, so we've covered DJ's good looks but do you see the several mistakes I made in the picture?   No matter how perfect the subject, you still need to check for distractions in the background.  Ugggg, it pains me to look at the picture because of the stupid recycle bins and street post sign.  Now you see it too, don't you?  This was another very good reminder to me. Even when your subject is stunningly beautiful or stunningly handsome, you still have to do the work. You still have to check for background noise and distractions and then position yourself or the subject away from the noise.

I'm such an inexperienced photographer that I'm just shooting in auto and some of the preset "scene" modes.  I like to think of this phase of the learning process as having training wheels.  Because I'm shooting in auto, it should free me up mentally to learn and implement the fundamentals of composition.  While I'm relying on my "training wheels," I can learn to pay better attention to horrible distractions.  This is a critical step in learning to take better pictures.  A misplaced recycling bin can ruin a picture, even when your subject is as handsome as DJ.

Day 73 - Oscar

I found Oscar at the top of Mt. Tabor Park.  While dozens of other people were gathering at the look-out area to take pictures of the setting sun, I was at the center of the park, taking pictures of Oscar.  I could tell he was gathering his things to go but he allowed me time to take his picture before leaving.  This Oscar was not a grouch…this Oscar was a real nice guy.

Day 74 - My Father-in-Law

We had a little family get-together to celebrate my Father-in-Law's birthday.  It's funny that my own Father-in-Law has been one of the most challenging subjects.  He's usually the one taking the photographs, so it was a little stressful for him to be the subject for once.  I'm actually glad it took us over a dozen pictures to get one that was usable because we all shared a lot of laughs during the process.

Day 75 - Man in the Park

 

I failed another person-with-dog photo.  If I were successful, the title of this picture would have been: Man with "Spuds MacKenzie."  He was walking a playful little Bull Terrier when I met the two of them in the park.  Actually, we didn't just "meet,"  I had to chase them down.  (I laugh at myself when I imagine what I must have looked like.)

I nearly made the same mistake with this subject as I had done with DJ, but this man actually pointed out that our background was a "dumpster."  As we re-positioned him, he then purposely placed himself in the spot with the best lighting.   It became obvious to me that he was an experienced photographer.  He helped to correct me with the lighting and by eliminating the background distraction, but I appreciate that he let me fumble through my mistakes.  And, because I fumbled through my mistakes, I didn't capture a good shot of both him and his dog.   They're another candidate for a do-over, should I ever meet them again.

Day 76 - Wendy

Friday, I sent out another SOS text to my friend Anne, letting her know that I was still looking for a subject and asking if she happened to be out on the town.  Not only was she happy to meet me, but she volunteered her friend, Wendy, to be day 76.  Luckily, Wendy agreed! I like this picture in black & white, but I love Wendy's new hair color more, so I decided to share this one with you.

Day 77 - Tammy

Tammy was a complete stranger to me this morning, but within a matter of minutes - we were crying and hugging.  Well, she managed to dam her tears but my tears definitely spilled onto my cheeks.

I arrived at my favorite trail this morning and immediately spotted Tammy.  I don't know why, but it has always been my preference to look for subjects after I finish my walk.  The minute I saw her, I thought she would make a great subject but it just didn't feel right to break my routine of walking first, taking pictures after.  Something compelled me.  I got my camera and journal and walked over to Tammy's car.  In the short time I had been debating on whether or not to ask her, she had gotten back into her car which made me even more apprehensive about asking her.  I don't like to approach someone while they're sitting in their car. It just feels too bold and intrusive. But, again, I was compelled.

I gave Tammy my spiel about the picture project but I couldn't quite get a read on if she was going to agree or not.   She then responded, "You should wait for my daughter. I have a beautiful daughter."  I replied back, "I don't know, you're pretty beautiful yourself."  She asked a few more questions about the project and about my blog so I explained how it all came about…that I started a blog but quickly realized I have a boring life which means I have no content to sustain a blog!  As a solution, I decided to finally learn photography and challenge myself to take a picture of a person every day for a year.

I wasn't prepared for what came next.  Tammy told me that I was  inspiring her.  She said it a few times and then she opened up.  She explained to me that she's going through a divorce after having been married for 25 years.  She explained how she's wanting to re-invent herself and running has been one of the ways in which she was planning to do so.  She told me a little more about her situation and I was heartbroken for her.  I felt the weight of the sadness she must be feeling and I just couldn't hold back the tears.  (Tammy gave me permission to tell the story of our encounter this morning but I don't want to share too many details.)

I was so touched that my little project could have a positive influence on another person, especially someone who was hurting.  There we were, two strangers, having a conversation as meaningful as those shared by the best of friends.   Tammy and I concluded that we were meant to be placed in each others lives at that moment. She was able to draw some inspiration from the challenge I have given myself, and I received kindness and encouragement from her.

While on my walk, I continued to think about Tammy and the process of her re-invention.  Although I feel empathy for the painful experience she's going through now, I'm excited for her as she starts the process of self-discovery and re-discovery.

Tammy, if you happen to read this - I hope when you look at this picture, you will see the same beautiful woman that I saw this morning.

Thank you for checking in on week 11.  I'm starting to accumulate a little bit of information and soon, I will have enough to report back to you and share the things I've learned so far. I think I'm learning a little more about people than I am about photography.

Remember, If you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram and Twitter username is:  @missellanea.  I've temporarily turned off the comments here on the blog while I combat comment-spammers.  It's a fairly easy fix and comments will be turned on again soon. In the meantime, you can always e-mail me, or message me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

If you are a subject in this project,  thank you for your time and for letting me take your picture.  You have touched my life in ways which are impossible for me to articulate. Thank you.