365 More People Pictures - Week 46

Hello! These are the subjects from week 46.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 315 - Kim

This is Kim, my sister-in-law.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Kim.

Day 316 - Rich

This is Rich. We met at the park.

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

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

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

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

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

Day 317 - Josh

This is Josh.  We met at the bus stop.

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Josh.

Day 318 - James

This is James.  We met outside Hollywood Theatre.

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

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

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

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

Thank you, James.

Day 319 - Arielle

This is Arielle.

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

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

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

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

Day 320 - Joe

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 321 - Erek

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Erek.

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

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

Thank you for reading!

365 More People Pictures - Week 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 36

Hello! This is week 36 of the 365 More People Pictures project. These are the subjects from a couple of weeks ago.  In real-time, I just wrapped up week 38.  If you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram username is @missellanea.

Day 245 - Clement

This is Clement. We met at the bus.

Recently, I've been asking subjects to give me a serious look.  If I can't catch people in a genuine laugh or smile, then I've been aiming for something more pensive.  Clement was quite warm and friendly.  I didn't even have to ask him to give ma serious look a "serious" look. When it came time for the photos, Clement naturally just defaulted to this serious, stoic look and when I look at this picture, I see a determined person.

"I'm happy to work...I like work," Clement answered when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

We had a bit of a language barrier to overcome. When I asked Clement if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, he asked me to explain. I re-phrased the question and instead asked if he's recently done anything nice for anyone, or if anyone has been nice to him. A beautiful smile came across is face when he said that he had just visited his Mom in Mexico.

When I asked Clement his life's purpose, we again worked through our language challenge.  At first I thought I may have made things even more confusing in my second attempt at the question when I asked Clement, "why are you here...in life?"  "I'm here to work...I want to have a good life," Clement answered.  It doesn't matter in what language it's said, we all desire happiness and a good life.  The puzzling part, is learning how to define "good".

Thank you, Clement.  Wishing you a good life.

Day 246 - Erika

This is Erika.  We also met at the bus during quite a rain storm.

"Improved health," Erika answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

When I asked Erika if she's recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she replied, "both...I try to practice daily."

"To help other people, women in particular," Erika said, is her life's purpose.

I asked Erika something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she replied, "I have a 19-year-old who is kind, sweet and giving."

Thank you, Erika.

Day 247 - Rob

"Having the summer off and doing a lot of hiking," Rob said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked Rob if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, he explained that he makes that his lifestyle - he tries to make kindness happen as much as he can.

"I know it sounds cliché or stupid, but a good rule of thumb is to always treat everyone you encounter, as a person," Rob answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement. I told Rob it wasn't at all cliché.  It's quite perfect.

"I'm happy that I'm a compassionate person," Rob answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, Rob.

Day 248 - Novalicious

This is Novalicious.  We met on the street.

"I'm in the most amazing, caring relationship," Novalicious answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now. Novalicious went on to add that she's also happy because her work is great, her kitties are healthy, and her parents are healthy.

Novalicious' recent act of kindness is that she bought a meal for a homeless person she met around the food carts.

When I asked Novalicious her life's purpose, she answered, "to love and be kind and to wish everybody happiness, and when I'm not shown that kindness, to be understanding." Novalicious has it all figured out and I'm striving to be more like her.

I asked Novalicious something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she answered, "I survived!"

Thank you, Novalicious!

Day 249 - Katrina

This is Katrina.  We met at the bus stop.

"I'm getting my girls back," Katrina answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

When I asked Katrina 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 that she's currently living in a program for women who are in the process of regaining custody of their children.

There are times when I've kept the confidence of the subjects I've met because I've felt like it was a special and personal interaction between us. In Katrina's situation, her story is a happy one and it's ok to share a little.

I wondered why Katrina had lost her children.  Knowing she was in the process of regaining custody, I read between the lines and gathered that Katrina may have battled addiction and must have made some positive life changes.  I asked if she was now clean & sober and she confirmed she was.  I was so touched by Katrina, her sheer love for her kids, and her excitement that she would soon be reunited with them.  I couldn't hold back the tears, but they were happy tears.  I was so happy for Katrina and the changes she's made in her life.  It's more like she's reclaiming her true self, rather than starting new.

"To be a good Mom to my kids, and to help others," Katrina answered, when I asked her life's purpose."  "First, I have to help myself," Katrina added, knowing that taking care of her own self, was critical for everything she's about to do.

When I asked Katrina something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "my recovery."

Thank you, Katrina.  Wishing you and your family success, love and happiness. You can do it!

Day 250 - Stephen & Michael

This is Stephen (left) and Michael (right).

I asked Stephen the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "money!"  He jokingly added that he was buying his happiness.  Stephen recently came into some money and he shared that he's been having fun spending and indulging, and perhaps going a little wild.  I couldn't help myself.  I may have accidentally mom'd Stephen.  Ok, I totally mom'd Stephen and reminded/lectured him to also be smart with his newfound money!  I know, I know.  I couldn't help it.  Luckily, he was a very good sport and we all laughed about my mom moment.

I asked Michael if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he answered that Stephen had just bought him a bike!  Joking aside, I thought it was pretty cool for Stephen to treat his friends to such nice gifts.

"To be awesome," Stephen said, when I asked his life's purpose.  The three of us laughed at Stephen's answer.

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

Thank you, Stephen & Michael.

Day 251 - Cat

This is Cat.  We met at the mall.

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

"I try to do nice things," Cat answered, when I asked if she's recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.

Cat's life's purpose, "making people look and feel good."  I had guessed Cat was either a tattoo artist or hair stylist because of her awesome style.  Her answer confirmed that she's a hair stylist.  I love that Cat places value on her profession and that she sees the worth of service that she's providing.  When we're confident in the way we look, that confidence spills over and we really do feel better.

"I recently lost 40 pounds," Cat answered, when I asked something about herself which she considers to be a success.  Nice work!

Thank you, Cat!

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

• I'm here to work...I want to have a good life.
• To help other people, women in particular.
• Always treat everyone you encounter, as a person.
• To love and be kind and to wish everybody happiness, and when I'm not shown that kindness, to be understanding.
• To be a good Mom to my kids, and to help others.
• To be awesome.
• Making people look and feel good.

Thank you for following along on this project!  Sometimes I just get completely overwhelmed when I think about all of the incredibly kind and amazing people we've met. It feels like I'm not doing enough to convey just how beautiful people are.  I feel like I can't even find the right words to express how this has impacted me.  I feel like this has been a privilege and I'm ruining it by being an inferior writer.  At the very least, I just hope that maybe by reading about the people in this project, it will inspire you to be curious and visit with people you may have otherwise just let pass you by.

Thanks again.

365 More People Pictures - Week 35

Hi! These are the subjects from week 35 of the 365 More People Pictures project.

Day 238 - Sandy

This is Sandy.   We met at the park, where he was out walking his dog, Henry.  Actually, I sort of approached Sandy and Henry at the very moment Henry was doing his doggy business, and for that reason, I don't think Henry was all that pleased with me.

"Henry went outside today," Sandy answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  I gathered from Sandy's statement that Henry is in training.

Sandy's recent act of kindness is that he purchased shaving cream so that his daughter could swirl-color Easter eggs. (I'm running behind. This was Easter.)

"I'm really devoted to my wife and daughter," Sandy answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Sandy something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "I taught Henry how to go outside."

Thank you, Sandy & Henry.

Day 239 - Erik.

This is Erik.  We met at a restaurant where my friends had taken me for my birthday dinner. Erik was our server.

The happiest thing happening in his life right now is spending time with his 9 year old daughter.

When I asked Erik if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, he answered, "my whole life I've been on the giving end."  Erik then explained that he was on the receiving end of an act of kindness when he got this new job.

"To be a good example for my kids," Erik answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Erik something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered that he played in the NFL for 9 years. If he looked familiar to you, you were right!  This is Erik Wilhelm, quarterback.   Erik played for OSU and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals.  He then went on to play for the Phoenix Cardinals and NY Jets!  You can learn more about Erik's football career here.  But, he's so nice, you could probably just ask him about it in person at The Top Shelf in Vancouver!

I thought it was pretty cool that a former NFL player was just an awesome, humble man who just wants to be a good influence for his kids.

I just never know who I'm going to meet in this project!

Thank you, Erik!

Day 240 - Alan

This is Alan.  We met at the bus stop. Unfortunately, our interaction was quite brief because the bus arrived just as we got started.

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

It turned out that Alan is an acquaintance of one of my co-workers!  I love it when that happens!

Thank you, Alan.

Day 241 - Brenden

This is Brenden.  We met on the street.  Does this picture make you think of the "Ponyboy" movie picture too? (The brunette Ponyboy.)

The happiest thing happening in Brenden's life right now was that he and his girlfriend just moved into their first place.  For Brenden, it's actually the first time that he's had a residence to call his own.  He's been living on his own since High School, but he's been staying on friend's couches and now he's happy to have his very own place.

I asked Brenden if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that he was recently on the receiving end of an act of kindness  when his boss gave him sort of a gift/bonus of $100 so that he could go to Seattle.  Brenden had never been to Seattle and his boss knew that Brenden really couldn't afford to go, so he gave him an extra $100.  Brenden loved seeing Seattle for the first time!

"To make people laugh," Brenden answered, when I asked his life's purpose.  Brenden has aspirations to be a comedian.  It was tough choosing a picture to show you.  Given Brenden's aspirations in comedy, I thought I should share one of the more light-hearted, laughing pictures, but I chose this one because he did a great squinch and I just felt there was a lot more to Brenden.  This picture shows his depth.  And, I think it does remind me of Ponyboy.

"The fact that I'm still laughing," Brenden answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  Life hasn't been easy for Brenden, but not only is he still standing and laughing, but his life's purpose is to give laughter to others as well.

Thank you, Brenden.  Wishing you luck and success!

Day 242 - Tucker

This is Tucker.  This was another short, too short, interaction as his bus arrived after the very first question I asked.

"I just got accepted into college," Tucker answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Thank you, Tucker!

Day 243 - Travis

This is Travis. We met on the street.

"I have a girlfriend," Travis answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Travis had just been on the receiving end of an act of kindness just moments before we met.  He was riding his bike and accidentally dropped his seat cover which he had removed and placed in his pack.  Another cyclist picked it up, chased after Travis,  and returned the seat cover.

"Be kind," Travis answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Travis something about himself which he would consider to be a success, I read a look of complete satisfaction come across his face.  He reached up his hands, petted his beard and answered with a grin, "this beard."  Yes, that is a successful beard, even by Portland standards.

Thank you, Travis!

Day 244 -  Chris

This is Chris.  We met at the convenience store where he was working. Chris saved the project which was 8 minutes away from failure!

This was not a good day.  An earlier trip to the dentist left me in so much pain that I didn't feel like going out in search of a subject. I decided that my husband would be the person of the day.  We only had a few minutes minutes for me to take his picture before he had to leave for work. Already pressed for time, my camera started doing some weird stuff I had never seen it do!  I've still only scratched the surface on how to operate my new camera and because it's several steps up from my first camera, it's much easier to really screw things up, especially because I'm still learning!  I wasted several of our few short minutes together, trying to figure out what I had done wrong with the camera settings.  I finally managed to get a picture.

I didn't sit down to process the picture and post it on instagram until after 11:00 pm.  When I saw the condition of the picture, I was pretty upset that I couldn't even take a decent picture of my own husband.  It was awful...probably the most unflattering photo of him ever! I've seriously taken better pictures of him when he's been sound asleep with the dog, and the dog is practically sleeping on my husband's head and smooshing his face into the pillow. (Any picture where a dog is asleep on another person's head is a good picture.)   I knew my husband would eventually get over me posting such a horrible picture, but I just couldn't do that to him. It would have been embarrassing for us both.

Still in terrible pain, I got dressed and headed for the convenience store nearest my house in search of a new subject.   It seemed like the only people there were under-age kids and with a few exceptions, everyone in the project has been an adult.  I asked the cashier if I could take his picture for the project, but he was beyond camera shy.  No amount of encouragement on my part, could convince him to let me take his picture. He would have made for a great subject, but he wasn't having any of it. I totally understand that some people don't want to be on the internet and I completely respect that and I don't push it when I sense that Ive met someone who is opposed to social media/internet. I just got the sense this guy was lacking confidence and that with enough encouragement, he would let me take his picture. Ultimately, I was hoping I'd take a great picture of him and it would help to boost his self-esteem.  I even explained that the fate of the entire project was resting on his portrait, but he declined.

I was hurting so much, I felt like I only had two options. End the project, or post the awful picture of my husband.  I decided to suck it up and consider a 3rd option...I could race to the other nearest convenience store and hope there would be someone there.  So, I did it!  I made it to the other store with less than 10 minutes before midnight.  I rushed through the door of the store, in pain and probably looking desperate. I quickly explained to the cashier that I only had a few minutes to take a picture of a person before midnight, for my 365 Day project. I asked Chris he would let me take his picture and he agreed, and he did so with a smile and kindness! I was so happy to have met Chris!

"Spending time with my son," Chris answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Chris' recent act of kindness is that he babysat 7 kids!  A friend of his was going into the hospital to deliver a baby and Chris watched her other children and the children of those close to her so that they could also go and support her during her delivery.  See, he is a great guy!

"To try to uphold my values and morals," Chris answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Chris something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "my time working here."

Thank you, Chris!  Thank you for your kindness and for saving the project.  You are awesome!

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

• I'm really devoted to my wife and daughter.
• To be a good example for my kids.
• To make people laugh.
• Be kind.
• To try to uphold my values and morals.

Thank you!

365 More People Pictures - Week 33

Hello! Thank you for stopping by to meet the people from week 33!

Day 224 - Oliver & Jaka

This is Oliver and Jaka.  We met at the bus stop.

I've found it best to split up the questions when a group or couple is the photo of the day.  You'll notice that I still really shy away from couples and groups.   Before starting this project, I didn't pause to think about shooting a quick little snap of a group or couple. It was fun and you just want to capture the moment.  And really, it's easy to take a cute picture of a couple or group with a camera phone or point & shoot.  When you're first learning a DSLR, sometimes you'll want to throw up your hands, shouting,  "I give up! My iPhone is easier!"

One thing I learned quickly as I started to dive into educating myself about photography and when I got my first DSLR, is that it's actually very easy to take a bad picture or ruin a picture of a group or couple.  As you begin to learn more about composition, things that never used to bother you, become nagging challenges to overcome.  Little things such as differences in height or lop-sided gaps or negative spaces between people now jump out at me and I get bummed when I don't catch them during the shot.  It sticks out so much now, it can prevent me from enjoying a photo.  Now, I can't just simply shoot a quick little photo of my girlfriends and be happy about it.  Now, I look at the picture and see all of these things I should have done differently.  Of course it happens with single portraits as well, but with couples or groups,  the challenges are multiplied and for that reason, I've been a bit intimidated by couples and groups.  The only way to improve is with practice, so I'm forcing myself to rise to the challenge.  Plus, it's always great talking with a group of people!

When I asked Oliver the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he looked over at Jaka with adoration in his eyes and simply answered, "Jaka."  Awwwww.

When I asked Jaka if she recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she paused and then answered, "I think....you."  Yes! She was so right! I love it when people catch that they're in the middle of performing an act of kindness simply by taking the time to talk to me, a complete stranger, and allowing me to take their picture and share a little of their lives here with you.

I asked Oliver his life's purpose and he answered, "to write a film that will change at least one person's life."  It sounds like Oliver has been quite prolific and he's created several films.  The next step, which is even harder than actually birthing an idea and giving it life, is then figuring out how to share it with the world.  I wished Oliver good luck, and can't wait till we can all see one of his films!

When I asked Jaka something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "having an attitude of gratitude, and I feel that we're all equal."

Oliver and Jaka were such a sweet and loving couple and I'm so glad I set aside my fear of couples/groups and allowed myself to meet them!

Wishing you both love and success!

Thank you.

Day 225 - Deontae

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

I'm running a bit behind, but when I asked Deontae the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he answered that he was happy he would find out the following Wednesday, if he got the job for which he had been hoping.   Deontae was a great guy, and I hope he got the job.  Maybe I'll bump into him again and find out the good news!

I asked Deontae if he's recently performed an act of kindness and he answered that he gives money to homeless people. He explained that he's been there before and knows what a difference a few dollars can make.

When I asked Deontae his life's purpose, he answered, "to get married, have a family, move overseas, and pursue a career in architecture."   Deonatae's ambitions are both grand and simple at the same time.

I asked Deontae something about himself which he would consider to be a success and when he answered, his entire face lit up.  "Being happy-spirited...it's gotten me far in life," Deontae beamed. I loved witnessing his happy spirit and I just knew that if he shined like that in his interview, the new job is his!

Wishing you great luck, Deontae!

Day 226 - Aaron

This is Aaron.  We met on the street.

The happiest thing happening in Aaron's life right now is his home, and building a garden with his partner.

When I asked Aaron if he's recently performed an act of kindness, he explained that in general, he's a friendly and nice person.  Although you can't tell in the picture, Aaron has really long hair, and just as he was answering this question, another "fellow long-hair" walked by and made a comment and gestured to their matching long locks.  Aaron complimented the man on his hair and I cracked up watching the instant connection the two formed.

"To be of service to others," Aaron answered, when I asked his life's purpose.  Aaron does this by bringing his Midwest hospitality to the Northwest and sharing his friendly disposition.  He really is a friendly guy.  When I approached Aaron, it dawned on me that once again, my memory card was at home in my laptop.  I usually always carry spares but I had been completely off-routine for several days and working out of three different camera bags. (which is just asking for trouble.)  Aaron was so cool and easy-going.  He explained he had time to kill before his movie started and would wait if I wanted to run to buy a new memory card at the Rite Aid across the street.  His chill demeanor helped me to keep chill too.  I walked back to my car to get my wallet and in the process of doing so, I remembered I DID bring spare cards!!  Hanging out with Aaron was just like hanging out with a friend who goes with the flow until things sort themselves out.  I was glad to have met Aaron.

"I don't suck at life," Aaron answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, Aaron. Thank you for being so friendly.

Day 227 - Lou

This is my friend, Lou.  Yes, you've seen him before in last year's project.

I met with Lou, and my friend Debbie, and by time we finished with what we were doing, it was way too late to go out in search of a subject.  Lou was nice enough to make his second appearance in the project.  Plus, I'm really glad he did, because now I can share some of his band's pictures too!

I asked Lou the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "a new venture!"  I'll share more about that in the future.

When I asked Lou if he's recently performed an act of kindness, at first he couldn't think of an answer and then it finally hit him - he and Debbie are responsible for our whole "Project Brown Bag" movement, in which we give out brown lunch bags filled with snacks to homeless people we see on street corners.  Were it not for Debbie and Lou, it would be really easy to slip out of the habit of carrying "brown bags" in our car.  (Sometimes weeks can go by before I refill my stock, but Debbie and Lou always send us away with more brown bags to hand out.

"When you leave the world, leave it a better place," Lou answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

"My leadership abilities," Lou answered, when I asked something about himself which he considers to be a success.

Lou just formed a new band, "Vasoline."  They do primarily Stone Temple Pilots covers.  Lou has been playing with his former band for several years.  It was mainly a bunch of guys who got together for fun.  I was bummed to hear they were moving on, but happy to hear Lou was starting a new band and he was going to be the lead singer!  Lou sang with his old band every once in a while, and he was good, but I didn't know what to expect with his new band.

They had their first show just a couple weeks ago and I was completely blown away!  I was so happy and impressed with the band, and especially Lou!  I had no idea that he had a total rock star hidden underneath his laid back, low stress, soft-spoken demeanor.  He killed it!  They all did!  It was so awesome!  I got pretty wrapped up in taking photographs and the lighting, or lack there of, was a huge challenge so sometimes I was pretty engrossed in my camera.  Later, on my way home,  I got goose bumps just thinking about how great they did. The sound was excellent and you would never have guessed this was their first show!

I was so proud of Lou and his new band, and can't wait to see & hear 'em again!

Day 228 - Courtney

This is Courtney.  We met at Starbucks.

I love this picture!  When we attempted a "serious" picture, both Courtney and I cracked up and couldn't stop laughing and smiling.  This was one of the in-between pictures and I just love it!  Some of my very favorite photos are the "in-betweens" I've caught when I've just kept shooting in-between "real" photos.   Knowing this, I now know to keep shooting the "in-betweens" and I can just "feel" when an "in-between" shot is really going to be the shot I was looking for.

Recently, I tried to shoot a large family portrait and even deliberately set up an "in-between" shot by staging a fake posed shot, followed by a pause before the next "posed" or deliberate shot.  During the in-between, if you can manage to say something funny or get people to do something silly, or ridiculous, the in-between will likely become the money shot.  It wasn't working for my large group photo, probably because I tried too hard.  With Courtney, we were genuinely having a fun time and I was lucky enough to capture it.  She's a beautiful girl, and I was just happy to spend a brief moment, on a warm sunny patio, talking to a complete stranger who felt more like talking with a friend.

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

When I asked Courtney if she's recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of kindness, she gave me a what-a-coincidence-look and held up the book she had been reading.  Courtney is going to school and has hopes of becoming an art therapist. Kindness will be her profession.  On the receiving end, she recently received help completing all of the necessary paperwork for her to be able to return to school.

"Letting go of resentments and accepting that we are all one,  to be the best mother and person that I can possibly be, and to leave a positive imprint," Courtney answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

When I asked Courtney something about herself which she considers to be a success, Courtney answered, "I think I give good advice, and I'm a loyal friend."

Thank you, Courtney!  Wishing you the best of luck and success in school and with your daughter!

Day 229 - Scott

This is Scott.  We met walking down the street.  Scott was in town, from Michigan, for a Martial Arts convention.  This is a deliberatly serious-looking picture, but when I stopped him, I could immediately tell that he was pretty much a teddy bear.  Scott was in a hurry to find the studio hosting the event, but was nice enough to stop and give me the time to take his picture.

"Being a Dad," Scott answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked Scott if he's recently performed an act of kindness, he said that he gave money to a homeless person, and also that he bought his kids presents to bring back home to them.

"Be a good dad, be a good person," Scott answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Scott something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered that he recently got and accepted a job offer to teach full time.  "Teaching is what I'm best at," Scott added.

Thank you, Scott!  Good luck!

Day 230 - John 

This is John.  We met on the sidewalk. I think he had just gotten off work.

The happiest thing happening in John's life right now is that he's met a lot of new friends at WSU.

When I asked John if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of kindness, John explained that he works at Starbucks and he feels like serving coffee is one way in which he's also able to serve the community.   John gives kindness in his friendly service and he feels like he's the recipient of kindness on a daily basis.  John explained that some of his customers are now more like friends.

"To bring laughter into the world," John answered, when I asked his personal mission statement.  John loves to make people laugh because it gives them an outlet to express a side of themselves that they suppress.

One thing about himself which John considers to be a success, is "being diligent with college."  John explained he was the first in his family to graduate from High School and go onto College!  His family must be so proud!

Thank you, John!  Good luck!

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

• To write a film that will change at least one person's life.
• To get married, have a family, move overseas, and pursue a career in architecture.
• To be of service to others.
• When you leave the world, leave it a better place.
• Letting go of resentments and accepting that we are all one, to be the best mother and person that I can possibly be, and to leave a positive imprint.
• Be a good dad, be a good person.
• To bring laughter into the world.

Thank you to every subject in this project!  Thank you for sharing yourself with us.  Please remember, if you'd like a copy of your photo, please drop me a message and I would love to email it to you!

And thank you for following along!

Have a great week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 30

Hello! Thank you for reading week 30 of The 365 More People Pictures project.   I'll soon post week 31, which are the subjects from this past week, and then we're officially caught up!  I've continued taking a picture of a person every day but I managed to let myself get behind in the blog posts.  If you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram username is @missellanea.

Day 203 - Lillie

This is Lillie.  We met outside of Mod Haus in downtown Vancouver.  You may remember Mod Haus.  Lynn, the owner, was day 119 of my first project.  It's such a great shop!  When you're in downtown Vancouver, be sure to stop in and say hello to these ladies!  They have great style and they'll help those of us who need a little help finding our own style.

The happiest thing happening in Lillie's life right now is that she's an honors student and almost finished with her Associates degree.  Lillie is studying Japanese.  It was both funny and impressive because several times she naturally spoke in Japanese instead of English.   She's clearly comfortable and fluent in the language.

As soon as Lillie got in front of the camera, it was obvious she's done some modeling.  I've said it before, but modeling takes a special skill  and we often underestimate the amount of talent required of models.  Models truly have something special and unique and even my amateur/beginner eye can immediately spot when someone has modeling experience.  I can't articulate it properly and I was going to say that when a model is in front of  your camera, you can tell the exact moment when they turn their model on.  As I was typing the words, I was struck with the thought that it's more like models turn themselves off.  They momentarily disconnect from themselves, take on a new persona, and become this pliable form who is eager to create cool images with a photographer.   I'm still so new and learning, so I haven't really taken full advantage of the few opportunities I've had with the models I've accidentally met in this project.  I've been so awestruck as I watch them transform in front of my very eyes.  Lillie has that something special.

Lillie's recent act of kindness also relates to her modeling as she's recently modeled for a few local shops for free, and in return, a few of her photographer friends have photographed her which is helping her build her portfolio.  Everyone wins.

When I asked Lillie her life's purpose, she responded:  "To grow as a human being, to become more self-aware, to learn from others and hopefully teach something along the way."  Lillie then added, "traveling wouldn't hurt either!"

"I try to be as amiable as I can be...my personality is a success," Lillie answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Indeed.  Lillie was so sweet!

Wishing you lots of success with everything you set out to do, Lillie!  Thank you!

Day 204 - Aaron

This is Aaron.  We met on the street.  The happiest thing happening in Aaron's life right now is his job.

Aaron's recent act of kindness is that he bought food for some homeless people.

When I asked Aaron if he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose, he said that he has a quote he likes to live by:  "What do you do when no one is looking?"

"I have a large friend base from all walks of life," Aaron answered, when I asked him something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, Aaron.

Day 205 - Zach

This is Zach.

The happiest thing happening in his life right now is that he just moved in with his girlfriend.

I asked Zach if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. On the receiving side, Zach's best friend helped him move.  On the giving side,  Zach does volunteer work at a soup kitchen.

"Learn something new every day," Zach answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

When I asked Zach something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "I have a lot of friends."

Thank you, Zach.

Day 206 -  Maurice

This is Maurice.  He was two people ahead of me while we were in line at Starbucks.  I couldn't hear the conversation but Maurice, the barista, and the person in front of me were all laughing about something.  When I looked up to see Maurice, he had the warmest, most friendly smile I've seen in a while.  I didn't want to bother him, but I just couldn't resist asking Maurice if I could take his picture for the project.

"I'm in the process of writing a book," Maurice answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked Maurice if he's recently performed an act of kindness, or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, he thought for a while and then jokingly explained, "I live the life of a hermit."  Maurice is working on his book and he said he doesn't get out much, other than his Starbucks breaks.  However, he said that his daughter visited last month and while she was in town, she did all kinds of nice things to help Maurice.

I asked Maurice his life's purpose and he answered, "right now...just to get that book finished."  Maurice has been working on the book for 5 years, but paused when his wife passed away, and then again when he was dealing with health problems.  I asked when he anticipates its completion.  Maurice thinks he'll finish in 6 months.  Maurice said he should probably say that more often, so that it will become reality.  I agreed and explained it's part of the reason I ask some of the questions I do.  The more we talk of something, the closer we are to making it happen.

When I asked Maurice something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he laughed and said that he would have to go back to his youth.  "I was chosen to be on a particularly good Rugby team," Maurice said.  I think Maurice has many more successes in addition to his Rugby career, and I'm wishing him good luck that he will soon add "finished writing a book," to his list of successes.

Thank you, Maurice!  May the words flow freely and easily for you,  and in the perfect order.

Day 207 - John

This is John.  We met on the street.

"Life itself," John answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  John explained that he's made a lot of changes in the past few months and he's feeling good about things.

I asked John if he's recently performed an act of kindness and he said that he tries to do little things every day.  Doing things for others makes him feel better than being on the receiving end of kindness.

John's life's purpose:  "Constant forward movement.  Constant forward progression."

When I asked John something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he said that it was the way he was able to meet a person and connect with them.

Thank you, John!

Day 208 - Matthew

This is Matthew.  We met at the bus stop.

"I got a new job," Matthew answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Matthew's recent act of kindness is that he helped a man in a motorized wheel chair who had become stuck as he was trying to make it over a curb.

"To love," Matthew answered, is his life's purpose.

When I asked Matthew something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "my happiness, because I'm in charge of it."

Thank you, Matthew.

Day 209 - Bruce

This is Bruce.  We met at the park along the Columbia river on a beautifully sunny day.

"Getting to know who God really is," Bruce answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Bruce has endured a few difficulties the past few years.  He broke and seriously injured his leg, was divorced, and now his injured leg is causing more serious problems again.  Through it all, Bruce has found comfort and strength in faith in God.

When I asked Bruce if he's performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of kindness, he answered, "both."  Bruce was a very shy person and didn't think he had much to offer, other than his skills in construction, but now he considers himself to be an "encourager."  When he was working, before his injury, he would help build and re-build in distressed areas and he would like to return to that some day when he's healed again.  "We are so valuable, we don't even understand it," Bruce said, when he spoke of our purpose to be used by God to contribute to something bigger. He's also been on the receiving end of kindness, finding support in his new group of friends he's met through Church.

"To love and help other people," Bruce answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

I asked Bruce something about himself which he considered to be a success and he answered that he was a successful builder, he's raised 4 kids, and he's maintained a positive attitude.

Bruce and I continued to visit for quite a while and I was so glad to have met him that day.

Thank you, Bruce.

Here's the summary of the personal mission statements and life's purposes of the subjects from week 30:

• To grow as a human being, to become more self-aware, to learn from others and hopefully teach something along the way.
• What do you do when no one is looking?
• Learn something new every day
• right now...just to get that book finished."
• To love
• To love and help other people
• Constant forward movement.  Constant forward progression

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

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 7

Hello! Week 7 is a wrap!

Day 42 - Teri

This is Teri.  She was walking her dog at Esther Short Park when we met.  Teri quickly and happily agreed to let me take her picture and I should have realized then, it was because she's a photographer and she "gets it."

I learned that Teri has been a photographer since the age of 4!  She's a highly sought-after, fine art photographer from New York, and her specialty was nudes.  She recently moved to the Northwest to chase another dream of becoming a Park Ranger.  I enjoyed hearing about the the contrasts in Teri's life.  Teri moved from the east coast, big city, big art world, to pursue life on the laid-back left coast and to become a park ranger.  She said that being closer to nature has filled her with new inspiration and she now has an opportunity to concentrate on landscape/nature photography.

Teri and I made for such a funny pair.  You would think that we should have made for a great team, but I was busy being nervous about wanting to do justice to an accomplished artist, and Teri was busy being nervous about allowing herself to be in front of the camera instead of behind the viewfinder and in control of the process.  I found it so ironic that Teri has been up close and personal with nude subjects, but she's totally camera-shy when she's the one in front of the lens.  I can totally relate. Having my own picture taken is a miserable experience.   We finally both just had to let go and have fun with it!

I asked Teri the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she said that she just returned from a vacation on Maui.  The Maui trip was also the act of kindness Teri received, as it was a treat from a friend. As we were mid-interview, another woman approached us in the park and thanked Teri for the print she had just given her. The woman told Teri she had just hung it, and was remarking how much she loved it.  I interjected that not only had Teri been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, but it sounded like she had also just given an act of kindness as well.

"To live life to the fullest," Teri answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement.

I asked Teri something about herself which she considers to be a success and she answered, "being nominated for the Louis Comfort Tiffany Award."  Teri clarified that she didn't win, but still, having been nominated was still quite an honor.

Teri explained that her site isn't up-to-date, but you can check out her work here.

I feel fortunate to have met Teri and I enjoyed listening to her, and trying to learn from her.   She even extended an offer for me to consider her as a resource as I get deeper into the process, and perhaps someday host a pop-up show to thank all of the subjects in this project.  (Which is something I've been dreaming of, but I've just become overwhelmed at how to actually execute a showing or celebration party for subjects from the first 365 Day Project.)

Thank you, Teri.

Day 43 - Elliot

This is Elliot.  He was near the Hollywood Theatre, waiting for his friend to arrive.

"School is starting, I'm very happy about that," Elliot answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Elliot if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he said that his mom recently gave him a nice set of knives.  I agreed this was an excellent gift because a good set of knives could possibly last his entire lifetime.

"Power to the people," Elliot said, is his personal mission statement.

When I asked Elliot something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "aside from the beard?"  Haha! Such a great answer!  He then circled back to his return to school and that he feels successful having finally figured out that he should be an English major.

Day 44 - Drew

This is Drew.  I spotted him on the sidewalk.

"I got a new job," Drew said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Drew was just recently on the receiving end of an act of kindness, in that his friend gave him free tickets to a show.

Drew wasn't sure about a personal mission statement or a life's purpose, saying simply, "I'm just trying to get by."

I asked Drew something about himself which he considers to be a success and Drew answered, "graduating college."

Drew has a job in his field of study, so right now - it is a success when someone has a job and it's actually in the field for which they attended school!

Day 45 - Julie

This is Julie.  She was waiting at the bus stop when we met.

I worked late on Wednesday and it was dark by time I left.  I was concerned because I'm now out of practice when it comes to  shooting in the dark.  Especially considering, I'm trying to learn how to shoot without a flash in low light and when it's dark.  It's NOT easy.  Until Julie, I don't think I've ever managed to take a nighttime/dark photo  that wasn't complete blurry or just horrible. Julie was great luck and she was patient with me as I tried both a flash and non-flash picture.

The happiest thing happening in Julie's life right now, is that she's working her dream job.  Julie is the owner of the Julie Lawrence Yoga Center.  Julie also feels this is something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Julie followed her dreams of becoming a professional dancer, which lead her to her now dream-come-true situation of running a yoga studio.

I asked Julie if she had a personal mission statement and she explained she actually has a 5-part mission statement:

1 - "Experience and share love."

2 - "Seek out learning opportunities."

3 - "Be physically active."

4 - "Remember to laugh and play."

5 - ...

You know that feeling when your mind goes blank on you?  Well, that happened when Julie attempted to give the 5th part of her 5-part mission statement.  The bus was approaching us, we needed to hurry, so we just left it at 4.  Four excellent little nuggets for us to remember!

Day 46 - Becki

This is my very dear, and very special friend, Rebecca.   Yes, she may look familiar to you from last year's project. It was almost exactly a year ago when Becki was a subject in the first 365 Day People Picture Project.  It's been fun to include my friends in the project and I try to take their picture when we get together for their birthday celebration.

"My family, my husband and my kids," Rebecca answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Becki if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and she replied, "Yes! Tonight...birthday gifts and an amazing dinner!"  We got together for dinner and laughs with the family and our other friends, Debbie and Lou.  When it came time to take Becki's picture, it was pitch dark outside and I couldn't even tell what these two were up to.  The sneaky little photobomber is our friend, Debbie.

I asked Becki if she had a personal mission statement and she answered, "life's too short.  Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today because you might not be here."  Becki would know.  She barely survived what could have been a fatal car accident, shortly after we finished high school.  The crash, and her rehabilitation, were both life-changing and life-affirming for Becki.  Since then, she's become the most generous person I know when it comes to sharing love, laughter and happiness.

I asked Becki something about herself which she would consider to be a success. "My family, friends, and my volunteering," Rebecca answered.  Rebecca is always donating her time and efforts to one cause or another.  I'm completely awestruck with her life and how she makes time for work, family, volunteer work, and fun!  She'll be the first to tell you - she makes time for fun and she makes sure that we all make time for fun too!

Becki, I'm so glad you were born.  Happy Birthday, dear friend.

Day 47 - Sky

This is Sky.   She was waiting at the bus stop when we met.

The bus would soon be approaching, so again, we had to keep things at a fast pace.  I quickly shot three pictures of Sky and then asked the interview questions.

"I'm really excited to go back to school," Sky answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked if Sky has been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and she immediately replied, "yes, many times!"  But she explained she couldn't think of a specific example at that moment.  This is so common.  Several people seem to have a general sense and feeling that the world is kind to them, but usually the pressure of me asking for an example, makes it difficult for them to think of something specific.

"I'm all about my family, and I like to make my family happy," Sky answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.

When I asked Sky something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she also circled back to starting school again.  Sky is only 20, but she already has 4 years of college under her belt!

I'm glad I bumped into Sky...brains, beauty, and a such lovely person to visit with.

Day 48 - Brian

This is Brian.  We met at Esther Short Park.  When I approached Brian to take his picture, he agreed quickly, gave me a big smile, but then his expression changed and I couldn't get a read on what was happening.  Not wanting to keep him from anything, I asked if he was in a hurry.  He said that he had time.  The area is somewhat tourist-y, so I asked if he lives around here.  Brian then said that he's homeless.

Damit.  Damn.  Damit.

I've intentionally avoided asking people who are homeless if I could take their picture. The reasons are many, but basically, it is out of respect.  It is out of respect for their situation, and in wanting to preserve dignity.

I had already asked Brian if I could take his picture. It would have been more disrespectful and painful to abort, than it would be to move forward with the picture and interview.  And, from our very short interaction up until that point, I already got a good vibe from Brian.  I was already in.  I already cared.

Brian and I shared an intense and brutally-honest conversation.  The kind of conversation that is so intense, it's probably not even one that he's been able to have with his friends or family.

I hate addiction.  I hate that some people are born with different wiring.   I hate that some people are fortunate to have been born with a dimmer, but other people are born with an on-off switch.  For those people born with an on-off switch, there is no in-between.  There is no, let's turn-up-the-lights-just-a-little-and-have-a-cocktail-with-dinner setting.  There is only on, or off.  Once the switch is flipped and the person is exposed to a mind-altering substance, it's on all the way.  The hungry addiction receptors are fired up and begging to be stimulated and fed.  Once the switch is flipped, it's so easy for a person to abandon and lose everything they are, everything they were, and everything they hoped to become.  It's so easy to lose your footing when you're a person  born with a switch instead of  a dimmer.  Once you lose your balance on the tightrope of addiction, the fall may not be swift, but it is certain.  Once you've fallen off the tightrope completely, you don't even know, or care, that you're falling...as long as it feels good on the way down.

Not every person born with a switch instead of a dimmer,  falls to the point of homelessness.  Some are fighting the battle from the comfort of a warm and cozy home, but the battle is still life-destroying nonetheless.

Brian had a good life.  He was married.  He had a great job. He's soft-spoken and personable, and his intelligence is apparent in his articulate speech. Brian has just finished his time squaring-up with the law, and has intentions to go back to school.  He had intentions, that is, until he sabotaged himself.  Again.  Brian is feeling frustrated and disappointed with himself and he can't understand why he keeps repeating the cycle no matter how much he's ready to make the change for good.  He's so close.  I know he can flip the switch to off.

My canned interview questions seemed so ridiculous, given the circumstances.  I apologized to Brian.  I told him I was still going to ask the questions I normally ask, even though his situation is a difficult one. I explained the questions have been stealthily designed as an exercise in gratitude. (and inspiration and motivation as well.)    I hoped he would feel better and more optimistic when we were finished, but I knew there was a huge risk that the questions could result in him feeling more helpless and hopeless.

I asked Brian, if he could think of anything happy, in spite of his situation.  He shook his head, "no, nothing," Brian answered, as he appeared to hold back tears.  "Nothing?" I asked.  "No, this is pretty much the highlight of my day," Brian said.  "Well, we have that in common, because this is the highlight of my day too," I shared.  I pleaded with Brian to consider that every day he wakes up, every day that he's alive, is a reason to be happy.  "If you're alive, there's hope," I added.   Brian agreed, reluctantly at first, and then said "yes, I'm alive."

I asked Brian if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he said that a woman at a church gave him a really nice sweater/jacket,  and then he turned to show me the jacket on his backpack.

I asked Brian if he had a life's purpose, or a personal mission statement.  Brian answered,  "to not to fall back into drug addiction."  I wanted Brian to walk away from our interaction feeling filled with hope and having a plan.  I wanted to hear the words from Brian about his next step in life.   No matter who we are, or what our circumstances, the more we share our plans or intentions, the closer we become to making them a reality.  I wanted to hear Brian tell me that he was going to get back on the waiting list for treatment.  I wanted to hear Brian tell me his plans to get financial aid to return back to school.  I wanted to hear Brian say the words that he will find a living situation and get off the street.  It was important to hear Brain say all of those words and lay out all of those plans, because I wanted Brian to hear the words, and believe them.  I want Brian to be one step closer to making his plans become reality.  He's got them. He's got the plans and a foundation is built.  I pray Brian can be freed from a life of addiction and reclaim his life, or a new and better one.

I apologized to Brian for "mom-ing" him, and told him I believed he could do it.  I believed he could get himself together. Brian needed to hear that another person believes in him, so that maybe he'll believe in himself.  Brian knows where to get help, and how to get help.  I dream for the day in our country that when a person is ready to get clean, the resources are there for them to do so.  The free program here in the area often has a waiting list to get into the residential treatment facility, and by time a person gets to the top of the list, they may be back out using again.

After we finished, I asked Brian if he had food for the day.  He answered, "not really."  I told him I had some in my car, if he wanted to walk with me.  We talked while we walked.  Brian openly and honestly shared the Cliff's notes version of his life story with me, and now it was his turn to ask questions about mine.  He mainly wanted to know about the project, and why I was doing it.  "What's the objective?" Brian asked.   I, also giving the Cliff's notes version, explained that I just wanted to see if I could do something every day for a year.  I pointed out the similarity between doing a 365 day photography challenge, and being clean and sober.  I took one picture a day, and before I knew it, I had strung together an entire year's worth of pictures without any gaps.  Brian understood and confirmed..."just like being clean and sober...one day at a time, and before you know it, you've got a year."

We reached my car and I unlocked the trunk and gave him all I had.  He asked, "do you always drive around with sack lunches in your car?"  "Yes, I try to," I answered.  "They're for the people I may meet...who may be hungry."   We talked just a few moments longer, we both thanked one another, and I told him once more that I believed in him...hoping he'd feel it enough to believe in himself.

If you're the praying kind, could you say a prayer for Brian and anyone you know who struggles with addiction.  May they be free.

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

• To live life to the fullest.
• Power to the people.
• I'm just trying to get by.
• Experience and share love.
• Seek out learning opportunities.
• Be physically active.
• Remember to laugh and play.
• Life's too short.  Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today because you might not be here.
• I'm all about my family, and I like to make my family happy.
• To not fall back into drug addiction.  

Thank you to each and every subject from this week, and in the entire project.

Thank you again for following along.

Have a great week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 3

Hello and thanks for stopping by to check out week 3 of the 365 More People Pictures Project.  If this is your first time checking in, this is my 2nd year-long challenge to myself in which I'm taking a picture of a person, every single day, for another entire year. I just completed my first 365 Day Challenge a few weeks ago, The 365 Day People Project. The experience was life changing. Taking pictures of people and sharing them with you has now become a big part of my life.  After finishing the first project, I decided I wasn't ready to give it up. I just had to keep going.  I'm not a photographer, I'm just a girl with a camera.  I'm starting to see improvement in the quality of the pictures I take, but more importantly, I feel like my little life is improving because of this project.  It is my hope that you'll be inspired by this project and the people who have shared themselves with us.  Most of all, I hope this makes you feel positive and happy.

Day 14 - Rob, Matt & Conway

This is Rob (left), Conway (center), and Matt (right.)  They were hanging out along the Columbia River when we met.

I learned a good lesson from the very first photo of  last year's  365 Day People Picture Project.  The first photo in the project was of my husband and he was wearing sunglasses.  After seeing that first picture, I decided I would always ask people if they could remove their sunglasses so that we could see their eyes.  Although I did eventually ask Rob & Matt if we could take a picture without their glasses on, this picture was still my favorite.  I broke my own rule but it was for good reason.  The guys caught my eye because of their style.  A big part of that style was their carefully selected sunglasses.  And I confess...another factor is because it was so bright and sunny and I'm still not skilled enough to compensate for harsh sunlight when there isn't good shade close by.  Not only was I struggling, but it's also hard for people to not squint with the bright sun shining in their eyes.

I asked the men about the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and they both agreed that it's their future move to Downtown Portland.

I asked the two if they've recently been the recipient of an act of kindness.  Rob answered, "I always see kindness everywhere."  Matt said that someone had recently paid for his coffee at Starbucks.

"To spread knowledge and compassion throughout the world," Rob answered, is is personal mission statement.  Matt said that his personal mission statement is "to take care of the ones I love."

When I asked the men something about themselves which they consider to be a success, Matt answered that he feels like he's accomplished a lot in his life so far, and he's only 21 years old.  That's awesome!  I wouldn't have been able to say the same thing at 21.  Rob is in his ninth year teaching and he considers his longevity to be a success. People often pursue other things after teaching for just a few years.  Wishing Rob many more successful years sharing knowledge and compassion.

Day 15 - Scott

This is Scott.  We met at Mt. Tabor.

I ask Scott about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I've got a 9 month old."  Scott's newborn is to credit for his new little family being on the receiving end of kindness.  Scott explained that their friends and family made meals for them when they returned home from the hospital.

"To be happy," Scott answered, is his life's purpose.

When I asked Scott something about himself which he considers to be a success, he replied, "I'm nice to people...most of the time."  We laughed and I agreed, understanding all too well that we're all a work-in-progress.

Day 16 - Shauna

This is my friend, Shauna.  It's been a few months since we've been able to catch up but we finally got to do so on Tuesday.   She's been traveling the world, teaching The Blogcademy.  If you've been following along, you'll remember that Shauna is one of the main reasons why this blog, and this project, even exists.

I asked Shauna the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "that I'm getting ready to go to Palm Springs, for both work and fun...and that I have a baby squirrel!"  Yes, you read that right - she and her husband have rescued an orphaned squirrel.

I asked Shauna if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and she said that she receives kindness daily.  Her husband is the benefactor of the kindness she receives, in that he brings her coffee and breakfast every day!  (Coffee-making husbands are the greatest husbands in the world!)

You may remember Shauna was also in last year's 365 Day People Picture Project. Back then, I only had one "canned" question that I would ask each subject.  Since that time, I've started asking people about their personal mission statement.   I hadn't asked Shauna her personal mission statement when she was a subject last year, but after reading the mission statements of other subjects from this project, Shauna later decided that her personal mission statement is to "work hard, play hard."  I asked Shauna if she had a new personal mission statement and we laughed when she answered, "work harder, play harder!"

"Giving women the skills to run their own business," Shauna answered, when I asked what she would like her personal legacy to be.  Shauna first answered that she wants to share her design knowledge with other creatives, but as she considered the question, she changed her answer and explained that being able to help empower other women is really more of a legacy because it then takes on a life of it's own. It becomes something bigger.  Shauna and her partners in The Blogcademy are, indeed, leaving a legacy of inspired and empowered women.  When I think about Shauna, her partners, and all of their students and the work they're all doing, I think those women are creating more than just a ripple...they're all creating a tidal wave of goodness.

"Working full time for myself," Shauna said, is an accomplishment she didn't think she'd be able to achieve.   In my job, I get to see the works of hundreds of graphic designers.  Shauna is among the best graphic designers in the Northwest, and it's been awesome seeing her evolve and progress into owning her own design studio.

Shauna's picture from the first project was one of my favorites and I was optimistic I could do even better this time because I've made some improvements.  There was just one little problem...we were so busy visiting and laughing and catching up, that I almost forgot to take a picture!  By time I remembered, the sun had already set and it was dark.  I was looking forward to taking her picture during golden/magic hour, but I blew it.  We were so busy talking, I let the sunset totally pass and ended up having to use a flash. Even so, her picture is another one of my favorites.  Have you noticed that I'm starting to get more and more favorites?  (I'm improving!!!)

Thank you, Shauna, for being in this project and for being such a constant source of inspiration and a great friend.

Day 17 - Amy

This is Amy.  We met walking down the sidewalk.  Amy was in a bit of a hurry to meet a friend but she still stopped and gave me the time to take her picture.  She was a pretty sweet person.

"My job is really good," Amy answered, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in her life.

"Trying to create as much happiness as possible in the world," Amy said, is her personal mission statement.

I asked Amy if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  "All the time," Amy answered.  Amy explained that her work is extremely collaborative and they all help one another.

I asked Amy what she would like her personal legacy to be and she answered, "I would like people to think, 'she wasn't a jerk.'"  I don't think Amy has to worry about that at all.  Within moments of meeting her, it felt like I was meeting someone very kind and sincere.

Day 18 - Kasey

This is Kasey.  We met in downtown Vancouver.  It was "day zero" of the Kumoricon anime convention and the costumed attendees were just starting to arrive and check-in for the weekend-long event.

For the past few years, I've somehow accidentally ended up at Ester Short Park during the Kumoricon event.  Before starting this project, I hardly ever made it to downtown Vancouver.  Now I go downtown quite frequently, in search of subjects.

This year, I intentionally planned to seek out a few subjects during Kumoricon.  In addition to getting to see all of the amazing CosPlayers, (people who dress up in costumes to portray anime/film/comic characters) CouvFest NW was also happening in the park so I was able to catch a few bands too!  That was a happy accident and now I'm looking forward to next year's CouveFest NW!

I asked Kasey the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she responded, "I am spiritually centered."

I asked Kasey if she's been the recipient of an act of kindness and she said that being able to be at Kumoricon was due to her mother's kindness.  Her mom helped pay for her hotel for the event.

"To figure out what life is about and to experience everything to the best of my abilities," Kasey answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

I asked Kasey something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she answered, "I'm happy with how my body looks."  Kasey explained that it took her a long time to be able to feel that way.

Here's Kasey's full costume. She described her costume as "classic Lolita."

Day 19 - Fernie

This is Fernie, and this is my first ever Troll portrait.

I headed back down to the park on Friday in order to catch glimpse of all of the Kumoricon Cosplayers and check out the bands playing at CouvFest NW. 

I asked Fernie the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered, "this Con."  Even as a complete outsider, you can't help but absorb the fun vibe down there.  I can appreciate Fernie's answer because even just hanging out and people-watching for a little while, I could tell the attendees were having a blast, forming new friendships and enjoying the the time they were spending with other like-minded people.

"I just really like making other people happy," Fernie said, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement.  Fernie answered the question with so much enthusiasm, it actually made me really happy!

Fernie feels like she experiences kindness every day - something as simple as a stranger giving her a smile can help make her day.

"I'm really good on the sewing machine," Fernie said bashfully, when I asked her something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Fernie packed three different costumes for the event, which he had sewn herself.  She pointed to a friend and told me she made his costume as well!   It's obvious that some of the cosplayers must spend days or weeks planning and making their costumes. It's a great sight to see!  I may have actually been inspired enough to dress up for Halloween!

Here's a picture I snapped at CouveFest NW - This band is  Lincoln's Beard.

Day 30 - Rikyah

This is Rikyah.  We met at CouvFest NW.  Yes...I went down for another day of people watching and music.

I asked Rikyah the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered with relief, "the kids are starting school!"

Rikyah's recent act of kindness is that she gave a homeless person all of the change she had in her entire purse, since she didn't have any cash.  Not having cash or change when she was approached by a different homeless person later, she then gave that person a winning lottery ticket.

"To be the best person that I can be - the best mom and friend," Rikyah answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement.  Rikyah's friend, who was waiting for us to finish the "interview," liked the question and wanted to share her own answer as well.  Rikyah's friend added, "find yourself and do it on purpose."

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

Rikyah's brand new hair color (which I love) totally matches her bright and happy personality!  Thank you, Rikyah, for letting me take  your picture!

Here are a few more pictures from Kumoricon and CouvFest NW.  The band shown here is The Sindicate.

Band  - The Sindicate

More Kumoricon CosPlayers - Guy Fawkes, "V is for Vendetta"

SteamPunk Girls

Weeping Angels - but they're not weeping, they're walking around having fun

Syndra

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

• To spread knowledge and compassion throughout the world,
• To take care of the ones I love.
• Trying to create as much happiness as possible in the world.
• Work harder, play harder!
• To figure out what life is about and to experience everything to the best of my abilities.
• I just really like making other people happy.
• To be the best person that I can be - the best mom and friend.
• Find yourself and do it on purpose.

Thank you to the subjects from this week!  If you'd like a copy of your picture, please don't hesitate to e-mail me. I'd love for you to have it!

Have a great week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 47

Hello and welcome to week 47 of The 365 Day People Picture Project!

I want to first mention that I experienced something quite exciting this past week.  I received an e-mail from someone, Hana,  who stumbled upon this project.  She complimented my efforts and said she had also been considering something similar, and wanted to reach out before starting her own project.  Of course I encouraged her to go for it!  Learning that I contributed some inspiration to another person, was pretty much a dream come true for me!

Hana didn't waste any time!  After e-mailing back and forth for just a couple days, she started her own 365 Day project! If you've enjoyed this project, I encourage you to follow @artysci on Instagram and check out her blog at www.artysci.co.uk.  Wishing you luck and success, Hana!

Day 322 - Marietta

This is Marietta.  She had been delayed in her tear-down/pack-up efforts from having worked the Recycled Arts Festival all weekend, so it gave me the perfect opportunity to ask if I could take her picture.  She quickly agreed, and I later learned that she may have been quick to let me take her picture because her son is a photographer.  I love it when I happen to meet photographers or people who have a photographer in their family, because they get it.  They don't think it's weird to have a complete stranger ask for their picture.

I asked Marietta the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she paused for a moment, then looked over to her adorable little schnauzer who was waiting patiently in his kennel, and she replied, "I'm happy that my dog is well."  Her dog had experienced a medical scare but came out on the other side and is doing well.

When I asked Marietta if she had recently performed an act of kindness, she said, "I lost $50 and I'm sure someone must have found it."  I was impressed with her positive outlook.  She's certain someone found it and she hoped it had made their day or that it helped the person who found it.  She genuinely hoped the finder of the lost money was happy and her sincerity was obvious.

"What I put out, I get back," summarized Marietta's personal mission statement.  She explained that she tries to think about what would be good karma in everything that she does.  This helped me to understand Marietta's sincere wish that the person who found her money was helped in some way.

I asked Marietta something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she replied, "that I raised three wonderful boys."

Day 324 - Jonathan

This is Jonathan.  He was so patient with me as we tried to locate the best spot for us to take a picture. The sun was shining brightly and causing the trees to cast shadows everywhere.  We finally had to wedge ourselves in a little alcove behind the bottle recycling machines at Whole Foods.  Jonathan was such a great sport about the weird location of our quick little shoot.

"I'm about to have 6 English Mastiff puppies," Jonathan said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  I can't even imagine the cuteness overload!

Jonathan's recent act of kindness was that he had given someone food.

"To be 100% - mentally, physically and spiritually, all the time," Jonathan said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Jonathan one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "I'm a drummer."  Jonathan is a drummer in a reggae band and here's a video from a while back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG0w4jr_Dpc

Day 325 - Alex

This is Alex.  I went into Plaid Pantry (convenience store) the other day and Juan (from day 236) happily announced that Alex was new and I'd have another new subject for the project!  Alex, before he even knew what he was agreeing to, confirmed that he LOVES having his picture taken!  I laughed and told him I'd be back before the end of the week.

"My music," Alex said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  He debated between answering that it was his girlfriend who was the happiest thing happening in his life, but decided on music.  Alex and his girlfriend are actually in a band together, so he sort of covered both with this answer.

I asked Alex if he had recently performed an act of kindness and he replied, "I work here!"  His job gives him the opportunity to share kindness with his customers who are people from all walks of life.  He then went on to say that most recently, he discovered a bees nest, so he "warned" other pedestrians to stay clear of the bees. (which was an act of kindness for both the people and the bees!)

I asked Alex if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  Alex replied, "to make people feel again."  Alex went on to explain that he's in 4 bands and he wants to move people with what he says, both on and off stage.

When I asked Alex something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "I'm in 4 bands!"

Alex's 4 bands are:

1. Alexander S. Hormann - Solo
2. Lazy Finger - The band he's in with his Girlfriend
3. Vince Yawn - Punk
4. Soccer Moms - Alternative

Alex is full of personality and true to his mission statement, he definitely made me feel happier after meeting him!

Day 326 - Luis

This is Luis.  Although I didn't see it, Luis had just taken a spill on his skateboard when I approached him to ask if I could take his picture.  He agreed to let me take his picture, but he was wincing in pain.  I thought I should just let him be, but I could also tell I was a bit of a healthy distraction for him so I decided to carry on.  Luis was sitting on his skateboard so I decided to sit down on the grass with him in order to take his picture.  Just then, it hit me... C-R-A-M-P!!!  My foot/leg started to cramp, and poor Luis was still wincing and tending to the bruise forming on his shin.  We would have been a funny sight were we not in so much pain!  I had to hop back to my feet to make the charley-horse subside, but Luis couldn't do a thing about his injury.

I asked Luis the happiest thing happening in his life right now and through the pain, he replied, "having a child."  Luis' face lit up when he responded, even though he was hurting.

Luis was having trouble remembering if he's performed an act of kindness, but pretty much the only thing he could think of was the pain he was feeling.  I reminded him it was kind he had let me take his picture.

I asked Luis if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on-the-spot.  Knowing he wasn't thinking of much at the moment, I rephrased the question and asked about his life's purpose.  "To support my kid, is my first goal," Luis answered.  I looked down at the bruise forming on his leg and asked curiously, "do you want your kid to be a skater?"  He looked down at his hurting leg, rubbed around the bruise a bit, and answered that he wants his son to do what makes him happy.   In a flicker, I could see in Luis that he wants both to protect his son from the bumps and bruises that skateboarding/life dishes out, but he wants him to enjoy the ride too.

"Being a father, " Luis answered, when I asked one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success.  Wishing Luis and his family a lifetime of happiness!

Day 327 - Sir Charles Wiggins III

This is "Sir Charles Wiggins III."  He looked like he had someplace to be, so our interaction was short and efficient.

"My 3 1/2 year old daughter," Sir Charles Wiggens III said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked "S.C.W.III" if he had recently performed an act of kindness and he answered, "I would like to think so," but he couldn't recall a specific act.  Again, I reminded him that he let me take his picture.

"Live, grow, and thrive," Sir Charles Wiggins III answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one.

I asked one thing about himself he would consider to be a success and Sir Charles responded, "being content."  I love this answer!

Day 328 - Eric

This is Eric.  I spotted him taking pictures in the park so I figured he would most likely let me take his picture for the project.

"Vacation," Eric said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now. Eric is here vacationing from California.

I asked Eric if he had recently performed an act of kindness and his friend helped to remind him of the answer.  "I bought Voodoo Doughnuts for the family this morning," Eric answered.

"Enjoy life to its fullest," Eric answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

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

Best wishes for a happy vacation, Eric!

Day 329 - Ben

This is Ben.  Ben asked me for directions and it gave me the opportunity to ask him for his picture!  I was struck with the realization that Ben was the first person in this project to approach me first.  After meeting Ben, I was so glad that he had gotten turned around.  I would have never met him had he found his destination.

I asked Ben the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he responded immediately, "growth!"

Knowing that people often experience an explosion of personal growth and development after having experienced something "bad," or at least not positive, I asked Ben if something bad had happened.  Ben then went on to explain that there are two types of growth - growth away from something, or growth toward something.  In Ben's case, the growth he's experiencing is a result of him being an incredibly driven person and his growth is toward building a really amazing future.

Talking with Ben feels like you're talking to a motivational speaker.  I couldn't help but catch a little of his enthusiasm and it's just what I needed.  I've been feeling a little blue about the project coming to an end and not knowing what I would do next, but then Ben happened.

Ben's words stuck with me and I wanted to learn more.  I figured Ben's wisdom must have come from a source,  - a psychological or philosophical theory, or perhaps a famous author on personal self-development.  When I got home, I googled to see if I could find the source and learn more.

I had created a dilemma in my mind - for example, if a person who experienced a terribly sad break-up decides to pick up the pieces of their broken heart and trudge on, is their growth away from the pain, or is it toward happiness?  Or is it both?   When a person with an addiction breaks free from that addiction, is their change to grow away from the pain and devastation caused from their addiction, or is their growth toward living a healthy and productive life?  I wanted to learn more, but my search didn't reveal the author, psychologist or philosopher behind this thought.  Instead, I discovered a whole lot of information about plants and phototropism.   You know how plants often grow toward the direction of the light?  That's phototropism.  I learned that when plants grow toward the light, it's called positive phototropism.  When plants grow away  from the light, it's called negative phototropism.  In my little botany lesson, I better understood what Ben was explaining to me and I reached the conclusion that although positive or negative phototropism is meaningful for plants, for humans - it matters not if we're growing away from something (negative), or toward something (positive), it matters most that we're just continuing to grow.

I asked Ben if he had recently performed an act of kindness and he explained that he had offered to help a group of people who are looking to improve their lives.

"To develop myself so that I can offer others as much as possible," Ben said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Ben something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he said that he's able to experience "where I am in the moment, and have peace."

I left Ben feeling a bit of a boost.  Like the sun is for plants, Ben is like a light source for humans.  You can't help but experience a little growth and renewal when you're around his enthusiasm. His genuine desire for self-improvement and to be of service to others is contagious.  Ben told me his dream was to become a teacher.  He realized his dream, and now he wants to improve it.

Dream it. Realize it. Improve it.  Wow!

Ben filled me with inspiration and now the answer is right before me.  I had a dream to take a picture of a person every day for a year.  I'm now making that dream a reality.  Next step - improve it!

See why I'm so glad Ben was lost and he asked me for directions?  Seems we were both able to help each other to get where we needed to be.  Thank you, Ben.

Here's a summary of the personal mission statements and life's purposes of the subjects from this week. I also added a little extra from Ben.

• What I put out, I get back.
• To be 100% - mentally, physically and spiritually, all the time.
• To make people feel again.
• Live, grow, and thrive.
• Enjoy life to its fullest.
• To develop myself so that I can offer others as much as possible.
• Dream it. Realize it. Improve it.

Thank you to each of you who have been subjects in this project.  I'm grateful for your kindness and that you shared yourself with us.  Thank you.

And thank you for following along for another week!  These past few weeks have been bitter-sweet knowing the project is coming to an end.  Meeting Ben made me realize - I can keep going! I can improve it!   Knowing that I can always keep going helps me to not stress about the future of this project and this blog, and to focus on what's important.  Today.

Thank you!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 46

Hello! We're finished with week 46 of The 365 Day People Picture Project!

If this is the first time you've stopped by, I've challenged myself to take a picture of a person, every day, for an entire year.  The pictures are taken fresh daily. I'm not stockpiling photos.  The majority of the subjects in this project have been complete strangers who I've met while walking down the street.  Also included are a few friends, family, and co-workers.

I'm not a photographer and I still haven't taken a photography class, although I'm finally registered for one in a couple weeks. (a little late, huh?)  I just wanted to see if I could do it.  I wanted to challenge myself to do something, every day, for an entire year.  I wanted to learn photography, and I wanted to have content for this newly hatched blog.  And, here we are...

Day 316 - Ty and Marlise

This is Ty and Marlise.  We met in downtown Vancouver as they were heading to the wine festival in the park, and while I was actually taking a picture of a completely different couple who were going to be the subjects of the day.  Ty and Marlise jumped in on the other photo, much to the relief of the other couple, who then pretty much insisted that Ty and Marlise take their place as the subjects for the day and give the interview.  To onlookers, we would have appeared to have been a group of long-time friends who were stopping for a quick photo, but we were all strangers, having a great laugh together.

I asked the couple the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and Marlise responded, "we just got married 3 months ago!"  Ty jokingly said that their wedding wasn't his happiest thing and after some kidding around, Ty turned to Marlise and said, "being with you," is the happiest thing happening in my life.   Awwwww, so sweet.

When I asked the newlyweds if they had recently performed an act of kindness, Ty jokingly said no, but then went on to say that he tries to do nice things when they're out and about.  (such as giving money to homeless people on the street corner.)  Marlise said that they had just met a woman who had just moved here from California.  The woman hadn't met any new friends since moving here, so Marlise gave the woman her phone number and they made plans to get together.  I think the woman from California just met herself a couple of fun new friends!

"Nice matters," Marlise replied, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot.

I asked the pair something about themselves they would consider to be a success.  Ty replied, "my house."  "My children," Marlise answered.

Wishing Ty and Marlise a happy new life together!

Day 317 - My Mother-in-Law

My Mother-in-Law reminds me of a cross between Meryl Streep and Martha Stewart, with a sprinkling of June Cleaver.  Yes, she's just that nice.

I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "getting up to sunshine in the morning, my home and my flowers."  She works hard in her yard, and now she's enjoying seeing her hard work in bloom.

I asked if she had recently performed an act of kindness and she explained that she had just driven a group of ladies to the St. Paul Heirloom Rose Garden.

Like other subjects in the project, my mother-in-law was having trouble thinking of an answer when I asked if she could think of a personal mission statement, so I rephrased the question and instead asked about her life's purpose.  With that, she immediately answered, "my life's purpose is to be faithful to Jesus, take care of my husband, spend as much time as I can with my children and grandchildren, and to stay healthy."

When I asked my mother-in-law one thing about herself which she considers to be a success, she just couldn't and wouldn't give an answer.  I could tell this was an extremely hard question for her and I was struck with the realization that she truly is so selfless, that her own happiness and success comes secondary to the success and happiness of her family and friends.  I don't think she had ever considered herself in this way before.  Eventually, my father-in-law tried helping her with an answer saying that she's successful at gardening and being a grandma.  I continued to push because I thought it was important to hear her own response.  Finally, she replied, "I was very good at my job when I was employed."  (She's enjoying retirement now.)  I was so happy when she came up with an answer and that she had a moment to reflect on her life.

Thank you for letting me take your picture and for welcoming me into your family. I love you.

Day 318 - John

This is John.  He seemed a little sad or stressed when we first met, but by time we were finished, we were both a little happier.

"Starting my own business," John said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  John's new company will build guitar pedals.

I asked John if he had recently performed an act of kindness.  He couldn't think of something specific, but he was sure he had done little things here and there.

When I asked John if he could think of a personal mission statement, he was stumped for a while, but again, as soon as I rephrased the question, he responded immediately and effortlessly, "to make music."

"Learning to control my own consciousness," John said, is something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Day 319 - Josh

This is Josh.

"Falling in love," is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Josh if he had recently performed an act of kindness and he explained that he had given money to a woman who is physically disabled and in a wheelchair.  She also possibly has mental health challenges as well. I knew of the woman Josh was speaking of.  I see her sitting in her wheelchair on the street corner every day on my way to work.  Josh had observed her one day and when she would ask people for money and they would decline her, she would get a little upset and say things under her breath, or maybe not quite under her breath.  Josh watched this go on for a while and then approached her, gave her some money, and then more importantly, he gave her some of his time and his kindness.  He talked with the woman, learned her name, and simply just visited with her for a while.  I'm sure she could use the money, but more importantly, I'm positive she benefitted more from Josh's kindness.

"To follow acts of kindness, compassion, love and acceptance of those I care about and those around me, " Josh replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of something on the spot.

"I've raised two amazing children who are healthy and happy," Josh said, is one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Day 320 - Graham

This is Graham.  We met in downtown Portland as I was just leaving the camera shop and he was leaving work.  I spotted Graham and thought he looked nice and approachable, but my hands were full and I wasn't going to ask him because I wasn't "ready" to take a picture.  Something just compelled me to ask him anyway.  Graham agreed and he was patient with me while I set my things down and readied myself.

Graham is a good-looking guy, but I was concerned I wasn't capturing it.  Although we were friendly enough before I had started taking his picture, it became awkward when the camera came out. Graham reminded me of a little kid.  When I would start to take a picture, he would get the biggest, cutest, child-like, forced, say-cheese smile on his face.  I couldn't help myself! I totally cracked up!  I could just imagine him as a kid, saying "c-h-e-e-e-e-e-s-e" when someone would take his picture.  Yes, I know I will never, ever, make it as a professional photographer because not only are my images not good enough, but I'm fairly confident that it says in the professional photographer's code of conduct handbook-  that one shouldn't laugh at their subjects.

Graham explained that he isn't photogenic and when he smiles, it doesn't look authentic.  When people tell me they aren't comfortable having their picture taken after they've agreed to let me take their picture, it means so much to me.  It makes me appreciate them even that much more, because I know they're outside of their comfort zone.  We both are.  The process of working through it together, is rewarding for us both.

Graham suggested that I should tell him a joke to ease the tension and make him genuinely smile.  I'm horrible with jokes. I know we're supposed to always have a joke in the can, but I don't.  I can't retain them.  So,  I blurted out the only thing that came to mind, I said to Graham, "ok, say this: One smart fellow, he felt smart. Two smart fellows, they felt smart.  Three smart fellows, they all felt smart."  (Try it yourself - don't read it, but just say it. It won't work if you read the words.)  Graham said it was too hard and since I didn't have a joke, he was going to tell me one instead.  Graham asked, "what do you call a pile of cats?"  I considered the question, but couldn't think of the punchline.  Graham replied, "a MEOWTAIN!!"  (get it - mountain?)  You can't say that we weren't trying!  We decided to finish the interview, and then take more pictures afterwards.

When I asked Graham the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he thought about his answer for a while and said it was a hard question. I was hoping it was because he had too many happy things to chose from and he confirmed it was.  He finally decided, "my niece and nephew."

When I asked if he had recently performed an act of kindness, I could tell he was recalling the past few days/weeks and searching his memory for a kind act.  I also got the feeling he does nice little things for people frequently.  Graham said that he had just given someone directions, and they were correct!  I laughed, agreeing that it's always more kind to give someone good directions, than it is to spin someone in the wrong direction.  (You might remember that I'm guilty of this.)  Graham just moved to Portland from California, so he was particularly pleased that he was able to be of help to tourists since he's new to the area himself.

"Always be mindful," Graham replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

I asked Graham one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success, and he replied, "my career."

After the "interview," we took a few more pictures and continued to visit a while longer. I learned that Graham collects domain names.  He said he was pretty obsessed with it for a while, but he's eased up on it a bit.  A few of his current favorites are:  instagraham.com and sparklepony.com.    He hasn't developed them into websites - I understand the fun in just thinking of creative domain names and then procuring them as your own.  Graham now holds onto them for a year and then just releases them back into the wild.

I'm still so amazed when I have interactions with complete strangers and it ends up feeling like I've just spent time with an old friend.  I hope the people in this project have had the same rewarding experiences that I've had.

Day 321 - Chris

This is Chris.  We met at the bus stop which always adds a degree of pressure since we're racing against the clock. Or, at least against the bus which could arrive at any moment.

"Summer vacation," Chris replied, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Chris if he had recently performed an act of kindness.  He replied, "yes," and then got a grin on his face. I asked if he wanted to share, and he explained that he got his girlfriend 6 birthday gifts!

When I asked Chris if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot, he said that he didn't have one, but his impromptu mission statement is: "to remember that everybody else is a person too."

One thing about himself which Chris would consider to be a success, is that he manages to go on a vacation every year.  Big vacations!  This year, he's going to Germany.  His favorite trip so far was his vacation in Paris.

The bus arrived just as we were finishing up and we were both on our separate ways.

Day 322 - Pam

This is Pam.  She's actually the mother of my dear friend, Debbie. (from week 15.)  Pam was in town for Debbie and Lou's (from week 20) anniversary party and it would be my only opportunity to take her picture for the project.

The day after I graduated high school, I rode a greyhound bus from southern Oregon to Portland and Pam let me stay with her and Debbie for the summer.  Pam is yet one more motherly figure I have in my life, and one more woman that I'm certain my own real mom is grateful for.  Pam was one more woman in the  "gang of moms" who helped see to it that all of us girls were happy, healthy, and safe.

I knew I wanted to share a picture of Pam laughing. She's always laughing!  In order to do so, I recruited Becki (from week 7) to be responsible for making Pam laugh.  It worked. Actually, we were entirely too successful at making Pam laugh. (I don't even want to know what Becki was doing behind my back to make Pam laugh so uncontrollably. All I know is that at one point, Becki was sniffing my armpits.)   In nearly all of the pictures, Pam was laughing hysterically!  We actually had to tone it down a bit and compose ourselves, which was extremely difficult.  I finally decided on this picture.  Although I loved the others in which Pam was laughing,  this is a little more appropriate to share with you.

When I asked Pam the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she gestured to all of us sitting around her and said, "the togetherness of all this."

I asked Pam if she had recently performed an act of kindness. She said that she and her husband, Tommy, volunteer to deliver food for the "Meals on Wheels" program every wednesday.

When I asked Pam if she had a personal mission statement, or if she could think of one on the spot, Pam replied, "to learn to be the very best person I can be...and that means trying to be nicer to people."  Amidst the joking from the family who were sitting in on our interview, Pam started to get serious.  Pam had a health scare recently, and I can imagine it influenced her answer.  She went on to say that she's recently been thinking and seriously making an effort to be a better person because when you get "close to the edge, " you start to consider - "how do I want people to remember me?"

I asked Pam one thing about herself which she would consider to be a success and she replied, "I'm successful at being a dog owner."   I confess, I was surprised at her response because I could think of several different possible answers. I wasn't the only one surprised, because the rest of the family erupted, saying, "you're supposed to say your kids or your marriage!"  We all laughed.  She insisted that her dog is happy and she was standing by her statement.  Pam, again getting serious, went on to say that she's successful at "being close to family, to make them realize how important they are to me."  With that, I got teary-eyed, gave one of my other-mother's a hug, and thanked her for being in the project.  And then we all erupted in laughter again...and I can't even tell you about that. It was just embarrassing for us all.

Pam touched on her thoughts about how people will remember her.  Pam is nice, even though she's concerned she may not always be.  She's enthusiastic, energetic, loving, and loud.  (You've got to be loud in that family!)  She's a good mom.  She's a hugger! She greets  you with a hug so big, it doesn't make sense how such a petite person can hug so big.  Pam lives.  She finds joy in simple little things like her dog, or a cup of coffee on a sunny morning.  Pam is welcoming.  Pam is someone you want to be around.  She's always reminded me of a woman who should own and run a cattle ranch, or better yet, a B&B on a cattle ranch. But yet, she very much gives off the vibe of the artist and writer she is.

Pam is an encouraging person.  She pushes you to do the things you dream of doing. Pam is a talented writer.  She was attending writing classes when I stayed with them that summer. It wasn't until I saw her passion and joy of writing, that I confessed I had my own passion for writing.  Pam told me about her classes, shared what she had learned, and she let me read her assignments.  I loved reading Pam's stories and I realized that some day, I'd like to become as skilled as Pam. Pam still encourages me to write and she's one of the few people who continues to fan my flame, so much so, that some day - I just may start that book.

Pam, you need not worry how people will remember you.  You are unforgettable, you.  Love you, Pam.

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

• Nice matters.
• My life's purpose is to be faithful to Jesus, take care of my husband, spend as much time as I can with my children and grandchildren, and to stay healthy.
• To make music
• To follow acts of kindness, compassion, love and acceptance of those I care about and those around me.
• Always be mindful.
• To remember that everybody else is a person too.
• To learn to be the very best person I can be.

That's it for this week!  Thank you for following along!

My sincere thanks to each of you who have been subjects in this project. You are making it happen and I'm grateful for your kindness.   (And thank you to two of my other moms who agreed to be in the project. I love you.)  If you would like a copy of your picture, please don't hesitate to e-mail me!  I'd be happy to send it to you.

Have a big week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 45

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

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

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

Day 309 - JL21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 310- Ian

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

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

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

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

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

Day 311 - Mercy

This is Mercy.

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

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

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

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

Good luck in the home-buying adventure, Mercy!

Day 312 - Marc

This is Marc.

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

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

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

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

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

Day 313 - Emily

This is Emily.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 314 - Andi Caroline

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 315 - Yesenia, Maria, and Angel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a successful week - however you define success!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 44

Hello, and thank you for checking in on week 44 of The 365 Day People Picture Project! If this is your first time stopping by, I've challenged myself to take a picture of a person, every day, for an entire year.  I'm not a photographer and I haven't even taken any photography classes or lessons.  I started this blog and quickly realized that blogging is hard work! Especially when you live an uninteresting life.  I needed blog content!  Having good content also means having good images.  I had neither, but the one thing I did have was a brand new, decent, entry-level DSLR.   With subtle influences from a few different sources, the realization that my need for both content and good images, and my hidden desire to become a recreational photographer, evolved into The 365 Day People Picture Project.

When I started this project, I had dreams of developing into a talented and skilled photographer with an artistic eye.  Well, I'm not even anywhere close to achieving that, but I'm not giving up.  I simply haven't worked hard enough at this, I haven't learned enough, and I ended up not even taking any photography workshops or classes.

I've been on my own with a few books and unlimited online resources, but there came a point when I was trying to study so much and so hard, I really wasn't absorbing anything.  I was getting frustrated, feeling stupid and defeated.

Now that I'm nearing the end of the 365 days, and after reviewing my recent photos, I realize that I'm not going to magically become the artist I had hoped to become in these last few days.  That was an unrealistic expectation, especially considering that I need some experienced coaching to get where I would like to be.

These last few weeks, starting next week, I will end the project exactly how I began the project.  My objective will be to see each subject as the beautiful person they are, and simply set out with the intention to capture their unique sparkle.

Day 302 - Peter James

Peter James was the last of my subjects from my working holiday in which I got to play tourist and stay at a hotel in Downtown Portland.  (I wasn't much of a good tourist, considering all I did was crash out as soon as we were done working.)

I asked Peter James the happiest thing happening in his life right now, and he replied, "inner personal growth."

When I asked Peter James if he had recently performed an act of kindness, he explained that he is in medicine, so he has the opportunity to perform acts of kindness for his patients.

"Self-transformation," was Peter James' answer, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

Peter James was pretty bashful in giving an answer when I asked him something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  He looked sort of pained when I asked him the question. He explained that he's humble in giving an answer because he feels like he has lots to work on.  He finally decided on an answer, and said, "perseverance."

Day 303 - Andrea

This is Andrea.  She's actually Brandy's co-worker. (Brandy was week 15.)  I spotted Brandy and Andrea outside of their shop and headed their way with the intention to say hi to Brandy, and also hoping Andrea would let me take her picture.  It was such a pleasant coincidence.  As I was walking toward their shop, I ran into Blanch (from week 37) and we were able to visit for a moment.  When I reached Brandy and Andrea, I could see another one of the subjects from this project waiting for the bus, just down the block! In that moment, I experienced another great community feeling.  In just a few short blocks, I encountered several new "friends."  All because of this project!

I asked Andrea the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "my boyfriend."  "My life is pretty great, actually," Andrea continued.

When I asked Andrea if she had performed a recent act of kindness, she explained that she was in line behind an elderly woman at the grocery store and when the elderly lady went to pay for her groceries, she realized she had forgotten her wallet at home.  Not wanting the lady to have to go all the way back home to retrieve her wallet, then come all the way back to the store to retrieve her already-shopped for groceries, Andrea paid for the elder's groceries.  She simply paid for them outright, not asking or expecting the woman to pay her back. It was a gift, not a loan.   What a sweetheart.

"Live life to its fullest," Andrea answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could make one up on the spot.

I asked Andrea one thing about herself she would consider to be a success and she replied, "my loyalty, and my children."

Day 304 - David

This is David.  He didn't even hesitate to answer when I approached him to ask if I could take his picture for this project.

When I asked David about the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he gestured to his camera-shy partner, Bryen, and replied, "this man right here- he's my partner in crime and my partner in life."

David and Bryen were attempting to have dinner but the Burger Bar where they wanted to eat, was closed.  Lucky for me, because had the restaurant been open, they wouldn't have been standing outside the locked doors with sad and hungry eyes, and I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet them!

I asked David if he's recently performed an act of kindness.  David explained that when they go out to eat, they often donate their leftover meals to homeless people.  (sometimes people decline the gesture, but most often, people appreciate the meal.)

David was the third or fourth person in this project to have his personal mission statement actually tattooed on his body. (I've lost count - it's been a few though, and I love it!)  David's personal mission statement, the statement on his forearm, "endure life, be true, die happy."

I asked David one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "building friendships."  This was so obvious!  In the short time I had been visiting with David and Bryen, again, I felt like I had just met new friends.  I have no doubt, they build friendships wherever they go!

After we finished the picture and "interview," we visited a while longer. Knowing the guys were in the mood for a good burger, I suggested Sam's Billiards as an alternative since it was just around the corner.  We walked together since my car was parked next to Sam's.  I learned that David and Bryen had just moved to Portland, from Arizona,  the week prior.  I told them they brought the sun with them because it had been beautiful since they arrived.  They laughed and were actually looking forward to the rainy and overcast northwest weather.  David and Bryen would both be starting their new jobs in a few days and settling in to call Portland home.

Once again, this project has enabled me to be on the unofficial welcoming committee and welcome new residents to the area!

David and Bryen were nice and fun guys and I hope to run into them again some day.  A few days after David was the subject, the weather changed and we're back to our drizzly and misty Portland weather.  I was actually happy the weather changed so that David and Bryen could experience the weather of which they had been dreaming.

Day 305 - Dylan

I've been seeing Dylan around for a few months now.  I often leave work at the same time he's taking a break from his job down the street.  I've known I wanted to ask if he'd be in the project for a while, but I always spot him just after I pass the entrance of the parking lot where he works.  I told myself to remember to stop if I ever see an open parking spot on the street and he's out taking his break.  Finally!  There was an open spot on the street and not just one spot, but two!  It was perfect because I'm not the best parallel parker- I sort of need a landing runway.

I realized how funny it must have sounded as I quickly rambled the explanation of my project and how I finally had a parking spot in which to pull over.  In my quick and excited rambling, I'm sure the poor guy was only able to gather enough information to feel just a little creeped out to know someone had been watching him...but he agreed to be in the project anyway.  I was pretty embarrassed after I thought about it.

I asked Dylan the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "my girlfriend, Emma."

I asked Dylan if he had recently performed and act of kindness and he said that because of the area where we work, he has lots of opportunities to perform acts of kindness. There's a fairly large homeless population in the area, so he often gives people something to eat or drink.

"What you put out into the universe, you get back," Dylan said, is his personal mission statement.  Dylan said he tries to be nice to everyone.

One thing about himself which Dylan considers to be a success - is that he quit smoking this year!!  I wished him continued success!

Day 306 - John and Trevor

This is John (left) and Trevor (right).  I almost felt as though they were plants and I was being punked.

I could tell they were nice guys but they were sooooo mellow.  In their own way, I think they were playing with me- but they assured me they weren't.

I asked the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and they both agreed they were happy about summer break.

When I asked the pair if they had recently performed an act of kindness, they both replied flatly, "no."  I laughed.  I thought they were joking because they were just so dry about it.  Plus, I got a good feeling about them, so I was certain they must have performed some sort of act of kindness. They kept insisting they hadn't.  Finally, I think just to make me shut up, Trevor said that he gave his girlfriend a glass of water.

When I asked if they had a personal mission statement, or could think of one on the spot, Trevor answered first, saying, "no fun."  John then quickly fired back, "party."  "No fun," followed by "party"...see why I thought they were joking with me?

If it was a challenge to find out if they had performed a recent act of kindness, it was even more challenging to find out if there was something about themselves they would consider to be a success.  I was so thrilled when they both gave genuine answers, and quite interesting ones at that!  Trevor finally responded, "I have a garden."  John then replied, after much more pressing, "decorating."

I knew these guys were interesting.  I just have a feeling they're so interesting, they were F'ing with me the whole time.

Day 307 - Ryan Sollee

This is Ryan Sollee, of the band, "The Builders and the Butchers."  I know he looks like the sweet guy who works in the IT department, but he's one hellofa badass rock star.  The sound that comes from this man is absolutely incredible!

I'm embarrassed by how badly I blew this picture.  But in my defense, I was suddenly nervous when I approached Ryan to ask if I could take his picture. I only recently discovered The Builders and the Butchers a few months ago when Ryan opened for Langhorne Slim in a solo show.  I was blown away!  Ryan's voice and lyrics are intense and some of the songs caused goosebumps!  I purchased two CD's the night of that solo show, and when I'm not listening to audio books, I'm listening to either Lucero, Langhorne Slim, or The Builders and the Butchers.

Having only seen Ryan's solo show, I didn't even know what the rest of the band looked like.  I made it a point to arrive to the show early and I spotted Ryan just as soon as I arrived.  He was talking with some other guys, who turned out to be the rest of the band. I interrupted them, asked for a pardon for interrupting them,  and then asked Ryan if I could take his picture for the project.   Ryan agreed to let me take his picture and then gestured for the other guys to join.  You know how I am about group photos - I knew I would blow it!  It was so embarrassing.  Not only had I basically ignored the rest of the band by accident, but my terror of having to take a group photo must have read on my face like I only wanted to take Ryan's picture.  I just don't do well with group photos yet. (partially because a group picture is a challenge to begin with, partially because I don't know what I'm doing, and partially because I don't have the right lens.)  The other guys told Ryan it was ok and we went outside to take the picture.  If I had only known how badly I was going to fail, I would have insisted the entire band join in the picture. (I'm convinced I would have done a better job.)

We stepped outside to take the picture but I was so busy rambling on about how much I enjoy his music, that I lacked any sort of concentration or focus.  Ryan had been giving a cute little "ta-da" sort of pose and I just babbled right through it and took the picture at just the completely wrong time.  The result was not good.  The pictures were so poorly composed and my timing was so off, you would have thought I had taken the pictures with my eyes closed. Plus, I managed to somehow capture Ryan at just the wrong moment and it made him look like a contortionist because I caught him as he was ending his cute little "ta-da" pose.  The picture shown here was my effort to rescue at least one of the bad shots I had taken, enough so that I could share something with you. I had to crop the hell out of it.  (It was nearly 1am  by time I got home and since it was past midnight, I had to use one of Ryan's pictures.  I couldn't go out to find another subject since it was technically the next day and if I didn't use Ryan's picture, then I would have missed a day.)  So, here we are.  I had an opportunity to take the picture of an amazing and talented musician, but I let my admiration for his work interfere with my mission.

I'm not a music critic or reviewer, so I don't even know how to appropriately review a band or a genre/sound, but tried explaining them to one of my friends by saying The Builders and the Butchers are a blend between rock and alt country, a little folk/americana-ish, with a sprinkling of gospel and sometimes the almost-detectable pulse of Native drumming. (or what seems to be at least a slight influence of Native drumming. I get this vibe because of my own personal life experience. I'm not certain if it's accurate or true.)

They sing about addiction and redemption, death, women...and black dresses!  After seeing the entire band live, it became apparent why I pick up on a Native drumming sort of vibe - they have two drummers! You're compelled to stomp your feet and dance with the rhythm.  Ryan's voice also contributes to that vibe.   Ryan sings with purpose and intent and some songs feel like he's given you his soul.  He's not simply singing just to entertain - it's more like a cry or a prayer.  In some songs it's more like he's giving praise or thanks. You don't just hear the music, you completely absorb the lyrics and the stories Ryan sings in his songs.

In one live show, you journey from partying and hard drinkin', meeting a woman in a black dress who drinks away her history,  you encounter some bad parents, a few deaths, you succumb hopelessly and completely into addiction, ready for death - you cry to God, "take me home."  Broken, but not yet dead, you cry out again, "find me o' find me, in the air, Lord." And then you find it...redemption!  It's like an alcohol-soaked church sermon!  And, it's incredible!

So, you can see why I got a little preoccupied and blew my picture.

I asked Ryan the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "I have a 2 year old."  This was a pretty beautiful answer considering he was about to perform a show and they just came off a tour in Germany.

When I asked Ryan if he had recently performed an act of kindness, he explained that he had asked his friend, of the band Bash Face, to open for them in the attempt to help them up.  Had I not known this, I would have missed  the sincere appreciation expressed by Bash Face for the opportunity.  Several times throughout their performance, they thanked The Builders and the Butchers and it was obvious they were excited and grateful for the chance!

I asked Ryan if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  I noticed that it seemed like he specifically had to make the distinction between his personal mission statement, and perhaps whatever guides his music.  He replied, "try to do as many different things as possible, all the time."

When I asked Ryan one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success, I speculated the answer would be his music/the band.  He surprised me and warmed my heart when he said, "being a Dad."  He must have detected the surprise in my face as I was expecting his answer to be about the band, but he went on to say that being a Dad is way more joyous and fulfilling than being in a band.

And with that, Happy Father's Day!

Day 308 - Casey

This is Casey.

"Doing good with work, earning money," was Casey's reply, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Casey if he had performed a recent act of kindness and he said that he recently helped a person out who was in a bad place in her life.

When I asked Casey if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot, he had trouble thinking of a response.  Casey is young and just beginning his life - so this wasn't surprising at all.  I rephrased the question to ask about his life's purpose instead.  Casey replied, "to be successful."   Curious, and wanting to help narrow down the focus for Casey, I asked him how he defines success.  He went on to say that success is "accomplishing your personal life goals" and "doing what makes you happy".  I remember back when I was Casey's age.  Everything was so cyclical.  He's not certain of his personal mission statement, or his life's purpose, but he has the ambition to be a success. It's like you know you want to do something, and you want to do it well, but you just don't know what that something is!  At that age, it felt like the possibilities were endless and the thought of that was also terrifying and paralyzing. I remember feeling like I can do anything I want...but I don't know what to do!  Again, I narrowed down the focus even further and asked Casey about some of his life's goals.  We were then able to break things down quite simply. The first step for Casey, is that he wants to get his own place and take care of "life stuff" such as that.  Direction!  We found it!  I'm optimistic Casey will make these things happen for himself!

When I asked Casey one thing about himself he would consider to be a success, he again mentioned his job.

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

• Self-transformation.
• Live life to its fullest.
• Endure life, be true, die happy.
• What you put out into the universe, you get back.
• "Party" / "No fun,"  (can we change this to be - find a balance between work and play?)
•  Try to do as many different things as possible, all the time.
• To be successful.

Thank you to every subject in this project!  It couldn't exist without you!  Please feel free to contact me if you'd like a copy of your picture and I'd be happy to e-mail it to you.

Thank you for following along with this project!

Have a great week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 43

Hello! I'm sorry I've been behind.  Don't worry, I've continued to take a picture of a person every day. I just managed to get a little behind with the blog post.

This is week 43, of The 365 Day People Picture Project. This is actually a review of the subjects from two weeks ago.

I knew when I started this project that there would be one week during the Portland Rose Festival which could possibly break me because it coincides with our peak season at my job. I was spread a little too thin.  I also squeezed in a quick road trip back home.   I'm happy to report that the peak week (actually, more like 2 - 3 weeks) didn't break me or the project- I continued taking pictures, but it did set me back with sharing them with you.  Remember, if you'd like to follow along with the daily picture, you can follow me on Instagram. My username is @missellanea.  Thank you for hanging in there with me!

Day 295 - My Mom

This is my Mom and I love her with all my heart.  Sometimes, my head and heart feel like they could burst from the love I have for my Mom.  I don't make the nearly 300 mile drive home anywhere close to as much as I would like to, or need to.  Because I don't make the trip home as often as I should, when I do, it's both happy and deeply sad for me.  I realize how much I'm missing.

Before starting this project, I daydreamed about a fantasy roster of potential subjects for this project.  For the most part, my dream list was not grounded in reality. At all.  Oh yes, I considered several celebrities, business people, authors, and even a few politicians.  When I really allowed myself to consider all actual and fantasy possibilities, I decided that the #1 person on the top of my dream roster of subjects was - my Mom!  Yes, she won over Ryan Gosling, Ashton Kutcher and Meryl Streep.  Second on my dream list (because of course, my husband was a given), is Ben Nichols, of Lucero.

Between the two of us, I don't know who makes for the more challenging subject.  I now understand where I get my aversion to having my picture taken.  I think I'm actually a much worse subject than my Mom.  She was sort of ok with having her picture taken, but she had all sorts of rules.  The biggest, and funniest, rule - was that we couldn't take her picture where anyone could see us taking pictures.  This quirk of hers helped me to understand why when I started this project, one of the most awkward feelings I had to work through, aside from approaching strangers, was having to overcome that weird issue and fear I had of other people seeing me taking pictures. (I've since learned, apparently, this is pretty common with photographers and they must overcome the fear that people are watching and judging them when they shoot.)

When I asked my mom the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she replied, "my daughter is home visiting me."  I knew this would be her answer.  Again, I was both happy and sad.  For having such an amazing mom, I really need to be a better daughter and make the drive home more often.  My visit home was also the happiest thing happening in my life.

I asked my mom if she had performed a recent act of kindness and she replied, "I take my friends and neighbors around to do their errands, go shopping, and pay bills."  It struck me, my mom's entire life has been an act of kindness.  I know there were times when I was a kid when she gave away her last few dollars to someone who needed it a little more than we did. In her business, she's been reluctant to raise prices and I know it was also out of an act of kindness.  Even when the rest of the country wasn't suffering an economic crisis, the town where I'm from has always been economically depressed.  I can remember her explaining to me one time that she knew she needed to charge more, but she had trouble doing so because she wanted to keep prices low and affordable for her clients and the women who leased a station in the shop.  I can also remember many Sunday mornings when we had a house full of people and my mom cooked and fed us all.  My mom is a good mom, but she's just a really good person too.  I'm nowhere close to being as kind and as she is, but I will continue to try.  Perhaps my mom's biggest act of kindness - is that she lovingly put up with me and my dad.

I asked my mom if she had a personal mission statement, or if she could think of one on the spot.  She didn't know if it was a personal mission statement, but she decided on, "God created us in his image and I don't want to disappoint God."  She then went on to give me a few guiding principles in sticking to this - "Actions speak louder than words."  "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."  "Judge not, lest ye be judged."

I asked my mom one thing about herself which she would consider to be a success.  She replied, "working, my job."  My mom has been a hair stylist for 57 years and counting.  Her work ethic is absolutely incredible.  I don't remember my mom ever calling in sick to work when I was growing up.  There was that one time when she dropped a couch on her foot, and if I remember correctly, she had broken a toe or even her foot - but even then, I don't think she missed a full day of work.  I'm sure she has now that she's older, but she's the type of woman that when there's work to be done - she just does it.  It doesn't hurt that she absolutely loves her work and her clients.  Her clients have become her friends and extended family. Until just this past week, she's owned her own shop for many of those years.  She unknowingly taught me that if there's something we want in life, we can simply go out and get it.  It doesn't matter how the odds may be stacked against us, and it doesn't matter if we lack the resources.  We can make things happen for ourselves if we try.  It may not be ideal, it may not be the way we dream or envision things for ourselves, it may be far from perfect or fancy - but we can attain a variation of our dreams if we simply set out to do so.

I think part of the reason I got behind these past two weeks, in addition to simply being spread entirely too thin and downright exhausted, is that I knew I would never be able to adequately express my love and adoration for my mom.  This was going to be a challenging post to write.  For someone who dreams of becoming a writer - I'm completely at a loss for finding words sufficient enough to convey my love and emotion.  I love my Mom. It's overwhelming.  Mom, thank you for being such a good mother and woman.  I can never measure up to the kind of person you are, but if there are moments in my life when I can live with even a fraction of your kindness and spirit, then I know those moments are good ones.  I love you.

Day 296 - Adam

This is Adam. He was on his bike and just hanging out at the bottom of Mt. Tabor Park when I met him.  I didn't know when I approached him, but he was waiting for his family who was to meet him there.

I asked Adam the happiest thing happening in his life right now and and he explained that they had just sold their house and are moving back to the East Coast.  You'll never guess how they're going to get there?!  PEDDLE POWER!  Yes, that's right - he and his wife and son are going to ride their bikes all the way back to New Hampshire.  Several legs of their journey will actually be made by train because Adam's son is currently enamored by them.  They anticipate it will be about a 3 month journey back home.

I asked Adam if he had recently performed an act of kindness, and I felt like I was giving him a pop quiz to name the presidents.  I could see him searching his memory and then it was though he felt bad when he couldn't produce a specific act of kindness. He finally just said, "I try to be nice."   Just in the few moments we had been talking, I'm certain he must do at least a half dozen kind acts a day. He's just a nice guy.

When I asked Adam if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot, he considered the question for a while. Again, I could tell he was getting nervous and a little stressed because he couldn't think of something and he said that he wished his English Teacher wife would arrive so she could help him out.  We laughed.  When I rephrased the question to ask about his life's purpose, he replied, "I want to be the best Dad I can be, and I want to make nice furniture."  Adam is a wood worker and furniture maker.  His website, Gloaming Hour Designs, isn't completely finished but you can check out his website to see a sneak peek of his amazing work.  Did you see that dresser?  It is the most beautiful dresser I've ever seen in my entire life. (Someday, remind me to tell you about my second favorite dresser.)

We only had one last question when Adam's wife and son peddled up on their bike.  Adam gestured over to his wife and gave a quick shout out explanation as to why he was being "interviewed."  I asked Adam one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "I think I'm a quality person when it comes down to it.  I work at it.  I'm an alright dude."

Adam went on to explain that he didn't always feel this way. He's made a conscious decision and made effort to be honest and have compassion for people.  Adam's honest assessment and answer was inspiring.  Adam's response confirms that we can choose to be the kind of person we aspire and desire to be.  If we want to be a good and kind person, we can choose to be one. It doesn't mean we're going to become a saint overnight. We can continue to make progress, even imperfect progress, if we set our sights on becoming a better person.  It doesn't mean we're going to be kind, patient, and compassionate every waking moment of our lives - but we can strive toward it.  We are human. We will lose our patience or our temper.  We will be, at times, less kind that we could have been.  We, at times, will forget to view people or a situation with compassion and empathy.  We, at times, may "flip the bird" to an inconsiderate driver.  We, at times, may be a little abrasive with a customer service person who is simply trying to do their jobs.  But, if we make the conscious decision to be a quality person, and then give it effort to be one, we will improve. Someday, we'll be able to say, "I'm an alright dude."

Adam introduced me to his wife when we were finished and I was able to visit with them a little while longer.  Adam's wife, in her own act of kindness, offered me a chocolate treat she had just picked up from Whole Foods.  I wanted to decline because my hands were filthy from just having done push-ups, but I'm so glad she pretty much insisted.  I don't know what she gave me, but it was the most unique and amazing chocolate experience I've ever had.  (I learned that I've been doing chocolate wrong.)  I'm now going to have to try everything at Whole Foods that even slightly resembles the treat she had given me.

Wishing Adam and his family a safe and fun journey back to the East Coast!  They're a kind couple and this is going to be about he most amazing journey for their little son. They will make memories that will last his entire lifetime, and shape the rest of his life.

Day 297 - Billy Bob

This is Billy Bob.  Were it not for one small thing, you could have been looking at the very best picture I had taken in all 297 days.  But, I blew it.  Again.  I couldn't even share that picture with you.  I met Billy Bob outside of the Hollywood Theater, and you probably remember me saying that basically this whole area has been my nemesis.  No matter what side of the street I'm on, I really, really struggle with getting a good shot there. It's caused me to be determined to get a good shot - and I almost had it with Billy Bob.

I was well aware of the challenges I was facing with the direct sun and the time of day, so I approached things using my head.  I was aware of the sun, where it was in the sky, and how it would affect the picture. I took a few pictures, then moved a little to the left, a little to the right, up a little higher, then down a little lower. I took pictures with and without his glasses, and then finally - I know we were making a great picture.  It was the last picture I had taken and I knew we had nailed it.

When I got home to "develop" the pictures, I discovered a huge problem on the picture I thought was going to be "the picture" - LENS FLARE!!!  Sometimes, a little lens flare is actually kind of cool and there are even aps that add in lens flare - but in this case, it was just wrong, wrong, wrong.  The lens flare was a big spot on Billy Bob's head and it ruined the otherwise beautiful picture.  (The sun was perfectly glowing and Billy Bob was perfectly lit, and he had the most perfect, confident, yet pleasant, look on his face.)  It was one of my best pictures so far and I had really worked at trying to get that shot.  I spent close to 2 hours trying to figure out how to edit out the lens flare spot.  I just don't know enough about lightroom, in spite of the crash course of youtube videos I had watched in the attempt  to learn how to edit it out, and then clone a patch of his hair to fill in the spot once I removed it. I finally just had to give up.

Another lesson learned the hard way.  I've been really good at not picking up the habit of "chimping," but in this case, it hurt me.  "Chimping" is what photographers call the habit of checking each picture you take. The thought is, if you obsess over each picture you take and are constantly checking your LCD screen, then you're going to miss thousands of beautiful photographic opportunities which are right before your eyes. (Because your eyes were buried in your LCD review screen.)  It was a heartbreak and even if I had checked the LCD to make sure it was a good shot, there's nothing to say that we could have perfectly reconstructed that shot again.  Just as in life, the moment the opportunity has passed, we will never have that same exact opportunity again.  The flipside, is that perhaps had I realized the lens flare problem was there, we could have somehow managed an even better shot. Or, maybe not. Maybe even being off by a few inches, would have resulted in a completely different look.   Regardless, I learned that it's in there. I have it in me - I just have a lot to learn.

I asked Billy Bob about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "I just started a new job."

Billy Bob's recent act of kindness is that he gave a Street Roots vendor $10.  Street Roots is a program here in Portland where homeless people who sell the Street Roots newspaper, are able to keep the profit from their sales.

"Enough is when there is no more," was Billy Bob's response, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

I asked Billy Bob one thing about himself that he would consider to be a success and he replied, "my interpersonal skills."

Day 298 - Wynn

This is Wynn.  He was sitting outside on a patio table, enjoying a beer, when I pretty much just invited myself to sit down with him.  Luckily, he agreed to let me sit down and take his picture.

I asked Wynn about the happiest thing happening in his life right now - and at that particular moment, he was actually feeling conflicted. He was feeling uncertain about what his future holds in that his job may be transferring him starting September 1st.  Although he was feeling uncertain about the future, he said that he's happy that it's summer, we're having beautiful weather, and he was about to meet a friend for a movie.

When I asked Wynn if he's recently performed an act of kindness, he said that he tries to do an act of kindness every day.  That morning, he had given his boyfriend cash so he would be able to tip the shuttle bus driver who would be taking him to the airport.  Wynn then went on to explained that his job as a flight attendant gives him the opportunity to do kind things every day.  Recently, a pregnant woman on his flight grabbed Wynn's attention and explained to him that she really needed to go throw up, even though the "fasten seatbelt" sign had already came on.  Wynn told her it was ok, helped her to the bathroom, and while she was in the bathroom doing her thing, Wynn had placed a bottle of water on her seat, and if I remember, he even gave her a pillow and blanket too! Wynn was so thoughtful!  The poor woman...Wynn did just the right thing to help bring her a little bit of comfort in probably an otherwise extremely miserable situation.

I asked Wynn if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  He replied, "Don't ever let anything hold you back. Don't limit your life. Don't be afraid to take risks."

One thing about himself which Wynn considers to be a success is that he's "always going on new adventures."

Day 299 - Jake

"I'm getting married, Jake said, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Jake's response was pretty much the most unique answer to this question so far.  When I asked if he had recently performed and act of kindness, he replied, "yeah, I helped a buddy clean a pig skull to mount on a wall."

When I asked Jake if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of  one on the spot, he explained that he didn't have one and wasn't necessarily on board with the idea of having one. So, I continued and rephrased the question to ask about his life's purpose. He replied, "I haven't figured that out yet."  After a talking a little while longer, he shared this, "Do good, feel good. Do bad, feel badly."

I asked Jake one thing about himself he would consider to be a success, and again, he shared with a laugh, "I'm getting married!"

Day 300 - Evan

This is Evan.  This was day 300!!!!

I met Evan down at Portland Waterfront Park.  I got to be a tourist in one of my own cities for the weekend, as I stayed in a hotel in downtown Portland in order to be close to the event site where I would be working over the weekend.

I asked Evan about the happiest thing happening in his life right now, and he said, "I'm just about to have dinner with my Dad."  His dad was in Portland, visiting from the East Coast.

When I asked Evan if he's recently performed and act of kindness, he said that he feels like he does so regularly, but currently, he was helping to mentor a friend who is in the process of opening his own business. Evan is only 28 years old, but has already owned 3 businesses.

"Try to have fun with whatever is put in front of you, " Evan said, is his personal mission statement.

When I asked Evan something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he said that he made the decision to be happy.  He, like Adam from day 296, made the decision to be a nice person and he works at it.  With enough effort, he explained, you can eventually con yourself into becoming a nice person.

Day 301 - Gary

This is Gary. I also met him downtown.  Having to catch up on two weeks worth of posts, has me concerned that I may have lost information.   Although I take notes in my journal, the notes are taken hastily and sometimes I can barely make out my own writing even when I sit down just minutes or hours later.  Now that it's two weeks later, I fear I've lost a bit of our conversations.

So, I'm relying on my memory and my notes and hope I didn't confuse any of the subjects from this particular weekend.  If you're Gary, Evan or Peter James and you happen to read this, my apologies if I'm forgetting something.

The happiest thing happening in Gary's life right now is that he's generally a happy person, and he had just gone for a wonderful run.

When I asked Gary if he had recently performed and act of kindness, he went on to explain that coincidentally, he had found himself in a position to be of assistance to disabled people, on several different occasions, who were having difficulties with accessibility issues.  Basically, they were having trouble entering buildings because the doors were too heavy, or too small, or basically just difficult to enter when in a wheelchair because they weren't as accessible as they could have been.  Gary was able to help them enter/exit the buildings.

"To help the world make it a better place," Gary said, is is personal mission statement.  He wants to help people, to help make our world a better place.

One thing about himself which Gary would consider to be a success is, "I have a job that helps people."

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

• Actions speak louder than words. 
• Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.  
• Judge not, lest ye be judged.
• I want to be the best Dad I can be, and I want to make nice furniture.
• Enough is when there is no more.
• Don't ever let anything hold you back. 
• Don't limit your life. 
• Don't be afraid to take risks.
• Do good, feel good. Do bad, feel badly.
• Try to have fun with whatever is put in front of you.
• To help people to help make our world a better place.

Thank you for reading along and a sincere thanks to all of you who have been subjects in this project.  It wouldn't exist without you and thank you for letting me take your picture.

Thank you!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 42

Hello!We're finished with week 42, of The 365 Day People Picture Project!

I'm preparing to get back on the road for a 5 hour drive home, so we'll get straight to the introductions of the subjects from this week.

Day 288 - Chelsea

This is Chelsea. We only had a few minutes as she was just stepping out from work to feed the parking meter. I walked with her to plug the meter and we talked while we walked.

I asked Chelsea the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she responded, "I really want to go to Africa and things are opening up."

"Everyday kindness is a very powerful," Chelsea replied, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot. When I asked Chelsea something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she replied, "I believe in Jesus. I'm a Christian."

Day 289 - Len and Mongoose

Len and Mongoose were soaking up the sun at Esther Short Park. I had no idea when I approached them, that Len is hearing impaired. As I asked him if I could take his picture, he gestured to his ear to let me know he was deaf. I don't know sign language, but I had paper and a pen. I sat down with Len and Mongoose and wrote a note to ask if I could take his picture and explained I would instagram the picture and then tell a story on the blog.

I was happy when Len agreed and it was fun hanging out with the two for a few moments in the bright warm sunshine!

After the pictures, I wrote another note for Len, asking him about the happiest thing happening in his life right now. Len wrote back that he and Mongoose are outdoors all the time! He even joked that he and Mongoose have ADHD and they would rather be outdoors than at home in their apartment.

I only asked Len the one question but stayed with him and Mongoose for a little while longer. I could tell Len was happy about having his picture taken with Mongoose. He gave me his e-mail address and asked if I could e-mail him the pictures. I happily agreed and tried my best to get a portrait of Mongoose that Len would love. (I was struggling with getting a proper picture of the both of them in the bright sun, but I was pleased with Mongoose's picture and hope Len is too!)

Day 290 - Tanner

This is Tanner. He was running at Mt. Tabor. Tanner is currently training for his first half-marathon in 2 weeks!

"School is almost out," Tanner replied, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Tanner's recent act of kindness is that he purchased dinner for a friend who was a little low on money.

"Progress, not perfection," Tanner replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or could think of one on the spot.

When I asked Tanner one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success, he replied, "I quit drinking and drugs." I congratulated him and we talked about how spending “happy hour” at Mt. Tabor, training, beats any happy hour around!

Good luck at the race, Tanner. As my friend Molly always says, “may your feet have wings!” Day 291 - Arthur

This is Arthur. We met near Portland State University.

"I just had a good dinner, and I'm getting good grades," Arthur replied, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in his life.

Arthur also just finished writing a screenplay! I was exited to hear of his huge accomplishment and asked what he planned to do with it next. He laughed and said it was awful, so he'd most likely do nothing with it. Knowing we're always our own worst critic, I wanted to encourage him not to dismiss it so quickly. I also learned that Arthur just finished his own 365 Day Project in which he worked on writing a play, every day, for an entire year! Arthur has ambition and the burning desire sustained him enough to write every day for a year - I don't think this is the last we'll see of Arthur!

"Be happy for those who are happy. Be sad for those who are sad. Be indifferent to those who are wicked," was Arthur's response when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

Wishing you lots of success with your writing, Arthur! Hmmm, if my friend Molly’s wish for runners had an equivalent for writers, maybe it would be - may inspiration always find you and the words flow easily. Or maybe it would be - may your ideas have wings! However we package the wish - may you find success!

Day 292 - Ambert

This is Ambert. He was waiting outside the Hollywood Theatre when I approached to ask if I could take his picture.

When I asked Ambert about the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he replied, "I just started dating a new girl." Ambert also loves his work.

I asked Ambert if he had performed a recent act of kindness and that's when he went on to explain more about his job. Ambert is a massage therapist at Asha Integrative Wellness and he considers his job as an opportunity for kindness. Ambert wants to make people happy and help them to feel better.

"Spread love and light," Ambert replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot. It was obvious in just the few moments I spent with Ambert that he does indeed spread love and light, and I was a lucky recipient.

After the pictures and "interview," Ambert gave me a hug and we wished each other well and I was on my way. Indeed, feeling happy and better!

I can't find the words to explain to you how amazing and enriching the experience is of stopping to talk with a stranger, and within a few moments, you’re exchanging hugs and well wishes with one another. Strangers becoming friends. Granted, the friendship is one of only a 5 minute duration, and we'll most likely never see one another again, but the impact of these little 5-minute friendships is life-changing. These interactions have been like a little jump-start for my heart and attitude. They give me a charge and help me to recover from, or cope with, the other times throughout the day which aren't as positive. Can you imagine if you gave yourself the opportunity to meet a new 5-minute friend each day? How would your life change? How would it affect the life of your 5-minute friend?

Day 293 - Rick

This is Rick. He was getting gas in the car in front of me. "Going to the beach to go surfing," Rick replied, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now. He was filling up and heading out to go surf!

When I asked Rick if he had recently performed and act of kindness, at first, he was stumped for an answer. Then it hit him, hit us both, actually. I had just witnessed Rick's act of kindness. Oregon still has gas station attendants who pump the gas for you and at a full service station, they even still wash your windows and check your oil. I had watched with my own eyes, Rick had just tipped the gas station attendant when they completed their transaction. That was his act of kindness! I was happy to be able to see Rick's act of kindness, and then all of the sudden it hit me. Is tipping the gas station attendant normal and "expected?" Have I been neglecting tip etiquette for all of these years? Rick and I talked about it and tipping a gas attendant is pretty rare, and makes Rick's gesture even more kind because it is unexpected, but very much appreciated. (as I witnessed by how appreciative the attendant was with Rick's kindness.) Rick also feels his job as a geologist helps him to do good for the planet.

When I asked Rick if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot, he replied, "Everyone has a place - no job is more important than another." I loved this sentiment and again, was reminded of the book, "The Leader who had no Title," by Robin Sharma. I asked Rick if he had read the book because what he had said was so in line with the message of the book. For example, gas station attendants are more than station attendants. They are people who gave us the fuel to get Rick on the road to surfing, and me on the road to work. They did more than pump gas, they gave us friendly and helpful service and set us up to have a better day! I asked Rick something about himself he would consider to be a success, and he said that he thinks he is good - morally and ethically.

Day 294 - Denise and Zac

I met Denise and Zac, in Veteran's Park in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I made a quick trip to Southern Oregon, to visit my Mom, and am here now just preparing to get back on the road.

I had been around family earlier in the day, but the timing just wasn't right to ask any of my family if I could take their picture. I'm sad about that, but happy I was able to at least see them in person.

"We're on a three week road trip," Zac replied, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in their lives right now. Zac and Denise were just 24 hours into their trip when we met at the park. Denise told me about a funny sign they had just driven past in another small town. The sign outside of a restaurant read, "now serving good food." We laughed and I imagine and hope this was the first of many happy memories for them on their 3 week adventure.

I asked the couple if they had recently performed an act of kindness. They thought for a while as they were trying to recall a recent kind act. They're both sure they do everyday acts of kindness such as holding the door open for people. Denise then went on to say that she visited with some elderly ladies at a quilt shop which they had stopped into in a tiny little Northern California town. She questioned whether that was an act of kindness and we determined it was a very kind thing. Denise is a pleasant person and I'm sure it made the elderly ladies' day to have an out-of-towner from LA visit with them and sign their guest book. Denise and Zac could have very easily blown through the town in a hurry to get back on the road, but Denise took the time to hang out in the quilt shop with the elderly quilters. Kindness can be more than giving money or things to people in need. Kindness is sharing of ourselves. (Sharing the best of ourselves.)

Zac's act of kindness is that so far, he's been the driver on the first leg of their journey. I asked the pair if they had personal mission statements or if they could think of one. Denise borrowed her friend's quote - "trample the earth." She wanted to point out that the word "trample" sounds destructive but it's intention is to explore the world, not actually trampling it. Very fitting, considering they were just about to explore the west coast and Canada! Zac's personal mission statement - “live without regrets.”

When I asked something about themselves which they would consider to be a success, Denise immediately responded, "I feel like I'm pretty resilient." Zac thought, and considered, and pondered, and stewed...and then Denise suggested a response, "you're very good at over-thinking things." We laughed and Zac decided to go with it, saying that he's successful at being well thought-out and considerate of all possible options. I was happy to have met this cute and nice LA couple in the small town where I had grown up. I thought for sure I would run into an old friend at the park and it was kind of ironic to run into tourists, as I'm feeling a bit like a tourist myself.

Wishing them lots of fun and great memories, and a safe road trip!

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

• Progress, not perfection.
• Be happy for those who are happy. Be sad for those who are sad. Be indifferent to those who are wicked.
• Spread love and light.
• Everyone has a place - no job is more important than another.
• Trample the earth.
• Live without regrets.

Thank you for checking in this week. If you were a subject in this project - thank you for your kindness! Thank you for being a part of this project and sharing yourself with us.

Please remember - next week is going to be the busiest week of the year for me at work, so next Sunday's post may come a few hours late. (or possibly as late as monday.) Don't worry - i'm still taking the daily pictures but I may just need a little extra time to be able to pause long enough to share them here. You can also follow me on instagram - my user name is @missellanea.

Wishing you an excellent week and I hope you'll give yourself the opportunity to meet a few new 5-minute friends!

Thank you!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 41

Hello! Thank you for checking in on week 41 of The 365 Day People Picture Project!

If this is your first visit, I've challenged myself to take a picture of a person, every day, for an entire year.  I had never owned a real camera, other than just point and shoot.  (and it was film!)  My intention was to learn how to operate my new DSLR, and to learn the art of photography.  I feel the only thing I can say about my progress, so far, is that I've learned how to approach a stranger and talk with them without feeling like I could possibly die of shyness.   The process of forcing myself to approach and interact with strangers has been exhausting, but also completely rewarding and life-changing.

It's almost as though I'm becoming re-wired.  Before starting this project, I was always operating in the red on the stressed-out-o-meter.  The only time I wasn't intensely contemplating work or life pressures, was when I was walking or hiking my favorite trails and parks.   This project has forced me to get out of my own stressed-out head and to really see the people around me.  Some of whom are also equally intense, or some people who seem to be the complete opposite and who seem to have mastered the ability to be completely present.  It seems that no matter what our moods may have been at the moment I met each subject, I think we both left our interaction feeling a boost of happiness!

I've left each interaction feeling like my life was a little more enriched and I left feeling a slight honor that a person was willing to let me take their picture, and willing to share a little something about themselves.  Now when I'm out and about, I make a conscious effort to spread smiles and act with patience and kindness.   So many people in this project have shared their smiles and patience with me...I want to keep passing it on.  It is my hope that this little project inspires you to feel and do the same.

Day 281 - Brandon, Ted and Fozzie

I met Brandon, Ted (the light dog) and Fozzie (the black dog) down at Esther Short Park, in Vancouver.   I spotted Brandon and his wife and their canine kids when I first arrived at the park but I was a little hesitant on asking them if I could take their picture.  I knew if they agreed, I would be in for a big challenge.  By now you know how I am about group pictures, then add in a pair of dogs, and I wasn't sure I could manage.  It was also starting to down-pour, and both Brandon and his wife were wearing bright Steelers gold jackets.  I had realized that I hadn't ever taken a picture of such bright colors and although it sounds funny, I was intimidated by the color.

I was glad I finally got up the nerve to approach them.  Brandon and his wife were new to the area and so friendly!  I was happy to be part of the unofficial welcoming committee.

I asked Brandon the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he responded, "waking up everyday, doing this, and nature!"  Brandon just moved from Arizona and he and his wife have already fallen in love with all of our green!  They love spending time in nature and are enjoying the huge contrast between the Northwest and the desert.

I asked if Brandon had recently performed an act of kindness and he explained they had just adopted Ted at the Doggie Dash the week before.  The way Ted and Fozzie were playing and loving each other, I thought they were old pals!  I'm so happy for Ted and his new home with Brandon and his wife!  Ted came with a long list of potential issues and negative traits and Brandon and his wife were prepared for a rough settling-in period but it sounds like Ted has been a dream of a dog. I would have never guessed they hadn't all been a family-unit for years.

I asked Brandon if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  He's actually a person who has given it some thought and he said that it's been redesigned the past year, but right now he's decided on, "find a way to be happy."

I asked Brandon something about himself he would consider to be a success and he replied, "my three men."  The youngest of his 3 sons is graduating and now he's happy to be "sending three men off into life."

Day 282 - Wendy

This is Wendy.  We met at Mt. Tabor park.

"Just digging being healthy, deep breathing, and being alive," Wendy responded, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

Wendy's recent act of kindness is that she had just given a donation to a Church group, and she didn't take the chocolate they were "selling."  We joked that resisting the candy was also an act of kindness for her self, especially after working so hard at Tabor to be healthy.

When I asked Wendy if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one, she said that it is actually something she's had on her to-do list for a while.  Her current working personal mission statement is, "opening my heart, cultivating love and kindness, and finding ways to be of service."

Throughout this project, I've been amazed there have been a few people who have actually been giving thought to the idea of developing a personal mission statement.  If they hadn't fully decided on a personal mission statement, they've been at least prepared with some sort of guiding quote or the beginnings of their personal mission statements.  Equally amazing, have been the people who have been able to come up with an impromptu personal mission statement which has been quite meaningful and powerful.  Has reading the mission statements from the people in this project inspired you to write your own?

"I'm a good listener," Wendy replied, when I asked her one thing about herself she would consider to be a success.

Wendy and I visited for a while after the "interview" and pictures.   This project is making the world even smaller.  When I go to the park, I usually end up seeing several people who have been subjects in this project and we now exchange greetings and well wishes.  Since most of the people I meet at Tabor are there working out, it's been nice meeting new fitness friends and acquaintances.

Day 283 - Ryland

I've seen Ryland and his dog around a few times.  I've even tried to chase after him once, but he was peddling way too fast for me to catch.  There's only so many footsteps you can take when you chase after a person before you cross that line from simply trying to catch someone's attention, to being a weirdo who is, well, chasing after someone!  This time, he and his dog were going slow enough for Ryland to see and hear me when I called out to get his attention.

There were several other dogs around, and some traffic, at the time Ryland stopped so he decided his dog would be most comfortable just hanging out in its crate-trailer.  Ryland and I talked about how much we appreciate and enjoy the park.  He and his dog were on their way to go watch the sun set.  (Watching the sun set from Mt. Tabor Park is one of the very best activities in Portland.  It's worth putting on your must-do list.)

"I'm getting to climb a lot," Ryland said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Ryland was having difficulty remembering if he had performed a recent act of kindness.  He seemed like a considerate and nice enough person, I knew he must have done something.  I pushed a little, explaining it could be any gesture of kindness.  He remembered that, earlier, he had held the door open for a person.  Yes, as simple as this is, isn't it a great act of kindness?  I love it when people take that extra moment to hold the door open for you and share a smile.

Ryland's personal mission statement is a quote from the poem, Wild Geese, by Mary Oliver, "you only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves."

When I asked Ryland something about himself he would consider to be a success, he replied, "I convinced Vanessa to marry me."  I thought he and his wife must be newlyweds for such a sweet sentiment, but he said they'd been married about three years.  We then tried to decide on a definition of "newlywed," and decided three years is still the "newlywed" phase.

Day 284 - Matt

This is Matt.  We met downtown Portland, near PSU.

I asked Matt the happiest thing happening in his life right now, and he responded, "my daughter."

"To learn everything I can," Matt replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

When I asked Matt one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success, he replied, "my thirst for knowledge."

Matt and I talked a little while longer and I asked him about his hopes and dreams.  He hopes to be able to get to a point where he can afford, outright, to send his daughter to college, and to buy a home.  We talked about his dreams being more grounded and practical than some, but what a beautiful dream.  I'm wishing Matt luck and success in making those dreams a reality.

I don't often get to go downtown but since I had a meeting on the westside after work, I decided to head downtown after the meeting let out.  Matt was just one of a hundred different people within a few block radius who I could have asked to be in this project.  I had the realization that I've had additional challenges with this project, simply because of my routine and location.  If I could spend more time in downtown Portland, I would have thousands of potential subjects.  As it is, it's been quite the challenge to find a person during my routine of: commute, work, work-out, commute home.  Although I love the idea of having hundreds or thousands of different subjects to choose from within a few block area, I've also mostly enjoyed the added challenge of having to actually search for a subject.  It makes me appreciate the process that much more, and makes me extremely appreciative when I do find people who will let me take their picture.  I don't know if this makes sense, but it would almost be "too easy," were I able to spend a ton of time in downtown Portland.

Day 285 - Joseph

This is Joseph.  We met when he was waiting for the bus.  I was feeling like people-repellent this day and was just about to decide this was going to be the day for my self-portrait.  Luckily, I met Joseph and he was willing to let me take his picture!

"I just got a promotion," Joseph said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked if he had recently performed an act of kindness, he said that some kids in his line at work came up a few dollars short on their purchase, so he paid the difference for them.

I asked Joseph if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  He was having trouble thinking of one, so I rephrased the question and asked about his life's purpose or hopes and dreams.   Joseph said he has dreams to travel the world.

Joseph was reserved in answering if there was something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  I pushed a little for an answer and knew he must have something.  I was going to remind him about his recent promotion if he couldn't think of an answer.  I again pushed a little and explained if it's difficult to think of something as a success, then what's something you're good at?  "Sports," Joseph replied.

Day 286 - Kestrel

Kestral was waiting for the bus when I sat down at the bench beside him to ask if I could take his picture.  Kestral agreed, but then went on to say that he isn't photogenic.  When people have told me this before, I explain to them that I totally understand and that's the reason I'm behind the camera!  I can completely empathize with people who don't really enjoy having their picture taken.  When I hear of this, it makes it really important to me to get a nice picture.  I want people to feel good about themselves!  I love the picture of Kestral and that you can detect his personal style and hope that if he sees this picture, he will be pleased.  This particular spot is a challenge to me and I struggle with getting the iconic Hollywood sign in the background. One of these days, I'll get it just right and perfectly capture both a nice portrait and a cool view of the Hollywood sign in the background.

When I asked Kestrel about the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he replied, "my partner."

Kestrel's impromptu personal mission statement, "going forward because you can't go back."

I asked Kestrel one thing about himself he would consider to be a success and he replied, "the equity work at the job I'm doing."

I thanked Kestrel and we were on our separate ways.

Day 287 - Delray

This is Delray.  We also met at a bus stop where she and her son were waiting for their bus.

I asked Delray about the happiest thing happening in her life and she replied, "I'm working."

When I asked Delray if she had recently performed and act of kindness, she said that she had just given a woman a bus pass.

Defining a personal mission statement was proving to be challenging for Delray. I had given examples of other people's personal mission statements, but Delray was still having trouble thinking of a personal mission statement.  I presented it a few different ways, and then explained that it's like a personal motto or statement which guides you in living your life.  After hearing it presented in this way, Delray then replied, "try not to sin."

When I asked Delray if there's something about herself she would consider to be a success, she considered the question for a while but she just couldn't think of an answer. She finally explained that she used to think she was successful at being a good mom.  She then gestured to her very energetic and curious son, and said, "but sometimes he won't listen to me now." We talked about it and I pointed out my observation that even though he wasn't  listening, she was still very patient with him, and that's a good mother.  Delray then decided on her answer and replied, "parenting."

Delray is a beautiful young lady and I got the feeling she's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the out!

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

• Find a way to be happy.
• Opening my heart, cultivating love and kindness, and finding ways to be of service.
• "You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves."
• To learn everything I can.
• To travel the world.
• Going forward because you can't go back.
• Try not to sin.

If you've been a subject in this project  - thank you for allowing me to take your picture and for sharing a little of your life with us!  Please don't hesitate to e-mail me if you'd like a copy of your picture and I'd be happy to e-mail it to you.

Thank you for following another week of this project.  I just want to give you the heads up that the next two weeks are going to be pretty bumpy!  They're the busiest two weeks for me at my work.  I'm going to be out of town one weekend, and staying on-site at an event the following weekend.  I'll still post the daily pictures to instagram, @missellanea, but please know the blog post may be a little delayed.  Don't worry.  Everything is ok and I'm not giving up the project.  It'll just be a particularly challenging and busy couple of weeks and I'll post as soon as I'm able to.

Have a great week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 40

Hello! Week 40 of The 365 Day People Picture Project is now a wrap!

Day 274 - Mom, Daughter, and Dog

Sunday was Mother's Day and since I'm over a couple hundred miles away from my own Mom, I wanted to find a Mother & Daughter to be the people of the day.

I met these three in the park.  They didn't have much time to spare, as they were just on a quick break from work.

We had time for just one question, so I asked about the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and they both agreed, "moving back to Vancouver."

I wished them a happy Mother's Day and welcomed them back home, and we were all on our way.

And have you noticed that nearly every dog I've met at Esther Short Park, in Vancouver, has that same intense focus on something other than posing for a portrait?   I think there's one distracting squirrel who's ruining all of my shots!

Day 275 - Jen

This is Jen.  She was waiting for the bus.  I looked all the way up the street and didn't see a bus in sight, so I decided to ask her if I could take her picture.  Of course, it magically appeared as soon as we got started.

We had just enough time for one question.  "I have a new boyfriend that I like...so, falling in love," Jen replied, when I asked about that happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I blew everything this day.  When I got home to "develop" the picture, I realized how harsh the sunlight was and how simply turning could have made for a much better picture.  I was so tempted to go back out and find a new person, but I decided to keep this one because I really liked Jen, and also to share my mistakes with you.  The pros always say never to show your bad work and to only share your best images. I'm not a pro.  You've been with me and know I'm just learning, so I just wanted to share that process with you. Just when I start to make progress and learn a thing or two, the weather changes and I get tripped up again.  People who are real photographers are pretty amazing. Until starting this project, I've never fully understood or appreciated all of the hard work that goes into a nice photograph. I think sharing my mistakes,  helps to exemplify the quality work of other real professionals or artists.  Seeing my mistakes helps me to see just how great the work is of other real artists and professionals.

Day 276 - Kevin

This is Kevin.  He was nice enough to stop mid-run so that I could take his picture.

The happiest thing happening in Kevin's life right now is, "taking over a new house."

When I asked if he had performed an act of kindness, he said that he's having his younger brother move in with him at the new house, for very low rent.  He wasn't sure if that counted as an act of kindness, but yes, it does.

Kevin's impromptu personal mission statement is, "to leave it better than I found it, and to give a voice to the voiceless."

I asked Kevin one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success, and Kevin replied, "that I'm happy!"

Are you starting to notice some reoccurring themes here?

Day 277 - Lindsay & Beatrix

High Five!

I met Lindsay and Beatrix as they were finishing their walk/run.  Again, having been tripped up by the sun the past few days, I made it a point to have us move into the shade, but we didn't go quite far enough under the tree to escape the harsh sun.

Beatrix is clearly Lindsay's well trained little pal!

I asked about the happiest thing happening in her life right now and Lindsay replied, "the house we bought on Mt. Tabor."  If Beatrix could talk, I know being in the "taborhood" would be the happiest thing for her as well!

Lindsay & Beatrix's recent act of kindness is that they participated in the "Doggie Dash" fundraiser.

I asked Lindsay if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot.  Lindsay replied, "to do one small thing to better your life, every day."

When I asked Lindsay one thing about which she would consider herself to be a success, she replied, "my relationship with my husband."

Day 278 - Matt, Brooke, and Winslow

I met Matt and Winslow as they were waiting outside of a drug store. I loved the very first picture I snapped of Winslow, but I blew it by not getting enough of Matt in the frame.  Winslow gave me that one picture, but he was finished after that. His focus was on something else.

I later learned that his focus was on Brooke, who had been in the store for all of an eternity.  Well you know, 5 minutes is an eternity for a dog.  We eventually ended up with another cute shot of Matt and Winslow, but when Brooke came out of the store and joined us, I wanted to get the whole family.

Winslow was so excited to be reunited with his mom after the exhaustive few-minute wait, that he just couldn't contain himself!

I asked Matt and Brooke the happiest thing happening in their lives right now.  Matt replied, "Brooke and Winslow."  Brook replied, "everybody that I care about is healthy."

I asked Matt if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one.  He was having trouble, but I pushed a little, and he settled on, "everybody changes."

When I asked Matt and Brooke if they could name something about themselves which they would consider to be a success, Matt again stalled a little in his answer but Brooke offered up that, "he grows really good plants."  Being that this is Portland, I laughed and asked if it was ok (legal) to talk about his plants.  Matt then explained that he's a botany student and he's been able to successfully grow a rare, tropical, carnivorous plant which is extremely difficult to grow.

Brooke's success is that she's doing things that she enjoys, and she's successful in her job.

Winslow, Sir-Licks-a-Lot, is successful at being the best doggie kisser in the world.

I should mention, it's been really important of me to get flattering photographs of people.  I explained to Brooke that I thought I had captured Winslow right as he was giving her kisses and it was so cute, but that of course she was making the squinchy-face we all make when we're the lucky recipient of our dog's lovin' kisses.  She was ok with it.

I know the quality and technical aspects were off with both Beatrix from the day before, and Winslow from this day, but these are two of my most favorite pictures!

Day 279 - "Blackwell"

I named this guy "Blackwell," because we met as we were walking outside of Blackwell's Pub.  When I stopped "Blackwell" to ask if I could take his picture, he was agreeable, but uncertain.  He wanted to defer giving me his name until after I had asked the questions.  After our pictures and "interview," "Blackwell" asked for my name, gave me a hug, we wished each other well, and we were on our way.  It wasn't until I got home that I had realized I hadn't learned his name!

The happiest thing happening in Blackwell's life is the growth of his career, and he's excited about the next phase in his life, settling down, and buying a home.

The rest of our interaction is not actually "quotable," for the reason that it was like we were just a couple of friends talking.   It was less interview-like, and more like we were just having a conversation.  Blackwell is open and frank and he shared so much, I wasn't able to write everything down word-for-word.  I'll just share some of our conversation.

When I asked Blackwell if he had performed an act of kindness, he replied that he'll do anything he can to help a person who's trying to help themselves.  He explained that he has an acquaintance who recently went into treatment.  The growth and progress the person has made in just a few weeks in treatment is actually apparent in their physical appearance.  Entering treatment, however, meant that the person has been off work for a few weeks.  Blackwell gave the person some money to help him out until he's back on his feet again.

I asked Blackwell if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  When I saw that he was having trouble thinking of a personal "mission statement," I explained that we could think of the question instead, as what is your life's purpose?  Blackwell  then listed so many things I couldn't even keep up!  He wants to take care of his family. He wants to raise a a child in an environment different from what he was raised in.  He wants to live a simple life. He would like to give back what he's learned and he wants people to value what's inside and in their hearts, instead of  the "things" in life.

When I asked Blackwell if there's something about himself to be a success, he replied, "myself!"

I sometimes forget to ask, but I do like to ask people if they have anything they would like to promote - such as their own blog, website, art, music, business, etc.  I remembered to ask Blackwell and although he didn't have anything we could link to here, he said he'd like to promote for people to "slow down."  Life passes us by fast enough.

Day 280 - Willy

I met Willy at Mt. Tabor Park.   He was just peddling into the park.  I had finished my stair workout and decided to sit down and wait for a person to come by so I could ask to take their picture.

The park is entirely different on the weekend than it is during the weekday happy hour.  During the weekday, the park is filled with tons of walkers, runners and cyclists.  Saturday, although there were lots of people, it felt as though I couldn't find a subject.  There were lots of large groups or families and I didn't want to interrupt their time.  A few individual people passed by, but I just didn't feel they were approachable for whatever reason. I had been waiting so long that I finally told myself I was giving it five more minutes and that was it!  I knew that within five minutes, I was either going to find my cue to leave and search elsewhere, or I would meet someone particularly special.  Willy came by at about 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

Just as the day before, talking with Willy felt familiar.  Again, it was as though we were old friends, catching up, not complete strangers who just met.  We said so much in just a few minutes, I couldn't even keep up.  I end up reaching a point where I abandon my effort to take notes, and just enjoy the conversation and the person before me.

When I asked Willy about the happiest thing happening in his life, he replied, "lots of learning going on."  As soon as Willy said that, I got the feeling that his response was an optimistic outlook of, perhaps, some not-so-happy things.  Seeking clarification, I asked if he was a student.  He then explained that he wasn't a student, but that he now has a new awareness of things.  Again, seeking clarification, I questioned if these were bad things and explained the reason I was asking is because I, personally,  seem to learn the most when I "learn it the hard way."  He laughed and agreed that yes, life is like that. It's easier for us to learn the hard way, and through bad things, because life presents the lesson to us immediately!  He's experiencing both good and the bad, but he can appreciate the clarity and directness of life's lessons which are delivered the hard way, or when we experience something negative.    It's like life is telling us...here's this bad thing that happened, and here is the lesson you were to have learned from it.  See how "easy" that is?

Willy's job has a co-worker recognition program and Willy's recent act of kindness is that he acknowledged and nominated some of co-workers for a job well done.

When I asked Willy if he had a personal mission statement, or if he could think of one on the spot, he said that he hadn't defined a personal mission statement...and he's thought they were a little funny.  Pushing for an answer, I re-phrased the question and asked about his life's purpose.  Thinking it would help him to narrow down the response, it actually broadened it.  Willy went on to say that he doesn't even know or understand his life's purpose.  He's fascinated, and basically in awe, of the hugeness of it all.   Willy's face lit up when he began talking about the possibilities of his life's purpose and at the same time, I could see that it was both liberating and perplexing.   Willy is so respectful of life and he said he knows that he can't even begin to understand the meaning of it all.

Willy and I talked some more, and still trying for an answer, I tried to present the question from  a third perspective.  I asked how one could go about reaching their goals. (Thinking this is essentially parallel to a mission statement or determining our life's purpose.)  Willy responded that in order to reach goals, "you identify your goals."  Yes!  My head is still all twisted thinking about our conversation.  I agree with Willy in that it feels nearly impossible to define a personal mission statement or life's purpose, but Willy's response of, "you identify your goals," makes things all so cyclical.

Does our life's purpose or personal mission statement define us, or do we define our life's purpose and personal mission statement?  Do we become who and what we declare ourselves to be? Or do we wander and discover our life's purpose as though it's been there all along and the universe is just waiting for us to happen upon it?  Are we active in determining our life's purpose, or are we to be passive and just discover it?   What I do know, is that identifying goals and developing a personal mission statement, has brought me the closest to feeling like I'm either on the path, or near the path, of discovering, or defining, my life's purpose. We have to have definiteness of purpose and amazingly, we do have the ability to define and shape our purpose.  Identifying goals, and laying out the outline of our lives, such as by defining a personal mission statement, are the steps needed to fulfilling our life's purpose.  I could have talked with Willy for hours!

Although I didn't ask, I would be willing to bet that Willy must be a creative person (artist, musician, or both) and one who has a number of different talents.  It's been my experience that people who are skilled and gifted in several different areas, are often the ones who find it challenging to chose or declare one set path.  They're so talented, their options are unlimited and they're keeping them all open.

When I asked Willy something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he said that he's been successful of escaping the burden of being forced to be a particular type of person, and that he's not governed by external ideas such as being what is considered cool, or popular, etc.  He's just who he is.

I'm not going to summarize this week's personal mission statements since I didn't get the opportunity to ask two of the people from this week, and because we were basically freestylin' with Blackwell and Willy.

A huge thanks to each and every subject in this project. I appreciate your time and your kindness! If you would like a copy of your picture, please send an e-mail and I would be happy to e-mail you!

Thank you for following along for another week!

Have a good one!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 39

Hello! We're finished with week 39 of The 365 Day People Picture Project!

If this is your first visit, I've challenged myself to take a picture of a person, every day, for an entire year.  My objective was to become proficient enough in photography so that I would be able to have images for this newly-hatched blog.  I had no idea when I started this blog that I would start this project, and I didn't know when I started this project that it would become the entire blog.

Although I've made some improvement in the quality of the pictures I take, I've realized this project took a turn and became less about photography and learning to use my camera, and more about discovering the kindness and friendliness in people, stepping way outside of one's comfort zone, and fulfilling the challenge to myself to do this thing I said I would do for an entire year.

The majority of the pictures have been of strangers, but also included are a few friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances.  I post each daily picture to instagram and if you'd like to follow along, my username is @missellanea.

Day 267 - Leo

Leo.  Leo. Leo.  Wow!

I'd like to be able to tell you that because of this project, I now have an amazing eye to scout talent.  However, Leo came as quite a beautiful surprise.  As I was walking to the convention center to meet up with my friends for another dance competition, I spotted Leo immediately! I didn't spot him for the obvious reasons.  I simply saw a person who was standing still, not waiting for a bus, and who didn't appear to be in any sort of rush.  All of these increase my chances that a person will let me take their picture.  Ok, I confess, I did spot a pair of very tall legs but from where I was coming, I had no idea of the person who was attached to those legs.

When I approached Leo to ask if I could take his picture, I instantly got a great vibe from him.  He's another one of those people who just sort of oozes niceness.  He agreed to let me take his picture and made a joking remark about " don't tell my agent," which sort of just floated past me.  That is, it floated past me until I got him in front of the camera.  As soon as we started to take the pictures and as I was looking at him through the view finder, I said, "whoa, you really are a model!"  Leo confirmed, yes he was actually a model. The joke about an agent wasn't entirely just a joke.  The feeling I got with having a professional model in front of me was noticeably different to how it has "felt" with nearly all of the other people in this project.  There have been about a half-dozen people in this project who have had modeling experience or who could be models, or who are at least quite comfortable and familiar with being in front of the camera.

Other than those people, one challenge during this project has been learning how to put both the subject and myself at ease during our brief and awkward encounter.  Once we make a little connection, then the next step is to capture their image as they're loosening up and their little sparkle begins to shine. It was INSTANTLY recognizable to me, Leo was special and different. As soon as I saw him through the viewfinder, there was no waiting for his sparkle or for him to relax.  The man belongs in front of a camera! You can't miss his sparkle.

And of course, what did I do with all of his sparkleness?  Well, I froze and went from feeling quite connected and comfortable with him, to feeling horribly intimidated and inadequate!  This is going to sound bizarre but if you've been following along, you know that I battle insecurities and a lack of confidence which comes from being so inexperienced and uneducated about my camera and photography.  I felt like I wasn't worthy of taking this beautiful model's picture and I felt a great deal of pressure to perform well, given that I had such a beautiful person in front of me.

I've mentioned before, you can have the most beautiful person in front of you, but it's still surprisingly easy to take a bad picture of a beautiful person.  And I'm quite good at taking bad pictures!  The difference was Leo.  Leo's personality grounded me and helped me just to chill out, and take a damn picture.  Once I took the first picture, I was able to ease into a flow and actually "work" with him so that together, we could get a nice image.  I ended up having several decent pictures of Leo, but I intentionally chose this one.  Is this ok to say about a man? Leo is beautiful. He's quite pretty, and all of the pictures I had taken of him were beautiful and they came out just as nice as he is as a person.  You could look at the pictures and just know he is a nice person.  But I didn't want nice.  I'll explain more below.

When I asked Leo about the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he replied, I'm trying out for "Grimm" and starting my own radio show."  Leo is trying out to be one of the villains on the T.V. show "Grimm," which is filmed here in Portland.  I joked and questioned whether or not they would be able to ugly-him enough to be one of the scary bad guys. (If you haven't ever watched the show, it's a pretty awesome show and the villains transform from normal-looking humans into nightmarish monsters!  Let's face it, if Leo came to you in a dream, it wouldn't be a nightmare.)  Once I learned this, it became my mission to see Leo in a way other than the sweet and beautiful person who was standing before me. I wanted to see him a little rough. So, what did we do?  We broke out the squinch! (watch Photographer Peter Hurley's Squinch video here)

In a weird twist, we went from being a pair consisting of a confident and experienced professional model + a girl with a camera who was practically shaking in her boots, to a confident and professional model + a girl with a camera who knew one of the greatest modeling/headshot techniques in the world, and I was going to teach it to him!  Yes! Can you believe it?   After settling down and in, I then explained Peter Hurley's squinch to Leo, and that the technique will result in a look that is edgy, sexy, and pensive.  He absolutely nailed it!  I was so pleased with this interaction. Leo is an amazing model, but I was able to contribute one small technique and together, we created a beautiful image.

Technically speaking, my first pictures were actually a little more technically sound as far as the focus and his positioning (composition), but this was my favorite picture and in looking at this, I believe Leo could become one of those scary villains on Grimm.  At the same time, if I opened a magazine and he were the model for cologne, sunglasses, underwear, or anything, I would be sold on whatever it is he was "selling," and my husband would be the recipient of said cologne, sunglasses, or underwear!

After we had taken the pictures and performed the interview, Leo showed me some pictures his friend shot in a makeshift studio which was his apartment.  Leo was in full make-up. I don't know the proper industry words, but he was styled quite high fashion-y, with heavy, artistic, theatrical make-up and the pictures were stunning!  Especially considering they were just taken in his friend's apartment and not an actual studio. His friend was a pretty amazing photographer, and of course, Leo is pretty amazing.  I appreciated the huge contrast between Leo's friend's professional studio-looking dramatic photographs, and my total amateur look-at-this-hot-guy-I-met-on-the-street photographs.  Although there's a marked difference in the type and quality of images, the one constant is Leo and his talent in front of a camera.

I was hoping Leo would have a website or link so that we could follow the podcast for his new raido show, but since things are in their infancy,  I'll be sure to keep track of Leo and share his progress so we can follow along.

I told you Leo was nice, but hearing this completely warmed my heart.  When I asked Leo if he had recently performed an act of kindness, he told me that he saw a homeless man who was hungry, so Leo went and bought him some food, and then he gave the man the food and $20.00.  Leo said, "he needed it."

It has sometimes been confusing and overwhelming for people when I ask the question about having a personal mission statement. This week, I've elaborated on that and explained that if it's challenging to think of a personal mission statement, then think of it as "what is your life's purpose."  When I asked Leo about his life's purpose, he replied, "to get my show going to develop culture centered around art and music."

When I asked Leo something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he replied, "the fact that I signed a new modeling contract with a new company."

I'm wishing Leo huge success with his modeling, acting and radio show and he's clearly a talented person.  To me, even more impressive, is that he was genuinely a kind and very nice person and I'm so glad I bumped into him.  Good luck, Leo!

Day 268 - Renee

This is Renee, the owner of Ambiance Tan and Espresso.  Can you tell I've got a serious mexi-mocha addiction?  (ok, and maybe I've sneaked in a few assisted vitamin D sessions as well.)  Renee was the last person who I've been saving for a literal rainy day.

Apparently, Renee saw my car pull up and she told Ed (from week 33) that she just knew I was going to ask to take her picture that day and she was sort of less than thrilled about it.  After a long day at work, she wasn't feeling camera-ready and at best, she said she's not really comfortable having her picture taken.

Knowing that Rennee wasn't feeling her best or at least not feeling confident, made me empathize with her, so it was important for me to capture her as the beautiful and genuinely nice person she has been.  When you walk into her shop, you're greeted with friendliness and warmth and both she and Ed are amazing in that once you've been in - they remember you by name and by drink on the next visit.  It's pretty remarkable for them to remember your name and once you've been in a few times, you really get the feeling of belonging to a small community.

It was important to me to try to show that same welcoming warmth in Renee's picture, as she is in real life.

I asked Renee about the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she responded, "Eddy and I working as a team and that business is going well."

Renee was having trouble thinking of a recent act of kindness but then her customers spoke up for her, reminding her that she had recently organized three different fundraisers for people in need.  This reminder helped Renee to recall that she had also given a cup of coffee to a homeless person. She set it next to him as he was sleeping.

I asked Renee if she had a personal mission statement and she said that she's soon going to get a tattoo which says:  "Faith. Family. Friends. Strong."

I realize as I'm writing this post that I had forgotten to ask Renee something about herself which she considers to be a success, so I'm just going to share something I would consider to be a success, just in the few months I've been a customer.  Renee is successful at owning and running a small business and she genuinely welcomes her customers with warmth, friendliness and great service!

Day 269 - Oscar

This is Oscar.  I spotted him as he was loading his groceries into his car.

I asked Oscar about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied without hesitation, "my baby girls!"

It's pretty common when I ask people if they have a personal mission statement, or if they can think of one on the spot, for them to get this look of regret for having agreed to let me take their picture.  I end up apologizing for the job-interview-like question.  Oscar got that look on his face, but quickly replied simply, "to live right."

When I asked Oscar if he had any goals and dreams, he explained he had many, but I could tell he was ready to get on about his business. I then explained the reason I asked this question and the importance of doing so, is that I believe the more we talk about our dreams, the closer we come to realizing them.  He agreed and I can't quite remember  exactly what he said but he jumped on board in the effort to narrow his focus and start making his dreams a reality. I helped him to simplify his goals by asking him if he would identify at least 3 things.  He replied: 1) to record an album, 2) to go to France, 3) to visit his Sister in New York.

Before we parted,  I thanked Oscar and wished him well in accomplishing his dreams.

Day 270 - Sensei and Osiris

This is Sensei (left) and Osiris (right).  They were on their way to skate at Mt. Tabor Park.  I workout at Mt. Tabor and on Wednesdays, the park is closed to vehicles so its a popular day and the park is filled with cyclists, walkers, runners, and downhill longboard skaters.  I knew they were excited to get up the mountain as they were getting a bit of a late start, but they agreed to let me take their picture.

Something felt off when I was in the process of taking their pictures. We even had to move places and things were still feeling different to me.  I was concerned enough that I even had to ask to take their pictures individually.  It is extremely challenging for me to take a picture of more than one person at a time.  An even bigger challenge is when the people have a difference in height.  I couldn't quite figure it out, but things just felt different.

When I got home and started to "develop" the pictures, I realized the feeling I was picking up on was two-part.  1) The decision to move spots was a good call.  I finally recognized and directed the picture in order to get a better shot.  2) That off feeling wasn't "off" at all, it's what it feels like to take a cool picture!  I'm just not accustom to it!

Sensei and Osiris were sweet kids and even though they were in a hurry to skate, they gave me all the time in the world and they were so thoughtful in each of their responses. Once again, I would have benefitted from having a recorder as I just couldn't write fast enough to record their amazingly insightful responses to each question.  It was quite impressive to hear such considerate answers come from such young people, and I realized it was their youth which was actually behind their beliefs and philosophies.  They're young enough not to have been too hardened by what life can throw at us, but old enough to have developed compassionate and hopeful ideals of people and life.  Do you remember back to when you were their age...the way you felt about life and people was quite ideal.

When I asked about the happiest thing happening in their lives, Sensei responded, "being able to follow my thoughts and ideas. I feel I can follow what is right."  He then joked but not joked, "also, Star Trek and Star Wars!"  What I gathered by Sensei's response is that he's at the point where he's coming into his own and finding himself, and he's gaining confidence in the person who is emerging.  (I could be wrong, but that's my interpretation.)

Osiris responded, "A lot of things are good right now - I'm going to Europe in a month, for two months, and this weather!"

I asked if they've recently performed an act of kindness.  Sensei responded, "I try to give people patience."  Indeed, he gave me his patience.  I think a lot of young men would have been way too squirrely in this situation.  The two of them are unique and remarkable in that they were so thoughtful and patient with me when they would have much rather been skating than answering the questions of some middle-aged woman with a camera and a project.

Osiris' recent act of kindness is that he left his un-expired bus ticket at the bus stop for someone else to use.

I asked the pair something about themselves they would consider to be a success.  Sensi replied, "being open to new things and evaluating myself with less bias."  Osiris replied, "I take pride in my compassion toward people, awareness of people and where they're coming from."  Again, the two weren't just saying fluffy words. They were living exactly what they spoke about.  They were open to letting me take their picture and they were considerate and empathetic that I'm just a beginner, and tolerant that I needed to take several pictures. They afforded me their time and consideration with their answers to my questions.  They're good guys!

I asked the pair if they had a personal mission statement or could think of one on the spot.  For some reason, they had in their minds the statement should be as succinct as possible.  As in, two-words!  I'm not sure how we got on this track but we did. Sensei responded, "love and awareness."  Osiris responded, "patience and understanding."  They both struggled with how to articulate their words into a full mission statement.   Together, we decided simply to add "to live with," which expanded their responses to be:  "to live with love and awareness," and "to live with patience and understanding."

These two completely blew me away and I felt privileged to meet such nice "kids."  (oh man, I'm old enough to be calling guys "kids" now. It's all downhill from here.) Joking aside, I was impressed by their maturity and kindness and wish these young men lots of happiness, success, and good skating!

Day 271 - Mat

This is Mat.  I had exhausted my reserve of rainy-day people and it was pouring this day.  I couldn't find anyone at Tabor, so I decided to stop at a Plaid Pantry, hoping I'd be able to find a subject there. Thinking I had already taken the picture of every worker at this particular store, I was just hoping to find a customer who would give me the time to take their picture.  I was in luck!  I hadn't yet taken Mat's picture!  Just one problem - Mat got slammed right after I asked if I could take his picture.  After waiting for a while, it finally slowed down for just a minute, long enough for me to take his picture and ask a couple of the questions.

"Getting my financial aid together," Mat replied, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Mat's personal mission statement, "stick to your guns until, or unless, logic and experience prove otherwise."

It was quick, but I'm pleased with Mat's picture as well.

Day 272 - Christopher, Eunis, and Reba

This is Christopher (left), Eunis (center) and Reba (right).  These three were a crack-up! And yes, I challenged myself in trying to take a picture of not just two, but three people at once!  In real life, Christopher is nearly a head and a half taller than each of us, but he didn't mind repositioning himself to make it easier for us to get everyone in the frame.

I asked the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and Christopher responded that he had just had an "incredible interview!"  "I fucking slayed it," he said.  Joking aside, he was pleased that he had overcome his insecurities about being under-qualified and decided to go for it!  This was his second interview for the position and he's clearly feeling confident!

Eunis and Reba were both happy to be out celebrating Eunis' boyfriend's 30th Birthday! Reba was happy to be spending time with her "bestie," Eunis.

I asked the trio if they had recently performed an act of kindness...and wouldn't you know it, I had met another group of social service workers!  They all agreed that their professions are ones of kindness.

Christopher's act of kindness is that he assisted a person with the process of  accessing SS benefits.  I've decided to shorten this.  We all discussed ways in which we could tell their stories without breaking confidentiality and they were incredibly considerate of the words they used so they would keep the confidence of their clients.  Having worked in the field myself, I'm also sensitive to it as well, and I've decided to shorten Chris' response even further.

Eunis gave her un-expired bus ticket to a frazzled girl at the bus stop who greatly appreciated the kind gesture and she also procured a much-needed donation for the organization where she works - they're going to receive a donation of 100 lbs of clothing for the next three months!  Reba spent extra time with a particular client, and by giving him some extra individual time and attention, she most likely set him up to have a much nicer weekend.

I asked if they had a personal mission statement or if they could think of one on the spot, and again clarified, if this is challenging, then to think of it as defining their life's mission.  Christopher replied, "justice, art and glamour."  Reba responded, "if i can be happy for one day, I can make others around me happy."  Eunice responded, "I want to find my mission. I want to find my passion."

Again, I was so glad to have run into a group of fun-loving, and fun and loving people!

Day 274 - Brent

This is Brent.  We've known each other since about 1988 and he's married to one of my best friends.  And, he's one of my best friends too!

Brent attended our rival high school but we became acquainted because one of my best friends was a little sweet on him.  I helped keep stats for the wrestling team in high school, so I was the perfect cover for my two girlfriends to come to the wrestling matches.  But they weren't there to watch me keep stats - they were there to spy on Brent!  Here we are, some 26 years later and my friend and Brent are still married and we're all still the best of friends!

Brent is quietly one of the smartest people I know, and one of the funniest.  He just sort sneaks it in on you.  You don't know how funny he is at first, until he drops some of the most hilarious comments or observations on you!  He's so funny, his teenage daughter had to ban him from twitter because he was getting too big of a following and many of his followers were her friends!

I don't think either of us knew when we were in high school, that our Dads actually worked together, not directly, but close enough to where they developed a liking and a respect for one another.  Although they've both passed, I know our Dads would both be pleased that we're all still in each others lives, and all quite close.

It's been fun growing up and growing older with Brent and my girlfriends.  We've seen Brent grow from a quite mischievous kid, into an awesome husband and father.  Brent loves his family and when you meet him, you recognize it immediately.

"Seeing the kids doing well in sports and in school," Brent replied, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Brent couldn't think of a recent act of kindness but I know for certain it was only because his "memory is slipping," as Brent put it.  He and his family are ALWAYS doing some act of kindness and volunteer for several different groups.  He then remembered that most recently, he volunteered to be a waiter for the "Women's Tea" at their Church.

When I asked if he had a personal mission statement he replied, to never give up, and then settled on, "keep trying."

"My family," Brent said, is one thing at which he would consider himself to be a success.

I asked Brent if he were to challenge himself to do one thing, every day, for an entire year, what would it be?  He replied, "learn an instrument."  He explained that he'll practice for a while, make progress, and then stops, and he keeps repeating that process.

I'm so thankful that Brent and his family are in my life.  They are my family away from my real family, and I think that each of our families rest a little more assured, knowing that we have each other in our lives.

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

• To develop culture centered around art and music.
• Faith. Family. Friends. Strong.
• To live with love and awareness
• To live with patience and understanding.
• Stick to your guns until, or unless, logic and experience prove otherwise.
• Justice, art, and glamour.
• If i can be happy for one day, I can make others around me happy.
• I want to find my mission. I want to find my passion.
• Keep trying.

Thank you for following along on another week of this project!  I love sharing this project with you and am so happy to have you along for the ride.

If you've been a subject in this project - I'm completely unable to express my gratitude and appreciation for you and your time and for letting me take your picture, no matter how weird it may have been.  Thank you for sharing yourself with us and this project.

Thank you, and have an awesome week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 38

Hi! We're finished with week 38 of The 365 Day People Picture Project and you know what that means?  We reached 265 days this week!  Only 100 more days to go!

I can't even believe we've made it this far because it feels like we started this project just a few weeks ago. Thank you for following along on this journey!

Day 260 - Jack

This is Jack.  I spotted him in downtown Vancouver where he was working at a record store.

When I asked Jack about the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he replied, "easily, the Trail Blazers in the playoffs!"

I asked Jack if he's recently performed an act of kindness and he said that he tries to do something every day.

"Don't be an asshole. Do what you want to do as long as it doesn't infringe on anybody else," Jack replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of anything on the spot.

I asked Jack about something at which he would consider himself to be a success and he replied, "I'm finally doing things that are making me happy. Finding happiness."  This is among one of my favorite answers so far. It doesn't matter what we aspire to do, when you think of it, we're all in search of happiness.

Day 261 - Diane

This is Diane.  We met at the stairs at Mt. Tabor Park.  When I spotted Diane, I was so busy trying to analyze if she looked like a person who would let me take her picture, that I nearly missed seeing the car that she was busy watching.  Seeing the reaction in her face, caused me to look just in time to see what looked like Vince Neil and David Lee Roth driving straight out of the 80's and into Mt. Tabor Park, in what I can assume was a time machine, cleverly disguised as a convertible BMW with 80's anthems blaring on the stereo to complete the experience.

When I approached Diane, she was still taken with the BMW Time Machine and laughing about the whole sight.  I asked Diane about the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "my garden is growing."

I asked Diane if she's performed an act of kindness recently and she replied, "I help students in their time of crisis."  I assume Diane is a librarian, as she went on to explain that students often come in to the library shortly before a big project is due, and instead of nagging them about starting earlier, she just helps to put them on the right course to complete their report or assignment in time to turn it in on the due date.  Can you imagine being a student in that situation?  Diane would be such a welcomed life-saver and probably one of the few adults/teachers who would skip the lecture and just help you to do what needs to be done.  We laughed when I made the observation that it's funny because the habit of waiting till the last minute, seems to follow some of us into adulthood as well.

I asked Diane if she had a personal mission statement or could think of one on the spot, and she replied, "be kind and do things in moderation."

"Friendship, and building community," Diane replied, when I asked her one thing at which she would consider herself to be a success.

I asked Diane if she had any dreams or aspirations and clarified, "climb-Mt.-Everest" type dreams, at which she said she has actually always wanted to hike Table Mountain.  She then replied that she wants to learn to walk on stilts.  I love the idea of a stilt-walking-librarian and hope she pursues that ambition!

Now seems like the appropriate time to mention this because I need to learn from Diane's students and not wait until the last minute.  Since we're nearing the end of the project, I need to consider a few posts which will reflect back on everything I've learned in the project.  For photographers who stumble upon this project, I feel I should share what I've learned, even though it's actually painful to refer to myself as a photographer. I know I said I would stop this sort of talk. I'm working on it.  Anyway, I'd like to compile a list of things I've learned from a photography perspective, and things I've learned about people.  In the vein of not waiting till the last minute like some of Diane's students, I'm going to jot down something every day from now until the end of the project, so that I'll be ready with a closing and reflection post about this project.  (Thanks, Diane, I needed this reminder!)

Day 262 - Debbie and Kathy

This is Debbie (left) and Kathy (right).  I had spotted them several times as we were all working out at Mt. Tabor.  They finished the stairs shortly after we did, so the timing was perfect for me to ask if I could take their picture for the project.

I asked the happiest thing happening in their lives right now, and practically in stereo, they responded, "going to Paris!"  They're celebrating their 30 year anniversary with a vacation to France.

Debbie and Kathy are so aligned, they basically share answers!  When I asked if they had performed an act of kindness, they both agreed that they try to do something every day, such as opening doors for people, giving compliments, and recognizing their co-workers for a job well done.

When I asked if they had a personal mission statement, or could think of one on the spot, Debbie first answered for them both, saying, "treat others the way you want to be treated," and Kathy then added, "and Pay it forward."

I'm convinced I either need to get a bigger note book, write more legibly, or just get a recorder.  I've confused my own self with my note-taking once again, so I'm just going to share that Debbie and Kathy are looking forward to retirement and working on their fitness and getting in shape for Paris.

Bon Voyage, Debbie and Kathy!

Day 263 - Jesse

This is Jesse, from Ritual Arts Tattoo and Body Piercing, in the Hollywood District.  I spotted Jesse outside of his shop.

I asked Jesse about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "there's so many! My kids are excelling, business is thriving, motor cycle riding, and gardening."  I mentioned to Jesse that the person from the day before was also happy about her garden growing and we talked about the satisfaction one feels when you can see all of your hard work start to grow.  Gardening and backyard chicken farms are huge in Portland!  If you don't personally have a garden or chickens, you know someone who does, and often, you're able to reap some of their bounty.

Jesse's recent act of kindness is that he gave things to a friend who just got her own place, and he's currently teaching/mentoring a person to tattoo.

I asked Jesse if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot and he explained that he's more of a spiritual person than religious, but that he tries to live by "the golden rule."

Having "strong integrity," Jesse replied, when I asked something at which he would consider himself to be a success.

When I asked Jesse if he had any dreams or ambitions, it was pretty amazing to watch his face as he went on to explain that he's basically realizing his dreams.  Opening the shop with his partner was and is his dream, and now he's "in the heat of it."  I love hearing people who've made their dreams a reality! It's inspiring to those of us who are in the process chasing our own.

When I got home to prepare Jesse's picture to be instagrammed, I was disappointed in myself.   I'm learning that photography is this delicate little dance with light and I'm fumbling through the dance with two left feet.  The weather changed drastically in Portland.  Practically over night, we went from our typical cloudy and rainy spring, to 80 degree bright sunshine-y days!  It has been a huge process of trial and error in realizing the significance of light.  I need to learn that I'm not leading this dance.  It seems like the sunlight, or lack of, often results in a look opposite of the look I conceive in my mind.  The upside of learning by trial and error, is that although painful, it's effective.

I was disappointed with the images I had of Jesse, and once again, I had to fight myself to not show you another picture in black and white.  Black & white is truly becoming not only my default, but my preference.  I opted to share this picture of Jesse, even though I favored other black & white versions.  Jesse, tattoo artists in general, are colorful people and I thought I needed to push myself to share this in color.  In addition, Jesse was a nice guy, and the black & white version feels a little more hard-edged than Jesse was in real life.  (All of the tattoo artists and tattooed people in this project are all pretty nice people, and I'm not sure I should be blowing their covers. Perhaps the desired look is to have a bit of an edge and here I am...telling you they've all been a bunch of sweethearts!)

I battled with my disappointment and did the best I could to make corrections in lightroom until I finally got to a point where I think the picture would pass my "would-this person-Facebook-this-photo" test.  For the remainder of this project, I need to remind myself of this objective.  I want to take pictures of people that are nice enough that when they look at them, they feel good about themselves.  In order to do that, I need to remember that I'm sparkle-hunting.  The next 100 days are about dancing with light, and hunting for a person's sparkle.

Day 264 - Sean

This is Sean. He had just taken off his helmet when I approached him at Mt. Tabor.  At the time, I told him the little helmet mark would only add to the look of the picture, but when I got home, I realized I was wrong.  The indentation from his helmet didn't add to the look, it was distracting.  Sean is my first dive into a real "edit" or "re-touch."  Until Sean, I've only experimented with basic adjustments to exposure, contrast, some color/saturation, cropping and softening or sharpening.  Sean was a nice guy and he trusted me to take his picture and I wasn't about to let him down by sharing a picture with a helmet mark.  So, I did what I had to do...I googled and youtubed and self-taught myself how to make an edit with the brush and clone the un-marked area of his forehead and smooth out the indentation caused by the helmet.  I think I did ok?  If I didn't tell you, would you know?  There's just so much to learn!

I asked Sean about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "my girlfriend."

"I held the door open for someone this morning," Sean replied, when I asked if he had performed and act of kindness.

I asked Sean about something at which he would consider himself to be a success and he replied, "I got my degree".  (in web design and interactive media!)

When I asked Sean if he had any dreams or ambitions, he said that he would like to travel to the Middle East someday.

When I asked Sean if he had, or could think of, a personal mission statement, he replied, "when I die, I want to feel like I did the best I could."  I asked/told him that maybe we should leave out the "when I die" part because it's too morbid.  The more I thought about it, I realized that Sean is totally right!  A personal mission statement guides us in living our lives so that when it's our time, we will have known that we did the best we could because we will have known what we stood for. Our personal mission statement helps us to shape our own path.  And the reality is, we will die - but knowing our life's mission, helps us to fully live.

Day 265 - Robbie, and "Eddie."

I was so overwhelmed by cuteness, I didn't realize until I got home that I hadn't written down the name of Robbie's dog, but I'm pretty sure her name is Eddie.  Robbie, if you happen to read this, I'm sorry if this isn't the correct name.

Although I may have slipped on her name, Eddie was an an irresistible sight!  It's not every day you see a giant Saint Bernard strolling down the streets of the Hollywood District.  Robbie and Eddie were across the street from me and when I spotted them, I hustled right across the street. I would like to think that I stopped to check for cars first, but I'm not so positive about that one.  (One more thing to remember...while dancing with light and hunting sparkles, first stop to check for traffic before running across the street.)  Luckily, Robbie is use to all of the attention that Eddie gets and didn't hesitate to let me take his picture.  (In the time we were taking pictures, several people had stopped to remark about Eddie!)

Eddie was tiring from her walk, and Robbie also explained that as soon as the camera is turned on her, she sort of goes aloof.  She'll be doing something cute at home but when they go to take her picture, she stops the cuteness.  I'm convinced there are definitely camera-shy dogs and they definitely know what we're up to.  In addition to Eddie being a little camera-shy and tired, her dark coloring around her dark eyes, made for a challenge in trying to capture her little sparkle.  Instead of getting frustrated with myself like I used to, if I know I'm not capturing a good "portrait" of a dog, I just want to get them admiring their humans in the cute little doggie-way that dogs show happiness, love and contentment.  We don't see much of her eyes, but it's pretty clear that Eddie loves her Robbie.

I asked Robbie about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "my fiancé and I are engaged."

"I'm happy," Robbie replied, when I asked one thing at which he would consider himself to be a success.

Robbie's personal mission statement, and his dreams & aspirations are one in the same.  He's on an "ongoing mission to be creative for a living."  Robbie writes screen plays and has made submissions to film festivals.  I'm wishing Robbie success in his mission, and when he's famous and fulfilled his dreams,  we can say "we knew him when..."

Day 266 - Abby

This is Abby.  He's my Sister-in-Law's Brother.  I didn't know my family was coming to town so I was happily surprised when my Sister-in-Law called Saturday morning to say they would be at Portland State University for a Pow Wow.

Since I've already had both my Brother and Sister-in-Law as subjects in the project, my Sister-in-Law volunteered Abby to be the person of the day.

Once again, I was wishing I were a much more skilled "journalist," as Abby made for great interview. Since my journalistic skills are lacking, I'll share as much as I can remember and what I can read of my notes.

I probably haven't seen Abby since I was a kid.  This picture is when my Sister-in-Law was trying to tell Abby to look at me so that I could take his picture and of course, he didn't know who she was talking about since we were much younger when we last saw one another. I snapped this picture right as his lightbulb wen't off with the spark of recognition.

I asked Abby about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "my family is healthy and we're together."  Abby was the Arena Director for this event and he said that "Pow-Wowing is putting my heart at rest for my friend Lee."  Abby's  friend recently passed away and Abby selected a few certain songs to help honor his friend Lee, as a healing for himself and for Lee's family.  Abby is also happy about his spirituality, and his walks in life.  He's been having good dreams, and "dreams are powerful."  Abby is also happy that he has a good job.

Abby works at the Warm Springs Tribal Museum as facilities maintenance.  I appreciate and admire the way Abby views his job.  He feels that his job of keeping the building clean, safe, and secure, gives him a small part in preserving culture and history.  When Abby explained how he views his job, I immediately thought of the book, "The Leader Who Had No Title." Abby's respect for his job is exactly the message the book was trying to convey...Abby isn't simply maintaining a clean facility, he is, in fact, entrusted with the safe-keeping of history and culture.  (I've been meaning to write a full review of "The Leader Who Had No Title," but since I have yet to do that,  I just want to encourage you to put this book on your must-read list and it will change the way you view your entire life, and the lives of others.)

I asked Abby if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  He replied, "to sustain a meaningful life and to project that to those around me."  He wants people to not take things for granted.

Abby said his goals and dreams are to "live my life meaningfully, provide for my family, and sustain happiness."

I shot a few hundred pictures at the Pow Wow and of those, I was pleased with only about 4 of them. I'll share a couple with you.   I jokingly said to my Brother and Sister-in-Law that I'll now have to attend every Pow Wow in Portland until I can learn how to shoot properly.  A Pow Wow would be a real photographer's dream.  The color and texture of the Regalia, and the spirit and emotion of the dancers, makes for beautiful and moving photographs for someone who is skilled.  I left there feeling frustrated and disappointed in myself for not being able to properly capture and honor the dancers.  A Pow Wow really is an amazing test for photographers.  Those who are skilled will leave with beautiful images and those of us who are learning, will leave with more lessons learned the hard way.  No matter what images I walked away with on my camera's memory card, I still walked away feeling a little more nourished in my head and my heart.

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

• Don't be an asshole. Do what you want to do as long as it doesn't infringe on anybody else.
• Be kind and do things in moderation.
• Treat others the way you want to be treated.
• Pay it forward.
• The golden rule  (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.)
• When I die, I want to feel like I did the best I could.
• ...to be creative for a living.
• To sustain a meaningful life and to project that to those around me.

I just want to thank you if you've been a subject in this project, this week, or any week. It was a pleasure and an honor meeting you and thank you for giving me a moment of your time, and your kindness. Please remember, if you like your photo, please send me an e-mail and I'd be happy to e-mail it to you!  It's the very least I could do!

Thank you for following along so far!  I'm going to give it my best these last 99 days.  I've just got to remember to let go of the stress and pressures of trying to understand and learn ISO, shutter speed and aperture,  and I'll just remember to have fun while dancing with the light and hunting for people's sparkle.

Wishing you an excellent week!