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 Day People Picture Project - Week 34

Hello! We're inching closer to the finish line and I confess, I'm starting to feel a little sad about the thought of the project ending. Taking pictures and meeting new people each day has become such a huge part of my life, I can't imagine not doing it.  It's been strange that I keep hitting little roadblocks in the photography workshops I've intended to take.  Maybe it's a sign that I should continue for another year so that I can get some real instruction under my belt, and then I can really be able to improve on the quality of the pictures I can take.  Maybe this first year is just a little warm-up?  For now, I just need to concentrate on each and every day and not worry about what's to come. I will just enjoy this process each day.

This week is a first. You'll notice the pictures for the entire week are all Black & White.  Until now, I've forced myself to include color pictures each week.  For having basically zero photography experience, the first thing I noticed about myself and the process, is that I immediately developed a preference for Black and White.  Although I think I'm influenced by growing up in the 70's and 80's and the recall I have of my most favorite photographs being in black & white, it just seems like you can see people better when they're in black and white.  You can really see them. You can see their sparkle.

Day 232 - Scott

Scott had just finished a 15 mile run when I asked if I could take his picture.  I mean, he actually just finished.  Hardly even winded, he agreed.  Scott is training for the upcoming Timberline Marathon and an Ultra Marathon, the Mt. St. Helens Volcanic 50. Wow!

I asked Scott the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied that he's super happy about his son's new school.  They had made the decision to transfer him from his current school and into a new program and the switch has been working out for him.  Scott also finds happiness in running.

I asked Scott if he had recently performed an act of kindness. He replied, "I said 'hi' to a bunch of people on the trail."  I laughed and confirmed that he had said "hi" to us, every time he passed us by.

When I asked Scott if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one, he replied, "You're stronger than you think you are. You can do more than you think you can."  

I love the sentiment in this quote and it's pretty much the perfect motto for a runner.  Scott and I had a nice visit afterward about the mental aspect of completing a marathon.  One thing that I've found so interesting and beautiful about runners, especially one who has finished a marathon, is that they appreciate the efforts of anyone who has finished a marathon, regardless of their time or if they're a walker or runner. Scott is an Ultramarathoner but he didn't discount my accomplishment as a walker and having finished 4 marathons.   It really is a beautiful community!

Day 233 - Broc

This is Broc. The happiest thing happening in his life right now is his relationship.

I asked Broc if he had recently performed an act of kindness. He explained that his girlfriend's mother had just passed away and he went with her to support her during this sad time and will continue to support her in anyway he can.

I asked Broc if he had a personal mission statement, or if he could think of one on-the-spot, and he replied, "you get what you put into it."

I've been playing with a new question this week and it's actually proving to be difficult for people to answer.  I've enjoyed watching people as they search for an answer, and it's been priceless to see the look of satisfaction on their faces as they decide on the answer.  I asked Broc if he could name something at which he considers himself a success.  He replied, "music!"  Broc is a drummer, and also DJ's the weekly BassFace show at The Q Nightclub in Downtown Vancouver.

Day 234 - Ken, Bear, and Tiz

I first spotted Bear and Tiz playing at Mt. Tabor.  Concerned they may have been escape artists who had fled from their yard, I walked down to the grassy area where they were playing so that I could investigate.  Once I was closer, I also spotted Ken, their human.  Once I realized they were ok, I then decided to ask Ken if they would be in the project.

It was pretty funny.  Ken happily agreed to let me take his picture and then as we began to shoot, he then confessed he really doesn't like having his picture taken. At all. He said he gets all weird.  It was pretty evident that Ken went from being nice and easy-going, to looking as though he would have been less uncomfortable if he were at the dentist.  I could read the discomfort on his face and we weren't getting a happy picture.  I finally suggested we just go back to him playing with the dogs. Instead of trying to get a "portrait," I would just try for a fun picture of the dogs admiring him.  It was a fine enough idea, but by then, the dogs were finished being models and they just wanted to play more fetch!  I got this picture just in time!

I asked Ken the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he responded, "this!"  I'm absolutely positive if Bear and Tiz could talk, they would have agreed completely!  All three of them were having a blast!

I asked Ken if he's performed an act of kindness. He was having difficulty thinking of something specific, and then replied that he's "interested in other people's lives."  Although this isn't a specific act, I started thinking it is actually the entire foundation upon which kindness is built.  Being kind begins when we care about people other than ourselves.

When I asked Ken if he had a personal mission statement, he laughed and said that having a mission would go against everything he stands for.  He wants to "Roam the Earth."  We laughed and discussed the irony that his lack of a mission, "Roam the Earth," is indeed, actually his mission!

I asked Ken if he could name something at which he considers himself to be a success.  "I'm a successful bike commuter," he replied.  He rides daily, and he's also never had a serious accident.

Day 235 - Jessica and Minh

Jessica and Minh were running the stairs at Tabor.  I was concerned I was interrupting their work-out, but I think they were ok with an extended breather at the bottom of the stairs.

I asked Jessica and Minh about the happiest thing happening in their lives right now.  Jessica replied, "being young and relaxing."  Minh replied, "living life!"

Jessica's recent act of kindness is that she picked flowers for her Mom.  Minh's act of kindness is that he gave a stranger a ride home back when we had the big snow storm.

Jessica and Minh were both ready with an answer when I asked if they had a personal mission statement or if they could think of one. Jessica said, "helping people to integrate physical activity into their daily lives."   Minh replied, "inspired to inspire!"

When I asked the friends if there was something at which they considered themselves to be a success, Minh quickly responded, "I'm a good role model to my nieces and nephews."  The question was more challenging for Jessica.  She named several things she wanted to, or hoped to be successful in the future, but was stumped for something at which she was currently successful.  Wanting to help her out with some ideas, I said it could be something fun, "like being a successful chocolate chip cookie-maker".  I somehow randomly hit on something at which she does indeed consider herself to be successful!  Jessica replied, "I'm a good baker!"

Jessica and Minh, in my opinion, are both quite successful at being really nice people.

Day 236 - Juan

This is Juan from Plaid Pantry.  I've been saving Juan for a literal rainy day.  He's worked at the new Plaid Pantry for a while and I've known I wanted to ask him if he would be in the project, but I've delayed asking him.  Knowing there would be days which would be too rainy to look for a person outside, I've been reserving a few back-up people who I would be able to take their picture indoors.  It was pouring Thursday and I was in luck that Juan happened to be working.

I asked Juan about the happiest thing happening in his life an he replied, "my girlfriend and my music."

I asked Juan if he's performed an act of kindness and he replied, "yeah, hopefully."  He thought for a moment and then said that his buddy is going through a break-up so he's tried to be a friend and counsel him.

When I asked Juan if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on-the-spot, he said it could be summed up as "self-actualization."  He wasn't referring to self-actualization in the Maslow sort of way.  Juan said, "I want people to embrace who they are, and what they have."  Juan went on to explain how terribly shy he was before starting his job at Plaid Pantry. His first few shifts sounded like they were awful because he was painfully shy.  As time went on, he became more comfortable talking to customers and now he's able to easily and comfortably talk with anyone.  He said he had to first figure out who he was so that he could break through that barrier of shyness and interact with other people.  I found it pretty ironic that Juan and I, both painfully shy people and basically strangers to one another,  were sharing a meaningful conversation and taking pictures like old friends.  I guess we've both had breakthroughs.

I asked Juan if there's something at which he considers himself to be a success. He was having a hard time identifying something, so I prompted him by asking about his music.  He didn't consider it to be a success because he's not finished yet. He hasn't gotten to where he wants to be.  (Hmmm, that made me want to reconsider and redefine our meaning of success.  Why can't we be a success during the process? Isn't sometimes the process of becoming a "success," actually the true success?)  Juan decided that he's a success in that he's always working on something and he's been successful in his relationships. He's had one relationship since he was 16 years old.

Check out Juan's band, Hail the Artilect.

Day 237 - Ed

Ed was waiting for his friend to arrive when I approached him on the patio at Rontoms.  Ed was so nice and so interesting, I would have enjoyed hanging out with him a little while longer.

I asked Ed the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "I'm looking forward to summer."  (Of course everyone looks forward to summer, but I don't think people quite understand how much of a thing this is.  Summer and sunny weather in Portland is a very big deal!  Doing nothing on a summer day in Portland, is one of the greatest things you can do!)

When I asked Ed if he's performed a recent act of kindness, he said he tries to find an act of kindness to do each day.  Ed is another person whose life and profession is actually an act of kindness.  Ed supervises a community based, mental health crisis team.

I asked Ed if he had a personal mission statement or could think of one, and he was quick to answer, saying it's important to have a mission statement to help us in guiding our lives and knowing what we stand for.  I loved listening to Ed.  Ed's personal mission statement, "measure life in love."

Ed's mission statement is inspired by the musical, "Rent," and the song, "How do you measure the Life"  but it was his time working in an orphanage that helped him to solidify his mission and purpose in life.

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

When I asked Ed if he could identify something at which he considers himself a success, he replied, "I'm a good social worker."

After we were finished with the pictures, Ed asked if he could preview them. He pointed out his two favorites and told me he would prefer I posted one of those two pictures.  Ed was the most stylishly dressed man at Rontoms and although I loved the color of his sweater, I told him I intended to make his picture black and white.  I think Ed's picture is another one of my favorites.  Ed is model-like handsome, but what helped me to get a nice picture is that I was able to sit down at Ed's table and take my time.  Plus, I immediately felt at ease with Ed.

We talked about how we, people, don't talk with one another any more. I told him this project has caused me to wish for a movement similar to "throwback thursday" where instead of people posting a picture from their past, I dream of "meet someone monday" where we post a picture of a random stranger we befriend. I'm meeting so many amazing people whom I wouldn't have had the pleasure of meeting had I not set out to do this project.

We finished just as Ed's friend arrived and Ed planned on asking his friend the same questions I had just asked him!

Day 238 - Jamie

This is Jamie, another master of the art of Mexican Mochas, from Ambiance Tan & Espresso.  

I asked Jamie about the happiest thing happening in her life and she replied, "my new job."  (Ambiance is Jamie's second job.)

Jamie's act of kindness is that she let a little fender bender slide and didn't report an accident in which a little old lady ran into her car.  Jamie said she was fine, uninjured, and the dent in her car wasn't worth the bother. She didn't want the woman's insurance rates to increase because of the tiny accident.

Jamie's personal mission statement is golden - "treat others the way you want to be treated."  

I loved Jamie's answer when I asked if there's something at which she considers herself to be a success. She replied, "learning how to control my control issues!"

Thank you to each and every person who has been a subject in this project!  Thank you for your kindness and your time, and for sharing your picture with all of us. (Please let me know if you'd like a copy of your picture and I'd be happy to e-mail you!)

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

• "You're stronger than you think you are. You can do more than you think you can."  
• "You get what you put into it."
•  "Roam the Earth."
• "Helping people to integrate physical activity into their daily lives."  
• "Inspired to inspire!"
• "Self-Actualization - I want people to embrace who they are, and what they have."
• "Measure life in love."
• "Treat others the way you want to be treated."  

Thank you for following along!

If you'd like to follow along each day, I post the post the pictures to Instagram daily. My username is @missellanea.

Wishing you a great week...and what do you think, should we start a "Meet Someone Monday"?

Thank you!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 32

Hello! Thank you for reading week 32 of the 365 Day People Picture Project.  It's been another week of both laughter and tears,  and meeting strangers who became friends.

If this is the first time you've stopped by, I'm taking a picture of a person every day for a year and sharing that process here.  Each picture is taken fresh daily.  If you'd like to follow along, I post each picture daily to Instagram.   My username is @missellanea and the project is tagged #365daypeoplepictureproject.

I got a new DSLR camera which sat for a few days because I was afraid to use it.  Then one day, I just picked it up and started taking pictures.  In attempt to learn photography, I challenged myself to take a picture of a person every day for a year. I still don't know how to use the camera properly but I study a little each day and keep trying to learn as I go. I was mistaken when I said this would be a photography project.  It has evolved into so much more, to the point where I can hardly even call it a photography challenge.  The focus has become the people who have opened themselves up and shared their lives with me. With us.

Day 218 - Dalin (left) and Mark (right)

Dalin and Mark had just been to the Vancouver Farmers Market and were hanging out in the park, enjoying the day.

I asked the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and Dalin said, "I'm getting to travel a lot."  Mark said, "my new job!"

When I ask people if they've performed an act of kindness, they sometimes respond that they haven't done anything and it's usually followed by a look of disappointment. Sometimes, it's like I can almost see them adding "perform an act of kindness," to their mental to-do list.   I'm sure everyone who has responded in this way, simply hasn't assigned any kindness-point value to the little things we do for our family and friends.  I'm interested in the kind things people do for one another, whether the acts are for random strangers, or the daily gestures we perform for people close to us.

Dalin's recent act of kindness is that he made breakfast for his roommate.  Mark's recent act of kindness is that he did his Sister's laundry!  I'm sure Dalin's roommate and Mark's sister would definitely score them highly in the acts-of-kindness category!

I asked Dalin and Mark if they had a personal mission statement or if they could think of something on the spot.  Dalin answered immediately, but he couldn't think of the quote word-for-word.  His personal mission statement is borrowed from the movie, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" and it is the motto for Life Magazine.  I researched the actual quote:  “To see things thousands of miles away, things hidden behind walls and within rooms, things dangerous to come to, to draw closer, to see and be amazed,”

Mark decided on:  "to be the best that you can be."  Dalin joked that Mark was using the Army's motto and we laughed when we pointed out the obvious difference in Mark's mission statement: "to be the best that you can be,"  versus the Army slogan: "be all that you can be."

Day 219 - Nomar

I met Nomar at Mt. Tabor Park.

"Grandkids and springtime," Nomar replied when I asked about the happiest things happening in his life right now.  I asked Nomar if he's performed a recent act of kindness and he replied, "all the time."  One act of kindness that he and his wife love to perform is to watch their grandkids for their children.

I asked Nomar if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one, and he replied, "to be a good citizen."

I ran into Nomar again the next day and we watched a man create giant bubbles, on the top of Mt. Tabor Park,  using a homemade bubble recipe and and a simple handheld bubble-maker.  Nomar said he does this for his grandchildren!  The kids in the park were having a nice enough time watching the giant bubbles but it was the adults who were completely mesmerized!  (Check out the video below.)

Day 220 - Dee (left) and Trae (right)

This is Dee and Trae.  They had just finished their stair work-out at Tabor when we met. Trae was starting to get noodle-legs when we were talking.  I confess, I spent more time watching the Bubble Man than I spent working out that day, so I wasn't feeling as noodle-y as these ladies.

I asked about the happiest things happening in their lives and Dee replied, "being alive!" Trae's response, "ditto!"

I asked if they've performed a recent act of kindness and Dee said that she serves at her church and she babysits.  Trae said she couldn't think of anything but knowing how brutal the stairs can be, by that time, she was thinking mainly of her tired legs.

When I asked if they have a personal mission statement or if they could think of one, Dee replied, "live life to the fullest."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqfQMlv8SIA

Here's a short video of the Bubble Man on the top of Mt. Tabor.  (and the reason my legs were nowhere near as noodle-y as they should have been.)

Day 221  - Courtney

This is Courtney.  It was amazing watching her little light turn on when she was in front of the camera!  I didn't have to search for her sparkle, she's like glitter!

I asked Courtney about the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "I'm dating a new guy."

Courtney's act of kindness is that she's raising money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.  There's a fundraising event at Mi Famiglia, in Oregon City, on May 6th.

When I asked Courtney if she had a personal mission statement, or if she could think of one, she replied, "be yourself and live life to the fullest."

Day 222 - Carlos Danger

Oh Carlos...what a character.

I had spotted a couple people standing outside of Sam's Billiards and beelined toward them for a block and a half so that I could reach them before they finished their smoke break.  I had tunnel vision and was heading straight for them.  I was so focused on those two people that I nearly missed Carlos as we passed each other in the crosswalk.  I don't know what prompted me to stop to ask Carlos if I could take his picture because I was only a few footsteps away from the intended targets, but I'm so glad I did.   I'm still laughing about our interaction.

Carlos agreed to let me take his picture before I had even finished giving my spiel. Within a matter of seconds, he was making ridiculous faces at me.  I'm not talking the obvious funny face, but subtle facial contortions that resulted in pictures which look like the most awful photographic timing ever.  I confess, the majority of the first pictures from this project look just like this, but it was an accident. Luckily, I would always end up with at least one usable picture.  I couldn't even believe what was happening!  We were complete strangers but within moments, his guard was down, he abandoned composure, and we were having fun. Well, perhaps Carlos is the type of person who doesn't have a guard...but whatever, I was having fun and I'm still laughing.  (I wonder how many family pictures Carlos has contaminated with his sneaky prolonged blink and his exaggerated mid-speech "pose.")

I asked Carlos the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "my family is visiting."  Carlos' recent act of kindness is that he made breakfast for his wife and gave her a ride to work.

Carlos thought for a while when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or could think of one on the spot.  I could tell that he knew what he wanted to say, but he was in the process of assembling his words mentally.  He decided on, "exploring the world and creating good things."

I asked Carlos what he creates.  He explained that he's a writer.  By profession, he writes code, but his passion is writing.  He wants his legacy to be his writing.  I was hoping he had a blog so that we could read his writings but when I asked if he had anything he could share, he rolled up his sleeves to reveal that he was wearing two braces for severe tendonitis. He said that his work is boxed up and in his closet.  His personal writing has been back-burnered in order to continue working professionally, but he's optimistic he will heal and be able to write again soon.

After we were finished with our "interview," Carlos asked me if I would consider being on T.V.  Uttt-oh, who is this Carlos and why is he asking me this, I was thinking.  He explained that his friends have a cable access program and this project fits with the type of interviews they do.  I didn't completely decline, but the thought of giving an interview is completely intimidating and terrifying to me. My close friends think the reason I started this project is so that I never have to be in front of the camera, and yes, as challenging as it has been, I prefer the position of being behind the camera. I told Carlos I was afraid that I wouldn't have anything important to say, but I would consider it.  I told my friend about the opportunity and how awfully intimidating it sounded but my friend shut me down.  He fed it to me straight, saying, "you sort of owe it to these people."  He's right.  By time this project is finished, 365 people will have opened themselves up and shared a glimpse of their lives with me, with us, and if the time comes when I need to do the same, then I need to set aside my personal discomfort and hesitation and just go for it.

As we were saying goodbye, Carlos basically insisted that I "use the good pictures," meaning, the silly ones.  I absolutely do not want to use these but Carlos made his expectations pretty clear.

Day 223 - Shayna (left) and Trisha (right)

These beautiful ladies are Shayna and Trisha. I didn't know when I asked if I could take their picture, that they were also going to leave a permanent impression in my heart.  Within seconds, I wished this were a video project because I knew I would be unable to convey  the love and wisdom they were sharing.  They are truly beautiful.

The happiest thing happening in their lives right now:  For Shayna, "every moment that I'm with my wife because I don't know how much time is left."  For Trisha, "my daughter and my wife. I live for them every day."

Trisha was recently diagnosed with cancer. Trisha and Shayna are preparing to go to battle and they've armed themselves with love, hope and optimism.  You can feel the undercurrent of fear and uncertainty, but every time the undercurrent makes itself known, Trisha and Shayna grip tightly to their flotation device made of love, strength, and optimism and it keeps them from being pulled under and drowning in fear.

They told me of their marriage, their love, their daughter and their new little niece. To hear them talk, they would seem to be the happiest people in the world. Ironically, it is their preparation to battle cancer which has given them perspective on their lives and their happiness, and it has reminded them not take even one moment for granted.

Trisha was in a pretty serious accident at work. She's still recovering from the accident and walks with a cane. They've managed to find a silver lining even in the horrible accident. It was Trisha's accident which led to the discovery of cancer.  Were it not for the accident, who knows how much time would have passed, or had been lost, before being diagnosed.  The cancer was caught in time to be treatable, but even though they're optimistic, they're realistic and aware there are no guarantees.  Quietly woven into all of the words of optimism and strength, Trisha said in a voice just barely louder than a whisper, that she has her life in order and it gives her some peace knowing that things will be taken care of.

I was tempted to skip the "acts of kindness" question because it felt so inappropriate to ask someone who is battling for her life, if she's performed an act of kindness for another.  My gut told me it was ok to ask these two women.  Shayna and Trisha told me that they had recently given a homeless woman $2, and upon realizing the woman was going to use the money to buy food for her dog, they proceeded to go to Red Robin and buy her dinner.  When they returned to the woman, dinner in hand, they dug some more and ended up giving her every cent they had.  (over $20.)  My heart was both broken and filled to learn that these two who are dealing with a serious life altering, potentially life-ending crisis, managed to give absolutely every cent they had on them in order to help another human being who was fighting her own battle of where her next meal would come from.  Shayna and Trisha are love.

I asked the women if they had a personal mission statement or could think of something on the spot.  Again, it felt inappropriate to ask because they had already shared so much wisdom and strength, of which I can't even articulate and share with you.  They were both prepared with quotes which they've adopted as their personal mission statements. Shayna replied, "be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle."

Trisha told me that she had actually just had her statement tattooed on her body!  She replied, "don't let your scars define who you are."

Trisha's Grandma, who is also battling cancer, got the same ribbon-heart tattoo.  They said a tattoo is something their Grandmother would have never done, but she did so in solidarity.  They said that Grandma fell asleep during her tattoo!  I laughed and said Grandma must be one tough bird!

Shayna and Trisha are scared, but strong.  They have a lot of love and a strong support system and they're going to live each moment to the fullest.

As I was "developing" the picture to share with you, I experimented with some softening and knew immediately that it was all wrong.  These are women who don't need blurred or softening.  These are two women who are most beautiful when you see every detail with 100% sharpened clarity.  Every piercing, puncture, tattoo, scar, smile, freckle, and tear, is beautiful.  They don't need retouching or softening on the outside because they are beautiful on the inside and nothing could make them any more beautiful than they already are.

Day 225 - Brett and Bree

Brett and Bree are runners who I met at the head of my favorite trail.

The happiest thing happening in their lives right now is that they're changing their way of life by eating healthy, diet and nutrition, and working out.  They're also in the process of becoming official members of their church.

I asked if they had recently performed an act of kindness and Bree said that she had recently baked a huge batch of 60 brownies to take to her church which feeds homeless people once a week.  After realizing the church feeds over a hundred homeless people a week, she's going to continue baking even more so that she can contribute to the effort to feed people.  Bree said she felt funny talking about acts of kindness she's performed,  sort of like it's not really right to tell people about them.  I agreed and said that's kind of how I felt, or what I learned as well, but then I changed my mind and I'm hoping that by sharing other people's acts of kindness, maybe more people will be inspired to perform their own acts of kindness.  I think Bree felt ok with my explanation and justification that it's ok for us to tell others about our acts of kindness if our intentions are to help inspire others to do the same.

I asked Brett and Bree if they had a personal mission statement or if they could think of one on the spot. Bree said they have actually been discussing a family mission statement but they hadn't quite yet solidified one, but their working mission statement is:  "to put God first in everything you do and all the decisions you make."

Once again, the subjects from this week have left us with some pretty powerful personal mission statements:

• “To see things thousands of miles away, things hidden behind walls and within rooms, things dangerous to come to, to draw closer, to see and be amazed.”
• "To be the best that you can be."
• "To be a good citizen."
• "Live life to the fullest."
•  "Be yourself and live life to the fullest."
• "Exploring the world and creating good things."
•  "Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle."
• "Don't let your scars define who you are."
• "To put God first in everything you do and all the decisions you make."

If you've been a subject this project, thank you.  Thank you for making this happen. I may have to refer back to my journal to remember each person's name, but I will never, ever, forget you.  Shayna and Trisha, wishing you the best of luck and success and praying for strength and healing.

Thank you for reading and  for following along on this journey!

See you next week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 28

Hi! We're finished with week 28 of the 365 Day People Picture Project!  This has been one of my favorite weeks because of all of the kind people I met who agreed to be subjects in this project.  This week has been a whole lot of fun with some really nice people!

Day 190 - Johnny B., Naomi, Matt and Dick

This is (from left to right) Johnny B., Naomi, Matt, and Dick.  I met them outside of the Ink Travelers Tattoo Convention, in Vancouver.

I had been rejected a few times down at the park and remembered the Tattoo Convention was happening right down the street, at the Red Lion Hotel.  I figured the show would have been winding down at that time, but hoped I'd still be able to find people in the parking lot.

It's still really hard for me to take a group photo because I always end up with at least one person who is blown-out or out of focus.  I still love this picture though, but that's because I really liked this group of people.

I asked each of them if they've performed an act of kindness and Dick was the first to respond.  As Dick was packing up for the show, he noticed a homeless person standing outside his shop. It was cold and the man wasn't wearing a jacket,  so Dick gave the man a hoody from his shop.  (I didn't find out the name of Dick's shop, but I think he's from the Seattle area)

Johnny B. recently had a close call as a pedestrian, when he was nearly hit by a car.  The woman driving the car was extremely upset that she had nearly hit Johnny B., and instead of giving her a dirty look or getting upset with her, he gave her a Namaste-like gesture and said "have a good day."

Naomi said that she hadn't performed a recent act of kindness because she had been home sick the past two weeks. I asked if she had been on the receiving end of kindness during her sick time at home.  She was actually the recipient of Matt's act of kindness.  Matt had taken her out to eat when she wasn't feeling well enough to cook.

Day 191 - Anonymous Man and Anonymous Dog

I met these two while they were out for a little stroll.  This was a pretty funny encounter.  The dog was so excitable, nobody would sit still for a picture.  If the dog was "posed," the man wasn't, and vice versa.  We were having fun though!

I asked the man if he's performed a recent act of kindness and he replied, "every day."  He tries to do something daily and he gives both money and his time to organizations that are important to him.  Most recently, was a donation to the food bank.  The dog is actually a rescue who was found in a horse stall. He's been with their family for 5 years.

I asked the happiest thing happening in his life and he replied, "being alive."  (one of my favorite answers!)

Day 192 - Geoffrey

This is Geoffrey Hiller.  I didn't know him before this day, but after talking with him and learning of his work, I'm honored that he let me take his picture and that he's a part of this project.

I couldn't find any parking in my normal spots so I had to park illegally in the lot belonging to an antique mall.  I feel guilty when I do this and I know I'm risking a tow, but I'm so glad I was having an unlucky parking day and was forced to park in that spot.  As soon as I got out and headed down the sidewalk to search for a subject, I spotted Geoffrey, talking to another man. I could see that he had a camera and knowing that a person with a camera will always let me take their picture, I knew I was in for a quick and "easy" day. I was mistaken.

I approached Geoffrey and the other gentleman and asked Geoffrey if I could take his picture for my picture project.  I didn't even give my spiel before Geoffrey agreed and said, "sure!"  I then asked the other man if they were together, and if he would like to be in the picture.  The other man declined and then went on to tell me all about Geoffrey and give me an introduction to his work.   The man went on to explain that Geoffrey is a well known documentary photographer who has traveled the world. He told me that Geoffrey is a Fulbright Scholar and his work has been in magazines.  Utt oh, what have I got myself into, I was thinking.

Although I had become intimidated and somewhat embarrassed that I had approached a professional, and quite accomplished, photographer, Geoffrey and the other man were so nice and friendly, I  forced myself to get over feeling awkward and embarrassed.  However, I had interrupted an important conversation and felt pretty awful about that.  Geoffrey and the man finished their conversation and said their good-byes, and then I was able to snap a few pictures.

Geoffrey asked several questions about the project and although I tried to answer, I felt like it really didn't matter what I said.  Geoffrey "got" me.  He understands why a person would want to take a picture of a person every day for a year. I think he was just helping me to identify my motivation.

Geoffrey directed me to direct him.  Had the man not told me anything about Geoffrey, I would have been a lot less nervous but as it was, I felt like whatever I did, it was going to be wrong.  Geoffrey let me do my thing and then he suggested another spot on the other side of the building, and for me to take the next pictures without a flash.  It's funny, just those two simple changes resulted in a picture a hundred times better than the ones I had taken before his suggestions!  A few quick pointers from a professional and I was already making progress!

I explained to Geoffrey that I normally ask a couple questions, but after overhearing his conversation with the man, the questions felt inappropriate.  Geoffrey insisted it was ok, and to ask the questions.

"My Wife," Geoffrey replied, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in his life.

I asked if he's performed a recent act of kindness and that's when he explained a little more of the conversation I had overheard.  Geoffrey was to fly out to New York the following day, to see his Sister-in-Law, who was nearing the end of her battle with breast cancer.  Geoffrey's Brother passed away a few years ago and Geoffrey wanted to make the trip not only for his Sister-in-Law, but to also be there for his Nephews.

Geoffrey was so nice and so helpful. I appreciated that he gave me some of his time, especially when he probably really wanted to get some pictures of his own while we still had a little of the magic hour, and I'm sure he needed to prepare for his trip.  Between interrupting his conversation, talking about happy times and then not-so-happy times, we were on a bit of an emotional roller coaster, but our shared love of photography was grounding.  I asked Geoffrey his recommendation on a prime lens as I had become paralyzed in making a decision between a 35mm and 50mm.  Geoffrey said that he loves and prefers a 35mm.   I could even see the flicker in Geoffrey's eyes as he talked about his appreciation for a 35mm. Geoffrey is a documentary photographer and his love is photographing people. I value his input.  The one slight challenge with a 35mm, is that I'll need to get comfortable with getting up close and personal in people's space, when I want to take a portrait.   Geoffrey loves that part!

In our brief encounter, Geoffrey pushed me harder in a few minutes than I've pushed myself the past 6 months.  He asked me what editing program I use.  Being that he's old enough to have shot on actual film and has worked pre-digital,  I thought he might have an appreciation and understanding, perhaps even defend, my somewhat "purist" approach to editing.  I explained to him that I don't really do much to edit my pictures and that I do minor adjustments in iPhoto and and an app from the App store. (Obviously, I do experiment occasionally, using the programs I do have.)  I told him that I've been considering Lightroom,  but hadn't yet made the investment.

Geoffrey pushed.  He explained how important it is to use an editing program if I want to improve my pictures.  I realized in that moment, my "purist" approach has simply been an excuse and I've really just been scared and intimidated to learn something new. I haven't even learned how to use my camera properly, so the added fear of  having to learn Lightroom or Photoshop has simply been too overwhelming to me.  Turns out, I'm not "purist," I'm just someone who has been too scared to learn!  Geoffrey helped me make another decision.  He assured me that Lightroom is everything I could want and need.  This was helpful as I've felt I should consider photoshop, but watching the designers in the art department where I work, has always intimidated me.  Lightroom is a little more beginner-friendly.  Geoffrey helped me to remind myself that with the evolution of digital photography, a successful image is not simply "captured," it is created.  A photographer creates an image not only in the way they compose a shot, but also in the way they edit the picture in post.  Editing a picture is definitely not "cheating," it is now as much a part of the art and the creation of a good image, as is proper composition and lighting.

As soon as I went home that night, I downloaded a trial version of Lightroom, after first spending some time on Geoffrey's websites. I encourage you to check out the links below to see Geoffrey's amazing work and the work of other documentary photographers that Geoffrey features on Verve Photo.   Geoffrey has several websites and you could get lost for hours in each of them.

Geoffrey's main site is:  hillerphoto.com

His work is powerful, and some of the images may move you to tears. You can learn more about his work and his life here.

Geoffrey is also the curator of: Verve Photo

Verve Photo is a gallery in which Geoffrey features other Documentary Photographers.

Intense and moving, is Geoffrey's work in Burma:  Burma, Grace under Pressure 

Who I thought was going to be an "easy" subject for the day, turned out to be someone who has pushed me and inspired me to be better.  I had no idea when saw him on the street, that I was about to meet a world renowned photographer who would generously give of his time, and that our interaction could prove to be life-changing.

He just looked like a nice man to me - I did call that one right!

I love the irony that I had the opportunity to document the documentary photographer, and it was all because I was having a bad-luck parking day.

Day 193 - Misty

This beautiful girl is Misty and the picture doesn't even do her justice.

It was pouring rain and I needed fuel, in the form of coffee, before heading out to find a subject.  Thanks to a driver who wouldn't let me change lanes when I needed to, I found myself back in the old neighborhood where I worked when I first moved to Portland.  Remembering that the first coffee shop I ever visited in Portland was close to there, I decided to head in for the best Mexican Mocha in town.

Not only did I get my much needed coffee drink, but I also met Misty and asked if I could take her picture.

I asked Misty about the happiest thing happening in her life and she replied, "I just got my new place today!"  She's moving soon!   When I asked if she has performed a recent act of kindness, she said that she had given up her seat on the bus so that a group of little kids could sit together.

Day 194 - Jill and Bernie

I love this picture!  Bernie is looking at me like he's had it with the paparazzi!  I look at his little face and I hear, "whatcu talkin' 'bout Willis?"  He was actually sweet and friendly, but I think I tested his patience with me when I asked Jill if we could get a picture of the both of them.

I was still smiling from having just run into Charles, from day 11, when I met Jill and Bernie, who had just finished their walk.  I asked Jill about the happiest thing happening in her life and she said, "I'm just about to go on vacation!"  I asked Jill if she has performed a recent act of kindness and she said that she volunteers for an arts education program.

I also learned that Jill is a jewelry designer!  I love her work and have already spotted a piece on her Facebook page that I need! Yes, need!  You can check out her work on her website, Lolabelle Designs, but do also check out her Facebook page as it looks like you'll find even more pictures of her creations there.

Day 195 - Anonymous Man at the Bus Stop

This is a man who was waiting for the bus.  I think this is one of my favorite pictures so far, because of the different colors and textures in the background, the angle at which we were both positioned in relation to the background wall, and even the angle of our differing heights.

Anonymous man spoke with an accent, although his english was perfect.  When I first approached him and he he expressed his hesitation to let me take his picture, I was worried we might have a language barrier. After talking with him, I realized language was not a barrier - he was just a little skeptical and cautious of my desire to take his picture.  He agreed, but I like how you can see in his picture that he's a nice man, but still detect that he's a little curious as to why I would be taking his picture.

I asked about the happiest thing happening in his life and he said, "I'm going home to California."

His bus arrived and I thanked him for letting me take his picture.

Day 196 - Kenny

This is Kenny.  He's another runner from my favorite trail. Kacey and I had just finished our walk when I spotted him.  I took off after him, knowing I would never catch him if he started running, but luckily he was still warming up.

I love this little trail - I've seen Kenny several times and I'm sure we've exchanged the obligatory  "g'mornin," per runner/walker etiquette, but it was nice to be able to say hello.

Kenny is training for the Newport Marathon in May, with the hopes of qualifying for Boston!  He did the Portland Marathon in October and his time was just 5 minutes over qualifying for Boston. The Boston Marathon isn't something he had really considered, but when his time was so close in Portland, he made the decision to go for it!  He said the training plan is hard and intense and he's doing a lot of speed, tempo and hill work, which isn't what he's been used to.  I'm going to be rooting for him!  Five minutes might seem like nothing, spread out over 26.2 miles, but to erase those 5 minutes from the clock takes intense training, guts and grit.

I've seen him run - I'm confident he's got this!

I asked about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "the support of my family."

When I asked Kenny if he's performed a recent act of kindness, he hesitantly replied, "yes," but didn't elaborate. I asked if he wanted to share and he said it's kind of weird and wasn't sure if it's an act of kindness.  He then went on to explain that his upstairs neighbor had accidentally closed the door behind her and locked herself out of her place with her 8 month old baby inside.  (it may have been grand baby, I failed in my note-taking.)  The infant was up and about and alone and she was worried something would happen.  She went to Kenny for help and they called 911.  They determined the quickest and most efficient plan would be for Kenny to just break in.  Kenny broke through, by taking a hammer to the door knob, and saved the day!  He was right - one wouldn't normally think "breaking and entering" would be an act of kindness, but in this case, he really saved the day!

We're all cheering for you, Kenny! Good luck!

If you've been a subject in this project - thank you!  You're the happiest thing happening in my life right now and I appreciate your act of kindness in letting me take your picture.  I keep forgetting to mention, if you've been a subject and would like a copy of your picture, please do e-mail me!

Thank you for following along with me on this journey.  You're pushing me to stick with it and I love and appreciate your support and encouragement!

Wishing you a great week!

Thank you!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 27

Thank you for checking in on week 27 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 a year.  The pictures are taken each day - I'm not stockpiling pictures for use at a later time.  I've never taken a photography class and I still don't know how to use my camera properly, but I'm excited about an upcoming photography workshop that I'll join next month!  Maybe now, we'll be able to see some improvement.

The majority of the people in this project have been strangers that I've met walking down the sidewalk, or in my day-to-day life.  Also included are friends, family and few co-workers.   The interactions I've had with each subject has varied from about 45 seconds, to a few minutes.  (With the exception of my friends and aquaintences.)

Given my schedule and commute, I'm unable to spend hours looking for a particular "type" of person.  Sometimes I take a picture of the very first person I see after I leave work.  Although I would love to be able to wander Downtown Portland, looking for interesting characters, I've grown to appreciate the added pressure of the time constraints.  It's been both challenging and thrilling to try to capture someone's picture before their bus comes to take them away. One other huge benefit of not being able to seek out a person with a particular look, is that I've been able to realize that every person we meet has their own unique sparkle.

I post the daily picture to instagram, and then post a summary of the week here on the blog.  If you'd like to follow along, my instragram username is @missellanea.

Day 183 - Chuck

We were still in the midst of "snowpocalypse 2014" on Sunday and the options for a subject were going to be extremely limited.  I thought back to the rules I had set for this project and recalled that I hadn't said that I wouldn't repeat the same person twice.  If we weren't going to leave the house during the snow storm,  I considered taking another picture of my husband.  He suggested that I should take a picture of our our dog, Tabor.  I had to remind him that although he's our baby, he's not human, and technically not eligible to be a solo subject in the 365 Day People Picture Project.

As home-improvement-project-luck should have it, we were forced to leave the house for yet another trip to Lowe's, and on the way home, we made a quick stop at the store for gas and groceries.

Chuck was getting gas on the other side of the pump from me.  He didn't seem at all annoyed or confused when I asked if I could take his picture for the project. Our interaction was short and efficient.  I asked Chuck about the happiest thing happening in his life right now, and he replied, "my grandkids."  Chuck wasn't a talkative fella, and when I asked if he's performed an act of kindness, he simply replied, "not that I'm aware of."

Chuck has beautiful ice blue eyes!  I've been fascinated by Chuck's picture.  Is it just me, or  does it seem like it would be impossible to guess Chuck's age, were it not for his silvery beard?

Day 184 - Erin

The snow and the freezing rain had finally stopped, and we started to thaw out from the storm on Monday.  The streets and sidewalks were now at the icy-slushy stage.  After work, I carefully made my way to one of my go-to spots for subject-finding.  I don't think I've specifically explained this area or this process.  I simply park my car and walk around until I encounter a person.  Sometimes there are several people from which I can choose.  Other days, I have to ask the first and only person I encounter.   I think the storm put a chill on people's mood, because I got rejected three times that day, before finally bumping into Erin.

It still hurts my feelings when I get rejected.  I had to remind myself that whenever I've been rejected, I end up meeting someone extra special and I've always been glad, in the end, to have been rejected. Erin was that extra special kind of person.

I asked Erin about the happiest thing happening in her life right now, "I'm going on a trip to Vancouver," she replied.  We both laughed when she clarified, "Vancouver, Canada, not Vancouver, Washington."

Erin is an attorney and when I asked if she had performed a recent act of kindness, she said that she had just taken on a client's case, pro bono.  I was a little surprised when Erin questioned if that counted.  An attorney who helps someone who doesn't have the means to pay for for their services, is performing a huge act of kindness.

I also asked Erin what she would like to do with her life, if money were no object or no limitation, "travel," she replied.

Day 185 - Patsy

This is Patsy.  I met him walking down the sidewalk.

When I asked Patsy the "happiest thing happening in your life" question, I was shocked by his answer. I'm sure it was harmless, especially considering what a nice guy he is.  But, I'm still not going to say it.  After our "interview," I asked him if there's anything else he wanted to say instead of the answer he had given me. He wondered why I wanted him to change his answer.  I explained that it could be perceived as a little concerning, but he insisted that it's something that was making him happy.  I finally came out with it and said that his answer just kind of scared me a little, to which he replied, "well, that's what you get when you ask a stranger if you can take their picture!"  He said it jokingly, and I didn't feel at all threatened by him.  I could tell he has a good heart, but I just don't want anyone who is reading this to get the wrong idea about him - so I'm just going to keep his answer to myself.

When I asked Patsy if he had performed a recent act of kindness, he said that he had just shoveled the driveway and sidewalk of his 87 year old neighbor.  He had also transported his co-workers to and from work during the snow storm.

I asked Patsy what he would be doing with his life if money were no concern.  "I'd be home taking care of my brother with M.S.," he replied.

Day 186 - Mercedes

I met Mercedes when she was waiting at the bus stop.  She was wearing her headphones so I had to try hard to get her attention.  It's such a delicate balance trying to flail your hands and arms with just enough effort to catch people's attention, but not so much as to freak them out by the sight of, you know, a crazy lady flailing her hands and arms.

I asked Mercedes about the happiest thing happening in her life and she replied, "I just got a new job!"  She has one week left at her old job and then she's moving on to her new job which she'll be able to provide a lot of help and service to those who need it.

Mercedes' recent act of kindness is that she had just given money to a woman in the grocery store who ended up being a few dollars short on her purchase.  Mercedes paid the difference.

I asked Mercedes what she would be doing with her life if money were no concern.  She wants to "aid people in any way possible".  She would also like to backpack.  We both day-dreamed for a brief moment on what it would be like to be able to travel with a backpack full of money and be able to help whoever needed it.  Although our interaction was brief, I was touched by Mercedes' kind-hearted nature, and how much she's driven to do good in this world.  There have been several people in this project who have left a deep impression on my heart and mind.  Mercedes is one of those people. I wish her well and hope that she's successful in her journey to help people.

Mercedes is a beautiful girl but I was having a hard time capturing it.  (Due to my lack of knowledge and skill.)  I had already made up my mind that I wanted to show her in black & white, so I was focused on getting a shot that would be suitable for black & white.  I didn't think about it at the time, but I've now had trouble getting a picture with 2 other people in that very same spot.  In my mind, it's a perfect spot for a night photo.  I like how the light from window of the business we're standing next to shines on the person, and how the headlights from the approaching cars in the background gives the feel that we're on pause as the rest of the world is hurriedly passing us by.  However, that perfect shot exists only in my mind. I think the degree of difficulty in getting a good shot in that spot, exceeds my capabilities at this point.

When I got home that evening to prepare Mercedes' picture for instagram, I got a pleasant surprise.  I haven't appreciated sepia until I started this project. This project has made me realize that it takes a special kind of image to look nice in sepia.   As I was preparing Mercedes' picture, I discovered that she's a person who looks nice in sepia!  I actually have an edited version  of this picture that I was tempted to share with you but I couldn't make up my mind if I had successfully experimented in a more artistic look, or if I had just completely blown it. It is basically an exaggerated version of this picture.   The other version is a stronger vignette, with the majority of the photo dark, except for the glow from Mercedes' face, almost as if  she were being lit by candlelight or some sort of up-lighting.  If she were a singer, I could imagine the photo as an album cover.  However, because I don't consider myself creative or artistic, I just couldn't trust my assessment of the image as being artistic.

Day 187 - Ben

This is Ben.  I saw him sitting outside at Starbucks and told myself that if he was still sitting there after I parked my car and made it back across the busy street to where he was sitting, then I would ask him if I could take his picture.

I asked Ben the happiest thing happening in his life and he quickly responded, "my wife."

When I asked Ben if he had performed a recent act of kindness, he was having trouble thinking of something. Normally, I don't push, but since I had learned that this was "Random Acts of Kindness Week," I wanted to have something to share.  After thinking about it, Ben explained that his boss really needed help with something.  Ben trudged into work, during the snowstorm, on a Saturday, to help his boss with the issue.

After talking with Ben for a while, I learned that he also makes short films.  You can see his work at mercerlunden.com.  When I asked Ben what he would be doing with his life if money were no concern or limitation, he said that he would be making films, growing a garden, and watching T.V.  We laughed when I said that he's already living the dream!  Well, I'm not sure if he's growing a garden or not, but it sounds like he's close.

I watched a few of the films on the website.  Given the nature of this project, I was particularlly struck by this short film, "A Picture of My Parents."

http://vimeo.com/35600988

Day 188 - Kathy

This is my dear friend, Kathy.  We've been friends for 30+ years.  We met in the 3rd grade, when our schools competed against each other in track.  If I remember correctly, Kathy approached me at a track meet as we were waiting in line to throw the shot put.  We were friends from that instant.  Since we went to different schools, we would see each other only when our schools competed in track and basketball.  We ended up both going to the same junior high and high school, and that solidified our friendship forever.

Kathy and her family are in town for her daughter's dance competition.  Her daughter had her first solo dance competition on Friday afternoon, and I was able to leave work for a while in order to attend. I was so glad to be able to see this special occasion. It feels like just a few years ago that Kathy was pregnant. It didn't even seem possible that her daughter was the beautiful young woman up there on the stage, dancing so gracefully.  I cried the whole time.

After her daughter's performance, I was able to give Kathy and her family a proper hello and exchange hugs.  Our other friend, Shannon from week 8, was also able to attend.  We had a mini-reunion in the hall of the convention center!

After we visited for a while, it was time for Kathy and her family to go settle into their hotel, but I wanted to take her picture before they departed.  Technically, I hadn't even asked Kathy if I could take her picture for the project.  I just assumed that Kathy would assume that, of course,  she would be the person of the day! When you've been friends as long as we have, those sorts of conversations don't even need to be had.  Although we never exchanged the actual words, I think we both probably had the conversation in our minds.  Now that I'm thinking about it, I still don't think I "asked" her, I think I said something like... "ok, it's time to take your picture for the project."

We got a nice picture with the very first snap, but I continued to take a few more and then snapped a few of Kathy and her family.  I did a quick review and although we got a nice picture, it was rather corporate headshot-looking. It wasn't quite what I wanted for her.  I then asked Kathy if we could take a few more and I told her that she had to be laughing. It doesn't take much to make Kathy laugh, and as soon as I said the words, we both cracked up! Kathy's family was behind the scenes, also laughing, and they made it easy  for me to catch Kathy doing what she does best - laugh!

Kathy and I have known each other for more than half our lives.  We're the best of friends,  but it took looking through a viewfinder for me to really see my friend for the first time.  I mean, I've known all of these things for years, but I was actually seeing it for the first time. I was seeing her. Before me was my friend of 30+ years and I'm realizing that Kathy is always happy! She's always laughing! She's had me laughing the whole time I've known her.  Teachers and coaches and people in authority have "shhhhhhed" us for laughing more times than I can count! Through the viewfinder, I could see my childhood friend who is now a beautiful wife and mother.  I could see a woman who chooses happiness over stress or anger and if she finds herself in a tense situation, she infuses it with her laughter and you can't help but to feel happy when you're around her.  I've known it subconsciously all along, but it wasn't until I was trying to capture her sparkle that I realized Kathy is always full of happiness and laughter and the most beautiful thing about her, is that she's contagious!  She spreads it everywhere she goes!

In the viewfinder, I could see both my teenage friend and sometimes co-conspirator, and also  the woman who has become loving wife and mother.  I could see the woman who set aside her love of sports such as volleyball, basketball, track, and softball, in order to encourage and support her daughter, whose love is dance.  I could see the teenage girl who could always make me laugh, and I could see the woman who still continues to do so.  Through the viewfinder, I could see my beautiful friend and her beautiful heart.

"My family," Kathy said, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  When I asked Kathy if she's recently performed an act of kindness, she was a bit slow to answer but her mom, Linda, answered for her. Kathy cared for her grandma (cleaned house and cooked her meals) when her Grandma came home from the hospital and was in the process of transitioning into a care facility.  Kathy tried to dismiss this as an act of kindness, saying this is just what you do for family.

I asked Kathy what she would be doing with her life if money were no object and she said that she and her daughter have dreamed of being able to build a school for a community in a country that wasn't able to build one themselves.

Day 189 - Linda

Linda is Kathy's Mom.  I headed down for the second day of dance competition and to take a picture of one of Kathy's other family members.   Linda was the "volunteer."

Kathy and I were so close growing up that Linda was one more set of motherly eyes looking after me, and my mom was one more set of motherly eyes, keeping any eye out for Kathy. It was pretty difficult for us to ever get into too much trouble, considering we had a network of loving and protective moms who seemed to know every move we made.

I love Linda, because she's Kathy's mom and because she was a loving and caring mom, she was one more woman who was a help to my own mom.   Our moms were extensions of one another and it's like they had this secret pact to keep a loving and watchful eye out for one another's children.  They were a gang! One mom's turf was uptown, another mom's turf was downtown, another mom's turf was across town.   Yep, that's it.  They were a gang of loving mothers who were determined to keep us safe.

When I asked Linda about the happiest thing happening in her life, she said, "being with my children and my grandchildren, and my lil' dog, she makes me happy."  I asked Linda if she's performed a recent act of kindness and she said that when she visits her mother in her care facility, she also spends time visiting with the other elders who don't have family or friends.

If you've been a subject in this project - thank you for letting me take your picture and share it here.  A very special thanks to my two VIP subjects this week, Kathy and Linda.  I love you.

Thank you for following along!

Have a big week!