365 More People Pictures - Week 49

Hello! This is week 49 of my second personal challenge to take a picture of a person, every day, for a year.

This blog is actually a few weeks behind real-time.  I'm sorry I'm behind here, but you can follow along in real-time on Instagram, where I post daily.  My Instagram username is @missellanea.

 

Day 336 - Claire

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This is Claire.  We met in the park where I spotted her sitting on a bench, reading a book, and looking like she was just enjoying the day.  We ended up visiting for quite a while.  She told me a little about her life, and I told her a little about mine.  We discovered that we share many similarities and in some aspects, we're living (or about to live) parallel lives.   I love that this project has introduced me to so many great people. Visiting with Claire felt like I was talking with my mom or aunts.

The happiest thing happening in Claire's life is she's recovering from skin cancer, and she's also going to visit Spain and stay with family.

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Claire's recent act of kindness is that she gave bus fare to a girl who appeared to be in a bad situation and needing to get out.  Claire also gave a sandwich to a homeless person, along with a reusable bag for the person to carry their belongings.

"Being aware of life and understanding cultures," Claire said, is her life's purpose.

When I asked Claire something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "I think I'm a little clairvoyant, or I read people."  Perhaps she's both...the interaction we shared was one in which I really needed this day and I felt better having met her.  Hopefully she felt the same.

Thank you, Claire.

 

Day 337 - Sher

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This is Sher.  I love it when I ask people the happiest thing happening in their lives, and they're so positive and so many great things are happening, that they can't choose just one. (The only thing that makes me happier than this, is when someone is temporarily in a bad spot, but still manages to find happiness, or gratitude, in something...even if it is simply just being alive.)  Sher decided to give the answer that she's happy to be close to her daughter, and her relationship.

Sher was recently on the receiving end of an act of kindness, twice over, in one situation. She scored a great used washer from FreeCycle and her friend drove over 30 miles to help her pick it up!  (That's a great friend!)

"To bring more joy into the world," Sher answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

When I asked Sher something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "I have a great kid!"

Thank you, Sher.

 

Day 338 - Nate

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This is Nate.  The happiest thing happening in his life right now is his marriage.  One surprising observation I've had during these past two years, is that men are entirely more sentimental and sensitive than what I've ever realized.  I haven't gone back to do an actual count of how many guys have answered that their relationship is the happiest thing happening in their life, but the number is surprisingly high, and actually quite touching.

Nate's recent act of kindness is that before we met, he had just held the door open for a large family.

"Life's just to enjoy it," Nate answered, when I asked his life's purpose.  Again, Nate is another person who grounds us and reminds us that while we're in pursuit of our dreams and  fulfilling our mission in life, we must remember to also enjoy it!

"I'm pretty successful in my career," Nate answered, when I asked something about himself that he considers to be a success.  Nate has managed to find it all.  Happy marriage, successful career, and he's enjoying life too!   Thank you, Nate!

Day 339 - Parrish

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This is Parrish.  The happiest thing happening in his life is that he's been clean and sober for a while, he's getting back in the gym, and he's going to school for engineering.

"To do something to change the world for the better," Parrish answered, when I asked his life's purpose. I was happy for Parrish, and reminded him that simply by keeping clean, he's already changed his little corner of the world for the better.

"Being a father...the father I never had, and having a good relationship with my kids," Parrish answered, when I asked something about himself he considers to be a success.

Wishing you continued happiness and success, Parrish.

Day 340 - Becki

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This is Becki. You've met her before.  She's one of my oldest and dearest friends.  Although I didn't look up her comments from her first appearance in this project, we laughed because we're pretty sure she had given very similar answers.

The happiest thing happening in her life at the time of this picture, is that she had just returned from a great vacation with her family.

Becki is one of those people who pretty much performs an act of kindness at least a half-dozen times a day.  She's just that nice, thoughtful and caring.  She's also trying to instill in her kids to be of service to the community and to those in need, so her service-work is a family affair.  They volunteer with several different programs, events and organizations.  While on vacation, they saw a girl crying on the side of the road so they stopped to offer help. "I just need to get home," the girl cried.  Becki gave the girl all of the food they had left, water, and money for a bus ticket.

"Live each day to the fullest because you don't know if you'll be here tomorrow," Becki answered, when I asked her life's purpose.  Becki embraces this and truly lives it each day.  She survived a near-fatal accident just after high school, and because of it, she packs in about 3 days worth of living into each day.

When I asked Becki something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "my family...my kids." Her kids are smart, kind and loving and they're growing into exceptional young adults.

Becki, thank you for being the beautiful mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend that you are.  I love you.

 

Day 341 - Amber

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This is Amber.  We met outside of Hollywood Theatre.  I seriously did a double check, and then a triple check, to make sure she wasn't Cameron Diaz.  Amber is as nice and fun, as she is beautiful.  She was on a date and I just wanted to steal her away so that we could go make more pictures!  She's just so much fun in front of the camera!

When I asked Amber the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she answered, "this man right behind me," as she looked over her shoulder to her date who was patiently waiting for us to finish doing our thing.

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Amber feels like she's on both the receiving and giving end of kindness every day!  Recently, she lost her wallet and a stranger returned it to her!

"To meet and interact with people," Amber said, is her life's purpose.  She's living this purpose - I don't think you could walk past Amber without stopping to visit with her.  She radiates fun and friendliness, and she's someone you just have to talk to!

When  I asked Amber something about herself she considers a success, she answered, "my babies."

Thank you for being your bright and sunshiny self, Amber!

 

Day 342 - David

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This is David.  When I met David, he and his photographer/videographer friends were in a hurry, chasing light, on their way to go shoot one of the bridges.   We only had time for one question, but we exchanged numbers and we did the rest of the "interview" via text messages.

"To make other people happy," David answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

Below are the rest of David's answers from our text interview.  (I want to try this more often!)

Question:  What is the happiest thing happening in your life right now?

David's Answer:  I have been doing a lot of reflection and practicing self awareness recently in my life, and I'm finally finding my own way here in Portland.  I moved here a year and a half ago, for a job, and finally finding my way.

Question:  Have you recently performed an act of kindness or have you been on the receiving end of an act of kindness?

David's Answer:  I work for Willamette University's professional MBA program. On Wednesday, my coworker and I drove down to Eugene and back to Portland, delivering over 200 sugar cookies to a dozen of our students at their work. It was surprising for so many of our students who work full time, have families and lives and also take MBA classes. I am amazed by all of them. They're the reason it's easy to come to work everyday, so we do what we can to make them feel happy.

Question:  What's something about yourself you consider to be a success?

David's Answer:  My biggest success has been my personal growth since I moved here. I'm becoming the man I always wanted to be.  I used to cry at sleepovers, (in my own backyard) worrying about my family.  And [now] I find myself 2800 miles from home, away from family, starting and building a life for myself.  I even surprise myself sometimes!

I loved meeting David.  He's the type of person with whom you feel an instant connection.  We said we would do coffee some day, and so much time has passed, I worry he wouldn't remember me.  But, he's been on my mind and I definitely want to be in touch with him again soon.  Thank you, David.  I hope we can make that coffee date happen.

I loved our text interview.   Regretfully, I haven't used a voice recorder for this project.   I just jot notes in my journal as quickly as I can.  Some people are short and concise in their answers and I can easily write what they've said, but other people's answers are long, beautiful, interactions but I miss so much of their valuable significance and wisdom because I'm simply unable to note everything they've said.   I have to rely on my memory to fill in the gaps left by the hastily written notes in my journal.  And, I had no idea my poor little memory was going to get so spotted after 40-ish-something.  If I were to ever continue doing this, I think it's time to get serious and record the interviews. I've now even considered broadcasting the interviews live on Periscope.  (But I'm just way too bashful for that, and I think potential subjects would also shy away from an interview if they knew it would be a live broadcast to the world - or at least the few people watching live on Periscope.)   At the very least, I think it's time to dig deeper and learn even more about people's personal stories.

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

  • Being aware of life and understanding cultures.
  • To bring more joy into the world.
  • Life's just to enjoy it.
  • To do something to change the world for the better.
  • Live each day to the fullest because you don't know if you'll be here tomorrow.
  • To meet and interact with people.
  • To make other people happy.

Thank you to every subject in this project. If you would like your picture, please don't hesitate to email me.

And, thank you for continuing to follow along. I'm striving to get back on track and will keep working at it until I do.

Have a great week!

 

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 45

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

 

Day 308 - Tamera

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Tamera.

 

Day 309 - Angie

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This is Angie.

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Angie.

Day 310 - Marie

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This is Marie.  We met at the bus stop.

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Marie.

 

Day 311 - Trevor and Noah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Day 312 - Al

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This is Al.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Al.

 

Day 313 - Chris

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This is Chris.  We met at the bus stop.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time passed.

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

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

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

 

Day 314 - Eddie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Eddie.  You are amazing.

 

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

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

 

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

365 More People Pictures - Week 44

Hello! So sorry for the pause.  I'm still taking a picture of a person every day and we're nearing the end of this second 365 Day streak.  The blog is a few weeks behind from real-time, but you can follow along daily on Instagram. My username is @missellanea.

Meet the subjects from week 44 of the 365 More People Pictures project.

 

Day 301 - Chris

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This is Chris, my boss/employer.  As I typed the words "boss/employer," it made me smile thinking about all of the times we've been out as a group, either professionally or for fun, when Chris humbly introduced himself as our "co-worker."  He rarely mentions that he's the owner of a successful business which he started as a kid in his parent's basement and grew into one of the strongest in our entire industry.

"Being in love," Chris answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked Chris if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, he was hesitant to answer.  "More than I can say," Chris stalled.  I could tell he was retreating to his mind in search of just the right words to say without breaking any sort of confidence before he finally answered, "grand acts of kindness."

Chris' success has put him in a position to be able to help people, but it's his heart that compels him to do so.  The company donates generously to hundreds of local organizations and events.  Having lost both parents to cancer, Chris contributes to several of the many organizations dedicated to fighting cancer, or those which help patients, survivors and their families to cope with the avalanche brought by the diagnosis of cancer.  I only know of a tiny little fraction of the kindness he's extended to our work family, and what little I know, has been massive and life-changing for many people.

"To employ people," Chris answered, when I asked his life's purpose.  This answer was preceded by an explanation that his life's purpose is evolving and that his life is for his family and his family's security, but that everything relates.

After leaving Chris, I continued thinking about his answer.  I've always known Chris to be a big-picture guy, and those three small words, "to employ people," have a much greater significance. Chris' life purpose is built on the foundation to care and provide security for his own family, but it's also providing for the lives of hundreds of other people.  He doesn't just employ a single one of us.  He is, in a sense, employing our entire family.  His decisions are based not only on the 125+/- people who come in to work each day, but more like the 500, or so, people in the families of those of us who actually punch the clock.  Chris is more like the big-big-picture guy.  Again, part of the grand acts of kindness he performs every day.  When I consider the giant web, or ripple, of Chris' three small words and how their reach extends even beyond his company's employees and our families, and spreads into the lives of our thousands of customers and their families, the impact and significance becomes enormous.  And, in seeing that enormous impact, I can just imagine the enormous pressures he must feel as a result.

One single life.  Three small words.  Thousands of lives touched.

"Holding my family together, in spite of it being broken 2-times over," Chris answered, when I asked one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success.  Of all the achievements Chris could have listed, I realized this was truly his finest, and his most important.

For 20 years, Chris has been teaching me about business,  and I've absorbed his drive and determination to be the very best at what we do.  On this day, he reminded me why we do it.  We want to be the very best at what we do in order to provide for our families, and the families of our customers.  Big picture.  Big-big-picture.

Thank you, Chris.  I don't tell you enough.  The tears flow as I'm writing this because the words are sincere, thank you.  Thank you for everything you are, and everything you do.

 

Day 302 - Dan

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This is Dan.   We met downtown, where he was on break from work.

"Sunshine," Dan said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked Dan 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 his job is to be kind.  I gathered that Dan is a server or bartender.  He explained that he can tell when his customers are having a bad day and he makes it a point to be friendly, and basically, befriend them.  He wants people to leave there happier than they arrived.

"Living, life experiences, meeting people, and seeing nature," Dan answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

Something about himself which Dan considers to be a success is that he's been able to meet all of his personal responsibilities and own needs since a young age. Dan has been on his own since high school

Thank you, Dan.

 

Day 303 - Cameron

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This is Cameron.  The happiest thing happening in his life right now is that he has a new girlfriend.  I loved watching Cameron as he spoke about her with his friend.  I could tell from the reaction of both of them that she's a real keeper.  She sounded like a great girl, and I'm happy for Cameron that she's in his life and also happy that he recognizes such such a special girl.  It's been so cute and touching to see so many men in this project reveal their sensitive side.

Cameron's recent act of kindness is that he gives money and/or food to homeless people.

"To make art and music more available to the masses," Cameron answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Cameron something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "that I continue to move up in the field I'm in."

Thank you, Cameron.

 

Day 304 - Forest

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This is Forest. The very first time I saw Forest,  a few weeks prior to this, he was juggling outside my favorite little Hollywood District coffee shop, Nectar Cafe. (You've already met several of the Nectar team.) I just had to take his picture back then.  I didn't end up with what I was going for, but we talked about someday going out to shoot him juggling.  This day, as I was wandering around looking for the person of the day, I looked over and saw Forest doing hand stands!  Again, I just had to take his picture so I asked Forest if he would be in the project.  Juggling, handstands...I'm not sure what Forest is going to be up to the next time I see him. Stilt-walking?  Fire-eating?

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The happiest thing happening in Forest's life right now is being in Portland.

"To live until I die," Forest answered, is his life's purpose.  Forest explained that every day, we should consider ourself as dead, or dying, and then live life like that.  The way he explained it wasn't at all morbid or depressing, but rather freeing and inspiring.  Imagine all that you would do, everything you would say, and all that you would experience if it were your last day.  Imagine all the worries you would dismiss and not waste a single moment fretting over, if you knew it didn't really matter.  Imagine all the love you would share, and receive.

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I enjoyed listening to Forest and asked if in addition to his life's purpose, if he also has a personal mission statement.  Forest answered, "to be as aware of my life as possible."  Forest explained he wasted a lot of time not really being aware of himself, his surroundings or the people around him.  He's fully present now, and I guess living like you're dying is one way of instantly grounding yourself in the current moment.  After talking with Forest, I really wouldn't be surprised if he were stilt-walking or fire-eating the next time I bump into him. That's Forest, living.

"Procreation," Forest answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  "I have children who are now good people."  Forest told me a story about how his son's teacher once asked how they raised such a great student and person. The teacher wasn't just being flattering. They really wanted to know the parental secret.   Forest's son grew up in a home without a television, and no real living-room furniture.  They didn't have a couch on which to potato.  Instead, Forest filled the home with mats and gym equipment, books and games and everything a kid could ever want. (Except for T.V. and a couch.)   The result was a child with an active body and and active mind, and now he's an adult with the same.  I wished out loud that I could force myself to make this drastic and unconventional lifestyle change and get rid of both the TV and the couch.    I laughed and told Forest that my husband wouldn't go for it, even though it would help us to accomplish so much in life.  I loved Forest's answer.  "Don't ask him, just do it."  I'm going to compromise and will plan on just being able to at least cancel the cable someday. (But it might have to be done Forest's way - not asking husband for permission, just doing it.)

Thank you, Forest.  Thank you for your energy.

 

Day 305 - Cameron

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This is Cameron.  Two Cameron's in one week and separated by just one Forest!  What are the odds?

"I'm surrounded by an abundance of things that cause joy.  I'm so lucky to have an abundance of friends and a supportive community, and I'm figuring out how to express love through my entire being," Cameron answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Cameron's recent act of kindness is that he opened up his home to shelter a stranger who was escaping a bad situation.  Cameron has also been on the receiving end of kindness in the process of founding a non-profit organization.  Most recently, 2 classes at PSU helped him prepare a business plan for the organization.  You can learn more about Cameron's work by checking out:  The Oregon Center for Human Rights, and Know Your City.

Cameron's life's purpose is the same as the mission of the Oregon Center for Human Rights, the foundation he's starting: "to shift the narrative about human rights in Oregon, by sharing stories of humanity."

When I asked Cameron something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "resiliency."  Cameron forgives and loves again, adding, "...and I smile through it all."

It was such a pleasure meeting you, Cameron.  Thank you for being in the project, and for being so kind.  Wishing you luck and success to you and your organization.

 

Day 306 - Deirdre

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This is Deirdre.  She was peddling down the street when we met.

The happiest thing happening in her life right now is that she built a tiny home and is now living in a stable place. She's enjoying her garden, her home, coziness, and privacy.

Deirdre's recent act of kindness is that she made root beer floats for her hard-working co-workers!

"To love and figure out how to be kind, despite impatience," Deirdre answered, when I asked her life's purpose.  I could relate to Deirdre and confessed to her I have the same objective, explaining that I've noticed over the past few years that my well of patience is no longer as deep as when I was younger.  This project, in addition to learning photography, has been one of the ways in which I'm seeking to reclaim and expand the patience I once had, which seems to have been damaged or altered by recent years.

"To have created a home for myself," Deirdre answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success. Having had zero experience in construction, Deirdre built her home all by herself, with the exception of electrical and pumping, which she needed help with in order to be properly up to code.  A tiny house. A huge accomplishment.

Thank you, Deirdre.

 

Day 307 - Horse

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This is Horse. We met near Saturday market, where he was singing and drumming with a group of Natives.  As I was about to leave the market, I could hear a faint heartbeat in the distance.  I couldn't force myself to leave.  I was drawn to the pulse and had to find where it was coming from.  I wandered till I found the drum circle and stayed there for a while, just soaking in the sounds and the energy of the culture I left when I moved away from home.  For a few moments, I was home.

"Living in my spiritual world," Horse answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Through his 12-step work, Horse has been on both the receiving and giving end of kindness.

"To teach people the right way," Horse answered, is his life's purpose.

When I asked Horse something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "living life good, and staying clean and sober so I can sing for those who can't, and for the Elders and Grandfathers above."

Thank you, Horse.  Stay strong and on the path.

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

  • To employ people.
  • Living, life experiences, meeting people, and seeing nature.
  • To make art and music more available to the masses.
  • To live until I die.
  • To be as aware of my life as possible.
  • To shift the narrative about human rights in Oregon, by sharing stories of humanity.
  • To love and figure out how to be kind, despite impatience.
  • To teach people the right way.

Thank you!

 

 

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 43

Hello! This is the review of the subjects from week 43 of the 365 More People Pictures project. The blog is a few weeks behind realtime, but if you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram username is @missellanea.

 

Day 294 - Jason

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This is Jason. We met downtown at the first Instameet hosted at Compound by @portland and Portland Gear.

This was a pretty awesome meet-up and I can't wait for the next event! In attendance were around 200 photographers of all ages, all skill levels, and shooting with everything from their camera phones to set-ups that cost more than my car.

The Unipiper made an appearance and he filmed all of us for a promo video for the Goonies 30th Anniversary Celebration in Astoria. I loved that the Unipiper was filming us, as we where shooting him, filming us!  Search the hashtag #PDXMeet and check out all the photos and videos.

Can you imagine a group of 200 touristy-looking people on a photowalk of downtown Portland? It was the best! I went not knowing anyone but the host, and left there having met dozens of people who I can't wait to see again soon. Jason is one of those people. I love his passion for photography and want to surround myself with others who are equally passionate about photography. Being around other obsessed people helps fuel the fire for your own passions/obsessions.

"Focusing on my photography," Jason answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Jason's recent act of kindness is that he carries around bottled water in his work truck to give to homeless people.

"To provide for my kids," Jason answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Jason something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, " I have a strong work ethic."

Thank you, Jason!  Looking forward to hanging out with you again some day!

 

Day 295 - Rob

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This is Rob. He and his son were impossible to miss as they were happily walking down the sidewalk, eating ice-cream on a warm evening and making memories together.

The happiest thing happening in Rob's life right now are his kids.

When I asked Rob if he's recently performed an act of kindness, he explained that he's in AA and he's of service to others in the program. He's able to give back what he's received in the program.

"To try to leave the world better, for me having existed," Rob answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Rob something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "trying to be open minded at all times."

Thank you, Rob. The world is already a better place for you having existed, and keep up your excellent work and service.

 

Day 296 - Dessa

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This is Dessa. The happiest thing happening in her life right now is dancing Tango. She was actually in a bit of a hurry when we met, as she was on her way to dance class.

When I asked if Dessa had recently performed an act of kindness or if she's on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she explained that she recently moved into a new place. Before moving, she found herself needing help and running out of options, she made a post on Facebook asking if anyone could help her move. She was so surprised and touched when a guy she hasn't seen since 8th grade, responded to her post that he could help her move. What a sweet friend!

"To bring healing to myself and others," Dessa answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

When I asked Dessa something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she first answered that it was Grad School. She thought for a moment and added, "maintaining a relationship with my father during a difficult time."

Thank you, Dessa.

 

Day 297 - Nathan

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This is Nathan. He was waiting for someone on the street when we met. "Meditation," Nathan answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now. Nathan added that the process of self examination or self discovery isn't always a happy one, but the outcome is.

You know how you get good vibes from certain people? Well, Nathan gives off good vibes, but more than that, he gives off a heavy vibe too. Heavy in a good way...like, it's time to get to work, or to get serious.

When I asked Nathan if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, Nathan explained that it happens all the time in the simple act of receiving a smile, acknowledgment or eye-contact from a stranger or in our everyday interactions with others. Nathan added that simply acknowledging people, or giving them a smile, is the scariest and bravest thing we can do, but it's also the kindest. It doesn't matter who the person is, it is amazing what we can do when we simply acknowledge another human being with a kind smile.

"Helping others help themselves," Nathan answered, when I asked his life's purpose. As if on cue, Nathan's client arrived and confirmed Nathan is actually living his life's purpose. Nathan is a personal trainer and his client explained that she has severe Scoliosis and could barely even move when she first started working with Nathan. With her hard work and determination, and Nathan's guidance, she's made so much progress that she just attended a yoga conference in Costa Rica!

When I asked Nathan something about himself which he would consider to be a success, his answer was completely aligned with his life's purpose. Nathan said, "helping people see the best in themselves."

Thank you for being you, Nathan.

 

Day 298 - Paul

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This is Paul. We met in a crosswalk.

When I asked Paul the happiest thing happening in his life right now, I could tell by the look on his face that I had just caught him at a weird time. He didn't even have to answer. I've learned to recognize the I-can't-believe-you're-asking-me-this-question-when-things-are-so-messed-up look" in someone's eyes.

Paul explained that he's currently going through a separation. I empathize with Paul and this sad and turbulent time for him, but Paul managed to find a positive spin on his current circumstances. "Figuring out what's next," Paul answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

It's now happened a few times that I've met someone and asked them the "happiness" question at the most inopportune time imaginable. But, maybe my timing hasn't been completely off. It is my hope that if someone I've met in this project has been momentarily consumed by thoughts or worry, maybe our interaction presented them with enough pause that they've been able to shift their thinking enough to change their perception about whatever was troubling them. This question has been been deliberate, and if the question has helped even just one person feel a little better, or at least provide little relief from some stress that was bothering them, then this entire project has been worth the effort.

"I helped someone at work who was falling to pieces, and in return, they've helped me," Paul said, when I asked if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.

When I asked Paul his life's purpose, he said, "to figure that out."

"Patience," Paul answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Wishing you the best, Paul.

 

Day 299 - Layal

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This is Layal. We met at Waterfront park.

When I asked Layal the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she answered that it was seeing her brother for the first time in 7 years.  Layal left it at that, but I was curious if she traveled to visit him, or if he came to visit her.  This opened the door for her to explain that she's from Yemen and only expected to come to Portland to visit her brother for just a short visit.

Since her arrival here in Portland, war has destroyed her city, the airport, and her family's home.   Not only is she unable to fly back home because there is no longer an airport, but if she could make the flight back, she has no home to which she can return!

Layal's parents are still there but they're on the move every day, trying to escape air strikes.  Her heart is aching for her country and her family, and she feels conflicted not knowing if it's alright to feel joy here where she's safe with her brother and experiencing our beautiful city. Right now, she's both grieving for her country and her family, but also planning to start a new life here.

Although Layal is sad and grieving, she's also filled with so much kindness and even happiness.

When I asked Layal if she had recently performed an act of kindness, or if she was on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she said she couldn't think of anything because she's just arrived here and really hasn't interacted with a lot of other people. Layal showed me great kindness in taking the time to let me take her picture and sharing a little of her story with me. (with us.)

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"To be a good lawyer," Layal answered, when I asked her life's purpose. Layal is trying to make the best of her situation, and is now looking into her options for Law School here in the U.S.

"I speak my mind, and stand up for others," Layal answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success. Layal's life and her experiences, as traumatic and tragic as they are, will give her insight and drive that others could never really create from nothing. Layal's pain will lead her to help others.

Thank you, Layal. Praying for you, your family and your Country.

 

Day 300 - Kelsey and Ashley

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This is Kelsey (left) and Ashley (right.) We met in a hotel in downtown, Portland. They were part of the fleet in town for the Portland Rose Festival.

I was staying in the hotel downtown in order to be close to a Rose Festival event I was working for the weekend. I was so exhausted after working all day, I returned to my room and fell asleep. I accidentally slept for about 4 hours and when I woke up at close to 10:30 pm, I was in a panic when I realized I still needed to find a subject for the day. I quickly pulled myself together and headed out to go in search of a subject. The beauty of staying in a busy downtown hotel is that I didn't even have to go any farther than the elevator before meeting Kelsey, and when we arrived down in the lobby, Ashley was there waiting for her.  I got lucky with two great subjects!  Wow! If only it were always this easy to find subjects!

"Being in the Navy and my family supporting me, Kelsey said, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Ashley if she had recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. Ashley explained that she secretly gifted someone a coffee at B Street Coffee, from "Navy Girl."

"To make people's lives better...I want to do something to impact people's lives for the better," Kelsey answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

"When I'm scared about something, I'm really good at forcing myself to do it and face those fears," Ashley said, when I asked her something about herself which she would consider to be a success.

After I finished taking Ashley and Kelsey's picture and returned to my room, I was struck with the thought that I had just met three very strong women in the past two days. I had met a young woman whose home has been destroyed by war, but is persevering and still finding reasons to smile and be happy, and then the following day, I met two young women in the U.S. Navy.  I'm inspired by the strength and determination of these three young women.

I consider myself extremely lucky to live in a Country in which I have the freedom to approach these women, learn a little about their lives and their story, and then share it with you. I was also struck with the thought that had I met Layal, Ashley and Kelsey on the same day, the four of us would have the freedom that we could have all sat down together in the park, coffee in hand, and enjoyed each others company as we talked and dreamed about our futures. Had the four of us met on the same time and under the right circumstances, we could have become friends.

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

  • To provide for my kids.
  • To try to leave the world a better, for me having existed.
  • To bring healing to myself and others.
  • Helping others help themselves.
  • To figure that out.
  • To be a good lawyer. I speak my mind, and stand up for others.
  • To make people's lives better...I want to do something to impact people's lives for the better.

 

Thank you!

 

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 42

Hello! Thank you for checking in on week 42 of The 365 More People Pictures project.

 

Day 287 - Elaine

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This is Elaine.  She's been a family friend for going on 4 decades.  I first met Elaine when she and my mom worked in the same salon together.

"I feel happy every day," Elaine answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Elaine added, "I feel blessed...I feel at peace with life in general."

I knew when I asked Elaine if she'd recently performed an act of kindness, that we could have been there all afternoon if she'd listed everything she had just done in just the past week.  "I want to take all of my talents and use them to help other people," Elaine said.  Elaine's talents are many.  She can build anything, demo anything, she's a good cook, loves yard work and landscaping, she's a hair stylist and a mechanic. She's also just an all-around good person, and she's been a kind friend to my mom and family.

In addition to having just tended to the lawn care for a couple of her neighbors, she had also just fixed a neighbor's truck.  The neighbor had just paid over $1,100 to a mechanic to fix his work truck but when he went out to start it the next day to go to work, the truck wouldn't start.  Desperate to get to work and tapped out after having just paid all that money to a mechanic, he asked Elaine if she could take a look at the truck.  Elaine had a look, identified the problem, and then went to the parts store and paid for the parts to fix the truck. Knowing that her neighbor was in a financial bind because he had just forked over $1,100 to a  different mechanic, she paid for the parts knowing he'd pay her back when he could.

Elaine went to work on the truck.  Finished, and confident in her work, she instructed the neighbor to get in and start it up.  "I didn't say try to start it, I said, start it," Elaine said with confidence.  And guess what...it started right up!

"To serve God to the best of my ability," Elaine answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

When I asked Elaine something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "everything I have set out to do, I have done...and then some."  Elaine is not boastful.  She recognizes and respects her ability to set her mind to do something, and then accomplish her goal.

Thank you, Elaine. Thank you for all that you do for us.

 

Day 288 - Peter

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This is Peter.  He was sitting outside a coffee shop on a bright and sunny day in downtown Vancouver.  I didn't know when I approached him, that he was actually campaigning for the position of Port Commissioner.

Peter agreed to let me take his picture for the project, so I joined him at his table.

"I wake up every morning to a wonderful woman, my wife, " Peter answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked Peter if he had recently performed an act of kindness, he explained that he had just been honored for saving a person's life earlier in the year, by performing CPR.  Impressed and reality-stricken, I made a remark that you never really think that you're going to ever use what you learn in a CPR class, and that it was a good thing he had been paying attention in class.  In a great coincidence, it turned out that Peter is a CPR Instructor!  Wow!  For the person whose life Peter saved, it was their luckiest unlucky day to have a CPR Instructor near by.

"To make the world a better place," Peter answered, when I asked his life's purpose.  Peter is living his mission, on a personal level, and as he seeks to become our city's Port Commissioner.  You can learn more about Peter, here on his website:  Peter Harrison for Port Commissioner

When I asked Peter something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered that, "every day I get up and find something to be happy about."

Thank you, Peter.  Wishing you good luck!

 

Day 289 - Bette

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This is Bette.  In my search for a subject, I bumped into Bette 2 or 3 times as I was wandering around the Hollywood District. Each time, she was a little bit too far away until we just finally ran right into each other and I was then able to ask if she would be in the project.

The happiest thing happening in Bette's life right now is Love.

Bette performs acts of kindness all the time and is involved in a Facebook page, "Carry out Kindness."  The page is positive, encouraging and uplifting and if you're looking to hear more good messages sprinkled in all of the not-so-positive stuff that shows up on your Facebook feed, do give them a like.  Click here to link to the Carry Out Kindness Facebook page.  If you've been following along on this project, I know you'll like the message from Carry Out Kindness.

"To help people find their soul purpose," Bette answered, when I asked her life's purpose.  One way Bette does this is through the work she does with her company, Shen Men Feng Shui.  Her business card says, "I want to help you create your space where you believe you can accomplish anything."  I love this!  Bette briefly explained the importance of being happy in our home/living space, so that it helps us be happy and productive when we're not at home.

I loved visiting with Bette. Bumping into her so many times as she was walking her dog, reminded me that throughout most of this project, I've really had little to nothing to do with the selection process of who was going to be the person of the day.  It's been as though the majority of the people I've met and included in this project were not selected by me, but rather, just placed before me. It feels like everyone I met, was someone I was supposed to meet that day.

Thank you, Bette.  Thank you for spreading kindness to us all.

 

Day 290 - Melayna

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This is Melayna.   We met in Pioneer Courthouse Square, in Portland.  I'm pretty sure Melayna is the sweetest girl in Portland.

When we met, the happiest thing happening in Melayna's life was an upcoming trip to Europe with her family.  Melayna explained that she was going to surprise her Mom who had no idea that Melayna was going to be able to take the trip with her and Melayna's brother.  Melayna and her brother wanted to do something special for their hard-working mother and I have a feeling this surprise trip for their mom turned out to be one of her life's highlights.  Melayna spoke about her mom with so much love, it made me tear up listening to her adoration of her mother, because it's how I feel about my own mom too.

Melayna works at an optometrist's office and her act of kindness is that she goes above and beyond to connect with her patients.  "I live my life in a positive way," Melayna explained. Melayna gives freely of herself, her kindness, and her positive nature. You can see her warm spirit spilling out of her picture.

If I can't get a genuine smile from someone, it's become my preference to aim for a pensive, serious look. When I asked Melayna for a serious look, we both cracked up and totally laughed like we were old friends. We just couldn't do it.  At some point I realized there was no need to force a serious look when the person before me radiated such genuine happiness and positivity.  In Melayna's case, a more serious look would have been counter to her actual true nature. She is a little ray of sunshine.  Just look at her smile.

"I can make a difference in someone's life in just a few minutes by just allowing people to open up," Melayna answered, when I asked her life's purpose.  Melayna is in the process of transitioning from her job in the optometrist's office, to becoming a yoga instructor. Melanya's ability to instantly connect with people, combined with her kindness and positivity, is going to make her an excellent yoga instructor.  Soon, she will not only be influencing and strengthening others mentally and emotionally, but physically as well.

When I asked Melayna something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "Number 1, is my positivity - the way I see the world."  "There's so much beauty around us, in everyone and in every thing," Melayna added.  Melayna, you are the beauty!

Melayna and I visited for a little while longer before going our separate ways. Once again, I left feeling so grateful for the people I've met in this project.  We hugged before departing, and I was a little bit sad to say good-bye to the stranger-turned-friend that I had just met.

Melayna, thank you for your kindness and sweet nature.  You are one one amazing woman!

 

Day 291 - Stevzy, Dominic, and Josh

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This is Stevezy (left), Dominic (center), and Josh (right), and they are half of the band, The Sindicate.  (and their friend)  I first learned of The Sindicate last year at a free convert/festival in downtown Vancouver, called Couve Fest.  Portland is rich in great talent and great bands, but I had no idea there are also some great bands in Vancouver as well.  The Sindicate being one of them.

The guys were playing at an intimate spot, The Top Shelf, so I headed down to see them again.  I knew I also needed to find a subject for the day, but I didn't realize I'd get the chance to ask some of the guys to be in the project!

Stevzy was recently the recipient of an act of kindness when his neighbor, a stranger, saw that he was injured and brought him an assortment of knee braces to help him with his recovery.  Stevzy was actually wearing one when we met!

The happiest thing happening in Dominic's life right now is his daughter.

Josh's life's purpose: "I play music to connect with people."

You can learn more about The Sindicate, here on their website.  Catch one of their shows if you can!

Thank you, guys!

 

Day 292 - Bex

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This is Bex.  Her name is as cool as her style.

The happiest thing happening in Bex's life right now is her upcoming trip to Europe.  I thought back to Melayna from a few days before and thought how cool it would be if somehow Bex and Melayna ended up meeting, but their trips were spaced far enough apart that their paths wouldn't cross.

Bex's recent act of kindness is that she brought her co-worker a brownie.

"To positively contribute to the people around me," Bex answered, when I asked her life's purpose.  Bex fulfills this purpose in her job as a teacher.

When I asked Bex something about herself which she would considered to be a success, she answered with a huge smile, "I have two incredible cats. They are my success."  (And I think Bex's cat-eye glasses are a success, too!)

Thank you, Bex!

 

Day 293 - Cha Cha

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This is Cha Cha. We met at the bus stop.  Cha Cha is wise beyond her years.

"My spiritual journey," Cha Cha answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Her thoughts are becoming reality, she explained.

Cha Cha's recent act of kindness is that she gave her co-worker bus fare.

"To wake everyone up," Cha Cha said, when I asked her life's purpose.  I asked Cha Cha how she would set out to do that, and she explained it would be through her music and speaking events.  I believe in Cha Cha. The girl has a story to tell, and I can't wait until we hear it.  I hope she's successful in becoming our alarm clock. "Everything is everything, and we're all in one," Cha Cha said to me.  I've never been able to adequately articulate or express my thoughts and feelings about my own spiritual journey, but if we've traveled the same path, you will completely understand the significance in Cha Cha's words - "Everything is everything, and we are all in one."  Someday, I will learn how to better articulate my thoughts and experiences, but the feeling of enlightenment, and of both simultaneous awe and understanding, that happens the moment we recognize the connectedness of all humans, all beings, is what Cha Cha was explaining.

"My soul is a success...the fact that I'm grounded," Cha Cha answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Cha Cha explained that she's letting go of ego, "I'm like a child, progressing."

Thank you, Cha Cha.  Safe travels.

 

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

  • To serve God to the best of my ability.
  • To make the world a better place.
  • I can make a difference in someone's life in just a few minutes by just allowing people to open up.  
  • I play music to connect with people.
  • To positively contribute to the people around me.
  • To wake everyone up.

 

Thank you to all of the subjects in this project, and to you, for following along.

 

Thank you.

 

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 41

Hello! Thank you for checking out week 41 of the 365 More People Pictures project.  This is my second personal challenge to take a picture of a person, every single day, for an entire year.  Each picture is taken fresh daily. I've not stockpiled photos.  The blog is currently behind a few weeks from realtime, but if you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram username is @missellanea.

Sorry we've fallen behind.  I just want you to know the project is still happening every single day and I'm working to catch us up!

 

Day 280 - Myra

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This is Myra.  We met at the Library.

"That I have God in my life," Myra answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Myra was beautifully dressed and I asked her if she had just come from church. She confirmed that my guess was correct.

Myra's recent act of kindness had just occurred in the library, when she gave a couple some money so that they could make photocopies.

"To teach, and to spread the word of God...spread the good news," Myra answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

When I asked Myra something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered that it's her children.

Thank you, Myra.

 

Day 281 - Tom

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This is Tom. We met at a entrepreneurship workshop.

The happiest thing happening in Tom's life right now, is actually occurring because of a stressful situation.  Tom recently quit his job and is working toward starting his own business.  Tom found a silver lining in the stressful transition period of being jobless and until his new business is afloat, in that he's now able to spend a lot more time with his kids.

Tom's ride arrived before I could  ask any more questions.

Wishing you luck and success in your next venture, Tom.

Thank you!

 

Day 282- John

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

John works in veterinary medicine and his recent act of kindness is that he paid for a treatment for one of his patients, a dog, because the humans who rescued the dog had already paid a lot of money for other treatments.  They were totally tapped out by paying for several other, very expensive, treatments and just couldn't afford to pay for this one last thing.  John paid for the treatment and took time off from work to care for the dog on his own time.  This story still fills my heart and makes me tear up just thinking about both John's kindness, and also the people who rescued this dog. They reduced the dog not knowing its condition or the medical costs that would be involved in caring for it. They proceeded to give all they could. Hoping the dog and its new humans will live a long and healthy life together.

"To translate thoughts and feelings through art," John answered, when I asked his life's purpose.  John is also a musician and you can click here to check out his band, Spirit House.

When I asked John something about himself which he considers to be a success, he answered, "raising my beautiful daughter."

Thank you, John. Thank you for being you.

 

Day 283 - Jennifer

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This is Jennifer.  We met near PSU.

The happiest thing happening in Jennifer's life is that she's going to graduate next year.

Jennifer's recent act of kindness is that she let me take her picture.  I love it when people realize their special gesture in letting me take their picture.  It's pretty amazing to find a person who will to take the time to stop, let me take their picture and then share a little of themselves with us.   Although I'm now very much in the habit of doing this every day and it's become my normal routine, nothing about this is normal.  I haven't, for a moment, forgotten that every single person who was willing to let me take their picture, gave me a truly special gift that day.  The people in this project are amazing.

"I just want to contribute in any way that I can," Jennifer answered, when I asked her impromptu personal mission statement.

When I asked Jennifer something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered that it was teaching her little sister how to read.

Thank you,  Jennifer.

 

Day 284 - Marc and Bobby

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This is Marc (left) and Bobby (right.)  Marc and Bobby have both been in the project before.  One of the best things to come from this project, has been meeting these two.  Before I finally asked them to be in the project, I walked by Bobby's shoe repair shop practically every day while I was on my search for the person of the day.  Bobby owns Portland Shoe Repair, on Sandy Blvd, in the Hollywood District.  I know he works so hard. I've seen him working when when I'm on my way into work, and I've also seen him working when I've had to work late!  Marc and his other family and friends are often in to help, or simply hang out.

Now, when I'm wandering the Hollywood District, looking for a subject, questioning my decision to do this, and sometimes basically feeling like a weirdo, I'll see Bobby and/or Marc and their friendly wave hello is a great reminder to me of how much I love doing this. It gives me a sense of community.

I had just started my search for a person this day when Marc and Bobby peddled past me on their bikes.  They waved hello and we went on our separate ways. A few moments later, they rode back to me and volunteered to be in the project again.  The timing was perfect, and of course I was happy to get them for a second appearance!

"I just love life," Marc answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now. "Just making the best of every single day," Marc added. He couldn't narrow down the answer to anything specific...he truly does have a joy for life and people and I've loved meeting him.

When I asked Marc if he had recently performed an act of kindness, or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, he told me a great story of a circle of kindness that doesn't seem to have an end in sight.  A while back, he didn't charge an elderly man to put taps on his shoes.  The man doesn't speak English, but the kindness wasn't lost on him.  A few days later, the man came back into the shop with fresh-baked bread, from the bakery where he works.  The man continues to bring them bread and they've done a few repairs for him as well.  I just loved hearing this story, and imagining the elder coming in to hang out with the guys at the shop and gifting them with bread.

When I asked Bobby his life's purpose, he answered, "to live up to my parents expectations, and then to go past that."  I think any parent would be so proud of Bobby.  I hope he realizes that.  I think anything else he does, is in the pursuit of living up to the expectations he has of himself.  One thing I've learned while doing this project, is that parents really just want for their children to be good, caring, decent human beings. Of course they would love for us to have a wildly successful career and financial stability, but the one thing I've heard over and over in this project, is that parents are happy and proud when they know their kids have grown into good, kind, and loving people.  Bobby is good people.

"Being where I am in life, personally," Bobby answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  Both Marc and I anticipated that his answer would be something relating to the success of the shoe shop, but I was happy to hear that Bobby's personal life is fulfilling and successful.

Guys, thank you!  Thank you for always being so nice.  I'm so glad to have met you both.

 

Day 285 - Sunny

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This is Sunny.  We met on a sunny morning at the bus stop.

The happiest thing happening in Sunny's life right now is that she's alive and recovering from a recent stroke.  The stroke forced Sunny into early retirement and she's concerned about financial security, as she hadn't planned to retire this early.  Through it all, she's keeping an optimistic outlook and just celebrating that she's alive and now well enough to get out on her own.

Sunny had been a hair stylist for the past 20 years, prior to her stroke.  One of her acts of kindness is that she does hair for free, for people who can't afford it.  Sunny has just recently been well and mobile enough to be able to provide this service again.

"To help people," Sunny answered, when I asked her life's purpose.  Sunny feels that through her profession, she's able to help people feel better about themselves.

Thank you, Sunny.  Wishing you good luck, and that you'll continue to be well.

 

Day 286 - Alicia and Adria

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This is Alicia (left) and Adria (right.) They are my nieces.

The occasion was so bittersweet, as we were there for my Aunt's funeral.  Although we were sad and heavy-heated because of our Aunt's passing, it was also comforting and nice to be around family. This is the first time I've seen them both in far too long.

I've said hundreds of times throughout this project that I'm not a photographer. Until recently, I hadn't even taken a photography class of any sort.  However, when Alicia, Adria and I were trying to make a picture, their Mom (my sister-in-law) reminded us that when we were little,  I would LOVE to take Alicia and Adria's picture.  I had a little point-and-shoot film camera and my sister-in-law reminded me that Alicia and Adria were often my subjects. I really did have an itch for photography, even as a kid.  My only regret is that I waited so long to scratch that itch.

It's difficult for me to see this picture of my nieces.  In my mind, they're still tiny little girls, but now they're beautiful women, with not-so-tiny kids of their own.  They have grown into such strong and loving people.  Living away from home, it breaks my heart knowing that I've missed so much of their lives, and the lives of their kids. (my great nieces and nephews.)

"My son graduating," Alicia answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

When I asked Alicia if she had recently performed an act of kindness, or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she explained that she received an act of kindness when her parents paid for her Son's graduation party.

"To raise beautiful, confident, strong and independent children, who are also loving and caring," Alicia answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

When I asked Alicia something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she explained that it was her transformation from being a very quite and shy person, to one who is outgoing, direct, and no longer afraid of people.  She now loves and enjoys talking with people!

"My amazing family, awesome support system, and a good job," Adria answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now. "I'm living a happy life," Adria added.

"To be a support for my kids and husband, and to be a planner and consistent person for our family," Adria answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

As I'm reading my notes to write this post, I realize that I hadn't asked Adria if she had recently performed an act of kindness. I think I subconsciously, yet deliberately, skipped that question because I already knew the answer.  Adria and her husband have been such a huge help to my mom.  I consider this a huge act of kindness.  I often feel pretty awful for living so far away from my mom, and not being there to help her with things.  The only thing that gives me slight peace is knowing that Adria and her husband are so close and they check in on her often, even if it's just a phone call to visit.  Were it not for Adria and our other family being there, I could never be able to live in Portland.  I can never express how much it means to me, knowing Adria is there, and that she's the loving and caring person she is.  Adria, thank you.

When I asked Adria something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "that I'm independent...I've been able to be successful with my job, and have a kid in college."  Adria added that it's a success that she didn't fall into a life of addiction.

Alicia and Adria, thank you for being in the project.  I love you both so much, and I think of you often.  We don't see each other enough, and that is entirely my fault.  Please know your presence in my heart is huge, and always will be.  I love you.

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

  • To teach and to spread the word of God, and spread the good news.
  • I just want to contribute in any way that I can.
  • "To translate thoughts and feelings through art.
  • To live up to my parents expectations, and then to go past that.
  • "To help people.
  • To raise beautiful, confident, strong and independent children.
  • To be a support for my kids and husband, and to be a planner and consistent person for our family.

Thank you!

 

 

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 34

Hello! Thank you for checking in on week 34 of the 365 More People Pictures project.  I'm sorry I've managed to fall behind in the blog posts. I've still continued to take a picture of a person, every single day.  It's been a crazy few weeks and catching up has been a challenge.   I'll catch us up soon!  In the meantime, if you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram username is @missellanea.

 

Day 231 - Estrellalinda

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This is Estrellalinda.  We met at the park.

"The success of my career," Estrellalinda answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Estrellalinda is a chef at a local restaurant.

When I asked Estrellalinda if she's recently performed an act of kindness, she answered, "it's something I do on the daily."  The most recent act of kindness to come to mind was that she had paid a visit to an elderly friend who resides in the care facility where Estrellalinda once worked.  The woman just loved Estreallalinda's cooking, so  Estrellalinda brought her some treats, visited, and made plans to come back soon for another visit.

When I asked Estrellalinda if she had a personal mission statement, she answered, "don't fear, just live." Estrellalinda added that we have to take risks to find love and happiness.

"I'm starting to be a successful Mother," Estrellalinda answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  I didn't know when I approached Estrellalinda, but she was keeping a watchful eye on her daughter who was playing on the playground just a little ways from where Estrellalinda was sitting.   Estrellalinda's daughter probably felt like she had a little bit of space and freedom to spread her wings, but I could see Estrellalinda watching her baby bird the entire time we were talking.

When we were finished with the picture and the questions, Estrellalinda pointed her daughter out to me and I asked if she was friends with the other little girl she was playing with.  "No, they just met," Estrellalinda explained.  I then remarked how amazing kids are at meeting new friends and wondered when we, adults, lost our ability to go meet a new friend on the playground.  Estrellalinda laughed  and pointed out how we had just successfully struck up a conversation, just like the kids on the playground.  We laughed and visited more.  Estrellalinda confided areas where she felt she wanted to improve on being a mother, and I confided that the thought of being a mother was just too big of a challenge for me, so I don't have kids.  I am always truly in awe of parents, and especially mothers.

Estrellalinda said that going to the park was her daughter's idea.  In the past, Estrellalinda would have probably passed on the park in favor of just taking care of all of life's other busy-work, but she now stops to take the time to have fun whenever they can.  Estrellalinda gave the credit to her daughter, saying, "she's teaching me how to be a good Mom."

Thank you, Estrellalinda!  Best wishes of happiness for you and your daughter.

 

Day 232 - Gabrielle

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This is Gabrielle.  We met as we were crossing the street together.  Can you believe that Gabrielle doesn't actually like having her picture taken and she recently decided to get better about it.  I feel so lucky to have bumped into Gabrielle!  This is one of my favorite portraits. Gabrielle is a beautiful person, and somehow, we both made a good picture together.  It's just so funny that a young woman who doesn't like having her picture taken, and I, someone who can't even call themselves a photographer, managed to create a beautiful image, in spite of ourselves.  I love this picture and this fun little moment shared with such a lovely person.

"I'm starting a new chapter here," Gabrielle answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Gabrielle recently moved to Portland and she's happy to be "digging roots" here.  She feels like she's becoming part of the community.

"I feel like every day the universe gives me kindness," Gabrielle 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.  Gabrielle added that she had given someone food the day before.

When I asked Gabrielle her life's purpose, she answered, "helping to empower people in the world, especially women."  Gabrielle works in alternate healing and she's able to help empower people through body work.  When people are well and feel good, they're empowered.

"My ability to fail," Gabrielle answered, when I asked her something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Gabrielle explained that failures have provided her with the opportunity for growth. "I'm learning how to learn," Gabrielle added.   If she has a setback or failure, now she just picks herself back up, learns what she can from the failure, and moves on.  Such amazing wisdom from a young person.  It takes some of us several decades to view our failures as an opportunity for growth.

Very best wishes for you, Gabrielle. I hope we/Portland welcomes you and that you find your home here.

 

Day 233 - Nemo

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This is Nemo. We met walking down the street.

"Painting," Nemo answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  You can check out Nemo's work on his website or Instagram.  I couldn't stop looking!

When I asked Nemo if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of kindness, he explained that he's been on the receiving end of kindness in the compliments he's received.

"Making things," Nemo answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

"Trying to make things," Nemo answered when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, Nemo!  Keep making things!

 

Day 234 - Jonny

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This is Jonny.  We met at the mall.

The happiest thing happening in his life right now is the birth of his baby sister.

"I try to pay it forward," Jonny answered, when I asked if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. Jonny is involved with the group, Tattoos Cure Cancer.

"To make the world a better place than when I came into it," Jonny said, is his life's purpose.

When I asked Jonny something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered that it was that he's a friendly person, even though people could look at him covered in tattoos and possibly judge him to be otherwise. "Don't judge a book by its cover," Jonny added.

Jonny was a sweetheart and it's been my experience, at least with my friends and acquaintances, the more ink one has, the bigger their heart.   I'm not sure if it's the same feeling everywhere in the country, but at least in Portland, it doesn't feel like there's even much of a stigma attached to being heavily tattooed anymore.

Thank you, Jonny!

 

Day 235 - James

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This is James, a Portland Police Officer.  We met when he was on break at Starbucks.

The happiest thing happening in his life right now is that his daughter is getting married in New York.  Although he was so happy for his Daughter and her wedding, he was a little nervous about the trip to the big city!

James' most recent act of kindness is that he helped a person change a flat tire on the freeway.  This is such a big fear of mine.  Whenever I see someone stalled on the side of the highway, I get so nervous for them.  Something "minor" like a flat tire, can quickly turn into a tragedy.  Not only was James' assistance an act of kindness, but it's pretty brave too.

"Go out and do your job every day, even if you don't feel like you're making a difference," James answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

When I asked James something he does that helps to spread a little ripple of kindness, James said that lately he's been letting more people go with a warning instead of giving them a ticket!  Yay!   He added that some people need to get tickets, but when he can, he's just been giving warnings.

"My everyday life is pretty good...good wife, good kids," James said, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, James!

 

Day 238 - Meghan

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This is Meghan.  We met just walking down the street.

The happiest thing happening in her life is that she had friends in town, visiting from Boston.

Meghan was recently on the receiving end of an act of kindness when someone gave up their seat on the bus so that Meghan, who had a lot of bags, could sit down.

"To help people and help them actualize their potential," Meghan answered, when I asked her life's purpose.  Meghan does energy work.

When I asked Meghan something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "having the bravery to move across country."  Meghan and her sister moved from Boston, not knowing anyone but each other.  I thought it took courage when I moved just 235 miles from home, so I've always admired people who've had the courage to completely uproot themselves and re-plant themselves on the other side of the country.

Thank you, Meghan!  Good luck in Portland!

 

Day 237 - Mike

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This is Mike.  We met downtown.

"I'm healthy and my wife and I are happy," Mike answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Mike's recent act of kindness is that he helped his friends move.

When I asked Mike his life's purpose, he answered on behalf of he and his wife, "our goal is not to do anything bad while we're here on earth, and to travel, learn and explore as much as possible."  One thing that I noticed in talking with Mike, even for just a few moments, is that even though he wasn't with his wife at the moment, he answered several questions using "we" and "our."  I loved seeing the true partnership he shares with his wife, even when she's not in his presence.  They're truly one unit.

"I've managed to make and maintain a lot of great friendships," Mike answered, when I asked something about himself which he considers to be a success.  He still has friends from childhood.

Thank you, Mike.

 

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

  • Don't fear, just live.
  • Helping to empower people in the world, especially women."
  • Making things.
  • To make the world a better place than when I came into it.
  • Go out and do your job every day, even if you don't feel like you're making a difference.
  • To help people and help them actualize their potential.
  • Our goal is not to do anything bad while we're here on earth, and to travel, learn and explore as much as possible.

 

 

Thank you for following along!

 

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 28

Hello! Thank you for checking out week 28 of the 365 More People Pictures project.  I've been running a little behind in posting, but no worries...I'm still on track for taking a picture every single day.  If you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram username is @missellanea .

 

Day 189 - Angela

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This is Angela.

The happiest thing happening in her life right now: "is that everybody in my family is healthy and moving forward."

I asked Angela if she's recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of kindness and she said that she's on the receiving end of lots of kindness and she hopes she's on the giving end as well.

"To strive to find balance and to realize that whatever you're going through is just a moment in time," Angela answered, when I asked if she has a personal mission statement or life's purpose.   Angela had said a few things that lead me to believe she had just gone through a tough situation so I asked her about it.  She said everything is great, but that she had just come from a movie theater which was showing all of the Oscar-nominated documentary shorts and she said that she felt like she had just gone through therapy.  The films were perspective-changing and she felt like she had been turned inside out.  After watching some of the horribly sad films, she realized that life is pretty good.  She was still processing everything in her head when I had approached her on the street.

When I asked Angela something about herself she considers to be a success, she answered that it was her children: "The fact that I've raised good people, good souls, and they have good balance and good moral centers."

Thank you, Angela!

 

Day 190 - James

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This is James.  We met at the bus stop.  James was so surprised when I approached to ask if he'd be in the project.  He said that nobody has ever done anything like that before.

"Taking care of my Son," James answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

James' recent act of kindness is that he gives money to homeless people.

I asked James his life's purpose and he answered, "To be able to take care of my son and make sure he grows up right."

When I asked James something about himself which he considers to be a success, at first he said that he isn't there yet.  Several people have initially answered in the same way, but the point of asking this question is for people to identify one of their current strengths or personal achievements. We're always so focused on our future hopes and dreams, that we overlook our current strengths and minimize what we've gone through to get where we are. Sure, we may have a  long way yet to go - but this is just one more sneaky exercise in gratitude and positivity and I just want people to be able to talk about some positive things, in the hopes of amplifying them.   After encouraging James to think of something current, he answered, "I'm good at understanding people, and I'm focused."

James was so great!  We had a little more time than I normally get to spend with people.  James was willing to let me take several pictures, in a few different places, with a few different settings, and he and even sat down on the curb when I explained I always seem to have great luck when I take a picture of a person when they're sitting.

Thank you, James!

 

Day 191 - Bill

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This is Bill.  We met on the street.

"I'm going to be putting on a show," Bill answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life.  Bill is a comedian and he's going to perform at Velo Cult soon!

When I asked Bill if he's recently performed an act of kindness, he was having a hard time thinking of anything.  He was to the point of giving up, but he was such a nice guy that I knew he must perform kind gestures for people all the time.  I encouraged him to think about even just little things, such as opening the door for someone or being extra polite or complimenting someone.  Bill was certain he had complimented someone recently.  I also reminded him that he was kind enough to stop and let me take his picture.

When I asked Bill if he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose, he answered, "To drink life out of a chalice, to achieve everything that I can, that I want to, and...I want to die awake and I want to die in my sleep."  Wow! Think about that last part: "I want to die awake and I want to die in my sleep."  Pretty deep and profound thinking for a guy who is also a comedian.

"My job," Bill answered, when I asked him something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, Bill!  Good luck with your show!

 

Day 192 - Colin

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This is Colin.  We met on the street, near PSU.  "I'm about to graduate," Colin answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Colin's recent act of kindness was a donation to his previous high school's  fundraising effort to help a family with a sick child.

"To pursue a career in design while loving those around me well," Colin answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose. I joked with Colin that our "interview" was good practice for all of the interviews he'll soon be facing.  Colin would love to work with the firm where he's currently an intern.

"I've made it through college in 4 years, while working a part-time job," Colin answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

After Colin and I were finished, I had to walk a few blocks back to my car and along the way, I passed several restaurants and pubs and encountered several students.  I didn't actually realize it at the time, but after observing all of the other students I passed on my way back to the car, I was struck by how mature Colin was, compared to all of the other students I encountered.    I was  impressed and amazed by the comparison between Colin, who is just a few months from graduation, and the other younger students who acted much more like high school students than college students.   There was such a difference between the growth and maturation between Colin and the others.  Colin is definitely ready for the world and whatever comes next!

Thank you, Colin!  Wishing you lots of success and happiness!

 

Day 193 - Anthony

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This is Anthony.  We met at Doug Fir.  In a weird coincidence, we figured out that we have a mutual friend, who is actually the husband of the person I was with at the time!

"I have a roof over my head," Anthony answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Anthony's recent act of kindness is that he always has spare change to give to homeless people.  He said that he's always carried extra giving-away money, ever since he was a kid.  I was curious if his parents encouraged him to do so, or lead by example, but Anthony said it was just something he did on his own.

"To create," Anthony answered, when I asked his life's purpose.  Anthony is a visual artist: "trying to recreate things how I see them."  Check out Anthony's Instagram - @anthonymeuserart  It's pretty amazing!  His work is paper cut-out pop art!

"I never give up," Anthony said, when I asked him something about himself which he considers to be a success.

Thank you, Anthony!

 

Day 194 - Taylor

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This is Taylor. We met on the street.

"Dance!" - Taylor responded, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Taylor is an architectural dancer.  I confessed that I didn't quite know what that meant, so Taylor told me to check out POV Dance to get a better understanding.  Basically, my understanding is that it's like street dance - dance with structures and buildings and the environment becomes part of the dance.  However it's defined, it's pretty awesome.  One could easily let some serious time slip away by watching architectural dance videos on youtube!

I asked Taylor if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of kindness and he explained that he's currently a Grad student and his professors gave him a lot of extra personal help and attention in his current work.  Taylor feels like, in general, he both gives and receives kindness.

"Being present wherever you are," Taylor answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement.  I explained to Taylor how much I love this thought, and that the time we had just spent taking pictures together, was the only time that entire day where I was able to be fully present in the moment.  For a minute or two, the only thing that mattered in my little world, was Taylor...and creating a picture with him.  It's part of the reason I love this project so much and I keep hoping the present mindfulness that occurs with photography,  will spill over into the rest of my life.  And, I hope that  the person I meet each day is able to let stress and worries slip away for a few minutes and we can just have a little fun together.

"Being generally interested in lots of things," Taylor answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  I started to ask, "you must read a lot" but then I realized he had a book in hand, and my question was answered before I could even ask.

Thank you, Taylor!

 

Day 195 - Christopher

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This is Christopher.  We also met on the street, Downtown.  He was on his way to work.  It is impossible not to notice Christopher.  I was admiring his style so intently, I almost forgot to ask if I could take his picture.  After we took a few pictures, I asked and instructed him on how to do a squinch.  He nailed it!

Before I ever picked up a camera, I was a serious people-watcher. I mean, almost embarrassingly so.  I could be content sitting outside and watching people for hours.  Sometimes, I embarrass myself.   Remember when we were kids and if we looked at someone for longer than what they felt was appropriate, they would say - "take a picture, it'll last longer!"?  Well, I heard that a lot as a kid.  It's pretty ironic now. Although an adult would never say that, but if they did, I would get happy and thank them for "inviting" me to take their picture!

The happiest thing happening in Christopher's life right now is that he just spent time with his family to celebrate his 80-year-old Grandmother's Birthday, who was in town for the occasion.

I asked Christopher if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of kindness.  Christopher said that everyone's been really nice to him.  I have no doubt Christopher is also quite kind, given just the few minutes we spent together.

"To make every day a little better than yesterday," Christopher answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement.

I asked Christopher something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered that he has an art show coming up at the Wolf & Rabbit. 

Thank you, Christopher!

 

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

To strive to find balance and to realize that whatever you're going through is just a moment in time.

  • To be able to take care of my son and make sure he grows up right.
  • To drink life out of a chalice, to achieve everything that I can, that I want to, and...I want to die awake and I want to die in my sleep.
  • To pursue a career in design while loving those around me, well.
  • To create
  • Being present wherever you are.
  • To make every day a little better than yesterday

 

Thank you for reading this week and following along in the project!  I'll catch us up to the current week (which is the week prior) very soon!

Thank you!

 

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 20

Hello! Sorry.  I got a little behind with the blog post from the previous week.

This is week 20 - which was Christmas week, and we'll catch up on Sunday with the subjects from this past week.

Day 133 - Andy

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This is Andy, my Step-Sister-in-Law.  We celebrated Christmas with my husband's family a few days early.

"Family time, and lots of it," Andy answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Andy if she's recently performed an act of kindness and she explained that she delivered dinner to a family whose mom had recently passed away.   Andy takes turns with a few other families and provides meals to this family, who lost their mother so very young in life.

When I asked Andy if she has a personal mission statement, Andy answered, "it's pretty simple; to be a good mom, good wife, good daughter, and a good friend."

I asked Andy something about herself which she would consider to be a success, and she could have easily answered that she's successful at being a good mom, good wife, good daughter and a good friend.  Andy answered, "being able to juggle home, child, work and fun."  Andy feels like she's able to somehow able to fit it all in, and still manages to have enough time for fun.

Thank you, Andy!

Day 134 - Spencer

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This is Spencer.  When I asked Spencer about the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he first said that it was a tough question.  He then answered that he was looking forward to hosting a Christmas get-together with a bunch of his orphaned friends who don't have family in the area.

Spencer's recent act of kindness is that he helped a friend get a job!

"To feed people and promote equality," Spencer said, is his life's purpose.  I told Spencer about Kate, who was a subject just a few days prior and explained how much their life's purposes were aligned.  I met Spencer less than a block away from where I had met Kate, so I hope their paths will cross and they can join forces in doing the great work they're doing. Spencer used the phrase, "unorganized philanthropy" to explain the unconventional methods he's employed in helping to make sure people are fed.  I love meeting and learning more about people like Spencer, Kate, and all of the other do-gooders we've met in this project.  They inspire me to want to do more, and to aim higher.

"I'm still standing," Spencer said, is something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, Spencer!

 

Day 135 - Michelle

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This is Michelle.  We met at the bus stop...yes, that bus stop. The one that gives me so much grief!  Again, I was challenged by the spot and failed to do Michelle the justice she deserved.  She reminds me of a classic movie star, but with modern style.

We only had time for two quick questions before the bus took her away.

"My new boyfriend," Michelle answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

Michelle said that her life's purpose "is to contribute to the greater whole."

Thank you, Michelle!

 

Day 136 - Leslie

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This is Leslie. We work together.  It was Christmas Eve and although we got off work early, I was concerned about trying to find a subject on the holiday.  I'm so glad Leslie agreed to be the person of the day!

When I asked Leslie the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she answered with a huge smile, "I met a guy."  We've only worked together for a little while, but long it's been enough for me to know that he's one lucky guy!

Leslie's recent act of kindness is that she donated to her friend's fundraiser to help her friend meet her financial goal so that she'll be able to study abroad.

"To give back," Leslie answered, when I asked if she has a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

When I asked Leslie something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "I'm motivated!"  I see a bright future for Leslie.  She is motivated and determined and because of that, I often forget that she's still quite young. She has the maturity of someone at least a decade older.

Wishing you lots of success, Leslie!  Thank you!

 

Day 137 - Janet

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This is Janet.  She's a friend of my friend, Debbie,  and now she's my friend too.

"It's Christmas and my family is all together," Janet answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Janet said she's having a great time with her kids and grandkids, and the icing on the cake is that her son just graduated art school and already has a job offer in his field!

This picture was taken on Christmas day.  If you've been following along for a while, you probably remember me mentioning Project Brown Bag.  A few years ago at a Christmas gathering, our friend Debbie presented us all with brown bags.  We thought she had violated our rule that we were no longer exchanging gifts - but when we opened the bags, they weren't gifts, but rather, they were sack lunches.  Debbie went on to explain her vision that we would all carry around "brown bags" to give to homeless people and people in need.  She hoped that through our efforts, our other friends and our friend's friends would also do the same and that our little ripple could create a big wave of help to people who need it.  We also get together a few times a year in a more organized effort to distribute brown bags.

This was our third year spending Christmas day together, distributing brown bags, hot cocoa, soup, coats, blankets, hats and beanies to homeless people in Portland.   Janet and her daughter and granddaughters joined again this year, and knowing that Janet had just spent the past few hours handing out food and clothing to homeless people, I was well aware of her recent act of kindness.  But, I also know Janet's beautiful heart and I knew she must have performed another act of kindness.

Oh, and before I tell you about that - Janet also organizes a big canned food drive at Halloween.  She's the Clark Griswold of Halloween and she goes all out  decorating her house.  Practically the entire town swings by Janet's house to check out the halloween decorations and the annual dance performance of "Thriller."  In return, all of the visitors bring canned food which Janet collects and then donates to the Food Bank.  The woman is pretty amazing!

Janet's other recent act of kindness is that she struck up a conversation with a woman at the mall who was in line with Janet while they were waiting their turn to purchase Joe's Carmel Corn.  They started talking about how much they loved the popcorn and how long they had been customers.  The woman could only afford to treat herself to a small size, so after the woman made her purchase, Janet then secretly bought her another bag and proceeded to try to sneak it to the woman in the mall.  Janet wasn't stealth enough, and the woman caught her trying to slip her the popcorn. The woman was so thrilled and touched by Janet's kindness that she hugged her.  Janet, in turn, was completely touched by the woman's hug - she felt like she was actually the recipient of the act of kindness and not the other way around.

When I asked Janet if she had a personal mission statement, she answered, "to make life yummy!"  Janet explained this is a saying of the Sweet Potato Queens.  Until talking with Janet, I didn't know that the Sweet Potato Queens are a national organization with local chapters.  I just thought it was something Janet started in little ol' Battle Ground, Washington.

Janet explained to me that when she was in school, the girls were weighed and measured and then selected for the Portland Rose Festival princess court based on those measurements.  That sounded horribly superficial when she explained it, but back then, she said there were weight limitations on parade floats, so there was actually a reason why the girls could only be a certain weight.  Janet didn't fit the criteria and wasn't considered for the Rose Festival court.

The experience stuck with Janet and she decided she didn't like it, and she wanted to do something about it.  Janet said, "we're always waiting and waiting and waiting...waiting for someone to ask us to the prom, waiting to get married, or waiting for someone to tell you you're good enough to be a queen."  Janet decided that any woman who wanted to be a queen, could be a queen!  Janet needed her queens to be seen, so she entered a float in the Battle Ground Harvest Days parade, and filled her float with any woman who wanted to be in the parade.  They were all queens!

After doing some research, Janet discovered the Sweet Potato Queens and realized her ideas were in line with the mission of the national organization, and now she heads the local chapter of Sweet Potato Queens.  I love how Janet is always building up other people!   We all need someone in our lives like Janet - someone who tells you you're a queen and then builds you a float to ride in the parade.  And, if we're not fortunate enough to have a Janet in our lives, I hope we learn to be like Janet by building people up and helping to coronate anyone who wants to be a queen!

When I asked Janet something about herself which she would consider to be a success, Janet answered, "My kids - all three of them."

Thank you so much, Janet!  You are a good person and I'm glad to know you!

 

Day 138 - Mason

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This is Mason.  He's the son of my friend, Anne.  Mason is such a handsome young man and I'm so mad at myself I totally blew the lighting on this.   Luckily, I know I know that someday down the road, I can get a do-over.

"Having a long relationship with my girlfriend," Mason answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.   Mason is in college and still dating his high school sweetheart!

I asked Mason if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.   Mason's fraternity just raised $2000 for ALS/The Steve Gleason Foundation.  On the receiving end, his grandmother gifted him with plane tickets so he could fly to Florida to watch his brother, who plays football for Southern Oregon University,  play and win the NAIA football championships!

I asked Mason if he had a personal mission statement or about his life's purpose.  Mason answered that right now, his purpose in life is "to get good grades, graduate, family, and success."

Something about himself which Mason considers to be a success, is that he's maintaining a 3.5 GPA in college!

Wishing you the best, Mason!  Thank you!

 

Day 139 - Matthew

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This is Matthew.  We met outside of a strip mall.

The happiest thing happening in his life right now is that he had just found out that his sister and nephew are moving back home!

I asked Matthew if he's recently performed an act of kindness and he explained he tries to be giving.  He had recently given money to a homeless person.

"Live today like it's your last day," Matthew answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

One thing about himself which Matthew considers to be a success, is that he's able to connect with people and make friends easily.

Thank you, Matthew!

 

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

  • To be a good mom, good wife, good daughter, and a good friend."
  • To feed people and promote equality
  • To give back
  • To make life yummy!
  • To get good grades, graduate, family, and success. 
  • Live today like it's your last day

Thank you!  See you very soon when we catch up with this week's subjects!

365 More People Pictures - Week 19

Hello! We're finished with week 19 of The 365 More People Pictures Project!

I've reached a decision that my new objective is to continue the project until I complete a 1000-day streak of taking a picture of a person every day.  Some days, I've felt like I could just continue doing this until I'm a little old lady, and some days I've felt like I needed to be done. Now.

1000 days.  I can do that.

 

Day 19 - Harold

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This is Harold.  We met in downtown Vancouver.  Harold and his brother were in town to volunteer for the Vancouver Winter Brewfest.  Having just finished their volunteer duties, Harold and his brother were on a quick scavenger hunt of downtown, in search of coasters from a few breweries.  Harold's brother collects them. Harold agreed to let me take his picture while his brother circled the block in search of breweries and coasters!

"Being out with my brother," Harold answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Harold's profession has been an act of kindness.  Harold works as an ICU nurse and he's retiring soon.  If I remember correctly, he is now probably officially retired in the week since we met.

When I asked Harold if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose, he joked that it was to annoy his brother.  He revised his life's purpose to be, "to annoy as many people as possible."  (what a character!)

At that point, his brother re-appeared from his walk around the block and Harold said, "he really is my brother, you know."  I think he read the look on my face that I was trying to determine if they were actually brothers, or if he was calling him "brother" as in, a close friend.   They're actually both!   Harold explained that their mother is Korean and their father is Irish.  He joked that instead of the brothers receiving an equal blend of traits from each parent, Harolds's Brother takes after their mom, and Harold takes after their dad.  Their physical appearance my differ, but the brothers are so funny and quite the comedic duo and they are definitely two peas in a hilarious pod.

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I asked Harold something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "surviving 4 combat tours in the Army."

Thank you, Harold and brother!

 

Day 127 - David

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This is David.  He was on break from his job as a cook when we met.

"Football season," David answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked David if he's recently performed an act of kindness.  David explained that he does small things every day.  His current roommate hasn't been able to pay rent in a while but David is letting him stay while he gets back on his feet again.  David also told me something that brought tears to my eyes.  There's a homeless man who hangs out by David's work and David often invites him over so that the man can have a place to shower, get warm, and have a meal.  David is a very generous person.

"To be a good person to everyone around me," David answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  David is living his mission.  Thinking about David's kindness as I write this, again, I'm overcome with emotion just thinking about what a good person he is.

"My skills as a cook," David answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success. David has been a cook for 17 years!

Thank you, David.

 

Day 128 - Nicholas

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This is Nicholas.  We met at a crosswalk as we were about to cross the street.

I asked Nicholas the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "my relationship with my sister."  Nicholas is helping his sister through a situation right now and it's strengthening their relationship.

I asked Nicholas if he's either performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  He said he's been both on the giving and receiving end.  Nicholas explained that he has a really good group of friends who have always been there to listen and care, and he's always there for them in return.

"I want to make art," Nicholas answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

"My sense of humor," Nicholas replied, when I asked him something about himself he would consider to be a success.

Thank you, Nicholas!

 

Day 129 - Matt

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This is Matt.  We met in the parking lot of Starbucks.  As I was going to my car, Matt approached to ask me  if I had jumper cables.  I told him I was pretty certain that I had them in my trunk and was happy to see that I did indeed have jumper cables and could be of assistance. Matt offered to pay me for my time and I told him I didn't need any money, but I asked if I could take his picture for my project when we were finished.  Matt agreed.  We got his SUV started in no time!

"My son was just born 1 month ago," Matt answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

When I asked Matt if he's recently performed an act of kindness, a specific example wasn't coming to mind but he tries to be kind all the time. He's also particularly helpful to his co-workers.

I asked Matt if he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose and now that his son is born, his life's purpose is, "to be a good dad and provide for my family, and to make sure my son is proud of me."

Something about himself which Matt considers to be a success is that he's a skilled craftsman, and his ability as a carpenter.

Thank you, Matt and best wishes to you and your family!

 

Day 130 - Bobby

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This is Bobby at Portland Shoe Repair.  We met his friend, Marc, back on day 312 of the first project when I had just peeped my head into the Shoe Repair shop to ask if I could take someone's picture for the project.

Thursday, Marc and I just happened to run into each other on the sidewalk so we stopped to visit for a moment.    Not having found a subject for the day, I asked Marc which one of his friends or relatives would be in the project.  Marc laughed and walked me into the shoe repair shop and pretty much just informed Bobby that he was going to be the person of the day.  Bobby agreed.

It was so cool watching Bobby work.  He continued to work on a pair of shoes as we talked and I loved seeing all of the old machinery, combined with Bobby's careful skill, as he attached a new heel to a beautiful pair of booties.

"The girl I met," Bobby answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  It was so cute - Marc confirmed from the background that she was a keeper.

Bobby's act of kindness would  take place the following day, as he was going to go cook for the homeless at his church.

"To treat others how you want to be treated," Bobby answered, when I asked his personal mission statement or life's purpose.  Bobby had given this question serious consideration and he explained that he was also in the process of writing a mission statement for the shop as well.

When I asked Bobby something about himself which he would consider to be a success, I was surprised that he couldn't/wouldn't answer.   I figured he would answer about his success in running the shoe repair shop.  I was watching him with my own two eyes as he made the process of attaching a new heel look like more like art than a repair.  Bobby thought about the question and then had to ask Marc for his input.  Marc quickly supplied an answer.  "He has a big group of friends who loves him."  Marc then continued on, telling Bobby that his circle of friends loves him, and they know he loves them in return.  It was all pretty touching to see a couple of guys talk like this.  They're good people here.

Thank you, Bobby and Marc!

 

Day 131 - Kate

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This is Kate.  We met outside of Sam's as she was just about to hop on her bike to leave.

I asked Kate the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered that she finally has a job where she can go to and leave and she actually feels less stressed than when she arrived.  Her job makes her feel "sunnier and happier!"

I asked Kate if she's either performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  On the receiving end - Kate's housemate found a caring way in which to suggest to Kate that on her days off, she really needed to find a way to actually take a day off. Her housemate said it in such a way that Kate took her suggestion to heart and implemented the change.  For some reason, the roommate said it in such a way that it clicked for Kate.  The housemate was caring but not judgmental.

On the giving side, Kate is a volunteer for "Food not Bombs," which serves food a few times a week to anyone who is in need of a meal.  You can learn more about Food Not Bomb's on the national website, or here on Portland's Facebook Page.  What a great group of caring people who are making a difference!

As I'm writing this, I've realized I didn't really get a shortened or condensed mission statement or life's purpose from Kate.  Kate and I just talked and I loved hearing everything she had to share about herself and her life, and the work she's doing to help feed others.  If I were to write a condensed mission statement on Kate's behalf, it would be something like, "to share food to nourish the body, and to share kindness to nourish the spirit."   This is my quick, impromptu mission statement on Kate's behalf, after only having met her for just a few minutes.  When I asked Kate if she had a personal mission statement or her life's purpose, Kate responded:

I'm a parent.

I'm a daughter.

I am a volunteer for Food not Bombs, to make sure people have enough to eat.

I bring food with love, food is love, food is justice, food is sharing, food is sacred.

Meeting Kate for just a few minutes, truly nourished my spirits.  She sees food and the sharing and distribution of it, as love and kindness.  I think anyone who ever meets Kate leaves her with a full belly and/or a full heart.

I asked Kate something about herself which she considers to be a success and she answered, "I've come a really long way in 10 years of feeling comfortable in my own skin."   Kate now knows when she's operating outside herself and she's able to get herself back in check.  Kate feels that as a Mother, it's something she needs to do in order to be present as a Mom.

Thank you, Kate!

 

Day 132 - Alexandra

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This is Alexandra.

We met, for the second time, at a Christmas party hosted by our mutual friend, Shauna.  A few hours into her party, Shauna asked if I had found a subject for the day.  I was in a room full of interesting people and had so many great subjects to choose from!   Shauna suggested Alexandra, and Alexandra agreed.

Alexandra is just a beautiful person, inside and out.  I remembered meeting her at last year's party because she's the type of person who leaves a lasting impression...truly, just a very sweet person.

This picture was actually an in-between picture.  Alexandra was right in-between "poses" and I wasn't quite ready, but when I saw how beautiful Alexandra looked, I quickly snapped the picture and hoped I had caught her in time.  Sometimes, it's the in-between which is the most special, but we can get so focused on what's next, in life and photography,  that we miss the in-betweens.

"I'm in love with a wonderful man," Alexandra answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  I loved hearing Alexandra's answer because I remembered meeting her guy at last year's party. You could just tell they had something special, even though they were just a few weeks into dating.

I asked Alexandra if she's either performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  On the receiving end, Alexandra explained that she received a beautiful email from an old friend who reached out just to tell her that she missed her, and catch her up on her life.

I asked Alexandra if she had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose and she answered with a quote by the Dalai Lama - "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."

"I am becoming increasingly patient," Alexandra answered, when I asked her something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Alexandra is also a successful writer and you can learn more about her, and yourself,  on her blog.

Thank you, Alexandra!

 

Here's the summary of mission statements and life's purpose of the subjects from this week. (and one shortened contribution from me.)

  • To annoy as many people as possible.
  • To be a good person to everyone around me.
  • I want to make art.
  • To be a good dad and provide for my family, and to make sure my son is proud of me.
  • To treat others how you want to be treated,
  • To share food to nourish the body, and to share kindness to nourish the spirit.
  • Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

Thank you for following along another week, and thank you to each and every subject in this project!  We appreciate you!

Wishing you lots of love over the holidays!

 

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 17

Hello! Thank you for reading week 17 of The 365 More People Pictures project.

If this is your first visit, 483 days ago, I challenged myself to take a picture of a person, every single day, for an entire year.  I successfully completed the first challenge, The 365 Day People Picture Project.

When the first project was over and it came to day 366, I just couldn't stop!  I was compelled to keep going, so here we are - in year two, The 365 More People Pictures project.

I'm not a photographer.  I got my very first DSLR, and having only taken just a few pictures with my new camera,  I then dove head-first into this project in attempt to teach myself photography and hopefully provide content for this blog.  The 365 Day Project quickly became the whole blog, but I do have intentions to diversify some day.

I don't stockpile photos.  Each picture is taken fresh daily.  If you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram is @missellanea.

I don't know what the future holds for this project.  The other day, I considered that perhaps I should go for 1000 straight days.  That's a streak I could feel proud of.  My photography hasn't improved as much as I would like and I know in order to improve, I need to take classes and surround myself with people from whom I can learn.  This project has been excellent though, in that it has taught me how much I don't know!  Does that make sense?

There have been days when I've felt completely embarrassed and ridiculous and like I should just give up immediately, but I just can't stop.  It's become a compulsion.  A huge chunk of joy would be ripped from my life if I were to stop this project.  Not only would I miss the photography part of the project, but mainly, I would miss people.  This project has forced me out of my own little world.  I'm actually a shy person, but the project gives me reason to reach out and connect with amazing people I would otherwise have never met.

For now, I'm just enjoying the experience of meeting great people, and hope you are too!  Thank you for reading!

 

Day 112 - Rebecca and Travis

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This is Rebecca and Travis.  They were snuggled up, keeping warm at the bus stop.

I asked the couple the happiest thing happening in their lives right now.  Rebecca is happy to be starting school, and Travis is happy that his roommates are moving.

"Doing chores for my roommates," Travis answered, when I asked if he's recently performed an act of kindness. Rebecca was having trouble thinking of an act of kindness which she's performed.  When people have trouble thinking of a recent act of kindness, I can sometimes detect a hint of disappointment. I was picking up on that vibe from Rebecca, but I also gathered that she was a sweet and kind person...she was just having trouble remembering something something specific.  I definitely don't want people to feel bad about themselves so I nudged her a little, reminding her that it was a big act of kindness for her to agree to let me take her picture, especially in the cold!   Rebecca agreed, and also added that she made pancakes for Travis.

I asked Rebecca and Travis if they have a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  Rebecca answered, "I want to be happy. That's my life's goal."  Travis answered, "avoiding mediocracy."

When I asked the couple something about themselves which they would consider to be a success, Rebecca answered, "that I manage to stay happy even though people try to get me down."  Stay true to yourself, Rebecca!

Travis answered, "I know what I want and it makes it easier to do stuff and not let bullshit get in the way."  I'm inspired by people who know what they want and go after it!  Good job, Travis.

 

Day 113 - Sarah

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This is Sarah.  We met at the bus stop.

The happiest thing happening in Sarah's life right now is that she's getting a new apartment!  It's her first place!

Sarah's recent act of kindness is that she helped out her sister who had forgotten her keys.  Sarah retrieved the keys and took them to her sister.

"To be happy and to try to make others happy," Sarah answered, when I asked if she has a personal mission statement.

"I have my dream job," Sara said, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.

Wishing you happiness in your new nest, Sarah!

 

Day 114 - Alex and Nathan

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This is Alex (left) and Nathan (right.)  They are two very special people who just appeared in my path after leaving work.  I worked late on Tuesday and I was completely stressed because I still had a lot of work I needed to get done from home.  As I was walking out the door, I had the realization that I also still needed to go out in search of a subject in the freezing cold.  As I got just a few footsteps from my car, Alex and Nathan just happened to come walking down the sidewalk.  I was still in work-mode in my head and my camera wasn't even ready, but I know by now that when someone appears in my path like this, I need to ask them for their picture and I know I'm going to be in for a treat.

When I asked the men if I could take their picture, they were so friendly and so cheery.  I knew I had  just met a couple of really nice people.

I asked Alex and Nathan the happiest thing happening in their lives right now.  "Meeting new people," Alex answered.  "Galloping around to "The Ballad of Mr. Steak,"" Nathan replied.  "Am I going to have to google this?" I asked.  We laughed and Nathan explained it was a song, and yes, I should google it.  With a name like, "The Ballad of Mr. Steak," of course I googled it the minute I got settled at home.  Are you curious? You can check out the video below.  It is so goofy!

I asked Alex and Nathan if they've either recently performed an act of kindness or if they've been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Alex was the recipient of an act of kindness. He explained that he recently received a letter in the mail from someone who basically outlined to Alex, everything for which they were thankful.  Alex was surprised and touched.  I don't know if it's because of the holidays, but I've noticed a lot of people are reaching out to one another with good old fashioned, hand-written letters.  Remember those?

Alex's story reminded Nathan that he had performed an act of kindness.  Nathan started receiving e-mails from an elderly man who was e-mailing him by mistake.  As busy as life can be, it would have been very easy for Nathan to ignore the e-mails, either purposely or accidentally, but he wrote back to the man explaining he had the wrong e-mail address. The man was appreciative of Nathan taking the time to let him know.

When I asked the guys if they have a personal mission statement or life's purpose, Nathan immediately answered, "What can art do, who should it serve, and how can it affect the world it inhabits, above and beyond negotiating the rise and fall of its meager share in the luxury commodity market?"   I asked Nathan about the source.  Nathan explained that a professor wrote this question on the chalkboard years ago and it's stuck with him ever since.  It's a powerful question.  (I should have asked Nathan for clarification on how to punctuate this statement and if his Professor posed three separate questions, or one big whammy, the way I've presented it here.)

"Experience everything, forgive everyone," Alex supplied as his personal mission statement. Life is as simple and as complicated as that.

When I asked the men something about themselves which they would consider to be a success, Alex answered, "always moving forward."  Nathan answered, "transforming our experiences of every day life to give it a different layer of meaning or significance."  I told Nathan that his answer reminds me of the book, "The Leader Who Had No Title," by Robin Sharma.  The example I gave was that of a gas station attendant.  A person who pumps gas isn't just a person who pumps gas.  Their job is significant in that they get people moving and going where they need to go.  A friendly gas station attendant can help set the tone for the day.  Nathan's answer, to me, is about finding value and placing importance on everything and everybody. It's about perspective, and how we can choose to see things differently.

After we were finished with the interview, I asked for one more picture, just to make sure I had a good one.  You know how your nose starts to run in the cold?  I think it was Alex who joked that he needed to make sure he didn't have any snot bubbles in the picture.  I confessed that I was worried I had some too and then told the guys I don't know how to edit snot yet.  They said it was ok to leave any snot and that it would capture our experience more authentically.  Luckily, we all seemed to have our snot situations under control! It was in joking around that I had the increasingly-familiar realization that just a few moments prior, Alex and Nathan were just a couple of strangers walking down the street, but within moments, they became more like friends.

Alex and Nathan's sincere kindness and genuine encouragement of the project left me feeling renewed.  I was thankful I had the good fortune of meeting such special people.

Thank you, guys!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRV-1THlL6A

 

Day 115 - Whisper

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This is Whisper.  She works at a convenience store I frequent on my way home. Her nickname suits her perfectly and now I'll always think of her as Whisper.

"I'm moving soon," Whisper answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

When I asked Whisper if she's recently performed an act of kindness, or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she was having trouble thinking of an answer.  Just then, a customer came in so I went to the back to get a cup of coffee so that she could help her customer.  After the customer left and I approached the counter again, I asked if she had thought of an answer.  She hadn't.  Again, not wanting her to feel bad, I assured her that every time I've ever been in, she's always been friendly and kind to me.  I'm sure she's that way to all of her customers.

"I'm big on Karma, what comes around, goes around," Whisper answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

I asked Whisper something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she answered, "I grew up in foster care and beat the odds. Nobody expected me to graduate."  I got a little teary-eyed when Whisper opened up about about her life.  I was happy for her, and proud of her.

After we were finished, Whisper and I talked a little longer and we discovered it's quite possible that we have relatives who know each other's relatives.

Whisper, I'm wishing you a lifetime of odds-beating, success and happiness.

 

Day 116 - Big Ern McCracken

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This is Big Ern McCracken.   I actually know McCracken but it's been years since I've seen him.  He was standing outside of Sam's and I didn't even recognize him when I first asked if I could take his picture.

"Watching my nephew grow up," McCracken answered, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

McCracken's recent act of kindness is that he held the door open for an elderly lady at the grocery store.

I asked McCracken if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose and he answered, "to grow and experience life with as many friends and family as possible."

"I overcame drug and alcohol addiction in 2003," McCracken answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

It was great running into McCracken again. In a strange way, we learned more about each other in just a few minutes than we had known about each other back when our group of friends hung out!

 

Day 117 - Al

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This is Al.  We met at the bus stop.  It's that same tricky spot where I always struggle with getting a good picture.  I explained to Al that that particular spot was my unlucky spot.   Al was understanding of the challenges and patient with me as I struggled with multiple camera settings.

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

Al's recent act of kindness is that he gave his recyclables to a man in need,  so that the man could have the money.

I asked Al if he had a life's purpose or personal mission statement.  Al answered, "the permanent pursuit of knowledge."  I loved Al's answer! I explained to Al that he would understand this someday when he gets older, but that right now I'm experiencing memory changes so I twisted his statement and joked that I'm in pursuit of permanent knowledge!  Al laughed and agreed the statement works that way too!

"I lost a lot of weight," Al answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  I didn't ask how much weight Al had lost but after we said good-bye and as I was walking back to my car, I realized I would have never known that Al has been working hard and getting in shape.  I had only just met Al, as he was, at that particular moment. I was struck that we never know a person's battles or triumphs which have brought them to a specific moment in time.  We never know what a person has endured, or what a person has overcome, and we don't know what they're about to face either.  People deserve our compassion.

 

Day 118 - Susan

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This is Susan.  We met at one of my favorite trails.

There were two men with Susan when I approached  to ask if I could take her picture.  She asked if I wanted just her picture alone, or a group picture.  I explained to Susan (I was really explaining to the men)  that I always end up with more men than women subjects, so I was hoping to just get her picture alone.  The men's feelings weren't too terribly hurt.  Actually, I think they were relieved because that gave them more time to talk about cars. (which was the conversation I had interrupted when I approached them.)

"I'm taking an improv class," Susan answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  This explained why Susan was so eager to give me a funny-face picture!  In hindsight, I should have gone along so we could see what she's been learning in class!

Susan's recent act of kindness is that she took a friend to the doctor for a procedure.

When I asked Susan if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose, she explained she has a value statement, which is the golden rule.  Susan went on the explain that she's now retired so in her daily life, she's "focusing on trying to have music, physical activities in nature, and social activities."  I wasn't sure if I had heard Susan correctly, so I asked for clarification if she stated "physical activities in nature, or physical activities and nature."  Susan confirmed, "physical activities in nature," but went on to say that even when she's not in nature, that she brings nature to her.  She has a bird feeder and even when she's just at home, she's able to observe nature.  Susan my have brought nature to her home, but it sounds like Susan lives a full life!  She likes to bike, hike and kayak!  She had just finished 7 miles with her friends.  (and let's not forget that when she's not biking, hiking or kayaking, she's taking improv classes!)

When I asked Susan something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she said that she had professional success when she worked.  Susan is one of the people responsible for the Providence Health Plan.

The way Susan is living her retired life is an inspiration!

Do you remember Alisa, from day 203 of the first project? When we met the first time, she was training for the Boston Marathon. Alisa arrived at the trail  just as I was about to take Susan's picture.   Alisa spotted us and came over to say hello!  I quickly explained to Susan that Alisa was also a subject in the project. I was glad to have finally run into her again because I've been wondering how she did in the Boston Marathon.   Alisa did well, it was a great experience and quite an emotional experience because of the bombing the previous year.  She plans to take this year off from marathons and I'm sure we'll "run" into each other on the trail this spring and summer!

Here is a summary of the personal mission statements and life's purposes from the subjects of week 17:

  • I want to be happy. That's my life's goal.
  • Avoiding mediocracy.
  • To be happy and to try to make others happy.
  • What can art do, who should it serve, and how can it affect the world it inhabits, above and beyond negotiating the rise and fall of its meager share in the luxury commodity market?
  • Experience everything, forgive everyone,
  • What comes around, goes around.
  • To grow and experience life with as many friends and family as possible."
  • The permanent pursuit of knowledge.
  • Experience daily -  music, physical activities in nature, and social activities.

 

Thank you to each and every subject in this project!

Have a great week!

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 16

Hello! I hope you've had a great Thanksgiving weekend!

 

Day 105 - Debbie

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This is one of my very best friends, Debbie.  You met her last year too!  Debbie, our dear friend, Becki, and I, went out to celebrate Debbie's Birthday.

Debbie is one of my very best friends in the universe, and she's also one of my most challenging subjects because she's always talking.  It seems like every other picture I take of Debbie, is one in which I've caught her with a word half-way out her mouth.    At one point when we were trying to take the pictures, I actually had to say to her, "Debbie, stop talking!"  Debbie was quiet for about 1.5 seconds and then she blurted, "oh, I have to tell you a story!"  We all busted up laughing and all I could do at that point was just to try to capture Debbie being Debbie.

The upside to shooting Debbie is that although I have to take several pictures to catch her when she's not mid-word, at least one of those pictures ends up being among my favorites of all time.  Of course, I'm a little biased because she's my friend and I love her, but some of my best pictures have been of Debbie and Becki.  I love taking their picture together.  When they're in front of my lens, I'm able to pause to admire and appreciate just how beautiful my friends are.

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"'Sharsies' moments with my besties and the fact that I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my life," Debbie answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  "Sharsies" is the term Debbie has assigned to dining family style, where everyone is sharing a little of everything but really, it's less about the food and more about just sharing in the moment.

I asked Debbie if she's recently performed an act of kindness and she answered, "Lou and I just gave out brown bags a few weeks ago."   Debbie was referring to "Project Brown Bag."  We decided a few years ago that we would no longer exchange Christmas gifts with one another.  That same year, we thought Debbie broke the rules when she handed out a brown bag to each of us at Christmas, with the instructions not to open the bag.  After we each had a brown bag in our hands, Debbie then explained her idea that she wanted to start a movement in which people would hand out "brown bags" to homeless people.  It was her dream that we would always carry brown bags with us in our cars and when we found someone in need, we would have something to give to them.

The idea is to fill the brown bags with snack foods, water and whatever else could be of help to a person living on the street.   In addition to encouraging us to carry  brown bags with us at all times,  Debbie now heads up the effort for us to get together every few months and hand out bags in Downtown Portland.  Last year, we took it up a step higher and collected hats, scarves, blankets and socks, and set up a little mobile soup kitchen with hot chocolate and cup-o-noodles and handed them out to people on Christmas day.

Debbie further explained, "Project Brown Bag inspires grassroots efforts for others to do the same.  That's what I'm most excited about."  We've learned that a few friends and family have now also started to carry brown bags with them, and have also organized large-scale efforts to distribute brown bags to people in need.

"To be thankful for what I have and take advantage of opportunities to give back to others," Debbie answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  Debbie's whole point with Project Brown Bag is helping us to have gratitude for what we have, because no matter what our circumstances, people are living with less.   Even if our budgets are tight, we can still find enough to assemble a brown bag or two and be able to help someone in need.

When I asked Debbie something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she jokingly answered, "I look good in these pants!"  We all laughed and spent the next few minutes remarking about her magic pants and agreed that she did indeed look great in those pants!  After the laughs, Debbie answered seriously, "I'm proud of the special relationships I have with my friends and family."

Debbie, you're one of a kind and I love you!  I'm so happy to be among one of those special relationships and know our friendship will last a lifetime. I love your big heart.

 

Day 106 - Nick

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This is Nick.  I could hear a skateboarder in a parking lot near me and I was on my way to go ask him if I could take his picture when all of the sudden, Nick just appeared.  I've learned in this project that when someone just appears in my path like this, I need to go with it and ask for their picture.

Nick and I talked for a while, much longer than I normally get to talk to with each subject.  You know when you watch a good movie and hours later you're still replaying scenes in your mind and trying to dissect and analyze it?  Our conversation was like that.  Our conversation was significant to me and exactly what I needed to hear at that time.  Hopefully, it was also significant to Nick as well, but I suspect in this case - Nick was there to teach me something, rather than the other way around.

"I'm learning the true meaning of compassion," Nick answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Nick's study of Buddhism is helping him to consider people and situations differently and he's learning to become more selfless.  Nick explained that compassion leads to taking care of others, not things. We should place more value on people instead of material possessions.

I asked Nick if he's recently performed an act of kindness.  Nick answered that kindness is  "daily practice" for him, again he referenced having compassion.  Nick explained that it is an act of kindness to keep ourselves in check - to see beyond ourselves and to be open to "love on each other more."  Patience is kindness.  Choosing to seek clarity instead making assumptions about others is an act of kindness.   We talked about the example of somebody cutting us off in traffic.  It's highly unlikely that a person intentionally cut us off.   Seriously, how many people would deliberately put themselves and others in danger?  It is our human reaction to get angry or frustrated with someone who cuts us off, but the more likely story is that it was a complete accident on their part. Or, we never  know what they're dealing with.  For all we know, their mind my have been on a sick or dying relative.  Attempting to see things from another person's perspective is kindness.  Nick and I both agreed that as much as we're both striving to be good people,  because we're just human, we make human mistakes.  The point is, we're trying.

"To be a conduit," Nick answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  I loved Nick's answer.  Not only is it his profession, but Nick feels it's his life's purpose to do whatever it takes to help others to shine.   Nick feels he's a success when he's been able to help turn on a light bulb for another being.

Of most significance from our conversation, is that we both appreciated that at that specific moment, nothing else mattered.  We were both completely present in the current moment.  I explained to Nick how this project has helped me to realize that when I'm meeting the subject for the day and taking their picture, it's often the only time in my entire day that I'm able to let go and just be completely present.  There are definitely days when I've been unable to do this and it shows. Sometimes my mind is still trying to process work or life stress, and I've not been completely present, but I'm working on becoming more mindful. It was just pretty amazing that for a few minutes, nothing else mattered to us, a couple of strangers, than the person standing before us.

Again, our conversation circled back to compassion and kindness and how being in the present moment lead us meeting one another and having our conversation to begin with.  I had intentions to go elsewhere to look for a subject, but being in the moment caused me to approach Nick.  Nick definitely had a lot on his mind and he had an agenda, but because he paused and was in the present, he agreed to let me take his picture.  He was able to put together in his mind that I needed to find a subject, and he was gong to help me!

Thank you, Nick, for your time and for being a conduit.

 

Day 107 - Christopher

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

"I'm writing for a living," Christopher answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Christopher writes comics.

I asked Christopher if he's performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Christopher said that the barista at the coffee shop he goes to gave him a free pastry that morning.

"Don't waste time, and don't be a dick," Christopher answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.  When you think about it, this is actually pretty darn good!  (And, it's so concise - but that comes from not wasting time!)

I asked Christopher something about himself which he considers to be a success. Christopher explained that he moved to Portland specifically to become a full-time writer and he's made it happen!

 

Day 108 - Morgan

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This is Morgan.  He was sitting on a bench, waiting for the bus to arrive when we met.

"I feel like I finally found someone who loves me unconditionally," Morgan answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Morgan if he's recently performed an act of kindness. Morgan explained that he reserves/saves the tips he makes from his job and then gives the money to homeless people he meets on the street.  Wow.  Can you believe this?  I'm sure Morgan, like anyone, could probably use his tips in his own daily life, but he gives his money away.

When I asked Morgan if he had a personal mission statement, or life's purpose, he answered, "I'm still trying to figure that out - whatever it is, I hope I can use it to benefit everyone around me."  I suspect Morgan is already a benefit to everyone around him, simply by being him.

Morgan feels that making the move to Portland is something about himself which he would consider to be a success. He worked for months to save up enough money to make the move.

Morgan and I had finished with the "interview" and pictures and just then the bus arrived.   Morgan, however, made no attempt to board the bus.  After the bus pulled away, I asked, "wasn't that your bus?"  Morgan answered, "yes, but it's ok.  Another one will come soon."  I was in shock that Morgan passed on his bus just so we could visit a little while longer.

This was the day before Thanksgiving and Morgan explained that he really didn't have any place he had to be.  I was thankful for that, because I really didn't have any place I had to be either since my husband and I weren't doing anything for Thanksgiving.  I asked Morgan if he had plans for Thanksgiving and he told me of the friendsgiving feast he would attend the next day.  Morgan had a couple of grocery bags with him and I curious, I asked what he had been assigned to bring.  He reached down into the grocery bag and pulled out a Tofurkey!  We both laughed and I agreed when he said, "it doesn't get any more Portland than that!"

Morgan said this would be the first Thanksgiving he's celebrated in a few years.  I don't know if it were the things Moran said, or the things Morgan didn't say,  but I sensed that Morgan may have had a difficult past.  He's soft-spoken and his nature is sweet and gentle.  I don't know what the past may have been like for Morgan, but I'm so happy that Morgan made it to Portland and that he's found love here.  I'm optimistic his future is going to be a happy one.

I would have been happy just hanging out and talking with Morgan a little longer, but I didn't know if Morgan felt the same way.  I also didn't want him to feel obligated to pass on the next bus too!  I thanked Morgan and we said our good-byes.  He's a good guy.

 

Day 109 - Tim

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This is Tim.  We met outside the mall.

My husband and I spent a quiet Thanksgiving morning together and after he left for work that evening, I was alone.  I  had wasted the day away, watching cheesy Hallmark movies and hadn't even gone out to find a subject for the day.  I headed to the mall, hoping to find someone there.  Tim appeared to be heading in with his Mom or relative when I stopped to ask if I could take his picture.

"Seeing my family again," Tim answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

"I helped a homeless guy the other day," Tim answered, when I asked if he's performed an act of kindness.

When I asked Tim if he had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose, he asked for examples of what others had said. I read a few of the statements from the previous few days and then Tim answered, "to live with honor and respect."  I'm always so amazed that nearly everyone is able to pull these beautiful statements out of thin air.  If someone were to ask me, I would get overwhelmed and flustered.  I know I would just ramble.  It's been my hope that after I meet someone and ask the question, they will then go on to refine their personal mission statement.  I like to think that the answer they gave me was their first draft, and that perhaps they go on to give the question even more consideration.  I hope the process has been helpful to people in some way.

When I first asked Tim something about himself which he considers to be a success, he said that he couldn't think of anything.  I pushed him a little more, explaining that one guy said that he was successful at napping!  After hearing that, Tim then answered that he's successful at making friends.

 

Day 110 - Tatiana

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This is Tatiana.  She was waiting at the bus stop.

Tatiana was such a beautiful sight but I was having trouble catching it the way I was seeing in my mind.    Raindrops covered the bus shelter and when a car would drive by, the car's headlights would light up the raindrops like sparkling glitter.  I don't know which was sparklier - the glistening rain drops or Tatiana!

"Being around my family for the holidays," Tatiana answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

"I make sure that I always do one random act of kindness every day," Tatiana answered, when I asked if she's performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.

"To live, laugh, love - to appreciate life and live it to the fullest," Tatiana answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  "I wake up thankful for each new day," Tatiana went on to explain.  Talking with Tatiana was so uplifting!

When I asked Tatiana something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "that I'm working and getting everything together. I'm standing on my own two feet and being independent."

Tatiana was such a sweetie.  I was so glad we met.  After we were finished and as we were saying good-bye,  she thanked me!!  It felt funny when Tatiana thanked me. I'm the one who owed her thanks and appreciation. Tatiana is the one who performed the act of kindness by letting me take her picture and sharing some of her story with us.  I thanked her, but again, Tatiana thanked me right back.  As I was driving away, I realized the reason Tatiana thanked me is because for a moment - we were able to talk about only positive things.  She was thankful  for the fun moment we shared.

 

Day 111 - Holly

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This is Holly.  We met at the beauty supply store.   I feel a little weird about asking people to be in the project when we're inside of a business.  Not only does it feel I'm interrupting them at work, but it just feels awkward.  Since the other customers had just left and because the ladies working in the store were so beautifully made-up, I figured I would go ahead and ask.  Holly's co-worker (possible manager?) volunteered her.   Holly agreed, but when I asked if we could go outside to take the picture (where there wasn't a wall-o-beauty products), Holly reconsidered because of the cold.  I said I could ask the questions inside and then we could go outside and I'd be fast!  Holly agreed.

The happiest thing happening in Holly's life right now is school.

"It happens every day," Holly answered, when I asked if she's performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.

"One day at a time," Holly answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.

When I asked Holly something about herself she would consider to be a success, I could tell she was struggling for the answer.  Holly's co-worker/manager encouraged her, reminding her that she has a huge success if she was willing to share.  Holly then answered that she will have 18 months sobriety in December.  Congratulations, Holly!  Nice work.

Holly and I then went out to take the picture.  Holly explained she's not able to give a fake smile. I told her it was ok and that she didn't have to fake a smile.  She then gave me a few fun/sassy looks and then we did a couple where she was just her natural self.

Holly's look is amazing and I was pleased I managed to get a decent picture, even though we were in a strip mall parking lot, at night.  (I attribute that to Holly!)

Wishing you continued success, Holly.

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

  • To be thankful for what I have and take advantage of opportunities to give back to others.
  • To be a conduit.
  • Don't waste time, and don't be a dick.
  • I'm still trying to figure that out - whatever it is, I hope I can use it to benefit everyone around me.
  • To live with honor and respect.
  • One day at a time

 

Thank you for following along and if you've been in this project, thank you for your kindness and for allowing me to take your picture!

365 More People Pictures - Week 14

We're finished with week 14!  I'm so thankful that we managed to find 7 people who braved the cold and paused long enough to allow me to take their picture and ask a few questions. The storm (or Kim Kardashian) broke my internet and I was unable to post day 94 to Instagram.   I was so distressed that I couldn't post. I didn't want my instagram friends to think I had given up on the project.  After I accepted the fact that I couldn't post the daily picture, I then began to embrace the fact that I had the night off. Even though I had taken the picture, which is the hard part, it felt like I was able to just relax for the evening.  Having a night off gave me the opportunity to consider the future of this project.  I wondered if I'm going to become a crazy old lady who walks around taking pictures of people.  I certainly don't want to be that, but now that I've been doing this, I can't imagine not being a crazy old lady who walks around taking pictures of people.  What if this is my thing?  What if this is supposed to be my thing?

When I ask people about their personal mission statement or life's purpose, it's my hope that if they don't already have an answer, then it will help plant the seed for people to identify what it is they want from life, and what they want to give in life.  I confess, I'm also on a quest to learn about what I want from my own life too.  It would be ironic that if in the process of trying to help others plant seeds for what they want in life, and water the seeds I've planted for myself, that I was actually doing what I was supposed to do.  What if I've found my life's purpose?

I don't know the future of this project or this "blog," but what I do know is that right now, I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing and I appreciate you being here and being a part of it.

 

Day 91 - Shelby

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This is Shelby.  Not shown, is her therapy-dog-in-training, Vinnie.  We met at Esther Short Park.

I asked Shelby the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered, the fall/winter time.  I thought of Shelby a few days later during the storm and wondered if she had reconsidered her love of the season.

Shelby's recent act of kindness is that she bought a hamburger for a homeless gentleman.

"Be happy, enjoy the small things, and live life to the fullest," Shelby answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.

I asked Shelby something about herself which she considers to be a success and she answered, "training Vinnie to help people."

I visited with Shelby and Vinnie a little while longer and tried to capture a picture of them both.  It was dark and although I'm getting lots of practice, I still can't get a human and a dog in the dark, without a flash.  But, if you use a flash, then the dog's eyes light up like a alien-eyes.  Vinnie was the second Frenchie (part frenchie) in three days and having embarrassed myself last week with Michael and Biscuits, I was sure not to mention anything unmentionable to Shelby and Vinnie.

 

Day 92 - Dat

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This is Dat.  He was on break from working construction in a recently vacated retail space, so I asked if I could take his picture for the project.

I asked Dat the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I'm getting married very soon."

I asked Dat if he's recently performed an act of kindness and he said that he helps out a lot of people.

Dat and I worked through our language challenges and I wanted to keep the question straight-forward, so I simply asked his life's purpose.  Dat answered, "job and marriage."

I asked Dat something about himself which he would consider to be a success, and then clarified, asking him something he's good at.  Dat answered, "I'm good at construction."

Wishing you and your wife a lifetime of love and happiness, Dat.

 

Day 93 - Ben

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This is Ben. We work together.  We had just spent the last 3 hours doing a photoshoot and after we were finished, I realized I still needed a picture for the project.  (Even though I had just shot 697 photos, I wanted one specifically for the project. Otherwise, it felt like I was cheating.)  Ben agreed to let me take his picture for the project.

I asked Ben the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "the progression of my adult life...growing."

When I asked Ben if he had recently performed an act of kindness, our other co-worker answered for him, reminding Ben that he just bought his lunch that day.

I asked Ben if he had a personal mission statement, or about his life's purpose and he answered, "I'm still trying to figure that out...to exploit my talents and passions."

"Getting a job [here] without experience," Ben answered, when I asked something about himself which he considered to be a success.  "What?" I asked Ben.  I remembered when Ben first contacted our work to ask if we were hiring. He called after hours and I just happened to answer the phone, but I didn't remember that he didn't have any experience.  We laughed and Ben reminded me that he  told me on the phone that he had printed in a garage/basement shop.  I remembered that I was impressed by Ben on the phone and thought he would make a good teammate, and I wanted to make sure Ben's resume made it to the manager rather than have it get lost amongst the others.  It doesn't matter now what experience he may have had or didn't have at the time, what matters now is that he's become a very skilled and excellent printer.

We had been having an on-going conversation about "fake it till you make it," and this was pretty much the icing on the "fake-it-till-you-make-it cake."  We discussed that "fake it till you make it" can sometimes have a negative connotation, but instead,  it's really a way of saying, "don't sell yourself short."   Ben clearly had the desire to live and work in Portland and he didn't let his limited experience hold him back.  He believed in himself and he's elevated himself to become one of the best printers in Portland. He didn't sell himself short. The doors may not have been standing wide open for Ben, but he wedged his foot in the crack and invited himself right in.  That's what we have to do sometimes.  Most times.  Very few of us go through life with endless opportunities.  Most of us have to go jamming our foot in doors until those doors open up a little wider.  Just keep doing it.  Eventually, we'll get in.

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This is Ben's first appearance in the project, but Ben has been one of my favorite subjects.  I've caught him a few times at after-work get-togethers and a couple of those photos have been my favorites.

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Thank you, Ben!

 

Day 94 - Melanie

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This is Melanie.  We met walking down the street.  It was so cold this night...freezing and windy!  I was concerned I wouldn't be able to find anyone and  I felt awful about asking a person to stop in the cold so that I could take their picture and ask a few questions.  Luckily, I met Melanie. She was so nice, and dressed appropriately for the conditions. She didn't seem to mind the arctic  temperatures.

"Trying to have a baby," Melanie answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Melanie if she had recently performed an act of kindness and Melanie explained that she had found a wallet belonging to an elderly man and it contained $900 cash inside.  She returned the wallet and the money!  This was a huge act of kindness!  There are so many people who wouldn't resist the temptation of keeping the money.  It was also very much an act of kindness for Melanie to let me take her picture in the freezing temperatures.

"To enjoy the ride of life," Melanie answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

I asked Melanie something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she answered, "my business."   Check out Melanie's business, the Taco Pedaler!  Taco Love + Bike Love = The Taco Pedaler!

 

Day 95 - Clark

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This is Clark.  The weather conditions were worse this day than they were the day before and I was so worried about going out to find a subject...and just then, Clark came into the office right at closing time.  It was perfect timing and Clark agreed to be in the project.

After taking Clark's picture, I realized that I've known Clark, through work, for close to 18 years or so.  Clark's business has continued to grow and thrive in the ever-changing industry.  Clark was a young entrepreneur who found success and longevity with his Shirts & Skins line, and that it's still thriving after 20 years, is truly remarkable.

"My boy," Clark answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Clark has a 2  year old son, and Clark said his son and his family give him happiness.

I asked Clark if he's recently performed an act of kindness. He said that he helped pay for the weekend homecoming expenses for an unemployed friend.

When I asked Clark if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose, he considered the question a while and then answered, "it's simple...treat others the way you want to be treated."

I asked Clark something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "my son, family, and business."

Thank you, Clark!

 

Day 96 - Leo

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This is Leo.  He and his friend were waiting outside of Hollywood Theatre. I approached Leo, and his friend Jason, and asked if I could take a picture of one or both of them.  Jason quickly volunteered Leo to be the subject. I just love it when friends offer up their friends to be in the project.  I know if stranger approached a friend and me and asked for a picture, I'd physically scoot my friend in front of the camera, while simultaneously shoving myself out of photo range.  So, I totally appreciate the camera-shy people who eagerly serve up their friends to me.

When I asked Leo about the happiest thing happening in his life right now, his friend Jason piped in saying he's happy to be hanging out with his friend, Jason.  We laughed and Leo answered, "going to see "Interstellar" with Jason."

I asked Leo if he's recently performed an act of kindness, or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  I've realized that I flailed in my note-taking. I was cracking up over Jason continuing to pipe in on Leo's interview and didn't do a good job noting who did/said what.  So, either Jason just bought Leo cheese sticks, or Leo bought Jason cheese sticks. Let's just say they're good friends and they treat each other.

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"To not put all of your faith in other things or other people, because you should have more faith in yourself," Leo answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

I asked Jason something about himself which he considers to be a success and he answered, "my film-making."  Check out Jason's film, "Astrobot Apocalypse" below.

https://vimeo.com/32695512

 

Day 97 - Mike

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This is Mike.  We met on the street.

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

When I asked Mike if he had recently performed an act of kindness, he explained that he had just given a cigarette to a homeless person about a minute prior.

"To live life to the fullest extent, in every way," Mike answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

When I asked Mike something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he circled back to his relationship with his girlfriend.  Mike explained they met when they were 16 and they're still together now, 8 years later.  I love all of the family-men we've met in this project.   I've learned men assign entirely more significance to their relationships and families, than what society sometimes gives them credit for.  Wishing you and your girlfriend the best, Mike!

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

  • Be happy, enjoy the small things, and live life to the fullest.
  • Job and marriage.
  • To exploit my talents and passions
  • To enjoy the ride of life,
  • Treat others the way you want to be treated.
  • To not put all of your faith in other things or other people, because you should have more faith in yourself.
  • To live life to the fullest extent, in every way.

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

Have a great week!

 

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 13

We're finished with Week 13 of the 365 More People Pictures project.   I close this week feeling so fortunate to have met so many good people.  Everyone has a story. Everyone can enrich our lives in some way.  

Day 84 - Lee

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This is Lee.  I've known Lee for about 8 years or so.  She manages a nail salon/day spa, and she and the ladies who work there are more like friends. I appreciate them beyond words.

I asked Lee the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Lee started to answer the question in a way that made me think she was answering quite literally, because her answer was about the customers in the shop at that moment.  I simplified and clarified, asking  instead, "what makes you happy?".  When Lee began to answer in the same way, I realized that she hadn't misunderstood me at all.  Lee's work ethic is so strong that there is no separation between her happiness at work, and her personal happiness. The two are directly related.  Lee answered that being busy makes her happy.  Lee is happy when she's providing a service for her customers, and she's happy when the shop is busy because it makes her happy for her employees.  She's happy when customers return. Lee told me it makes her happy to know they're taking care of their customers and helping them to feel better.

I asked Lee if she's recently performed an act of kindness.  Lee said that she gives money to homeless people she sees at stoplights.

"I hope for my children to be good and to be happy," Lee answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

"The business, my children and family," Lee said, is something about herself which she considers to be a success.

 

Day 85 - Ted

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This is Ted.  He was waiting for the bus when I approached to ask if I could take his picture.  Ted was reluctant at first, only because he didn't think we could take the picture before the bus arrived.  I assured Ted that I race the bus all the time and was confident we could do it.

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

I asked Ted if he had a personal mission statement or could define his life's purpose and he answered, "to take care of my family."

"I'm a good father," Ted answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

And with that, the bus arrived, scooped up Ted, and we were on our separate ways.

After Ted departed and as I was walking back to my car, I realized that I constantly put myself in high-pressure situations where I'm trying to get a picture of a person before the bus comes.  I do it so often, it's almost the norm and unfortunately, I have some bad habits because of it.   When I'm not racing the bus and the person isn't in a big hurry to get gone, I still rush things.  I'm working on s-l-o-w-i-n-g down.  By working on, I mean that I know it's something I need to work on, but I'm not making progress.  When I leave a person, I'm often kicking myself for not having taken more time with them.  It's  tricky finding the balance between spending enough time to take as nice a picture as I'm currently capable of doing, but not taking so much time that I'll annoy the person.

 

Day 86 - Courtney

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This is Courtney.  She was also waiting for the bus when I asked if I could take her picture.  I sat down on the bench with Courtney, and we had a pleasant visit.

I asked Courtney the happiest thing happening in her life right now, and she was having trouble giving an answer.  Courtney decided that she was happy there are people in the world who are trying to make things better for animals.

I asked Courtney if she had recently performed an act of kindness. She couldn't think of a specific example, but said that she tries to be kind every day, which led directly into Courtney's life's purpose - "to try to be as kind and unjudgmental as possible."

"Learning how to be more accepting and how to live each day," Courtney answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Courtney went on to say that she tries not to dwell in the past, but instead, lives each present day.

Courtney and I talked for a while and I told her that I'm also working on being nonjudgmental, and confessed that I still catch myself getting wrapped up in stupid stuff that I should just let go.  The example I gave Courtney was that I get bothered when I see grown adults wearing pajamas at the grocery store or out in public.  I told her I knew this was a form of judgement and that it's ridiculous for me to be bothered.  It's not my life.  It shouldn't matter to me if they chose to wear PJ's in public.  This is just a small example of course, but the point is, if I was allowing myself to be judgmental over stupid things like PJ's in public, then how could I ever expect to grow and be the person I want to be?   Courtney suggested reading Anais Nin, as she is helping Courtney in her own quest for growth.  Anais Nin is now on my reading list.  Thank you, Courtney.

 

Day 87 - Mike

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This is Mike.  We met walking down the street.

"I just moved into a new place," Mike answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Mike's recent move also put him on the receiving end of kindness because his friends helped him move.

I asked Mike if he had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose and he answered, "to be a good person and do right by people."

Something about himself which Mike considers to be a success is that he's doing well in school. He has 3 undergraduate degrees!

 

Day 88 - Andy

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This is Andy.  I  spotted him walking down the street.

When I asked Andy about the happiest thing happening in his life, he said it was a hard question.  I could tell he was thinking, but he couldn't, or wouldn't, give an answer.  I told him it was ok and that we could come back to it.

I then asked Andy if he had recently performed an act of kindness, or if he'd been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Andy questioned me why the questions were so tough.  Again, I told him we could come back to it.

When I asked Andy if he had a personal mission statement or his life's purpose, he answered with a quote by T.S. Eliot - "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."

"I'm still alive," Andy answered, when I asked something about himself which he considers to be a success.

We then circled back to the first two questions.  Andy again said they were tough questions, and that's when he explained that he's not a very happy person.  He asked why I couldn't ask him negative questions, like what makes him unhappy or about things that are wrong. Andy said it would be much easier for him to answer those questions.  I laughed and explained to Andy that the question is a cleverly disguised exercise in gratitude and it's my hope that when people think about the things that make them happy, they'll consider all the things they have to be happy about.

Andy finally answered, "I'm happy that I met you."  I felt shy and didn't know how to respond. I figured this was exactly Andy's intention with his answer,  and that he was trying to make me go away.

Ok. Now to circle back to question 2.  I asked Andy for the second time if he had performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. "It was nice of you to take my picture," Andy replied.  Again, I wondered if Andy's answer was an attempt to make me go away, or if he was poking a little fun at me.  Andy may have been unable to think of an act of kindness, but I consider it a huge act of kindness that he let me take his picture, and that he opened up to a complete stranger.

I was enjoying our time.  For a person who doesn't think he's happy, Andy is quite friendly and playful.

After we parted and as I was on my way home, I thought of Andy and hoped the exercise worked.  I hoped he was considering things in his life from a different perspective,  and that he was able to find something in his life for which he is happy.

Andy, if you happen to read this and if you can't think of anything else, I hope that it makes you happy to know that you make others happy.

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When I got home that night and prepared the picture for Instagram, I was pleased to see this picture in which you can detect a tiny bit of happiness spilling out from Andy.  He may not have known it, but for at least a moment, he was happy.

 

Day 89 - Michael

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This is Michael.  I had just parked my car to go in search of a subject when Michael and his dog walked by.

When I approached Michael to ask if I could take his picture, his dog circled around my feet, tangling us with his leash.  At that moment, I was giving my attention to Michael and having only seen the dog out of the corner of my eye, I thought he was walking a chihuahua. (A fat chihuahua.)  I love dogs and I normally want to pet and love on every dog I meet, but thinking the dog was a chihuahua, I was holding back.  There's very good reason.  I'm afraid of chihuahuas.  Yes.  I said it.  I was viciously attacked and scared for life by my aunt's chihuahua, and my mother-in-law's chihuahua didn't like me much either.  (But, that dog didn't like anyone except my mother-in-law.)  However, Michael's "chihuahua" was quite friendly and obviously wanted my attention.  After Michael agreed to let me take his picture, I looked down to untangle ourselves and realized the chihuahua wasn't a fat chihuahua at all!!  It was a puppy!  Michael confirmed it was a Frenchie puppy!!  Oh no. It was over. I lost my ability to focus.

I resisted the urge to scoop the puppy in my arms and give him lovins, and instead, proceeded to take Michael's picture and ask the questions.

When I asked Michael the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he answered that it was his puppy, Biscuits.

I asked Michael if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  He said that someone bought his coffee at Starbucks.

"Enjoy life to the fullest because we never know when it can be taken away," Michael answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.

When I asked Michael something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered modestly, saying that he used to be a good soccer player.  I gave him a look which invited him to explain further.  Michael then when on to say that he played professionally in England.  I'm one of the few people in the world who knows little to nothing about soccer.  The only thing I knew is that if Michael played professionally in England, he was very, very good. I was embarrassed I couldn't ask him more questions about soccer and his career, but instead I asked what brought him to Portland.  Michael has coached with the Timbers and also a local high school team.

We continued to talk about his accent, Liverpool, and Biscuits.  I told him how we have a customer at work who got one French Bulldog, and she now has three.  I told him how she used to bring her three puppies into the office and that we all fell in love with her Frenchies.  I asked Michael if he planned on stopping with just Biscuits, or if he was considering another.  Of course, Michael is already considering another - and its name shall be Gravy.  Biscuits and Gravy.

And then, being the ridiculous person I am, I proceeded to tell him about how "gassy" our customer's puppies were and how they could stink-up the entire office.  Great. Just great.  I'm meeting a professional soccer player from England and what do I talk about?  Dog farts. I simply wanted to prepare him, had he not already known about Frenchie flatulence.  He was already well-aware of intestinabilities of the adorable little creatures.  (Yes, I embarrass myself on nearly a daily basis. I'm trying to get better.)

Before meeting Michael, I was starting to feel confidence with the correct camera settings for nighttime.  Michael and I were in a dark parking lot and just the slightest difference between the dark parking lot and more well-lit sidewalks where I normally shoot, was enough to trip me up.  When I got home to prepare the pictures, I regretted not having done better with Michael.  I rushed things too much, I should have tried other settings, and I should have made sure I had a good picture of both Michael and Biscuits before we left.

I had fun with Michael and Biscuits and hopefully we'll bump into each other again some day.  I'll be sure to ask for a do-over so that you can meet the adorable and heart-stealing Biscuits.

 

Day 90 - Nick

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This is Nick.  I didn't realize when I approached Nick to ask if I could take his picture, but he was actually in the process of looking for his iPhone, which he had just dropped somewhere within the past block.  Nick agreed to let me take his picture, but I told him we could first look for his phone together.

Nick knew his phone was on vibrate but I called it anyway. We knew it would be difficult to hear because of all of the noisy street traffic rushing by.  The phone rang, but didn't help us to locate it.  I continued to dial his phone and we continued searching.  The phone wasn't anywhere to be found.  Nick then had the realization that someone walked by him right before he realized he had dropped his phone.  It was possible the person who walked by him picked up Nick's dropped phone and then went on his way.  After calling Nick's phone a few more time and having it go straight to voicemail, we realized this is probably what happened.  The person who took Nick's phone probably freaked out that I had kept calling  and they turned the phone off.  I was bummed for Nick.  Nick decided to stop looking and come back later in the evening when it was dark, hoping the phone would be illuminated when called.

This was the cherry on top of a perfectly bad week for Nick.  Nick told me that his car broke down a few days prior, and that he had some other bad luck as well.   Nick was so nice and so calm, and he was rather optimistic considering he now had one more inconvenience to take care of, after already having a few to deal with this week.

I was impressed by Nick.  He has a good head on his shoulders and he was able to keep great perspective on his situation.  Having your car break down and losing your cell phone within a matter of days is stressful, but Nick wasn't letting it get the best of him.

I apologized to Nick for asking the questions I was about to ask, knowing he wasn't having the best week.

I asked Nick the happiest thing happening in his life right now and Nick explained that he wasn't 100% sure about the answer because he was feeling like he was in a transitional period.  He answered that he's happy he decided to stay in Portland for the next 10 months which gives him time to figure out his priorities and strategize his next move.  Prior to renewing the lease on his apartment, he was uncertain on whether or not he would stay in Portland or move to LA to pursue a career in film/animation.

I asked Nick if he had recently performed an act of kindness, or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. Nick said that he tries to do everything in his power to be kind and helpful to people.  As of recent, Nick is feeling like he's been more on the receiving end of kindness. The day his car broke down, his friends helped him with his car and helped to get him home.

"I believe the meaning of life is the lack thereof," Nick answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose. Nick went on to explain that the main thing needed to be happy, is his "ability to seek truth and beauty in all things, and to try to learn how the universe works."

I asked Nick something about himself which he considers to be a success. Nick answered, "I manage to be consistent with my world view."  Nick explained that he's happy, day-to-day, despite that his life isn't exactly where he wants it to be right now.  He dreams of working in film, and being creative in general, and he knows that some day he will realize his dream.

Nick and I took one more look around to see if maybe the phone would jump out at us, now that we had taken a break for a moment.  Still no luck.  We said our good-byes and I offered my old phone to Nick if his phone didn't turn up when he came back to look for it.  I explained to Nick that my old phone's camera was broken and he would have to baby the navigation button, but at least it would be a temporary fix so that he wouldn't have to put out two fires at once - having to find a new car and a new phone.)

Nick has such a great outlook on life.  I have no doubt he's going to make it far in life, in whatever he chooses for himself.

Wishing you good luck, Nick!

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

  • I hope for my children to be good and to be happy.
  • To take care of my family.
  • To try to be as kind and unjudgmental as possible."
  • To be a good person and do right by people.
  • Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
  • Enjoy life to the fullest because we never know when it can be taken away,
  • I believe the meaning of life is the lack thereof - seek truth and beauty in all things, and to try to learn how the universe works.

Thank you to each and every person who has been a subject in this project.  My sincere appreciation for your kindness and for sharing yourself with us.

 

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 12

Hello! We're finished with week 12!

Before we get started, I want to share with you this TED talk video from Photographer, Peter Hurley, and Psychologist Anna Rowley.

If you've been following along for a while, you know how much I admire and adore Peter Hurley.  Not only is he an amazingly skilled portrait photographer, but his enthusiasm is inspiring and I've learned more from watching two of his videos, than I had learned from months of reading and studying online.

Although I'm just learning photography, one thing became instantly clear to me from the moment that I first picked up a camera.  What became apparent to me, is that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.  People are beautiful.   Because I'm just learning, I'm not always able to capture a person's beauty the way I see it in my mind, but it's there.  Everyone is beautiful in some way, if we just take a moment to see it.

If we can all accept that we're beautiful on the outside, then we can let our inside light shine too.  Just as each person is beautiful on the outside and we can always see it if we look for it, each person is beautiful on the inside as well.  The beauty will always reveal itself if we take the moment to look for it, and recognize it when we see it.

Peter and Anna, in this PsyPhotology video, share with us that as equally important as learning to see the beauty in others, is learning to see it in ourselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYJCDYNsL6A

 

 

Day 77 - Mary

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This is Mary.  We met at Esther Short Park, in Vancouver.

Normally, I'm much more observant but it took me a moment to put 2 + 2 together.  Mary was sitting on a bench and I noticed what I thought was a picnic blanket sitting on her lap.  When I approached her to ask if I could take her picture, she agreed, and in doing so, looked off into the direction of a young man and a photographer.  Then it all became apparent once I realized Mary wasn't holding a blanket, she was holding her son's letterman's jacket and it was her son who was having his senior portrait session at that very moment!  We laughed at the timing of it!  I think that because Mary's son was having his senior portrait session, helped make her more receptive to having her own picture taken.

I asked Mary the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered, "family and just everything is going well.  The kids are home and doing well."

I asked Mary if she's recently performed an act of kindness and she explained that she does little things daily, such as opening doors for people and letting cars in front of her in traffic.

"To raise kids with good morals and values, and to be happy," Mary answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

When I asked Mary something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "I have came from some dark places and I turned my life around."  Mary shared with me a little of her story, but without going too deep, I just left Mary having been reminded that it doesn't matter how dark life may appear to be, or how hopeless a situation may feel, as long as there is still breath in our lungs, there is always light.  There is always a way out.

After Mary and I finished with the picture and interview and I was walking back to my car, I got the feeling that I left too soon. I was enjoying the visit with Mary and I wish I would have allowed myself to hang out a little longer. (Well, if Mary would have been cool with that.)  I've gotten into such a bad habit of taking pictures quickly because we're always racing against the bus.  When I am afforded more time, I often forget to take advantage of it.  If I could have done things differently, I would have visited with Mary a little while longer, and would have taken more pictures.

Best wishes to you and your family, Mary.

 

Day 78 - Jon

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This is Jon.  We met outside of the Hollywood Theatre.  Jon was waiting to see "Birdman," which sounds like a must-see movie!

"Getting an apartment on Hawthorne," Jon answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Living on Hawthorne would be a dream. You can have the best social life in the world, and never even have to drive a car. There are thousands of things to do and everything is all within walking/biking distance.  I can appreciate why this is the happiest thing happening in Jon's life right now.

I asked Jon if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Jon said that he gives money to homeless people all the time.  He also has a friend who is currently homeless, and Jon lets him stay at his place when it's cold or raining.  Jon is a good guy. I also later learned of another act of kindness which he hadn't mentioned.  Crystal, from day 163 last year, and I have become Instagram friends and when I posted Jon's picture to instagram, she told us about another act of kindness.  Jon and Crystal were neighbors and Jon recently helped Crystal move! Crystal's own family wasn't able to help, but Jon stepped in and helped her with the move. (up and down 3 flights of stairs!)  Is Jon a good egg or what?

Jon's personal mission statement is a quote by James Dean - "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today."  Powerful.

When I asked Jon something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "my charm."  He truly is a genuinely charming person.

 

Day 79 - Kathu

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This is Kathu.  We met walking down the street.

I asked Kathu the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she explained that she's a caregiver, and taking care of her clients brings her happiness.  Kathu's profession not only brings her happiness, but it gives her the opportunity to give kindness daily.

"To be happy and do good things," Kathu answered when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

I asked Kathu something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she answered, "not living an ordinary life."  In an odd happening of synchronicity, I had just started the audio book, "The Noticer Returns," by Andy Andrews.  When Kathu gave the answer, "not living an ordinary life," I had been in the very same spot in the book which discussed living an average life, or choosing to live and extraordinary life.  The timing was perfect and meeting Kathu reinforced the book's message that we have the ability to choose between the two. In fact, if we don't intentionally choose to live an extraordinary life, we will default to average. (Believe me, there's nothing wrong with living an average life. For some of us, to live an average life would be an extraordinary accomplishment.)

One of the reasons I like to ask people about their life's purpose or personal mission statement, is that it's my hope that the answer to the question will help people to identify their destination in life and hopefully guide them to the path which will take them there. I want people to find their extraordinary.

 

Day 80 - John

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This is John.  I saw him as he was about to cross the street. He was wearing the best pants in the world - they were the color of pickle juice!

"My twin brother getting married," John answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

John's recent act of kindness is actually going to happen next week, when he'll head to Seattle to volunteer for an outdoor program for disadvantaged kids.

When I asked John if he has a personal mission statement or a life's purpose, John answered, "I'm on a journey to figure that out."  "My life's purpose is to figure out my purpose."  Whatever you decide, John, I hope that it's extraordinary.

"My ability to make people laugh," John answered, when I asked him something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

 

Day 81 - Anden

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This is Anden.  We met on the patio of the Doug Fir.

I met my friend, Shauna, at Doug fir, and once again, we spent so much time visiting that I didn't remember to take a picture until it was really dark and raining. We headed out to the patio to find a subject and that's where we met Anden.  Luckily, Anden was wearing a ball cap and he didn't mind hanging out with us in the rain.

I asked Anden the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he said that he's a musician, and he's happy that he's at a point where he's able to be self-sustainable playing music.

Anden is currently on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Anden has a dislocated shoulder and his friend is letting him borrow his expensive, smaller, bass set-up, which is much easier for Anden to carry and play than his own.

Anden's life purpose is to inspire others through music.  Anden wants to expose people to any music other than "top 40" and hopes people will be inspired to hear music and play music that they wouldn't otherwise be exposed to.

"Pulling off music and being self-sustaining with that," Anden answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Wishing you continued success, Anden!

 

Day 82 - Mandrew

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This is Mandrew.  We met at the store.  It was Halloween and I was actually having a hard time finding a subject for the day.  I had been rejected several times this day.  I'm not sure why this was such a challenging day.  I couldn't figure out if it was my black cat costume, or if people were just in a hurry to go get ready for Halloween partying.  Mandrew was quite Dude-like in a bath robe, so I figured my chances were good that he would let me take his picture.  I think Mandrew also looks like he could be a long lost Wahlberg brother!   Until meeting Mandrew, I was starting to fear the project may come to an end on Halloween.

"Having a baby," Mandrew answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Mandrew's wife is due in May.

Mandrew's recent act of kindness is that he's part of a non-profit organization which raises money for various women and children's organizations by drinking beer!  Yes, it's a real thing!  The Bridge City Guild hosts events at different locations where the proceeds are then donated to women's and children's charities.

"Serve more than you are served," Mandrew answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

"Taking care of my nieces," Mandrew answered, when I asked something about himself which he considers to be a success. Mandrew likes that he's a positive influence in the lives of two little girls.

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Mandrew!

 

Day 84 - Mandy

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This is Mandy.  We now have the entire Ambiance Tan & Espresso team as subjects in this project.   By now, you've figured out I'm a little attached to this place. I hadn't been able to figure it out exactly, but visiting with Mandy helped me to realize why this place warms my heart.   They serve up more than lattes and vitamin D.  I figured out that this little coffee shop/tanning salon, has a culture of kindness.  That's why I love it.  There are good people here.

I asked Mandy the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered, "working."  Mandy was almost apologetic in her answer but when you consider the alternative, there's nothing wrong with being grateful for having a job.

Mandy's act of kindness is that she goes above and beyond a typical level of customer service, and is extremely kind to all of her customers.

Van Wilder's quote, "worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere," Mandy answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  Mandy added a few other things by which she lives her life:  "Treat other people how you want to be treated," and "presentation is everything."

Mandy and I had a great talk about "presentation is everything."  She explained that she knows we're supposed to focus on what's on the inside, but we both agreed society isn't like that in real life. When we meet someone, we're assessed and judged in a matter of seconds. When we meet a person for the first time, we're instantly sized-up and categorized, and how people treat us is the result of their split-second assessment of us.  Mandy learned to place high importance on physical appearance because she struggled and battled with a weight issue when she was a child.  Mandy weighed 265 lbs in the 8th grade, and suffered because of how she looked.

Mandy said she still experiences snap-judgement assessments depending on how she's dressed.  In her own personal little sociology experiments, she's noticed that she receives different treatment depending on the clothes she's wearing. If she's dressed like a soccer mom one day, she'll receive a certain kind of treatment.  If she's dressed like a rocker chick, she's treated in a different way.  When she's dressed professionally, she receives even different treatment.

I've experienced these snap-judgements and I know it's why I also place such a high importance on dressing nicely and pulling myself together.  It's also why it's been sooooo awkward having to approach people in this project after having worked out. (Which is often - there's only so much time in a day and in order to do both this project and continue to work out, I've just had to get over my insecurities when I'm not looking my best.)

No matter how kind-hearted people may be, we've all been guilty of performing these spit-second assessments of people.  It doesn't feel good when you know someone has assessed you to be a particular way, and even knowing we don't like it, we're still guilty of doing the same thing.  Being aware of our tendency to make these snap-judgements is the first step in looking past how a person may be dressed and seeing them for the beautiful person they are.  And once again, we also need to turn this practice inward and have a  little more confidence in ourselves, regardless of how we may look at a particular moment.

When I asked Mandy something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "being a mother."  She feels unsuccessful and successful at the same time. I think having those contrasting feelings, is an indication that someone is a good mom.

Thank you, Mandy!

 

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

  • To raise kids with good morals and values, and to be happy
  • Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today."
  • To be happy and do good things.
  • My life's purpose is to figure out my purpose.
  • To inspire others through music. 
  • Serve more than you are served.
  • worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere.
  • Treat other people how you want to be treated.
  • Presentation is everything.

 

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

Wishing you a happy week!

 

 

365 More People Pictures - Week 10

Hello! We're finished with week 10!

I met 7 great people this week!  I always feel so lucky to meet such nice people and I hope that I'm able to leave them feeling a little better, the same way they've left me.

 

Day 63 - Alex

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Meet Alex.  He and a few others were tearing down and packing up their Rising River Farms booth at the The Vancouver Farmers Market.  Alex's friend actually volunteered Alex to have his picture taken.

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

Alex's recent act of kindness is that he gave a gift to someone.

"Do it well & have fun," Alex answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

I asked Alex something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "my jovial nature."

 

Day 64 - "Unotache"

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This is Unotache.  I spotted him walking down the sidewalk.

I asked Unotache  the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "beer."  He was on his way to meet a friend at Velo Cult.  Sometimes I think I'm just destined to meet certain people.  Had we not bumped into each other where we did, we would have bumped into each other outside of Velo Cult because that's the direction in which I intended to wander to find a subject for the day.

I asked Unotache if he's performed an act of kindness and he explained that whenever he sees a driver who is broken down or stalled, he always makes a point to stop to offer help.  It's a trait and practice he picked up from his Grandfather and Dad, who were also good samaritans to stranded drivers in need.  Recently, Unostache came across someone who had stalled in the road and as usual, he stopped to push them to safety. As he was doing so, an entire school bus full of football players stopped and also pitched in to help push the stalled driver to safety!  I just loved hearing Unostache's story because his single act of kindness grew into something much bigger.

"Live Simply," Unotache answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.

"My family," Unotache answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

 

Day 65 - Mike

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This is Mike.  I spotted him walking down the street and then had to chase him for about 2 blocks before I caught up to him.  Mike walks fast!  (and I'm a fast walker!)  Technically, I didn't even actually catch up to Mike. I got close enough to where he could hear me and I let out a little yelp, "can I take your picture?"  He stopped, turned around, and answered yes!  "You walk soooo fast," I said.  Looking down at his fitness band or pedometer, he said, "I'm trying to get lots of steps!"  We both laughed.

I asked Mike the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he explained that he was on his way to sewing class, where they were going to learn to make a robe.   We had to be quick with the picture and "interview" so that Mike could make it to class in time.  I was so tempted to invite myself along to sewing class with Mike. I've always wanted to take a sewing class and I knew instantly, Mike would have been fun to hang out with.

I asked Mike if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Mike explained that in a recent leadership meeting, a co-worker complimented Mike's work and said nice things in front of the entire group.

I asked Mike if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  Mike answered, "to be enthusiastic about life and model that for others."  Mike lives this completely!  He absolutely oozes happiness and enthusiasm and meeting him left me feeling re-charged after a pretty intense day.  I love this picture of Mike, and if you were to meet him for the first time - I'm sure this is also the same smile and enthusiasm you'd get from him.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Have you noticed my tendency to get up-close and personal when I take someone's picture?  It's become even more pronounced since getting my new 50mm prime lens.   I'm trying so hard to change things up a bit.  I keep reminding myself to take a step back, capture more of a person's surroundings, and tell more of the story, but something inside me keeps compelling me to get closer.  I love looking for, and capturing, a person's sparkle.  I get concerned that if I get too far away, we'll lose the subject's personality.  I was torn with Mike.  He has awesome style and he was wearing a cool bow-tie.  I had to make a decision to either step back to get his shirt & tie, or get closer and focus on his beautiful smile.  When Mike smiles, his whole face smiles.  His sparkle won out over his bow-tie.

"I'm an okay boss, and I'm getting better at it as I get older," Mike answered, when I asked him something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

 

Day 66 - Joanna

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This is Joanna.  We met in a parking lot where I had just parked to go out in search of a subject for the day.  As luck would have it, the perfect person just happened to be right next to me!

When I asked Joanna the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she answered, "photography."  Joanna then went on to say that she is a lover of photography, which explained why she didn't even hesitate when I asked if I could take her picture.  Joanna was being modest when she said she is a lover of photography.   Since meeting Joanna, I checked out her website and learned she's an amazing photographer.  I appreciate her modesty, however, because it prevented me from getting overwhelmed and nervous like I would have, had I known she's so talented.  And, in learning more about her, I also discovered how a random person I met in a parking lot, managed to present three separate "looks" in the three pictures I had taken.  Joanna is also a model!  You can check out Joanna's work on her website, cecipix.com.

I asked Joanna if she's performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. On the receiving end, Joanna was pleasantly surprised when she received a refund from a "corporate entity," that she wasn't expecting to receive.  On the giving side, Joanna recently gave some of the cards she makes to one of her friends.

"Life is short...do that which makes you happy," Joanna answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could make one up on the spot.

I asked Joanna something about herself which she considers to be a success and she answered, "everything I do that makes me happy."

Joanna is one talented woman!

 

Day 67 - Shannon

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This is Shannon.  She was waiting for the bus at that "one spot" that always gives me trouble.  However, on this day, I was quite pleased with the results.  This was a good day because a few things were working in my favor.  Not only is Shannon as beautiful as Snow White, but after having had nearly a dozen "bad days" with subjects in that same area,  I'm finally starting to learn how to work with the light instead of against it.  Yes!

"My relationship," Shannon answered, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Shannon if she's recently performed an act of kindness. She explained that she and a friend are helping one another to find 2nd jobs.

"I just want to be a good person," Shannon answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

One thing about herself which Shannon considers to be a success, is her self-motivation.

 

Day 68 - Wendy

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This is Wendy.  We met outside of Whole Foods.

I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now and Wendy answered, "things are pretty good...I have a good home life with my boyfriend, a dog and a cat."  I loved hearing Wendy's answer.  It was a good reminder that a happy life really is as simple as that.

When I asked Wendy if she had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose, she explained it's been something she's thought about, but she was feeling like her mind was going blank.  Of course your mind would blank when a stranger approaches you on the street to ask a question like this.  I'm still always so amazed when people somehow manage to articulate these beautiful statements of their life's purpose, or personal mission statement.  Wendy, even though she was feeling like she wasn't able say what she wanted to say, answered beautifully when she said, "to be as educated in my field as I can be, and to have a diverse life."

"Going back to school for the second time," Wendy answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Wendy is pursuing a second degree.

I was happy to have met Wendy because I had been feeling nervous when I was wandering around in the rain that day.  The rain caused me to think back to the first 365 Day People Picture Project and wonder how in the world I had ever managed to stick to it during the winter months.  Meeting Wendy was a good reminder that the tough days were worth it. I always met someone great who left me feeling inspired to keep going another day.  And, unknowingly, my interaction with Wendy helped me figure out a rainy-day trick of how to manage my camera, journal, an umbrella, and take a picture of the person.  The trick is to give the umbrella to the person/subject, which not only frees up my hands to take the picture, but it gives the person shelter!  Why didn't I figure this out last year?  I know what you're thinking... what if the other person already has an umbrella?  It's Portland!  For some reason, people refuse to use them!

 

Day 69 - Tambor, Tina, and "Muscle Racing" 

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This is Tambor (bottom), Tina (upper left), and "Muscle Racing" (upper right).  Normally, downtown Vancouver on a Saturday afternoon is a little sleepy, other than the Farmers Market.  As I was looking for a subject in the park, I could hear live music coming from Loowit Brewing, which is just down the street from the park.  I decided to walk down in search of a subject. Loowit was celebrating their second Anniversary and I met these three just as they were about to go back inside.

I asked them each just one question.

"Brewery tour," Tambor said, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Tina if she's either performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  At first, she was having trouble thinking of something, but "Muscle Racing" helped remind Tina that caring for a child can be considered an act of kindness.  Tina agreed, saying, "my act of kindness every day, is caring for my boy."

I asked Muscle Racing if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  Muscle Racing answered, "to beat Zangief with Zangief."   Don't worry, I didn't understand either.  Muscle Racing explained Zangief is a character in the video game, Street Fighter.

I thanked the trio and we went our separate ways.

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

  • Do it well & have fun.
  • Live Simply.
  • To be enthusiastic about life and model that for others.
  • Life is short...do that which makes you happy.
  • I just want to be a good person.
  • To be as educated in my field as I can be, and to have a diverse life.
  • To beat Zangief with Zangief

Thank you to each and every subject in the project.  If you would like to receive your picture, please don't hesitate to e-mail me and I'm happy to e-mail it to you!

Thank you for following along this week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 9

Thank you for stopping by!  We got off-schedule on the blog post, but we're back on track now.  Remember, I post each daily picture on Instagram and if you'd like to follow along, my username is @missellanea. Day 56 - Geraldine

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This is Geraldine.  She had just finished the Portland Marathon when we met.

I asked Geraldine the happiest thing happening in her life right now, and she answered, "Everything! I'm just so very grateful right now!"

I asked Geraldine if she's recently performed an act of kindness.  Geraldine said that she said thank you to the volunteers on the marathon course.

"Do what you feel is right," Geraldine answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement.

"Living a happy, healthy life, and being really grateful," Geraldine answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.

After we finished with the picture and questions, Geraldine pointed over to the rest of her family.  It's become a bit of a tradition for them all to do the marathon together!  Congratulations to you and your family, Geraldine!

If you'd like to read more about the Portland Marathon, check out the post prior to this one.

 

Day 57 - Jennifer, Winter and Sunshine

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This is Jennifer, and her dogs Winter and Sunshine.  They were an impossible trio to miss.

I asked Jennifer the happiest thing happening in her life right now, and she answered that she was recently offered a new job and she's feeling hopeful about the future.

Jennifer's recent act of kindness is that she gave a few dollars to someone on the street.

"To be a good, contributing person," Jennifer answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement.

"My relationships," Jennifer answered, is something about herself which she would consider to be a success.

Jennifer and I visited a moment longer, long enough that I got to give lovins to Sunshine and Winter, and then we were on our separate ways.

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Jennifer is such a natural beauty and when I was taking her picture, I was struck with how much she reminded me of my mother-in-law. Well, a younger version of my mother-in-law. They are both so sweet and gentle and they remind me of a cross between Meryle Streep and Martha Stewart.  After getting home and preparing Jennifer's photo for instagram, I thought I should have done better.  I always need to remember that just because a beautiful person is in front of the lens, I can't just phone it in.  I need to be present and mindful.

 

Day 58 - Jason

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This is Jason.  I spotted him sitting on a bench, reading a Portland Mercury, with his sketchbook sitting beside him.

I asked Jason the happiest thing happening in his life right and I could tell he was giving the answer serious thought.  He said things have been interesting lately, and a bit of an uphill battle.  Jason then reached into his backpack, retrieved a book and handed it to me and said that it was making him happy right now.  The book was called "De: Tales," by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba.

I asked Jason if he's recently performed an act of kindness.  Jason explained that some of the customers at the store where he works, are either mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or a combination of the two.  He's always sure to give them extra care and attention and tries to visit with them, knowing that for some, it may be the only conversation and human interaction they may have for the day.

"To do the things that I love," Jason answered, is his life's purpose.  Jason is an artist.  At one point, I asked if I could have a peek at his sketch book.  I don't know the right words to use to describe his work, but the thing that came to mind is that his style is noir comic.  In looking at his sketch book, I could envision Jason publishing a graphic novel in the future, and hope he achieves that someday soon. Regardless, I hope he's able to do the things that he loves.

I asked Jason something about himself which he considers to be a success and he answered, "I'm more present these days."

 

Day 59 - Megan

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This is Megan.  She was outside the Hollywood Theatre when we met.

I asked Megan the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she explained that she's in art school and in a new program, in which the entire project is to do whatever you want.  She already has a few ideas for her project and is happy to get started.

"I pick up trash when I see it," Megan answered, when I asked if she's recently performed an act of kindness.

"Stay true to yourself," Megan said, his her personal mission statement.  She added that  people try to change who you are, but we shouldn't let them.

"Family," Megan answered, is something about herself which she would consider to be a success.

 

Day 60 - Senor Selleck.

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This is Señor Selleck.  He was walking his dog, Bud, when we met.  I was totally bummed that I didn't get a nice picture of Bud and Señor Selleck.  Bud was one of the coolest dogs I've met.

I asked Señor Selleck the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I've got some kids in my life that are pretty special."

When I asked Señor Selleck if he's performed an act of kindness, he explained that he didn't want to say too much, but again mentioned the kids in his life, saying, "working with those little people."

"Just be kind," Señor Selleck answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

When I asked Señor Selleck something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he explained that he was able to learn how to play the bass, quickly, and play in a spanish-speaking band called Caguama.

 

Day 61 - Mike

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This is Mike.  I spotted him from across the street, peeping in the window at Dania, a furniture store.  Believe me. It is impossible to walk by Dania and not stop to peep in the windows to admire and appreciate the cool furniture.   I knew my chances were good that I would be able to make it across the street in time to ask Mike if I could take his picture.  The poor guy is on crutches because of a broken leg.

"My wife," Mike answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Mike if  he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose. "To share my experience with other people, in a way that helps us both," Mike answered.

When I asked Mike something about himself he would consider to be a success, he explained, "I overcame seeing my wife as my mother."

Wishing you a speedy and full recovery, Mike!

 

Day 62 - Samara

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This is Samara.  She's one of the amazing ladies of Sweet Spot Skirts.  I headed down to Sweet Spot Skirts to try on a sample of one of their new products and Samara agreed to let me take her picture.  (Samara is not the only Sweet Spot girl you'll meet...I've been saving some of the other ladies for a rainy day and you'll meet them in the future.)

I asked Samara the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered, "Everything's so happy right now! I feel like I'm in a great spot, have great friends and family, and a job that I love!"

After we had taken the pictures and finished the first question, a couple ladies came into the shop so we paused so that Samara could help the customers.   It took all of my restraint not enthusiastically chime in and tell the shoppers they definitely needed to pick up a skirt or two and that they'll wear them daily/weekly!  Yes, Samara has a great job!  She gets to meet cool women and sell an awesome product which women absolutely love.  I would agree this is pretty much a dream job!   Even the cute little mailman piped in when he could see the customers were considering whether or not to make a purchase.  The mailman told the women that the skirts must be great, because he mails out a ton of them!

After the customers selected their skirts and finished their transaction, we resumed with the "interview."

I asked Samara if she's performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. Samara explained that her brother just surprised her with a gift of Yoga classes, which she had considered having to cancel until they fit with her budget.  Samara would also like to become a Yoga Instructor some day. Her baby brother surprised her with a gift certificate for more classes!  I could imagine this gesture from an older brother, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear it was her younger brother who was so thoughtful.

I asked Samara if she had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose. Samara answered, "To love those around me, travel as much as I can, and to spread a little bit of joy."

When I asked Samara something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "my passion for connecting with people."   The warm and inviting smile you see in Samara's picture, is the same exact smile you'll get if you ever meet her in person.  She really does have a way with connecting with you, to make you feel as though you're old friends, or brand new ones.

 

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

  • Do what you feel is right.
  •  To be a good, contributing person.
  • To do the things that I love.
  • Stay true to yourself.
  • Just be kind.
  • To share my experience with other people, in a way that helps us both.
  • To love those around me, travel as much as I can, and to spread a little bit of joy.

 

Thank you to our subjects for the week and thank you for following along!

 

Have a big week!