365 More People Pictures - Week 24

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

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

Day 161 - Garret & Bella

This is Garret & Bella.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 162 - Bob

This is Bob.

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

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

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

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

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

Day 163 - Heath

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Heath!

Day 164 - Sheari

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 165 - Jules

This is Jules.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Jules.

Day 166 - Shawn

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Shawn!

Day 167 - Tabatha

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Tabatha.

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

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

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

Thank you!

365 More People Pictures - Week 23

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

Day 154 - Jordan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 155 - Melanie

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

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

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

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

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

Day 156 - Mari

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 157 - Shane

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

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

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

Thank you, Shane!

Day 158 - Kimmie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 159 - Ryan

This is Ryan.  We met walking down the street.

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Ryan!

Day 160 - Zachary

This is Zachary.

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Zachary!

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

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

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

365 More People Pictures - Week 21

Happy New Year! We're finished with week 21!

I'm excited to tell you that I'm finally taking a real photography class next weekend!  Well, it's not even really a "class."  It's more like a life-changing opportunity to learn from one of the greats!

It's pretty intimidating, actually.  Instead of wading in gradually,  I'm diving in head-first and will attend a workshop being taught by Eric Kim.  Eric Kim is one of the most well-known street photographers and bloggers in the world.

I'm nervous and intimidated because I'm lacking in some very basic skills.  It's like taking a cooking class from Gordon Ramsay when you've never learned how to boil an egg, slice tomatoes properly, or make gravy.  The beautiful thing about Eric Kim, is that he is as much a teacher as he is a photographer and writer.  He has a genuine desire to teach anyone who has a genuine desire to learn.

I'm looking forward to expanding my mind and my skills, and sharing with you soon.

Day 140 - Christie

This is Christie.  We met at the bus stop at the Mall.

The happiest thing happening in Christie's life right now is her work on a documentary film about Portland in the 70's, the music scene back then, and the murder of the father of her daughter.  A documentary sounds like such a challenging undertaking and I can't wait till it's finished.

I asked Christie if she's recently performed an act of kindness and she explained that she helped a woman and her son get off the streets and into a home.

Christie's life's purpose right now is, "to reach people for Jesus, finish the movie, and singing."

When I asked Christie something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "I'm a survivalist."

Thank you, Christie!  Looking forward to seeing you you push your film through to fruition, and wishing you success!

Day 141 - Alex

This is Alex. We met just walking down the street together.

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

Alex's recent act of kindness is one that he performs at least once per week.  He sees an elderly homeless lady frequently, and at least one time per week, he gives her $5.  She always thanks him and tells him it will help with her electric bill.

Alex's life's purpose is "to find happiness, be open to all types of people, and to be a good person in general."

I asked Alex something about himself which he considers to be a success and he answered, "my work ethic."  Alex went on to explain he inherited it from his father, who inherited it from his father.  We talked about how our parents can have such a strong influence on our work ethic and explained I also inherited my work ethic from my Mom, who never called in sick.  Alex is 2.5 years into his apprenticeship program to become an electrician and he's not called in sick once.

Alex, thank you!

Day 142 - Bradina

This is Bradina.  We met on the sidewalk.  When I approached Bradina to ask if I could take her picture, she agreed, but then got this look on her face like, why did I just say yes?  She explained she just got off work from her job as a dog groomer.  I know I wouldn't feel at all camera-ready after having bathed just my one dog.   She had been grooming dogs all day, so I appreciate her willingness to let me take her picture even after such a hard day's work.

When I asked Bradina about the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she said it was a hard question to answer. When people say that, it's usually for only two reasons - either life is so great that they can't choose the happiest thing happening in their lives, or the other reason is that life isn't so perfect right now.  Bradina paused and then answered,  "I have a job and a home, and it's my birthday tomorrow."

Bradina's recent act of kindness is that she had just alerted a woman driving by that her tire was flat.  It had just happened.  Bradina heard a noise and then saw the woman's flattened tire.

When I asked Bradina if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose, she wasn't able to give an answer, saying "it's a dilemma of mine, currently."  We circled back to the question at the end and she answered that her purpose in life is, "raising my son to be a loving and caring gentleman."  Something tells me she's already doing a great job of that.

"I made a career for myself," Bradina answered, when I asked something about herself which she considers to be a success.  Brandina said that she hadn't imagined herself becoming a dog groomer.  She started out assisting and bathing dogs, and then discovered that she has a natural talent for grooming.

Thank you, Bradina! Happy Birthday!

Day 143 - Ian

This is Ian.  He was in a bit of a hurry, but stopped long enough to let me take his picture for the project.  It was also freezing!  I like this picture because it makes Ian look badass.  As I was about to take the picture, Ian asked, "do I have to smile?"  I told him he didn't have to smile if he didn't want to.  This may be his tough-guy look and I know I'm blowing his cover - but in real life, he was about as sweet as could be.

I asked Ian the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he said, "I just proposed to my girlfriend...and she said yes!" They were just engaged about a week prior.

Ian's recent act of kindness is that he gave money to a homeless person.

"Do the best you can and try not to hurt anyone while you're doing it," Ian answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

"Getting the girl in my life," Ian said, is something about himself which he considers to be a success.  Awwww.  Wishing you and your fiancé the very best!

Day 144 - Curtis

This is Curtis.  We met at the little park along the Columbia River.  Although it was cold, it was a beautiful day and I was surprised to see so many people starting out their new year strolling along the riverfront in the cold.

When I spotted Curtis and approached him to ask if I could take his picture for the project, he agreed without hesitation.

I asked Curtis the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he said, "to live to see another year, good health, and to be in retirement."  Curtis went on to say that he's just so thankful for a lot of things in his life.

Curtis told me that he had come to the river to think about things and sort a few things out in his mind. Curtis was concerned that he couldn't articulate an answer as well as he would have liked.  I could tell his mind was elsewhere and I explained to Curtis that I totally understand the feeling...I retreat to the trails/lakes/rivers myself, and I know how jolting it can be when you're deep in thought and then a person comes along and you have to force yourself to come back to the present moment and interact.   I was happy Curtis shared a little of his time with me.

I asked Curtis if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Curtis said he's a giver -he helps his friends, family, kids and grandkids, and his ex-wife.

When I asked Curtis if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose, he answered that his mission is, "to be rich and pass wealth onto my children and grandchildren so they don't have to struggle the way I did, and so they can become contributors and not takers."  I could see love manifesting in physical form, right before my eyes.  At that moment, I could see in Curtis' expression just how much love and hope he had for his children and grandchildren.  It was as though I could see the love he had for his family, and the dreams he has for them, spill from his heart to become revealed by the look on his face and the sparkle in his eyes.  I could just feel the love he has for his family.

Something about himself which Curtis considers to be a success, is that he's successfully raised three daughters who have all three graduated college, are married and raising families of their own, and he has a son who is still in college now.  Curtis went on to remark just how good his daughters were growing up, and how he never had to worry about them being "renegades."  They were good girls and didn't get into any trouble.  I had to hide the tears that were forming in my eyes.  I was wondering about Curtis' kids, and hoping they knew how very much their father loved them.

After we finished with the picture and interview, I thanked Curtis for letting me interrupt him and for being in the project.  I commented that he picked a great spot to come and gather his thoughts.  I love this spot on the river - you can stand on the Washington side of the river and look across to the Oregon side, and soothing action is all around you...planes, trains, automobiles, and boats.  Somehow, instead of being overwhelmed by all of the movement; cars driving across the bridge, planes flying overhead, trains pounding down the rails, the river flowing by and transporting boats along with it, you can find peace there.

I hoped Curtis was able to sort out whatever was on his mind.   After leaving him, I was struck with the thought that Curtis has already passed on immeasurable wealth to his family in the way he gives them his love.

Day 145 - Chris

This is Chris.  We met at one of my favorite trails.  Chris was about to unload his mountain bike and hit the trail when I approached to ask if I could take his picture for the project.  Chris agreed, and then laughed a little, explaining that he had just come from a dentist appointment and his mouth was still numb.  We took a few pictures so I could make sure I got one where he looked most natural, and not like he had just come from the dentist.

The happiest thing happening in Chris life right now is, "going to college."

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.  Of course, Christmas was just last week so he answered, "giving and receiving gifts."  Chris also added that his brother let him borrow his bike while he's home from college.

I asked Chris if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose and he answered, "to get through college and find something that I like."

When I asked Chris something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "that I made it to college!"

Thank you, Chris!  Wishing you success in school and whatever comes next.

Day 146 - Susan

This is Susan.  We met at the trail.

"My health is good and my children are fine," Susan answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

Susan's recent act of kindness is that she does volunteer work at the free clinic.

I asked Susan if she has a personal mission statement or life's purpose and she answered that her purpose in life is "to watch my children grow up, doing well."  Susan said that's the main reason she doesn't want to exit life early.

"I'm 73 and still working," Susan said, when I asked her something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  She had also just finished walking 5 miles with her dog!  (I think she said 5 miles.)  I told Susan that my mom is her age and she's still working as well, and that she thinks it keeps her young.  Susan agreed and told me to tell my mom that she's right!

Thank you, Susan!

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

• To reach people for Jesus, finish the movie, and singing.
• To find happiness, be open to all types of people, and to be a good person in general.
• Raising my son to be a loving and caring gentleman.
• Do the best you can and try not to hurt anyone while you're doing it.
• To be rich and pass wealth onto my children and grandchildren so they don't have to struggle the way I did, and so they can become contributors and not takers.
• To get through college and find something that I like.
• To watch my children grow up, doing well.

Thank you for following along, and thank you to all of the subjects in this project! We're learning so much from you, and appreciate that you shared yourself with us.

Thank you!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Project - Week 18

Hello! Welcome to week 18!  Thank you for following along.

I just finished reading "Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore," by Robin Sloan.  It's definitely worth checking out!   One layer of the story is about a secret society of code-cracking book-readers and as part of the secret society, you will be expected to write a "Codex Vitae."  Basically, the "Codex Vitae" is the book of your life or everything you've learned in your life.

I had the realization that through this project, we've compiled sort of a collective Codex Vitae.  The answers given by all of the subjects in this project, reveals a common thread which sews us all together.  When broken down to the most simple and basic elements, we all desire happiness.  We all want to be good people.  We all want to do good things.  The pursuit of those three objectives is what fills the pages of our own individual Codex Vitaes.

What would be in your Codex Vitae?

Day 119 - Andrew

This is Andrew.  "Good health and a great relationship with my girlfriend," Andrew answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Andrew was the recipient of an act of kindness the other day when his car wouldn't start.  He didn't have jumper cables, but a cable-packing stranger stopped to help jump-start his car.

"Do the best you can to help those in need," Andrew answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could make one up on the spot.

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

Day 120 - Nate

This is Nate.

"A consistent job," Nate answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Nate just moved to Portland two months ago so he's happy to be working.

Nate's recent act of kindness is that he donated food to a food drive, and he bought dinner for some friends.

Nate's impromptu personal mission statement: "to be kind, honest, and loyal at all times."

Something Nate considers to be a success, is that he finished the Seattle to Portland bike ride!

Day 121 - The Teacher

This is "The Teacher."  I spotted him as he was parking and locking up his bike.

I asked Teacher the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "work, girlfriend and that I'm employed."

Teacher has recently performed an act of kindness, but he's not able to share. (Simply being a teacher and shaping our future is an act of kindness.)  I'm sure Teacher's act of kindness must remain confidential, but one interesting thing I've observed in this project is that so many people are hesitant to tell others about their acts of kindness - almost as though telling someone will devalue their good deed.

I understand people's reluctance  but I think it's ok to spread love and positivity.  When people performed that act of kindness, they did so altruistically and they didn't expect someone to come along and ask them if they've performed an act of kindness.  They were genuine in their kindness.  Telling people after the fact is ok, right?  Our social media feeds can be flooded with so much negativity and bad news...I just want to spread the message that there are good people out there, really good people.  Maybe by hearing of the kind acts of strangers, we'll start absorbing and spreading more positivity.

"To be happy, help others, and be a good person," Teacher answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or his life's purpose.

I asked Teacher something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "being a teacher."

After we were finished with the picture and interview, Teacher said that he felt like he didn't give good answers because I surprised him and caught him off guard. He was certain he had better answers to give. I was laughing to myself, thinking that Teacher just got a very good reminder of what his students must feel like when he calls on them in class!

Day 122 - Jeff

This is Jeff and he was the second teacher in a row!

I actually know Jeff.  We just happened to run into each other at Starbucks after work.  Jeff has been a customer at my work for a few years.  I know this picture looks like he's exhausted.  That's part of the reason I liked it and chose it over the others I took.  In real life, Jeff has always been enthusiastic, energetic, and so nice!  We bumped into each other at Starubucks after work.  Traffic was horrible that day.  Jeff was sitting at a table and grading papers. He said he often stops there on his way from school to home. He's able to do some work and he also avoids wasting time sitting in traffic.  The other pictures I had taken of Jeff were of his usual happy self.  I liked Jeff's happy-faced pictures, but I  liked this tired picture because it caused me to think about how hard our teachers work, even when they're not in class.

I asked Jeff the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "watching my kids play sports," and just spending time with them in general.  Jeff's kids are at that age when their time is spread between activities and friends, and he's happy that his children still want to spend time with their Dad.

I asked Jeff if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  We talked that his profession is an act of kindness.  Jeff knows when a student could benefit most from either giving them a nudge or when they need to be given a break.  Jeff feels like he experiences kindness every day and he remarked how sometimes even the smallest compliment from other teachers, parents, or strangers can have a positive impact.

When I asked Jeff if he had a personal mission statement, he told me a story about why he named his son Peter.  Jeff is a Spiderman fan and his son is named after Peter Parker.  Jeff loves the quote, "with great power comes great responsibility."  His dream for his son is that he'll grow and become a good citizen.  Jeff's personal mission statement, and also his dream for his son is, "to somehow make a difference."  I know Jeff is already making a difference in this world.

When I asked Jeff something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "I'm not the best teacher, but I'm a good teacher."  Jeff added he thinks he's a good dad too!

We continued to talk a while after we were finished with the picture and interview.  I told Jeff that I've wondered what kids/students could do with a project like this. Obviously, I wouldn't want students to approach strangers, but Jeff thought it would still be interesting to see what kids/students would do and learn by interviewing their friends and family.  I would love to see something like that!

Thank you, Jeff!

Day 123 - Doug

This is Doug. We met just walking down the street.  It was during the onset of a crazy windstorm and very few people were out. I was lucky to find Doug and that he agreed to let me take his picture.

I asked Doug the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he let out a laugh, then answered, "anticipation."

Doug wasn't mean or unfriendly, but when I asked him the second question, he then said, "I'm going to leave now."  Doug was done.  He just wanted to go read.  At first I was disappointed and my feeler was hurt,  but then I reminded myself that I was really lucky that anyone was willing to even stop long enough to let me take their picture.

Day 124 - Blake

This is Blake.  Blake. Blake. Blake.  Could he be a model, or what?

I had just left my hair stylist and had just been complaining to her how surprisingly challenging it is to find a subject in that area, considering it's such a dense and popular part of Portland. I always end up finding someone great, but I've been surprised at how hard I've had to work at it.  As soon as I left her salon and walked around the corner, I spotted Blake.  He was the first person I saw, and I decided to just go for it.

Blake agreed to let me take his picture and as soon as he was in front of the camera and as I was looking at him through the viewfinder, I was like - WOW!  Who is this guy?  I felt so cheesy as the words fell out of my mouth and I asked, "are you a model?"  Blake laughed and said that he wasn't a model.  He should be!

I'm always extremely critical of myself.  In attempt to learn more about photography, I follow dozens of photographers and view thousands of images a week.  Although I know it's what I need to do to improve, the downside of this is that I'm constantly comparing my pictures to the work of others.  It can be, at times, demoralizing, defeating and discouraging.

If I were to confess these feelings of inadequacy to one of my friends, I know they would tell me that it's unrealistic to compare anything I've ever done to the work of a professional photographer who has years of experience and/or formal education, proper lighting and equipment, and a team of hair and make-up artists and assistants.

I have only 490 days of experience, no lighting, no training or education, an entry-level DSLR and until recently, only the two kit lenses that came with the camera, and usually only a few seconds or minutes to shoot a stranger I just met on the street. (and all the awkwardness that comes with it.)

To offset the utter feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy I get when I see so many amazing and talented artists,  I try to balance the images I consume in a week and take in both styled/studio images, and raw street photography and documentary photography.  Somewhere in the middle of all of that, I think is where I'll find my "style."

I know there's still several things I did wrong with this picture, but seeing Blake's picture gives me hope.  I like Blake's picture.  It's still really very easy for me to take a bad picture of a beautiful person but I'm able to look at Blake's picture and say, "that's a good picture."  I know a pro, or anyone with 491 days of photography experience, would point out 14 errors or ways in which the image could have been improved, but for now - I feel a major sense of accomplishment in that I've gotten to a point where I can say, "that's a good picture," about a picture I've taken.  I've liked and even loved several of the pictures I've taken, but there are very few about which I've been able to say, "that's a good picture."   As I'm typing this, I'm thinking - am I really sure about this? Is it a good picture, or am I confusing a good picture with the fact that I think that Blake is just a beautiful person?  I'm not so sure now.  I just wish I could meet Blake again and take 1,247 more pictures so I could figure it out!

I asked Blake the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "opportunities to play music."  Blake is a singer/song-writer.

Blake's recent act of kindness is that he found someone's wallet and returned it with everything still intact.

Blake's impromptu personal mission statement: "keep working at it."

"I'm not a complete asshole," Blake answered, when I asked him something about himself which he considers to be a success. I laughed at Blake's answer and something tells me that he's far from being even just a partial asshole.

Day 125 - Linda Bea

This is Linda Bea.  She's an awesome girl! I was fortunate enough to meet Linda Bea a couple years ago.  When you hear Linda's laugh, you can't help but feel happy and you find yourself laughing harder than normal because Linda's laugh is so contagious.

Linda and I, along with several other women, modeled for a photoshoot for Sweet Spot Skirts yesterday.  Sweet Spot Skirts are so awesome and they fit everyone from a size 0 to size 26.  Linda and I are models for the size NOT-zero.

Linda and I met a few years ago, also at a photoshoot and it was the first time I had modeled.   Linda was a pro by then.  I can't even begin to tell you how stressed I was.  I wasn't feeling so great about myself because of the weight I had gained.   I'm so uncomfortable having my picture taken by even my very best friends, but I agreed to model because the skirts are one of the greatest things you can put on your body and they help you to feel confident when you're working out.  I also adore and admire the owner/designer and if my not-little body helps other women discover a Sweet Spot Skirt, any temporary discomfort I felt while having my picture taken is worth it because I know that women will love these skirts!  I know it's hard to believe that something like a skirt can be life-changing, but seriously - it is!)

When I met Linda for the first time, she was as cool as a cucumber.  She acted like it was no big deal that we were about to be photographed with a bunch of very young, beautiful, fit, thin, and amazing ladies! I tried my best to absorb Linda's coolness, but when that wasn't working - Linda totally killed me with laughter.  I ended up having the best time ever!  Linda is a sweetheart and so dang funny! Since meeting Linda, there have been a few times when I've thought of her laugh to help me chill out during a stressful moment.

We had already been shooting for a few hours yesterday when I asked Linda if I could take her picture for the project.  Believe me, this modeling business is hard work and I know taking one more picture was probably not on the top of Linda's to-do list, but she agreed.  We did the interview after we were finished with the real shoot.  When went outside for me to take the picture,  I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my camera.  Then it dawned on me.  I had taken the battery out to charge before heading to the real photoshoot and I was so nervous about being in front of the camera for once, that I totally forgot to put the battery back in.  I was so bummed I didn't have my good camera.  I wanted the opportunity to take portrait of the beautiful Miss Linda Bea.  I was stressed and upset with myself for forgetting,  but Linda was so cool.  She just let me take her picture with my iPhone.  Once again, Linda taught me - just be cool. It's ok...just roll with what life gives you.

I asked Linda the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she said that she's happy she's going to spend New Year's Eve with her Sister.  They have a tradition to always celebrate New Year's Eve together.

I asked Linda if she's recently performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. Linda is a nurse, so she performs acts of kindness daily.  I'm certain Linda must be one amazing nurse!  She's just a fabulous person!  Linda explained that recently, an anonymous co-worker gifted her with three weeks of paid leave because Linda had been taking off a lot of time in order to be with her ill father.  Linda's Father isn't doing well and she said that he's near end-of-life.  Linda said her Father has had a great life and he's a great man.  Being the recipient of someone's act of kindness has inspired Linda to dedicate 2015 to paying it forward.  (See, I told you she was amazing.)

I asked Linda if she has a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  Linda's impromptu mission statement:  "Find happiness, the glass is half full, and laugh often & hard."   These are more than just words for Linda.  She lives it, and just being around her helps you to live it too.

"That I'm comfortable where I am at age 51.  I'm happy being me," Linda answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  This is one of my favorite answers.

Linda Bea, you are awesome!  Thank you!

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

• Do the best you can to help those in need.
• To be kind, honest and loyal at all times.
• To be happy, help others, and be a good person.
• To somehow make a difference
• Keep working at it.
• Find happiness, the glass is half full, and laugh often & hard.
• Thank you to every subject in this project! I appreciate you and your kindness and willingness to share yourself with us.

Thank you to each and every subject in this project!  Thank you for sharing yourself with us and please don't hesitate to e-mail me if you would like a copy of your picture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

"'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

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

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

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

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

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

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 15

Hello! This has turned out to be men's week.  This is the first time, that I can think of,  that every subject has been male.  It's always a challenge finding women subjects and now that it's cold and dark, it's a challenge finding any subject, male or female.  I'm almost to the point where I need to give in to the need to change the area where I typically search for subjects. It will be much easier finding people if I go to downtown Portland, but I've tried to keep in close proximity of work in order to condense my travel-time home.  I just wanted you to know that I didn't purposely exclude the ladies this week.  It just happened that way.

Day 98 - Roben

This is Roben.  We met in Esther Short Park.  Roben has caused me to see things differently, both literally and figuratively.

When I arrived to the park, I started walking in the direction of the square area, near the salmon fountain/sculpture.  I've been there several times, but on this particular visit, I could hear someone telling a legend about the salmon.  I couldn't figure out from where it was coming, and then I realized it was coming from the actual sculpture.  I could see Roben observing the sculpture and headed over to ask if I could take his picture for the project.

Roben agreed to let me take his picture, but he said it was on the condition that he wasn't going to pose. (look at me/the camera.)  The fish sculpture was still telling the story, so it was loud and difficult to talk and hear one another.  Roben's eyes were fixed on the sculpture and he explained to me that after the story, the sculpture's bells would chime and sometimes the gates open up and the salmon begin to swim.  (at least that's what I could hear since once the bells began to chime, it was quite loud.)  Roben told me that he likes to watch the bells ring and he tries to guess which one will ring next.  I liked watching Roben trying to guess which bell would chime, and that's when this picture was taken.

At first I was bummed that I wasn't able to get a picture of Roben looking at me, but after I prepared the picture for instagram that night and I was able to sit with it a bit,  I decided I was glad that Roben pushed me in a different direction.  You've figured out by now, I seem to have developed a particular style of portrait and nearly every photo is the same. (You would think that after having taken basically the same picture ever day for the past 465 days, that I would have nailed it by now.  There's just so much to learn and I continue to make mistakes each and every day.)

I asked Roben the happiest thing happening in his life right now and I could tell he was searching for an answer. He held a library book tucked under his arm, and he finally answered it was books.  Roben explained he didn't really have any family.

I asked Roben if he's performed an act of kindness, or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Again, Roben considered the question for a while before answering, "I'm pleasant to the people I live with."  It sounded like Roben doesn't always receive back the kind consideration he gives to his roommates.

When I asked Roben if he had a personal mission statement, or a life's purpose, I didn't actually get an exact answer.  Instead, Roben and I just talked and I abandoned the question so that could just listen to what Roben had to share with me.  He said he thinks about his life's purpose. At one time, he did volunteer work with kids (in schools) and that was something that gave him purpose.  He liked being able to make a difference and seeing when a kid learned or understood something for the first time.  After listening to Roben, I said perhaps his purpose is "to be of help to people."  Technically, this is my answer, not Roben's.  Talking with Roben felt like talking with a teacher.  He may not have been one by profession, but he is very much a teacher.

I asked Roben something about himself which he would consider to be a success and I could tell he wasn't going to give me an answer.  He either couldn't, or wouldn't.  In talking with him, I learned that Roben was a Vietnam Veteran and that he had dreams of riding his bike all across the country.  On his first venture on his bike, he made it as far as Mexico, but when he arrived, he fell and broke his leg.  He had to come back home to mend but as soon as he was able, he started traveling again.  Roben wanted to go back to Vietnam, but instead, stayed in Thailand for a few months and then went onto Israel.

I was glad I met Roben and honored he let me take his picture.

Day 99 - Erich

This is Erich.  I had been rejected by so many people this day and although it can get so discouraging, I now get a little excited when I get declined several times because it always means I'm going to meet someone a little extra special.  Erich was that person.

I asked Erich the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "going to school to be a fashion designer."  Erich gave me a little shot of inspiration.  He explained that once he hit 40, he realized he wasn't on the right path and that it was finally time to follow his dreams.  Being able to recognize this and make the leap, is something about himself which Erich considers to be a success.    As long as we're living, it's never too late to pursue our dreams!

I asked Erich if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been the recipient of an act of kindness. Erich said that his partner is very kind to him every day, and supportive of his return to school.

"To be a hard act to follow," Erich answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.  I love it! Erich was actually ready with his answer and he explained it's been his personal saying for a while. Erich, you are a hard act to follow!  Wishing you luck and success in attaining your dream as a fashion designer!

Day 100 - Joe

This is Joe.  He was day 100 of the second project!  Can you even believe we've been doing this every day for the past 465 days!?

"My relationship with my girl," Joe answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Joe if he had recently performed an act of kindness. He wasn't sure if this would count because it's family,  but he said he had just driven out to Damascas to help his Dad.  Yes!  Everything counts!  I just really wan't people to consider for a moment either the kindness they've shared with others, or the kindness they've received from others.  It doesn't matter if it's family, friends or complete random strangers.  It's nice to be able to think about something positive and the more we reflect on kindness, the more it will spread.

"To live for enjoyment and to help others do the same," Joe answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

"I'm pretty successful with how I treat other people," Joe replied, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  Joe is right about this!

Day 101 - David

This is David.  I met David and his brother while they were out on a little "urban hike."

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

I asked David if he had recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been the recipient of an act of kindness. David explained that a auto body shop didn't charge him for storage or diagnostic services, even though David opted to have the repair work performed elsewhere.

"To live my life to it's fullest potential, David answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

When I asked David something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "I have wonderful family that I love very much."  He then questioned himself out loud, wondering if he could say that family is his success.  I loved it when his brother answered for him, agreeing that David is very much a part of, and contributor to,  the love of their family.  It made me teary-eyed watching and listening to the brothers interact.

Day 102 - Jon

This is Jon.  Before he could even clarify the spelling on his name, I had a feeling he was a Jon and not a John.  Have you noticed you can just sort of tell?

The happiest thing happening in Jon's life right now is that he just got a new full-time job.

Jon's recent act of kindness is that he gave $10 to a homeless man.  He sees the man frequently and the man never asks for money, but on one of the freezing-cold days, Jon was concerned for him and offered the man $10, hoping he could purchase something to give him a little warmth.  Jon was hesitant to give the man money because he didn't want to offend him, but the man was appreciative of Jon's kindness.

"To bring positive to the negative," Jon answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  Jon's profession is social work, so he's able to bring positive to the negative in his work-life, and his job is also an act of kindness.

I asked Jon something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "the people in my life - I have a good circle of friends."  I have no doubt Jon's circle of friends is loyal and large.  In just a few short minutes, it felt like we were friends.

Day 103 - Eli

This is Eli.   He's friends with one of my customers, Marcus.  There are a few exceptions, but typically I keep my work quite separate from my life and only a few of my customers and co-workers even know about this project.   It was absolutely pouring out and I'm so glad that Marcus suggested, basically insisted, that Eli be the subject for the day.

I always get nervous when I take pictures of people I know.  That's totally backwards, isn't it?  Most people wouldn't even consider asking a stranger for a picture and wouldn't have a problem taking the picture of an acquaintance, but I've now taken more pictures of strangers than of people I know.  When I'm taking the picture of someone I know, I feel extra pressure to perform...and most often, I blow it.

I asked Eli the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered that he was happy to be going to Eugene for the game and to see his best friends.  He and Marcus were going to hit the road as soon as they were finished with me.

Eli was the recipient of an act of kindness that same day.  Eli just started his new job a month ago.  Earlier in the day, his co-worker who also started the job the same day as Eli, brought him a cookie from Starbucks to celebrate their one month anniversary!

"To be happy and to make everyone I surround myself with happy as well," Eli answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

I asked Eli something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "things don't come easy to me, but I'm willing to go work hard to get them."

Thank you, Eli!

Day 104 - John

This is John.  We met in the parking lot at the head of one of my favorite little hiking trails.

"My daughter is home from college for Thanksgiving," John answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

John wasn't able to recall if he's performed a specific act of kindness, but he explained that the people around him do nice things every day.

"My mission in life is to enjoy as much of the outdoors as possible," John answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  John totally looks like Mr. Outdoors-y.  It had been pouring down rain but he hadn't let the rain deter him from his run. He's living his mission in life.   I asked John if he was training and he said that he had just finished a 50K (ultramarathon) a couple weeks ago!

I asked John something about himself he would consider to be a success and he answered, "my years as a teacher has been a success - impacting children's lives."  John has been teaching at the same school for 20 years!

The subjects from this week have shared the following personal mission statements and life's purpose:

• To be of help to people.
• To be a hard act to follow.
• To live for enjoyment and to help others do the same.
• To bring positive to the negative.
• To be happy and to make everyone I surround myself with happy as well.
• My mission in life is to enjoy as much of the outdoors as possible.

Thank you to every subject in this project!

Wishing you a happy week filled with thanks and gratitude!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 11

Week 11 is a wrap! You'll notice I'm experiencing some growing pains. I'm sorry.  I think it's all a part of the process.   It's been a rainy and dark week in Portland, and I've had serious struggles.  The ironic things is, were I not trying to improve, these pictures would be better.  What? I know that doesn't make sense.

Today's DSLR cameras are so amazing and high tech, that a person who knows little about photography, can still take a perfectly decent picture on auto and using the kit lens that comes with the camera. Having purchased a high-performing prime lens, and my attempt to break out of auto, is actually resulting in lots of bad mistakes.  It's been discouraging, but I keep reminding myself that each bad picture I take today, is a better picture I'll take tomorrow.  It's not very comforting, but I refuse to give up.  We have to remember that progress is not always forward-moving.  Sometimes we get stuck.  Sometimes, we even take several steps back.  We just have to keep plugging away and eventually we'll break through the walls we find ourselves up against.

Day 70 - David

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

I asked David the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he responded, "living here in Portland."  "Well, here in the Portland/Vancouver area," David corrected. David recently moved here from Massachusetts.  I love it when I happen to meet someone new to the area. We've had several newbies in the project and it's been awesome having the chance to unofficially/officially welcome a person to the Northwest.

I asked David if he's recently performed an act of kindness and David explained he tries to do something everyday.  He's always helping someone out in one way or another, and he simply tries to be kind.

When I asked David if he has a personal mission statement, he answered that he lives by a set of personal core values - "living a life of honesty and mutual respect."

"My 16 year marriage," David answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Welcome, David & family!

Day 71 - Sarah

This is Sarah.  I spotted her waiting at the bus stop. We had to hurry before the bus arrived.

The happiest thing happening in Sarah's life right now is the Choir that she directs.

I asked Sarah if she's recently performed an act of kindness, or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Sarah said that her boyfriend had given her a ride to work that morning, much earlier than he's normally up and about.

I asked Sarah if she had a personal mission statement and I could practically see Sarah's mind racing in an attempt to nail down an answer.  The question is a big one. For some reason, although it seems equally as intimidating to me, I've found that asking instead about a person's life's purpose somehow helps people to focus on an answer.  Sarah easily answered that her life's purpose is "to try to help other people through music."

"That I've gotten better about asking for help," Sarah answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  This is such a huge life lesson to learn and I'm happy for Sarah that she's learned how to do so at a young age.  I still need help with asking for help.

Day 72 - Matt

This is Matt.   Matt had a bike and because the bus already had too many bikes on board, Matt was left behind to wait for the next one to come along, and it gave me the perfect opportunity to ask Matt if I could take his picture.

"I just got a new apartment," Matt answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Matt if he's either performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he quickly answered, "my girlfriend does awesome stuff every day."  Awwww.

I asked Matt if he has a personal mission statement or if he could define his life's purpose.  Matt responded with:

1 - "Good enough is never good enough."

2 - "We never really die until the last time someone says our name, so I'd like my name to stick around."

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

Day 73 - Kelly

This is Kelly.  We're co-workers.  It was pouring outside when it came time to go out looking for a subject. I was concerned about protecting my camera, and then if I managed to find someone, I didn't want to inconvenience them by stopping them in the rain to ask for a picture and "interview."  Kelly told me she's not photogenic, but understanding the rainy predicament I was in, she agreed to let me take her picture.

"Being at peace with all of my family and friends, being in a good place, and being happy all-together," Kelly answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

When I asked Kelly if she's recently performed an act of kindness, she couldn't think of anything specific but answered, "I always try to be nice to people, and thoughtful."  I immediately thought of all of the kindness Kelly gives to us each day at work.  Kelly is a designer and working in the art department, their days are scheduled in advance.  They know exactly what their objectives are for the day and thoughtful consideration goes into planning and scheduling their days so they have just enough time to complete their jobs for the day.  A little bit of pressure can help some people to focus, but too much pressure can be a complete creativity-killer.  Any new and unscheduled task, adds pressure to their day.    Although the art department is scheduled, Kelly knows that new things pop up in sales all day long and we often need the guidance of the art department in order for us to do the next step in our jobs.  Kelly always helps.  She always finds, or makes, the time to help us and she does so with kindness.

I asked Kelly if she has a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.  She gave the question consideration before answering, "to keep growing and keep learning new things, and to keep expanding myself in every way."

"I'm very introspective and good at analyzing situations," Kelly replied, when I asked her something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  I just recently became aware of Kelly's amazing ability to assess a situation or person.  It's awesome working with someone who has a complete understanding of a situation.  In this instance, Kelly even offered a perspective I hadn't considered, which helped me to have a greater understanding and appreciation for the situation as well.

Thank you, Kelly!

Day 74 - The Great Brendini

This is The Great Brendini, a nickname she had just been given by a co-worker that same day.  We met outside of Velo Cult.

I asked Brendini the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered, "predictability."

Brendini's recent act of kindness is that earlier in the grocery store, she had acknowledged a woman who society probably normally overlooks, ignores, or dismisses.  Brendini gave the woman direct eye contact, accepting body language and a smile.  A little bit of kindness goes a long way at the grocery store.  The grocery store is a great place to practice kindness. I read an article which presented a challenge to smile, genuinely smile, at 3 people in the grocery store, every time you go shopping.   If you try the 3-smile challenge,  be sure to report back the results!

When I asked Brendini if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose, I could tell she was retreating to her mind to retrieve an answer.  She said, "I'm a philosopher in my mind," but she was having a difficult time coming up with an answer.  I completely understood Brendini and I cracked up at her "philosopher in my mind" comment.  Brendini and I have this in common.  I have beautiful thoughts and ideas, but in my mind is where they stay locked away, seeming to serve the purpose of entertaining only my own self.  It's like I'm not able to give them life.  When I attempt to birth the thoughts,  things never come out of my mouth, or onto the keyboard, the way they've been stored in my mind.

Brendini worked through the temporary block and answered, "willing your own purpose through authenticity, and recognizing the inspiration in everything around you - is my purpose every day."

"My independence," Brendini answered, when I asked her something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  I loved talking with Brendini.  She told me all about her neighborhood adventures, which she often goes on alone.  Having become a bit of a lone wolf myself, I loved hearing about another woman who enjoys venturing out alone and found familiar and comfortable irony in that predictability is currently giving happiness to Brendini's life, but it's balanced by an independent and adventurous spirit. I guess you could say we're predictably adventurous.  Or adventurously predictable?

After we finished with the picture and interview, Brendini told me she was going to check out the tattoo shop next door, and then head back into Velo Cult for a lecture on neuroscience.  (Who even knew that Velo Cult, a combination bike repair shop, pub, and event space, hosted lectures on neuroscience??? Neuroscience one day, then live music the next!!)  Brendini is at expert level 10 when it comes to independence.  I could learn a thing or two from her.

Day 75 - Ernest

This is Ernest.  Ernest is the uncle of a woman I've known for about 25 years.  She was married to one of our high school track coaches, and coincidentally, we ended up living in the same town, 250+ miles away from where we met.  We bump into each other at the grocery store every so often, and we just happened to run into each other this night.

I loved visiting with Ernest and his niece,  and I really wanted to come away with a particularly special picture of Ernest.  When I arrived home to prepare the photo for Instagram, I was heartbroken by the mistakes I had made.  I always want to do a good job, but given that Ernest is family to someone I've known for years, I wanted to be able to surprise her with a beautiful portrait the next time we bumped into each other at the grocery store.   I failed.  Ernest was such a nice man though.  I have a feeling he's the kind of man who would tell me to stop beating myself up because I'm still just learning.

"Retirement," Ernest immediately answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Ernest if he's recently either performed an act of kindness, or been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Ernest said he's been on the receiving end, in that someone recently gave him a job painting.  Although Ernest is happily retired, he still likes to keep busy.

Ernest's life's purpose - "to be comfortable in life."

I asked Ernest something about himself which he considers to be a success.  Ernest answered, "my old-school cars."  Ernest has a few classic cars which he's collected, restored, and now maintains.  It was obvious looking at Ernest, that he's a fit and active man.  I commented to Ernest that he looked like he was ready to to go for a run.  "Thank you," he said.  I then learned that Ernest also runs almost every day!!  He didn't mention his running as something he would consider to be a success, but I sure do!

Ernest, thank you for letting me take your picture and I hope to see you again some day!

Day 75 - A.J.

This is A.J..  He was parked next to me at Walgreens.  Seeing that A.J. had just picked up an order of photo prints, I figured chances were in my favor that he would say yes if I asked to take his picture.

A.J. is tall.  I mean, really tall.  I had to stand up on the curb but he was still too tall for me.  I had to ask him to squat down.  I feel bad about asking tall people to do this.  I know it feels awkward, but it results in a much better picture than shooting up a tall person's nose.   A.J. laughed and explained he was fine with the request because he's had to squat in just about every picture anyone has ever taken of him.

"Going to Disneyland on Tuesday," A.J. answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

A.J.'s recent act of kindness is that he bought someone's drinks at a restaurant the other night.

"Rise above," A.J. answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.

When I asked A.J. something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "my family."

Here's the summary of the mission statements and life's purpose of the subjects from week 11:

• Living a life of honesty and mutual respect.
• To try to help other people through music.
• Good enough is never good enough.
• We never really die until the last time someone says our name, so I'd like my name to stick around.
• To keep growing and keep learning new things, and to keep expanding myself in every way.
• Willing your own purpose through authenticity.
• Recognizing the inspiration in everything around you.
• Rise above.

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

Wishing you a great 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

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"

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

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

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

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

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" 

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

The Portland Marathon - (sitting out the) Race Report

This past Sunday was the Portland Marathon.  It would have been, and should have been, my 5th Marathon.  But, it wasn't.  It was a difficult decision, but I realized in April, when I could barely finish a half-marathon, that I needed to put myself on the injured list and sit out this year. I walked and finished my first Portland Marathon on 10/10/10, and before even finishing, I knew I wanted to do another.   Running or walking a marathon is like getting a tattoo. It is absolutely impossible to stop at just one.  There is no higher high, than the sense of accomplishment you feel after crossing the finish line after having spent the past several months training. You spend months putting in hundreds/thousands of miles while normal people are still asleep in the mornings, or out enjoying happy hour in the evenings.  If you've ever had a desire to do a marathon, I would encourage you to start training now.  Register for one.  Train.  Feel awesome.  It will be the best decision you've ever made for yourself.  It will change everything about life, from the way you view challenges and hardships, to what "fuel" you decide to put into your body.  You will change your perspective on just about everything. When you train for, and finish, a marathon, your mindset becomes one of - "anything is possible."

If participating in a marathon gives you one of the greatest highs possible, then you can imagine the utter disappointment you would feel after having completed a few, to then know that your body is in no condition to do another.  I can usually talk myself out of the funkiest of funks, but knowing I was too injured to push myself to train for this year's marathon, sent me into a horrible case of the blues.  I was bummed. I was sad.  I wasn't training. I was gaining weight.  I wasn't getting to experience all of the camaraderie with my other runner and walker friends.  I was upset with myself and upset with my body, even though I knew the decision to sit out this year was the right decision.

My husband didn't like to see me beating myself up.  The day before the marathon he said to me, "you know what will make you feel better?  You should go down to the marathon and cheer for your friends."  I resisted at first. I told him I was afraid it would make me too sad.  He persisted, reminding me, "you like it when your friends cheer for you, so now's your chance to go cheer for your friends." He was right.  He was absolutely right.  The minute I allowed myself to imagine my friends crossing the finish line, I was instantly filled with excitement and nervousness for them!   I couldn't think of anything I wanted to do more, than to go and cheer on my friends.   Well, I wanted to cheer and make posters!!!

I immediately messaged my friend Becki, who is pretty much the very best marathon cheerleader in the entire universe.  She knows the best routes for cheering for a person in the Portland Marathon at multiple points throughout the entire course.   I would never have been able to cross that finish line were it not for the support of my friends and family.   They are both cheerleader and pit crew.  Becki cleared her schedule for Sunday and happily agreed to chauffeur us so we could cheer on our old classmates.  Becki was in for the race on Sunday, but she was busy Saturday, so I was on my own for making posters.  After a not-so-quick-trip to Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts to get poster-making supplies, I finally started crafting our posters at around 10pm the night before the marathon.

We met bright and early on Sunday morning to figure out logistics of how to cheer for both our runner friend and our walker friends.  Our runner friend is fast.  I have no doubt that she could qualify for Boston, if that's something she wants for herself.  The other two friends are walkers and they had told me their goal was  just to finish.   We had to strategize our stops in such a way that we would be able to cheer for both our runner friend and walker friends, and we wanted to see them all at multiple points throughout the race.

We planned to see our runner friend at the out-and-back along Front Avenue (which is around mile 6 - 11ish), then get her again on the other side of the St. Johns Bridge, then go back to the out-and-back to cheer on our walker friends.  After seeing our runner friend, Shannon, we knew she was looking strong and on pace to meet her goal.  I also knew she had other friends there to cheer her on.  When we couldn't figure out the logistics, we decided just to stay there to cheer for our walker friends.  During that time at our first post, we got to see thousands of participants, from runners to walkers, and everyone in between.  We knew Shannon was looking strong, she would finish, and there was a high likelihood she could even set a PR.  She was going to be just fine and she had lots of other friends there to see her through.

Shannon was in beast mode and totally came out of nowhere, before I could even ready myself to get her in focus. She's an animal and she did excellent!

Since our walker friends had said their goal was to finish, and almost alluded to the possibility that they might not make it, we made up our minds that we were determined to see them cross that finish line and we were going to stay for the entire race to make sure it happened!  We weren't sure if either of our walker friends, Anita or Hillary, had family or friends there to cheer - so we were going to cheer enough to be both their family and their friends!

Our "will recycle this sign" sign, was a hit at stop one and people even stopped to take pictures.

I didn't take any pictures between our first stop, and the finish.  We were too busy cheering!  (NOTE: If you're reading this on an iPhone, these two pictures might be sideways.  I'm sorry.  This was perplexing.  If they're right side up on a macbook, they're sideways on the iPhone.  When i fix them for the iPhone, they're sideways on the laptop. Weird!  Let's just pretend this didn't happen.)

After the first cheering post at mile 6-11, we drove over to NW Portland and cheered again around mile 12.  By then, other runners and walkers recognized us from the first stop, and started to adopt us.  Anita and Hillary were totally surprised to see us.  I'm fairly certain they didn't expect to see us again.  We then made our way down St. Helens Road and honked and cheered as we drove by. Again, I think Anita and Hillary thought that would be the last they saw of us.

We made our way across the St. Johns Bridge, which is exhausting, even when you're riding in a little smart car.   By then, Becki and I had both sustained serious blisters.  Cowbell-ringing blisters. We were determined to push through the pain.  There was one upside to not actually participating in the marathon.  After the St. Johns Bridge, we stopped at Burgerville for lunch.  Now I don't think I'll ever be able to do another marathon without thinking about the Burgerville which is just on the other side of the St. Johns Bridge. I wish I hadn't learned this.  After lunch, we then made our way to our next post, just around the bend from the St. Johns Bridge, which would have been around mile 17.5.  The complete strangers who had recognized us from the previous stops were now commenting to us and thanking us for cheering them on.  When Anita and Hillary saw us, I think the were in complete disbelief that we were sticking with them!  We told them we're stalking them and would see them down the road a ways.  Anita expressed her concern that she might not make it another mile.

Our next post was around mile 20, where we had just missed Hillary, but we were able to see Anita again and we were able to tell her that we would see her at the finish line. We told all of the random strangers who recognized us and adopted us as their own cheerleaders, that we would see them at the finish line as well.  We wanted them to know someone was going to be there, expecting to see them cross that finish line, hoping it would help squash any little monsters of self-doubt creeping into their minds.  At this point, not only were we fully invested in seeing Anita and Hillary finish, but there were hundreds of other people with whom we now had a connection. We were rooting for everyone!

After mile 20-ish, we had to head downtown to the finish line area.  Most marathons and half-marathons have a time limit by which you must finish, or you're re-routed.  You can still finish, but often times it means you're moved from the street to the sidewalk.  In the Portland Marathon, they completely re-route you.  As we made our way down to the finish, we could see they were starting to re-route the walkers.  I was so stressed.  The re-route looked like it was more difficult, and it seemed like it even added distance.  I know how painful those last few miles can be, and the thought of a more difficult re-route made my heart ache for everyone.

We made it to the finish line area where we were able to cheer and cry and cheer and cry.  We got to see lots of other finishers, including a dog, a woman celebrating her 70th birthday, an elderly woman near 90 years old who was doing her 47th marathon, a couple who held hands the entire marathon, and several people who when they saw their loved ones at the finish line, completely broke down into tears.  Believe me, everyone cries at the finish line or just before.  You're at complete physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion and when you enter the finish chute, your emotions come bursting out and there's nothing you can do to hold them back.  Then add in your friends or family, and you're near complete emotional melt-down.  The tears just happen. It's all good. Let 'em flow.

All of the sudden, volunteers started tearing down the finish chute. The banners came down.  The Finish Line came down.  Gone were the cheerleaders, the announcers and the giant timer clock...and then came something you just don't want to see; the police car that indicates the end of the pack.

Thinking the police car wouldn't arrive until every walker had finished, we grew concerned.  Our friends hadn't yet finished.   We checked the online tracker to find their whereabouts, and then had a momentary freak-out.  According to the online tracker, they had stopped shortly after we saw them last.  We were sad and in disbelief.  They looked strong when we last saw them.  They appeared tired, but strong, and like they would definitely finish. After some quick thinking, we tracked the bib numbers of some of the walkers who had just finished and the online tracker showed they had stopped as well.  Clearly, they just crossed the finish line in front of our very eyes, so we realized that the on-line tracker was just down, and the police car was only there to re-route the finish to the alternate area.  Our friends hadn't stopped. They would be finishing any moment!

Let me tell you what happens after the banners are torn down, the finish line is torn down, and the announcer stops announcing...what happens next is that the greatest athletes in the world start to cross the newly re-positioned finish line.

The finish line changes from a cordoned-off chute, to a little area near the World Trade Center.  The remaining volunteers form a line to point finishers into the new finish area.

After most people have gone home, is when you see the biggest display of guts and relentless determination.  I cried. We cried.  Every person who crossed the new finish line was as determined and as strong as the first person who crossed the finish line. To me, they were even more brave. They had more guts.  They had more relentless determination than a naturally gifted runner, because they weren't naturally gifted.  They worked through each and every single step. They've been out there working twice as long as some people, but they never gave up. They kept going.

When we saw our friends nearing the finish, we nearly broke down as well.  It had been a long, hot, very hot, day and they had just given it their all to cross that finish line.  They dug deep. They did it.   When we saw our friends, I thought it was pretty cool that we happened to know the greatest athletes in the world.   Finishing = Winning.

Anita, Hillary and Shannon - congratulations on your finish!  You're all awesome!

365 More People Pictures - Week 8

Hello! Here's the review of week 8.  Sorry for the delay.  I got off-schedule last week in order to cheer on my friends running/walking the Portland Marathon.  I'll work on a (sitting out the) Race Report and share the fun with you soon.

Day  49 - Samson and Delilah and their Humans

This is Samson and Delilah and their human parents.  They were out for a stroll along the Columbia River when we met.

My heart melted when I saw these puppies walking toward me and wanting my attention.  Ok, I confess.  I totally leapt off the bench on which I had been sitting and all but begged their humans for permission to pet them.  After a little bit of puppy-lovin, I asked Samson and Delilah's humans if they would be in the project.

I asked the couple the happiest thing happening in their lives right now, and puppy-mom answered for them both, "having the puppies and just finishing vacation."

I asked puppy-dad if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that the whole vacation they had just taken, had been paid for by someone else.

I asked Samson and Delilah's mom if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose, and she answered, "I hope to share the love of Jesus Christ."

I asked Samson and Delilah's dad something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "raising two kids who were both outstanding Marines."  (They're both home safe and now resuming their lives.)

Day 50 - Jason

This is Jason. He happened to be walking right by my work as I was about to go out looking for a subject for the day.

"My friends and family," Jason answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Jason if he's recently performed an act of kindness. Jason explained that he was recently the Best Man in his friend's wedding, and with it, came a lot of work.  We joked about how much responsibility comes with the role of Best Man or Maid of Honor, nowadays.

I asked Jason if he had a personal mission statement. Jason is another person who tries to live by the golden rule, answering, "treat other people how you want to be treated...and things should work out."

When I asked Jason something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "I love my job. I love what I do."  Jason likes the path he chose in teaching, even if it meant less money, he's happy to be doing what he loves.

Day 51 - Toby

This is Toby.  We met at a bus stop.

"The new season of Scandal is starting," Toby answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Toby had given the question serious consideration before answering, so I figured this must be a really good show, but one I've never seen.  When it comes to TV-watching, I've been living under a rock.  I later saw that the Scandal premiere completely blew up twitter and it sounds like a must-see show.  Thanks for the tip,  Toby!

I asked Toby if he's performed an act of kindness and he said that he volunteers at a soup kitchen once per week.

"To live with intention and to make the world more positive," Toby answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement.  Toby so eloquently said the words I've been unable to articulate for myself.  I love Toby's mission statement and told him I'd like to adopt it for part of my own.

I asked Toby something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "successfully writing for a living."  Toby is a freelance writer, and if you've ever read The Portland Mercury blog, you've probably read some of Toby's work.

Day 52 - Jeff-Lee

This is Jeff-Lee.  We met at a bus stop.

I asked Jeff-Lee the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "Bikram Yoga, Jiu Jitsu, and college."

I asked Jeff-Lee if he had recently performed an act of kindness. He explained that he tries to do kind acts, of varying degrees, all the time, but what was coming to mind was that he recently helped a young woman who was unfamiliar with the bus, get to where she needed to go.  Then later that same day, he saw her again on campus!

"To be love.  To share.  Sharing is caring," Jeff-Lee answered, when I asked if he had a life's purpose.

The bus arrived before I could ask Jeff-Lee any more questions.

When I got home to prepare the pictures for Instagram, I was disappointed in what I had done. Jeff-Lee is quite handsome and has all of the features with which I've found I've had the most success when photographing.  (typically males with a beard, expressive eyes, and a strong facial feature, or angles.)  I had all of the elements which should have made for a great picture.  I should have done much better.

As the weather and sunlight changes, I've been facing new challenges to learn how to change the camera settings in order to get a decent picture. During the first project last year, I shot on auto (yes, auto!) and with a flash.  I wasn't really learning the technical aspects of changing camera settings. This year, I'm challenging myself to grow and improve and often times, that means getting worse before you get better.  I really wanted to get a beautiful image of Jeff-Lee, but I learned more from not getting it right, than I would have had it been perfect.

I was also struck with the realization that how I'm feeling definitely influences the look and feel of a picture.  Again, I experienced this a little last year, but now that I'm starting to make some baby-steps forward, it becomes even more apparent when a shot is blown.   This is both frustrating and amazing!  It means improvement is being made! It means there really is something inside of me that contributes to the look and feel of an image.  I get it! I get it!  It means it's not just the camera!  There is a part of me going into each and every picture.  If I'm carrying around stress and anxiety from my work-day, it's going to show.

I've always known a real photographer is responsible for the creation of their images. They are artists.   Having had several off-days the past few weeks, has made me realize that I've been putting myself into these pictures as well. It hasn't all been a fluke!  Both good days and bad days, how a photographer is feeling will show in their work.   (I'm not talking simply about the technical camera settings. I'm talking about the emotion.)  This was a great reminder to be fully present when I'm meeting a subject and taking their picture.  I just need to set aside work-stress and enjoy the brief moment I get to spend with each subject of the day.

Day 53  - Jeremy

This is Jeremy.  He was sitting outside on the patio at Whole Foods.

I asked Jeremy the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "meeting the girl I'm with right now."  Jeremy explained he wasn't doing anything too special before meeting her, but having her in his life is giving him inspiration to better himself.  "She keeps me grounded," Jeremy added.

I asked Jeremy if he's recently performed an act of kindness. Jeremy answered, "I try to do a good deed every day."  Although I didn't ask, I've learned from this project that whenever someone answers with a reference to doing a good deed daily, they've usually been Boy Scouts/Eagle Scouts.  Jeremy's recent act of kindness is that he gave some street kids a few dollars.  Jeremy explained that he went through a time in his life when he was traveling and living on the streets and since he's been there before, he wants to help when he can.

I asked Jeremy if he has a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.  Jeremy answered, "my mission in life is to honor the people who came before me, to do what's right in the world, and contribute to a better society."  Jeremy doesn't want to just sit back and maintain status quo. Jeremy wants to make a difference.

"I just got a degree in Liberal Arts," Jeremy answered, when I asked something about himself which he considers to be a success.  I loved listening to Jeremy's story about wanting to make his Mom proud.  I'm sure she is!

Day 54 - Paddy

This is Paddy.  We met at a bus stop.

The bus arrived right away, so we only had time for one question.

I asked Paddy the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I just got tattoos on my feet!"  For a moment, I thought I could read the look on Paddy's face that he was  trying to calculate if he possibly had enough time to quickly remove his shoes to show off his new tattoos before frustrating the bus driver and other passengers.  And no...we didn't have enough time for that.

Day 55 - Clements

This is Clements. (What a great name!)   We met at a bus stop in NW Portland.  I look forward to the rare days when I'm in a different part of town, because I'm excited about the people I'll meet there.  Another goal I have for the project, is to venture out of my normal go-to neighborhoods and parks.

Again, the bus arrived after just one question.

I asked Clements the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I paint and I'm just about to start a new project."

Here's the summary of the wisdom we received from the subjects of week 8.

• I hope to share the love of Jesus Christ.
• Treat other people how you want to be treated...and things should work out.
• To live with intention and to make the world more positive.
• To be love.  To share. Sharing is caring.
• My mission in life is to honor the people who came before me, to do what's right in the world, and contribute to a better society.

To each person who has been a subject in this project, thank you for sharing yourself with us.

Thank you!

365 More People Pictures - Week 7

Hello! Week 7 is a wrap!

Day 42 - Teri

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Teri.

Day 43 - Elliot

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

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

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

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

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

Day 44 - Drew

This is Drew.  I spotted him on the sidewalk.

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

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

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

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

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

Day 45 - Julie

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

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

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

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

1 - "Experience and share love."

2 - "Seek out learning opportunities."

3 - "Be physically active."

4 - "Remember to laugh and play."

5 - ...

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

Day 46 - Becki

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 47 - Sky

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 48 - Brian

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

Damit.  Damn.  Damit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you again for following along.

Have a great week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 6

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

Day 35 - Trent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 36 - Matt

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

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

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

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

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

Day 37 - Chris

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

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

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

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

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

Chris' children have a great Mom!

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

Day 38 - Orville

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

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

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

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

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

Day 39 - Mitchell.

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

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

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

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

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

Day 40 - Brenden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 41 - Josh

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best wishes to you, Josh.

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

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

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

Wishing you a week filled with happiness and good people!

365 More People Pictures - Week 5

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

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

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

Day 28 - Kari

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bon Voyage, Kari!

Day 29 - Duffy and his Dogs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 30 - Robert and Collin

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

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

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

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

Day 31 - Raul

This is Raul.

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

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

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

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

Day 32 - Anonymous Dog Walker and Anonymous Dog

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

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

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

Day 33 - Paige

This is Paige.  We met at the bus stop.

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

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

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

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

Find a partner to share life with.

Leave the world a better place than you found it.

Treat other people the way you want to be treated.

Enjoy life!

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

Day 34 - Alicia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wishing you a happy and productive week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 4

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

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

Day 21 - Julie

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 22 - Guy

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

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

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

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

Day 23 - Bob

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

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

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

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

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

Day 24 - Johnny McMahon

This is Johnny.   We met at Mt. Tabor.

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

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

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

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

Wishing you luck, happiness and success, Johnny!

Day 25 - Joonie

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

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

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

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

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

Day 26 - Morgan

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

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

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

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

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

Day 27 - Jeff

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

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

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

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

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

Wishing Jeff lots of success and happiness here!

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

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

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

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

Have a great week and enjoy the journey!

365 More People Pictures - Week 3

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

Day 14 - Rob, Matt & Conway

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 15 - Scott

This is Scott.  We met at Mt. Tabor.

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

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

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

Day 16 - Shauna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 17 - Amy

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

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

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

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

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

Day 18 - Kasey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 19 - Fernie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 30 - Rikyah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Band  - The Sindicate

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

SteamPunk Girls

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

Syndra

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

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

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

Have a great week!