Pure

so agile and witty
a scrawny body
with a copious spirit
living every day
in anticipation
with a future looking
straight into his eyes
full of life so energetic
a charismatic character
smiles and laughter
getting tired after a day
of uncorrupt bliss
being five and pure

He makes my day when he calls and tells me he has to come over because he is "addicted" to me! Ahhhh...I buy it and he comes running. Love ya Quinn!

Angel

I had such a wonderful relaxing day today. Most of the time the weekends are packed with activities and we don't have time to just be. It is so important for our souls to just BE. Today I feel relaxed, satisfied and free. I had my best friend's eight year old boy over for a class in painting. Not that I am the best teacher, but because I know that he will be the most amazing artist one day and this is a time when he really needs to get an outlet for his emotions. All he needs is a little push and some experience with paint. This boy lost his sister awhile ago and we believe he has kept most of his sadness inside. He is a thinker and needs to let out his pain. Painting is one of the most powerful soul cleansers, and since he is an artist, the best way for him is probably through this expression. It was obvious that he could translate images from imagination very well at a very early age. He has a beautiful mind, soul and heart and it spills into whatever he does. I have known him since he was born and I feel that we have a special bond. We are two artistic minds that think alike. If he will let me, I will post his painting once it is done. So anyway, me and this young boy sat and painted together for hours. He loved it. I loved it. I normally don't paint what came out today, I just let the brush make what it wanted to. I had no plans for what was going to come out of it. I think an angel appeared because this boy's baby sister was taken away and my mind was finally ready to express it. I loved his sister since the second I saw her. She had a strong powerful magnetism that will live with us as long as we live. Rest in Heavenly Peace baby sister. Be strong and help your brother feel free from pain. You helped me today.

Ice

It is yet another cold winter day. It snowed today and more snow will be arriving this week but never enough to stay on the ground. However, I got a picture of some ice that I thought would make a nice abstract image.

Homemade studio tutorial 1

I have this idea to build my own photo studio. I want to be able to take pictures of all my friend's kids indoors but I don't have the proper equipment. Since I am not rich nor famous I am trying to keep the costs at a minimum. I believe I have enough hope, imagination and craftiness to succeed. I went to Lowe's Hardware store tonight to scout out possible material to use. I figured I'd give the "project desk" a shot to see if they could help me out, but they didn't seem to understand what I was trying to do, so I asked them to guide me to their flood lights. I found some aluminum "lamp-shades" with clasps and cords that I can use for fill lights. I bought three of them for $11.94 ea. I also got a bright white 48" x 32" Wainscot Board for $8.13 that will be perfect as a reflector when I take portraits and don't want any sharp shadows. Ok, so that was the beginning and I had time to hit the nearby Target to check out some more stuff that I could use. I was lucky and ran into these super large white lampshades on sale for $5 a piece, which was a total steal. I really don't know if they will work, but if they do I'll be super excited. I also bought some white poster board that I can use to cover the front of the lampshades so that I get a soft glow. I have a good feeling this is going to work. I still have to gather some other things but this is a start. I'll make sure I'll take pictures of how I put it all together just in case some other lunatics want to set up their home photo studio as well.

My Beautiful Island

I got an email from a dear childhood friend of mine from the Island in Sweden where I grew up. We recently started keeping in touch again after many years thanks to facebook. She moved to South Africa years ago and has, like me, created her own little life with a new family and friends. I got the opportunity to see some of her paintings on facebook and they are amazing. She has an extraordinary talent. She recognizes my patriotism for Sweden and reminded me of how many wonderful artists come from our home country. Being born and raised on this Island made us who we are today. It made us want to see more of the world yet never forget where we come from. She asked me to go and check out this old video of one of Sweden's wonderful songwriters and singers. The video takes place on the Island where we grew up and when I watch it I feel a little closer to home. I know how it is to walk where she is walking, to smell the air, to watch the ocean, and to take in the open fields that fill your heart with hope and open your senses wide. Thanks Josie for reminding me how fortunate we are.

Nature Artists

It is great how nature and people create art without even knowing it. Often a wall, window, writing, rust, plants, paint and trash can create the most beautiful composition, texture and colors. People leave things where they don't belong and suddenly the things take form and become one with its surroundings. It is marvelous.

Heads

I don't know if anyone appreciates the morbid "art pieces" I find... ha ha, oh well, as long as I find them appealing. However, I'll be posting more pleasing images soon...

Memories

Why am I so fascinated with photography? Maybe this endless dream of capturing that perfect emotion, texture or composition? I don't know. I never seem to be satisfied with any of my pictures, but I guess that is what keeps me motivated. I remember being twelve years old with my mother's Nikon film SLR camera around my neck running through the woods and down to the beach to catch the best sunset. Or finding a deserted place or path where I could spend hours trying to shoot something that I would like. My heart pounding, my cheeks flushed and the SLR clicking away. Then a teacher at my school would let me stay in the darkroom and develop my pictures even after school was closed. I felt so at home in the red light and the dangerous fumes of Fix and other solutions (probably killed a few brain cells too).  Everywhere i go I see things that I want to take pictures of. The happiness, frustration and success this tiny black box has given me is beyond words. I never think of myself as a photographer because for me that is a profession and I never wanted this hobby to become work. It is a freedom where I am in control. My mother was busy taking care of all her kids and work, but she still had time to take great pictures. She has a good eye and I am thankful that she passed on her interest in photography to me. I am also thankful that I got to borrow her camera before I could afford my own. Mum, if you read this...I LOVE YOU!