People Patterns, Paris.

"People Patterns, no.1"

"People Patterns, no.2"

Paris, 2012.

Black and White, Paris

Paris, 2012.

For Allison, on her 21st birthday. 
Someday, when you first visit Paris, I hope we're together so I can see you fall in love.  Paris will love you back, I just know it.

Stories of Summer, Ch. 17: The 123 Year Old Diner

 

 

 

    

  

 

 

Last Summer, while on our Detroit / Niagara adventure, we stumbled upon a most fascinating little spot -- a 123 year old diner (during last year's visit, it was a mere 122 years).  While in Niagara, we opted for a morning away from the Falls in hopes of discovering more wonders around town... and we were not disappointed!

While I was busy photographing an old sign down the street, Josh disappeared into Simon's. From the outside, he couldn't quite tell what sort of establishment it was.  A few minutes later he returned to say "I think I found something you're going to want to see."

When I walked into the diner, I couldn't believe my eyes. I wasn't exactly sure what to make of the place.  In addition to the beautiful red barstools and colorful menus, there were mementos e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e.  Tables stacked with piles of papers, photographs, and newspaper clippings; clusters of vases and ceramic figurines; an old Canadian scout uniform hanging on a rack; random oddities, maps, lamps and paintings, and boxes, boxes, and more boxes of who knows what stacked high against the walls.  Truly a sight to behold.

We didn't want to ogle and run, so we sat down at the bar and ordered up a classic diner breakfast:  eggs, sausage, and coffee.   When the waitress asked "Would you like white or brown toast with that?" I knew we were in for a real treat.

If we are ever lucky enough to return to Niagara Falls, I sure hope Simon's is still around.

Simon's is a family business, operated by a rather charming husband and wife who were very happy to let us explore and take pictures (although they weren't quite sure what all the fuss was about!) The proprietor, pictured above.

In Windows, Paris...

"Paris is always a good idea."

-Audrey Hepburn

When he was 2, and he was 97.

Luke and his Great Grandfather Eating Breakfast, 2010.

Happy Father's Day to all the Papas out there... (including my own!) 

Me, Myself & Lyme

(-Still photo by Me, Double-Exposure post processing by Allison Zahigian, via "Me, Myself & Lyme")

As part of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, my lovely niece Allison Zahigian (above) created "Me, Myself & Lyme," in hopes of spreading awareness about the disease.  Allison has dedicated the project to her Mom, Leslie Jouroyan, who has lived with Lyme Disease for six years.

Please visit "Me, Myself & Lyme" on Facebook or Tumblr, to learn important tips on prevention, diagnosis, and living with Lyme.

Although I heard of Lyme Disease years ago, it wasn't until it hit our family that I learned how widespread and debilitating the disease can be.  Allison's Mom has fought a brave and difficult fight these past six years, and I am very proud of Allison for her efforts to share what they've learned, and help spread the word!

Spring is Here... Say Cheeeeze!

A sunny afternoon photo excursion with my nephew Luke.

Whether photographing a flower, a tree, or his happy auntie, Luke smiles and says "cheeeze" to each of his subjects. It's so cute, even the flowers smile back...

Happy Spring!

35.

Self Portrait, October 2011.

In my early twenties, I got an inkling to take a self-portrait on my birthday. Since then I've tried to make it a tradition. Sometimes I make the photograph on my birthday, sometimes a couple of days after, whenever the time feels right. Turns out, "whenever the time feels right" is usually just after a shower with a moppy wet head.

Although I started this birthday project without known intentions, it's been fun to look back at myself and a decade of changing scenery-- to see myself in former bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms, is to recall in an instant what it felt like to be there then, in the places called home.

Here I am now, in the golden glow of 35.

A Most Fantastical Morning Walk

A chilly morning in Northern California wine country was warmed by the company of family, and beauty in all directions...

like sunday morning

circa 2000.

I recently discovered this photo of josh in a dust covered box full of treasure. This photo has always been one of my favorite from our first years together. I shot the photo with slide film, and made a print with my Polaroid Daylab, in the kitchen of my very own apartment.

Record Store Day

I hear it's officially Record Store Day. Unofficially, it's Record Store Day in my life most every day. I recently came across this photo that Josh took of me while we were record shopping in Alameda, Ca a few years ago. Wearing my favorite yellow sweatshirt, shopping for records, I'm a happy girl.

While we're on the subject, I thought I'd share the Four Aces Record Frame with you, the latest record-related item to come out of our Able And Baker woodshop. The wood-ply detail is absolutely beautiful, and worthy of showcasing the finest of album covers.

So, get out there, support your local independent record store, and add some soundtrack to your Saturday...!

Friday's Found

I hope you all have a fancy hat kind of a weekend...

(Each Friday I'll share a found photograph with you, in hopes of further celebrating how photography can enrich our lives. Whenever I visit thrift stores or antique shops, I really enjoy looking through bins and boxes of photographs and paper ephemera. Found photographs have an air of mystery about them, and whether they incite laughter, admiration, or a gentle heartache, they spark a sense of curiosity and wonder that makes me feel in-the-moment alive and part of a common humanity. And I like that.)

Friday's Found, The Lovely Lady

This week, you may have noticed a prevailing theme -- Faces!
I thought this found photo would be a perfect way to wrap up the week. I hope your weekend is every bit as lovely...

(Each Friday I'll share a found photograph with you, in hopes of further celebrating how photography can enrich our lives. Whenever I visit thrift stores or antique shops, I really enjoy looking through bins and boxes of photographs and paper ephemera. Found photographs have an air of mystery about them, and whether they incite laughter, admiration, or a gentle heartache, they spark a sense of curiosity and wonder that makes me feel in-the-moment alive and part of a common humanity. And I like that.)

Beauty and the Bookshop

Graduation Portrait, Walden Pond Books, Oakland.

Music at Rest

another one from the archives...

There once was an ocean blue...

circa 2007.

Childhood, Scene 3.