The Towncar

I was sorting through some photos this morning, and found this shot of a New Yorker. I love old cars. You may have already made that assumption, but I thought I'd come right out and say it.

This New Yorker got me thinking about a couple of things.

1. I really love New York. We haven't been there in about two years, and I think we're due for a visit.

2. I really love San Francisco. That's where I am right now.

3. The New Yorker is a true classic. Why didn't they make a San Francisco too? Or did they, and I just don't know?

4. Are there cars named after other cities? I know there's the Malibu, but what else? Where's the Chicago, the Detroit, or the El Paso....?

Apparently, these are the things I think about.

Check out a few of my favorite car photographs here, here, and here.

Also, Thanks to all of you who have entered my Giveaway at The Bright Side Project. Reading through your expressed visions of California has been delightful to say the least.

hash browns & honey

Waffle Shop love.

Sunlight is Painting

"moonlight is sculpture, sunlight is painting"
-Nathaniel Hawthorne



(I was planning to save this for a Wonder Wednesday tomorrow, but today was so grey and gloomy, and I just couldn't wait...)

Join Me on the Bright Side and Win!

When The Bright Side Project invited me to contribute, I did not hesitate, even for an instant. I have quietly admired their Project for some time, and am so excited that they found me.

What's The Bright Side all about?
"The Bright Side Project is here to bring you sunshine every day with themed, daily giveaways. We hope to inspire you to stop for a second and remember life is (still) beautiful and there is goodness in the world."

What's up for grabs?
A $65 Gift Certificate for my Shop!

Winning is Possible in 1-2-3 Easy Steps:

1. Visit The Bright Side Project.

2. Leave your answer to this question in the Comments:
"What picture of California (either real of perceived) do you carry in your mind?"

3. Check back on May 5 to see if you've won!

Which photographs would you pick-out with that $65 Gift Certificate? I'd love to know.
I hope you'll join me on The Bright Side, and enter!

Studio Sneak Peek no.1

Here's a glimpse into our new studio/workshop/shop space.
I'm so happy here, really, truly.

One of my favorite things about this place (besides the abundance of Four Square Record Frames) is that I have room to unpack photographic treasures including my Polaroid Daylab, a hand-me-down from my Grandfather. The Daylab has been gathering dust for ages, and I think this will be the year to make her shine again. I'm surrounded by film, slides, a light box, darkroom timers, chemistry beakers, toning trays... all of those classic photographic essentials. I feel as if they're bringing to me a new thread of inspiration, and reminding me of the ever fascinating, scientific side of photography. Even without a darkroom, I'm feeling ever-more like a Photographer. Believe it or not, there were many years that I wouldn't have had the confidence to spell that word with a capital P.

Thanks to each of you for being here with me, and for making this studio space possible. I promise to put my best effort into making cool things we can all enjoy.

The Valley at Sunset

I encountered the Valley just before sunset, and ahhh did she look pretty.
Almost-full moon, present but not pictured.

Surf and Turf

Remember this beautiful morning?
California, I love you.

Man's Comfort, Woman's Joy

1. Ad via a 1952 Better Homes magazine I found in our long tucked-away box of magazines.
Makes me smile.

2. Josh's Four Square Record Frame and LP Room Divider featured today on Daily Candy, along with some other pieces of "awesome music merch." Woohoo!

3. Happy Tuesday eve, hope you had a super day.

The Golden

"If you should have a lovely garden, you should have a lovely life."
-The Gardener's Manual, 1843

(As spotted years ago, posted on Aunt Donna's refrigerator, San Diego, Calif.)

Today I'm happy to contribute to fPOE's Miss Match Diptych Project.
My partner Darla of The Photo Zoo, and I were given the theme "reflect," and I think the results are lovely.

I hope you'll visit the Miss Match Project and see for yourself!
Enjoy!

Simple Pleasures, no.3

Breakfast in Bed.
A sweet surprise from the husband, and it's not even Happy Wifey's Day.

I'd never seen my name in ketchup before, so you know I had to take a picture.
I hope your weekend is simply pleasurable too!

Because Moms are Special

I gave my Mom a "Mom's Motel" print for Christmas and she loved it. She laughed and smiled and all those good things. My parent's house is a haven for us big kids, the grand kids, neighbor kids, you name it. Although not all of Mom's guests stay the night, no one is surprised when we saunter in, two by two, for an impromptu continental breakfast!

Yesterday it occurred to me that this photograph might have been even more fun to give on Mother's Day. So, "Mom's Motel" limited edition metallic prints now start at $20, that's 25% off the regular price! Sizes as small as 5x5 and as large as 10x10.

If you're interested in purchasing a different photograph as a Mother's Day gift, just enter "Mums the Word" in your Buyer's Message, and I'll refund 25% of your entire purchase via Paypal. Yep, 25% off, simply because Moms are special.

He plays sound, I play sight.

Me and Josh.

Vagabond Inn, Fresno, 2008.

Shell Shop in Blue

I recently re-printed Shell Shop with a new color palette. What do you think?

The spirit of this new palette reminds me of visiting my Great Aunt Grace's house as a kid. She had thousands of treasures, shiny gemstones and broaches, Pinkie and Blue Boy framed in ruffled gold, and, in her living room, a delicate glass bowl with cascading bunches of faux green grapes.

Although I don't particularly remember sea shells in her home, the instant I worked this photograph into a space that brought up such memories, I knew I had touched home, and ... finis. I'm happy.

"Shell Shop in Blue," now available via Etsy or ABLE+BAKER.

Playing Tourist

At last, the sun is out!
Am I celebrating? Yes.
How? By playing tourist in one of my favorite cities... walking, all around, with my camera.

A Gift in Yellow

After a morning of careful tending to the yard,
my Dad walked inside and handed me a bouquet of wildflowers.
Such are the moments that the best days, and holi-days are made of.

I hope you enjoy a wonderfully colorful weekend, wherever you may be...

A Friendly Reminder