2010

I went on a small adventure with my mom and my camera and ended up in an interesting place. I found this cemetery with one of my friends near the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter and finally returned to get a better look. This cemetery is a somewhat creepy place mainly because many of the tombs are cracked, old, and written all over. It has an extreme air of a melancholy, and forgotten place that once used to be beautiful but was left to wither in time by vandalism and time itself. ...

My aunt Valri Peyser is an amazing artist and she is going to be a part of this next up in-coming Open Studios in October. I got to photograph some of her most recent projects she is working on that will be a part of the open studios show like these amazing decorated wine bottles. The bottles are really amazing, each with its own personality and flare that is unique in itself. The front portrays a person ranging from a head shot to a half body portrait and the back is a beautiful pattern like flowers, stripes, dots, swirls, or any other design you can think of. ...

To me, you were Santa Cruz. Everything that Santa Cruz stood for in my mind I saw in you. Maybe it was the dreads, or the cruiser bike you were riding but I think it was the sunglasses that made me curious. The blue reflecting glasses made you more than just a person on the street. It blocked you from me but made me see myself when I tried to look into you. It reminded me that you can never look into someone else’s eyes seeking an answer without looking into yourself first. ...

I just finished watching the movie, The Road and it helped me learn something about myself: I am horrible at watching suspense movies and I just shouldn’t do it. Granted I can be pretty horrible at watching any movies. Yes I am one of those horrible people who talk throughout the entire movie. I just can’t help myself, I mean I sit there for two hours watching other people talk non-stop on a screen, why can’t I talk too? I am aware of my faulty logic but it makes sense in my mind. Plus I feel the need to share my thoughts about every single thing the characters say to everyone else watching the movie. People who watch movies with me understand, I am so very sorry. ...

I have a confession to make, about my driving. No I am not admitting that I am a bad driver, because I am not. My confession is this: I can be an evil driver. I love road trips, but when you have been driving for hours in the middle of nowhere, you have to find ways to amuse and entertain yourself so you don’t go insane. My remedy? To be EVIL. When there is nothing to look at on the road except for other cars, have fun with the other cars. I am expert, or you could call me an evil genius, at being an evil driver. ...

I found God Oh really, where He was underneath My grandpa’s old apple tree Well isn’t that silly Did you ask him What he was doing Underneath that tree Yep He said he was trying To understand Adam and Eve I don’t know who they are But he said they looked Just like me He said it made him sad That his children Had fallen so far away I told him maybe They would come back some day Did you say anything else I sure did I asked about Grandpa And my old dog Brick God just laughed and said They were happy here But they missed me so God told me To be patient That one-day I would grow up And the world would change He said to me That my soul Would forever remain Then he just got up And smile down at me Gave me an apple And said one last thing I am sorry dear child This is the last time You will ever see me I have a lot of work And no more time for play I have to bring in Adam And bring back Eve Take them from the serpents grasp So they can remember me at last Goodbye my child This is the last time You will ever see me Why I asked But he was already gone The little boy turned to me Unsure and sad Where does God go When he leaves the apple tree Does he find others Or is he just too busy I don’t know I somberly replied But I am sure he is watching And making sure you’re all right

There is something unspeakable beautiful about this water lily. I took this at the Mission San Antonio near King City and it was so gorgeous I had to share it with all of you. The idea of a water lily reminds me very much of that of the lotus flower. This beautiful majestic flower blooming amidst mud, dirt, and grime but yet it retains a radiant beauty that no amount of dirt can damper. Enjoy this, it stands for all of you who do not give up in the face of hardship and shine through no matter the circumstance.

I am off to go pick up my brother from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. My brother just completed his first year of college which is exciting and I am more excited to spend the summer with him after his long absence. So here we come Cal Poly, we are going to have some fun!

Gabe has been very excited about moving on from Middle School to High School for some time now, and today is that day. He’s looking so fine in his new business attire, and I think he even likes the tie. His friends Joe and Connor take their turn up at the podium, while Monica the photographer works the crowd. The big man heads up to get his diploma. A few more friends and then it’s time to party. ...