Story

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. ...

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. ...

Today I went to a high school graduation. It was pretty thrilling. I also have a new best friend. His name is Sarcasm. He and I go everywhere together. One time, we went to a bonfire on the beach of the ocean. The party was actually not that fun. All they had to eat there was chicken, and who the heck likes chicken??????? Because my friend Sarcasm is so outspoken and hard to control, he made some hurtful but witty comments about the party and the person who threw it. Needless to say, we were shunned. ...