For A Moment Photography

iPhone Photo Collage

 

A lot of my favorite ideas (haha, I don't want to say best) come about when I'm slipping away to sleep or even in some my dreams.  It sounds crazy but I 've heard that your subconscious mind is working with out you getting in the way of it (or something like that).  This is how this idea came to mind today. 

Like most of you I use my camera phone a lot and snap tons of photos I don't (allow myself to) erase at don't love the quality enough to print.  All I do is admire them or post them to Facebook only to be forgotten days later.  Then this collage idea occurred to me this morning!  I don't know if there is a product out there like this but I love it (if I do say so myself).

The thing I love about this collage is that these photos (for the most part) don't really mean much on their own, they are just fun snapshots.  However grouped together it's a fun little peek into what our year has been like so far...  They mean more to me all put together.  I'm reminded of our trips, yummy food, our flowers we planted, my grandmother and little Mr. Lenny (our new dog).

It's sort of funny, I found myself importing my photos taken with my SLR camera on to my phone for edits!  What?!...  This is a test collage and I have plans for my next one already.  These are a bit out of order because I imported a few etc.  This next time around I already have my system set up to organize and store them so I can simply import them (and they will be in order).

Next time I may add more photos and depending on how this one turns out I may change the color to blend them all so they look more the same...  Or not we will see...  I wanted to post this because I think it could be a fun do it yourself type project! 

 

 

Surprise Around the Corner

A big part of what I love about Mexico is you never know what is around the corner.  The colors, the people, the food and the dogs.  We walk a mile every morning to breakfast and we see so much of the culture along the way...  The butcher shop is see to spot by all the dogs patiently waiting for the bones he gives out.  The houses and store fronts are built with narrow openings (like a hallway) that open to these beautifully landscaped open air patios or gardens.  Many of the little convenient stores are just the entry of peoples homes.

I've left my camera home a lot more than I usually do this trip.  I figured out pretty quickly that my huge camera doesn't do this place justice.  Not only that- my back hurts carrying it around.  This village is truly a place that needs to be experienced to really get the favor of the place...  As our trip is coming to a close I hope to get that one photo that I love and really helps capture the life of Ajijic.  

 

 

 

 

Open Air Market

Jacaranda Tree.  I love these!

Open Market

 

 

On Wednesdays there is an open air market here in Ajijic, Meixco.  I love going to these markets whenever I travel to another country.  I never know what I'll find but it's always a beautiful display.  There wasn't anything too crazy at this market other than the hot dog on a stick spiral cut (I've never seen that before).  Oh and all around town and here at the market you'll see people making pork rinds.  They have these huge tubs of  hot oil and large pieces of pig fat and intestines.  It's pretty different...    

This is the first time going to one of these markets with Bugga (Presley).  Having her created a bit of a frantic rush, she had her eye on every toy and after she got one she wanted no part of the market.  Which I totally understand, she's been a great traveller hanging with adults this whole trip...

The first photo is of this home and jacaranda tree we walk past every morning for breakfast.  These trees are every where and they are huge.  I love these trees we had one at our house in Arizona, they don't flower as nicely as they do here.  They are everywhere here, it's such a beautiful tree.  I had to add a photo.     

 

 

Summer on Lake George

Some of my work so far.

I have this love of the Northeast, I guess it's because I've never spent a winter here (so they tell me).  Last summer we did not make our annual trip back to the Adirondack Mountains and I missed Lake George so much.  This summer I was determined to make it back.

We made it!  Presley and I are here until the end of August.  I will be working 20 hours a week taking photos for Silver Bay.  In exchange we get free room and board.  During the hours I'm working (8-12:00 Mon.-Fri.) Presley will be in camp.  I can't help but smile.  Presley is having the time of her life and so am I.  The 700 acres of property is a spot any photographer/any human could get lost in.

Being here is something Mark and I wanted for Presley to have as part of her life experience.  Running around all summer, playing, swimming, chasing fireflies and eating ice cream.  Putting that together for her I was given a chance to have a pretty amazing summer too.  I am extremely thankful for that.

 

 

 

 

 

Fireflies

Firefly

Anna with a firefly

Presley with a firefly.

Meg with a firefly.

Growing up in Arizona I didn't see fireflies, I still remember the first time I saw them in Pennsylvania as a young girl in my 20's.  I was very excited by the sight of them and tried to hide my childish delight in them.  As a Mom, I no longer try to hide my delight in finding them or in helping my Teddy Bear Presley find them...

Tonight following our lobster dinner we sat outside while the girls chased fireflies and lit sparklers.  It's well past their bedtime but it's summer and no one is in the mood to care...  Tonight, all feels right in my world.

 

Back on the Beach

We have arrived in Rocky Point, Mexico!  The first day was a bit of a tough one for me.  I had the 24 hour flu, my entire body ached and I wondered what I was thinking come here!  However this morning I am feeling 100% better but will not be running (I didn't eat yesterday).  I'm now just looking forward to enjoying my time here relaxing.  This weekend there is a tri, 10K, 5K and a volleyball tournament.  So the beach is busier then usual but it should be a good time.

I only had my camera out for 20 minutes yesterday, yup an obvious sign I wasn't feeling well!  I got a few photos of the girls covered in sand with mermaid tails...  I'm looking forward to a much better day today.

 

Tour de Tempe

They painted pumpkins.

What a great weekend!  My girlfriend from high school and her son came to visit me and Presley.  The kids are only a few months apart and they did so great together.  We walked to dinner and they were in two different strollers holding hands.  It was the first time they had stayed with us so we had to do a quick tour of our "hood".  It was so good to spend this time together and be outside.  

After we put the kids to bed we sat on the patio and chatted, this has been the most time we have spent together in at least a decade (sounds so long- "a decade")...  We grew up together and it was fun to chat about our teen years.  We had lost touch for a few years during and after college, but once we get together it doesn't feel like any time was ever missed...

parking lot, only part of it.

The guy on stage (blue shirt) gave his car to charity and will ride a bike for one year.

After they left Presley and I went to Tour de Fat (bike festival) at the park.  I was really bummed we didn't ride in the race.  I knew it was coming up but didn't look into it.  Most people are in costumes and have crazy bikes!  It's an event where the "normal" are the weird ones...  The rules of the day were:

Quality not quantity: in reference to the beer.

No party poopers (or they'll drop you off in Mesa- a town near by).

No stealing bikes.

No littering.  :)

So Presley and I walked there and the event was in full swing...  I looked around and felt like it was a modern day Woodstock (with less people, more food and no rain).  There were so many different types of people there, it was a lot of fun to see lots of great energy!

It was pretty warm so we found some shade, watched one of the shows and I blew bubbles for Presley to chase.  So was so cute twirling, dancing and popping bubbles.  She stared getting a little warm so I grabbed a cup of water and let the fun begin...  Maybe next year we can ride in the race (more of a loop or a route).      

Adventure in San Juan

 

Looking at "our beach".

 

 

She always pats the horse and tells them what a good horse they've been.

 

 

The cutest lunch to date!  The Tea House in San Juan Capistrano.

We had such a fun girls day out today.  Grandma Lala (Linda) planned a little adventure for Presley.  We rode the train to San Juan Capistrano, about an hour from the Ranch.  From there we walked to a Petting Zoo, it's by far the best one I've ever been too (not that many).

They had horses so Presley was in heaven.  We walked in got a basket of fruits and veggies to feed the animals  and we were on our way.  We were only there about an hour or so, but it was jammed packed with excitement for Presley.  The petting Zoo, Zoomars has so many bunnies, goats and guinea pigs and someone always wanted food.  The place was very clean and well staffed.  While in the petting pen a staff member came around several times to tell us the name and age of the animal we were feeding.  I don't know if she really knew all the names, there must of been 75 plus animals there.  Presley really liked knowing the animals names. 

The high point was the horse ride for Presley.  I love to see her up on a horse.  She hops right on and just glows with pride.  It's pretty stinkin' cute...  If you get to this area I highly recommend Zoomars.  The admission was reasonable (adult $8, child $6, feed $4 and horse ride $5-8).  

After Zoomars we walked over to The Tea House for lunch.  It's a cute girly place that serves the most delicious soup, teas and scones.  Actually everything looked very good.  I'm not much of a tea drinker but I completely enjoyed my pot of Cream of Earl Grey (toffee infused Earl Grey tea).   For kids 10 and under that have a cute child's plate (fruit and PB&J) severed with Lemonade (in a tea pot).  After lunch we hoped back on the train and the tired bunch headed home...

And they all lived happily ever after.     

 
 
 
 

Californiacation

 

 

Being here in California for as long as we will this trip not everyday feels like a vacation.  Which is a good thing because I'd be +20 lbs. otherwise.  Today however was a true vacation day.  The weather was suppose to be the warmest day of the week (74) so I figured we should spend it at the beach.  

I tried to pack lightly but wow, it's hard.  We needed food, blanket, towels, water, toys, my camera, change of clothes (I ran to the beach) and sunblock.  I ran and pushed Presley in a jog stroller for two miles.  It doesn't matter what time of day you run as long as you are on the beach route you will have a cool breeze.  We got to our spot and set up camp.

We didn't meet any friends (for Presley) today but her and I had the best day.  I don't usually get in the water and I don't like being in the sun.  I'm pretty sure I'm "freaky" about the sun at this point.  I will usually apply sunblock once an hour (50 or 70 SPF), wear a hat, glasses and wrap my shoulders in a towel- just to make sure.  Obviously trying to avoid the sun this much can hinder a day at the beach.

At some point today (maybe after I forgot my umbrella) I decided to -let go.  I was going to enjoy the sun and beach like everyone else.  Presley didn't want to get in the water on her own so we got in together!  We were running to and from the water giggling and screaming like 3 year olds.  Being in the moment like that was so fun, it felt like it was just the two of us there ( I did wish I had video of her today)...  I don't know why I love it so much when Presley runs head on into the ocean.  She's so confident and excited she's beautiful to watch. 

The water was cold but with all the sun, running and playing we didn't mind.  I still reapplied sunblock (on both of us), wore a hat and glasses but I was able to relax more then usual.  Hopefully I can bring a little more of the calmness I had today with us more often.  We both survived, without a sunburn and I'll remember it always.   

 

 

 
 

Into the Groove

 

My Beach

 

Lovin' it

Here we are ending week one in Californ-i-a.  I'm trying to get us into a routine, beach run in the morning, "little pool" swim (jacuzzi) in the afternoon and then nap.  I would love to find a summer camp (1 to 2 hours a day) for Presley.  We're having a great time I just wish she had some friends here to play with.  Tomorrow we are going to spend the day at the beach, maybe she'll make some friends there...   

The ocean is too cold for me to dare get in.  Presley seems to enjoy playing in the sand, the water is rough too I don't know how much fun it would be...  Today was my test run on bringing the minimum amount of stuff with us.  One small bag for me to carry, along with Bugga.  Like the American I am I like stuff and would love to shlep half the house with me!   We survived but tomorrow I'm bringing food for me too (ever want to steal your child's food?). 

 

Flags

While we drive I always ask Presley what she sees out her window a couple weeks ago she discovered flags.  It's been a lot of fun chatting/teaching her about the American flag and the Arizona flag.  She knows the American flags colors and that Arizona's flag has a gold star.  Being here she's learned about the California flag, how fun and unexpected this game has become!  I'm not sure she totally understands all of it (different states concept) but she did say to me the other day, "Momma, we are Americans". 

Our location, I'm going to have to get the proper name for this beach it's near Escondido.  I'm not decided on where we are going tomorrow, I love Del Mar beach.  There they have bathrooms, running water, play grounds and a restaurant.  The good thing about Escondido, super quiet not touristy...