Documenting the World, Wk 6, Together

This is a picture close to my heart. I look at it and I reflect this past year, all the love that was shared between these two people. I see their similarities and I see their differences. I love how this photo turned out. I love the colors and just the togetherness they show. I was inspired by several and convinced by one to try this shot out and I'm thrilled that I did. It's my favorite. It leaves out their faces and shows their action. It has a taste of rugged grace and I cannot help but want to play, be around this loving couple. Yes, it's true, I'm the one with holes in my jeans, and Richie, the boy next to me. This is us, taking a time out from our busy schedules just to be and enjoy each other's company.

I hope that you, too are able to spend the holidays with the ones you love the most!
Merry Christmas To All, and To All a Good Night!

Project Homeless: Gloria Says...

I have seen Gloria a few times, but on that particular day, she was atimate about getting my attention.

As I was passed by on the street, she waved me down and asked me to take her picture. I stopped and snapped a couple of shots while she gave me an exuberant smile, proud that someone would want to photograph her. When I finished she took my hand and asked my name. I noticed immediately that her eyes were heavily dialated and I had suspected for sometime that she might be mentally handicapped, but course who can be sure?

She held onto my hand tight and told me I was just like her neice, with the same name as daughter of her sister, she said. Gloria soon went off track and kept talking about a number of other people she knew, I couldn't always make it out, as she would trail off and mumble. But if I tried to say good-bye or walk away, she became very frustrated and spoke louder. It wasn't until another girl came by that we were able to tag team and say good-bye to Gloria. 

Certainly it was a difficult visit. And I would be lying if I told you that there are homeless men and women who weren't socially awkward, don't do drugs, or don't have handicaps. In many cases, that may be the very reason they are homeless. I can imagine that Gloria has had a hard life. I imagine that her memories are jumbled and perhaps her mind doesn't always follow what others are saying. I also imagine that Gloria does what she can to cope with the streets, right or wrong. She collects things and always has them with her, in boxes and ags. Her broom is never far from her reach and I've seen her with and without blankets. 

It's hard to know how to help someone like Gloria, mostly because it is difficult to even communicate effectively with her. For now, I will pray for her. I encourage you to offer your prayers this Christmas season as well as any time and energy you may have to give to the homeless people. 

Eco Friendly, Eco Struggles

The other day, I read an article in National Geographic's Green Guide magazine that suggested ways to conserve on energy, save money and the environment. I am certainly a promoter of creative ways to go green, so I thought I would put my stamp on a few that just might be useful. 

~Update on the World~

The morning paper- the news that we live to love and hate....Green Guide suggested that we should read our morning news online rather than subscribing to the paper. Besides avoiding the paper boy breaking a window and looking like idiots in our underwear during the winter, reading the news online is an economically better suggestion and it's free! This is actually something I already do since I have to be constantly up to date on the latest in the world. It is also something my generation has ushered into the new millinium. We live in a technologically advanced world and newspapers are needing to follow the new age. 

~Coffee...Talk~

We all enjoy our morning and evening and...well anytime of day cups of coffee from Starbucks. Or perhaps, that fabulous hole in the wall coffee shop that makes french press; it's just delicious. But according to National Geographic; Americans throw away 16 billion paper cups per year!! It also stated that paper can be a terrible waste because of its decomposition. So why not invest in a steel thermos or other tricked out style and have Starbucks fill it up? Not only will it save a dollar or two on your daily fix (which, by the ways adds up tremendously), but it also will save the paper and keep your coffee warmer a bit longer. That's a great additive for me since work gets busy and I have to set my coffee down, by the time I get to it, it's gone cold. 

~Lunch Break~

Despite our growing busy schedules we still have to eat. One of the method's Green Guide offered was to use reusable containers and tin foil rather than paper bags. It also suggested taking your own silver ware rather than using plastic ware. This saves yet another tree and if you're not buying your lunch on a regular basis, a cheaper, healthier lifestyle.  I admit that I'm not always good about this. Frequently, I  just buy lunch as I don't want to take the time. But the magazine's suggestion is a fine one and certainly we can all benefit.

~Lights...Action!~

Turning out the lights when you leave the room can be easy to forget esp. when you're in and out all day long, but when if you're leaving the house or won't be revisiting the room, it's best to conserve the electrical energy. Green Guide emphasized this method and I agree that it's probably useful. 

Other Creative Alternatives~

1. Bamboo flooring instead of Maple or Oak (this is more of an investment into your home, not the simple easy way, but because I came across it, I am mentioning. I may discuss it more in another entry)

2. Newspaper as a retro alternative to wrapping paper (this is great esp. if you're just switching to online news, re-use that paper you'll probably end up throwing away).

3. Reusable coffee filter rather than paper filters. 

4. Power down your computers or put them to sleep when you're finished with them. 

The suggestions I've made are typically simple and can apply to your everyday. Can you think of any??

Documenting the World, Week 5

It's true, I've been a little lax on the blog front this month. But with this week's Documenting the World, I will start to give you a taste of a coming project, called "Long Road." The city can appear a lonely place during the winter months. Here is a small taste of the pictures I have been taking. More to come, my friends.

Documenting the World, Week 4

Winter-

Cold, but comforting

Change of season

Change of will.

Dry and-

harsh but beautiful

All looks barren

but all 

is not lost. 

Dreams come true

and worries decease.

but in between are lovers

snuggled-

in the sheets.