Project Homeless: Worn

The other day, while walking toward Abba Dabbas (a shoe store in Little 5 Points, Atlanta); I met Linda. She was sitting several feet away from the Vortex restaurant panhandling. Most people simply ignored her and walked on by. But she looked sad and worn out, so I stopped and asked her if she was alright.

With her wispy white hair and her hand on her on a wrinkled forehead, she sighed and told me she came to the area, typically, 6 days a week. She took a bus from the west end and tried to earn a little extra cash on the streets. Linda stated that she did receive a check from the government, but after paying for a room and a bus ticket, it really left her w/ very little, if nothing for food or other survival supplies. She told me that due to a number of physical ailments, including her feet, her brain and bouts of illness, she could no longer work. Linda didn't want to stay in Little 5 too long, she admitted she didn't feel safe and would be on her way to the bus stop soon. Her boyfriend apparently had lost his job- and she claimed due to racial discrepancies against him (apparently he was a black man). She hoped that a man she had met earlier in the day would be able to help her boyfriend find a job. And she was very sad that she had not raised enough money to give him the kind of birthday she'd hoped. Nevertheless; she told me, she was trying to remember that she was blessed and that she was grateful I'd stopped to chat with her.

I tried to encourage her-I told Linda that He sees her struggles and to keep her head up. I offered her a sandwich (it's all I had on me), for which she gladly accepted.

I did not get her picture that day. Perhaps I forgot. Perhaps, on that particular day, I just didn't feel the desire to ask. But I won't forget her, that's for sure. I pray she won't feel so restless and that she'll find some peace of mind.

Documenting the World, Wk 35-37

It's been a bit since I've been here. Then end of the summer has proven to be busy and thoughtful. Now that we approach fall and all it's warm goodness~ I'll be back in the game. Here are a few pictures in lieu of the last few weeks...documenting the world. Enjoy.

Shoot & Dance

August has proven to be the start of a very busy season. As I have been slightly absent from the blog- here is a quick update:

This past weekend, I spent four days shooting (along w/ a few other photographers) for Incarnation, from Dance 101, a production that included dance, video and an underlining story. The entire event was produced by Charles "Bubba" Carr who serves as the Artistic Director for the studio. The local Atlanta paper, Creative Loafing even mentioned the performances. And I have to say, they were beautiful. The costuming, the music, the choreography, and the video were profoundly intertwined. The dancers themselves, also did very well.

I continue to efforts into a short-film documentary series. The editing for the first webisode is going well, and I look forward to a finished product before the end of the month. Of course, I will finish, only to start another.

While my coming website is severely under construction, it is coming.

For now, dear readers, here are a few more pix from Incarnation:

Documenting the World, wk 34, Incarnation 09

My current photo shoot, last night was the first rehearsal I went to. I was thoroghly impressed w/ the beautiful expression that all the dancers displayed. I look forward to the upcoming performances this weekend. "Incarnation, a Dance 101 Production, 2009"

A Story Thick in the Air

walking across the bridge to my car that morning, i couldn't help but notice how quiet the city was. it was Sunday morning and i had just gotten off of work. i was tired and my mind was filled with nothing. the silence of the city was comforting. the sky scrapers were dark, there would be no one to turn on the lights that day. and with no more than a distant train the background, it seemed as if everything had come to a complete stop. the air was thick and warm. had it not been for the wisps of hair grazing my face, i would not have noticed the slight breeze.

i slipped into my little honda and manually rolled down the window- letting the morning air and warmth sneak in. the radio was off, the sun wasn't too bright- it was the perfect condition for my ride home. as i drove down the road, i saw a man running here, a biker pushing strong there, and a group of women waiting at the bus stop across from the union mission. i wonder, what was their story? who were they? would they rest too that day?

each one of them has a story...so do all. and everyone wants an avenue to tell it.....everyone needs a prayer, a cheerleader, and a friend. it was these things that entered my empty mind that morning. the smooth ride home began only with a goal to sleep, but it ended with thoughts and prayers for those who need to know that -that day could be the first day of the rest of their life...for change is possible.

meant to be

and so this is why we stand

whenever we fall
that we may become
all that
yes that
which we're meant
meant to be

and so now sing
stand, rise
c'mon now -today
is the day
a day for you
to what
you're meant to be

what you believe
just isn't so
it's so much
very different
than all
all you've known isn't
what you're meant to be

mistakes you make
can turn all
all the way around
just stand
and find that this
what you're meant
yeah...meant to be ...

change it up
this is
you and me
it's all that we
are supposed to be
standing here
as we. are. meant. to. be

Documenting the World, Wk 33, Lighthouse

This lighthouse sits on Sullivan's Island in South Carolina. It's somewhat awe inspiring, even during the day and when the tide is far from it. But lighthouses in general, I think are a fascinating representation of the One Thing we all need.

War-No More Trouble

Playing for Change continues to fill the world with music for peace. And I just love this.

Documenting the World, wk 33, Sunset on the Port

Beautiful isn't it? I shot this through the sun-roof of a friend's car. I love how the sun just sits there and lights up the sky...even as it's saying good night.

Waiting on Africa with Beans & Cookies

What is her name?
You ask, what? why?
it's a poor unfortunate soul!
No, what is her name?
for she is one - one that will change the world
and today
I will save her life.

There is a people we must recognize. It is those that have less than we do in this great country. It is those that have even less in other countries around the world. And who are we not give? Who are we not to fight for those that cannot fight for themselves?

I believe this is a day to change the world. And are you ready?

The last two weeks have been eventful to say the very least. First off, I learned of a group called "Take it to the Streets." Their goal is to reach their local community in Charleston, South Carolina. They have out-reach events for inner-city children, neighborhood missions and prayer.

Another group I learned of was the Dream Center in downtown Los Angeles. It is head up by Matthew Barnett and they are truly doing amazing things on the streets of LA. They took over an old hospital and have a wing or floor dedicated to so many groups of people- some consist of former drug addicts, others former prostitutes, others....children of crack addicts who have no healthy environment to thrive in. Ironically, there are now other Dream Centers popping up- in New York, Charleston and others.

Finally the Kenya team, I mentioned in a previous blog, returned. They took goats to a village, provided health care, and ministered to hurting people. From what little I know so far, it was amazing. Over the next several weeks, the team photographer will be editing and sharing the life changing pictures from the trip. I, personally, look forward to hearing their stories.

All this to say that I believe it to be so important to remember how each one of us are blessed and that it is the intention of God above for us to turn around and share it w/ others...