force of nature

Ben and a little mushroom, Canon Rebel Xti

This quote kicked my ass in the best way today:
“This is the true joy in life, to be used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, to be thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap. To be a force of nature instead of a feverish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am a member of a community and as a member it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can before I die. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch that I want to make burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” George Bernard Shaw

An interview with SARK! + a giveaway

I am so excited to share this interview I did with SARK. As most of you know, she is my mentor and friend and I continue to learn from her and be inspired by her every day. She has a new book out called Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper: Gifting the World with Your Words and Stories, and Creating the Time and Energy to Actually Do It. Our stories our so important, whether they are on blogs, in scrapbooks or hit the bestseller list. This book is a perfect companion for all of us who have stories to share but feel afraid or blocked or are looking for inspiration. Julia Cameron said it like this: "SARK is a sparkler who jump-starts the creative process. Her ideas are user-friendly, innovative and pragmatic."

More good news:
We will be giving away 3 copies of Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper!

Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have until 9pm PST on Friday, October 24th to enter this giveaway.
-Just make a comment ON THIS POST to enter.
-One entry per person, please. (Just push "post" ONCE and wait a few seconds. The comment should appear)

And now for the interview:
You've written 14 books so far, nearly a book a year. What do you love about writing and making books?

What do you do when you hit creative blocks? (either in writing or art making) How do you move through those inner critics that try to sabotage your work? For me, they say things like, "You're not a real writer! Who do you think you are?" How have you quieted those voices over the years?

One way that you inspire me is that you are always curious and questioning and in a state of wonder about the world. You are always growing and expanding how you create and love. I admire this about you.

If there were a recipe for how you would feel totally fulfilled and joyous in the world, what would the ingredients be?

Who do you admire? What do you admire about them?

Do the topics of your books match where you are in your life and the things you are thinking about? If so, I am curious what's cooking in your pot these days? Where are you exploring and growing in your life right now?

Magic. Miracle walks. Dangerous tea parties.
These are things that are forever SARK to me and delight me so much.

How do you create/stumble upon/serendipitously manifest all that
magic in your life? Do you have magic glasses you wear? Do you just see magic where others see regular old life? Do you consciously choose to have adventure show up or does it sneak up on you?

I think people believe that you have something special in this area that they don't have. Care to demystify the whole magic thing?

Zoe and Jesse*

Zoe, Jesse, Live Oak Park, Berkeley, CA, Canon Rebel Xti

One of the things I love most about doing portrait sessions is the way I get to fall in love with the people I'm photographing. How often do you get to look, really look at people you don't know? It is such a gift to see someone, to watch them unfold before you, to see beauty that perhaps you didn't notice at first, but appears in luminous little sparks as you witness them move and giggle and get shy and stand strong.

Maternity sessions are a particular favorite for me. It is such a ripe, sacred time and it is such an honor to be part of their ritual and their celebration. When I'm really lucky (which is often) I witness an incredible love and connection between two people. My lens goes a little foggy from being moved by their joy, their romantic connection, their profound safety in being near one another. While photographing Zoe and Jesse, I was struck by this over and over again. Every once in a while I would direct them to put their heads together, and without fail I would see this incredible sweetness. "Something amazing happens when you put your heads together!" I shouted to them across the green grass. If I remember correctly, they nodded yes, yes... we know.

Zoe, Jesse, Berkeley, CA, Canon Rebel Xti

Zoe, Jesse, Berkeley, CA, Canon Rebel Xti

Zoe, Jesse, Berkeley, CA, Canon Rebel Xti

Zoe, Jesse, Marina, Berkeley, CA, Canon Rebel Xti

Belly and a bald head, Live Oak Park, Berkeley, CA, Canon Rebel Xti

ultrasound, two heads, Canon Rebel Xti

You should also know that Jesse is a knitter (a boy who knits!) and made that incredible green sweater that Zoe is wearing. You can find his blog here. Also, there are two babies in that big belly! They are expecting twins. Congratulations Zoe and Jesse! and thank you for the honor of letting me photograph you.

Photo Friday: Freeze Frame

Ben, falling off the bed, Portland, OR, Canon Rebel Xti

Photo Friday's theme this week is "Freeze Frame." (I meant to post it on friday but have been without internet access for many days!) I was visiting Hula Andrea in Portland when this shot was taken. Ben and Ezra were playing on the bed and I suddenly saw him topple in midair through the viewfinder. By pure reflex I clicked the shutter, and although I was too late too break his fall, he was not hurt. Just another tumble in a day in the life of Ben.

If you were too freeze frame me right now, you might see me tumbling in midair as well. Sick as a dog, off to the doctor today, but more importantly, feeling a bit lost and untethered, floating around the atmophere looking for a soft place to land.