Starburst necklace*

Starburst necklace, modelled by the gorgeous Michelle, Christina, and Karina, Canon Rebel Xti

Happy news over at Superhero Designs!

I designed a new necklace that I am very excited about! I wanted to create a star shape that wasn't your typical star, but was more organic and sea creature like; something that evoked a burst of energy or joy.

I love how it turned out... As you can see, it is in sterling silver with a matte finish. What you can't see is that the word "joy" is engraved on the back, a perfect little note to remind you or loved one to choose joy every day. Just like the superhero bullseye pendant, you can wear the message as a whisper close to your chest or for the world to see. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Winners of the SARK books*

Ben, bathtime, Canon SD1000

And the winners are...

Kim who said, "Feels like a love sandwich!"
Jummy who said, "What a beautiful interview! I loved reading her colourful and bright responses to your insightful questions!"
Amy who said, "I am feeling lucky! I would love SARK's new book!"

If you are one of these fine folks, please email me with your mailing address! andrea@superherodesigns.com

Looking for a studio mate*

My wonderful studio mate Kelly Rae will be moving soon (sad!) so I am on the hunt for another fantastic artist/designer/creative person to share my Berkeley studio with. The studio is at Activ Space which is a building full of artists, hobbyists and the like. It is inspiring to be around all of that activity!

If you are looking for a space to do your work or you know someone in the Bay area that might be interested, please email me and let me know! andrea@superherodesigns.com

into the labyrinth

Sunrise, Sibley, Oakland, CA, Canon SD1000

I read a great story in Oprah magazine this month called "Charmed Circles" about Sally Quinn and the impact the labyrinth has had on her life. She writes a really moving piece about the amazing insights she has had by walking labyrinths. (November issue of O) As I contemplated her story in bed that night, I wondered if a labyrinth might bring me some clarity too, if the things that weighed heavy on my heart could find any relief. I remembered the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and wondered if I should make a trip there soon.

The next morning I checked my email and got an intriguing invitation. For my friend's birthday, her greatest wish was to have all of her friends join her in a sunrise hike to a labyrinth at Sibley Volcanic Reserve in Oakland. A sunrise hike to a labyrinth in a volcano? How could I pass this up? especially with the magical timing of it all. Clearly the universe wanted me there.

We set out in the dark that morning and marvelled at how warm the air was. We were soon peeling off the hats coats we had worn. The hike was supposed to be easy, so I was surprised when we began going down very steep, slippery inclines. We walked for quite a long time until we realized that we had taken a wrong turn. It was time to retrace our steps and hike back up.

I noticed my relationship to being lost. I noticed that I didn't mind so much if I wasn't the person leading, if it wasn't my fault we were lost, I was really okay with it. I was even the voice of, "The labyrinth has already begun! This is part of our journey!" I noticed that if a loved one had been leading the hike and took the wrong turn, I might have felt angry or annoyed, huffy about taking the long and unnecessary hike back up the hill. Curious that if it wasn't my wrong turn or someone close to me, I was incredibly forgiving. Noticing noticing...

We held hands in a small circle before we set out to walk the labyrinth. I offered up the ritual of meditating on something that you wanted clarity on in your life, and to walk the labyrinth with that in mind. When you arrive at the center, I promised, there will be a message to you from the universe. Just listen for it.

We walked slowly and quietly, a sweet procession of friends, parents, and even three dogs that had come on our little pilgrimage. When we got to the center we had to squeeze in close, gathered in a tiny circle around a little pit encircled with rocks. There were candles in there, cards, charms and bells, and a pile of cigarettes broken in half. (Someone had clearly come to quit smoking) And then my message came to me. It wasn't what I expected, but my mind was clear save for this one thought: We are all struggling with something.

As I let that soak in, I stared at the broken cigarettes, at the candles burned, at the circle of folks around me. We are all struggling with something.We all came with a question, with something weighing heavy on our hearts; we all came with all of our lostness and not knowing. This is what it means to be human, I thought. To struggle.

I was overcome with compassion in that moment, for everyone really, but more uniquely for myself. There was something so ordinary about my suffering, so human, so unremarkable, that I felt lighter. I felt an okayness that I hadn't known before. It really is okay to be right where I am. It really is okay to struggle, to not know and to be lost.

Perhaps we are all wandering today, in this labyrinth of the internet, heavy with questions and hopes and hurts. I hope this community is a kind of standing in the center for you, of seeing how connected we all are in our questions and our struggles, how there are broken cigarettes here and candles burning and prayers and questions. I hope you find compassion here, and comfort in how wonderfully ordinary we are, and how unremarkable our suffering. Not to dilute our experiences, but to feel lighter knowing that to be alive is to be exactly in this place.

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.

Superpowers

I have a few superpowers. One worth noting is that I am able to fall asleep within seconds of my head hitting the pillow. Another is that I will inevitably pick the longest, slowest line at the supermarket. (Okay, so that's sort of an anti-superpower)

But one of my favorite superpowers is that I have a knack for meeting (and often befriending) some of the most talented singer/songwriters around... The Weepies, Jonatha Brooke, Ben Harper, Martine Locke. You might remember a few weeks ago, I met a very charming man at the taqueria and he told me about his daughter Rachel Garlin.

Well now I'm a new fan! and she invited me to a show she was doing with Catie Curtis this weekend in Berkeley. I didn't know Catie Curtis' music until now and I can't believe I was in the dark for so long. She is amazing. You can give a listen on her myspace page and also see her list of upcoming shows.

Also, Jonatha is currently touring and I wish I could follow her around the country and go to each and every show. I will definitely be at her gig at Slim's in San Francisco on my birthday, November 9th.

What are your superpowers? Are you able to tell something is wrong with a friend simply by the way they answer the phone? Are you the calm in the storm? Tell me about your superpowers...

winners of the giveaway!

Ben, pumpkin patch, Portland, OR, Canon Rebel Xti

The winners of the All About Cute giveaway are:

Orla Kiely boulevard wallet: Kristina Terrell, who said, "Love your blog, and your wonderful photos inspired me to buy a Rebel and pick up photography again! Thanks!! By the way...I...ahem....LOVE Orla Kiely!!"
Hop hop earrings: Gypsy Alex, who said, "Oooola la! Yummy! I'm all about cute. :)
Orla Kiely red wallet: Heather, who said "Whee! Contest! Pretties!"

Please email me if you're a winner. If I don't hear from you in the next week or so, I'll pick another name. Congratulations!

ben loves portland

Ben, Kennedy School, Portland, OR, Canon Rebel Xti

Fresh back from a great trip to the lovely city of Portland, OR! More soon, but just wanted to share this adorable photo of Ben. When he joins a band and takes this guitar thing on the road, this will be his head shot.

All About Cute Giveaway!

Okay folks. This is our lucky day. It's girly, and it's good.

One of my favorite photography clients is the online store All About Cute. The lovely owner, Juli, decided to follow her passion for fashion and launched her adorable online boutique earlier this year. I always look forward to photographing her gorgeous things and getting a little something for myself sometimes too.

Because of All about Cute I am now Orla Kiely crazy! The colors and patterns are so yummy.... and they are pure superhero.

The giveaway: Three lucky winners will win items from her shop this week. There are two fabulous wallets by Orla Kiely and a pair of earrings by Hop Hop Hop. (all pictured above) The good news for the rest of us is that she is giving Superhero readers 25% off any purchase with the secret code: hero

Giveaway Guidelines:
-You have until 9pm PST on Thursday, October 9th 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)

Happy Birthday Jen Lemen!

Matt and I made a video for a very special birthday girl. We asked people we knew (and people we didn't!) to wish Jen Lemen a happy birthday.

P.S. As I posted this on you tube, I discovered that Jen Lemen got to meet Grover. I am TOTALLY jealous!!

on letting go*

Viola and belly surrender pose, Tilden park, Berkeley, Canon Rebel Xti

I remember that at times it was annoying to have people tell me to "surrender" or "let go" or just relax when I was going through infertility. Really annoying.

I think what was missing was the idea that letting go meant giving up, or tricking myself into not wanting anymore. How can you let go of wanting a child when you want this with all of your heart and soul? Similarly, how can you decide you don't really want a partner when every cell in your body is full of longing? Impossible.

What helped was when my coach finally said to me, "I'm not trying to take this away from you. You don't have to let go of wanting this baby. That is non-negotiable, I get it. But let's figure out what is negotiable. What about the how or the when? " I told her that the how could perhaps be negotiated.

"Okay then," she said, "I challenge you to throw out all of the herbs in your kitchen drawers, toss all of the potions, cancel all of your acupuncture appointments and start drinking coffee again. What do you say?"

My eyes got huge and I saw instantly how attached I was to my way. My natural, wholesome, green tea, "right" way. I was terrified to let go of these things. I took her challenge though and soon after decided that we should at least explore the western medicine route. (For those of you who know my story you know that we ended up conceiving Ben with the help of western interventions and medicine) For me, the breakthrough came when I was willing to do it differently than I had planned.

As I strolled around Tilden Park yesterday with my dear friends who will have a baby soon, I shared my birth story. I told them that the thing that helped manage the pain most was having my palms open, in a relaxed pose, my entire body in a casual gesture of this is totally no big deal. All this pain, whatevs! I told them that it was surrendering to the pain, not resisting it, that helped me the most.

I think what these two stories have in common is that in both, letting go means surrendering to what is happening right now. It is not letting go of having a beautiful healthy baby, but surrendering to the pain and discomfort of the now. It is surrendering to how long it will take, how painful it might be, or how exactly it goes down. It's not about giving up your power but stepping fully into it by stepping into the moment. It is noticing where you are resistant and relaxing those parts too.

Is there a place in your life where you can surrender? What parts are negotiable for you? Where are you resisting?

Grant, Tilden park, Berkeley, Canon Rebel Xti

Things that made me happy today*

Kim Indresano, Marin Headlands, Canon Rebel Xti

Seeing Ben modeling on the Speesees site.

Getting Rick Rolled and then learning what it means. (Weird and hilarious) In the middle of any random You Tube video, Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up music video suddenly appears.

Loading more Squamlets onto my flickr page.

These engagement portraits by Jerry Yoon (via Mighty Girl)

My friend (pictured above) writing me the following response to an email I shared about Squam being harder than giving birth:
"Ah but it sounds like a labor, a birthing of new things. I suppose if we can't do something every now and again that seriously shits the pants right off of us then what good are we? Something needs to catapult us off the mesa and onto the next mountaintop."