sarah cross photography

We're Moving

2010-04-12T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sarah Cross Photography is packing her bags, putting all whatzits and gadgitz into a tightly packed package and is heading to a new address. We are gRowing!!

So thank you for your faithfulness during the first chapter my life online. I'm super excited about the new things to come and doing my best....to keep the dream alive.

So come on by the new place and say hi. We'd love to have you!

www.sarahcrossblog.com

image from babyccinokids.com

a Solstice Grove and a return to the yurt

2010-02-25T22:29:00.000-08:00

Solstice Grove is a bit of a magical place. It’s located not far outside of Fairfax in Marin. Hidden within a grove is a family of yurts, cabins, a big house and moss covered trees. Tribe.net describes it as "a community of ecological, sociological, technological, and cultural activists and enthusiasts". It’s a community among the forest and a retreat once blessed by the Dalai Lama himself.

I first discovered Solstice Grove through the Seven Circles community, a community that leads Native American ceremonies and celebrations throughout the year. On that trip, I first met Astrid who then introduced me to Solstice Grove with a tour. We have since been in contact when she asked if I would like to kitty sit for her while she travels. Blessed with the opportunity, I packed my bags.

I arrived in the rain from stress born in a world miles away. Driving through a dreary rainy day in a rental car that smelled like smoke and getting a ticket at the toll because I was without cash, I was happy to be leaving that and other stress behind. There was a warm welcome from Astrid at the door after I knocked to sound my arrival. A foreign sound to this door as Astrid explained that only the police knock and everyone is welcome in. Although she's never seen the police there. It’s a community house. So I happily entered, taking off my shoes and joining Astrid in the kitchen where hot tea and and warm food were waiting.

After Astrid left, I quickly made home for the yurt, a tiny little wooden bubble of peace and happiness hidden amongst the forest in the grove.

Inside the Yurt I named Bert, is one bedroom with a finished wooden slat door, three large windows placed evenly throughout the circle’s white wall between two mirrors, a skylight, a woodburning stove, a simple altar with animal inspiration and intention cards, and books beneath, a comfy bed and a small old metal desk. It is simple but hardly bare with thoughtful adornments and a pretty white cat named Luna.

Astrid has created a space that feels clear and and calm. It is perfectly conducive for spending time with one's self.

So I slept. It was about 2 in the afternoon. I stoked the fire while the rain danced on the circular skylight at the center of the yurt’s circle. And then I laid my head down and slept.

I spent the rest of my time at the grove exactly how I wanted. There was so little to “do” but I had the world to do. Sit with the fire and listen to it crackle. Stare at Luna and watch her purr. Then gaze at the la luna in the sky once the rain clears. Listen to the crickets. Wash up outside in the dark. Maybe meditate. Maybe walk in the woods. Maybe pray. Maybe sleep. Maybe head to the big house and get some work done. Maybe stretch. Maybe be. The possibilities go for miles when there are miles to breath. No barriers but the ones you create.

Now to bring it all back to my real world, it was obviously an inspirational experience to retreat for a day or two. I highly suggest it. I only took a few picture with my phone camera and my favorite new app that seems to aid in communicating the experience. I hope you enjoy the images and...welcome to Solstice Grove.

HOT Scottish Southern Missouri Hippie Wedding with a Campfire

2010-02-20T22:31:00.000-08:00

Ah, so I'm digging deep into the my favorite weddings bank while still on the portfolio journey and ran across possibly my all time favorite experience shooting a wedding...The Scottish/Hippie Wedding.

It was a perfectly soaking wet humid July day in 2008. The hottest day of the year...and Gabe and Shiela were having a wedding. This match made in heaven met at Sherwood Forest Camp, the same camp I attended growing up and then worked at. I have known Gabe's family since before I met Gabe. And then Gabe met Shiela...who traveled from Scotland to work at the same little camp in southern Missouri with underprivileged children from St. Louis. This alone defined her as a special person in my book. We were all soo happy when they decided to "make it official".

I really didn't know what to expect photographing their wedding. But I knew it would be fun. It was held at Missouri Outdoors, a campground off the river. All the guests actually camped overnight before and after. Sheila's family traveled from Scotland for the event and seemed like a perfect match for Gabe's colorful, tie-dyed, let loose and easy going family. The whole weekend was a celebrate of the union.

The heat however, made a huge impact on the experience...and on my photography. The generators failed, things were burning, my boyfriend passed out with heat exhaustion and by sunset, my lenses were were fogging with humidity. But alas, I was able to catch a few moments from the day.

Gabe and Shiela, you two are amazing!

Mavericks Surf Competition: Half Moon Bay. February 13

2010-02-14T22:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Zeta and I packed up and drove down to Half Moon Bay early in the morning for the largest surf competition round these parts. The competition consists of 24 surfers riding the biggest big waves, monstrous walls of water built force that range between 20 to 50 ft. The contests is called when the conditions are right resulting in all 24 competitors flying from around the world within 48 hours. Chris Bertish, South African Maverick first place winner of the $50,000 prize, flew 36 hours to compete.

Our day was filled with luck. I luckily got the last BIG lens on rental in the city and they even had a 2x extender (300 mm 2.8 with a 2x Extender making it 600mm). We luckily found next to perfect parking. we luckily missed the large surge that took out the stage, vendors, sight seers and news people. And we luckily lugged the cooler up the cliff without tumbling down backwards so that I had something to stand on next to my tripod and fat lens so that I could have a go at shooting a wave or two. Luck continued with the arrival of our friend Mark who we shared lunch and laughs with...as well as shared the weight of the cooler on the long walk back to the car.
Both Zeta and Mark had a go at shooting too...which made it even more fun. Here are few from the day. Enjoy!

Our view of the surge that made Maverick history.

Viewers attempting to see a wave high above the ocean via the airforce fence.

Jay and Silent Bob.

talking shop

Zeta tumbling down.

Lake Merritt + Astrid = Awesome

2010-02-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

Ahh....headshots.....headshot shoot that turns fashion...I love!

Astrid arrived at my home where we began our fun shoot. It amazes me what natural (or unnatural) backgrounds surrounds us without having to lug around a big set up. Walking with Astrid into the overgrown and undervalued backyard behind the apartment building with camera in hand, I instantly saw the textured backdrops surrounding us. I was soo happy we were on the same page about shooting. She was ready to jump into bushes and sit in broken chairs. Perfect! We then headed to Lake Merritt which I've been hankering to photograph someone around. It's could use more positive attention and lots of love. So let the love shine!

I used to dread headshots. Right out of school I worked in a studio that was part of a larger camera store. Lighting was generic...as were the headshots. They were more like mugshots and working under a 75 year old senior photographer...I had little say except on his days off. Those are the days I brought out the red back drop!

I used only natural light with Astrid and kept it very simple. That's the KISS method. (keep it simple stupid...my professors would be so proud). Along the same note, these images were barely touched in post processing. Lightroom basic adjustments and walah! These are just a few of my favorites...but there were so many to choose form. Thanks Astrid for another fun day! Can't wait for more!!!!!

Hs Lordships | Josalie + Vincent

2010-02-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

Continuing on in my wedding portfolio journey, I find myself completely overwhelmed with soo many beautiful images from the wedding of Josalie and Vincent photographed with Sandra Reid. Josalie and Vincent were filled with a superb amount of character, energy and love towards eachother. As was the rest of the family. It was a super fun and entertaining day. Thanks Sandra for putting me on as second shooter! Choose your favorite and let me know.

Solstice Grove's Eco Yurt Living

2010-02-03T22:49:00.000-08:00

Wow. What a beautiful surprise to happen upon this during my Saturday adventure to Solstice Grove outside of Fairfax. I was attending another event put on by the Seven Circles Foundation. "An organization established to promote and support spiritual practices based on the ancient ways of Native American Indigenous People."

I've begun photographing for the organization pro-bono as well as highlighting the founder and native American elder, Fred Wahpepah...an amazing and inspiring individual. More on that later.

On this day, I arrived at Solstice Grove...a magical land protected from the world by a peculiar automatic mystical wooden gate and it's ranch of horses behind it. I finally found my way through the horses and up the road to the community house where the event was to be held. I was welcomed by Astrid (pictured above) who lives on the land and to my surprise...lives in a yurt. What a fantastic place to live! My intrigue and her need to feed Luna, her cat, won me a free ticket to tour de yurt. I soon discovered that Astrid found this land by what some may call happenstance and others may call fate. Astrid said the land called her...and I can see why.

It is the perfect place for an Eco Interior Designer and Sustainability Consultant to focus on writing a reference book. The images do not do justice to the space that Astrid has created hand in hand alongside nature's natural creations. It's decided...I need to live in a yurt!

For more information about Astrid and the work she does check out her site Astrid Design.

El Sobrante Sikh Temple and a Royal Wedding

2010-02-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

In the fall I had the amazing opportunity to photograph a Sikh wedding ceremony at the Sikh Temple in El Sobrante. From the moment I arrived I was inducted into a world unlike my own. I was in the presence of majesty. Photographing barefoot running between gorgeous women dressed in colorful saris and the bride and groom. The little girl inside me felt like I was shooting the wedding of Prince Charming and his beautiful princess bride. Thank you Thank you! Here are a few of my favorites from the day hoping one or two might make it into my portfolio.

Green Rush: California's new gold

2010-01-29T00:09:00.000-08:00

Today I photographed the opening of iGrow, a special horiticultural superstore...for marijuana...weed that is. It is the first and biggest in the state of California...and most likely the US.

It was a day filled with Oakland Council members, really really nice cars, a lot of news stations and of lot of interesting stories from the people. Here are five of my favs after a fifteen minute edit. Ok had to throw in a sixth.

Hallelujah

2010-01-28T00:52:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day I feel like I've seen light in weeks. The rain stopped. The skies cleared and I went for a walk. As I continue my wedding portfolio journey, I came across this image taken from a beautiful and colorful Sikh wedding I photographed in the fall . I've been re-living that day...all day...and it's been a good day. It's not easy editing down a wedding from nearly 2,000 images to my goal of 12...the magic story number. Not that every story's number is 12. It's just good to have a goal.

I was called last minute to be a second shooter for a wedding I knew nothing about. But of course I hopped on the opportunity. It was like shooting my first wedding. I had no idea what was going on or where was appropriate to stand. I photographed barefoot with a scarf on my head and loved every minute of it.

It was kinda like the feeling that Avatar created...being in a world not your own...but really we all speak the same language....just a little less blue.

This is my "teaser" post while I continue to widdle down images from this wedding for my next post.

The title comes from the song played at the time of naming this post.

Music Ad

2010-01-26T23:37:00.000-08:00

After reading an article on photographing music shows I was inspired to make this ad. Music photography is one of my first loves and one of the many things I would photograph even without backstage passes...although that seems to improve the quality of the images. ;)

I began photographing musicians in college when I started hanging out with the town punk band, "Nonstop 3" or rather, "the kids" when I first met them. I fell in love with the excitement of being around these guys who were like my own personal Green Day...and I may have had a small thing for the drummer. I thought my path was sealed and hung on to the romantic idea that I'd one day shoot for Rolling Stone Magazine. Well...it might still happen and I did find myself a good drummer. Regardless, I hope to be shooting A Lot more music. So maybe this advertisement will help me get some work doing what I love.

I should also mention the band in the ad is The Midwest Avengers. I had the privilege of hanging out with them for a few shows in St. Louis. A super cool and talented group of guys that I hope to photograph on tour in the future.

Dunes West Golf Club | Adam + Ashley

2010-01-25T23:08:00.000-08:00

It's still raining outside and after dealing with a flooding kitchen and bathroom, too much time in front of the tv, books in bed and new food creations, it's time to get back to pictures. A new wedding portfolio is long overdue. I photographed Adam and Ashley's wedding in November of 2008 in South Carolina at Dunes West Golf Club. Reliving through these images reminded me of how much fun (and beautiful) this wedding was. I wish I could take Spanish Moss to all my weddings...as well as the southern hospitality I encountered immediately. Because I traveled across country, I got to spend a few extra days with the Adam and Ashley and their family. We met the day before their wedding for casual portraits, family portraits and then a bbq on the beach with family and friends. By the time wedding day came, we were old friends eating grits and shrimp and there is nothing better than shooting your friend's wedding. Thanks Adam and Ashley! Y'all kinda rock!

Here are a few of my favorites that will most likely make it into my new portfolio. I've also started using Kevin Kubota's photoshop actions...aka new toy. Hope I didn't overdue it. Would love to hear which ones are your favorites.

Tracy + Shannon + Orion | St. Louis Art Museum (outside)

2010-01-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph my friends' family portrait. I've known Tracy and Shannon since I was...well...since I was very little. We are camp friends from Sherwood Forest meaning we spent our nights under the southern Missouri stars while singing songs, acting goofy and running after a few crazy kids while we were also crazy kids.

A few years ago, I photographed their family portrait. Orion was one year old and stunning. Big blue eyes and very well behaved. He's still stunning...but lets say...the running after crazy kids continues! It was a blast! These are a few of the shots taken from that cold winter's day. Thanks Tracy, Shannon and Orion! ENJOY!

Anne + Steve | Claremont Hotel

2010-01-19T16:48:00.000-08:00

Sunday I had the pleasure to photograph Anne and Steve's wedding at the Claremont Hotel high up on the hill top overlooking Berkeley, Oakland, and all the way to San Francisco. I photographed it along side Fu with Red Letter Weddings. The view from the balcony was gorgeous although mostly grey and foggy as the day was blessed with rain...and lots of it. But that didn't stop this from being a beautiful wedding. Anne and Steve were classy, fun and filled with adventure and LOVE. She was literally glowing surrounded by so many family and friends. I was telling a friend today who is planning her own wedding, that the day seems like a chance to create your own personal utopia by having all the people you love together...to celebrate you and your partner. It's pretty great.

Like every wedding, it is unique. Anne and Steve had a Jewish ceremony. Their kiss was shared with the Jewish community surrounding them via blanket. And of course...my favorite always is the Hora dance! ENERGY!!!!! These are my favorites in both color and B&W. I was raised to believe that mixing color with B&W is a no-no...but...well...now I can brake those rules. :) Thanks Steve, Anne and Fu! ENJOY! Check out my facebook page to see more images.

Great Photographer and Great Aunt

2010-01-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

Alvera Steinman March 24, 1922 - January 3, 2010

Great Aunt Alvera passed on from this world Sunday morning in St. Louis, Mo. She was 87. Alvera worked mostly as a wedding photographer with the camera that sits on her lap. This was of course long before I ever imagined shooting weddings myself. It was actually because of her, that I never wanted to be a wedding photographer. She photographed my parents wedding delivering a total of eight prints developed in her downstairs darkroom. All posed with eyes painted in if she caught a blinker. Apparently she was pretty bossy with the camera and never quite understood my interest in photojournalism. Her darkroom was in her basement surrounded by mallard duck paintings from my Uncle Jim and many many jars of preserves.

I took this image with my mom's point and shoot on the day we were cleaning Alvera's house and moving her into a nursing home. It was the last time I sat with her and the only time we sat down with her cameras. She had given me a few tours of her darkroom while growing up and always offered to let me have her enlarger. And despite our differences in photography...we did have that as a common bond. I think because of that, I was able to understand a small portion of my great aunt that others were not able to.

Thanksgiving day, Alvera had her first experience with today's technology, Skype as my father passed the computer around the family table. Zeta and I were on the other end in California and the family was in St. Louis. We were placed down in front of her when a huge smile came upon her face. "Where are they?" she asked my mom seeming totally confused but also amused. Between my mom's voicelessness and Alvera's hard of hearing, the conversation was just an exchange of smiles.

My grandfather, Alvera's brother, passed away two years ago. And my remaining Great Uncle Harold, her other brother passed away in 2009. Alvera was the oldest.

A Shucking Good Time

2009-11-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

Oyster shucking 101: Hog Island Oyster Company.

1. "Gentle with the tip."

2. "What the shuck did you say?"

3. "Work the tip then open it."

4. "I'm wearing this for protection"

5. "Sometimes I swallow. Sometimes I chew."

6. "Wedge it open."

7. "Smell your fingers."

8. "Don't smell your fingers."

9. "Get your dirty dick skinners off my tools"

10. "Somebody's gonna git hurt and fall into a grill..."

RED WALL

2009-11-08T15:08:00.001-08:00

Red Wall Party Invitation Photo Shoot.

Los Dias De Muertos

2009-11-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

Sage filled the air cleansing the night as hundreds of participants dressed as the dead and paraded the streets of the Mission District in San Francisco. This was my first experience with Los Dias De Muertos and I'm now a firm believer that it is a needed and unifying celebration of life. Arriving right on time, we walked with the ghostly procession of drums towards the park where the altars were placed. There we found hundreds of candles burning, pictures and handwritten messages. Liz added her candles to a small collection. Families gathered and all who were there seemed to be celebrating the lives of a loved ones. It was beautiful and has become a celebration that I hope to add to my own traditions. Maybe someday I'll make it down to the big one.

Decompressed and Rejuved.

2009-10-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Getting around to past posts. I'm hopping around a bit, but it's all good. These are a few of my favorites from Decompression's "Heat the Street" fair in San Francisco. My return from Burning Man was filled with surprise after surprise which resulted in a much needed return to insanity to maintain sanity.

The day was freezing and lacking dust but was filled with color, costumes, beats and rejuvenation.

Awarding the Green

2009-10-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the pleasure of photographing the Green Business Awards in the Veterans War Memorial Building across from San Francisco City Hall with Orange Photography. I was pleasantly surprised with how happy and gracious everyone was that we were there. And even better that Orange Photography was awarded for their greenery. The wall hanging plaques were framed from wooden palletts found from the streets of the city.

Businesses from pet hotels to clothing to furniture were awarded for earning their Green Credentials. Way to San Francisco!

mayhem raised again

2009-10-20T10:48:00.001-07:00

Last night the few us left in the city and few more who came into the city, gathered at the Green Tortoise ballroom to celebrate the life of our friend who's life was cut short. In typical Tortoise style, we shared our stories about Toby and our times together in the uniqueness that was.. when we all lived together, worked together, cooked together, cleaned together, partied and made music together. Alot of 'remember whens'. The tribe that I think of so fondly when I think of that year came alive again for me last night. It's obvious to me now, that the story continues on.

weddings, babies, and baseball

2009-08-27T11:04:00.001-07:00

No trip to St. Louis is ever complete without a visit to Busch Stadium to watch the Cardinal's play. After wedding, baby baptism and baby birthday, we were ready to head to the stadium for an authentic St. Louis experience. This was the first time for my mom in the new stadium AND the first time for Zeta and Nora at a MLB game. Welcome to St. Louis. We sing, we dance, we do the wave, we watch people and we jump and scream when Pujol's hit's one home.

a marriage off of Route 66

2009-08-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

Zeta and I returned to the humidity and the midwest for my older sister, Laura's, wedding. She and Alex were married in a smallish country church in Hamel, Il...right off of the original Route 66 surrounded by corn fields. This was my first experience not being the photographer since all siblings were present in the wedding party. And...well...I kind of loved being on the other side too.

One of the treats of this gathering was the sharing between the two families uniting through this marriage. Alex's family, most originally from Central America, was lively, colorful, and filled with love. Here, my Dad gets a lesson from Jaoquin for their 'El Rey' performance during the reception.

in the captain's company

2009-07-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

As Vic would say, "I strongly recommend this view" while laying with his head hanging upside down over the bridge while the river runs through it. This weekend Zeta and I escaped the concrete jungle and headed to Standish Hickey where the Eel River flows and Captain Standish stands 225 feet tall amongst his family of really big red woods. With a little help from our friends, the weekend was a tribute to all things good and revived my love for life in a whole new way. Even though Vic and Liz had been here before, they had never layed their eyes upon the big tree named Captain Standish, the third largest Redwood on Earth. After realizing that the river had our day, it was obvious the forest had our night. Zeta and I made a dinner of chicken and magic and we all four then headed out with a few wimpy flashlights into the woods.

The trail was full of stories, song, and beautiful night. The moon had not yet risen and was nearly 11pm. Night hikes present a wonderful new challenge to the team...especially on a trail no one has walked before. But after maybe only 45 minutes....there he was...like the bean stalk to the sky. It had to be him. How many other trees in the middle of the woods have a wooden post around it with benches to sit and admire?

Of course we step through the fence and join the Captain in his circle. Never have I felt so small and so in the company of true majesty without a tourist in site. It was me and the Captain and the stars.

The forest was silent with an occasion cricket, frog or bird as we all lay on the gigantic foot of the tree. A shooting star flies by. Zeta whispers into my ear. And the green grass grows all around and around.

We continued on the loop trail back down to the river where we had spent the day. There burned a fire surrounded by a conglomeration of different individuals mostly local who invited us to join their ring. They quickly showed their hospitality by sharing beers and off color jokes. I may as well have been in Southern Missouri seeing familiar faces in friends I've never met. In fact, the entire trip brought back memories of family trips, camping, and floating the Black River in Missouri. Home really is where the heart is. I guess mines green and brown with a river running through it.

Ashkenaz

2009-06-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

Intersection at Ashkenaz in Berkeley. Sunday, June 21, 2009

Come Together.

2009-06-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

Galileo Learning, home of Camp Galileo, Galileo Summer Quest and the Tech Camps at the Tech Museum in San Jose, had it's staff training for nearly 700 staff who will be introducing the world of camp to about 20,000 children all around the bay this summer.

The weekend was a Tsunami of positivity energy...and wonderful craziness. Everyone, EVERYONE was smiling, open hearted and happy to be there. There was a unique unity that I hope rides the waves all through the summer. New staff jumped straight into "camp mode" and left normalities on the way side. It was camp.

My role, until this weekend, has been solely as a voice on the end of the phone line registering child after child. Normally, I wear a headset to work and was SOOO happy to take off the head set and pick up the camera. It has been too long.

all 200+ of t

The event can be seen www.lumeneyestudiosblog.com

Bay to Breakers

2009-05-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

I finally broke out the Leica after two years on the shelf for Bay to Breakers....the seven mile run, walk, crawl from the Embarcardero in San Francisco to the ocean.

I joined the parade about half way through following a band of Mario Karts off of the Muni into the moving jungle that extended across the entire city.

San Francisco loves to dress up, let go of reason and rules and march. We are marchers....celebrating the insanity that is...and fighting to have the right to parade across the city in dress, drag, or nothing at all.

Hawk

2009-05-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

Wow. Still trying to get my other blog on wordpress going...but time flies and flies. I do plan on switching to another format very soon to improve the look and ease of posting images. In the meantime, here are few shots to sooth the soul.

This past weekend I joined Zeta at Project One in San Francisco for his first performance with 'Intersection', a group of friends that asked him to play drums. I am always impressed to see him play and can expect to hear a few folks in the crowd say the same. This group is full of talent creating a tribal electronica jam funk sound with a flute. Very entertaining.

On another note and equally as entertaining, this weekend was the premier of Zeta's mohawk created Saturday morning by yours truly. After playing beauty shop, we jumped in the rental and headed to the park for my company's work picnic. I loved showcasing him and his new punk look. We even got a few 'pointers' and picked up some Elmer's glue on the way home to further improve the hawk before showtime. Of course everyone at the show that night loved it including a few cute girls that let him know. Always a good boost of ego.

We then headed to Mountainview on Sunday for a day with The Dead and all the colorful 'Dead Heads'. I would have had it no other way than to be walking through a sea of dreads with pointy pink hawk.

Below are various artist from the night including 'The Genie' on scratch guitar. Eli on the keyboard, Sean on the lights, Willy and Mike on guitars and of course Vic on the flute. As my blogging improves, I hope to be a better journalist in documenting accurate names....but for now...enjoy the light show.

City Museum

2009-04-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend I flew in and out of St. Louis like a spring storm to shoot the wedding of Alissa and Eric at the City Museum along with John White.

These are just a few (pre-processed shots). There will be more as I've only downloaded two of the eight memory cards.

Alissa and Eric embraced the City Museum and embraced the day. Out of the box and up for anything. They climbed through tight spaces, kissed in airplanes and jumped into the ballpit. We didn't even make it into the caves or the circus!

Thank you Alissa and Eric for being the rockstars that you are!

Phone

2009-04-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

The more weddings I shoot, the more I come to realize there are some non-traditional moments that always seem to happen, I guess making them traditional. Of course putting together a wedding is a monumental event involving a lot of...involvement, coordination, patience, and perseverance as well as a lot of time on the phone. How did they get it all together pre- Bell?

My most recent wedding in St. Louis was an incredible experience. Ellissa & Jim planned their day to the 'T' with portraits at the "BoTan" and all the rest of the goods inside St. Louis City Hall. If it's been awhile since your fifth grade field trip to City Hall...it's time to revisit these roots.

Ellissa's phone rang off the hook and most of the calls were from 'to be' husband, Jim with bad phone reception. They spoke off and on throughout the day as co-coordinators of any event would...even minutes before walking down the aisle. Here is a short collection of what I will simply call "Phone".

Into the Woods. A birthday Gift.

2009-04-16T22:48:00.000-07:00

Climb the mountain and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The wind will blow their own freshness into you And the storms their energy while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. ~ John Muir

Saturday was Zeta's birthday. He turned 32. His parents came in town. And we went to Yosemite.

Speechless.

Last year for Zeta's birthday celebration, we, a conglomeration of friends from the Green Tortoise and band friends, gathered a Kanziman where we ate, drank and were merry till the sun came up. The night consisted of the typical dibauchery turned up a notch with bellydancers, hookahs and lots of alcohol.

This year Zeta's parents flew in from Virginia Beach.

Saturday morning we all arrive at Zeta's apartment for a Happy Birthday 'Let's Go'...and he's still in the shower. His dad, Alan, sits on the couch with an unlit cigar already in his mouth and his mom, Marie, organizes his fridge while explaining to me her every step. I unsuccessfully attempt to make coffee for the ride.

We finally head out the door after Zeta agreed the coffee was horrible. Donned in scrappy clothes for 'mining' we were headed to our destination; a gold mine outside of Sonora. Marie and Zeta both have a 'thing' for mining...or treasure hunting more like it. Two years ago we went opal mining outside of Winnimucca (the same Winnimucca Johnny Cash sings about)

To our surprise, the mine was less of a running mine and more of a tourist attraction as a guide in overalls and lots of facial hair hands me a $12 pan with gold guaranteed to be in it. Here's a pan, find the gold in it. My gold rush consisted of five small shiny flakes. Luckily there were lots of other pretty rocks to keep me interested.

After a few hours of bending over a wood tub with water running through, we were able to pull Zeta away from his search for riches. Back in the car for the 1 hour...no 2 hour...no 3 hour drive to Yosemite.

As we enter Yosemite, it's slightly raining, cold, with snow covered ground. The air was crisp and seemed to jumpstart my lungs as I could feel every molecule of fresh air within me.

It was now about 5pm. So due to a setting sun somewhere behind the clouds and less desirable driving conditions for Alan, my first experience with Yosemite was meerily a drive by.

Yosemite is best taken introveinously. In the veins. Up. Down. In front of my eyes. ALL OVER was more beauty than this girl could take. A climbers paradise. A photographers inspiration. I fell in Love.

We returned home exhausted. Depleted but happy to have enjoyed living the day experiencing the gift of Yosemite.

midwest stars

2009-04-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

Flora. Taco Night. St. Louis.

Friends.

Family.

Story time.

Home

2009-04-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

Home. Happy.

After the best sleep one can have resting upon a clouded mattress jumping from dream to dream, I am awakened by Frankenfurter, the black cat of the house. Frankie talks like a excited four year old and the spring sun shines into my room that is transforming into the office/storage/guest room. Dad's in the kitchen cooking. Shaking orange juice, zapping bacon, scrambling eggs, chopping fruit, and flipping pancakes topped with a wheat free waffle for his 'special daughter'. Some say this is the fastest you'll ever see Dan Cross move. Breakfast served.

My father, a new retirree from Annheuser Busch after 24 years of solid service has now realized his potential as a Grade A breakfast chef.

It's nice to be home.

Glide Spirit

2009-03-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

A few sundays ago I attended church with Lauren and a few of her friends at Glide Memorial Church in the San Francisco tenderloin. The old and famous sanctuary is well known for serving the homeless and the poverty stricken community. Also known for it's diversity across all realms...this is the 'come as you are' church. It was a loud, lively and passionate experience including singing, dancing and maybe a little hopping around with the holy ghost. Definitely a new experience for this mid-western gal.

Out in Oakland

2009-03-23T22:17:00.001-07:00

From a Shabbat Dinner into the Easy into the limo of a rapper, Oakland apparently has a LOT to offer.

Roommate

2009-03-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Lauren.

The Atari Method

2009-03-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

The woman next me at the counter reacted in a way that made me think I just asked to purchase the world's rarest diamond. But all I said was, "I'd like to buy a camera". A backordered, low supply high demand camera that cost more than the car in my driveway...but none the less...I was there to buy. And the man with the name tag, Edwin, had one to sell. Two actually. But I only needed one.

The camera does not make the photographer, but it can be painful to run a race without a good pair of shoes. I've made the best of my photography with 'old & insufficient' digital cameras. But it's time to get get serious. So serious I got. Battling the debt demons, I've re-instilled the 'Atari Method' back into my life.

Ten years old. Atari was my 'new camera' and the only way I could have it was by earning it. Not by money, but by practicing violin everyday for a month. Just one month! Notes on strings were like atari money in the bank. Might I mention at that point in my violiniage, the notes were not pretty.

I got my Atari. I played my Frogger. And quickly so did my sister and the neighbor... busting it to never be played again. Lesson Complete. The Atari Method lesson was not just about the practice I learned of how to truly earn. But also...how to let go of things.

Thanks for the Atari Method. And thanks for the lessons learned. It's time to make this thing a money maker.

Welcome to my Phlog

2009-03-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Photo by Dave Getzschman.

I take pictures of people for a living....but mostly I document my own life by documenting the world around me. My images are essentially my memory storage bank of adventures and mis-adventures. The weird, the mundane, the ironic, and the energy of celebrations are what keeps my finger on the trigger.

'Take me as I blog' was given to me by an instant new friend after months of succumbing to the 'name that blog game'. Not only a fitting name, I think, but a gift.

I hope for this space to be a place of continued creative exploration and release. Thanks for stopping by.

testing the waters

2009-03-11T23:01:00.001-07:00

this is a test. this is only a test.