Lately, I know I've been posting a lot about my personal life, but it has been the 'off season' for me for the past two months, meaning no weddings to shoot ... just portraits and tons of editing. So, my posts have been, well frankly, about my every day life.  This one isn't too far off from that genre, however, much more interesting. It's about someone else's every day life ... but in the Dominican Republic. 

My baby sister's best friend, Megan Popa, has been living in the Dominican Republic for the past 13 weeks doing missionary work for the Friends of the Orphanage.  She'll be there for the next year, that's 39 more weeks to blog!  She has been documenting her life in the 'DR' from a tree frog waiting for her on her toothbrush in the morning to the harsh reality of poverty.  I love Megan.  Her bravery and spirit has always been a blessing to be around.  I think this prayer that she has posted on her sidebar really sums up Megan's purpose in life. Hopefully we will all learn something from Megan's journey and all those who play a part in helping make this world a better place.

may God bless you with discomfort... at easy answers, half truths and superficial relationships... so that you may live deep within your heart.

Ok, I know it will be voting time for our next president soon, {just in case you haven't registered to vote, please do so here} but in the meantime, I've entered into some small photo contests. I just wanted to put up the entries to show everyone. :)

When it comes to reading, you'll either find me drooling over photo books or in the Harry Potter and Twilight section of the bookstore. But lately, I've been delving into the business side of literature and finding books that have awesome answers to my questions. I'll admit have not read them cover to cover, I more or less pick chapters to read when I need to be inspired or taught a thing or two about business finances, organization and pricing. As well as about myself. What an absolute treat to realize I need to relax in order to get somewhere! Incomprehensible? Just read on ....

A while back I lived in Portland and since I tended bar at night, during the day I would chase the sun. Every morning I would wake up, switch on the machine and check the weather. Since the consistently gray forecast put an instant frown on my face (Arizona raised sun goddess here), I would check Roadside America for anything in my area that was wacky and something fun I could drive to in my car and photograph. The destinations made me smile all the way, despite the constant drizzle. I absolutely love Roadside America, it saved me from months of cold, rainy, boring days. After I moved back to California, I just had to submit one of my images of my favorite Paul Bunyan. Being published on their site is to say the least one of my proudest moments, here is the entry ...

Portland, Oregon - Paul Bunyan Statue

I was living in Portland for a few months and stumbled across this great Paul Bunyan in the Killingsworth district of Portland. He sits on a corner that is busy with traffic and train. [Kristen Grinnell]

[RA: He's a rare, semi-urban woodsman we've visited before. Not a Muffler Man, but an impressive ax wielder in friendly Portland.]

today, i couldn't help it to be distracted. not once, but twice was i taken back by the usual frustrations of a home officer. first, my 2 o'clock was late because he "couldn't pull himself out of the aloe pot". then, i found my intern asleep in the supply closet. what a day!