xo, r

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Currently listening:
Arturo Stalteri - An Ending [Ascent]

Here's the last photo from previous week. Boy that seems so long ago already. I gave it a silly name because I couldn't think of anything else. The view is right across from Chinatown and the 'desert' area that you see in the foreground was a huge, fenced-in vacant lot. I stuck my camera between the gates and snapped the photo. Directly in the center, you can make out the Frank Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall. And yes, amazingly enough, it was that cloudy that day in Los Angeles.

I didn't follow the compositional rule of the Rule of Thirds, which is one of the most respected visual 'commandments' in painting and photography. It's not always good to follow. Don't you agree? I could've zoomed in closer, or cropped the photo more tightly, but I kind of like it the way it is. I tried blurring the pebbled foreground, but I somewhat prefer the 'roughness' in the bottom half. Overall it might looked a tad better without the title/white band. Seeing it in its original full size [4288 x 2848 pixels] makes me giddy! :-)

Goodness! Let me stop talking already! Now aren't you glad that I'm posting my own work rather than copy n' pasting someone else's writing? Okay, but maybe you aren't because I've been yappin' too much. I'm just excited. Enjoy this lovely day out everyone!

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Currently listening:
Philip Glass - Closing

I have two more photos to put up from my Los Angeles [Day] series and here's one of them. I got 'too close' to one of these buildings and the security guard there handed me a postcard which stated:

We are aware of and respect photographers' constitutional rights. We want to inform you that because of the national threat of terrorism we report any prolonged or suspicious activity to local law enforcement at their request. Additionally, we do not allow any photography or video taping on private property.

Kudos to them. At least he didn't tell me to 'erase' what I took. I was literally just walking by and then snapped this photo. This was right outside the LA MoCA museum. I think anyone could take this photo really, just point up and shoot! Anyway, I could be a terror at times, but never a terrorist.

Last night I was browsing online looking at various photography and gallery websites, etc., nice findings. To see what other photographers are doing as far as techniques and subject matter is immensely inspirational. In addition, checking out their websites to see what slideshow/portfolio programs they use can be quite educational as well. Also I was looking at job listings [finally you say!]... Alec sent me a site to government jobs and I found a particular entry that would fit my bill, but it's out in Washington, DC! bleh :-)

At any rate, we're heading out with a friend of ours to breakfast, and to have a looksie at the LA Times Festival of Books book fair. Should be interesting. Well, I should be back later to post my last [not final] photo of Los Angeles. Then I could start another project maybe next week! Hmm... what to do! What to do? Have a great day everyone.

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Currently listening:
Philip Glass - Opening

Today the weather in the Los Angeles area has certainly cooled off a bit, more than 20 degrees! Can you feel it? Last night I set my alarm clock to 3am this morning and as soon as it went off, up I go. Since I haven't a job these days, this photo assignment that I gave myself certainly gives me something to look forward it. It was a cloudy morning, no moon in sight. A lovely drive, took about 20 minutes and I was at the beach. Got there around 4am and was home before sunrise... Just in time to catch Alec before he went to work.

This time I took about 30 photos, only a few I really like. But as you know, there isn't much to photograph at the beach when it's cold, dark and having no one around. It's just sand, garbage bins, public lavatories at every few hundred yards [their lights are blinding anyway], and lifeguard towers, etc. So of course I opted to photograph one of the towers. They turned out well, I'll post that sometime next week. The above gull photo is from earlier this week. Again, another infrared transformation. I quite like it, I even made it into my 24" desktop wallpaper, but not as much as I like the one from Tuesday.

On top of that, today I purchased another domain and it's piggy-backin' to my Mrhappysad website. My current hosting company provided that to me - free of charge! Woohoo! I think I'll put my photography stuff on there, soon. Well that's all for this evening. Have a great night everyone!!

xo, r

I like the photo above. [Click for larger version] I made it infrared to give it some eeriness yet the imagery of the mother and child brings warmth to the overall composition. At least that's how I interpret it. For some reason I like staring at this photo while listening to this piano version of Mad World... It's a bit difficult to see the child though because he's so small in the photo. The other photo that I like from yesterday was a shot of a seagull. I'll post that some other day.

Right now I just had lunch and am off to Borders for some good readin'!

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Currently listening:
The Key Sessions Quartet - Mad World

Ah, an above warm day today. Went to the dentist, then to the beach, followed by a trip to the grocery store. We're good on food for the rest of the week, if not two. So many email to reply to. Maybe I'll spend some time tonight.

The beach was nice. It's only a 10-mile trip one way. I didn't go in the water nor I took my shoes off. I just walked a bit and took pictures. I scoped out a couple of spots where I want to take some night photos. It'll be much, much cooler the next few nights. At any rate, this is a photo from the Bradbury Building off Broadway Avenue. I only snapped a few photographs because I tried walking in once before with a friend, and the security guy told us that no photos taken are allowed in the building. I'm thinking they most likely changed their policy since I just saw a bunch of photos of the building off Flickr! Hmm!

Today I did take some pictures of families basking in the sun. Oh right, and seagulls, too. I do have a Flickr Pro account that Bridie gave me as a gift, but I just don't use it anymore. Yes, I shall blame that on my shyness! :-)

I hope everyone had a great weekend. It's Monday morning here but not everywhere else. Some anticipates, some not so much. It's officially been a week since I left my job, but that seems so long ago! I haven't been as productive as I would like myself to me. I've been reading a lot though. Books on in-house production design, graphic design books and periodicals, anything on photography, anything on design basically. I also have been to Borders 3 times already in one week. One would think I know exactly what I want to do in life... but I don't. I remember back in my AOL days, in my profile I would put: "To be a good person." But that alone doesn't put bread on the table does it!

This morning I have a dentist appointment at 9am. I think after that, I'll drive out to the beach and scope out the area, so I could prepare for my excursion out later this week to practice night photography. Here's another photo from from last week's outing, taking from the Los Angeles Public Library! *durr* I love the hard edges from the different elements in the photo, yet sort of countered by the giant rounded pillars on the left side. There are about 6 [or 7, 2 more above where I was standing] floors in the entire building, and each floor carries different subjects of books and material. A swell place to visit. The gift shop is pretty amazing. I bought some nicknacks that included a bumper sticker that reads: "Reading is sexy!" Well it is, isn't it? :-)

I'll post another photo later. Right now I need to get ready for my appointment. Try not to be too blue because it's Monday! It's a great morning! Take care!

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Currently listening:
Thomas Otten - Dulciate

Am back. Again, 2 posts in a single day... I'm thinking that being away from work is doing me tremendous good! :-) This photo I especially love. I don't know why. It's taken on top of Bunker Hill. It looks way better when it's blown up. Oright, I had to downsize these photos for people who are using a 15" monitors. More photos to come!! Maybe early next week I'll be able to do some night photography.

Anyway, have a fantastic Friday everyone. Be glad! Be glad about what you have, and be glad about what you don't have, too! :-)

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Currently listening:
Explosions In The Sky - Your Hand In Mine [Strings]

Well, I've decided to chuck my A Tee A Week photo project. Just not worth it. A novelty that lasted for 2 weeks. heh! I had a lot of fun on Wednesday when I was out exploring Los Angeles. Above is a photo of the Grand Central Market on Broadway. I've been there a few times and right above the market are some brand new artist lofts. I was at the market around noon and got a bit hungry and wanted to get something to eat, but most vendors only took cash, which I didn't have at the time. bleh! Directly across the street from the market is Angels Flight, the shortest railroad in the friggin' world! But it's currently closed at the moment. Renovation maybe?

The railroad is actually situated on part of Bunker Hill. So when you ascend to your destination on top [takes about a whoppin' 2 minutes max!], you'll find MoCA, and other grand office buildings. And from there, walk about 5 minutes, you'll then come across Walt Disney Concert Hall. Ah, too many links! Anyway, I'll post another photo up later. I need to go take my shower!

Be back in a toot! :-)

Have you been? The Cathedral of Our Lady of our Angels. It's situated by the 101 Freeway in the heart of Los Angeles. I should've went inside yesterday... there's always a next time! In the morning I took the express bus to downtown LA and it was quite an excursion. I walked over 6 miles with a backpack on my back. I snapped enough photos to last me... a week! :-) I went on the net and found out that MoCA was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but that didn't stop me from heading out by myself. It was a lovely day. The weather was warm and then it was cold. Clouds were gathering from time to time. There's one photo where the clouds were all dramatic above the Disney Concert Hall... I'll post other pictures later.

I took this photo from an overhead bridge on top of the 101 Freeway. I've gotten so used to driving my car around LA, it's amazing what one can find traveling on foot. I will definitely do this again visiting other parts of Los Angeles. This weekend is also the 2009 spring Brewery Art Walk. The area is an art 'colony' of sort where one can go in and see the artists' lofts and/or work area, along with all their art pieces being displayed. I'll try to head out there this Sunday. Come with!

Anyway, like my last 2 photos, click on the graphic and it'll pop up a full sized version. Actually, here 'full size' is 1286x854px, just about a third of the original 4288x2848px. It's nicer when it's big innit?

Lastly, thanks for all the kind, and encouraging from you all. I really appreciate it! :-) Have a great Thursday everybody. 'til tomorrow!

I stayed 'til about 8.30am. Why drag it out! I'd already said my goodbyes last Friday. There was this one coworker/good friend [who's gay] that didn't go in Friday. I've gotten to know him pretty well from the past few years. We have grown quite comfortable with one another about various subjects. We can talk about everything under the sun. He would always come by and tell me silly jokes, and I would crack up! He would bring me candy, too.

So this morning I waited 'til he showed up like he said he would. I saw him come in but he sits a good distance. He didn't say a word on MS Communicator [instant message] nor walk over like he usually does. Finally on Communicator I said that I was leaving. He replied and said he might just cry... I felt horrible. He then walked over. He looked a bit flush'd and teary-eyed. He tried to give me a handshake but I just gave him a big hug and then proceeded with a handshake. Good luck and goodbye. We kept it brief. He had mentioned before that he feels the strongest bond with me in the office. I feel the same. I will miss him very much.

When I was driving home. I text'd him and said: "Good luck Meester Stones. Sadness has left the building..." If you know me well enough, you would get the meaning of that one. Happysad. There are no goodbyes...

xo, r

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Currently listening:
Mairi Campbell & Dave Francis - Auld Lang Syne

I miss Zion. We were there last October. Arches National Park was amazing as well... I can't decide which one is more memorable. Alec and I will definitely go back to both. As far as taking photos, I think Arches were more accessible. You can pretty much drive and stop on the side of the road and step out and set up your tripod right at the very spot. I wished we had our better camera during our trip to Moab. That was 3 years ago.

We will be going up to see the Oregon coast area for Alec's family reunion this coming July. I'm very much looking forward to seeing his family and the coastline sceneries... Of course, family comes first and foremost.

It's 3 minutes past midnight. Happy Easter! Have a wonderful celebration everyone, whatever you'll be doing. Don't eat too many Peeps and chocolate bunnies!!

xo, r

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Currently listening:
Mairi Campbell & Dave Francis - Auld Lang Syne

I took this yesterday but it'll count for today! :-) The picture is a tad blurry and I'm not sure if anyone can see what it is on the shirt, it's an image of a beaten house. Look familiar to anyone? Most likely not but it might be to a very selective few. For one... Sam maybebaby?

Good Friday everyone! Enjoy Easter. Enjoy everything!

I finally got my red business cards, but they misaligned the red stamp [my name] on the back and therefore it's not centered. I emailed them and they said they'll reprint them free of charge, no S/H and will put my order in front of the line. Woohoo! At any rate, I ordered a test batch last week with photos - 10 for $2.99. Arrived yesterday and came out fantastic! I passed out a few today at work and someone had already asked me where I got them printed. Don't I look like a convict or something? All I need is one of those identity number plate! Oy!

The back doesn't have my name. Maybe I'll get that changed. Or not. Haven't done a tee shirt this week. Has it been a full week already? sheeesh! And 2 posts in one day! waaaaah!

PS. Y'know, it's still odd to me to see my face on the monitor! Odd indeed. Toodles.

This morning I'll be writing up a short n' dirty Farewell note to all my coworkers and managers, and attached with the photo above. I know, I'm such a cornball. But at least they'll have a face [and tie] to somewhat remember rather than a lonesome note. Don't you think? I'll send the email out tomorrow since my last day will be this coming Monday. I'll show up to return my laptop and turn in my badge. So this morning I've been listening to the song The Life of Riley...

I apologize if the track starts a bit loud, but I'm quite fond of this song today! Happy day everyone, and SMILE!! :-)

THE LIFE OF RILEY
Lost in the Milky Way,
smile at the empty sky and wait for
the moment a million chances may all collide.
I'll be the guiding light,
swim to me through stars that shine down,
and call to the sleeping world as they fall to Earth.

So here's your life,
we'll find our way,
we're sailing blind,
but it's certain nothing's certain.
I don't mind,
I get the feeling
you'll be fine,
I still believe
that in this world,
we've got to find the time...
for the Life of Riley.

From cradles and sleepless nights,
you breathe in life forever,
and stare at the world from deep under eiderdown.

So here's your life,
we'll find our way,
we're sailing blind,
but it's certain nothing's certain.
I don't mind,
I get the feeling
you'll be fine,
I still believe
that in this world,
we've got to find the time...
for the Life of Riley.

Although this world is a crazy ride,
you just take your seat and hold on tight...

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Currently listening:
The Lightning Seeds - The Life of Riley