Time Off For Bad Behavior...

Okay, I'll be the first to admit it's been just over a week since I last posted anything.

There has been far too many events going on to think about taking the Holga out on an adventure. As a matter of fact I had to wipe tears from the back seat of my car where the camera has been sliding around back and forth waiting patiently but feeling completely neglected.

But, after Friday I'll be back, I promise!

Till then...

If You Build It...

I found this little stucture last night while cleaning up the living room after a family gathering.

Although it seems like a random gathering of items, the precision in which each domino is placed is rather spectacular, especially when you consider it was built by hands that usually move at the speed of light.

The guards at the perimiter of the stucture are glass centries from the chess board, which has not seen the light of day in many months. The Kings and Queens and even a few of their minions have found new meaning, new purpose without the constant battle that usually sets them apart.

They've been given an opportunity to band together--to work collectively for the sake of the greater good--caring for the dominos!

I know it won't last long because all it will take is one swish of the dogs tail or a misguilded footstep to bring it all down.

But... here it will remain forever, a feat that calmed the speedy hands, the racing mind...of a little boys imagination!

Some Things Just Take Time...

Ahhhh...to be a teenager again!

Sarah safetly arrived to the ripe old age of nineteen. The day was filled with angst, trepidation and then joy.

She passed her drivers license renewal so she's good for another five years. I was worried that if she didn't pass it would ruin her birthday but she flew through it with flying colors so it was a 'weehaw' moment.


As she blew out the candle there was that moment of perfectness, my mind racing back to lying on the hospital bed trying to shove her out into the world. It took days but she eventually spewed forth into the world squeeling and wiggling.

We spoke about her birth a little and she said she didn't want to come out, that it was a safe and warm place there inside my belly. Perhaps she was right because life for her has not always been safe and warm.

But like everything else...it all worked out.

She treaded water and nearly drowned but eventually she learned to swim...

She walked over hot coals and sometimes got burned but eventually she learned to run...

She found a dark place and got lost there for awhile but eventually found the sunshine...

I am grateful the long hard journey has led her home nearly unscathed and wiser in so many ways.

She is the love of my life, my pride and joy...and now my dearest friend...

For her birthday I wish her love, success, joy and a full heart!

This Is My Brain On Kids...

These pictures are pretty self-explanitory.
And you ask why I feel so crazy all the time!

And Off To The West...

I knew today would lend an opportunity for at least one Holga shot today.

I just happened to be at Target on Sepulveda looking at Christmas stuff with Alex. When we exited the store I saw just a tiny sliver of sky left so we jumped in the car and raced up ramp after ramp until we reached the top level.

Much to my dismay I realized I only had one shot left on the camera and crossed my fingers. I held the lens open for (I have no idea) to allow just enough light in and then let go.

I was pleasantly surprised to see the setting sun had settled on the film just nicely.

Glad to know even in my not-so-brilliant as a photographer mode I could still earn a reward like this, green ghost and all.

No Time...No Inspiration...Not Post Today...

Too many chores today with little time for anything else. The Holga stayed nestled on the back seat of my car just in case but nothing really caught my eye today.

I thought about taking a photo of the ungodly traffic on Ventura Boulvard tonight but with my luck and the dark sky I surely would have gone through a pack of polaroids trying to capture the gridlocked traffic. Where the hell are all these people going anyway?

Oh well, there's always tomorrow

In Memory Of Those Who Served...

Today, thousands of people watched as War Veterans fell from the sky. Skydivers parachuted over Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills to honor those who have served during wars past and honor those currently serving around the world.

Stan Chambers, KTLA news reporter was the master of ceremonies. He is also a WWII Vet. He spoke with calm and clarity and lent his good humor to otherwise serious material yet there were plenty of tears shed. Many who attended wore their uniforms, some a bit tight after all the years stored away. Others newish and neatly pressed having just returned from a stint in Iraq. But each and everyone, whether gray at the temple or still freshly buzzed, all had a story to tell, a moment to share, a friend to remember.

Many items were on display like this massive machine gun. Trucks, bomb launchers, backpacks and rescue boats each told a story of the seriousness of war. And even though some in attendance had no story to tell, they just wanted to be part of the celebration of these brave warriors, it was clear to see the respect in their expressions and their tear dampened cheeks.



Many people wandered about snapping photos, taking video tapes in order to remember the day and I just happen to run into one particular photographer who was taking it all very seriously; To record it all on film for everyone to see.

Who says the Holga can't shoot a shooter?

Chase Ends In Crash...

A high speed car chase ended badly this evening on the corner of Woodman Ave and Burbank Blvd. A light colored pick up truck traveling east on Burbank at excessive speeds swerved to avoid one car as he approached Woodman, lost control of his vehicle crashing head on into a van waiting to turn left at the light.

At the left center you can just make out the crumpled truck. The van, which was pushed back hundreds of feet (right center), ended in up in the middle of Burbank Blvd in front of Paradise Ranch Market.

Three females in their late teens early twenties were uninjured (thanks to their air bags) and ran from their car afraid of what was going to happen after the young dark haired man driving the truck jumped out of his vehicle. He was quickly tackled by police officers from LAPD, and a short time later transported to a hospital bleeding from his mouth.

Here you can just barely make out a half dozen fire fighters checking out the girls as they sat on the sidewalk. The press was asked to stay behind the police tape so I was unable to get any close up shots from the surrounding sidewalk areas.


This shot was where police vehicles stopped immediately after the crash.




I really wish the Holga had better capabilites and depth of focus so the images turned out much clearer but then again...that's why it's $10.95!

Here's To Friends...

It was during the middle of a high stakes X-Box game that I surprised the boys with the camera.

I knew of course there was no way either of them would look at me let alone take their hands off the controllers so I had free rein.

What cracks me up the most about them in this picture is the intensity on their faces, their raw ambition to compete and win at all costs.

This was the first time Sebastian, on the left, had come to our house and he was having such a good time he decided to stay over.

I guess he must feel a lot like Alex now that Sarah has grown up and is not around. These two are like only children who get bored rather easily.

I'm thrilled that Alex has finally found someone from school with which he can spend some time with outside of the academic realm and the fact that he only lives around the corner is pretty cool.

Only had two kids from school have come over since Alex started at the school three years ago. One could only stay for an hour and the other one had his 18 year old sister come with him. She sat in my den for about 5 hours before they decided to go. Since I had to entertain the sister during that time, a second invitation was never extended.

I'm glad Sebastian likes it here. Alex is happy, the game system is getting a work out and these two boys seem to be having a really great time.

There's nothing like comraderie!

One Way To Get To Heaven...

As I was driving down little Chandler to get to big Chandler I noticed that this sign had been plowed down most likely by an automobile or a very unruly pedestrian. (Ouch!!!)

Surely this could not have been a sign of what happened to the driver because the sign is pointing to...gulp...heaven!

Although it would only scan as an illustration and not a true blue Holga, I assure you it is.

The details of the grass on which it lies seem to be lost in the darkness. But after a long day of writing and then school it was the best photo I could come up with today.

Tammy, maybe I should have joined your teacher tonight and just went for candy.

In The Blink Of An Eye...

It seems like only yesterday I felt that first contraction as my son's presence became imminent.

When I walked into his room this morning I was taken by these shoes on the floor. He must have been poking around in the box in his closet and found the one pair of baby shoes I'd saved.

Seems he was amused by their size because they were set next to a pair he now wears, a men's size 10.

It brought back a flood of memories for me because back then everything was fresh and new.

But time flies, life goes on and things happen along the way.

It's been filled with wonder, awe, sadness and pain but the trip is what we sign up for when the seed is planted.

Many moments, both Kodak and regretful, have come and gone in his 11 years. Still, here we are today going strong.

It's was really rather nice to visit those little feet again.

Just A Moment To Spare...

I don't know if this is a 'spare' fire hydrant or a hydrant 'spare' but it caught my attention as I was driving down Magnolia Blvd this afternoon.

I think the green blur is my ghost that seems to follow me as it appears in many photos taken with the Holga. Either that or I have some weird flash problem. Strangely enough the first time I noticed it was when I was trying to shoot some archways at Forest Lawn Cemetary in Glendale.

Some days you think you're onto a great shot and you end up with this. They hydrant is in full sunlight and though I always use the flash it appears that I took it at dusk. Go Figure!

Oh well! At least I tried and had the sense to put the camera back in the car before blowing a whole pack of polaroid. That shite gets expensive after a while.

Guess I'll have to step up into a pricier hotter flash to help weed out the problem with the ghost. (Although I think it's kind of interesting when it shows up)

Sure you got me beat tonight kiddo! Here's shootin' at ya'!!!

That's My Boy...

This is Alex...this is Alex on fun!

Never a dull moment, his goal is to keep you wondering what he'll do next.

What started out earlier in the day as a squishy ball was turned into an interesting head piece after he noticed there was a hole in it.

He calls it his Alexasaurus. Part human, part animal.

No wonder he has trouble in school because I can hardly imaging what he turns his homework into when he gets bored!

Tammy I hope you had fun with all the other shooters up there in Oxnard. I suppose you got some fabo shot of the feral cats around the rocks near your hotel. They used to be famous for that.

I shall look forward to seeing something interesting!

No Post Tonight...

Too many things going on today to even think about the Holga.

Catch me tomorrow!

Go Ahead...Kick My Ass...

I've come to the conclusion that there are days when inspiration eludes you.

You get caught up in work, life and whatever else comes your way and you just have to throw in the towel.

I was busy writing all day and didn't have time to go chase the picture so I decided to relax.

This is a picture of a margarita atop my piano. It's the one that put me in this lethargic mood. The second one only added to the thrill that tonight Tammy would likely kick my ass, and, I have to admit-- I'm okay with that.

After spending days trying to get quotes from quilter women who for some reason have been sworn to silence about what they do I decided that enough was enough and fashioned my story around their quilts without them.

There is only so much a reporter can take and somehow this story put me over the edge. All I wanted them to do was tell me why they made the quilts they made. Is that so hard? Was I asking too much?

So this evening I'm spending some time with my mexican delight, my margarita, and to hell with it!

Tonight Tammy, the game is on you and I'm sure you will fare well with this little devil we call Holga!

Till tomorrow...

Car Meets Bus By Accident...

This afternoon I heard the buzz of a hovering helicopter and raced to see what was happening. On the ground on Oxnard Blvd just East of Woodman Avenue it was chaotic. Dozens of policemen, firemen setting up a triage area on the new Metro Red Line busway in Valley Glen. A car had run a red light careening into the side of one of the new buses then careened into a concrete abutment. Because the Holga would require close proximity I chose not to shoot the car instead capturing a few images where I could get close enough to get a reasonable shot.


I caught one paramedic, Jose from LA Fire Station #102 preparing his ambulance to transport one of more than a dozen bus passengers to area hospitals. Several fire companies responded to the incident.


People were scurrying everywhere trying to get a look and I caught some of the firemen in action during the rescue here with some of the press that arrived shortly after I got there around 2:30 p.m. The Metro spokesman said this was the second accident today involving the bus and auto's running red lights. The other incident was near Corbin Ave. in Northridge.



Suddenly there was press camera's, microphones and reporters scattered about various locations. This one is when the LAPD/Sheriff's office was giving a press conference.


The shot of the firemen was taken after everything was said and done and everyone was cleaning up, packing up and getting ready to go back to the station. These guys were happy that there were only minor injuries reported.

The most fun I had on scene was running into a partner in crime. I watched as he wrote feverishly in his reporters pad, all the detail being given by a representative of the Metro Line. Ever the professional, he ignored me until his notes were complete moving from PIO to PIO.

Here he is in living color. TA DA. It's Josh Kleinbaum!!!


Big Shot from the Daily News now but still as friendly and cute as ever. I love to see people doing what it is they love to do. Bravo Josh!

It seems once a reporter always a reporter. (Or am I just nosy?)

You have your work cut out today to beat me Tammy!

An Unlikely Holga Day...

Today was not a good day for me and my trusty Holga. I thought I would catch some wild life on my hike through Fryman Canyon in Studio City this morning but all I got was a picture of this little tiny lizard basking in the sun. My flash, even as bad as it is, managed to blow out the 'nature' part and left me with such a crappy photo of the little beast. I give up today.




I did come across a gopher who kept popping out of his hole, that is, until I kneeled beside it and waited for nearly 10 minutes for it to make another appearance. But it took a hike underground knowing that there was some idiot perched beside it's hole waiting. Guess the joke was on me.

Tonight you win Tammy, because I just could not come up with anything to rock my world in any way, shape or form.