11/11: My Birthday, Your Gift

Well, tomorrow's the b-day.

This year's birthday seems so much about wanting to look forward, to look forward to. I can't help but be excited about what might happen in the coming year.

The day seems like a present waiting to have its bow untied.

I have decided to make a present. It's been fun giving stuff to you guys (Kath, you're next!).
So I think I'll give one of you a copy of my next photo book: The Mission, San Francisco Series, Vol. 2.


I'm almost done with the collection of photos, and if I know I have someone to send a book to then it will be more of an incentive to put the finishing touches on it and get it out the door to be printed.

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I've been falling in love with the Mission. The colors, the life in the people, the unexpected surprises.
It's been hard to choose the photos for this book because there are so many that I love.

The one below in particular has a sweet story behind it. I was walking down Clarion Alley, which is filled with some of the most amazing murals in San Francisco. Taking photos left and right, I heard a giggle above me.

There was a young Hispanic boy, camera pointed at me, ready to take a picture of yet another picture taker wandering under his window. We laughed as we snapped photos of each other and gave each other a thumb's up at the end of our little impromptu session. Two photographers happy with their work.

This photo in particular felt like a gift to me when I took it, and even now as I remember the story of it. So it would be great to share even more of the story with you, so you can see what hours of walking and looking have come to lately.

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So no special requirements. Just leave a comment if you'd like to be in the drawing and I'll pick a name. All of you guys, even my little lurkers. First time visitor or long-time buddy, wherever you live in the world. How about we have the drawing on Friday?

It will be nice to give you a present. You're always so encouraging and thoughtful! And so nice to have around.

xoxo