Seems Like Old Times.

You can see the big image here.

***

I don't do New Year's resolutions. I might have in the past, in fact, I'm sure I did at some point in life. Somewhere along the way, I dropped that tradition. Probably wasn't making much headway in whatever I had resolved to do.

And I don't make those lists of things I did in the past, either. I can hardly remember what I did last week, let alone try to scratch out what I was doing a year ago, or heaven help me, a decade ago (this being a more pivotal, albeit still arbitrary date, people really seem to be taking this whole decade thing to heart).

I just figure if I'm going to do something, for good or bad, I'll just do it when I decide to do it. That keeps it pretty simple for me.

That being said, I wanted to give a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who responded via email or on the blog about helping HAMO and the Diapers for Everyone 2010 Diaper Drive. I have to say I'm a little behind in getting back to you all who volunteered to donate or help in some way, but know your offers are duly noted... and you'll be contacted soon.

I guess I do have a sort of resolution process. It's called Looking Forward to Good Things. Some of those things, like the Diaper Drive and working with HAMO, I know about. The rest: I'll just have to wait to be surprised!

Wishing you the best kind of New Year's Eve in whatever manner you choose to celebrate it. And mostly, a year full of Looking Forward to Good (Surprise) Things.

xoxo

TONIGHT! Blush Wine Bar! Meet Us!

No joke. Me, Troy and Stuart...we want to meet you! Hang out, chat. That sort of stuff. (I mean, you can buy things if you want. But I'm all about having a reason to dress up a little.)

Hope to see you tonight at Blush! (476 Castro @ 18th.)

xoxo

A High CALIBER Event!

The tallest, cutest Sorcerer's Apprentice you ever saw.

***

Boy, our photo walk was really awesome. I think Troy, Stuart, Brad and I were a wee bit surprised at how many people showed up. It made us feel terrific.

Thanks to all of you who joined us. I know we'll be doing this again, hopefully soon!

Here's a little peek at what I saw, but you can get the entire party picture on CALIBER, of course.

You asked for it.

Me, on Halloween at Teatro Zinzombie.

***

The Boy took this photo. He did a nice job, didn't he? He says I look like Ginger Rogers with dark hair.

I really think I was born in the wrong era. This is definitely my look.

Have a good night. I have to unglue my hair now.

xoxo

Never too old for this sort of thing.

Ahhh, the enchanting and naughty Linda Darnell.

***

It's a good thing I live in San Francisco because I like to dress up and do the costume thang and living here gives people like me so many opportunities to do so, Halloween or not.

So I'll be emulating my favorite noir vixen, strolling/trolling Market Street with my camera-toting peeps on our first CALIBER related event.

The ad on my facebook page this morning (I have to admit, I still don't like facebook) is this: "Recommendations for San Francisco women in their 40s - including weekend getaways, beauty, wine - picked by people in the know."

My initial mental response to that ad was Oh yeah? Fuck you. (It is also my lingering, secondary response.) Probably not what this company's web ad pros had in mind.

I'm not that decrepit yet. I know what to do in San Francisco... even if I'm in my 40s!

Hope you all trick and treat well today!

CALIBER's Halloween Photowalk

Photo by Troy Holden of CALIBER.

***

Join us if you can, for our Halloween Photo Walk!

Get the details here.

reading someone else's love letters

One of my greatest thrills about i live here:SF is when people send in their stories. Some of them, heck—most of them, are truly touched by a bit of magic.

Read Medea's story and see if you agree with me.

Now I know summer's over.

Watching the Canada geese fly overhead in the sunshine.

Smoke from barbeques fill the air.

Other kinds of smoke, too.

All shapes and sizes and breeds of creatures enjoying the music.

But I really came to hear these two gentlemen most of all.

Earl Scruggs

Ralph Stanley

***

What amazes me about these two men, well into their eighties and proudly onstage with their sons and grandsons accompanying them, is how much life and energy they project out into the audience. Hearing them play was such a gift, that's the best way to put it.

I hope if and when I live that long, that I'm still full of as much life and passion as these two. It's inspiring as heck.

Two of my favorite songs, and yes, they sounded that great in person, too.


Earl Scruggs "Foggy Mountain Breakdown"
Flipping awesome. You can't sit still and listen to this.


Ralph Stanley "Man of Constant Sorrow"
Gives you the chills and makes you smile at the same time.

Wow, I really suck at pinball.

But it's more fun to take pictures of the pinball machines than to actually play them.

I'd watch Tommy right now but I'm too tired. And my wrists hurt.

From the Pacific Pinball Expo. Get there tomorrow, it's the last day!

A little Pinball Wizard before bed.

have fun this weekend.

I plan to. It's Bluegrass Weekend!

And if you haven't checked out Rachael and Lili Bean yet, they're hanging out over on that other blog.

;-)

What a rush!

Here's what happens on the day you get written up in the newspaper:

You scrounge for quarters! Where did all my quarters go?

You visit all three newspaper vending machines on the corner near your house and buy a paper from each one.

Just because you can.

You also buy papers from news sellers around town and have them pose for you.

You hang out in the local cafe/bakery/coffee shop and read your article and look around to see if anyone else is doing the same. (Delicious bialy from Arizmendi's... yummmmy!)

And you make other people take pictures of you with "your" newspaper.

***

Guys, you're all awesome. I know you'll believe me when I tell you that:

1. My inbox is so off-the-hook crazy that it's really exciting. But don't let that stop you from writing/volunteering!
2. I've already spoken with or corresponded with many interesting new people who are ready to be part of i live here:SF
3. I'm not stopping anytime soon!

Keep an eye out for more good things... I'm so thrilled about the possibilities and what I'll be sharing with you soon.

Just so you know, the "director's cut" of the article that Kristin wrote is on her blog, Camels and Chocolate. Kristin is a veteran journalist and world traveler, and not only might you find it interesting to read her article before it got to the Chronicle, but you'll want to bookmark her blog for future reading. Kristin made an appearance on i live here:SF as the Adventuress, and she's certainly brought a lot of adventure to my life.

***

ps.: This has nothing to do with anything, but besides all of my news, this is one of the best weekends in San Francisco and nearby. First of all, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival starts today, which is beyond awesome.

And if that wasn't enough, the Pacific Pinball Expo in Marin starts today. When I tell you that this is one of the craziest, best ways to spend $25 and an entire day, I am not kidding. I wrote about it here, and believe me, I'll be there again this weekend.

Maybe I'll see you?

***

UPDATE: Thanks again (!) to Brittney at Eye on Blogs, who's always got my back.

TONIGHT! All SF/Bay Area Photogs and Photography Loving Peeps...

Join legendary Magnum photographer David Alan Harvey and Momenta for a slideshow and party celebrating the American Family. Bring friends, colleagues and co-workers and join us for great photos from our workshop, great music and a great party! Cash bar with beer, wine and drink specials.

Where: Coda Jazz Club, 1710 Mission Street @ Duboce
Two blocks from the Mission and 16th BART station, 4 Blocks from the Van Ness Muni station or the number 49 bus line runs right by the bar.

When: Monday, Sept. 28 - 6:00 p.m. until closing!
Doors open at 6:00 with the slideshow at 7:00.
Contact: info@momentaworkshops.com or 415-551-2632.

Hope to see you there... and pass this along to your friends! Thanks!

***

David Alan Harvey has been a full member of the prestigious photographic collective Magnum Photos since 1997. He has photographed over 40 articles for National Geographic Magazine, and in 1978 was named Magazine Photographer of the Year by the National Press Photographers Association.

And a merry time was had by all...

Last night at Tedda Hughes...

Me and Kelly Rae. Photo taken by Kay Vee, Inc.

***

What a fun event! I definitely need to have more shows. Yes, more shows indeed... just to be around so many wonderful people.

Autumn, amazing Autumn. This wouldn't have happened if not for her generosity. She has a huge, fun spirit!

This was the crowd at Tedda's at 9pm, two hours into the event. We had a great turnout.

Me and lovely Sarah and her boy, who's showing off some of the cards (mine!) she just purchased.

Me and Kelly. New artist friend whom I hope to share more with you.

What would an event be without my little Chipmonkey and her charming, handsome beau. I loved hearing people say, "Oh! So you're Chipmonkey!" I hope she gets famous.

A few holes but still more to look at. My work will be up until Sept. 20.

***

The Boy wasn't able to get photos of all the people who came, but I also want to thank Mr. N-Judah himself: Greg Dewar, Plug 1 & Plug 2, Donald Kinney, Jeremy Brooks and his lovely wife, my beauties Kelly Rae and Soad, SF Mike, Vivian, Mary, Abby, sweet Shannon, precious Rachael, delightful Kay Vee and the famous Yotsuba, my favorite magician Christian Cagigal and his beautiful lady Marilette, and my best advocate NamasteNancy. I'm sure there is someone I'm forgetting, but truly, I don't mean to.

And to all of you who couldn't make it but sent their best wishes, tweets and love... thank you! All was received and definitely felt.

***

ps.: If anyone has some photos to share, please let me know.

Despite the heat...

... San Francisco was the coolest city on the planet last night, thanks to Sir Tom.

***

I did NOT take this picture. Kudos to The Boy, with his little Canon Powershot. He did a great job!

My photos turned out really poorly and the video-- well, let's not even go there. All in all, Tom had a wonderful set. I have decided that if I ever hear "What's New Pussycat" one more time, it won't be too soon, but all the other songs... whew!

What do they put into the water in Wales? Are all the men in Wales that sexy?

***

For all of you who don't have weekend tix to Outside Lands tonight, come see us at Tedda's for entertainment and hugs. It's my showtime! xoxo

Now You're Invited!

To see my photos at Tedda Hughes! Or just stop by and say hello.

***

I had to hang the stuff up first before I could really tell you about it.

Q: How many girls does it take to hang a picture?

A: One that knows what she's doing.

That girl, however, wasn't me.
Don't let the picture fool you.

That girl was my darling Chipmonkey.

She got the bright idea to lay everything out on the floor before putting it on the wall.

Look how dedicated she was to preserving this historic moment!

Chipmonkey even made me look good!

Thank you, little Chipmonkey!

***

So, if you can come to Tedda's, besides a hug from me, there are several other artists' works to enjoy, you can have a glass of wine and a snack, see a performance by Miss GAPA 2009 and maybe even witness a little fire spinning. Seriously.

You should come.

xoxo

***

August 29
7-10pm (although it sounds like the fun -- ie., performance -- starts at 8pm)
Tedda Hughes
1623 Polk Street
San FRANcisco!

If I could take pictures like this every day,

I'd have the best job in the world.

Meet Kate over at i live here: SF.

It was a candy-colored day.

Today looked like something from a Paint-By-Numbers book.

Or a bowl of Skittles.

Or a box of Popsicles.

Or a handful of sidewalk chalk.

You get the idea.

***

I had a great time today combing the urban landscape with Plug 1 and Plug 2. They'll be making a guest appearance soon on i live here: SF, so keep an eye out.

And watch out for the land sharks. This one's busy eating a VW van, but I have a feeling that SF is full of these menaces.

Out with the girls

Robin of Bird Tweets taking photos in Clarion Alley in the Mission.

***

I went almost immediately from days of darkness inside the Castro Theatre to full-on sunshine and hot temperatures (especially for San Francisco).

Robin and Relyn are still visiting our fair city and this is Day Two of our SF: Tangobaby style marathon. Yesterday we spent half the day in the Mission and the other half in Chinatown, by way of The Castro, the Palace Hotel and the Lower Haight. (And yes, that is a lot.)

We had Salvadorean papusas and plantains on 24th Street, dim sum on Stockton and sausages from Rosamunde's (yay!). We rode a cable car, a bus, the N-Judah and BART. And we walked. Boy did we walk. And we got much needed accupressure foot massages in Chinatown. We ate the grilled sausages at my place and watched Vertigo on the big movie screen, so they could see parts of the city we saw today (Mission Dolores and downtown) and parts of the city we will have to save for next time. We couldn't decide who was crazier: Jimmy Stewart or Kim Novak.

Today is Telegraph Hill (hoping for wild parrots), the Filbert Stairs and North Beach in general, SF MOMA to see Robert Frank and Richard Avedon, and who knows what else while we still have feet.

I'm just beside myself to see what photos Robin will get with her big camera. She has been so generous in trying to figure out how to help me use my little baby one. I'm inspired to save money and get a real SLR and lenses like hers (but first, a job must come). I have this feeling of anticipation in having a photographer friend I so admire take photos of the places I've come to love so much, and then see them through her eyes. I know her work is going to be incredible and cannot wait to see it.

Relyn has a perfect little camera but I have a feeling she'll be getting a bigger one soon! We've got to have some sort of camera fever that is contagious.

Both of them are more wonderful to hang out with than you might even imagine. Robin is fearless and strong with her camera. I really admire her passion and pursuit of the image and how generous she is to share her enthusiasm and her wealth of knowledge. Relyn is bubbling over with humor and laughter and pure enjoyment where ever she is. She wants to do and see everything, and appreciates all she sees. I am enjoying them both tremendously.

***

I had more fun watching them take photos of the places I love, but here are a few images I took yesterday that I like.

playing the hand you're dealt in Chinatown

waiting for mama to finish the laundry in the Mission

the last picture show, in the Mission

their tiny master, Chinatown

Okay, time to prepare for another day.

xoxo

It's even more fun when you dress up.

I tried to make the picture look a little more old-fashionedy.

***

Yesterday and today, I've been ensconced at the Castro Theatre for the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. It's probably one of my favorite, if not The Favorite, events in the city, and I'm a firm believer that if you dress up, it's way more fun. I'm still not expert in copying the 1920s makeup look on me (lip shape and brows-- I still end up looking more 1940s, but I've gotten enough inspiration from looking at Lupe Vélez and Evelyn Brent on the big screen to work from for tomorrow.) I did curl my hair this morning, which had me looking more like Harpo Marx than I cared to admit. I'm still not sold on this blonde business.

Every year I tell myself I'm going to buy a special, "real" vintage outfit to wear, but I still keep being able to cobble together outfits from my existing clothing that look enough of the part so that I can wear something somewhat in the 1920s fashion. The only thing I'm wearing here that's vintage is the fur stole that was my grandmother's, but even that was probably circa 1940. The hat is from Buenos Aires (the main compliment getter today. I am still convinced that people will go out of their way to be nice to you if you are wearing a cute hat.). The shoes are Clarks (even though a fellow waiting in line with me told me they looked more 1930s) and the coat was a bargain at H&M on clearance for $30.

The best thing about this outfit was that I dreamed it up in my sleep. How's that for multitasking? The only other really useful thing I've done in my dreams that I can recall was to invent that Crack Potato recipe.

I also had a sexy dream about Buster Keaton but I'm going to chalk that up to pre-festival excitement.

***

Next week, I'll be spending quality time with Relyn and Robin, who have trekked down to SF to visit me and dutchbaby. I didn't mention it earlier due to... stuff... but we should have some adventures and lots of photos to share soon.

But now I'm off to dream of tomorrow's festival outfit. Hope your weekend is full of whimsy.

The Norma Desmond of Golden Gate Park

(If you aren't into dragonflies, you might skip this post.)

While strolling in the Botanical Garden today, a trio of friendly young ladies pointed out a dragonfly to me, a remarkable creature who was happy to pose for the camera.

It sat there so still that I wondered if it was dead. But then I startled it and it flew away... only to come right back and resume posing for its closeups.

I got the feeling that this dragonfly quite enjoyed having its picture taken, and kept hearing a tiny Norma Desmond voice in my head.

"I am big. It's the pictures that got small."

"You see, this is my life! It always will be! Nothing else! Just us, the cameras, and those wonderful people out there in the dark!... All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."