Somewhere...

"everyone and everything is on their way to somewhere..."

"We do big things."

“What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow....We will move forward together, or not at all – for the challenges we face are bigger than party, and bigger than politics.”

President Obama

the smile of Nature

Brighton Beach, UK 2010

A person should go out on the water on a fine day to a small distance from a beautiful coast, if he would see Nature really smile.

the journey

It is not down in any map; true places never are.
Herman Melville, Moby-Dick

For whom the bell tolls...

No man is an island, entire of itself.

Each is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.

If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less.

As well as if a promontory were.

As well as if a manor of thine own

Or of thine friend's were.

Each man's death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind.

Therefore, send not to know 

For whom the bell tolls,

It tolls for thee.

John Donne

Time and talent

Lately, I find myself confronted with a reoccurring idea/theme.  Whether it is with myself, my children, friends, or with complete strangers while standing waiting in line - this idea/theme works its way into the conversation one way or another.  

"How does it happen?  What is it?   Who deserves it?  Why some and not others?"  It's clear that success is subjective and not a simple as 1+1=2. 

Which is why i when i randomly encountered the words written on the back of a teenager's sweatshirt the elusive pieces to this complicated puzzle slid into place.

"Hard work trumps talent
when talent doesn't work hard"

All the greats did it to become great.  Do it to stay great.  And, will tell anyone who's listening who wants to be great:  Practice.  Practice.  Practice. 

Why? 

Because your personality might get you through the door but it's your talent that will get you a seat at the table.

"Hard work trumps talent
when talent doesn't work hard"

Put in the time.  Put forth the effort.  And,  practice.  Practice.  Practice...

Until next time,

B

The Year of Change & Completion

The older i get the more I love traditions.

I was introduced to this little gem of a tradition about a decade ago by friend of mine, J.

Every year a group of his friends individually think of a theme for the year, they then collective vote on the best theme and voila - a theme is born.

To give you an idea of what i'm talking about.   Last year's theme for myself was - "Stay Zen in 2010."  The year before was, " Getting fit and fine in 2009" and the year before was ...well, you get the idea.

The last week of the last year (2010) and the first week of this year (2011) i was away on travel.   While gone i saw and experienced some awe-inspiring things.

So naturally, while theme thinking i was moved towards:

  "A little slice of heaven in 20011".

Chicago skyline: On a clear day you can see all the way to Michigan

 But,  after a inspiring conversation with my friend, Dyembe, it changed.

Scroll to the end of this blog post to see what my theme is and while you're at it take a look at a few things i saw while away.

The sky was overcast and periodically the skies would open up and rain

Chicago 2010

Chicago 2010

me playing with angles and composition

Toronto, Canada 2011

Toronto, Canada 2011

And the theme is:

Getting it done in Twenty/one/one (2011):
The year of Change and Completion

What's your personal theme?  Please share...

Until next time

B

Give love away

"We recognize our own mortality, and are reminded that in the fleeting time we have on this earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame -- but rather, how well we have loved, and what small part we have played in bettering the lives of others."

- President Obama,
Tucson AZ Memorial,
Jan 12, 2011

Click with your heart

Over the years, I've learned the real alchemy of art is when you take your natural gift, hone it into a skill, and create a career that is a true reflection your creative outlet.

Click with your heart is a philosophy that resonates deeply with my creative process.

While shooting with this remarkable family we definitely embarked on an emotional journey.  My eyes swelled with tears as often as the room swelled with laughter.  Add a dash of light and a whole lota love and what you get is magic...

Here are few moments i captured...  Enjoy!

 

 

 

Until next time

B

Fine, fresh and fierce

Last year I added an executive head shot component to my business. 

"Companies today are looking for natural images of their employees; portraits that are not posed or staged but reveal their character and by extensions the company's.  An action, look or smile- I specialize in capturing those images that best reflect your work and provide a visual representation of the intention of you and your company."

Beverlie Lord

Since then I've had the pleasure of capturing some truly dynamic people.   All so fine, fresh and fierce - it's inspiring to be around.  It is with deep gratitude and appreciation i say, thank you.  Thank you for supporting me and for trusting me to capture your essence.

Here are just a few examples of images captured:

Interim Chancellor for District of Columbia Public Schools

Kaya Henderson

President and COO, Women for Women International

Andree Simon

 Founding artistic director of Young Playwrights’ Theater

Karen Zacarias

Philanthropic Advisor at SARC Consulting

Julia Baer-Cooper

Chief Executive Officer of Tides

Melissa L. Bradley

Principal & Creative Director, The Art Monkey

 Lynne Vernart

Marc Morgan for DC Council - Ward 1

Marc Morgan

President and Chief Operating Officer, Agency Q

Tim Neill

Dean of Students, Elsie Whitlow Stokes

Bobby Caballero

I lead a truly charmed life and for that - i am forever grateful.

Until next time,

B

upright and locked

Keep your smile in an upright and locked position.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch,
a smile,
a kind word,
a listening ear,
and honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
– Leo F. Buscaglia

Grateful thoughts

This time last year i decided to start blogging.   All-in-all, i would say it was good idea.  

I've spent the better part of last year developing my voice and vision for this blog.  It's a lot harder than ya think.... trust. 

 Let your dominant intent be to feel good which means be playful, have fun, laugh often, look for reasons to appreciate and practice the art of appreciation. And as you practice it, the Universe, who has been watching you practice, will give you constant opportunities to express it. 

I am grateful for my friends and their friendship.  Thanks, Jules.

Until next time,

b.

Now is new

"Later lasts much longer than now, you know..." she said.  Like a deer in headlights, i slow nod my agreement.  "You're right, i say."  It really does...

As a longtime procrastinator (don't know how i got through college) i'm determined to break my love for later.  Yes, i know that it doesn't really exist but i depend on 'later' a lot.  As in, " I'll do it later."  Days, weeks, months go by and get lost in the land of later...

With a new year comes a call for a new attitude and so now is my new.  Couple that internal call with a chat i had with my son's school psychologist, and well this blog was born.

   

Until next time...

B