Today I...

...truly reveled in and worshipped a beautiful "springy" day filled with SUNSHINE!!!!!

I think I have been "not-exactly-silent" about the gray state of affairs that's been the daily weather here for weeks upon weeks. ;P I also know, well... as much as the weather man knows (and we all know how accurate that can be!) that we have at least another 10 days of gray and rain approaching. And, don't get me wrong... we very much NEED the water here (not to mention, it will make for a very exciting spring season of whitewater rafting)!!! }:D

For a while now, I have been enduring the gray while in the process of doing my business taxes, planning for one upcoming gallery show, and screening my work to submit for another gallery show on the coast. Deadlines. What an AWFUL word... dead- lines.

But today... despite a well-instilled sense of responsibility and commitement... today I took a "break" haha to spend some time under a soft, azure sky. That wonderous golden orb called "sun" is finally starting to make a bit longer path across the sky, and I *REVEL* in it after winter's hibernation.

So today, as I was called by those taxes, internet self-created "obligations," and various deadlines, I felt also... calling more loudly-- NO-- in fact, *PULLING my very soul* was sunshine, outdoor air, and an eye-stimulating blue sky!

Really... it wasn't much of a debate. If it were a sports event, it would have been referred to as a "blow out" ...yard work (aka "playing in the dirt): 32 ...indoor work: 4.

So... in explanation of the title of this post, Today I...

~churned shovel after shovel of dirt that's been packed down for who knows how long!
~planted 42 shade-loving bulbs & tubers in a large, barren (shady) spot of our yard!!
~planted an additonal 5 potted ferns in same said space.
~prepared the adjacent partially-shady ground for my *summer herb garden!*
~stained & lacquered 2 lovely little bird dwellings, which I shall call the "Bird Yurt" & the "Shade Chalet" (as their cute little construction layouts seem to suggest).


...while tonight I still have yet to finish:
~submitting entries for the Coastal Arts League Kellicut International Photo Show, "Through A Lens: Energy, Strength, or Power."
~spending a while longer planning & ordering for my Solo Show in June at MAIYA Gallery (yes, June is a ways off, but one of my two photo labs is holding a 1/2 off sale that ends tomorrow on photos 16x20 & larger so... a couple hours of lost sleep could save me a fair bit of $$ if I can nail down a few more of the large-format works I'll be showing). :)


AND... I *Definitely* have to rise early tomorrow morning to finish filing business taxes before I leave for the day.


All in all, I'M SPENT!!!

But that really good, gratifying kind of spent... the kind of "spent" that follows a day of physical work & exertion in the soul-rejuvinating world of the outdoors.

And THAT makes me happy. :)

A message to ALL my *Wonderful* friends...

I don't have a sixth sense or a web app to tell me when you are struggling and need to hear it, so I just want to take a minute to tell you a couple of things I've thought...

I think you're amazing! I admire you for what you do and what you dream of, and all you endeavor to do. I value each one of you for different and very specific reasons, and you ARE a valuable asset to this thing we call the human race.

I feel like my mission in life, and nowadays, my career choice, is to find and see the BEAUTY in this world around me...

Know, above all, that YOU ARE Beautiful.

Within the thing that is "you" resides the same beauty that's in a sunrise... a sunset... mesmerizing water... and the most beautiful flower.

...and I take this moment to thank you for all that you are and all that you are to me.


***Note: I was moved to post this more immediately after my previous post than is common for me, and it highlights the heartfelt dedication and contributions of two amazing people, so please DO take an extra moment to read the next post. I promise... it's well worth your time. :)

Continuing Ansel's Visions...

Arctic Sea Ice Landscape. Image use courtesy of Florian Schulz; ©Florian Schulz.

There are MANY amazing, noteworthy photographers who dedicated themselves to conservation, and many who still do. The appreciation of beauty that creates good photographs quite naturally leads to an increased appreciation of the places that provide that beauty.

I named Ansel (Adams) in the title, because he's one of the more commonly known conservation photographers. But there were many others who had HUGE roles in the development of using photography to help raise awareness and preserve beautiful places.

And, there are a great many of them working tirelessly to continue building on those foundations today... I'd like to introduce you to Florian Schulz and his partner Emil Herrera-Schulz. They are amazing! You'll see what I mean...

An amazing shot Schulz took after waiting 72 hours in a blind! Male Snowy Owl returning to nest with a lemming. Image courtesy of Florian Schulz; ©Florian Schulz.

I've been following their work for a while now (you may have noticed the link under my "Fantastic Links" sidebar). And, those of you who know me well enough to recall how I donate a portion of proceeds to various conservation organizations, will be none too surprised to find out that Florian Schulz is not only a respected member of ILCP (International League of Conservation Photographers), but also one of Blue Earth Alliance's project photographers (just a couple among his many honors).

For many years, this amazing and passionately dedicated photographer has been working to take the idea of the National Park further... much further. Isolated places of preservation were a very good start, there is no arguing that.

But what about migratory species that need more than one protected area to be able to survive? How do we keep the growth of our species from being the end of theirs? Enter the idea of connecting some of these preserved areas... Ladies and gents, I present to you, the work of Florian Schulz and a concept called "Conservation Corridors." A quote from Visions of the Wild sums it up well:

As part of his Freedom to Roam project Schulz has dedicated years of his life to documenting the drama and beauty of North America’s most critical wildlife corridor: “Yellowstone to Yukon.” Sponsored by Braided River, his first book —Yellowstone to Yukon: Freedom to Roam (2005)—received the Independent Book Publisher Award:“ Outstanding Books of the Year,” singled out as “Most Likely to Save the Planet.”











Florian Schulz doing some relaxing shooting... and some not-so-relaxing shooting (those are swarms of mosquitoes!)

And, you've heard the saying, "Behind every good man is a good woman." I don't know if that's always true or not, but in their case it certainly is. I've seen time and again how Emil's dedicated efforts have enabled and enhanced the almost all-consuming work that Florian pursues. Again, I'll use a quote from Visions of the Wild, as explains her best:


Leading a quite international lifestyle Emil has become fluent in English and German. She can be a social butterfly in the city and sit silently for hours in a blind to wait for wildlife. Over the years Emil has become a real multi-tasker-do-it-all. From assisting in the field, to editing in the office, meetings at conferences and the production of sound and HD video.




Truly, the amazing things they're able to achieve are largely due to their dedicated teamwork. I have developed a great deal of respect for both of them. Oh... and get this... they're really nice people too! ;) Go figure.

This video clip is a trailer that was used in the last presidential election to fight arctic oil drilling.

The photgrapher in me LOVES this trailer-- so well done. The way they've combined video with still footage really makes the viewer feel like YOU were the one there... in this breath-taking place seeing something few humans EVER see... and like You took the pictures. ;)

I promise, if you watch this you will, at the very minimum, have gotten to see rare moments that you would have to spend MONTHS in the wilderness, waaaaaaay "off the grid" to be able to see.

You'll at least get that... but really, much much more. This is very WORTH a few minutes of your life-- be sure to watch it all the way through or you'll miss the two best parts. ;)

Freedom to Roam from Florian Schulz on Vimeo.

THANK YOU, Florian and Emil, for caring so much about the beauty in our world to GIVE SO MUCH of yourselves to helping others be able to see & care about that beauty.

Right or Wrong-- a thought for the New Year.

There are people who are always looking for (and sometimes discussing) the bad in other people... even in the human race at large. "What's wrong with ____ is ______..."

And there are people who are always seeing the good in everyone, even sometimes when it might seem undeserved.

I know this is obvious... It's important to surround yourself with the latter. It is such a rewarding feeling to be around people who always see your good qualities. Yet, I've sometimes forgotten it. And when I did, I found myself "set up for failure." No matter how hard you try to be your best & show someone your best "you," it will never work if they're looking for what's wrong with you.

I, like most people, ;) am just an imperfect human. If someone's looking for my faults, they WILL find them. So rather than try to play the "hide your faults" game from someone who looks for them, why not just choose to be around those looking for what's RIGHT about you? Soooo much happier!

And yet... ironically, I ALSO had to remind myself yet again, to BE the one looking for good!! Sheesh, really?? That perfectionistic side of me seems constantly to need reminded of when to back down. ;)

Simple formula... Want to see the good in those around you and in humanity? Look for it.

So, my new post-it reminder quote near my computer reads:

"If you're looking for things wrong with people, you'll find them! Everywhere!!

So... don't."

New Year's Eve Blue Moon

Believe in making New Years Resolutions?

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on '09... accomplishments, disappointments, goals hit, goals not hit, surprises good & bad, the things I said I would do but haven't, all the things I never would have imagined, the times I shined (shone??) brightly, and those others when I felt my little light was fizzling out...

And I find myself, I think naturally, trying to improve for next year... thinking of my "plan of attack" for 2010. As I sit here typing, the ever-present (and ever-growing?) LIST stares at me coyly... a list of "good ideas," things to do, places to submit my work to, commitments, projects, etc... It seems I come up with more to add to it than I ever complete and cross off. Not sure if that's good or bad really, but sometimes it certainly feels discouraging. Anyway, there is that ever-popular idea of The New Year's RESOLUTION!

I can think of as many resolutions as there are "to do's" on my list! Ha!
I could resolve to:
~~enforce a more regimented "work hours" schedule on myself so I'm not up working at 3am (though sometimes I still contend that THAT'S when I'm finally on a roll).
~~Excercise regularly again (good for body and mind... and mood too).
~~Be more efficient in my work/computer time so I can spend more time outside :D
~~Play More! This kinda goes along with that efficiency thing above.
~~Spend more quality time with my beloved man!
~~Take a trip out of the country (It's been too long since I experienced another land and another culture's way of viewing life and our world).
~~Take more life-enriching classes I've wanted to (dance, pottery, a couple photography skills classes I could improve on, start up Tai-Chi again, any of several language classes I need to brush up on!!, -- perhaps including English grammer! hahahah!! :)
~~READ MORE!
~~Go mountain biking & hiking more!
~~Visit a million gorgeous "Oh, YOU HAVE to go photograph _____" spots! :)


... to name a few. But really? Resolutions? Are they really any more effective than the intentions I already have? If I could possibly do all that stuff I want to, wouldn't I be doing all of it already? I think I need some more me's & some more lives. :)



So, tell me... do you do "the New Years Resolution" thing? Does it work for you? How many do you make? And if you care to share, what is/are yours?

Whatever the case, this is me sending out warmest wishes for a full and happy 2010 for YOU!

Live... from Peet's!

A Frosty Rose in our recent cold snap

So, in the latest of many acts demonstrating their incompetance, our mega-company-who-owns-all-the-lines-and-charges-the-smaller-companies-so-they-have-to-charge-more internet service provider has managed to ACCIDENTALLY SHUT OFF OUR SERVICE AND CANCEL OUR ACCOUNT.

So... I'm doing "other stuff" these last few days (including being bounced around their various service depts and kept on the phone for HOURS--literally hours)!

And... packing and shipping all my holiday orders! Thank you soooo much to those including me in their gift-giving this year! BIG THANK YOU. :D





Anyway, since I came down to a Peet's coffee shop to send in my images for the Female Photographers of Etsy Book, thought I'd make a quick little hello post! Hope this finds you warm and happy! :D

Giving Thanks, little tears, and a BOGO sale from my New Studio

So... WOW! What a year! And it's not even over yet!

Perhaps I should explain a bit. Thanksgiving, for me, is:
~~cooking ALL day! Homemade bread, pies, etc... warm, wonderful food with no added stuff you can't pronounce! :D
~~time with FAMILY! We're scattered all over 500-3000 miles at any given time, so family time together is Rare and Precious for us! This holiday was no exception-- we had a lovely visit from my brother and his girlfriend, complete with laughs and stories (some you wish would finally rest)! haha
~~last but *Certainly Not* least, time for gratitude. I don't mean that half-assed, "I'm-grateful-for-the-1st-thing-that-comes-to-mind" routine either. I mean taking some time to examine yourself to really focus on all the wonderful things in your life and really "letting them in deep" and appreciating them... appreciate them to the point of getting a little teary-eyed if you can. You know... big gratitude!! Giving Thanks!


As I thought back on ALL that's happened this year, and all the wonderful people and opportunities in my life, yeah, I'll admit it... I DID get teary-eyed. So... what?! I'm a mush. We've already covered this I think. Anyway, so yeah, I'm very grateful for all the good that's come my way this year... and a little overwhelmed when I think of it all en masse.

And, one of the things I'm most grateful for is YOU! You who care enough to take time out of your lives to read about mine... you who spend your hard earned money on the work I pour my heart into... you who leave encouraging remarks on my blog (even when I get that "Internet Overwhelmed Syndrome" I've been known to come down with, and then go absent for a while)... YOU!!!!! Thank you. Thank you so much.




Because it's apparently the time of year that you're supposed to have a sale, I decided that, if I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna make it a BIG one! So... in my ETSY Store I'm holding a "BOGO" Sale (buy one photograph, get another photograph of your choice for FREE)... PLUS... Free Shipping on many of the listings in my shop. Plus... if you happen to be one of the fantastic souls who has already bought my work before, You also get a free fine art photo greeting card added in too! To take advantage of this though, you do have to order before midnight (Pacific Time) on Monday, Nov 30th.

I think nothing says "thank you" like GIVING, so... for your support, I'm giving back. How's that for gratitude? ;)

www.kennafoster.etsy.com

OH! And, many of you asked for photos once I got settled in... Well, I'm not exactly what I'd term "settled in" yet. Lots of boxes from "Garage past" still need sorted, given to thrift store, put away, etc... (new garage isn't quite weather proof-- small trade off for the fantastic home & extra room). And, as you can see, decorating of the new studio is... well... hasn't happened, but those things will take time that I'm not busy getting my submission images ready for the FPOE book... or the Viewpoint Gallery exhibit... or getting holiday orders ready to ship... or... blogging. :) So, for now, here's my new studio, complete with temporary matting/shipping table filled with supplies as I prepare to start matting my work for the upcoming exhibit. :) Maybe one of these days, I'll attach a photo of my old workspace... just so you, too, can truly appreciate the comparison. ;)



And, as I settle into the work before me, melding happily into my new studio... candles aglow and wonderful music dancing gorgeously off the hardwood floors, I find myself, again... very grateful (with just a hint of teary-eye).