Happy Birthday & a Little Reflection

What a fun weekend we had! My dad had a Birthday as well as my uncle, who by the way, have the  same name.  Makes it really easy to communicate :)  

Excuse this photo, we started cutting a slice when the camera went off (no, I didn't take the photo) but the cake was so good!!  We even had individual cheesecakes by the wonderful chef, Matteo (my brother).  Nick, great cook too, took care of a few tummies as well.

Not only did we eat and eat well, we played HOOPLA (Cranium game).  Wow, that was interesting. Its hilarious how many ways there are to describe something. We had appropriate moments and not-so-appropriate moments.  Try this at the next party, great ice breaker!!

So, on a different note..... I'm reflecting on the news this past week of the 20 year old brazilian model who lost her battle from an infection which lead to septicemia. Including this story, I have heard from 2 others who are currently involved or associated with the same scenario.

The more I talk to people and discover the emotions, struggles, etc. of working through this, I find how much I have been blessed with, but not in the way you might think.  Yes, I survived, yes I lost a few things, but I have been given a wild web of connections that has created a book of stories and support for so many.     

Its reflections.  When I was in the situation, I couldn't "see" the same way as when I read of others and talk to others. I have felt, at times, that I am experiencing it all over but in a way that makes me really look outside myself. I focused so hard on getting my life back to normalcy that taking time out to REALLY understand where my life was headed is very humbling.

I thank everyone for the wonderful support and comments, but, without these stories and commonalities, I may not feel as I do today. Looking forward to the future!!!!

Have a great day!!

Now Is the Time

What a day for us all! Regardless of your political views, today seemed to have a quality that should be with us everyday.

Belief in something beyond us, inspiration from world leaders, to cherish your family and friends and the things you do have, togetherness for common ideals and purpose.

These are the things we need to recognize and covet. Today is a new day. Start over and renew your vows, renew an old friendship or let go of your anger.

Set your goals a bit higher, finish that bachelor's or master's degree, or just get back to your roots. Whatever it is, "now is the time".

What are you waiting for, really? Ask that question and really work through your anxieties, apprehensions and obstacles that are keeping you from going the extra mile.

Be the change that you wish to see, as Gandhi said.

Love,
Jen

P.S. Annabelle, I still have you in my prayers. How are things? E-mail me at griffinja123@gmail.com if you want.

Spoke Too Soon

It was brought to my attention that my Internet searching skills must not be what they used to be. I guess my "searcher" must have been taking a break.

Even though I still agree with most of my comments from my post below, this gave me a new perspective. Give it to the BBC, designers and creative types to pull this together. Apparently, others were thinking about beauty as well and created this show.

What is it? Eight young disabled women discover what it takes to be a model. They are competing for a photo shoot and to appear in a fashion magazine. How cool!

I've been checking out the site and found it interesting to read the perspectives on everyone who participated in the show. The show is over now but the winner is a 23 year old missing her left forearm.

I know sometimes it can be hard to get used to differences and to embrace things we aren't used to, especially visually. But, it looks like my below post may have found itself an outlet on the BBC! :) Hopefully everyone gets a chance to see an episode because it looks great!

Stay warm and have a great weekend.

Love,
Jen

Behind the Lense

Before I start, I want to thank everyone who posted recently! I appreciate all your comments and Annabelle my thoughts are with you.

Being in LA, how did you find this blog? I thought the lady who came over to your car must have made your day. Please keep me posted on how you are.

It's been such an amazing feeling to know the people who read this are from so many places. So, I have always been a big fan of great movies and photography. I can be in a book store or art museum and look at photography all day.

I am reading a great book by Annie Leibovitz and she provides a photo that gives you all the behind the scene details about the photo, the set, etc. It's quite cool, really. At the same time I'm reading this, I realized that I have seen some great movies lately.

Between the two interests that I've had forever, I have developed a creativity and interest in the stories that come from both. A picture can tell so many things as well as movies and I love the imagination of it all.

However, in reading about all the details and behind the scenes issues it has really made me reflect on a few things. The topic is discussed about how to make a subject look good or how to bring it to life.

I was interested in this part particularly because a few of the movies I have seen lately had a character missing a limb; one of which was Tropic Thunder. I don't recommend this movie for everyone. A lot of scenes have some pretty crude humor and violence (too much for my taste), but overall it was a decent film. The people I was with (hubby & family) were so sweet but looked at me each time as if to say "does this bother you, are you okay?"

When we think about photos in magazines or the movies, we rarely see anything less than flawless. I tend to appreciate the rawness of the moment versus staged and perfection which I think is what made me think of this post.

To answer the above question: no, it didn't bother me and I was okay, but they have developed a soft spot and it's super-special. It did, however, make me realize that with all the issues we deal with daily, physical issues seem to be the most difficult to photograph and resolve.

I did a search to find movies with physical challenges and the category is very small, comparatively speaking. Now think of the photography aspect -- not many come to mind unless your looking at para-Olympics or something similar or a specific area of interest, not just everyday photo shots.

So, this got me on a two hour Internet search (how does that always happen. I start out for 5 minutes, then, whew, its 2 hours!) which eventually lead me to an article on beauty that was so beautiful.

Is it easier to see a picture of a beautiful person with a great smile who seems great on the outside but has the worst issues that we can't see. Or, see a photo of someone who has a physical disability or a smile that is not so perfect but has no other issues?

Neither is right, wrong nor good or bad. But, we are all behind the lense of our own eyes and perception. This is so cliché, but if beauty truly came from within, I think we would see much more of the not-so-perfect world.

I received a very cool gadget from Nick that allows me to hold a camera and take pictures. Who knows, perhaps we will get to see more definitions of beauty. I'm much better with a great photography book than the actual camera, but it sure is fun. Find the not-so-perfect in everyday life and try to interpret it with beauty and not pity.

Love,

Jen

The Small Things

Ever wonder why some of the best things come in small packages or from unexpected sources? I do.

The weather today is not only really rainy and soon to be icy, it is really cold.

However, not a lot holds me back from a good meal, so I sucked it up and had lunch today with some great friends.

I had on several layers when I got home and realized I couldn't get my coat off.

I needed to pull on the sleeves. Guess who comes to my rescue? Our dog who gives unconditional love and is always surprising us with his dedication!

Sky knows the word "tug" so he comes up to me to say hi with a big lick to the face and I get an idea to have him tug!

He stood beside me and tugged on both arms and it worked perfectly.

He, of course, seemed very proud of himself and went straight for the treats before I did. I wish we could use this logic for pay raises! ;)

So, I'm going to use the "small things" as a way to live in 2009. It's not a hard thing to do. For all the small things I have received over this past year I could write a book and it means so much to me.

Make your small things part of who you want to be -- no strings, no attachments -- just because.

Love,
Jen