Happy Halloween

From a fairy and her vampire!

A Little Give and Take

Yes, I know this blog is called "A Girl and a Camera" and I haven't posted any of my photos recently. I will consider remedying that situation shortly. For now, a little story from my little life about a little thing called Karma. I live in the city. It's Portland, OR so it's not a large city, but a city nonetheless. This means I am daily approached for "spare change". I have to admit that more often than not, I "have none". Today, a young girl approached me, looked me in the eye and apologetically asked for help. As I have mentioned, I am the leader over the 12-18 year old girls at church and thus have a soft spot for teenagers. I generously shelled out the 63 cents I had in my purse and said I was sorry I didn't have more to give. Fast forward to this evening. My taste buds were all ready to enjoy a mozzarella and tomato panini from Panera Bread. Much to my dismay my debit card was nowhere to be found amongst my purse junk. I had already ordered and could only produce $6.03 in cash when my total was $6.69. Feeling a little sheepish I told the cash register girl to never mind when another Panera employee said "it's on me!" Really? Could it have been the very coins I gave the teenage wanderer just hours ago? I realize this is a very little story with very small repercussions but an interesting study anyhow. Crazy enough, just as I was about to post this blog entry, Jeremy came home telling me to take a look at the below music video. Truly amazing the impact we can have in each other's lives... to the tune of sixty-something cents, or a whole life.

Bless You and Happy Friday

Still no Scottsdale pics to post, I've been running around preparing for our youth beach retreat this weekend. I've also been sneezing a lot. Please bless I'm not getting sick. Sure glad my sneeze is more subtle than this panda's, but I do think I've startled my sleeping dog a time or two. I hope this video kicks your weekend off right. Huh-larious.

A little inspiration

This past weekend Jeremy and I chased the sun over to Scottsdale, AZ. We had a blissfully relaxing weekend amongst the cactus's (cacti?) :) and I intend to upload/post some pics later today. Until then, I thought I'd share some inspiration I found in my various vacation reading materials.

I love Zooey Deschanel. She just seems so dang cool. She was hysterical in Failure to Launch, she has super cool style, and on the list of things I covet most in this world... her voice is tops. Anyway, there was an interview with her in Nylon Magazine and she was talking about how fulfilled she is. That she is living her dreams. How great for her! I found it so inspiring, and am feeling more motivated than ever. I want to do what's necessary to put me in a place that if someone were to interview me, I could say the same. The interview ended with a line from my favorite childhood movie (and coincidentally, Zooey's) "Sometimes, the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true." - The Wizard of Oz

I'm listening to her album right now... Sentimental Heart is my fav track.

I also read The Secret Life of Bees, a book chalk-full of inspiration. One excerpt that I especially loved is a discussion between Lily and Zach when they're talking about what they want to be when they grow-up. She says, "I've just never heard of a Negro lawyer, that's all. You've got to hear of these things before you can imagine them." To which Zach replies, "Bull... You gotta imagine what's never been."

Makes me wonder what I should be imagining.

Two Shows and a Shop Announcement

Last weekend I had the opportunity to show a couple photos at The American Mothers Association Evening for the Arts. Obviously, I chose to show photos I've taken of mothers I know (and admire). It was a great event and a great organization.

Then for First Thursday (a monthly event in the arts district where galleries stay open late for new shows to open and other festivities occur) Jeremy held a grand opening for his new office. I showed my work along with two other artists. There was quite a turn out and Jer's office looked fab! I decided to put some of my TtV stuff into mini series. I think it would be fun to hear what connections people make and which order they look at them in.

And finally, the moment you've all been waiting for...
drum roll please...
Ta-Dah!!!

My shop is open for business!
Come and visit me at www.carriestoddart.etsy.com