What Possessed Me

RIP Farah Fawcett

You were totes my favorite Angel.

Eye Break: Amy Toensing

I'm entering the final week of my introduction to digital photography class. It's been such an eye-opening experience, mostly because it's highlighted my shortcomings. And not at all in a bad way - I'm just more aware now of what I find particularly difficult. I've always been a vacation photographer, rarely taking photographs at home.  I gravitate to the new and exotic and struggle to capture the beauty of everyday things that surround me. I so admire photographers who can grasp that moment, that gesture, that beam of light and make something ordinary an object of great beauty.

I love that these photographs by  Amy Toensing were taken all over the world - from New Jersey to India - but still seem so immediate and universal and ordinary (in the very best meaning of the word).

That top photograph just kills me. Click to enlarge the images - they'll look more beautiful in a bigger format.

Last days

The English Muse features some wonderful photographs and memorabilia from the estate of Marilyn Monroe on auction at Bonhams (Tina always finds the most fantastic things).

I've had this funny little note MM wrote in my files for a while - it reminds me that there was wit and wisdom behind Marilyn's wispy public persona. The photo above (found here) was taken by George Barris a month before her death - a sad snapshot of a time when gay moments were probably few and far between.

P.S. Is it me or is this blog getting really morbid lately? I think I'm feeling a bit sentimental and nostalgic about the demise of the company I've been with for over five years. Despite the insane drama that has gone down here over the years (or maybe BECAUSE of the craziness - let's face it, I love me some batshit shenanigans), I'm sad to see it go. I helped build it, after all.

Perhaps I need to drink more champagne.