Adventures Close to Home

Just thought I'd share a few shots from a quick hike up Twin Peaks for sunset and a weekend trip up the coast to Westport. California really is a magical place....

Twin Peaks

Westport, CA

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Week Fifty-Two: Just For A Moment

Finally, the last picture of my 52 Weeks Project! I think there is something about the impermanence of a snowflake that makes it a great closing shot. All I try to do with my pictures is capture something special in a moment. This snowflake didn't last long after this shot, but in that moment it was beautiful.

I'm really proud of this project and the work I've done for it. Some weeks were harder than others, some pictures more inspired, but for an entire year I captured a piece of my world every single week and I am a  better photographer for it. I learned how much I love color. I discovered macro shots. I found out how long of a way to go I have when it comes to portraits, but also that I am able to make really powerful ones when I get it right. I took pictures of things I'd never shot (or even thought to shoot) before. I learned how to see beauty in the world around me.

I've decided not to do the project again in 2014 however. I want to see if I can continue to find the drive to capture beautiful shots without the requirement of the project. I want to challenge myself to see if I can internalize what I've learned over the past year without the external burden of a weekly deadline. My goal is to continue posting pictures from my life to this blog as I take them instead of on a set timeline. I'm excited to see what it yields.

For those who follow my posts, I hope I've created something that you enjoyed. I hope something I shot made you feel something. I hope I inspired you to pick up your own camera.

The complete collection of photos from the project can be found here on my flickr page.

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Week Fifty-One: A Sleepy Old Man

I know this is my second cat picture for this project, but it's special enough that I'm ok with it. You see, today is the 18th birthday of Peaches, the family cat, and I feel like he deserves a shout out. Purina's website says that is the equivalent of turning 88 in human years, which makes him quite the old man. I love the little guy like crazy and he is every bit as much a part of the family as my sister and I.

I took this picture while I was back home for the holidays. He isn't the high-energy troublemaker he used to be and spends a lot more of his time napping around the house these days. That doesn't mean he won't give you an earful if he wants something, of course!

Happy birthday, little guy. I hope you'll be around for many more years to come.

Argentina - Iguazu

Paid a premium to stay at the Sheraton, which gives far better access to the park, definitely the right call. Very impressive waterfalls, though not quite on the same level as Patagonia for me. Didn't go to the Brazil side, but the Argentine side clearly had the better up-close views. Wouldn't sacrifice other destinations to see it, but still very cool if you've got the time for it.

Argentina - Mendoza

The city I hopes BA would be. Laid back pace, good food, great wine tours. Definitely recommended.

 

Argentina - Bariloche

Pretty place, but not a knock out for me. Downtown is a giant tourist trap best avoided. We stayed in a beautiful airbnb about 15 miles out of town. Didn't do the bike ride myself, but others thought it was great. Good destination if you're look for some peace and quiet, but not a must in my books.

Know Yourself. Live Better.

Today marks exactly one year from when I started wearing my Jawbone Up.

In that time, I have taken more than 3 million steps over nearly 1,600 miles. It doesn't matter weather I'm wearing jeans or a suit, it is always on my wrist. I have tan lines from wearing it all summer. I wouldn't want to go another day without it.

When people ask me about my wristband, I usually start by telling them flat out "It will change your life" and I absolutely mean it. Everyone should be wearing something like it, be it a Jawbone or a Fitbit or a Basis. Just having a quantified expression to make you more aware about your activity and your sleep is unbelievably powerful and will change you. The knowledge alone will improve your life - as Jawbone's slogan for the Up says, "Know Yourself. Live Better." There are few things you can own that will have as great an impact on how you live.

Buy one. Wear it everyday. Become aware. Improve your life. Never look back.

Argentina - El Chalten

Go here. Seriously, this is a must for a trip to Argentina. Phenomenal hikes surrounded by unbelievable natural beauty. Best stop on the trip, hands down.

Argentina - El Calafate

Seeing the Moreno Glacier was something truly special, one of the highlights of the trip for me. Not much going on in the city (super touristy), but it's a good jumping-off point for other places in Patagonia.