Jodieve's Blog

Where to shop before your Boudoir Session!

2011-11-08T22:38:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gents,

Shopping for the perfect lingerie for your long awaited boudoir session just got easier!

If you have hips and curves, there is a new on-line store that will make looking smoking hot at any size a snap! They even have tips for men as to how to size and shop for your loved one.

There is nothing hotter than garters and good hosiery? What about a bustier? Why stop there....how about some pantyhose with back seam lines? You can even get those at American Apparel (No, kidding). Hey, and why not buy a pair of heels at a second hand store to just wear for your session? Tell me, how hot is too hot? It doesn't get any hotter if you actually dare to bare your assets with style and class!

http://www.hipsandcurves.com/Plus-Size-Lingerie/plus-size-lingerie-c-45.aspx

Lost Lander "Cold Feet" OFFICIAL VIDEO from the album DRRT

2011-11-08T22:28:00.000-08:00

Now that I own the latest Smart Phone, I really relate to the need to shut down. I kept a simple cell phone for as long as I possibly could because I never wanted to be one of those people who couldn't be present in the company of other people without sliding open screen after screen looking for that next bit of information or entertainment. I still want to talk to my friends on the telephone and hang out together in real time. So, please enjoy this video and remember to talk to strangers, keep your head held high and know when to close 'em.

Here is your chance to Live in The Pearl

2011-10-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

For Rent: One bedroom apartment available in the Pearl District. Contact me for more details. Contact me via Jodieve.com on Facebook or e-mail Jodievestone@gmail.com. It is just beautiful! The owner wants a pretty penny for it...but you won't be sorry.

Steve Jobs and Bill Gates Together: Part 1

2011-10-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

This is a historic interview with Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. I like how they credit their partners and teams. It is worth watching to hear the inside scoop. It is so neat!

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die | Video on TED.com

2011-10-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs: How to live before you die | Video on TED.com

I absolutely love this speech that Steve Jobs gave at a Stanford graduation.
It is moving and will stay with you. Watch it and see for yourself.

Official Naked Bike Ride Photographer offers Boudior Sessions!

2011-09-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

JodieveUnedited is a new division of Jodive.com that will offer unique boudoir sessions in the Pearl District. I was the first and only photographer in Portland offered a media pass to cover the behind the scenes nudity as bike riders prepared for this years World Naked Bike ride and from that experience, locals have come to trust that I will honor them by making them feel safe and comfortable in front of the camera. This has lead me to expand my business to include exclusive boudior packages to the public. In a secret location in the Pearl District, an elaborate set using luscious linens, a king sized bed and a Victorian Sofa, and a Faux fur rug...I am creating stunning images that clients are giving as gifts or locking them away for the perfect moment. Packages start at $699 and go up from there. For complete pricing information please send your request to Jodievestone@gmail.com. A huge Living Social Media Campaign is planned this month, so watch for discounted sessions soon!

Ward Cunningham as Artist at Styloid Process

2011-09-18T00:18:00.000-07:00

Uno the Integer

Ward Cunningham

Description: "Uno the Integer" is algorithmic art minimally realized as two electronic components: a small computer and an led matrix. The work explores the human tendency to see life where it does not exist and to attribute to that life the will of an individual even when that is clearly not the case. Uno's name and the accompanying material goes on to suggest that the mathematical concept of integer might be similarly misinformed. The work is to be suspended from a high shelf to appear at eye level. A second computer, a mac mini or plug computer at shelf level, provides power and data to the work over a single usb cable.

Artist Bio: Ward Cunningham is well known as a relentless simplifier. Wouldn't you like to own art created by Ward? If so, let us know and we will let him know! Ebay perhaps? Could be worth millions someday!

Website: http://vimeo.com/18625657

Want to feed my fish?

2011-07-14T00:14:00.000-07:00

Fish: "Add a touch of nature to your page with these hungry little fish. Watch them as they follow your mouse hoping you will feed them by clicking the surface of the water."

So, you want to feed my fish? Actually this post is a think tank. Think about who you know that needs photographs taken for events, senior portraits, weddings or social media. Meditate as your feed the fish and see which is your favorite. Then ask yourself, how can I help Jodi keep her fish alive?
Think......Ah yes...there is my cousin who is turning 50 who wants a pro photographer there to capture the stripper teasing her pals. Perhaps, there is a swanky Nike event that could use a roaming event photographer to capture the folks from out of town. No job is too small or large.
I once photographed an elephant. Really...check my website and find it and if you can tell me where it is on my website, I will let you keep your next memory card!
Good luck! If you want me to check my schedule...call me! My number is on my website.
www.jodieve.com

Just feed the fish with your cursor

2011-07-13T23:55:00.000-07:00

Fish: "Add a touch of nature to your page with these hungry little fish. Watch them as they follow your mouse hoping you will feed them by clicking the surface of the water."

How To Be Alone by Andrea Dorfman

2011-07-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

Jodi Helps Shoot Pickle Baby Images

2011-07-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

First Thursday put me in a pickle!

2011-07-08T04:08:00.001-07:00

My first First Thursday
Thank you Drew for making it a blast.
I had the pleasure of photographing people holding a paper mache pickle for Drew at his gallery.
I then bought a piece of signed art that I absolutely love. It is watercolor of a pickle with a pillow and chair inside of it. Drew has an unfinished pickle of a photo with a bike that I hope to purchase soon.
I need to find his website? Someone send help?
I took a photo of a woman breast feeding the pickle, a woman adoring the pickle while it was held by another woman and much much more.
We'd all love to see the pickle pictures!
I must have more pickles! I feel like I am having a pregnancy craving. Next I will need ice cream?

Another Gem From The World Naked Bike Ride in Portland

2011-07-06T01:02:00.000-07:00

NO FUMES
This is a treasure, just located on a discarded disk. It is actually really funny. It makes a great point that bike riders do not use smelly fuels.
I thought it was adorable.
What do you think?
I hoped to turn it right side up, but just didn't see the point.

See photo below for a photo contest!
The winner will have a free 1o minute photo session with me!
You have to be located in Portland, Oregon to win.

1st Annual World Naked Bike Ride Photo Contest!

This will be the John and Yoko protest image or our generation. These two were making their protest statement very clear. Who can tell me what the writing says? If you can ID the writing and what it says, you will win a free 1o minute photo session with me! This is a contest that would be so easy for you to win! Send your entries to Jodi@jodieve.com.

Naked Winery Video

2011-06-29T01:04:00.000-07:00

Please check out this video it is hysterically funny!
Jodi
http://www.youtube.com/user/Nakedwinery#p/a/u/1/cZIoN-eA-Z0

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-40-best-pictures-from-the-world-naked-bike-rid

2011-06-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Check out the 40 best photos of the Naked Bike Ride done by others photographers.
I am not sure who? But they are really fun!
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-40-best-pictures-from-the-world-naked-bike-rid
Let me know which you like best??
This is a photo of the "dome" or HQ whichever you like. That is where volunteers met before the big ride.

This is a shot of HQ lit up in the night after the riders left on their mission.
8000 people left the area and this was all that remained. It was eeerie to re-enter the space. I can't explain it.
Everyone who cared, had left to spread the word and this was the tiny imprint they left behind, aglow in the night.

2011-06-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

Crepes a la Carte dares to bare?
At the Naked Bike Ride would you have wanted crepes served to you by a naked person? Does that even meet food service codes? I just thought this funny shot of them hiding their family jewels was really funny! Would you agree? If you want to book me for your next event: e-mail me to see if I am free. Jodi@jodieve.com.

What it means to be a Social Media Photographer

2011-06-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

When I first started as a wedding photographer my goal was to capture joy and I did.
As of late, I have realized that my calling is as a photographer in a category that I recently coined to be able to explain what I do. I coined the term Social Media Photographer because the work has called me to action. As technology bursts at the seems on a daily basis, I came to understand that photographs no longer live in albums. They live on our phones, on our computers and on Facebook. So, to extract the images from the technology requires some old school thinking.
That is why I have changed my whole approach to capturing joy.
The joy is in our shared experience. My non profit clients can rely on me to create images that send their message, reach their target markets and build their brands. The families that hire me rely on me to capture their very essence. I chose this next photograph to share as it represents the comfort that my subject felt in sitting peacefully naked before the WNBR (World Naked Bike Ride in Portland Oregon). He was aware of how his image would be used to fight to reduce the use of fossil fuels and to show just how vulnerable those who choose biking can be.
If we are using nudity to create social change: What does the future hold when nudity is widely accepted? I am so curious.....There have been over 2700 hits on my blog since the Naked Bike Ride in Portland Oregon. Who are my readers and how did you find my blog?
Is there one person out there who visits on a daily basis a thousand times a day?
Please enter your e-mail address in the box above or write to me at Jodi@jodieve.com so that I can learn more about this amazing influx of interest and attention. I am just so curious?

The Tigard Ballow Festival

2011-06-25T10:38:00.001-07:00

Every year, I attend the Tigard Balloon Festival and am amazed by the energy and excitement that is generated by Hot Air Balloons taking off into the atmosphere! I absolutely can not get enough of this type of event. It is a great date or family adventure.
The ride in the photo turned folks totally upside down. When they got off the ride, there were unfazed. Make it there! I promise you will have fun.

If you have an event you would like covered, please feel free to e-mail me at Jodievestone@gmail.com.
Until the end of July, clients will have the opportunity to play with their memory cards!
That means you can use your images for Facebook and e-mailing right away! I am the only Professional photographer in town that will do that!
Book your event today!

Wanna Journal About The Naked Bike Ride?

2011-06-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

My good pal & painter Janiece Aufranc took this sweet photo of a new bike journal now being sold at Ecru Modern Stationers @ 1215 NW 11th Avenue Portland, OR 97209
(503) 227-2611
This magical store carries and designs the most amazing paper goods in Portland.
I buy every card I need from LeAnn Dolan, the store's proprietor.
She and Janiece create "show stopping" party invitations and much much more. Currently there a few snarky cards that have made my day on more than one occasion! You have to stop by and meet them and understand why I visit as often as I can. You can even get custom stationary and call in your re-order! Now that is customer service! Being a non-profit social media photographer has opened a lot of doors lately. I look forward to offering my services to cover events for worthwile causes and the media outlets they want to reach via social media.
Being a self proclaimed"Social Media Photographer" is a profession that I may have just invented? Look for my work this summer at the Bite of Oregon. I will be shooting food created by the best chef's in Oregon to benefit the Special Olympics.

Slutwalk is Coming to Portland

2011-06-21T00:48:00.000-07:00

World Naked Bike Ride Participants signing waivers...

These brave women were two in 8000 reported bikers who "bared as they dared" to help get out the word about saving fossil fuel! If it takes a little T&A to wake up the world, I am all for it.

July 31th Slutwalk will be held in Portland,Oregon. The group has been organizing walks to fight against police brutality in Canada against women. I do hope that they have a big turn out here in Portland.

To read more about it Google Slutwalk! It will prove to be yet another Portland coup for keeping Portland the progressive town we all cherish. Photos to come.
If it takes Naked Bike Ride and Slutwalks to get people stop texting and start paying attention to what people have to say...then success is a matter of mobilizing ala Portland.

The SlutWalk protest marches began on April 3, 2011 in Toronto, Canada and have since become an international movement of rallies across the world.^[1] They are a protest against the belief that any aspect of a woman's appearance might explain or excuse rape.^[2] The rallies began in response to remarks made by Constable Michael Sanguinetti, a Toronto Police officer, who suggested that in order not to be victimized, "women should avoid dressing like sluts."^[3]^[4] The protest take the form of a march, by mainly young women, where some dress in ordinary clothing, and others dress provocatively; there are also speaker meetings and workshops.^[5] Such protests have not been universally accepted as appropriate; for example some objectors have remarked that this approach is an example of women defining their sexuality in male terms.

Try this link for news from Slut Walk in India!~http://sanjukta.wordpress.com/2011/06/10/the-slut-walk-comes-to-delhi-what-does-it-mean-for-delhiites/

Oh by the way Leverage is shooting in town again and Portlandia is creating a second season.
Hey, Portland let's give them something to talk about. Put a bird on it!
P.S. Message me and "Like" me at Jodieve.com on Facebook if you want an invite to the World Naked Bike Ride Reunion Party!

From the Heathman to the Streets: Naked Bike Ride

2011-06-20T00:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend was quite remarkable. In one night I went from photographing an event at the Heathman Hotel in the infamous Tea Room to the streets of Portland for the Naked Bike Ride. At the Heathman Hotel, the room was exquisite, the company divine and the ambiance sublime. The flowers, the piano, the chandelier and the challenge. I photographed a group of 26 people in 15 minutes. A new record for arranging and staging a large family portrait.

One happy hour later, I am setting up to photograph the world's largest Naked Bike Ride as the only credentialed photographer allowed inside the gates while riders stripped to "bare as they dare" and ride through the streets of Portland en force.

My experience was unlike any other I have ever had. The energy in the space was extremely positive. The fenced energy was so positive that when I left the area to store something in my car, the vibrational level dropped out of range.

The comparison was so remarkable that I had to ask myself: how would this energy flow through the streets change the energy flow in Portland?
So, as the huge mass of bikers began to flow into the streets I felt it. I actually felt change happen before my eyes. I can describe it, other than to say that anyone who witnessed this event will tell you that it was beyond remarkable. The humor, the kindness, the trust and and soul of this ride was co-created in real time. A special thank you to all who allowed me to gracefully move within this space to document their experience for the world. I am so grateful to you for your trust and willingness to allow me to join you in co-creating joy and change.

Naked Bike Ride Photographer Jodieve Was Honored

2011-06-19T01:45:00.000-07:00

I was honored to be the ONLY trusted citizen in Portland to enter the gates of the Naked Bike Ride on June 18, 2011 to photograph participants getting ready for the ride. Being named the Naked Bike Ride's only official Media photographer was such a huge honor. Of all the events I have photographed, I am most proud of the work I did for this one.

I offered people the opportunity to have their portraits taken with their own cameras or mine.
People were so completely open and comfortable with themselves.

I will be ever in debt to Jane Roberts@ JaneRobertsArt.com. She was my trusty assistant and did a great job in helping people understand the consent forms and helped folks understand their rights.

The most hysterical part of the ride was when riders cheered as we revealed ourselves as supporters! Organizers do not know what they will do with the photos I took, and that is OK.
Not every photo needs to be shared. Some can be for the pure enjoyment of posing in the moment and seeing how it turns out. Please "Freind" Jodieve.com on Facebook to see what's happening next.

Play with your memory card!

2011-06-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

Check out my new hardcover books that can be perfect for.......

Engagement Sessions , Seniors, Baby and Pre-Baby Books, Family Reunions, Anniversary Sessions and Boudior Sessions....The prices will rock your world. Call for a session quote today!

503.888.5663

Sizes: 4x5, 6x8, 8x12, 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 (vertical and square options only)
Paper types: smooth, textured, photographic, metallic and pearl
Cover option: new printed hardback cover
Same continuous binding as our wedding books (not available in thick pages)

If you order a book today, you can keep your digital memory card to play with on Facebook!

This offer is only good until July 1st.

Your Camera, My Talent

2011-04-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

If you could own the memory card of the best family or event photographs ever taken wouldn't you be thrilled? I am now offering a service called, "Your Camera, My Talent." If you hire me to create portraits with your camera and memory card, I will give you a 50% discount!
Here's why....So much of a photographers time is spent uploading, downloading and saving media to a specific format.
Many of my customers want to share their images via social media and the easiest way to do that is by inserting the memory card directly into their laptop! So, why spend hours creating CDs or share via websites etc. Images live on these cards and they get printed via the cards, so why not just own the card!~
If you would like instant results, no waiting or fussing over editing or the selling of images one at a time, call me! With my talent and your faithful camera...you can have results and control of your own images for 50% less cash and NO WAITING~
Give me a call at 503.888.5663. One price for instant results and you keep the card and camera!

Yelp Away!!!!

2010-09-17T00:53:00.001-07:00

I want to do a shout out to all of my loyal customers who have taken the time to write glowing reviews on Yelp to try and let new customers know what is so special about working with me.
The one word that keeps coming up is "magical." I usually get the chills during special moments during a session, but I usually think it must just be me....but apparently my clients are feeling it too! How cool is that? It mean so much to me that my clients are happy and feel the desire to talk about me long after our session. If you have been a past customer and want to share your feelings, join is the fun!
I look forward to booking family sessions for holiday cards and senior sessions this fall!
It is never too early to check my summer schedule for weddings. I announce specials on my blog and coupons are available through Google Places!
Call 503.888.5663 to book your next session!
Pumpkin Patch Sessions are coming! Look for a great deal coming soon!

Proposition 8 Special

2010-08-04T23:09:00.000-07:00

If you found me on Facebook and you are planning a big gay wedding.....Today is your lucky day.
For the price of plane fare, my hotel room and some food...I will shoot your wedding for free!
Call me at 503.888.5663 to discuss booking my plane ticket, hotel room!
If you want the memory cards, you can have them if you are one of the first five bookings!
This is an offer you won't ever see again. I am so happy to be a part of this historical moment in history that I want anyone who can afford a plane ticket to be able to capture the sheer bliss and keep it safe forever!!!!

Cover Bride Search for 2010 Begins!

2010-01-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

Become a semi-finalist today!
If you are getting married this season and feel very comfortable in front of the camera, you could become this year's Cover Bride for Photography by Jodieve! Love is in the details. Make your application sing with a story about your engagement or about all of the lovely sweet touches that you are planning for the big day!
Bloggers will be helping me select the winner, so sign up to follow my blog!
I will post the winner's story on the blog and announcement will go out to the media.

Step 1)
Send your wedding date, name of your venue, dress style and a snapshot to Jodidiver@aol.com to be considered.
Step 2) If you are selected as a semi finalist we will call you to schedule a personal interview to give you detailed information about the perks!
Step 3) If you qualify, and become this year's Cover Bride we will begin shooting right away to prepare your engagement photos, photos for your sign in board or invites. Upon signing you will be offered some freebies along with your wedding package that no other bride in Portland will be offered! Good luck!

Hints: Jodieve offers many perks to her cover bride, however there are certain expectations that will be given to you at the final interview. I want my Cover Bride to really enjoy this expereince and revel in the glory!
Apply today!
E-mail Jodidiver@aol.com and don't forget your phone number so that we can notify you quickly!

On Meeting Annie Leibovitz

2008-11-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

Seeing Annie Leibovitz in person and getting her autogrpah in her new book"Annie Leibovitz at Work" was by far one of the most thrilling moments of my life. I have admired her tenacity, vision and confidence throughout my life as I have watched her tranform herself into one of America's most well known woman photographers. After hearing her speak, I came away feeling like she was definately in the right place at the right time. Over and over again.
She talked about photographing her family and how those photos are some of her favorites. I too feel the same way. The photos that I have taken of my nieces in particular mean so much to me. There I am with my newly signed book, knowing that an heirloom has just been aquired! Notice the pearls....anyone recognize them?

Annie Liebovitz Talks about Barak Obama

2008-11-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

Meeting Annie Leibovitz was by far one of the most thrilling nights of my life. She spoke at the Schnitz in Portland, Oregon last night. This clip shows Annie (tiny figure bottom left) talking about her involvement with Barak Obama. This is an image that she placed last minute into her new book "Annie Leibovitz at Work". Click on the image to hear what she had to say.

The New President of America Greets America

2008-11-04T21:36:00.000-08:00

America Rejoices as our new leader takes the stage in Chicago,IL (my hometown) to greet the American public and accept him as their new President elect. Oregon happened to be one of the states that sent his votes over the number he needed to clinch the election. I have friends and relatives that have worked very hard to get him elected. Thank you to my cousin Jake and his wife Mina Neuberg and friend my freind Pam Hellesto! Job well done. Let's all hope that he can lead our country in a better direction and find peace in knowing that it appears that he is a man with good values, a decent education and the guts to try!

What is a Scarecrow?

2008-10-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

What Do American's Do With Some of Their Land?
In America, some farmers grow large orange pumpkins to sell to people who cut a whole in the top, take the insides out, bake the seeds and then carve it into a decorative household indoor/outdoor candle holder.

The holiday lasts for one day.
It is called Halloween. Children dress up in costumes and walk from house to house begging for candy treats.

Americans spend their hard earned money creating elaborate costumes, decorations and candy to give away.
This is an example of a scarecrow in a corn field that is supposed to scare the crows away. It is clothing stuffed with hay, with a pumpkin for a head. Why do we need to scare the crows?

Celine Dion Sings to Gail Hand for Her Birthday!

2008-10-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

My friend Gail has some pretty important friends. Who knew that Celine Dion would sing to her on the Jumbotron for her birthday. Imagine that, she came all the way to Portland, Oregon to sing for Gail's birthday. I was truly amazed how Celine looked right at Gail the whole time she was signing.
Well, that is what you get when you put in a request from Celine.

Film or Digital? The debate rages on....

2008-10-14T17:50:00.001-07:00

Nikki Lieberman
Daughter of Rob and Erica Lierberman

Film or Digital? I just got back a couple of rolls shot at my nephew's Bar Mitzvah and I now understand the role that digital has played in my photographic career. Shooting digital has taught me that I prefer shooting with film. Here is why, when you shoot a digital image you spend hours photoshopping it to create the effects that you naturally get with film.
Proof positive. Look at this image of my niece Nikki.
I shot this image with my Canon F-1 using a special secret film that Joe Buissink ( who shoots celebrity weddings) turned me onto last time we hung out.
Digital photography allowed me the opportunity to shoot
without intention. My photography skills have been enhanced by learning to use Photoshop, but I spend a lot of time emulating film. I love the results that film offers straight out of the camara. I shoot less and get better results. I take my time when I am shooting and I get the shot..the first time! I read a recent interview with Annie Leibovitz who in so many words said, "I don't have time to share my personal souvineers with everyone."

Joy

2008-10-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

This is an image that I shot on a boat dock leaving for Reily Beach, Thailand.
This is a boat driver that was just hanging out eating an apple. Of all the images I created, this image is burned into my unconscious mind. The day that I made him laugh out loud so boisterously was the day that I realized that pure joy is the goal of every day of my life.
Being a catalyst for people's joy and revelations was such a huge part of this trip for me.
It was the first time in my life that I was able to test my energy and see what a profound effect it had on people. We barely spoke...but this was his reaction. The real humor came when I realized that I had to drag a rolling suitcase in the sand when the boat dropped me off in the middle of a bay. I was up to my thighs in water. Imagine the laughs they get watching the tourists cope with that!

Dominique Surfing in Seaside with Long Board Lisa

2008-10-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

This is Dominique my Friend, client and great surfer!
We spent the day in Seaside, Oregon shaving the waves.
She demonstrated her surfing prowess on a beautiful sunny day with her surf buddies surfing the outside cheering her on. Go Dominique!

Japan meets Oregon

2008-10-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

Todd Wilson and his group Monmouth Taiko played at the Tillamook Seafood Festival on
October 5, 2008. It was fantastic!

Visit to a Cambodian Orphanage

2008-10-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

While visiting Siem Reap I had the honor to visit a Cambodian Orphanage. Out of 100 residents, only 8 children actually showed an interest in living in America. My research showed that there is a moratorium for adopting children from Cambodia after Angelina Jolie had some problems clearing her adoption of her first child. So, those interested in adoption from Cambodia need to do their research to find out if it is possible to take your newly adopted child into the US.
These children were delightful, sweet and there was a lot of love surrounding them.
I gave donations directly to students who were brave enough to meet with me.
It was by far one of the most touching and meaningful things I did on this trip.

Who is Kamerah?

2008-10-02T23:46:00.000-07:00

Kamerah is a dear sweet woman who runs the Ankorean Spa in Siem Reap. She has a staff of nine girls. She is generous, kind and loving.
She is hard working honest and knows how to celebrate life.
She put together a going away party in Cambodia of 25 people for me. It was the highlight of my trip to Cambodia. She is off to leave her country for the first time. She will visit Thailand with a man she met while I was visiting her. I hope she has a great time on her adventure and will bring back a lot of good memories.
She is truly like the daughter I never had. We e-mail and call as much as we can and I can't wait to see her again and most of all attend her wedding someday!

Who is Xing?

2008-10-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of Xing. He is a former monk in LP. He now works at a cafe in LP. We took in a waterfall via motorbike and spent many hours trying to figure out how he can use his love of math to make a better living in LP.
I taught him and his friends how to bake cupcakes and found the cupcake liners at a local store. Which was a miracle!

The day after I gave him the recipe I came to the cafe and he presented me with a plate full of cupcakes that he made. They were pretty good!
I played GO FISH with he and his co-workers and watched videos at his cafe with the other tourists. We became good friends.
Xing always carried a tiny little drawstring bag everywhere. I asked him what was inside the bag and he explained that inside are two little beans that were given to him by an elder monk when he left the temple. When I left LP Xing reached into his pocket and gave me one of his two beans. The beauty in this moment was beyond compare and the joy that I felt was truly profound.

Deep Thoughts about paper umbrellas

2008-10-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

After 3 months in Asia, I have had a lot of time to compare and contrast the cultural differences between Laos and Cambodia and America. In Asia, the hub of the umbrella represents the wise elders that keep the family together by providing spiritual strength and moral guidance. The paper thin material is held together by the spokes which are the family members who each work together to keep the delicate structure of the family together.
Whereas in America....the hub of the umbrella represents the TV set that sends out the messages that the family happily digests and mistakes as spiritual sustenance. The paper thin material is the ever thinning barrier our children have to keep them safe from the harm that lurks on their computer screens, ipods and and cell phones. The spokes separate and divide the families making them even more isolated than ever.
So in the beauty of such a delicate umbrella, I pause to consider if being a member of a westernized culture is protective or isolative. Your comments?

Meet a Buddhist Nun

2008-10-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

In Luangprabang I met a Buddhist nun. I went to meditate with the monks as was my routine each day at 5:30. On this day after all the monks rose to leave the temple, I noticed she was still on the floor.
I reached down to lift her up and realized that none of the men helped her get up because the monks aren't allowed to touch women.

So, for years she has been getting up off the floor with ease...but on this very day I was lucky enough to help her. She was actually smiling just moments before I took this image.

Talk About Huge

2008-09-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

One of the most thrilling things I did in Thailand was ride an elephant.
For those of you who disagree with this practice, sorry. I had a blast and I will never forget it for as long as I live. I smiled non-stop the whole time. When in Phuket, you can take the road to Kata and you will see a small sign leading you to a small elephant riding camp. Tour guides will try to send you on a 45 minute journey by bus out of town, but ask a Tuk Tuk to hook you up with this local adventure.

Thai Sunset in Patong

2008-09-19T02:48:00.000-07:00

My last night in Thailand, I witnessed the most stunning sunset.
It made me wonder If it gets any better!
I felt a sense of completion and peace knowing that I would share this sunset with my friends and family even tho they weren't there to share it in the moment.
All ways ask your self: "Where is the sun setting and seek it out, it is always worth the effort."

Pink Airplane Lands In Tokyo Boutique

2008-09-19T01:15:00.000-07:00

This store in the Harijuku District was about as pink as you can imagine and had an airplane lodged right in the middle of the store. This not your average Barbie Airplane.
Check it out....

The Art of The Internet Cafe

2008-09-19T00:43:00.000-07:00

In Tokyo the internet cafe serves many purposes. Many people who live far outside the city prefer to "visit" an internet cafe than go home. In this case, visit means....sleep, eat, shower, read comic books and basically lounge all for less than the price of a hotel room.
The cafes offer free beverages, soft ice cream, food and showers for those who choose to stay all night. One of the newest additions to the internet scene is Manboo.
Check it out..

The most pretty food I've ever seen

2008-09-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

I found this at Tokyo Station. Can you imagine finding such pretty food in a train station?

Tasteful Tinkling In Tokyo

2008-09-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Toto toilets found everywhere in Japan have a sound effect that allows you to mask the sound of your pee with the sound of a flushing toilet.
Some come complete with infant holders.
So clever!
.

Looking for a Harijuku Girl

2008-09-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Gwen Stefani sings about the women in the Tokyo Harijuku District. I love the song, so I put on my headphones and hit the pavement in search of the Harijuku District to find out what all the hype was about. What I found were specialty accessory shops filled with the latest Tokyo street fashions. There were whole stores dedicated to sox, hats, and faux jewels.

Here are just a few of the images from my pilgrimage to the Harijuku District.
Funny enough the most striking Harijuku girls were camera shy? I wondered why anyone who would go to such great lenghts to be so original wouldn't want share their fashion brilliance with the world....?

Wedding Photography at The Ritz Carlton

2008-09-18T18:04:00.001-07:00

One of the most exciting things I did in Tokyo was to learn about Japanese Wedding Photography from one of the most powerful and influential people in the industry. I visited a studio that has been in the business for over 100 years. This family owned business has procured the contract rights to all the weddings that are photographed at the Ritz Carlton, Tokyo.
Here are a couple of photos from my visit to the Ritz.

Good Morning Tokyo

2008-09-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

If you have ever spent any time in Tokyo, you can relate to the fact that each area has a distinctly different vibe and energy. My last night in Tokyo was spent in the Roppongi Area.
The tradition is to stay out all night there and wait for the trains to start running at 5 am.
After hanging out in internet cafes and with friends I looked up and sawa Tokyo crow and thought: " Oh my goodness, it is daylight!"

The Best Thing About This Trip Was The Freinds I Made

2008-09-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful to have met some of the most wonderful people on my trip to Asia.
In Cambodia, Sokemerah had a going away party for me and 25 people attended.

In Tokyo, Yummi whom I met in Cambodia traveled 2 hours by train to see me off to America.

YounYee drove Chanda around on his motorbike over rough terrain to visit orphanages to play with the children and make donations.

Makoto San in Tokyo took time from his busy schedule to teach me about Japanese Wedding photography at the Ritz Carlton and his other venue.

People were just amazingly kind and took such great care to become realiable and fun companions. Some, will surely become lifelong freinds!

The Trip

2008-09-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

I left Portland on June 11 and set out for Thailand.
My starting point was Phuket. There was a T-shirt in a window that said: " Good men go to heaven, Bad men go to Patong. I will tell you more about that later.

I visited Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Hong Kong and Tokyo.