My Mom does a ton for us every day, even though we’re all full grown adults. You just can’t beat the help of a Mom. So here’s to m’lady, I’m glad she’s my Mom!
{Things I’ve learned from Septa}
April 16th, 2011
For the past 8 months or so I’ve had the joy of riding the train to and from work. It’s been a very interesting experience some days. What I’ve learned so far:
1. People are gross. I’ve always known this, but when you’re stuck in a train car for 2 hours a day you begin to notice the number of people who cover their mouth when they cough and sneeze is far less than people who don’t. Seriously, cover. People are judging you in disgust.
2. It doesn’t always pay to be nice. Sometimes, you’re on the outside of a three-seater and someone comes along asking to be the third who “squeezes in there.” You can either be nice and just slide into the middle yourself or be the “jerk” who stands up and lets them in the middle. Chances are, it’ll be a more pleasant ride if you’re the jerk. If you slide into the middle, the person on the inside won’t scooch over to give you more room. They won’t close their legs a little to give you a comfortable amount of space. You’ll find yourself packed in nice and tight. And one of your seat mates will probably sneeze without covering their mouth.
3. People are obnoxious. Once again, something always known, but magnified on a train. I love my iPod and listen to it for part or all of my ride daily.What I don’t love, is your iPod. Turn your music down, no one else wants to hear it.
4. Disgruntled commuters bond quickly. I’ve had decent luck almost every day and the train has been fairly reliable. They do, from time to time, break down. When this happens, the appropriate response is to loudly complain to the people seated nearest to you, rolling your eyes and making comments about how much you pay to take the train and the LEAST they could do is put out trains that run. Continue to do this until the train starts up again. If you don’t, the train actually will remain broken down. It only responds to the sounds of obnoxious complaints. Once the train starts up again, you must cheer and/or clap depending on the amount of time the train was inoperable. If it’s less than 10 minutes, clapping is unnecessary. In the case that you actually need to switch to a new train altogether, continue the complaints for the duration of the ride once aboard the new train. Emphasize how much you pay a month.
{Photo of the Day // Cherry Blossom Festival}
April 9th, 2011
Last weekend was a great time spent in DC taking in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Despite a stormy morning, the sun made an appearance as we walked along the Tidal Basin. Two of my favorites from the day…
{Artist Feature // Help Renew Japan}
March 28th, 2011
If you’re looking for a way to help Japan, this is a fun, unique way! Designer Erica Wernick created this beautiful poster which you can grab for $25+shipping. All of the proceeds, yes, 100%, every dollar she collects, will go directly to benefiting Japan. We all know how every small donation can make an impact. Help Erica in her efforts of support. You can order yours here http://ericawernick.com/japanrelief.html
{At It Again // Phil Augusta Jackson}
March 12th, 2011
Phil Augusta Jackson has released his second mix tape, False Mirrors. The thoughts behind the album, in Phil’s words:
The album is pretty much a manifestation of thoughts that I had while I was looking at a painting this past summer, Friday, August 6th. The painting that captivated me was called The False Mirror by René Magritte, and at the time I was at the museum with a girl I was dating, but our relationship was coming to a close, and at the same time I was having other internal reflections and cogitations. Looking at the painting brought all of those thoughts to the forefront of my mind – both the good and the bad.
So the album is pretty much a breakdown of about 30 seconds of thought that I had at a museum. It’s a concept piece that explores my mind.
It’s a blend of hip-hop, rap, pop and other fun goodies. I’m also partial to the design of his web page 
Check it here and grab the free download.
{Photo of the Day//Vacation Countdown}
March 4th, 2011
I’m exactly 2 weeks away from returning to Oregon for a week-long vacation. I can’t wait. I first visited in the summer of 2009 and fell in love with the city. This time I’ll be splitting my week between Portland and Sunriver. I’ve been Googling Sunriver and oogling over the gorgeous photographs that come up. I’m itching to get out there and start taking my own photos! I’m also pumped to check out all the great shops, boutiques and restaurants in Portland. Now if only I could speed up time…
Multnomah Falls | Photographed during my last trip out West!
{The Bucket List//Food Edition}
February 25th, 2011
This weekend I plan on tackling Indian Food with an awesome former co-worker and his wife. Nervous? You bet I am. Indian food and sushi have been the 2 things on the list I’ve been dreading. My Dad shared a story with me about a time he had Indian food and then broke out into a rash. Thanks for the confidence Dad! But crossing this one off the list brings me a step closer to completing the list set out for me. It even looks like I’ll finish it way ahead of my birthday, which was the deadline.
The outcome of the Indian food experience (hopefully with no rashes to report) coming soon.
I also want to slide in a shout out, to my Mom, who will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow! I wish I had enough skills to bake her a fantastic looking cake. Or some incredibly awesome looking cupcakes, like the ones from Hello, Cupcake!
TV Dinner Cupcakes from Hello, Cupcake
{Photo of the Day//Summer Heat}
February 21st, 2011
The gray, dreary day has me thinking about warmer thoughts. I was going through my photos of my trip to Mexico in May, I really loved this bicycle and shot quite a few pics of it. The bright colors and beads caught my eye.
Photographed outside the Tequila Museum/shop in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
{I think your Momma should bounce to this}
February 16th, 2011
Phil Augusta Jackson is an extremely talented singer/songwriter who recently released his first mixtape. You can listen to his songs and download the mixtape for FREE at http://theworkmanmixtape.com/
This is definitely worth throwing on the iPod, lots of great tracks and fun beats. My personal favorites are Water Through My Hands and Hotwheels.
Become a fan of Phil on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/philaugustajackson?ref=sgm or track him on MySpace http://www.myspace.com/oluponya
{Artist Feature//Joshua Tolby}
February 8th, 2011
Joshua Tolby is a photographer/director/writer/producer/actor (A real slacker if you can tell!) who is producing some awesome work. His photographs are fantastic and he’s available for hire! Here’s a quick look at what he has to offer.
He was also kind enough to give a little insight into his process and how he got his start doing what he loves.
When did you know this is what you wanted to do? A few years ago while I was in college I took a course mainly focusing on studio lighting, and from that very moment I knew instantly photography was my creative outlet.
How did you get started? I spent every waking moment on campus, in the studio, just being creative. From that I learned a tremendous amount of knowledge, which I translated into my own style.
What has been your favorite role – photographer, writer, director, producer or actor? In a way they are all similar, and to pick one would be way too hard. When viewing all my previous work, hands down I’m a better photographer, but I still do it all simply for the love of creating new pieces of art.
What challenges have you found breaking into the industry? That everyone is a “photographer” and no one really takes you seriously unless you’re attached to a big name. Being in Los Angeles got very depressing simply because of that reason, but then I realized half of those people were in it for the wrong reason. I have the eye for this business; I just have to prove that I have something more to offer than a typical photographer. Bottom line, stay positive!
What would you like to be doing 5 years from now? Hopes are to be a high end fashion photographer living in New York City.
What is your dream project to work on? Photo director for Vogue Magazine.
Make sure to check out more of his work.