365 More People Pictures - Week 10

Hello! We're finished with week 10!

I met 7 great people this week!  I always feel so lucky to meet such nice people and I hope that I'm able to leave them feeling a little better, the same way they've left me.

Day 63 - Alex

Meet Alex.  He and a few others were tearing down and packing up their Rising River Farms booth at the The Vancouver Farmers Market.  Alex's friend actually volunteered Alex to have his picture taken.

"A new girl," Alex answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Alex's recent act of kindness is that he gave a gift to someone.

"Do it well & have fun," Alex answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

I asked Alex something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "my jovial nature."

Day 64 - "Unotache"

This is Unotache.  I spotted him walking down the sidewalk.

I asked Unotache  the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "beer."  He was on his way to meet a friend at Velo Cult.  Sometimes I think I'm just destined to meet certain people.  Had we not bumped into each other where we did, we would have bumped into each other outside of Velo Cult because that's the direction in which I intended to wander to find a subject for the day.

I asked Unotache if he's performed an act of kindness and he explained that whenever he sees a driver who is broken down or stalled, he always makes a point to stop to offer help.  It's a trait and practice he picked up from his Grandfather and Dad, who were also good samaritans to stranded drivers in need.  Recently, Unostache came across someone who had stalled in the road and as usual, he stopped to push them to safety. As he was doing so, an entire school bus full of football players stopped and also pitched in to help push the stalled driver to safety!  I just loved hearing Unostache's story because his single act of kindness grew into something much bigger.

"Live Simply," Unotache answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.

"My family," Unotache answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Day 65 - Mike

This is Mike.  I spotted him walking down the street and then had to chase him for about 2 blocks before I caught up to him.  Mike walks fast!  (and I'm a fast walker!)  Technically, I didn't even actually catch up to Mike. I got close enough to where he could hear me and I let out a little yelp, "can I take your picture?"  He stopped, turned around, and answered yes!  "You walk soooo fast," I said.  Looking down at his fitness band or pedometer, he said, "I'm trying to get lots of steps!"  We both laughed.

I asked Mike the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he explained that he was on his way to sewing class, where they were going to learn to make a robe.   We had to be quick with the picture and "interview" so that Mike could make it to class in time.  I was so tempted to invite myself along to sewing class with Mike. I've always wanted to take a sewing class and I knew instantly, Mike would have been fun to hang out with.

I asked Mike if he's recently performed an act of kindness or if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Mike explained that in a recent leadership meeting, a co-worker complimented Mike's work and said nice things in front of the entire group.

I asked Mike if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.  Mike answered, "to be enthusiastic about life and model that for others."  Mike lives this completely!  He absolutely oozes happiness and enthusiasm and meeting him left me feeling re-charged after a pretty intense day.  I love this picture of Mike, and if you were to meet him for the first time - I'm sure this is also the same smile and enthusiasm you'd get from him.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Have you noticed my tendency to get up-close and personal when I take someone's picture?  It's become even more pronounced since getting my new 50mm prime lens.   I'm trying so hard to change things up a bit.  I keep reminding myself to take a step back, capture more of a person's surroundings, and tell more of the story, but something inside me keeps compelling me to get closer.  I love looking for, and capturing, a person's sparkle.  I get concerned that if I get too far away, we'll lose the subject's personality.  I was torn with Mike.  He has awesome style and he was wearing a cool bow-tie.  I had to make a decision to either step back to get his shirt & tie, or get closer and focus on his beautiful smile.  When Mike smiles, his whole face smiles.  His sparkle won out over his bow-tie.

"I'm an okay boss, and I'm getting better at it as I get older," Mike answered, when I asked him something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Day 66 - Joanna

This is Joanna.  We met in a parking lot where I had just parked to go out in search of a subject for the day.  As luck would have it, the perfect person just happened to be right next to me!

When I asked Joanna the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she answered, "photography."  Joanna then went on to say that she is a lover of photography, which explained why she didn't even hesitate when I asked if I could take her picture.  Joanna was being modest when she said she is a lover of photography.   Since meeting Joanna, I checked out her website and learned she's an amazing photographer.  I appreciate her modesty, however, because it prevented me from getting overwhelmed and nervous like I would have, had I known she's so talented.  And, in learning more about her, I also discovered how a random person I met in a parking lot, managed to present three separate "looks" in the three pictures I had taken.  Joanna is also a model!  You can check out Joanna's work on her website, cecipix.com.

I asked Joanna if she's performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. On the receiving end, Joanna was pleasantly surprised when she received a refund from a "corporate entity," that she wasn't expecting to receive.  On the giving side, Joanna recently gave some of the cards she makes to one of her friends.

"Life is short...do that which makes you happy," Joanna answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could make one up on the spot.

I asked Joanna something about herself which she considers to be a success and she answered, "everything I do that makes me happy."

Joanna is one talented woman!

Day 67 - Shannon

This is Shannon.  She was waiting for the bus at that "one spot" that always gives me trouble.  However, on this day, I was quite pleased with the results.  This was a good day because a few things were working in my favor.  Not only is Shannon as beautiful as Snow White, but after having had nearly a dozen "bad days" with subjects in that same area,  I'm finally starting to learn how to work with the light instead of against it.  Yes!

"My relationship," Shannon answered, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Shannon if she's recently performed an act of kindness. She explained that she and a friend are helping one another to find 2nd jobs.

"I just want to be a good person," Shannon answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

One thing about herself which Shannon considers to be a success, is her self-motivation.

Day 68 - Wendy

This is Wendy.  We met outside of Whole Foods.

I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now and Wendy answered, "things are pretty good...I have a good home life with my boyfriend, a dog and a cat."  I loved hearing Wendy's answer.  It was a good reminder that a happy life really is as simple as that.

When I asked Wendy if she had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose, she explained it's been something she's thought about, but she was feeling like her mind was going blank.  Of course your mind would blank when a stranger approaches you on the street to ask a question like this.  I'm still always so amazed when people somehow manage to articulate these beautiful statements of their life's purpose, or personal mission statement.  Wendy, even though she was feeling like she wasn't able say what she wanted to say, answered beautifully when she said, "to be as educated in my field as I can be, and to have a diverse life."

"Going back to school for the second time," Wendy answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Wendy is pursuing a second degree.

I was happy to have met Wendy because I had been feeling nervous when I was wandering around in the rain that day.  The rain caused me to think back to the first 365 Day People Picture Project and wonder how in the world I had ever managed to stick to it during the winter months.  Meeting Wendy was a good reminder that the tough days were worth it. I always met someone great who left me feeling inspired to keep going another day.  And, unknowingly, my interaction with Wendy helped me figure out a rainy-day trick of how to manage my camera, journal, an umbrella, and take a picture of the person.  The trick is to give the umbrella to the person/subject, which not only frees up my hands to take the picture, but it gives the person shelter!  Why didn't I figure this out last year?  I know what you're thinking... what if the other person already has an umbrella?  It's Portland!  For some reason, people refuse to use them!

Day 69 - Tambor, Tina, and "Muscle Racing" 

This is Tambor (bottom), Tina (upper left), and "Muscle Racing" (upper right).  Normally, downtown Vancouver on a Saturday afternoon is a little sleepy, other than the Farmers Market.  As I was looking for a subject in the park, I could hear live music coming from Loowit Brewing, which is just down the street from the park.  I decided to walk down in search of a subject. Loowit was celebrating their second Anniversary and I met these three just as they were about to go back inside.

I asked them each just one question.

"Brewery tour," Tambor said, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Tina if she's either performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  At first, she was having trouble thinking of something, but "Muscle Racing" helped remind Tina that caring for a child can be considered an act of kindness.  Tina agreed, saying, "my act of kindness every day, is caring for my boy."

I asked Muscle Racing if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  Muscle Racing answered, "to beat Zangief with Zangief."   Don't worry, I didn't understand either.  Muscle Racing explained Zangief is a character in the video game, Street Fighter.

I thanked the trio and we went our separate ways.

Here's the summary of the wisdom we gained from this week's subjects:

• Do it well & have fun.
• Live Simply.
• To be enthusiastic about life and model that for others.
• Life is short...do that which makes you happy.
• I just want to be a good person.
• To be as educated in my field as I can be, and to have a diverse life.
• To beat Zangief with Zangief

Thank you to each and every subject in the project.  If you would like to receive your picture, please don't hesitate to e-mail me and I'm happy to e-mail it to you!

Thank you for following along this week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 9

Thank you for stopping by!  We got off-schedule on the blog post, but we're back on track now.  Remember, I post each daily picture on Instagram and if you'd like to follow along, my username is @missellanea. Day 56 - Geraldine

This is Geraldine.  She had just finished the Portland Marathon when we met.

I asked Geraldine the happiest thing happening in her life right now, and she answered, "Everything! I'm just so very grateful right now!"

I asked Geraldine if she's recently performed an act of kindness.  Geraldine said that she said thank you to the volunteers on the marathon course.

"Do what you feel is right," Geraldine answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement.

"Living a happy, healthy life, and being really grateful," Geraldine answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.

After we finished with the picture and questions, Geraldine pointed over to the rest of her family.  It's become a bit of a tradition for them all to do the marathon together!  Congratulations to you and your family, Geraldine!

If you'd like to read more about the Portland Marathon, check out the post prior to this one.

Day 57 - Jennifer, Winter and Sunshine

This is Jennifer, and her dogs Winter and Sunshine.  They were an impossible trio to miss.

I asked Jennifer the happiest thing happening in her life right now, and she answered that she was recently offered a new job and she's feeling hopeful about the future.

Jennifer's recent act of kindness is that she gave a few dollars to someone on the street.

"To be a good, contributing person," Jennifer answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement.

"My relationships," Jennifer answered, is something about herself which she would consider to be a success.

Jennifer and I visited a moment longer, long enough that I got to give lovins to Sunshine and Winter, and then we were on our separate ways.

Jennifer is such a natural beauty and when I was taking her picture, I was struck with how much she reminded me of my mother-in-law. Well, a younger version of my mother-in-law. They are both so sweet and gentle and they remind me of a cross between Meryle Streep and Martha Stewart.  After getting home and preparing Jennifer's photo for instagram, I thought I should have done better.  I always need to remember that just because a beautiful person is in front of the lens, I can't just phone it in.  I need to be present and mindful.

Day 58 - Jason

This is Jason.  I spotted him sitting on a bench, reading a Portland Mercury, with his sketchbook sitting beside him.

I asked Jason the happiest thing happening in his life right and I could tell he was giving the answer serious thought.  He said things have been interesting lately, and a bit of an uphill battle.  Jason then reached into his backpack, retrieved a book and handed it to me and said that it was making him happy right now.  The book was called "De: Tales," by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba.

I asked Jason if he's recently performed an act of kindness.  Jason explained that some of the customers at the store where he works, are either mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or a combination of the two.  He's always sure to give them extra care and attention and tries to visit with them, knowing that for some, it may be the only conversation and human interaction they may have for the day.

"To do the things that I love," Jason answered, is his life's purpose.  Jason is an artist.  At one point, I asked if I could have a peek at his sketch book.  I don't know the right words to use to describe his work, but the thing that came to mind is that his style is noir comic.  In looking at his sketch book, I could envision Jason publishing a graphic novel in the future, and hope he achieves that someday soon. Regardless, I hope he's able to do the things that he loves.

I asked Jason something about himself which he considers to be a success and he answered, "I'm more present these days."

Day 59 - Megan

This is Megan.  She was outside the Hollywood Theatre when we met.

I asked Megan the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she explained that she's in art school and in a new program, in which the entire project is to do whatever you want.  She already has a few ideas for her project and is happy to get started.

"I pick up trash when I see it," Megan answered, when I asked if she's recently performed an act of kindness.

"Stay true to yourself," Megan said, his her personal mission statement.  She added that  people try to change who you are, but we shouldn't let them.

"Family," Megan answered, is something about herself which she would consider to be a success.

Day 60 - Senor Selleck.

This is Señor Selleck.  He was walking his dog, Bud, when we met.  I was totally bummed that I didn't get a nice picture of Bud and Señor Selleck.  Bud was one of the coolest dogs I've met.

I asked Señor Selleck the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I've got some kids in my life that are pretty special."

When I asked Señor Selleck if he's performed an act of kindness, he explained that he didn't want to say too much, but again mentioned the kids in his life, saying, "working with those little people."

"Just be kind," Señor Selleck answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or life's purpose.

When I asked Señor Selleck something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he explained that he was able to learn how to play the bass, quickly, and play in a spanish-speaking band called Caguama.

Day 61 - Mike

This is Mike.  I spotted him from across the street, peeping in the window at Dania, a furniture store.  Believe me. It is impossible to walk by Dania and not stop to peep in the windows to admire and appreciate the cool furniture.   I knew my chances were good that I would be able to make it across the street in time to ask Mike if I could take his picture.  The poor guy is on crutches because of a broken leg.

"My wife," Mike answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Mike if  he has a personal mission statement or life's purpose. "To share my experience with other people, in a way that helps us both," Mike answered.

When I asked Mike something about himself he would consider to be a success, he explained, "I overcame seeing my wife as my mother."

Wishing you a speedy and full recovery, Mike!

Day 62 - Samara

This is Samara.  She's one of the amazing ladies of Sweet Spot Skirts.  I headed down to Sweet Spot Skirts to try on a sample of one of their new products and Samara agreed to let me take her picture.  (Samara is not the only Sweet Spot girl you'll meet...I've been saving some of the other ladies for a rainy day and you'll meet them in the future.)

I asked Samara the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered, "Everything's so happy right now! I feel like I'm in a great spot, have great friends and family, and a job that I love!"

After we had taken the pictures and finished the first question, a couple ladies came into the shop so we paused so that Samara could help the customers.   It took all of my restraint not enthusiastically chime in and tell the shoppers they definitely needed to pick up a skirt or two and that they'll wear them daily/weekly!  Yes, Samara has a great job!  She gets to meet cool women and sell an awesome product which women absolutely love.  I would agree this is pretty much a dream job!   Even the cute little mailman piped in when he could see the customers were considering whether or not to make a purchase.  The mailman told the women that the skirts must be great, because he mails out a ton of them!

After the customers selected their skirts and finished their transaction, we resumed with the "interview."

I asked Samara if she's performed an act of kindness or if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness. Samara explained that her brother just surprised her with a gift of Yoga classes, which she had considered having to cancel until they fit with her budget.  Samara would also like to become a Yoga Instructor some day. Her baby brother surprised her with a gift certificate for more classes!  I could imagine this gesture from an older brother, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear it was her younger brother who was so thoughtful.

I asked Samara if she had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose. Samara answered, "To love those around me, travel as much as I can, and to spread a little bit of joy."

When I asked Samara something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she answered, "my passion for connecting with people."   The warm and inviting smile you see in Samara's picture, is the same exact smile you'll get if you ever meet her in person.  She really does have a way with connecting with you, to make you feel as though you're old friends, or brand new ones.

Here is a summary of the life's purpose and personal mission statements of the subjects from this week:

• Do what you feel is right.
•  To be a good, contributing person.
• To do the things that I love.
• Stay true to yourself.
• Just be kind.
• To share my experience with other people, in a way that helps us both.
• To love those around me, travel as much as I can, and to spread a little bit of joy.

Thank you to our subjects for the week and thank you for following along!

Have a big week!

The Portland Marathon - (sitting out the) Race Report

This past Sunday was the Portland Marathon.  It would have been, and should have been, my 5th Marathon.  But, it wasn't.  It was a difficult decision, but I realized in April, when I could barely finish a half-marathon, that I needed to put myself on the injured list and sit out this year. I walked and finished my first Portland Marathon on 10/10/10, and before even finishing, I knew I wanted to do another.   Running or walking a marathon is like getting a tattoo. It is absolutely impossible to stop at just one.  There is no higher high, than the sense of accomplishment you feel after crossing the finish line after having spent the past several months training. You spend months putting in hundreds/thousands of miles while normal people are still asleep in the mornings, or out enjoying happy hour in the evenings.  If you've ever had a desire to do a marathon, I would encourage you to start training now.  Register for one.  Train.  Feel awesome.  It will be the best decision you've ever made for yourself.  It will change everything about life, from the way you view challenges and hardships, to what "fuel" you decide to put into your body.  You will change your perspective on just about everything. When you train for, and finish, a marathon, your mindset becomes one of - "anything is possible."

If participating in a marathon gives you one of the greatest highs possible, then you can imagine the utter disappointment you would feel after having completed a few, to then know that your body is in no condition to do another.  I can usually talk myself out of the funkiest of funks, but knowing I was too injured to push myself to train for this year's marathon, sent me into a horrible case of the blues.  I was bummed. I was sad.  I wasn't training. I was gaining weight.  I wasn't getting to experience all of the camaraderie with my other runner and walker friends.  I was upset with myself and upset with my body, even though I knew the decision to sit out this year was the right decision.

My husband didn't like to see me beating myself up.  The day before the marathon he said to me, "you know what will make you feel better?  You should go down to the marathon and cheer for your friends."  I resisted at first. I told him I was afraid it would make me too sad.  He persisted, reminding me, "you like it when your friends cheer for you, so now's your chance to go cheer for your friends." He was right.  He was absolutely right.  The minute I allowed myself to imagine my friends crossing the finish line, I was instantly filled with excitement and nervousness for them!   I couldn't think of anything I wanted to do more, than to go and cheer on my friends.   Well, I wanted to cheer and make posters!!!

I immediately messaged my friend Becki, who is pretty much the very best marathon cheerleader in the entire universe.  She knows the best routes for cheering for a person in the Portland Marathon at multiple points throughout the entire course.   I would never have been able to cross that finish line were it not for the support of my friends and family.   They are both cheerleader and pit crew.  Becki cleared her schedule for Sunday and happily agreed to chauffeur us so we could cheer on our old classmates.  Becki was in for the race on Sunday, but she was busy Saturday, so I was on my own for making posters.  After a not-so-quick-trip to Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts to get poster-making supplies, I finally started crafting our posters at around 10pm the night before the marathon.

We met bright and early on Sunday morning to figure out logistics of how to cheer for both our runner friend and our walker friends.  Our runner friend is fast.  I have no doubt that she could qualify for Boston, if that's something she wants for herself.  The other two friends are walkers and they had told me their goal was  just to finish.   We had to strategize our stops in such a way that we would be able to cheer for both our runner friend and walker friends, and we wanted to see them all at multiple points throughout the race.

We planned to see our runner friend at the out-and-back along Front Avenue (which is around mile 6 - 11ish), then get her again on the other side of the St. Johns Bridge, then go back to the out-and-back to cheer on our walker friends.  After seeing our runner friend, Shannon, we knew she was looking strong and on pace to meet her goal.  I also knew she had other friends there to cheer her on.  When we couldn't figure out the logistics, we decided just to stay there to cheer for our walker friends.  During that time at our first post, we got to see thousands of participants, from runners to walkers, and everyone in between.  We knew Shannon was looking strong, she would finish, and there was a high likelihood she could even set a PR.  She was going to be just fine and she had lots of other friends there to see her through.

Shannon was in beast mode and totally came out of nowhere, before I could even ready myself to get her in focus. She's an animal and she did excellent!

Since our walker friends had said their goal was to finish, and almost alluded to the possibility that they might not make it, we made up our minds that we were determined to see them cross that finish line and we were going to stay for the entire race to make sure it happened!  We weren't sure if either of our walker friends, Anita or Hillary, had family or friends there to cheer - so we were going to cheer enough to be both their family and their friends!

Our "will recycle this sign" sign, was a hit at stop one and people even stopped to take pictures.

I didn't take any pictures between our first stop, and the finish.  We were too busy cheering!  (NOTE: If you're reading this on an iPhone, these two pictures might be sideways.  I'm sorry.  This was perplexing.  If they're right side up on a macbook, they're sideways on the iPhone.  When i fix them for the iPhone, they're sideways on the laptop. Weird!  Let's just pretend this didn't happen.)

After the first cheering post at mile 6-11, we drove over to NW Portland and cheered again around mile 12.  By then, other runners and walkers recognized us from the first stop, and started to adopt us.  Anita and Hillary were totally surprised to see us.  I'm fairly certain they didn't expect to see us again.  We then made our way down St. Helens Road and honked and cheered as we drove by. Again, I think Anita and Hillary thought that would be the last they saw of us.

We made our way across the St. Johns Bridge, which is exhausting, even when you're riding in a little smart car.   By then, Becki and I had both sustained serious blisters.  Cowbell-ringing blisters. We were determined to push through the pain.  There was one upside to not actually participating in the marathon.  After the St. Johns Bridge, we stopped at Burgerville for lunch.  Now I don't think I'll ever be able to do another marathon without thinking about the Burgerville which is just on the other side of the St. Johns Bridge. I wish I hadn't learned this.  After lunch, we then made our way to our next post, just around the bend from the St. Johns Bridge, which would have been around mile 17.5.  The complete strangers who had recognized us from the previous stops were now commenting to us and thanking us for cheering them on.  When Anita and Hillary saw us, I think the were in complete disbelief that we were sticking with them!  We told them we're stalking them and would see them down the road a ways.  Anita expressed her concern that she might not make it another mile.

Our next post was around mile 20, where we had just missed Hillary, but we were able to see Anita again and we were able to tell her that we would see her at the finish line. We told all of the random strangers who recognized us and adopted us as their own cheerleaders, that we would see them at the finish line as well.  We wanted them to know someone was going to be there, expecting to see them cross that finish line, hoping it would help squash any little monsters of self-doubt creeping into their minds.  At this point, not only were we fully invested in seeing Anita and Hillary finish, but there were hundreds of other people with whom we now had a connection. We were rooting for everyone!

After mile 20-ish, we had to head downtown to the finish line area.  Most marathons and half-marathons have a time limit by which you must finish, or you're re-routed.  You can still finish, but often times it means you're moved from the street to the sidewalk.  In the Portland Marathon, they completely re-route you.  As we made our way down to the finish, we could see they were starting to re-route the walkers.  I was so stressed.  The re-route looked like it was more difficult, and it seemed like it even added distance.  I know how painful those last few miles can be, and the thought of a more difficult re-route made my heart ache for everyone.

We made it to the finish line area where we were able to cheer and cry and cheer and cry.  We got to see lots of other finishers, including a dog, a woman celebrating her 70th birthday, an elderly woman near 90 years old who was doing her 47th marathon, a couple who held hands the entire marathon, and several people who when they saw their loved ones at the finish line, completely broke down into tears.  Believe me, everyone cries at the finish line or just before.  You're at complete physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion and when you enter the finish chute, your emotions come bursting out and there's nothing you can do to hold them back.  Then add in your friends or family, and you're near complete emotional melt-down.  The tears just happen. It's all good. Let 'em flow.

All of the sudden, volunteers started tearing down the finish chute. The banners came down.  The Finish Line came down.  Gone were the cheerleaders, the announcers and the giant timer clock...and then came something you just don't want to see; the police car that indicates the end of the pack.

Thinking the police car wouldn't arrive until every walker had finished, we grew concerned.  Our friends hadn't yet finished.   We checked the online tracker to find their whereabouts, and then had a momentary freak-out.  According to the online tracker, they had stopped shortly after we saw them last.  We were sad and in disbelief.  They looked strong when we last saw them.  They appeared tired, but strong, and like they would definitely finish. After some quick thinking, we tracked the bib numbers of some of the walkers who had just finished and the online tracker showed they had stopped as well.  Clearly, they just crossed the finish line in front of our very eyes, so we realized that the on-line tracker was just down, and the police car was only there to re-route the finish to the alternate area.  Our friends hadn't stopped. They would be finishing any moment!

Let me tell you what happens after the banners are torn down, the finish line is torn down, and the announcer stops announcing...what happens next is that the greatest athletes in the world start to cross the newly re-positioned finish line.

The finish line changes from a cordoned-off chute, to a little area near the World Trade Center.  The remaining volunteers form a line to point finishers into the new finish area.

After most people have gone home, is when you see the biggest display of guts and relentless determination.  I cried. We cried.  Every person who crossed the new finish line was as determined and as strong as the first person who crossed the finish line. To me, they were even more brave. They had more guts.  They had more relentless determination than a naturally gifted runner, because they weren't naturally gifted.  They worked through each and every single step. They've been out there working twice as long as some people, but they never gave up. They kept going.

When we saw our friends nearing the finish, we nearly broke down as well.  It had been a long, hot, very hot, day and they had just given it their all to cross that finish line.  They dug deep. They did it.   When we saw our friends, I thought it was pretty cool that we happened to know the greatest athletes in the world.   Finishing = Winning.

Anita, Hillary and Shannon - congratulations on your finish!  You're all awesome!

365 More People Pictures - Week 8

Hello! Here's the review of week 8.  Sorry for the delay.  I got off-schedule last week in order to cheer on my friends running/walking the Portland Marathon.  I'll work on a (sitting out the) Race Report and share the fun with you soon.

Day  49 - Samson and Delilah and their Humans

This is Samson and Delilah and their human parents.  They were out for a stroll along the Columbia River when we met.

My heart melted when I saw these puppies walking toward me and wanting my attention.  Ok, I confess.  I totally leapt off the bench on which I had been sitting and all but begged their humans for permission to pet them.  After a little bit of puppy-lovin, I asked Samson and Delilah's humans if they would be in the project.

I asked the couple the happiest thing happening in their lives right now, and puppy-mom answered for them both, "having the puppies and just finishing vacation."

I asked puppy-dad if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that the whole vacation they had just taken, had been paid for by someone else.

I asked Samson and Delilah's mom if she had a personal mission statement or life's purpose, and she answered, "I hope to share the love of Jesus Christ."

I asked Samson and Delilah's dad something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "raising two kids who were both outstanding Marines."  (They're both home safe and now resuming their lives.)

Day 50 - Jason

This is Jason. He happened to be walking right by my work as I was about to go out looking for a subject for the day.

"My friends and family," Jason answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Jason if he's recently performed an act of kindness. Jason explained that he was recently the Best Man in his friend's wedding, and with it, came a lot of work.  We joked about how much responsibility comes with the role of Best Man or Maid of Honor, nowadays.

I asked Jason if he had a personal mission statement. Jason is another person who tries to live by the golden rule, answering, "treat other people how you want to be treated...and things should work out."

When I asked Jason something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "I love my job. I love what I do."  Jason likes the path he chose in teaching, even if it meant less money, he's happy to be doing what he loves.

Day 51 - Toby

This is Toby.  We met at a bus stop.

"The new season of Scandal is starting," Toby answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Toby had given the question serious consideration before answering, so I figured this must be a really good show, but one I've never seen.  When it comes to TV-watching, I've been living under a rock.  I later saw that the Scandal premiere completely blew up twitter and it sounds like a must-see show.  Thanks for the tip,  Toby!

I asked Toby if he's performed an act of kindness and he said that he volunteers at a soup kitchen once per week.

"To live with intention and to make the world more positive," Toby answered, when I asked if he has a personal mission statement.  Toby so eloquently said the words I've been unable to articulate for myself.  I love Toby's mission statement and told him I'd like to adopt it for part of my own.

I asked Toby something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "successfully writing for a living."  Toby is a freelance writer, and if you've ever read The Portland Mercury blog, you've probably read some of Toby's work.

Day 52 - Jeff-Lee

This is Jeff-Lee.  We met at a bus stop.

I asked Jeff-Lee the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "Bikram Yoga, Jiu Jitsu, and college."

I asked Jeff-Lee if he had recently performed an act of kindness. He explained that he tries to do kind acts, of varying degrees, all the time, but what was coming to mind was that he recently helped a young woman who was unfamiliar with the bus, get to where she needed to go.  Then later that same day, he saw her again on campus!

"To be love.  To share.  Sharing is caring," Jeff-Lee answered, when I asked if he had a life's purpose.

The bus arrived before I could ask Jeff-Lee any more questions.

When I got home to prepare the pictures for Instagram, I was disappointed in what I had done. Jeff-Lee is quite handsome and has all of the features with which I've found I've had the most success when photographing.  (typically males with a beard, expressive eyes, and a strong facial feature, or angles.)  I had all of the elements which should have made for a great picture.  I should have done much better.

As the weather and sunlight changes, I've been facing new challenges to learn how to change the camera settings in order to get a decent picture. During the first project last year, I shot on auto (yes, auto!) and with a flash.  I wasn't really learning the technical aspects of changing camera settings. This year, I'm challenging myself to grow and improve and often times, that means getting worse before you get better.  I really wanted to get a beautiful image of Jeff-Lee, but I learned more from not getting it right, than I would have had it been perfect.

I was also struck with the realization that how I'm feeling definitely influences the look and feel of a picture.  Again, I experienced this a little last year, but now that I'm starting to make some baby-steps forward, it becomes even more apparent when a shot is blown.   This is both frustrating and amazing!  It means improvement is being made! It means there really is something inside of me that contributes to the look and feel of an image.  I get it! I get it!  It means it's not just the camera!  There is a part of me going into each and every picture.  If I'm carrying around stress and anxiety from my work-day, it's going to show.

I've always known a real photographer is responsible for the creation of their images. They are artists.   Having had several off-days the past few weeks, has made me realize that I've been putting myself into these pictures as well. It hasn't all been a fluke!  Both good days and bad days, how a photographer is feeling will show in their work.   (I'm not talking simply about the technical camera settings. I'm talking about the emotion.)  This was a great reminder to be fully present when I'm meeting a subject and taking their picture.  I just need to set aside work-stress and enjoy the brief moment I get to spend with each subject of the day.

Day 53  - Jeremy

This is Jeremy.  He was sitting outside on the patio at Whole Foods.

I asked Jeremy the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "meeting the girl I'm with right now."  Jeremy explained he wasn't doing anything too special before meeting her, but having her in his life is giving him inspiration to better himself.  "She keeps me grounded," Jeremy added.

I asked Jeremy if he's recently performed an act of kindness. Jeremy answered, "I try to do a good deed every day."  Although I didn't ask, I've learned from this project that whenever someone answers with a reference to doing a good deed daily, they've usually been Boy Scouts/Eagle Scouts.  Jeremy's recent act of kindness is that he gave some street kids a few dollars.  Jeremy explained that he went through a time in his life when he was traveling and living on the streets and since he's been there before, he wants to help when he can.

I asked Jeremy if he has a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.  Jeremy answered, "my mission in life is to honor the people who came before me, to do what's right in the world, and contribute to a better society."  Jeremy doesn't want to just sit back and maintain status quo. Jeremy wants to make a difference.

"I just got a degree in Liberal Arts," Jeremy answered, when I asked something about himself which he considers to be a success.  I loved listening to Jeremy's story about wanting to make his Mom proud.  I'm sure she is!

Day 54 - Paddy

This is Paddy.  We met at a bus stop.

The bus arrived right away, so we only had time for one question.

I asked Paddy the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I just got tattoos on my feet!"  For a moment, I thought I could read the look on Paddy's face that he was  trying to calculate if he possibly had enough time to quickly remove his shoes to show off his new tattoos before frustrating the bus driver and other passengers.  And no...we didn't have enough time for that.

Day 55 - Clements

This is Clements. (What a great name!)   We met at a bus stop in NW Portland.  I look forward to the rare days when I'm in a different part of town, because I'm excited about the people I'll meet there.  Another goal I have for the project, is to venture out of my normal go-to neighborhoods and parks.

Again, the bus arrived after just one question.

I asked Clements the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I paint and I'm just about to start a new project."

Here's the summary of the wisdom we received from the subjects of week 8.

• I hope to share the love of Jesus Christ.
• Treat other people how you want to be treated...and things should work out.
• To live with intention and to make the world more positive.
• To be love.  To share. Sharing is caring.
• My mission in life is to honor the people who came before me, to do what's right in the world, and contribute to a better society.

To each person who has been a subject in this project, thank you for sharing yourself with us.

Thank you!

365 More People Pictures - Week 7

Hello! Week 7 is a wrap!

Day 42 - Teri

This is Teri.  She was walking her dog at Esther Short Park when we met.  Teri quickly and happily agreed to let me take her picture and I should have realized then, it was because she's a photographer and she "gets it."

I learned that Teri has been a photographer since the age of 4!  She's a highly sought-after, fine art photographer from New York, and her specialty was nudes.  She recently moved to the Northwest to chase another dream of becoming a Park Ranger.  I enjoyed hearing about the the contrasts in Teri's life.  Teri moved from the east coast, big city, big art world, to pursue life on the laid-back left coast and to become a park ranger.  She said that being closer to nature has filled her with new inspiration and she now has an opportunity to concentrate on landscape/nature photography.

Teri and I made for such a funny pair.  You would think that we should have made for a great team, but I was busy being nervous about wanting to do justice to an accomplished artist, and Teri was busy being nervous about allowing herself to be in front of the camera instead of behind the viewfinder and in control of the process.  I found it so ironic that Teri has been up close and personal with nude subjects, but she's totally camera-shy when she's the one in front of the lens.  I can totally relate. Having my own picture taken is a miserable experience.   We finally both just had to let go and have fun with it!

I asked Teri the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she said that she just returned from a vacation on Maui.  The Maui trip was also the act of kindness Teri received, as it was a treat from a friend. As we were mid-interview, another woman approached us in the park and thanked Teri for the print she had just given her. The woman told Teri she had just hung it, and was remarking how much she loved it.  I interjected that not only had Teri been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, but it sounded like she had also just given an act of kindness as well.

"To live life to the fullest," Teri answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement.

I asked Teri something about herself which she considers to be a success and she answered, "being nominated for the Louis Comfort Tiffany Award."  Teri clarified that she didn't win, but still, having been nominated was still quite an honor.

Teri explained that her site isn't up-to-date, but you can check out her work here.

I feel fortunate to have met Teri and I enjoyed listening to her, and trying to learn from her.   She even extended an offer for me to consider her as a resource as I get deeper into the process, and perhaps someday host a pop-up show to thank all of the subjects in this project.  (Which is something I've been dreaming of, but I've just become overwhelmed at how to actually execute a showing or celebration party for subjects from the first 365 Day Project.)

Thank you, Teri.

Day 43 - Elliot

This is Elliot.  He was near the Hollywood Theatre, waiting for his friend to arrive.

"School is starting, I'm very happy about that," Elliot answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Elliot if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he said that his mom recently gave him a nice set of knives.  I agreed this was an excellent gift because a good set of knives could possibly last his entire lifetime.

"Power to the people," Elliot said, is his personal mission statement.

When I asked Elliot something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "aside from the beard?"  Haha! Such a great answer!  He then circled back to his return to school and that he feels successful having finally figured out that he should be an English major.

Day 44 - Drew

This is Drew.  I spotted him on the sidewalk.

"I got a new job," Drew said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Drew was just recently on the receiving end of an act of kindness, in that his friend gave him free tickets to a show.

Drew wasn't sure about a personal mission statement or a life's purpose, saying simply, "I'm just trying to get by."

I asked Drew something about himself which he considers to be a success and Drew answered, "graduating college."

Drew has a job in his field of study, so right now - it is a success when someone has a job and it's actually in the field for which they attended school!

Day 45 - Julie

This is Julie.  She was waiting at the bus stop when we met.

I worked late on Wednesday and it was dark by time I left.  I was concerned because I'm now out of practice when it comes to  shooting in the dark.  Especially considering, I'm trying to learn how to shoot without a flash in low light and when it's dark.  It's NOT easy.  Until Julie, I don't think I've ever managed to take a nighttime/dark photo  that wasn't complete blurry or just horrible. Julie was great luck and she was patient with me as I tried both a flash and non-flash picture.

The happiest thing happening in Julie's life right now, is that she's working her dream job.  Julie is the owner of the Julie Lawrence Yoga Center.  Julie also feels this is something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Julie followed her dreams of becoming a professional dancer, which lead her to her now dream-come-true situation of running a yoga studio.

I asked Julie if she had a personal mission statement and she explained she actually has a 5-part mission statement:

1 - "Experience and share love."

2 - "Seek out learning opportunities."

3 - "Be physically active."

4 - "Remember to laugh and play."

5 - ...

You know that feeling when your mind goes blank on you?  Well, that happened when Julie attempted to give the 5th part of her 5-part mission statement.  The bus was approaching us, we needed to hurry, so we just left it at 4.  Four excellent little nuggets for us to remember!

Day 46 - Becki

This is my very dear, and very special friend, Rebecca.   Yes, she may look familiar to you from last year's project. It was almost exactly a year ago when Becki was a subject in the first 365 Day People Picture Project.  It's been fun to include my friends in the project and I try to take their picture when we get together for their birthday celebration.

"My family, my husband and my kids," Rebecca answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Becki if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and she replied, "Yes! Tonight...birthday gifts and an amazing dinner!"  We got together for dinner and laughs with the family and our other friends, Debbie and Lou.  When it came time to take Becki's picture, it was pitch dark outside and I couldn't even tell what these two were up to.  The sneaky little photobomber is our friend, Debbie.

I asked Becki if she had a personal mission statement and she answered, "life's too short.  Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today because you might not be here."  Becki would know.  She barely survived what could have been a fatal car accident, shortly after we finished high school.  The crash, and her rehabilitation, were both life-changing and life-affirming for Becki.  Since then, she's become the most generous person I know when it comes to sharing love, laughter and happiness.

I asked Becki something about herself which she would consider to be a success. "My family, friends, and my volunteering," Rebecca answered.  Rebecca is always donating her time and efforts to one cause or another.  I'm completely awestruck with her life and how she makes time for work, family, volunteer work, and fun!  She'll be the first to tell you - she makes time for fun and she makes sure that we all make time for fun too!

Becki, I'm so glad you were born.  Happy Birthday, dear friend.

Day 47 - Sky

This is Sky.   She was waiting at the bus stop when we met.

The bus would soon be approaching, so again, we had to keep things at a fast pace.  I quickly shot three pictures of Sky and then asked the interview questions.

"I'm really excited to go back to school," Sky answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked if Sky has been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and she immediately replied, "yes, many times!"  But she explained she couldn't think of a specific example at that moment.  This is so common.  Several people seem to have a general sense and feeling that the world is kind to them, but usually the pressure of me asking for an example, makes it difficult for them to think of something specific.

"I'm all about my family, and I like to make my family happy," Sky answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.

When I asked Sky something about herself which she would consider to be a success, she also circled back to starting school again.  Sky is only 20, but she already has 4 years of college under her belt!

I'm glad I bumped into Sky...brains, beauty, and a such lovely person to visit with.

Day 48 - Brian

This is Brian.  We met at Esther Short Park.  When I approached Brian to take his picture, he agreed quickly, gave me a big smile, but then his expression changed and I couldn't get a read on what was happening.  Not wanting to keep him from anything, I asked if he was in a hurry.  He said that he had time.  The area is somewhat tourist-y, so I asked if he lives around here.  Brian then said that he's homeless.

Damit.  Damn.  Damit.

I've intentionally avoided asking people who are homeless if I could take their picture. The reasons are many, but basically, it is out of respect.  It is out of respect for their situation, and in wanting to preserve dignity.

I had already asked Brian if I could take his picture. It would have been more disrespectful and painful to abort, than it would be to move forward with the picture and interview.  And, from our very short interaction up until that point, I already got a good vibe from Brian.  I was already in.  I already cared.

Brian and I shared an intense and brutally-honest conversation.  The kind of conversation that is so intense, it's probably not even one that he's been able to have with his friends or family.

I hate addiction.  I hate that some people are born with different wiring.   I hate that some people are fortunate to have been born with a dimmer, but other people are born with an on-off switch.  For those people born with an on-off switch, there is no in-between.  There is no, let's turn-up-the-lights-just-a-little-and-have-a-cocktail-with-dinner setting.  There is only on, or off.  Once the switch is flipped and the person is exposed to a mind-altering substance, it's on all the way.  The hungry addiction receptors are fired up and begging to be stimulated and fed.  Once the switch is flipped, it's so easy for a person to abandon and lose everything they are, everything they were, and everything they hoped to become.  It's so easy to lose your footing when you're a person  born with a switch instead of  a dimmer.  Once you lose your balance on the tightrope of addiction, the fall may not be swift, but it is certain.  Once you've fallen off the tightrope completely, you don't even know, or care, that you're falling...as long as it feels good on the way down.

Not every person born with a switch instead of a dimmer,  falls to the point of homelessness.  Some are fighting the battle from the comfort of a warm and cozy home, but the battle is still life-destroying nonetheless.

Brian had a good life.  He was married.  He had a great job. He's soft-spoken and personable, and his intelligence is apparent in his articulate speech. Brian has just finished his time squaring-up with the law, and has intentions to go back to school.  He had intentions, that is, until he sabotaged himself.  Again.  Brian is feeling frustrated and disappointed with himself and he can't understand why he keeps repeating the cycle no matter how much he's ready to make the change for good.  He's so close.  I know he can flip the switch to off.

My canned interview questions seemed so ridiculous, given the circumstances.  I apologized to Brian.  I told him I was still going to ask the questions I normally ask, even though his situation is a difficult one. I explained the questions have been stealthily designed as an exercise in gratitude. (and inspiration and motivation as well.)    I hoped he would feel better and more optimistic when we were finished, but I knew there was a huge risk that the questions could result in him feeling more helpless and hopeless.

I asked Brian, if he could think of anything happy, in spite of his situation.  He shook his head, "no, nothing," Brian answered, as he appeared to hold back tears.  "Nothing?" I asked.  "No, this is pretty much the highlight of my day," Brian said.  "Well, we have that in common, because this is the highlight of my day too," I shared.  I pleaded with Brian to consider that every day he wakes up, every day that he's alive, is a reason to be happy.  "If you're alive, there's hope," I added.   Brian agreed, reluctantly at first, and then said "yes, I'm alive."

I asked Brian if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he said that a woman at a church gave him a really nice sweater/jacket,  and then he turned to show me the jacket on his backpack.

I asked Brian if he had a life's purpose, or a personal mission statement.  Brian answered,  "to not to fall back into drug addiction."  I wanted Brian to walk away from our interaction feeling filled with hope and having a plan.  I wanted to hear the words from Brian about his next step in life.   No matter who we are, or what our circumstances, the more we share our plans or intentions, the closer we become to making them a reality.  I wanted to hear Brian tell me that he was going to get back on the waiting list for treatment.  I wanted to hear Brian tell me his plans to get financial aid to return back to school.  I wanted to hear Brian say the words that he will find a living situation and get off the street.  It was important to hear Brain say all of those words and lay out all of those plans, because I wanted Brian to hear the words, and believe them.  I want Brian to be one step closer to making his plans become reality.  He's got them. He's got the plans and a foundation is built.  I pray Brian can be freed from a life of addiction and reclaim his life, or a new and better one.

I apologized to Brian for "mom-ing" him, and told him I believed he could do it.  I believed he could get himself together. Brian needed to hear that another person believes in him, so that maybe he'll believe in himself.  Brian knows where to get help, and how to get help.  I dream for the day in our country that when a person is ready to get clean, the resources are there for them to do so.  The free program here in the area often has a waiting list to get into the residential treatment facility, and by time a person gets to the top of the list, they may be back out using again.

After we finished, I asked Brian if he had food for the day.  He answered, "not really."  I told him I had some in my car, if he wanted to walk with me.  We talked while we walked.  Brian openly and honestly shared the Cliff's notes version of his life story with me, and now it was his turn to ask questions about mine.  He mainly wanted to know about the project, and why I was doing it.  "What's the objective?" Brian asked.   I, also giving the Cliff's notes version, explained that I just wanted to see if I could do something every day for a year.  I pointed out the similarity between doing a 365 day photography challenge, and being clean and sober.  I took one picture a day, and before I knew it, I had strung together an entire year's worth of pictures without any gaps.  Brian understood and confirmed..."just like being clean and sober...one day at a time, and before you know it, you've got a year."

We reached my car and I unlocked the trunk and gave him all I had.  He asked, "do you always drive around with sack lunches in your car?"  "Yes, I try to," I answered.  "They're for the people I may meet...who may be hungry."   We talked just a few moments longer, we both thanked one another, and I told him once more that I believed in him...hoping he'd feel it enough to believe in himself.

If you're the praying kind, could you say a prayer for Brian and anyone you know who struggles with addiction.  May they be free.

Here's the summary of the mission statements and life's purposes of the subjects from this week:

• To live life to the fullest.
• Power to the people.
• I'm just trying to get by.
• Experience and share love.
• Seek out learning opportunities.
• Be physically active.
• Remember to laugh and play.
• Life's too short.  Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today because you might not be here.
• I'm all about my family, and I like to make my family happy.
• To not fall back into drug addiction.  

Thank you to each and every subject from this week, and in the entire project.

Thank you again for following along.

Have a great week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 6

Hello!  We're finished with week 6 of The 365 More People Pictures Project.  If this is your first visit, you may have gathered from the title that this is my second year-long challenge to myself to take a picture of a person, every day, for an entire year. If you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram username is  @missellanea.

Day 35 - Trent

This is Trent.  He helps out at Ambiance Tan & Espresso, and you've already met some of his family in last year's project.  And no, I didn't have a mexican mocha this day so I was unable to determine Trent's place in the "who makes the best mexican mocha" rankings.  This is actually a good thing because I think I accidentally ignited a pretty fierce competition.

"Having a baby soon," Trent responded, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Trent if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he said that someone helped him to get a really good job.

"To be a good Dad," Trent answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

I asked Trent something about himself which he considers to be a success and he answered, "I have a career."

Trent's picture was taken late afternoon, during the harsh mid-day sun.  For some reason, I've struggled with the lighting every time I've taken somebody's picture there, so this time we went outside and I found the least sunny area I could find. Or, so I thought.  I hadn't sat down to prepare Trent's photo for instagramming until right before my bedtime and as soon as I saw the pictures, I was in a panic.  I screwed up.  Not only had I ruined the pictures, but I was in my pajamas and couldn't even imagine getting dressed to go back out into the world to find a new subject.  Plus, I really wanted to include Trent to complete the Ambiance Tan & Espresso family and team.

I did all I could do to rescue the photo in Lightroom, which isn't much because I only know the bare basics.  Trent is a handsome fella and a forgiving eye could look past my mistakes and see a nice young man, even in spite of my technical flaws.  The pros say to never publish anything but your best work.   Well, the upside of not being a pro, or being so inexperienced that I still can't even call myself a "photographer," is that I've shared it all with you.  In sharing both my mistakes and my good days, you can see that it's a constant process of learning.

You can make thousands of mistakes and then every once in a while, among the thousands of bad or just-ok pictures, you will discover that you've created something beautiful.

Photography, just like life, is a constant state of ebbs and flows.  I was making improvement for a while, until I wasn't.  I finally broke out of the slump and found my flow, and then I found myself swimming against the current once again.  Just when you think you're getting the hang of things, something happens to remind you that you still have a lot to learn and that you shouldn't ever get too comfortable.

In trying to educate myself on photography, I view thousands of beautiful images a week, created by both unknown and well-known photographers. It's enough to make a girl feel completely embarrassed for her sometimes-laughable attempts at photography.  Then I remind myself that they're not showing anything less than their best work.  I share every step and misstep in the process of teaching myself how to take a picture...how to create an image.  Everyone struggles.  Everyone makes mistakes.  Everyone is a beginner at some point.  Learn from those who are more skilled than you.  Don't let the work of others discourage you. Let the work of others inspire you to grow and improve.

Day 36 - Matt

This is Matt.  He was walking down the sidewalk when we met.

"My work in the Theatre," Matt answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Matt is a writer and director.

I asked Matt if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that he recently suffered a loss.  Matt has been overwhelmed by the support from friends and people who've reached out to check in on him.  The concern and support from Matt's friends reminded me that sometimes we don't know what to do when our friends are suffering and because we don't know the "right" thing to do, we do nothing.  In difficult times, simply letting a person know that we're thinking about them and that we care about them, is the right thing to do.

When I asked Matt if he had a personal mission statement, he quoted Shunryu Suzuki - "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few."  Matt and I talked about approaching life as a beginner in order to maintain excitement and motivation.  Matt told me about his work with a group of seniors in which he was teaching them to write plays.  Some of his students were 80 - 90 years old and hearing about their complete joy and enthusiasm of learning a new skill, was actually giving me goosebumps.  It also reminded me how when I first got my camera, every single picture was sheer joy and magic.  Now, I'm constantly frustrated with myself.  When we fall out of the "enthusiastic beginner" phase and slip into the "disillusioned learner" phase, it's time to take a step back, and allow ourselves the opportunity to enjoy our experiences with the open and inspired mind of being a beginner.

"My work with teenagers," Matt said, is something about himself he considers to be a success.  I loved hearing about Matt's work and his influence being spread across the generations.  From kids to elders, Matt's work is making a difference.

Day 37 - Chris

This is Chris.  We met at Mt. Tabor Park.  Chris was just finishing her workout and I was just about to start mine.  For the sake of caution, it's been my routine to take a picture after I'm finished with my workout so that I don't announce to anyone who may be scoping out the parked cars for a break-in, that I'm leaving a camera in my soon-to-be-unattended car.  I'm a complete sweaty mess after working out and it's so embarrassing to approach someone when you're a sweaty mess and breathing heavily, but I think this routine limits the possibility of  break-in.  However, when Chris walked by and flashed her friendly smile, I just had to ask if she would be in the project. She just looked so nice!

"My job," Chris answered, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Chris if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and she responded, "every day."  Chris went on to explain that even though it's so small and simple, every day when people smile at her, she receives a gift.  I told Chris that I'm sure she must receive a lot of those gifts, because she gives them out so freely.  Chris' warm smile was what prompted me to approach her.

I asked Chris if she had a personal mission statement and she explained that she tries to live by the "golden" advice from her Mom - "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

"My children," Chris said, is something about herself which she considers to be a success.

Chris' children have a great Mom!

I look at Chris' picture and her contagious smile, and I can't help but to feel happy, and feel a smile building on my own face.

Day 38 - Orville

This is Orville.  "Like Orville Redenbacher," Orville clarified, when I didn't quite hear his name correctly the first time.    Orville was sitting outside of Sam's Billiards, waiting for pool league play to begin, when I approached to ask him if I could take his picture.

"Being retired," Orville said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  He's happy to be finished with some of the drudgery of work-life, enduring the traffic, and having to get along with people with whom getting along is quite difficult.  (Orville was quite colorful in his description of those sorts of people, but I'll just keep that part a little secret.)

I asked Orville if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, "yes definitely," he responded.  Orville has meals at the Senior Center, which he considers an act of kindness.  On the giving end, Orville also volunteers at the same Senior Center.

I asked Orville if he had a personal mission statement.  Orville answered, "To survive. To live another day.  Today is the first day of the rest of my life."

"Having raised a family," Orville said, is one thing about himself which he considers to be a success.  Orville and I visited a little while longer. He told me about his kids and grandkids and said when it comes to raising kids, "be firm but nice."  When it was time to leave, Orville asked to view his picture, and then he actually thanked me for taking his picture.  I'm usually the one doing the thanking, although it feels like I could never adequeally express my gratitude to those who have allowed me to take their picture for the project.   I have a feeling that Orville then proceeded to go into Sam's and teach "the kids" a thing or two about shooting pool.

Day 39 - Mitchell.

This is Mitchell.  He was also just walking down the sidewalk when we met.  He was on break from work, so we had to be quick!

"My girlfriend," Mitchell said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Mitchell has been on the receiving end of an act of kindness in that his friends just took him out, and they enjoy and appreciate his company.

"Be the best person I can be," Mitchell said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Mitchell something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "my demeanor."  I agreed and told Mitchell he has a great demeanor.

Day 40 - Brenden

This is Brenden.  He was a co-worker, until this day, which was his last day at the company where I work.

I asked Brenden the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he responded, "Change is the biggest thing and the happiest thing, and the people in my life who are supporting me during this change."

Brenden was having trouble thinking of an example of having been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, but he said that he tries to do nice things for others.  Brenden's band, "When We Team Up," just had a show on Monday and he gave two of his comped drink tickets to a random stranger who didn't have any money.

I asked Brenden if he had a personal mission statement and he clarified that he has a life objective - "To make myself happy and hopefully one day I'll find my bliss, find my place in this world, and be successful in it."    We're going to miss Brenden, but we'll actually still get to see him as he's going to work for a customer.  His skill and passion are in design, and now he'll be able to do what he loves.

Because of this project, I learned more about Brenden in 10 minutes than I had learned in the past few years of working together.  When we talk to each other at work, we're talking about t-shirts and ink.  We can go months or years and without learning about one another and I'm so glad this project has given me great reason to get to know people.

"The fact that I'm a go-getter, instead of sitting back and waiting for things to come to me...figuring out what I want and making it happen," Brenden said, is something about himself which he considers to be a success.  I enjoyed our last conversation and was touched by Brenden's words.  He doesn't want to spend his time wandering and wondering his place in this world.  Brenden wants to find it, succeed in it, and be happy with it.

Brenden, you will find your bliss and in it, you will find success.

Day 41 - Josh

This is Josh.  He was sitting outside of Compass Coffee, looking so content, when I spotted him and asked if I could take his picture for the project.  When he agreed, I basically just invited myself to sit down with him at his table.

When I sat down, Josh asked a few questions about the project and seemed surprised that I wanted him to be my "person of the day."  After Josh and I were finished, I started daydreaming about the future.  Some day, I want us all to have a "person of the day."  You know how people Instagram pictures for #OutfitOfTheDay or  #ThrowbackThursday - I dream for the day when we're all wandering the streets looking for new friends we haven't met yet.  I can't wait for the day when you get to experience what I've been experiencing for the past 13 months.  I look forward to the day when people go out and talk with a stranger and share their #PersonOfTheDay photo, or their #NewFriendFriday or their #MeetSomeoneMonday picture.  Would you be on board with that?   Would you approach a stranger, otherwise known as a friend-you-haven't-met-yet, and then share their picture?

I asked Josh the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I'm currently between jobs."  Normally, this would seem like it could be a stressful position to be in, but after learning about Josh's work, I understood why he welcomed the break. I didn't want to pry too much, but from what little he said, I gathered his work is extremely stressful and intense.  This explained why he looked so content and peaceful when I spotted him. He was truly enjoying the simple pleasure of a cup of coffee on a sunny patio.

I asked Josh if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he answered, "I have a very large and loving family, so I receive acts of kindness every day."

I asked Josh if he had a personal mission statement. Josh answered with the quote, "Memento Mori.  Memento Vivere."  Josh translated (and I also looked it up to verify I had written it correctly) "Remember that you must die.  Remember that you must live."  I explained to Josh that in a strange coincidence, the reoccurring theme in the past 5 books I've read, is that facing our mortality can actually be quite liberating and inspiring.

I asked Josh something about himself which he would consider to be a success. Josh answered, "I don't consider myself a success yet.  I'm working on success.  My success is that I continue trying to be more successful."

Best wishes to you, Josh.

Here's a summary of the wisdom from this week's subjects:

• To be a good Dad.
• In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few.
• Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
• To survive. To live another day.  Today is the first day of the rest of my life.
• Be the best person I can be.
• To make myself happy and hopefully one day I'll find my bliss, find my place in this world, and be successful in it.
• Memento Mori.  Memento Vivere. (Remember that you must die. Remember that you must live.)

Thank you to each and every subject in this project, and thank you for following along.

Wishing you a week filled with happiness and good people!

365 More People Pictures - Week 5

Hello! We're finished with week 5 of The 365 More People Pictures Project!  As I wrote that sentence, I couldn't help but chuckle at how poorly I named both this project, and last year's 365 Day People Picture Project.

I owe you a bit of an explanation, and I owe myself a little slack. Ok, a lot of slack.  Before starting the first project, I thought long enough about the idea of taking a picture of a person every day for a year, to allow it to become an obsession, and then a burning desire. Or maybe the burning desire came first, and obsession followed.  (I'd have to think about that, but that sort of chicken-egg-chicken debate is one which I'll never be able to really settle.)  I thought about it long enough to know I was going to do it, but not long enough to talk myself out of doing it, or to really consider the actual reality of how it would impact my daily life or schedule.  By not giving it enough consideration to discourage myself from doing the project, means I also hadn't given any real consideration to naming the project.  I shot out of the starting block with a "working title" and that's what stuck.

The 365 More People Pictures Project was named, or un-named, in exactly the same way.  Once the first hashtag is used, you're just sort of stuck with it.  So here we are, week 5 of The 365 More People Pictures Project.  If you ever decide to do your own 365 Day Project, I hope you'll come up with a brilliant name before you start.

Day 28 - Kari

This is Kari.  She was walking the path along the Columbia River when we met.

The happiest thing happening in Kari's life right now, is that she's taking a month-long cruise from San Francisco to Sydney.

I asked Kari if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and at first, she couldn't think of anything because she's been somewhat isolated, recovering from a recent shoulder surgery.  After telling me about her surgery, she remembered that one of her friends helped her by taking her to her doctor appointments.

"I'm still trying to figure that out, that's why I'm traveling," Kari answered, when I asked her life's purpose.  Kari then when on to say, "what you think about, you bring about." Kari believes instead of focusing on what we're afraid of and "what ifs," we should have faith and focus on what we want.

I asked Kari something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she replied, "my whole life is a success. Everything I put my mind  to do, I keep at it till I get there."

I had a nice time hanging out with Kari for a little while longer and hearing some of her wisdom on everything from how to save money on travel, to getting what we want from life.  Kari and I day-dreamed for a moment about what it would be like live on a cruise ship rather than in an assisted living facility when we get old.

Bon Voyage, Kari!

Day 29 - Duffy and his Dogs

This is Duffy and his dogs.  We met at Mt. Tabor Park.  The dogs pretty much look how I look after doing the stairs.

"Walking these guys," Duffy answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life.

I asked Duffy if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and Duffy explained that right now, it's time for him to be on the giving end.  It's been a heavy year of giving and caring for sick friends.

"To do your best every day, and to be honest and sincere," Duffy Answered, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Duffy something about himself which he would consider to be a success, and he answered that it would be his outgoing personality.

I love taking headshot-like portraits of people.  I didn't have a "style" when I started this project, but over time, I've definitely developed a personal preference and my favorite is taking headshot portraits.  You've probably noticed that I love to get up close and personal...so close that you can see the twinkle in a person's eyes, feel a person's sparkle, and even imagine the sound of their voice.  Portraits are my favorite.  I'm getting better.  I'm seeing improvement.  However, I'm pushing myself to do more.  I don't think there's anything wrong with developing a specialty and over time, you find your own style, but I'm so inexperienced and such a beginner, that I think it's important not to limit myself to just one thing right now.  The more we try in photography, and in life, the more likely we are to discover something we love, or something at which we may even be good.  At the very least, working outside your comfort zone strengthens and sharpens your skills in other areas.  When I take a picture of anything other than a headshot/portrait, such as this, it feels like I could do a better job with my iPhone than with a DSLR.  It just takes practice. Lots and lots of practice.

Day 30 - Robert and Collin

This is Robert and Collin. We also met at Mt. Tabor.

"My girlfriend," Robert answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

"To enjoy myself as much as I can, without hurting others," Robert said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Robert something about himself which he considers to be a success, and Robert answered, "I'm the first person in my family to graduate from college."  Robert paved the way, and now his Sister and other family members have followed his lead.

Day 31 - Raul

This is Raul.

I asked Raul the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "my Daughters."

When I asked Raul if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, he answered, "all the time. I have good people around me."  The day prior, Raul's neighbor brought him dinner, completely out of the blue and unexpected.

"To bring good around me," Raul answered, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Raul one thing about himself which he considers to be a success and he answered, the "great community around me."

Day 32 - Anonymous Dog Walker and Anonymous Dog

This is Anonymous Dog Walker and Anonymous Dog.  They were in a hurry, but they paused long enough for a quick picture and to answer a couple quick  questions.

"I just got married," answered the anonymous dog walker, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  I joked that he was in a hurry to get home to his new wife.

"To keep things positive," is the anonymous dog walker's personal mission statement.

Day 33 - Paige

This is Paige.  We met at the bus stop.

"I'm going to a show with my girlfriend," Paige said, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

When I asked Paige if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she said that the cashier at the grocery store was nice, and that everyone had been nice today.  We talked about how when we're feeling happy or nice, we seem to attract other nice and happy people.  I know, personally, an extremely friendly cashier can also lift my spirits and put me in a great mood when I've otherwise been stressed or preoccupied with something else.  Paige then took that friendly experience and passed it forward.  Paige had purchased a bunch of juice because it was on sale, and then proceeded to give some of her extra juice to a stranger, just because they needed it.

When I asked Paige if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one, she asked if she could share her Dad's instead.  Paige's dad had just recently told her that he thought he'd finally figured it all out and asked her if she wanted his philosophy of life.  He had written it down for her on a little note card.  I'm going to share with you Paige's Dad's Philosophy of Life, exactly as he wrote it down for her.   (Between Paige's recollection and my hastily written notes, we had changed things a bit.  After our interaction, Paige and I became Instagram friends and she shared her Dad's note, so I'm taking it straight from the photo of her Dad's Philosophy of Life.)

Find something to do that you love and learn to do it as well as you can.

Find a partner to share life with.

Leave the world a better place than you found it.

Treat other people the way you want to be treated.

Enjoy life!

Such great wisdom from Paige's Dad.  This project has taught me one unexpected skill, which is how to keep the tears from welling up and actually spilling onto my cheek."  Paige's Dad's words were so loving.  I had to fight to keep my tears hidden.  My heart was just so touched by Paige's Dad's love for her, and his obvious pursuit of the meaning of life.

Day 34 - Alicia

This is Alicia.  She was packing up from having spent the day as an exhibitor at the Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair.

I asked Alicia the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she explained that she's soon going to get an apartment through the Share Aspire program, through the council for the homeless.  Alicia shared more about her circumstances, but rather than elaborate, I'd rather just be encouraging and supportive of the next chapter in Alicia's life and wish her the best of luck and success.

I asked Alicia if she had a personal mission statement and Alicia explained that her personal mission statement is the same as the mission of her business/organization, Casa De Las Palomas,  - "To promote peace, justice and well-being for all citizens, equally."

When I asked Alicia something about herself which she considers to be a success, she answered, "my business."

The subjects from this week, with a guest appearance from a subject's dad, have shared the following wisdom with us:

• What you think about, you bring about.
• To do your best every day, and to be honest and sincere.
• To enjoy myself as much as I can, without hurting others.
• To bring good around me.
• To keep things positive.
• Find something to do that you love and learn to do it as well as you can.
• Find a partner to share life with.
• Leave the world a better place than you found it.
• Treat other people the way you want to be treated.
• Enjoy life. 
• To promote peace, justice and well-being for all citizens, equally.

Sincere appreciation to all of the subjects from this week, and throughout the entire project.  Thanks to you for following along.

Wishing you a happy and productive week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 4

Hello! This is the review of week 4, of The 365 More People Pictures Project.

I caught myself questioning the decision to do another entire year-long project of taking a picture of a person, every single day.  Again, I found myself full of self-doubt and fear that I'm not going to be able to do it, and wondering how in the world I managed to do it the first time around.  Looking ahead 365 days is entirely too much to comprehend right now, so I got through the week just focusing on one thing - I just need to take a picture of a person, today.  That's all.  Today.

Day 21 - Julie

This is Julie.  We met at the Island Cafe. (Yes, we went back for a let's-pretend-we're-on-vacation dinner.)

Julie was with a big group of jovial friends from Minnesota.  I approached the group and asked if I could take a picture of one of them for my project.  Julie's friends all nominated her to be the subject because she's a photographer.

The happiest thing happening in Julie's life right now is the birth of her third grandchild.

I asked Julie if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and she gestured to one of her friends and said that he just bought dinner for their group.

"To leave a legacy of love & friendship & kindness," Julie said, is her personal legacy.

Julie said that being a Mom is one thing about herself which she considers to be a success.

Day 22 - Guy

This is Guy.  He had just come off the lake when we met. He had been fishing from his Kayak.    Guy answered, "summertime," when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Guy if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that he had recently lost his backpack when it fell from his kayak, and miraculously, someone was kind enough to turn it in and return it to him!

"Life is a journey, live on," Guy replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

I asked Guy something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "I've traveled the world and had a good time."  Guy then listed off several countries to which he's been, and he's been to 48 states.  He has yet to visit North Dakota and Alaska.  Guy and I became Instagram friends and the day after I had taken his picture, I noticed he was flying off to his next journey.

Day 23 - Bob

This is Bob. We met at Mt. Tabor.  Bob agreed to let me take his picture, but then I could tell he wasn't thrilled about it.  It was his niceness which won out over his reservations of having his picture taken.

"People are healthy in my family, " Bob said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Bob if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he said that a merchant did some extra repairs for him and didn't charge him for the work.

I asked Bob his life's purpose and he answered, "to help, and enjoy, my family and the people I encounter."  True to his purpose, Bob helped me with the project, even though he may have been a little camera-shy.  Thank you, Bob!

"Being involved with an enjoyable family," Bob answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Day 24 - Johnny McMahon

This is Johnny.   We met at Mt. Tabor.

"Skating with my bass player, Lindsey," Johnny answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Mt. Tabor Park is closed to cars on Wednesdays so the park is filled with downhill longboard skaters.  Johnny is almost 53 and he was about to go skate with all of the "kids," he joked.  He was laughing at himself for putting on so much safety gear and wondering what the kids would think about his knee pads, elbow pads and helmet.  He pretty much padded everything that could be padded.  I told him they weren't going to laugh at him, they'd think he was cool for being an old man and still skating! (And, he's smart!)  He pointed out the board his friend and former bandmate, Lindsey, had given to him, which he had fitted with a custom foot brake.   Johnny was in a band with Lindsey in the 80's, called Avant Garde.  Johnny joked that the new brake was either going to be helpful or it could cause him to crash and he'd be propelled off his board and I may be the last person to have seen him alive.  I was nervous after he told me that and I was so tempted to stay to make sure he was safe!

I asked Johnny if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that his friends on his radio show set up a website for him to raise money for a new set of choppers.  He's just a few donors away from meeting his goal to be able to get a brand new set of pearly-whites.  Check out Operation Iron Choppers

"I'm going to Heaven and I'm going to take as many of you bastards as possible," Johnny said, is his personal mission statement.  Johnny is such a character.  Yes, Johnny is just the way you imagined him to be from having just read that comment.  He's fun, loud, gruff-voiced and full of personality!

I asked Johnny something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "The Iron Show."  Johnny has an online radio program with a reach of over 250,000 listeners!   Here's a link to Johnny's Iron Show.

Wishing you luck, happiness and success, Johnny!

Day 25 - Joonie

This is Joonie.  He was nice enough interrupt his run at Mt. Tabor in order to pause long enough for a picture.

The happiest thing happening in Joonie's life right now is that he's getting to enjoy the weather, play tennis, and run.

I asked Joonie if he's been on the recipient of an act of kindness and he couldn't think of a specific example but confirmed he's often on the receiving end of kindness and said, "people are good to me."

"Keep it simple, be happy," Joonie answered, when I asked if he could think of a personal mission statement.

I asked Joonie something about himself which he considers to be a success and he replied that he has, "self-supporting employment."

Day 26 - Morgan

This is Morgan. We met at the Park and Ride bus station.

"Living here," Morgan answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life.  Morgan just moved here from Florida a few months ago.

I asked Morgan if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that his new roommate here in Portland allowed him to stay rent-free for 3 months while Morgan settled in and found work.  Morgan is now working and will repay the back-rent, but this is a pretty amazing act of kindness from a complete stranger. Morgan's roommate wasn't a friend, she was just a random person he had met online!

"To be a better person than I was in Florida," Morgan answered, is his personal mission statement.  Morgan's move to Portland is a fresh start and I'm wishing him lots of success!

I asked Morgan something about himself which he considers to be a success and he shared that he's had a story published.  I asked Morgan if he wanted to share a link to the story with us here, but he was bashful and modest and said it was just a little small-town Florida publication.  He's optimistic the move to Portland will help him further his writing successes.

Day 27 - Jeff

This is Jeff.  He was hanging out in the park along the Columbia River.

I asked Jeff about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I'm happy every day with the free gift of life that God gave me!"

I asked Jeff if he had been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he said that his parents had just come to visit him here.

When I asked Jeff if he had a personal mission statement, he said he has a personal motto, "aim high!"  He has high expectations of himself with his school and family.

I asked Jeff something about himself which he considers to be a success and he answered that he's still working on it.  He wants to finish school, no matter how long it takes, and he wants to be successful in the future.  He has great ambition, but I was also want to hear from people something positive for the present, so I persisted.  Jeff then answered, "I'm raising two kids."

Wishing Jeff lots of success and happiness here!

Here's the summary of the personal mission statements and life's purpose of the subjects from this week:

• To leave a legacy of love & friendship & kindness.
• Life is a journey, live on.
• To help, and enjoy, my family and the people I encounter.
• I'm going to Heaven and I'm going to take as many of you bastards as possible.
• Keep it simple, be happy.
• To be a better person than I was in Florida.
• Aim high.

Yes, I've been having a little fun with the InstaQuote app.  Here's a picture from my little journey to Wahkeena Falls + Multnomah Falls yesterday, and Guy's reminder to us that to journey, is to live.  Even if our  journey is only as far as our own back yard, opening our eyes and our hearts to the beauty around us is truly living.

Thank you to each and every subject in this project and to you, for following along.

Have a great week and enjoy the journey!

365 More People Pictures - Week 3

Hello and thanks for stopping by to check out week 3 of the 365 More People Pictures Project.  If this is your first time checking in, this is my 2nd year-long challenge to myself in which I'm taking a picture of a person, every single day, for another entire year. I just completed my first 365 Day Challenge a few weeks ago, The 365 Day People Project. The experience was life changing. Taking pictures of people and sharing them with you has now become a big part of my life.  After finishing the first project, I decided I wasn't ready to give it up. I just had to keep going.  I'm not a photographer, I'm just a girl with a camera.  I'm starting to see improvement in the quality of the pictures I take, but more importantly, I feel like my little life is improving because of this project.  It is my hope that you'll be inspired by this project and the people who have shared themselves with us.  Most of all, I hope this makes you feel positive and happy.

Day 14 - Rob, Matt & Conway

This is Rob (left), Conway (center), and Matt (right.)  They were hanging out along the Columbia River when we met.

I learned a good lesson from the very first photo of  last year's  365 Day People Picture Project.  The first photo in the project was of my husband and he was wearing sunglasses.  After seeing that first picture, I decided I would always ask people if they could remove their sunglasses so that we could see their eyes.  Although I did eventually ask Rob & Matt if we could take a picture without their glasses on, this picture was still my favorite.  I broke my own rule but it was for good reason.  The guys caught my eye because of their style.  A big part of that style was their carefully selected sunglasses.  And I confess...another factor is because it was so bright and sunny and I'm still not skilled enough to compensate for harsh sunlight when there isn't good shade close by.  Not only was I struggling, but it's also hard for people to not squint with the bright sun shining in their eyes.

I asked the men about the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and they both agreed that it's their future move to Downtown Portland.

I asked the two if they've recently been the recipient of an act of kindness.  Rob answered, "I always see kindness everywhere."  Matt said that someone had recently paid for his coffee at Starbucks.

"To spread knowledge and compassion throughout the world," Rob answered, is is personal mission statement.  Matt said that his personal mission statement is "to take care of the ones I love."

When I asked the men something about themselves which they consider to be a success, Matt answered that he feels like he's accomplished a lot in his life so far, and he's only 21 years old.  That's awesome!  I wouldn't have been able to say the same thing at 21.  Rob is in his ninth year teaching and he considers his longevity to be a success. People often pursue other things after teaching for just a few years.  Wishing Rob many more successful years sharing knowledge and compassion.

Day 15 - Scott

This is Scott.  We met at Mt. Tabor.

I ask Scott about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "I've got a 9 month old."  Scott's newborn is to credit for his new little family being on the receiving end of kindness.  Scott explained that their friends and family made meals for them when they returned home from the hospital.

"To be happy," Scott answered, is his life's purpose.

When I asked Scott something about himself which he considers to be a success, he replied, "I'm nice to people...most of the time."  We laughed and I agreed, understanding all too well that we're all a work-in-progress.

Day 16 - Shauna

This is my friend, Shauna.  It's been a few months since we've been able to catch up but we finally got to do so on Tuesday.   She's been traveling the world, teaching The Blogcademy.  If you've been following along, you'll remember that Shauna is one of the main reasons why this blog, and this project, even exists.

I asked Shauna the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "that I'm getting ready to go to Palm Springs, for both work and fun...and that I have a baby squirrel!"  Yes, you read that right - she and her husband have rescued an orphaned squirrel.

I asked Shauna if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and she said that she receives kindness daily.  Her husband is the benefactor of the kindness she receives, in that he brings her coffee and breakfast every day!  (Coffee-making husbands are the greatest husbands in the world!)

You may remember Shauna was also in last year's 365 Day People Picture Project. Back then, I only had one "canned" question that I would ask each subject.  Since that time, I've started asking people about their personal mission statement.   I hadn't asked Shauna her personal mission statement when she was a subject last year, but after reading the mission statements of other subjects from this project, Shauna later decided that her personal mission statement is to "work hard, play hard."  I asked Shauna if she had a new personal mission statement and we laughed when she answered, "work harder, play harder!"

"Giving women the skills to run their own business," Shauna answered, when I asked what she would like her personal legacy to be.  Shauna first answered that she wants to share her design knowledge with other creatives, but as she considered the question, she changed her answer and explained that being able to help empower other women is really more of a legacy because it then takes on a life of it's own. It becomes something bigger.  Shauna and her partners in The Blogcademy are, indeed, leaving a legacy of inspired and empowered women.  When I think about Shauna, her partners, and all of their students and the work they're all doing, I think those women are creating more than just a ripple...they're all creating a tidal wave of goodness.

"Working full time for myself," Shauna said, is an accomplishment she didn't think she'd be able to achieve.   In my job, I get to see the works of hundreds of graphic designers.  Shauna is among the best graphic designers in the Northwest, and it's been awesome seeing her evolve and progress into owning her own design studio.

Shauna's picture from the first project was one of my favorites and I was optimistic I could do even better this time because I've made some improvements.  There was just one little problem...we were so busy visiting and laughing and catching up, that I almost forgot to take a picture!  By time I remembered, the sun had already set and it was dark.  I was looking forward to taking her picture during golden/magic hour, but I blew it.  We were so busy talking, I let the sunset totally pass and ended up having to use a flash. Even so, her picture is another one of my favorites.  Have you noticed that I'm starting to get more and more favorites?  (I'm improving!!!)

Thank you, Shauna, for being in this project and for being such a constant source of inspiration and a great friend.

Day 17 - Amy

This is Amy.  We met walking down the sidewalk.  Amy was in a bit of a hurry to meet a friend but she still stopped and gave me the time to take her picture.  She was a pretty sweet person.

"My job is really good," Amy answered, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in her life.

"Trying to create as much happiness as possible in the world," Amy said, is her personal mission statement.

I asked Amy if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  "All the time," Amy answered.  Amy explained that her work is extremely collaborative and they all help one another.

I asked Amy what she would like her personal legacy to be and she answered, "I would like people to think, 'she wasn't a jerk.'"  I don't think Amy has to worry about that at all.  Within moments of meeting her, it felt like I was meeting someone very kind and sincere.

Day 18 - Kasey

This is Kasey.  We met in downtown Vancouver.  It was "day zero" of the Kumoricon anime convention and the costumed attendees were just starting to arrive and check-in for the weekend-long event.

For the past few years, I've somehow accidentally ended up at Ester Short Park during the Kumoricon event.  Before starting this project, I hardly ever made it to downtown Vancouver.  Now I go downtown quite frequently, in search of subjects.

This year, I intentionally planned to seek out a few subjects during Kumoricon.  In addition to getting to see all of the amazing CosPlayers, (people who dress up in costumes to portray anime/film/comic characters) CouvFest NW was also happening in the park so I was able to catch a few bands too!  That was a happy accident and now I'm looking forward to next year's CouveFest NW!

I asked Kasey the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she responded, "I am spiritually centered."

I asked Kasey if she's been the recipient of an act of kindness and she said that being able to be at Kumoricon was due to her mother's kindness.  Her mom helped pay for her hotel for the event.

"To figure out what life is about and to experience everything to the best of my abilities," Kasey answered, when I asked her life's purpose.

I asked Kasey something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she answered, "I'm happy with how my body looks."  Kasey explained that it took her a long time to be able to feel that way.

Here's Kasey's full costume. She described her costume as "classic Lolita."

Day 19 - Fernie

This is Fernie, and this is my first ever Troll portrait.

I headed back down to the park on Friday in order to catch glimpse of all of the Kumoricon Cosplayers and check out the bands playing at CouvFest NW. 

I asked Fernie the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered, "this Con."  Even as a complete outsider, you can't help but absorb the fun vibe down there.  I can appreciate Fernie's answer because even just hanging out and people-watching for a little while, I could tell the attendees were having a blast, forming new friendships and enjoying the the time they were spending with other like-minded people.

"I just really like making other people happy," Fernie said, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement.  Fernie answered the question with so much enthusiasm, it actually made me really happy!

Fernie feels like she experiences kindness every day - something as simple as a stranger giving her a smile can help make her day.

"I'm really good on the sewing machine," Fernie said bashfully, when I asked her something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Fernie packed three different costumes for the event, which he had sewn herself.  She pointed to a friend and told me she made his costume as well!   It's obvious that some of the cosplayers must spend days or weeks planning and making their costumes. It's a great sight to see!  I may have actually been inspired enough to dress up for Halloween!

Here's a picture I snapped at CouveFest NW - This band is  Lincoln's Beard.

Day 30 - Rikyah

This is Rikyah.  We met at CouvFest NW.  Yes...I went down for another day of people watching and music.

I asked Rikyah the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she answered with relief, "the kids are starting school!"

Rikyah's recent act of kindness is that she gave a homeless person all of the change she had in her entire purse, since she didn't have any cash.  Not having cash or change when she was approached by a different homeless person later, she then gave that person a winning lottery ticket.

"To be the best person that I can be - the best mom and friend," Rikyah answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement.  Rikyah's friend, who was waiting for us to finish the "interview," liked the question and wanted to share her own answer as well.  Rikyah's friend added, "find yourself and do it on purpose."

"My parenting," Rikyah said, is something about herself which she considers to be a success.

Rikyah's brand new hair color (which I love) totally matches her bright and happy personality!  Thank you, Rikyah, for letting me take  your picture!

Here are a few more pictures from Kumoricon and CouvFest NW.  The band shown here is The Sindicate.

Band  - The Sindicate

More Kumoricon CosPlayers - Guy Fawkes, "V is for Vendetta"

SteamPunk Girls

Weeping Angels - but they're not weeping, they're walking around having fun

Syndra

Here's the summary of the personal mission statements from this week's subjects:

• To spread knowledge and compassion throughout the world,
• To take care of the ones I love.
• Trying to create as much happiness as possible in the world.
• Work harder, play harder!
• To figure out what life is about and to experience everything to the best of my abilities.
• I just really like making other people happy.
• To be the best person that I can be - the best mom and friend.
• Find yourself and do it on purpose.

Thank you to the subjects from this week!  If you'd like a copy of your picture, please don't hesitate to e-mail me. I'd love for you to have it!

Have a great week!

365 More People Pictures - Week 2

Hello and welcome to week 2 of the 365 More People Pictures project! This post is actually a review of the subjects from two weeks ago.  I'm still taking a picture of a person every day, and I post those pictures to Instagram.  If you'd like to follow along daily, my Instagram username is @missellana.  I'm not behind in the daily pictures, I'm just behind in sharing them with you here on the blog. We'll catch us up soon!

Day 7 - Jeff

This is Jeff.  He was sitting outside on the patio of a Starbucks when I approached to ask if I could take his picture.

It wasn't until I sat down at Jeff's table that I noticed a HUGE backpack sitting next to him. I asked if he was traveling.  Jeff explained that he's from France.  Jeff is backpacking and hitchhiking from Calgary to Ecuador.  Jeff was waiting at Starbucks for his Vancouver USA host, Tabatha, to pick him up for the  night.

I asked Jeff the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he responded, "the fact that I'm changing countries."

I asked Jeff if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and right then, Tabatha showed up.  They quickly introduced themselves, I told Tabitha that we'd be quick, and then Jeff answered that he's on the receiving end of Tabatha's kindness right now. They had never met, but Tabitha was going to host him for the night.   I suspect with the huge trip ahead of him, Jeff will experience kindness all the way to Ecuador.

I asked Jeff if he had a life's purpose.  "To find a purpose," Jeff answered.  Thinking about Jeff and his Journey to Ecuador, reminded me of Santiago, in "The Alchemist."  I imagine Jeff traveling in search of his Personal Legend.

"I just graduated from engineering school," Jeff answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  With that, Jeff and his newfound friend, Tabatha, were on their way.

Day 8 - Charlene

This is Charlene.  Surprisingly, I was having a challenging time finding a subject down at Portland's Waterfront Park.  I had already been rejected and had been wandering around for a while when I finally spotted Charlene.  She was photographing the Portland skyline.  I've always had great luck with photographers and haven't been refused by one yet.  Who else would better understand the randomness of a complete stranger approaching them to ask for a picture?

I learned that Charlene is a professional photographer. I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "my son is starting Junior High."

Charlene was on the receiving end of an act of kindness just the day before, when a friend had given her an art print with the saying, "don't ever let anyone take your sparkle."  It was a particularly thoughtful and meaningful gift because the friend knew it would remind Charlene of her mother who had passed away.  Charlene and her Mom shared a little saying, inspired by Shirley Temple and her mom.  Shirley Temple's mom used to say to Shirley, "Sparkle, Shirley, Sparkle." Charlene was given the same loving instructions from her own mom, "Sparkle, Charlene, Sparkle."

After hearing Charlene's great story, I told her that "sparkle" is a bit of coincidence for us both.  I explained to Charlene that I'm not a real photographer. I'm just learning and even after taking a picture every day for a year, I still know so little about photography.  I told Charlene that in order to compensate for my lack of technical knowledge, I've been approaching photography from an emotional angle.  I've simplified things in my mind and my objective has been simply to try to capture a person's sparkle.

I asked Charlene if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot.  Charlene said that her personal and professional mission are intertwined - "the art of love."  Charlene explained that she "photographs things that show love."  When she's shooting pictures, she's mindful that she's capturing someone special. She's capturing someone's wife, girlfriend, or mom... and she's taking those pictures for someone special in their life.  She wants the love to show and she wants their someone special to feel love.

"I made my Mom's life happier," Charlene answered, when I asked something about herself which she considers to be a success.  Before she passed, Charlene's Mom told her once that the past 27 years had been the happiest days of her life.  Charlene knew how much she was loved and her mom knew how much she was loved in return.  I loved Charlene's mom's play on words and it reminded me of my own mom.

I loved meeting Charlene and can't help  thinking it was meant to be.  On days which it has been particularly difficult to find a subject, I always end up meeting someone who leaves a lasting memory and I always end up thinking, so this was who I was supposed to meet today.  Charlene and I are similar in a few ways and it's amazing to me that she was a complete stranger, yet we connected immediately.

Wishing you lots of success in The Art of Love.

Day 9 - Matt

This is Matt.  I like this picture because I can totally envision it on the back of a book jacket.  I don't even know if Matt has plans to write a book, but looking at this makes me think that he has interesting and important things to tell us.

"My new car," Matt responded, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  I don't know for sure, but it looked like he could have just driven it off the lot that day. She was a beauty!

I asked Matt if he had been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he was certain that he's frequently on the receiving end of kindness.  The most recent thing to come to mind was that his Mom had just bough him kettle corn at the fair.  I thought this was such a cute answer.  Even as grown adults, our mom buying us treats at the fair is still one of life's greatest simple pleasures.

When I asked Matt if he had a personal mission statement, he answered with his personal mantra -"love, happiness, success and longevity."

"The position I'm in at my job," Matt answered, is a personal accomplishment that he didn't think he'd be able to achieve.

Day 10 - Karefan

This is Karefan.  He was waiting at the Park & Ride bus station when we met.

When I asked Karefan about the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he responded, "that's a good question."  He considered the question for a while, long enough that I was starting to feel sad that he couldn't think of something, but then he finally answered, "coming to USA."  Karefan and most of his family moved here from Ukraine this past year.

I asked Karefan about some of his good traits.  He couldn't, or wouldn't, answer.  Instead, he asked me what I thought his good traits could be.  I persisted, explaining I wanted to hear it from him.  He finally answered that he's a hard worker.  I only talked with Karefan for a few moments, but I think one positive trait is that Karafan is an extremely nice person.  Although Karefan speaks english, there's still a bit of a language barrier and he's in a foreign country. I would imagine it would be easy to isolate yourself under those challenges, but Karefan is nice and friendly.

One thing about himself which he considers to be a success is that he's starting college soon!

Wishing Karefan and his family happiness and success here.

Day 11 - Adam

This is Adam.  I met Adam several years ago at Sam's Billiards. He's a tattoo artist and I was happy to bump into him again. I asked Adam about the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he responded, "my daughter."

I asked Adam if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he answered that his friend has been helping him out with childcare.

"To be honest and creative," Adam answered, is his personal mission statement.

One thing about himself which Adam considers to be a success, is his relationship with his parents and family.

You can check out Adam at Anatomy Tattoo.

Day 12 - Cameron

This is Cameron.  He's a new co-worker and were it not for this project, I'm not sure how much time would have passed before we had the opportunity to get to know one another.  Our work is extremely busy and intense so we don't get much time to visit.

I asked Cameron the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he answered, "change."  Cameron recently moved to Portland from San Diego. Cameron has known since he was 12 years old that he wanted to move to Portland.   He knew, even at that young age, that San Diego didn't offer him what he needed and he thought there's something unique in Portland which you can't get anywhere else.  I know exactly what Cameron was trying to describe.  I think I was probably the same age on my first visit to Portland.  My mom drove me and another friend here to compete in the Junior Olympics and as we crossed over the Marquam Bridge and I saw the city for the first time, I just knew I wanted to live in Portland.  (Ironically, the only other city to excite me in the same way, was San Diego.)

I asked Cameron if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  Cameron explained, "basically, Portland is nice."  He went on to say that every day he experiences some sort of kindness.  Even something as simple as giving someone a cigarette opens the door to having a great interaction with a stranger.  It's the little things the people of Portland do which makes Cameron feel like he's experiencing kindness. People stop and say hi, and talk to one another.

I asked Cameron if he had a personal mission statement or if he could make one up on the spot. He lifted his arm and on his wrist I read the tattoo, "PMA."  In unison, we both said, "positive mental attitude!"  I loved this!!!   I told Cameron about my high school volleyball coach, who at random times, would yell - "how's your PMA?"  Our response was to be an enthusiastic shout back, "boy am I enthusiastic!"  To this day, I give myself, "PMA checks" and yes, in my mind I answer back, "boy am I enthusiastic!" As I'm typing these words, it just hit me. Our Coach's random PMA checks weren't random at all.  She would shout that when we were anything but enthusiastic.  If you give this a try, you'll find out that it's impossible not to have a spike in enthusiasm after just yelling, "BOY AM I ENTHUSIASTIC!"  Go on, try it.  See what I mean?  Instant attitude adjustment, right?  I love Cameron's tattoo and now when I see him, I will stop and check myself for a positive mental attitude.

I wanted to share Cameron's tattoo with you,  but as you can see - I'm still fumbling through getting the aperture correct.  My new lens is such a high- performer, I have to get it just right or it will blur too much of the background, or too much of the foreground. It's beyond my skill level but I'm learning to be deliberate and to change the aperture when I want to get both the background and foreground. Clearly, I'm learning the hard way as I didn't quite get it on this.  I'm getting a good grasp when it comes to taking a portrait of a single person, but I have to work at everything else.  They were still cool pictures and if I hadn't told you they were mistakes, you'd might even think they were cool too.

I asked Cameron something about himself which he considers to be a success.  "Who I am," Cameron answered, "I don't wan't that to sound braggadocious."  Cameron feels like he's able to make it through the ups and downs that life gives us and he added:  "We have to adapt. We have to move on. We have to keep going.  As long as you're breathing, life will keep going.  I refuse to wake up and say, this is it - this is the end."

Aaah... good stuff.  I'm really liking our new co-worker!  Wishing you lots of success and happiness here, Cameron!

Day 13 - Melvin

This is Melvin.  He was sitting outside the mall, looking exhausted, when we met. I learned it was because his wife was still inside shopping.

"I'm alive and healthy and above ground," Melvin answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  This is one of my favorite answers and is parallel to what Cameron had say the day prior. No matter how tough things may be, life will keep going as long as we're breathing. When we wake to live another day, we have the opportunity to get better, no matter how challenging things may be.

I asked Melvin if he had been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and he explained that he tries to be the giver.  He helps people out when he can.  When he sees homeless people on the street corner, he'll often take them to buy food.

"To live long and prosper," Melvin said, is his personal mission statement.  I laughed and told Melvin that he and my husband both share the same personal mission statement.  When my husband told me his statement, I asked him to think of a different one because he couldn't steal Spock's salutation.  After thinking about it, I realized Spock was onto something!   Spock had just about the most succinct, and most perfect mission statement and salutation ever! "Live long and prosper."  That says it all.

I asked Melvin something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he responded, "I've been married 23 years."   I have a feeling Melvin is one great husband.  He happily and patiently went out for air and let his wife continue with her shopping.   May you and your family "live long and prosper," Melvin.

Here's a summary of the personal mission statements and the life's purposes of the subjects from this week, and one little nugget which I edited from my conversation with Cameron.

• To find a purpose.
• The art of love - photograph things that show love.
• Love, happiness, success and longevity.
• To be honest and creative.
• PMA - Positive Mental Attitude
• Adapt. Move on. Keep Going. As long as you're breathing, life will keep going.  Refuse to say, this is it - this is the end. 
• Live long and prosper.

Thank you to the subjects from this week and thank you for following along!  I'll catch us up to date soon!

365 More People Pictures - Week 1

I'm baaaaack! Hello, and welcome to the 365 More People Pictures project!

The 365 Day People Picture Project ended on Sunday, August 10th, but I've continued taking a picture of a person every day since then.  You know how Forest Gump just took off running that one day, and he just kept running, and running, and running?  I'm feeling  like that.  Before The 365 Day People Picture Project had ended, I knew that I wanted to keep going. I just wasn't sure in what capacity or what sort of duration.

I had a definite plan during The 365 Day People Picture Project.  The finish line was clear. The objective was clear - take a picture of a person, every day, for an entire year.  We crossed that finish line and I've continued taking pictures every day since then, but I've been undecided if I could achieve another year-long commitment.  What if, like Forest Gump, I just declare some day that, "I'm pretty tired...I think I'll go home now"?

Before I even realized what I was doing, I tagged the first photo from year two as: #365MorePeoplePictures.  Whether I was ready or not, that hashtag made the declaration for me -  I'm back in it!  You'd think it would feel easy after already having finished an entire year of taking daily pictures.  I confess...I'm going into year two with the same concerns and self-doubt as I started the first project. Actually, to some degree - my self-doubt is even worse this time.  Naivety and and the enthusiasm of a beginner carried me through that first year. Determination and the reward of interacting with 365 more beautiful people will carry me through this second year.

Day 1 - Dustin

This is Dustin.  We met at the Park & Ride bus station.  I asked Dustin the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "my fiancé."

After explaining the project to Dustin and how he was the beginning of year 2, I asked if he had any ideas for new questions I could ask each subject.  Dustin suggested, "what brings you here, or what path has led you here."   Dustin, answering his own question, then went on to tell me that he's in town, from California, to attend training to be a wind turbine tech.

Last year, I asked people if they had performed an act of kindness. This year, I'm going to ask subjects if they've been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  I asked Dustin if he's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness and Dustin said that it was his first day of training and he noticed how nice and courteous everyone has been.

"I can get along with pretty much anyone, I'm easy going," Dustin said, when I asked him about his best traits.

"To be happy," Dustin answered, when I asked his life's purpose.

Day 2 - Maria and Susie

This is Maria (left) and Susie (right.)  They were walking their dogs at Mt. Tabor when we met.  We had quite a summer rainstorm and Maria and Susie were one of the few people still out at the park.  Although they agreed to let me take their picture for the project, they were both in a hurry to get on about their walk with their dogs, and to get out of the rain.

I asked the ladies about happiest thing happening in their lives right now.  Maria answered, "mountain climbing."  Susie declared, "friendships!"

Day 3 - Roger

This is Roger. If you followed along from the beginning, Roger may look familiar to you.  He was day 61 of The 365 Day People Project.   I ran into him again at Mt. Tabor and let him know that I had finished the project and was now onto year two.  I'm so glad he agreed to be included in year two!  I remember his original day. I was still so new and I had no idea how to shoot in the changing season/weather conditions, but Roger gave me a lot of patience while I fumbled through the process.  I'm glad to have a second chance now that I have a little practice under my belt.

I asked Roger the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he paused to compose his thoughts. I was sad to learn that his father is ill, but Roger was forcing himself to temporarily set aside his sadness for his father in order to find something positive.  Roger answered, "I'm enjoying more free time this summer."  There have been several people in this project who have been dealing with some extremely difficult and sad situations and somehow they've managed to gather strength and find something positive or happy, even when life is giving them some heavy stuff to cope with.  It is my hope that no matter what we're facing in our lives, we will always be able to find a glimmer of happiness to help carry us through.

"To make a difference in other people's lives," Roger said, is his life's purpose.  I asked Roger what he would like his personal legacy to be, and he replied, "Somebody remembering my contribution when I'm gone."  Roger then joked that he's still trying to figure out what that contribution will be.

Day 4 - Sally

This is Sally.  She was waiting for the bus when we met.

"My new boyfriend," Sally said, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Sally if she had been on the receiving end of an act of kindness.  "Daily,"  Sally answered.  Sally pointed out that just that day, several people had been nice and friendly to her, and smiled at her on the train.  When we share a smile or acknowledge a stranger, it may seem like it's going to be forgotten within moments.  Each smile or moment of kindness counts.  If we're on the receiving end of all of those friendly smiles from strangers, we collect them and although we may not remember the specific person who gave us a smile or shared kindness, they do add up to a wonderful feeling of happenings and experiencing kindness leaves us with a feeling that we belong.  We matter.

I asked Sally her life's purpose and she replied, "working with kids."   My co-worker and I had a discussion that it would seem like our "life's purpose" and our "personal legacy" would be the same, but when you break it down, they are actually two separate but related things.  In a sense, our personal legacy is achieved by fulfilling our life's purpose. I asked Sally what she would like her personal legacy to be, and she replied, "to know that I did as much good as I possibly could."

Day 5 - Trent

This is Trent.  We met just walking down the street.

When I asked Trent the happiest thing happening in his life right now, Trent responded, "thats a really hard question," and  asked if we could come back to it.

So, we moved on to the next question. I asked Trent his best traits. "I think about things," Trent replied, "which can also be debilitating," he added.  I told Trent that I understood exactly what he meant. It's both a blessing and a curse, I agreed.  Trent went on to add, "I'm constantly seeking," and again we both agreed that trait is also another blessing and curse.  When we get preoccupied with over-analyzing everything and constantly looking forward to the next thing, or for fulfillment to come from an outside person or situation, then we lose the opportunity of simply enjoying the present moment.  Sometimes we can think so much that we think the joy and happiness right out of life.  Thinking and seeking are both critical for personal development and enlightenment but it's ironic when you realize that perhaps all of this thinking and seeking is to lead you to the point where you become aware that you shouldn't think so intensely that it prevents you from living the current moment, and that what you're seeking is already within you and around you.  We've just been seeking awareness.

When we met on the street, Trent was carrying groceries as I approached him to ask if I could take his picture.  He was quick to agree and I anticipated that he would set his grocery bags down right there, but he continued walking. I rushed along side him and asked, "where are we going?"  He then stopped next to a little camper parked a few yards away and answered, "right here."  Trent explained that he had just arrived back in Portland and he's uncertain about his future here.  He's a little stressed, looking for work, and deciding whether or not he's going to settle in Portland.  Learning this, I understood why Trent deferred the happiness question and I was hopeful that by time we were finished, he would be able to find some happiness in his situation.  I asked Trent if he's been on the receiving end of kindness and he answered that he has friends who take time to talk and listen.  He also has friends who are letting him camp/park at their homes while he figures out his next step and if he's going to settle in Portland.

After we were finished with the other questions, we circled back to the happiness question.  Trent finally answered, "you're as happy as you let yourself be."  I wished Trent luck and told him that I hope he finds happy, and lets himself be.  At first, I was sad for Trent.  I have a really good feeling about him but I could tell he was struggling.  He's going through a lot of change but I just have a feeling everything is going to work out just fine.  The beautiful thing about Portland is that it's a really good place to be when you're feeling unsure and uncertain.  It seems like you just fall into the right group of supportive and encouraging friends and they help push (or pull) you along until you can find yourself again.  I can't wait to bump into Trent again in a few weeks or months, and I just know that the next time I see him,  he's going to be quick to share all of the happy things happening in his life.  You got this, Trent.

Day 6 - Holly

This is Holly.  We met in downtown Vancouver at the Hoops on the River 3-on-3 basketball tournament.  Holly was there watching her son play.

I asked Holly the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "my kids, and my love life."

I asked Holly about her best traits and she replied, "loyalty and my sense of humor."

When I asked Holly if she's been on the receiving end of an act of kindness, she answered, "sure, lots of things! Last night, my friends treated me to dinner."

I asked Holly her life's purpose and she answered, "to have my kids have a better life than I did."  She then went on to explain that what she wants for both herself and her kids, is for them all to be happy, healthy, and to contribute to society.

There are only 6 subjects during this first week since the 365th photo from the last project was taken on a Sunday.  We'll continue with the weekly schedule running from Sunday through Saturday.  Technically, I'm a week behind in the posting schedule.  Although I've continued taking daily pictures, I just had to slow down for a little pause but we'll pick up the pace again soon, and I'll catch you back up to the current day.  Remember, if you'd like to follow along with the daily photo, you can follow me on Instagram.  My username is @missellanea.

It was my hope to completely re-invent the project for year two, but I've realized it's not going to be a quick transformation.  Rather, it's going to be another process of evolution.  I'm struggling to come up with new questions but I know everything will fall into place as it's meant to.   Thank you so much for your continued support and encouragement and I can't wait to see what unfolds this year!

Thank you to the subjects who kicked off the 365 More People Pictures project!

365 Day People Picture Project - The Last Day

Hello!

This is it!  This was the last day of The 365 Day People Picture Project!

You don't even know where to start, when it's the end.  When it's the end, you don't even know where to start.  (Did you just catch that?)

I've been carrying around a heavy weight in my mind and the weight is getting heavier with each passing day.  I've been feeling a huge responsibility to close the project with a beautifully written, meaningful, insightful, and inspiring blog post that summarized my experiences this past year. The weight and the pressure has been so intense, I've reached my shut-down point.

So, we're just going to take things nice and slow.  This was a year-long project. It was an unreasonable expectation of myself to think that I could process everything mentally, write about it, and then share it with you in the span of just 6 days.  Plus, this gives us more time together and I've really enjoyed spending time with you. I'll continue to share more about what I learned from this project in future posts.  For now, meet our final subject.

Day 365, August 10th, 2014 - Halina and Baxter

This is Halina and Baxter.  We met on a dock of McCuddy's Marina, near The Island Cafe.  A year prior, August 11, 2013, I took my first picture for The 365 Day People Picture Project.  I had no idea what I was doing, or about to do.  I only knew one thing - I challenged myself to take a picture of a person, every day, for an entire year, and I was going to meet that challenge! I was determined to maintain a perfect year-long streak of taking a picture of a person, every day.  The project started at Island Cafe, where my husband and I met for a belated birthday dinner with his family.  My husband was the first subject.  I love that the project ended, right where it began.

I asked Halina the happiest thing happening in her life right now, and she replied, "being single and being alive!"

A woman, who indulged in a very happy happy-hour, approached us as we were doing the "interview."  She visited with us and showered Baxter with lovins.

With the Happy Hour Woman still there, I asked Halina if she had recently performed an act of kindness.  Before Halina could give her answer, Happy Hour Woman made a declaration about Halina, "this lady is going to have a good future!"  We laughed and talked a moment longer and then Halina answered the question, "we do every day without even knowing it."

Halina was attempting to explain that we don't realize that the smallest, easiest thing we can do for another person is to share a little kindness.  We don't even realize that something as simple as sharing a smile with stranger, can have a significant impact, and at the very least, it is the start of a ripple of kindness.  It can be the difference between a bad day and a good one. It can be the difference of feeling helpless, or hopeful.  Even if we think we don't have anything to give, we can always give a smile. The Happy Hour Woman said good-bye and went on about her way.  Having 100% faith in Happy Hour Woman's prediction that Halina was going to have a good future, I whispered to her that she should always believe the prophesies of a drunk woman.

I asked Halina if she had a personal mission statement.  Halina answered, "to bring peace, and to be kind."  Halina said, "love is the greatest thing.  Love can heal."

I asked Halina something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  Halina answered, "my kids think that I'm a great mom, and I have a wonderful circle of friends."

We usually summarize the personal mission statements of each subject for the week, but since Halina had her own day, here's a summary of her wisdom:

• To bring peace
• To be Kind
• Love is the greatest thing.
• Love can heal.

...and just like that, it was over.  The 365 Day People Picture Project came to an end.  I had just taken the final picture for the project, and my friends were waiting for me in the restaurant.  I had a 2-second, silent celebration in my mind as I walked with Halina down the pier to join our respective friends.  Done.  Finished.  I did it.  Now what?

Since the last photo in this project was taken in the same place as the first, I'll also end this project with the beginning.  Several subjects asked me why I was doing the project.  I was never able to articulate an answer, but rather gave a brief explanation of how it started.  I don't think I actually ever knew the true reason, and therefore, it was impossible for me to give an accurate answer. I'm still not sure I can answer why I did this.  How do we explain something which we're compelled to do?  How do we explain the place from where a compulsion or burning desire to create originates?

The explanation that I often gave was that I started a blog and quickly realized I needed visual content for the blog and needed to learn photography immediately.  I also realized that I live a completely un-blogworthy life.  Why would a person with an un-interesting life and no photography skills even start a blog?   The short answer - Nubby Twiglet.

I've been following my friend Shauna's blog, Nubby Twiglet, for several years.  I didn't even know what a blog was until our mutual friend turned me on to Nubby Twiglet.   I was able to see her evolution as a designer and blogger and it was all quite interesting and fascinating.  Although I enjoyed reading about her life,  never in a million years would I have imagined I would, or could, start a blog of my own.  As life would have it, we became friends and when you start to hang around determined people, you start to absorb their energy. She is dedicated and passionate and you can't help but pick up on her enthusiasm.  When she began telling me about her plans for The Blogcademy, in which she and two other blogger friends were going to teach blogging workshops all over the world, the seed was planted. A blog would be a perfect opportunity for me to get into the habit of writing, and some day achieve my dream of writing a book/screenplay.   After attending The Blogcademy and spending just two days with Shauna, Kat, Gala, and a room full of amazing and determined women - you leave there determined to do something, to create something. You believe that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Absorbing all of their amazing energy and determination didn't make up for the fact that I wasn't a photographer and I didn't have enough content to sustain a blog.  I stumbled through a few blog posts but knew right away that I had to create content or I needed to stop the blog.

At the same time this was happening, I was receiving subtle and unconscious influences from others around me.  I had an Instagram and Facebook friend, James, who frequently posted pictures of an anonymous woman he called Day Walker.  He's in artist in Kansas and we've never met, but I found myself fascinated by the Day Walker. I looked forward to seeing  pictures of the Day Walker, but I didn't realize how much of an impression James and his Day Walker were having on my mind.

Then one day, I took a picture of a stranger - a cute old man outside of a bar next to the tattoo shop where I was delivering an order of  T-shirts.   (You can read more about this on week 31.)  I kept thinking about the picture of the cute old man outside of the bar.

Between Shauna, James and his Day Walker, the random old man outside of the bar, and my secret love of photography, the idea for The 365 Day People Picture Project was born.  I mentioned the idea to a private Facebook group I was in at the time, and James shared a link to "Humans of New York," and encouraged me to go for it!  So, I did!

A Picture of a Picture - My Dad

This is my Dad.  He passed away several years ago now, but sometimes it feels like it was just a few months ago.  My secret love of photography is because of him, this picture of him,  and pictures of many other people I love in my life.

When I was a kid, my Dad became involved with a family friend who had the idea to publish a book about Klamath Falls, the town where I'm from.  It was to be a series, and the best way I can describe the book is that it was like a yearbook, but for an entire community.  My Dad took several pictures for the book and I was usually tagging along with him. In my memory, it seems like for a while, that's all we did - we went around town taking pictures.  He set up a dark room and he let me "help" develop pictures.  By help, I mean that he had to keep me busy enough to keep me from ruining his pictures.  I'm sure my assigned task did nothing to actually help him, other than to keep me out of his way.  (We built a boat "together" in much the same fashion.)   Only one book ended up being published, but the experience of hanging out with my dad when he was shooting, shaped me more than I ever knew.

Looking back, I wish I would have continued on to take photography classes in High School.   I'm not sure why I didn't.

I don't know if other people's minds work in this same way, but it's how my brain works and it contributes to my love of photography.   This photograph of my Dad sat on our TV stand and even when my Dad was alive, this picture became him, and he became the picture.  I would see it so frequently - it became to be how I would envision him.  The same thing happened for many of the family pictures we had.  A person, to me, became  how I saw them in their photograph.

With people and your memories of them, it sometimes feels like the memories are so fast, and so blurry, and so overwhelming, that you can't even feel them because you can't keep up with the flood of remembered experiences crashing in on your mind.   For me, seeing a picture of a person, or remembering a particular picture of a person, has been a way of stopping the blur, pausing time - and letting me hold them still in my mind. It allows me the time to just think about them, and to love them.  It's as though all of the memories and feelings you have of a person, fall into an organized order behind a photograph so that you can sort through them one-by-one.

I want to learn how to take nice pictures of you so that when someone looks at your photograph, they can feel you. The picture becomes you, and you become the picture.  I want the picture to allow people the time just to think about you, and to love you.

Thank you, to each and every subject in this project.  You've showered me with so much kindness this past year, and it's been the happiest thing happening in my life.  You've touched my heart and you've changed me.  I started this with the intention to learn and improve my photography skills.  I don't know much about photography, but you've improved the state of my heart.  You've improved me.  My sincerest thanks for all that you've given to me.

If you've been a subject in this project and are interested in a copy of your picture, please don't hesitate to e-mail me!

Thank you for following along with me on this project.  Having you here alongside me, has helped me to keep going when I thought I should just give up.  You kept me accountable and I'm so happy you came along for the journey.

What's next?  365 More People Pictures!!!   I'll tell you more about that in the next post.

Thank you again for helping me to make this a reality!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 52

Hello! This is week 52, of The 365 Day People Picture Project!

This is not a good-bye.  I'm just getting warmed up. Plus, we still have one more picture to go!

This post covers day 358 though day 364.  I haven't yet taken the 365th picture.  I decided rather than delay today's post in order to include day 365,  I'll just make a separate post next week, which will cover day 365 and also provide an opportunity to reflect on this past year.

Here's the deal...I'm not ready to stop.  It is my concern that if I stop the challenge, I'll not only stop photography, but I'll end up stopping the blog entirely.  I'm also concerned I'll retreat back into my own secluded little world.   I'm not certain of the future, but I'm certain I want to keep going.  I would love a day off, but if I stop, I can't ever go back in time to bridge the gap.  What if I decide I want a streak of taking a picture of a person, every day, for 5 years?  If I take one day off, I'll have to start over at square one.  I can always stop, but I can't ever get back any missed days.

So, this isn't over yet!  I don't know what will happen, but I'm going to continue taking daily pictures until I can sort myself out.

Day 358 - Bob

This is Bob.  I met Bob at Esther Short Park, in Vancouver.

"Independence," Bob said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Bob appeared to have just finished a stroll around the park when we met. I don't know if this is true, but I got the feeling that Bob has lived an active life.  I could make out an athletic form which has been slowed by pain, stiffness, and time.

I asked Bob if he's recently performed an act of kindness. Bob considered the question for a while and then answered, "yes, I perform Native ceremonies."  Curious, I asked Bob what kind of ceremonies. Bob, not sure I would understand, or not sure he could explain, went on to say he performs sweat lodge ceremonies, healings, and vision quests.

When I asked Bob if he had a personal mission statement, Bob said that he doesn't have one, but rather, "I go the direction Creator takes me."

"My purpose in life is to serve others, and I've been successful there," Bob answered, when I asked him something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  It's interesting that Bob went on to talk about his life's purpose.  When I ask people about their personal mission statement and it appears the question is too big of a bite to chew,  I often then re-phrase the question to ask about their "life's purpose."  It's an equally challenging question and almost identical in nature, but for some reason - it's a more manageable bite to swallow.  Bob made the leap on his own.  We talked about his lack of a mission statement in which he said he simply goes the direction The Creator takes him, but then Bob went on the explain his life's purpose.  This is exactly the flow I've intended with the set of questions I've been asking.

I think Bob is the best photograph in the entire project.  I'm sure I made technical errors that a professional photographer, or any experienced photographer, would critique, but I think this is my best.

When I started this project, I started following several photographers on social media.  I view thousands of images a week.  One thing I've noticed is that there seems to be a trend or tendency for some photographers to go quite heavy on the sharpening and contrast on portraits of elders.  When I first started seeing images like this, I was blown away!  They make for striking and unforgettable photographs.  While "developing" Bob's photo to be Instagramed on the day his picture was taken,  I experimented with extreme sharpening and contrast...but it just wasn't for me.  As striking as I find those types of photographs to be, I've realized that it's not my "personal style."  For the majority of this project, my "personal style" could probably be described simply as very poor quality.  I'm now starting to see that I have developed a bit of a personal style and I can see little improvements.  To me, Bob is striking enough on his own.  The few minor adjustments I made in lightroom were more than enough.  I think my eye tends to favor, for myself, the more organic look of photographs from the 50's through 80's.  Because of the changes in technology, the entire feel of photography has also evolved.  I'm just not there yet.

Day 359 - Phil and Sean

This is Phil (left) and Sean (right).  I've seen these two at Mt. Tabor for the past couple of years.  They're often working out with Timm and Nic,  from day 51.  They're all a bunch of beasts!  They workout with so much intensity, you'd think they were being ordered to do so by a drill sergeant!  They had just finished their workout when I asked if I could take their picture.

I asked the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and Phil answered, "I just became an uncle."  Sean replied, "my son - he's 1 and 1/2 years old."

Phil's recent act of kindness is that he bought his girlfriend 2 new bathing suits for her vacation to Mexico, which she will be taking without him.  Sean and I both laughed and asked if they were full body suits since she was going alone.  Sean's recent act of kindness is that he donated a $1.00 when he made a purchase at Walgreen's.

"Living every day to the fullest," Phil said, is his personal mission statement.  He went on to say that to do so, means "living every moment."  Just judging by the way these guys workout, I know Phil lives this.  There's nothing half-ass about the way they tackle the stairs, so I know they must tackle life with the same intensity.  "The pursuit of love and kindness," Sean said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Phil and Sean something about themselves which they would consider to be a success.  Phil responded, "my career."  "Family," Sean answered.

Once again, I'm thankful for this project for giving me a reason to actually stop to talk with people I've been seeing for months.  We've exchanged "nods" or quick "hi's," but we've never talked.  How many people do we continue to pass by on a daily basis?

Day 360 - Sanman

This is Sanman.  We also met at Mt. Tabor, where he had just finished a run.  He confessed that he doesn't like running, but his friends have encouraged him that he'll learn to love running once he becomes a stronger runner.  So, he's convincing himself to become a runner by running until he loves it.  His long term goal is to finish a marathon.

I asked Sanman the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "just talking to my family every day."

Sanman's recent act of kindness is that he donated things to a homeless shelter.

"To eventually get away from the day-to-day routine and enjoy the smaller, simple things in life," Sanman said, is his life's purpose.  Sanman has reached the point in his life where his hard work has earned the financial security to start enjoying life and his hobbies such as climbing.  Sanman wants to travel, and we joked/dreamed of being able to buy a private island.

Day 361 - T.J.

This is T.J.  He was the third Tabor person in a row.  He was just starting to warm-up for his workout.

"My own business," T.J. said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  He's started his own clothing line.

I asked T.J. if he had recently performed an act of kindness. "Every day," T.J. answered, most recently was holding the door open for people.

"To always do the best that I can do," T.J. said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked T.J. something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "my drive."

Day 362 - Nick

This is Nick.  He was waiting at the bus stop when we met.  This particular spot has been a challenge to me throughout the entire project.  Actually, there are a few ares in this one particular block which have challenged me.  My solution has been to avoid those spots whenever possible, but there have been times when the only subjects I could find, were in those troublesome spots.  I just had to figure out how to make it work.  When I got home to prepare Nick's picture to be Instagrammed, I was so disappointed.  362 days into the project and I still got hammered by a ball cap and the weird lighting thing that happens in that one particular spot.  I felt as if I hadn't learned a darn thing!  I may have blown the shot, but at least I've learned enough to know how to rescue the picture in lightroom. I was able to correct the exposure enough to see Nick's eyes.  Phew!

I asked Nick the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "my girlfriend is starting college."

Nick is a chef and he's working in a food cart.  His recent act of kindness is that he gave extra food to a homeless person and the recipient was extremely appreciative of the meal.

I asked Nick if he had a personal mission statement. Nick explained that when he was in school to become a Chef, they had a similar assignment, but how it related to their food.  Nick said, when people eat my food, "I want them to feel like they've fucked."  We laughed and Nick said, "I don't know if you can say that, but that's what I want."   Nick then clarified that I couldn't change the words to be "made love," because that's something different.  Nick has dreams of opening his own business some day. He told me a little about his plans and I'm excited for him.  He already has a clear vision, so I suspect he'll be up and running soon!

"Surviving the struggle," Nick said, is something about himself which he considers to be a success.

Day 363 - Ophelia Darkly

I had been wandering around in search of a subject when I reached the same bus stop where I struggled with Nick's picture the day before.  It's like I was being taunted, or tempted,  by that very same troublesome spot.  Ophelia was facing away from me when I approached the bus stop but I was determined to try to do better than I had done the day before.

I approached Ophelia and asked if I could take her picture.  When she turned to look at me, she revealed her amazing style.  I could tell she was conflicted, but it wasn't for the reason I would have expected.  She explained she's actually a professional model.  I understood.  She didn't even have to explain more...I got it.  Not only had I accidentally asked to take the picture of a professional Model, but I would not be compensating her for it.  Modeling is her profession.  Also, she was putting a great deal of trust in a complete stranger, a complete amateur at that.  She agreed to let me take her picture and when she did so, I became completely nervous. How many times have you heard me say that it's very easy to take a bad picture of a beautiful person?  I didn't want to blow it!  I confessed to Ophelia that knowing that she's a model was making me nervous.

When not in front of the camera, Ophelia comes across as a sweet and cute Portland girl, (although she's actually from Chicago) with excellent style.  The minute she got in front of the camera - BAM!!!!  She became Ophelia Darkly.  This whole other edgy persona emerged.  She went from being a sweet young woman waiting at the bus stop, to becomming this WOW persona.  I was stunned.  I think I even shook my head and said something like, "ok, yeah, I can tell you're a model."   I've learned in this project - NEVER discount the art of modeling.  An actual transformation occurs within a model which is so subtle that you can't even detect that it's happening, but the results are powerful and unmistakable when you see it in your viewfinder. It is indeed an art and a talent, and it is special and unique.

"I'm in love," Ophelia declared, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  At this point, the dark and edgy persona was a little more sunshine-y and the person in front of me was a cute young girl in love.

I asked Ophelia if she had recently performed an act of kindness and she explained that her friend's car was just towed from her apartment and she paid to have the car released because her friend didn't have the money, and she felt she should since the car had been towed while the friend was there visiting her.

"There's nothing greater than art, whatever that means to you," Ophelia said, is her personal mission statement.

I asked Ophelia something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she answered being "self-employed since December."  You can check out more of Ophelia's stunning work on her Model Mayhem site and her Etsy shop.

Ophelia was bitten by a dog when she was a child and as a result, she has a scar on her lip.  She was determined to be a model and to not let the scar prevent her from fulfilling the dream.  She went on to say that now, the scar is often just photoshopped out and it hasn't been an obstacle.  I explained to Ophelia that I'm a complete beginner and I don't even know how to do a quality edit to remove the scar, and basically asked her if it was ok to use an un-edited photo showing the scar.  She agreed.  I was so mesmerized by Ophelia's eyes that I hadn't noticed the scar.  I know, I know, this is something a photographer should see - but you would have been as entranced by her eyes and transformation as I was.  I understand in her profession that her childhood scar would often be re-touched to the point where it doesn't exist, but now that I see it and know the story, it is part of Ophelia Darkly.  Ophelia Darkly exists in spite of, or maybe because of, the scar on her face.

Wishing you success, Ophelia!

Day 364 - James

This is James.  He's in town, staying with Becki and Brent, to receive a promotion to Navy Chief Select.  We've actually known each other since grade school!

I couldn't figure out why my friend Becki was so interested in when I would be taking the pictures for day 364 and day 365.  When I couldn't give her an answer,  she told me that James was in town and suggested that I come over to take his picture for the project. I didn't want to impose on their plans so I started to pass on the invitation. After giving it some thought, I realized it would be great to have James as a subject!   I told her I'd be right over.  When I arrived, she told me she had something to show me. Becki told me that it was going to be a surprise which she wanted to present to me on Day 365, but she realized it just couldn't be possible.  She led me to her laptop, where on her screen I could see each and every picture I had taken this past year.  I was a little confused, but then it all made sense.  She had been poaching every single picture from the blog, organizing them, and she was preparing to have a photo book printed of every subject in the entire project!   It explained her persistence and why she needed to know when I would be taking my last pictures.  Since I didn't even know myself, I made it impossible for her to get the last few pictures in the book in time to present to me at a celebration dinner we're having tonight.  I started crying.  This is the nicest and most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me in my entire life.  I'm so thankful to have friends like this in my life.

Although Becki had ulterior motives, I'm so glad she let me know that James was in town.  He looks like the same kid I remember.

"My kids growing up," James said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked James if he had recently performed an act of kindness and he said that he had just bought coffee for someone.

"To always do the right thing" and "to enrich someone's life in some way," James answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement. James said that he knows it seems cliche, but that's how he tries to live his life.

I asked James something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "my kids."

Thank you, James, for being in this project!  Wishing you lots of happiness!

Here's a summary of the personal mission statements and the life's purpose of the subjects from this week:

• I go the direction Creator takes me.
• My purpose in life is to serve others.
• Living every day to the fullest.
• The pursuit of love and kindness.
• To eventually get away from the day-to-day routine and enjoy the smaller, simple things in life.
• To always do the best that I can do.
• There's nothing greater than art, whatever that means to you.
• To always do the right thing.
• To enrich someone's life in some way.

Thank you to every single person in this project, and to you, for following along on this amazing ride!  It's not over yet!

See you next week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 51

Wow!  We're finished with week 51 of The 365 Day People picture project!  (Technically, there are 8 days left in the project.) I've found myself continuing to get pretty emotional when I think about this past year.  I confess... I've had to shut off my thoughts because I get a little too overwhelmed when I think about all of the people I've met this year.  At this moment, I'm not feeling the sense of accomplishment that I thought I would feel. However, the project isn't over yet and admittedly, I've had to turn down the volume on my emotions just to get through this.  Have you or a friend ever had plans to move away and you start to miss someone before they're even gone?  I feel like that.  I'm missing people I haven't even met yet.  This feeling tells me that I can't be done with this yet.  But on the other hand, I am pretty tired. I don't know what to do, exactly, but we have an entire 8 days for inspiration to strike.

Day 351 - Franklin

This is Franklin.  He was just about to change clothes to race in the Vancouver Courthouse Criterium. I didn't want to keep him or interfere, so I only asked two questions.

In real life, he was about as nice as could be, but I liked this picture because he looked like a fierce competitor, with a serious "game face."

"Being successful going to school," Franklin said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Franklin if he had a personal mission statement or could define his life's purpose and he replied, "to be dedicated and self motivated."

Day 352 - Ben

This is Ben.  We met at the stairs at Mt. Tabor Park.  I asked Ben the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "work...work is going well."

I asked Ben if he had recently performed an act of kindness.  He replied, "I sure hope so!"  After thinking about it, he said that he's given a lot of his stuff away.

"Doubts are traitors," Ben replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.  He then explained it's an abbreviated quote from Shakespeare.  I learned Ben's statement is shortened from a quote from Measure for Measure;  "Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing attempt."  Wow! This is perfect!  One of the major lessons I've learned this year is to simply attempt.   Things don't have to be perfect...just start.  No matter what it is, just get started and everything will fall into place and work itself out.  We only truly fail, when we fail to even make an attempt.

I asked Ben something about himself which he considers to be a success, and Ben replied, "my family life."

Day 353 - Josh

This is Josh.  "Summertime with family," Josh said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Josh's recent act of kindness is that he helped a friend move.

I asked Josh if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  "Do the generous thing, be generous," Josh answered.

"Not giving up, and seeing things through," Josh replied, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Day 354 - Jason

This is Jason.  He was sitting at a patio table outside of Whole Foods when we met. He  looked so content and interesting.  When I asked if I could take his picture, I sort of just sat down and made myself comfy at his table, hoping he would agree.

Jason asked if he could do something in the photo. I asked what he had in mind.  He thought a moment and explained that he wanted to cover his face in a Patti Smith like move.  I was hesitant and explained to Jason that I really wanted to see his eyes.  Jason asked if I could use more than one picture and I said, "yes, it's my project so I can do whatever!"  We reached a compromise that I would use both a picture of him covering his face, and also a portrait.

Jason gave me several different pictures of himself covering his face in various different ways.  I attempted a few portraits but I wasn't confident I had captured a picture.  We moved onto the "interview" and after, I was going to take a few more pictures.

I asked Jason the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "psychotherapy."  Jason explained, "I'm learning how to inhabit my body in my own psychic world."

When I asked Jason if he had recently performed an act of kindness, I didn't quite understand his answer at first.  After thinking about it and reaching an understanding of what he meant, I felt a little silly for not understanding immediately.  Jason explained that earlier, he saw a crow get hit by a car.  He was sad and worried for the crow, but he couldn't stop in traffic to help the bird. He was able to see that although injured, the crow didn't die. Jason was feeling sad for the crow, and sorry that he couldn't stop to help.  He said he finally just had to forgive himself, forgive the crow.  (From the way Jason described it, I like to imagine the crow  just being a little dazed but that he was trying to shake it off, collect himself and then go on about the business of being a crow.)

One might think that a story such as this would have taken a different turn, one in which you rescue the bird with the help of the Audubon Society.  But what if you couldn't?  What if you couldn't stop to help the crow?  That feeling of helplessness and guilt can stick with a person and leave an impact, especially to people who are sensitive to others.  Whether it our inability to help an injured bird, or something else, sometimes we let situations affect us so intensely that we're weighed down by the guilt.  I finally understood what I didn't understand when Jason first answered the question.  Jason had to let go.  Jason had to be kind to himself.  Jason's act of kindness was in not allowing himself to be swallowed by guilt and regret for being unable to stop to ensure the bird was safe.

When I asked Jason if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one, he answered, "to remove the prohibitions from my life and to become fully embodied in the world."

It was right about this time when Jason greeted someone who I sensed had just come upon us from behind me.  He said to her, "I'm being interviewed."  Jason then introduced me to Faith, his girlfriend.  Faith joined us at the table and we resumed.

I asked Jason something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he thought for a moment and then answered, "I've got a great array of shirts."  I laughed, and asked, "T-shirts or button dress shirts?"  Faith joined in and confirmed that he does indeed have great shirts.  With Faith's help, he refined his answer to be, "I have a well-curated collection of button-down shirts."  We all laughed and I agreed that it would be nice to be able to go to your closet and know that you're happy with everything in it.

After our interview, it was time to take a few more "portraits."  As I was taking a picture, I was struck with the intense sadness in Jason's eyes, which I hadn't noticed before.  I said to Jason, "you look so sad."  Jason responded, "I am. I'm a sad guy."  I felt for him.  We had been having a pleasant conversation, but as soon as I became aware of the sadness in Jason's eyes, I couldn't focus on anything but that.  Wanting to help lift his mood, I asked Jason if he could just try to fake happiness for just a moment.  I assured Jason that if he could fake it for a moment, he could trick his brain into actually feeling happiness.  Faith confirmed, "yes, it's how the brain works."  I validated the effectiveness of faking it, as as I often trick myself into happiness!  Jason agreed. He would fake happiness.

I asked Faith to join in the picture.  Jason was attempting to give a convincing performance of happiness, and then it happened...happiness happened.

We continued to visit for a little while longer and I learned that it was Faith's Birthday.  They were going to a movie at the Hollywood Theatre.  I gestured to Whole Foods and asked if they were going to get birthday cake.  They considered it, and then decided it was hot, and instead, they wanted birthday Kombucha.  I could see that both Faith and Jason were both happy, and I was happy too.

As I was walking back to my car, I recalled a line from the movie Vanilla Sky -  "I think she's the saddest girl to ever hold a martini."  I imagined Faith and Jason as they were heading into the store to get birthday kombucha, and thought, "I think he's the saddest boy to ever hold a kombucha."  I was feeling regret at not having asked for their contact info so that I could check in on them in the future.  I was feeling protective and motherly.  I want Jason to be happy, genuinely happy.  I realized that Jason is going to be just fine.  Jason's got a well thought out mission, he's finding himself and he's helping himself, and he's got great shirts.  Everything is going to be ok.  I have faith, and so does he.

Day 355 - Kim

This is Kim.  She and her companion were sitting on the benches at the Park & Ride bus station.  They looked like they were just as content as they would have been were they sitting on lounge chairs at the beach.  The sun was shining from behind them and I soaked in their contentment for a moment before approaching them to ask if I could take their picture.  Kim's companion encouraged her to take the picture alone.

I asked Kim the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "a new relationship."

Kim's recent act of kindness is that she gave a young homeless girl a bus ticket.

I asked Kim if she had a personal mission statement or if she could define her life's purpose.  "To see all three of my girls graduate from college, and make it," Kim answered, is her life's purpose.  Kim has raised three daughters as a single mom.  Two daughters have already graduated from college and one is still in high school, but she already has her sights set on art school!  This is an amazing accomplishment for any family, but especially when you're a single parent.  When I asked Kim something about herself which she considers to be a success, she replied, "raising three girls, single."

Wishing success to Kim and her girls!

Day 356 - Justin

This is Justin. He was outside the Hollywood Theater, waiting for a friend.  Justin agreed to let me take his picture as I was only 5 words into the explanation of the project.  I love it when I meet someone who is so agreeable!  They don't even need to know why I would ask to take their picture, they just "get it."

"I went to the river today," Justin answered, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

"Treat everyone around you like you treat yourself, and if you don't treat yourself well, try to," Justin said, is his personal mission statement.

When I asked Justin something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he was hesitant to answer. I persisted.  Justin then answered, "I'm good to other people, and good at understanding other people."  We agreed he was successful at having empathy.

Day 357 - Xolani and Guy

This is Xolani (left) and Guy (right).   I spotted them just hanging out at Esther Short Park, in Vancouver.  I sat down to join them on the grass as soon as they agreed to let me take their picture.

I asked them about the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and Xolani answered first, "learning how to code."  Guy explained that would be his answer too.  They're both in the same program in Portland.  I've never met anyone who is so enthusiastic about writing code.  Not only is it cool to see them so happy and passionate about code, but it was actually contagious and I was happy for them and everything they were about to accomplish.

I asked if they had performed a recent act of kindness.  Xolani's recent act of kindness is that he's given money to homeless people.  Guy's recent act of kindness is that after finding an iPhone, he spent close to an hour trying to figure out if he could get past the security lock on the phone in order to reach the owner's contacts, and then call one of those contacts to inform them he had found the phone and is trying to track down the owner.  There's no way to manually unlock the security code, but Guy was able to figure out that he could access the contacts by using Siri, via voice command.  Guy picked a common name, just hoping the owner would know someone by that common name, and instructed Siri to call that common named person.  It worked!  The owner did in fact know someone by that name!  The person answered the call and Guy explained he had found the phone and was trying to track down the owner.  The person was able to tell Guy the owner's name, and it turned out to be a neighbor.

I asked the pair if they had a personal mission statement or if they could think of one.  Xolani answered, "to be happy and not tread on other people's happiness.  Live and let live."   Guy answered, "to live with nothing."   Guy went on to explain that while he was traveling abroad, someone once asked him, "what do you have?"  Guy considered the question and realized, "I have nothing."  Guy explained his answer further in "not needing to have anything to feel good about myself and my situation."  It seems to me, when you reach that level of enlightenment, you truly discover that you have everything you need.

I asked the friends something about themselves which they would consider to be a success.  Xolani replied, "I finished my degree" and also, "I'm taking risks."   Xolani was, at one time, terrified of risk.  He said that until recently, he was just "going with the flow."  He challenged himself to "go outside of normality", which for him, meant leaving his home in South Africa to journey here and learn how to write code.  Xolani answered, "the fact that I'm here right now."  Guy also explained that he's successful at coding.  They both share respect and admiration for the process of learning how to build something from scratch.  They explained that although coding isn't actually something tangible, the results are. Guy is able to look back on on where he started and see his progress to where he is now.

I enjoyed meeting  Xolani and Guy.  They both dream of being able to travel the world and their new skill will facilitate in making this a reality.  Of course, Guy will be traveling lightly. After a few more pictures, I put away my journal and just visited for a little while longer.  Once again, it felt like I was just hanging out with friends and not a couple strangers I had just met.

Wishing you to both the best of luck and success!

Here's a summary of the mission statements and life's purpose of the subjects from this week:

• To be dedicated and self motivated.
• Doubts are traitors
• Do the generous thing, be generous
• To remove the prohibitions from my life and to become fully embodied in the world.
• To see all three of my girls graduate from college, and make it.
• Treat everyone around you like you treat yourself, and if you don't treat yourself well, try to.
• To be happy and not tread on other people's happiness.  Live and let live.
• To live with nothing -not needing to have anything to feel good about myself and my situation.

Thank you for following along, and my sincere thanks to each of the subjects in this project for sharing your time and a snippet of your life with us.  If you've been a subject in this project and you would like a copy of your picture, please be sure to e-mail me and I would be happy to e-mail your picture to you!

Have a great week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 50

Hello, and thank you for checking in on week 50, of The 365 Day People Picture Project. If you're just checking in for the first time, I challenged myself to take a picture of a person, every single day, for an entire year.  When I started this project, a year seemed like so long that I couldn't even allow myself to imagine the end.  I could only focus on one day at a time, otherwise it seemed an impossible challenge.  Now that we're down to only two weeks left in the project, it seems like the past 50 weeks have flown by and I'm not ready for the project to end.

Let's just get down to business, shall we?

Day 344 - Jaisa & Anne

This is Jaisa (left) and Anne (right).  Anne and I went to the same high school in Southern Oregon, and coincidentally, ended up moving and living within a few miles of each other in the Northwest! We had no idea we were even in the same town, but my co-worker's son played on the same sports team as Anne's sons, and one day they both connected the dots and realized they had a mutual acquaintance...me!

Jaisa and I were co-workers for several years.  Jaisa was 18, going on 28, when we started working together.

Anne has been a project-saver several times this past year.  There were several days, especially during the winter months, when I couldn't find a person, or it was just too stormy to go outside in search of a subject.  On those days, I'd meet up with Anne and her friends and find a subject at a bar/pub.  Were it not for Anne, I'm sure there were days I would have just thrown in the towel!

It was Anne's birthday and I wanted to finally get her picture for the project.  Jaisa had politely brushed me off the other times I'd asked  her, so this day - I finally got them both!

I asked them both the same questions as always, and amazingly, it was quite the therapeutic session for us all.  One that resulted in laughter, tears and hugs.  Not only has this project enabled me to connect with complete strangers, but it even aided in reconnecting with old friends!

"My son and his happiness, and his success and well-being," Jaisa said, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Jaisa is always at the same level - you can't find a more even-tempered person than she.  However, when it comes to her son, her emotions are pure, raw, and intense. Her love for him has been evident since the day I first met her, some 19 years ago.

"My Birthday, surrounded by friends and family, and the boys are doing great," Anne said, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Anne's sons are now both in college and their success gives her joy.  Anne was a star athlete when we were in high school, and her sons take after their mama in that respect!

I asked Anne and Jaisa if they had recently performed an act of kindness.  I was sort of shocked at how much of an impact this question had on them both.  Anne and Jaisa were rather distressed that they couldn't think of an act of kindness.  Jaisa, at one point, said, "I really have to think about this, it's serious to me."  After much consideration, Jaisa responded, "I opened up my home for a friend's wedding reception."  Jaisa was beating herself up that she couldn't think of anything else, but hosting a wedding reception at your house is a huge undertaking and a huge act of kindness.  Anne responded, "I'm always nice to people."  Anne works from home, so other than her cat and her roommate, she doesn't get to interact with people throughout the day, so the opportunities to perform a physical act of kindness, are fewer for her.   When Anne gave her answer, I realized that I have never, ever, heard her say an un-kind word about anyone, and she is always extremely friendly and nice.  Both Anne and Jaisa have devoted the past several years of their lives to raising their sons to be nice young men.  Raising nice young men and sending them out into the world, is an act of kindness for us all.

I asked them both if they had a personal mission statement, or could define their life's purpose.  Jaisa responded, "to be successful and to be a provider for my son's future."  Jaisa went on to say that her life exists for her child and her husband.  Even though her son is now a grown adult and on his own path in life, she still continues to plan for his future, and she wants to be able to leave him with a sense of security.

"To find my future, to find my happy, " Anne said, is her life's purpose.  Anne's focus has been on raising her sons, and on her son's happiness. Now that they're on their own path, she realizes it's time for her to find her own happiness.  She's going to allow herself to be open to possibilities.  "I want to be in a loving relationship," Anne said.

I asked Jaisa and Anne something about themselves which they would consider to be a success.  Jaisa said, "my marriage and my son.  I have the most amazing husband and the most amazing son."  I pushed my friend for even more, and she replied, "I made it through the school of hard knocks."  Jaisa has pushed herself and survived a less-than-ideal childhood, and has gone on to become one fine woman.  She carries herself with confidence and class.  Anne's answer; "my boys - hands down.  They are happy, successful, well-liked people,"  Anne loves it when she hears people saying positive things about her sons, not even knowing that she's their mother.

Thank you, beautiful ladies, for being in this project!

Day 345 - Dave

This is Dave.  He was parked right behind me and we were getting into our cars at the same time.  I took the opportunity to ask him to be in the project.

"I just got married," Dave said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Dave if he had recently performed an act of kindness.  "Nothing's coming to mind," Dave said.  I reminded him that it was an act of kindness that he let me take his picture.

"Never settle for the mediocre," Dave said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Dave something about himself he would consider to be a success.  Dave responded, "I'm a great foosball player."  I laughed and told Dave that had he answered air hockey, then I would have challenged him to a game.

Day 346 - Pete, Nathan and Grace

This is Pete (left), Nathan (center), and Grace (right.)  We met in the crosswalk as I was walking around, looking for a subject.  Knowing there are only a few days left, I pushed myself to take a group photo.  If you've been following along, you know how intimidated I am by group photos.  Ok, so I was secretly hoping one or two of the group would push one person into being the subject of the day, but all three agreed to let me take their picture, so I just had to make it work.

My new lens, a 50mm prime,  is so superior to the kit lenses I've been using.  Its superiority and performance actually bring with it even more challenges than before.  It's so powerful, on auto or any of the scene modes, it beautifully blurs the background. This is desired for a portrait, but not in a group photo.  If not set correctly, a group photo taken with the new lens will result in the person who is closest being in focus, but everyone else will be blurred.  The day before meeting these three, I had attended a very beginner photography class and the main take-away from the class, was that I need to push myself. (Yes, I know - pretty ridiculous that I finally took a photography class just days before the project ends.)  I need to stop being scared and intimidated and just experiment.  Having gained a little confidence from the class and knowing the challenges I was facing with the group and the lens, I was able to properly change settings and get a picture.  Yes, composition was lacking, but I was happy to get three people, in the frame, and have them each be in focus.  I chose this picture in particular, because Grace's genuine look of happiness on her face, makes me feel happy.  I don't think you can look at these three and not feel happiness and fun!

I asked them each the happiest thing happening in their lives right now.  Pete responded, "just everything in general.  I'm feeling less anxious."  Nathan, an artist, answered, "just painting."  Grace said, "I just moved into a new apartment."  Grace is happy she now has her own room!

I asked Pete something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  "work, my career," Pete answered.

I asked Nathan if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  "focus on art, keep doing art, never stop doing art," Nathan responded.

I asked Grace if she had recently performed an act of kindness.  Her recent act of kindness is that she gave a gift of a drawing she had made, to a person she didn't even know very well.  She also returned her roommate's act of kindness by making him a cup of tea.

Day 347 - Samir Gonzales

This is Samir Gonzales.

I asked Samir the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "that it's summer!"

Samir's recent act of kindness is that when he spotted someone breaking into a car in the parking lot, he got the license plate number of the suspects and called the police.  The police were able to apprehend the suspects a few blocks away!

I asked Samir if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot. Samir responded, "stay happy."

"I've gone through a lot of hard stuff this year and I've gotten through it," Samir responded, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Update on the Person from Day 2 - Trenton

This is Trenton.  He was day #2 in this project!! We just happened to run into each other!

After I had finished taking Samir's picture and as I was walking back to my car, I spotted a familiar looking person.  As we crossed each other in the crosswalk, I asked, "hey, what's your name?"  He responded back, "you took my picture!"  We stopped to visit and I couldn't help but notice the beautiful baby in his arms.  I asked Trenton if he had his baby when I had taken his picture.  Trenton said that he learned he was going to be a father right after he had been in the project.  It's been less than a year, but Trenton went from being a young man, to being a man and father.  It was awesome seeing him and his new little one, and I was struck at that moment, just how much things have changed this past year. Changed, yet, the same.  What a cool experience this has been!

Fatherhood looks great on Trenton, and I know he's an excellent Dad.

My husband was day #1 in this project, so Trenton was the first stranger I approached to ask if I could take their picture. Having had such a positive experience with Trenton, set me up with the confidence to carry on.  Trenton was nice and seemed interested in the project. Had I been rejected on the first attempt with a stranger, it's possible I may have bailed on this project before I even really got started.

Day 348 - Tamela

This is Tamela.  Tami is my friend's friend, but that makes her my friend too! We met up at Ecotrust's Sundown Concert Series, to see The Builders and the Butchers. The Builders and the Butchers put on another awesome show!

It's been close to 5 years since I've seen Tami.   It's sort of ironic that we re-connected at a concert together.  Tami is the the whole reason I discovered that I love attending shows/concerts by myself.  Years ago, when I couldn't find anyone who could go to a Lucero show with me, our mutual friend suggested I go alone.  She told me, "just go by yourself, Tami does all the time!"  What?  It's possible for a woman to go to a concert in Downtown Portland, all by her self!?!  I thought sure, Tami could to it.  Tami is Tami.  She oozes confidence and she's a totally uninhibited free spirit.  But, I didn't think attending a show alone was something I could ever consider myself doing.  My love for Lucero out-weighed my personal insecurities and I went to the show alone.  I haven't stopped since!  I've reached the point now, where I prefer going to shows solo.   I'm free to get lost in the music and the moment, without having to be responsible for making sure someone else is having a good time.  I will always be indebted to Tamela for showing me that it's perfectly acceptable for a woman to go out in this world and have fun all by herself!  It's ok to be a lone wolf.

I asked Tamela the happiest thing happening in her life and she first responded, "I love this question! I ask people this question all the time!"  Tami then answered, "my family is my happiest thing; my husband and my dog."

When I asked Tami if she had recently performed an act of kindness, she explained that she's intentionally tried to perform at least 1 act of kindness a day.  Most recently, she paid the toll for someone behind her.

"Spread love, hope, and the possibility that you can have anything you want," Tamela responded, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on-the-spot.  Tami is the type of person who forges her own path in life.  She's always had an entrepreneurial spirt.  She's never let fear of the unknown, or fear of failure, prevent her from doing what she wants.  If she has a business idea, she goes for it!  If she decides things aren't what she wants, she simply changes course.

I asked Tamela something about herself which she considers to be a success.  Tamela replied, "my ability to activate and motivate myself and others... I'm an activator!"  Tamela is a Take Shape for Life coach and she's enjoying the success of her clients and wants to help as many people as possible.

Thank you, Tamela for being in this project!

Day 349 - Dustin

This is Dustin. I just spotted him when I was walking down the street, in search of a subject.

"A new baby," Dustin answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

Dustin works for a coffee company and his recent act of kindness is that he left two bags of coffee on the porch of his new neighbors!  A neighbor who brings you coffee is pretty much the best neighbor in the world.

"Laughter is the key to life," Dustin said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Dustin something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "finding my wife."

Day 350 - Mary

This is Mary.  We met at the 3 Days of Aloha, Hawaiian Festival.

I asked Mary the happiest thing happening in her life right now, and she didn't say a word...she just moved her hands to her tummy, rubbed it, and then the source her beautiful glow became totally obvious to me.  Mary is expecting another baby!

Mary's recent act of kindness is that she added more time to a stranger's parking meter.  She also feels like she's been on the receiving end of other people's kindness because she's received so many gifts.

"Love, loving people," Mary said, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or could think of one on the spot.  Mary's mission statement is influenced by her practice as a Yoga Teacher.

I asked Mary something about herself which she would consider to be a success. Mary said that her daughter is a success, but also that she had gone through some challenges but she was able to remain true to herself.  She didn't let the challenges change her.  "I'm still me."

Best wishes to you and your growing family, Mary!

Here's a summary of the personal mission statements and life's purpose of the subjects from this week:

• To be successful and to be a provider for my son's future
• To find my future, to find my happy.
• Never settle for the mediocre.
• Focus on art, keep doing art, never stop doing art.
• Stay happy.
• Spread love, hope, and the possibility that you can have anything you want
• Laughter is the key to life.
• Love, loving people.

Thank you to each and every subject in this project!  This wouldn't exist without your willingness to share a little bit of yourself with us.  Thank you!  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you would like for me to e-mail your picture to you.

Thank you for following along with me on this project.  Your interest and encouragement helped to carry me along when I questioned myself for even starting such an undertaking!

Have a great week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 49

Hello, and thank you for checking in on week 49 of The 365 Day People Picture Project.  Can you believe we only have 3 weeks left? I get teary-eyed when I think about the project ending. I know it seems silly, but I can't help it.  The tears seem to come from someplace where I don't have the ability to turn off the spigot. Again, it is very much like a marathon.  I don't know what it is, but tears just happen and they seem to happen anywhere from around mile 21, all the way through the finish line.

I have a very athletic, manly-man friend who's completed a few marathons and right before my first, he prepared me that there will be waterworks.  He told me he cried like a little baby as he was finishing his first marathon!  It's just such a labor of love, and you give so much of yourself...the tears just happen.  Given my manly-man friend cried, I figured it was ok when I cried too.  These project-is-ending tears must be coming from that same well from which the marathon tears flow.  The end is in sight.  I want to finish strong.  Although every cell in my body wants to cross that finish line, I also don't want this feeling to end.

Day 337 - Jami, my Sister

I made another quick trip home to Southern Oregon last weekend and after two, back-to-back, trips home, I've realized I need to make the trip more often.  Weeks turn into months, and months turn into years, and it's been years since I had last seen my Sister.

I asked Jami the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "seeing you."  We laughed and I persisted because I wanted to learn the real scoop.  Jami then said, "the success of my children."

I asked Jami if she had recently performed an act of kindness and she jokingly responded, "I'm ornerier than heck!"  Again we laughed.  Jami said that she lets people go in front of her at the grocery store, and that she let elders go in front of her in the food line at a gathering we had just attended the day before.

I asked Jami if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot, and she replied, "to have empathy for others, and to grow on a daily basis."  Jami went on to say that she's trying to look beyond herself, in attempt to see the perspective of others.

"I never give up," Jami said, is something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  She then questioned her answer, saying she's not sure if that's good or bad.  Jami and I share that trait and I understand it can be both a blessing and a curse.

Technically, Jami is my half-sister and she lived in California when I was growing up.  I can recall two specific pictures which sparked my fascination with photography, before I even knew I had one.  One of the those photographs was of Jami.  I think the picture must have been taken by my Dad, or one of my Brothers.  Jami had the most perfect 70's hair - long with a center-part.  I looked at that picture often since I didn't have Jami close in proximity.  I looked at that picture so often, my memory of how Jami looked was replaced by my memory of how she looked in that picture.  The photograph became Jami, and Jami became the photograph.  It's difficult to explain, but maybe you understand exactly what I'm talking about.  Before the project ends, I'll share with you the other picture which piqued my interest in photography.

Jami - I love you, and thank you for being in the project!

Day 338 - Isis Estela 

This is Isis.  We met just walking down the street.  I asked Isis the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "just moving here."  Isis is new to Portland, having just arrived from Seattle.

I asked Isis if she had recently performed an act of kindness and she explained that she's editing a book for a friend.  Wow!  That's quite a laborious act of kindness and I'm sure her friend must be grateful!  You can read some of Isis' writing on her blog.  

"Love, laugh, learn, live," Isis replied, is her personal mission statement.

I asked Isis one thing about herself which she would consider to be a success and she replied, "my life up until now."

Wishing Isis lots of luck and happiness in Portland!

Day 339 - Kaely & Jake

This is Kaely & Jake.  They were waiting for a friend to arrive at Mt. Tabor park.

I asked Kaely the happiest thing happening in her life right now and after much consideration, she replied, "the summer and the sunshine!"  I'm noticing when people answer, "summer", it's like a catch-all for all of the events, activities, happiness and good times we  have during the summer months.

The most recent act of kindness which Kaely could recall performing, was that she held the door open for a person who had their hands full.

I asked Kaely if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot. Kaely explained that while on a recent hike with friends, they spent time defining their personal mission statement and life's purpose.  Kaely answered, "to tread lightly, make the most of every day, and to make things easier for others."

One thing about herself which Kaely would consider to be a success, is her involvement with the Forest Grove Farmers Market.  Kaely manages the market and she's enjoyed seeing it evolve from a small farmers market, into a large community event.

Day 340 - Andrew

This is Andrew.  We met outside of Velo Cult as I was walking by in search of a subject.

"Cooking and moving to Portland," Andrew said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  Andrew is a chef, in town from Austin,  and he'll soon be moving to Portland.  While in town, he staged ("tried out") as a chef at one of Portland's most popular restaurants.  He knows he won't be working there as they're at capacity, but he's optimistic he met a few excellent connections and his networking will result in a job soon!

I asked Andrew if he had recently performed an act of kindness.  Andrew said that he was an Eagle Scout and they're to "do a good turn daily."  Andrew's most recent act of kindness is that he complimented a man on his bike, and then struck up a conversation with the stranger.  They ended up having a lengthy conversation.  Andrew is quite personable and friendly, so I can imagine he maintains the "do a good turn daily" code, simply by being himself.

"Go with motivated people," Andrew replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.  This is such good advice!  When you surround yourself with people who make things happen, you can't help but to absorb some of their energy and you'll soon find that you're also making things happen for yourself!

I asked Andrew one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success.  He replied, "my knives are sharp."  Ha!  I don't know much about cooking, but I do know that a good chef takes care of his knives as they're critical tools for their trade.  Andrew said he had the sharpest knives at the tryouts!

Wishing you luck and success, Andrew!

Day 341 - Carl and Max

This is Carl (left) and Max (right.)  They were just finishing up their job canvasing outside the library.  I was still smiling hours after meeting these two!

I asked the two the happiest thing happening in their lives right now.  Carl answered, "hanging out with this other free spirit I met recently."   Max explained that although he's currently between employment, he's taking it as a blessing and as an opportunity to find something he really wants to do.  I love Max's optimism and that he's finding a silver lining, even in a difficult time.  I have no doubt he'll soon find the perfect job!

I asked the guys if they had recently performed an act of kindness.  Carl replied, "I gave a homeless person change today."  Carl then explained that he's generally a nice person.  He smiles at people and tells them he loves them.  Max said, "I've been a much better son to my Mother."  After talking with the guys a while, and answering their questions about this project, Carl said, "I love you for doing this."  Carl genuinely loves people.  When he said he tells people he loves them, he wasn't just talking about friends and family. I have no doubt that he tells complete strangers that he loves them, because I experienced it!  Part of this project, for me, has been about rediscovering love for people and restoring my faith in people.  I'm not quite as evolved as Carl yet, so in response to his statement, I said, "I love the interaction we're having."

I asked the two if they had a personal mission statement, or if they could define their life's purpose.  Carl responded, "to be the most wonderful, loving father in the world."  Max replied, "whether I fail or succeed, I'd like to make a positive difference in the world."

When I asked something about themselves they would consider to be a success, Carl responded, "I broke my family's cycle of abuse."  Max answered, "that I've made it to age 20 without being a very rude and angry person."

I almost didn't approach Carl and Max because there were two of them. You know how I struggle with group pictures - even when it's just a group of two.  I'm so glad I set aside my apprehension and approached these two!  We pass by so many strangers on any given day, but if we only stopped to interact with some of those friends we haven't met yet, we might just find they will change our lives. Or, perhaps we will change theirs.  At the very least, we can start a little ripple of happiness.

Day 342 - Reanna

This is Reanna.  She was waiting for the bus when we met.

"I'm a Mom of a 2 year old," Reanna answered, when I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

When I asked Reanna if she had recently performed an act of kindness, she said that she does little things all the time but she was having trouble thinking of an answer.  Then it hit her, "I bought a friend a milkshake!"

"Being the best that I can be, not just for myself, but for my Son," Reanna answered, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or could define her life's purpose.  Reanna then clarified that everything she does, is for her Son.

"I'm a good Mom, and the fact that I can see the glass is half-full," Reanna answered, when I asked something about herself which she would consider to be a success.

Day 343 - Ralph

This is Ralph.  He was passing time at the park along the Columbia River, while he was waiting to meet a blind date at a restaurant down the way.

When I asked Ralph the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he joked that maybe it was about to happen!  He then went on to say that his Dad gave him a musical education when he was younger and it still brings him happiness.  He had just played the night before.

I asked Ralph if he had recently performed an act of kindness. Ralph's profession gives him the opportunity to give kindness.  He helps people to feel better. He performs body work, massage, and acupuncture.

"Help deserving people," Ralph answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement.

"I've retained my inner child," Ralph answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  Ralph's date is in for a fun evening with this young-at-heart man!

Ralph was so nice and personable, I'm confident his date was a success. At least on his part!  I got a chuckle after leaving Ralph, thinking that if any awkward silence happened during the date, maybe Ralph could fill it by telling his date how he had just been photographed and interviewed by a complete stranger in the park.

I turned a corner with Ralph.  This is one of my favorite pictures.  Well, I guess we'll see if I've truly turned that corner or if I was just lucky with Ralph.  I got a new lens, and finally forced myself out of my comfort zone and changed some camera settings. It's been so intimidating to experiment with camera settings during this project. For one, I simply don't know what I'm doing.  Secondly, I'm usually under intense time pressures to get in, get a picture, and get out.  People don't have all day for me to figure out my camera, or I've had to race to get a picture before their bus arrived.  I also can't afford to fail.  I had to get a shot, every single day! All of this pressure and lack of knowledge and practice, caused me to get quite complacent where I was and prevented me from trying to improve.  I've been reading and studying so much, it was time I finally implemented some of what I've been learning.  I'm pleased with the result and I'm so excited to finish out these next few weeks. I had a little more time with Ralph than I have with most people, but I'm going to continue to push to see if I can get some marked improvement these last three weeks.

Here's a summary of the life's purpose and/or personal mission statements from this week's subjects:

• To have empathy for others, and to grow on a daily basis.
• Love, laugh, learn, live.
• To tread lightly, make the most of every day, and to make things easier for others.
• Go with motivated people.
• To be the most wonderful, loving father in the world.
• Whether I fail or succeed, I'd like to make a positive difference in the world.
• Being the best that I can be, not just for myself, but for my Son.
• Help deserving people.

Thank you to all of the subjects in this project!  Thank you for your kindness in letting me take your picture, and for sharing a little of yourself with us.

Thank you for following along another week!  Do you have any ideas for me? What would you like to see next? I welcome your input and would love to hear any ideas you may have for the next 365 days!

Wishing you an awesome week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 48

Hello! Week 48 of The 365 Day People Picture Project is now finished. Only 4 more weeks to go!

I haven't decided exactly what I'm going to do after the project is over. I'm hooked and not ready to give it up! I just want to improve and do it better next time.

Did you get to check in on Hana's first week of her 365 People project?  Hana inspired me so much in her first week!  Feeling inspired by Hana, I even changed up my "style" on a few of the photos from this week.

Day 330 - Tom

This is Tom.

I asked Tom the happiest thing happening in his life right now and Tom replied, "being a Christian and watching trains."  I met Tom down near the Columbia River.  He likes spending time there to watch the trains on the nearby track, and watch the planes landing and departing from the airport, which is just a little east of there.  I hadn't thought of it before, but Tom made me realize that from that particular spot on the river, one could get their fill of train-watching, plane-watching, boat-watching, bird-watching, people-watching, and even sunset-watching!

"I drive a bus for the church," Tom answered, when I asked if he had recently performed an act of kindness.

I asked Tom if he had a personal mission statement or if he could define his life's purpose.  Tom said that being a Christian, his life's purpose is "living for the Lord."

"I love music," Tom answered, when I asked something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  Tom sings baritone.

Day 331 - Devaun

This is Devaun.  We met at Mt. Tabor Park.  I had just finished my walk and Devaun was mid-workout/run, but he paused long enough to let me take his picture.

"Knowing who I am," Devaun said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Devaun if he had recently performed an act of kindness and he explained that he frequently gives people money.  He feels compelled to give money to the homeless people he meets on the street.

I asked Devaun if he had a personal mission statement or if he could define his life's purpose.   Devaun's initial response to the question was "to find who we are and what we're here for."

This opened up a conversation with Devaun in which we talked about how we can sometimes be distracted by so many things that we lose sight of our true purpose for being, and we lose sight of spirituality.   Devaun pointed out that we can get lost in our materialistic pursuits.  At one point, Devaun apologized and said he didn't want to scare me off by what he was saying.  I assured Devaun that I love conversations such as the one we found ourselves in, and again, I was struck that Devaun and I were complete strangers but within moments, we were sharing an honest and meaningful conversation.   It was clear to me that Devaun is a thinker and he's given serious consideration to life and humanity.

Devaun and I worked to see if we could expand on his mission statement from the conversation we were having.  We decided on:  "to be focused on finding your life's purpose and connecting with your spiritual side."

I asked Devaun something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "helping people and and making people happy." Devaun's job as a personal trainer enables him to do both.

Day 332 - David

This is David.  I've been seeing him around Mt. Tabor for a few years, but we hadn't actually said "hi" to one another until now.  This project has given me the opportunity to actually talk with some of the walkers and runners I see regularly.

I asked David the happiest thing happening in his life right now and David said, "training for Portland to Coast!"  This is David's 14th Portland to Coast race!  Everyone on David's team is over 50 years old!

I asked David if he had recently performed an act of kindness and David explained that that he visits his terminally ill Brother, every week, who is in an assisted living facility which is about an hour away.

When I asked David if he had a personal mission statement, or could define his life's purpose.  He went on to explain that he didn't really have a mission statement but David is grateful just being able to get out of bed every morning.  He's experienced the deaths of a lot of friends and family, and he makes it a point to really live life as a way to honor those who are no longer here.

I asked David something about himself which he would consider to be a success and David responded, "doing the walk for 14 years!"  This is a huge and impressive accomplishment! Good luck to you and your team, David!

Day 333 - Joey

This is Joey.  We also met at Mt. Tabor.  Can you tell that I'm getting back on track with my Mt. Tabor workouts?  Joey had just arrived to the park and was on his way to shoot hoops.

I asked Joey the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he said, "my job playing music!"

When I asked Joey if he had recently performed an act of kindness, he explained that the reason he was in town had been so that he could care for his Father, who had just passed away.  My heart was broken for Joey.   I had no idea of the personal sadness he had been experiencing because he so bravely found an answer when I had asked about the happiest thing happening in his life.  We truly never know what other people are dealing with.  Joey's outing to shoot hoops was his first real venture back out into activities since his Father's passing and he was seeking a bit of a mental and emotional rest.

I asked Joey if he had a personal mission statement or a life's purpose.  Joey responded, "I'm still finding mine - it's all up to the individual."  Usually, I tend to gently push to see if a little encouragement can help a person to come up with a personal mission statement or help them to define their life's purpose. Considering everything Joey had just gone through - this was more than enough.  He didn't need some stranger asking him about his life's purpose.  At that moment, what he probably needed most, he was about to go do.

"I've learned to adapt to just about any situation I've encountered," Joey said, when I asked him something about himself which he would consider to be a success.  After meeting Joey, even for just a brief moment, I could see that he is a resilient person and I'm wishing him well.

Day 334 - Naomi

This is Naomi.  I spotted her, contently reading a book, while she was waiting for the bus.  I knew instantly that I wanted to ask to take her picture, but I was also concerned the bus would come and take her away before we could even get started.

I approached Naomi and there was no sign of the bus as far as my forgot-my-glasses eyes could see, so I asked if I could take her picture for the project.

She agreed and I did my best to capture a nice portrait while working under the pressure of the impending bus arrival, and the added challenge of the harsh sun.   After getting home to review the pictures, I was disappointed in myself.  Had I made just a few minor adjustments, I could have had a portrait with which both Naomi and I would have been pleased.  Rather than share one of the more portrait-like pictures,  I decided to just share this one with you...a reenactment of how she was when I first spotted her.  She just looks like someone you'd want to talk with!

I asked Namoi the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she responded, "I'm making a graphic novel that I'm exited to work on."

Naomi's most recent act of kindness is that she made medicine, an herbal tincture, for a friend who needed it.

I asked Naomi if she had a personal mission statement or if she could define her life's purpose.  It's unfortunate we were under time pressures, because Naomi is full of wisdom and she's able to articulate her thoughts effortlessly.  Naomi shared the following, "to encourage compassion in all of its forms."  "To encourage people to educate themselves about the world they live in."  "I want to be more compassionate and well-informed."  "To use all means at my disposal to make the world a more kind and more interesting place."

I only met Naomi briefly, but two powerful means at her disposal would be her art, and her ability for eloquent verbal communication.

"The fact that I've lived this long according to my own ideals; survival," Naomi said, is something about herself which she would consider to be a success.  We knew the bus was about to arrive but she quickly explained that she didn't let life, or the world, get her down, change, or kill her.  It is my hope that rather than letting life change or kill the spirit of people like Naomi, people like Naomi will change the world.

Day 335 - Nick

This is Nick.  I was about to hit the road for a drive back home to Southern Oregon and knowing it could possibly be close to midnight before I arrived home, I realized it was urgent I find a subject for the day.  Luckily, I spotted Nick when I was at the gas station!  I gathered he had just finished work for the day and was headed to the river.

I asked Nick the happiest thing happening in his life right now, and he responded, "building homes."  You can see in the picture, Nick's company is Build PDX.  When I asked Nick something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he also answered that it was his business.

Nick's recent act of kindness elevated him to near hero-status for a couple of kids!  He observed that two kids were attempting to buy floaty toys (river/lake toys) but they didn't have enough money for both floaties.  Nick stepped up, covered their purchase and bought the floaties for the kids.

I asked Nick if he had a personal mission statement or could define his life's purpose. Nick replied, "to live a happy life...a comfortable life."

Day 336 - my Aunt Nancy

I've met so many people over the years who have an "Aunt Nancy," and this is mine.  I don't know what it is about all of our "Aunt Nancys," but they're always interesting women!

I asked Aunt Nancy the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "flowers in bloom."  Nancy had just told me a story about how she had been admiring the flowers in her garden so intently, and she was so focused on trying to take a picture of her flowers, that she somehow tripped and took a little stumble and fell right over. Then it struck her that people on the road could see her on the ground. Feeling embarrassed, she hoped that passersby would just think she was doing some weeding.   I know I get my appreciation for nature from my family and where we live.  They call Southern Oregon, "Gods Country," for a reason.   Finally realizing that joy is found in life's simple pleasures such as blooming flowers, green forests, calming rivers and lakes, and colorful sunrises and sunsets - was key to truly finding happiness for me.

I asked Aunt Nancy if she had performed a recent act of kindness and she jokingly said, "people say I'm mean."  We laughed and she said that she's kind to her animals.  My aunt has had animals for as long as I can remember.  More than just pets, she's had a mini-ranch.  Playing with my cousins and their animals are some of my very best childhood memories.

I asked my Aunt Nancy if she had a personal mission statement or if she could define her life's purpose.  She replied that right now, "to stay alive and healthy....keep on keepin' on." Nancy has fought quite the battle against cancer.  She's winning and it's  in remission.  "Being alive," Nancy said, is something about herself she considers to be a success.   She's a 7-year, and counting, survivor.

I can remember going to my Aunt Nancy's for every holiday feast.  Our holiday spread rivaled any of the best Vegas buffets, and when I'm missing my family around the holidays, I confess...I'm also missing my family's cooking!

On my last trip down here, I had been talking with my Aunt and told her I was scared about a situation.  She told me, "don't be scared.  It's not in your blood to be scared."  Aunt Nancy's words struck me so deeply and I've replayed them in my head several times. In a way, I've found courage in her words.  Of course everyone experiences fear at some time.   Everyone is scared at some time. What she was telling me is not to let the fear get the best of me, or paralyze me.   She was telling me to stop giving the fears any of my energy.  I'm sure Nancy was scared throughout the battle with cancer, but being scared wasn't going to help the situation.  She dealt with it.  She was telling me we have the ability to still take action even when we're faced with fear.

I love my Aunt Nancy.  Before I was even old enough to have heard the saying "tough ol' bird," I knew my Aunt Nancy was one.  But I also knew that her love for her family was equally as strong and fierce.

Thank you, Aunt Nancy, for letting me take your picture and for being in this project. Wishing you continued strength and wellness.

Here's a review of the wisdom, life's purpose, and personal mission statements from the subjects this week:

• Live life as a way to honor those who are no longer here.
• Living for the Lord.
• To find who we are and what we're here for.
• To be focused on finding your life's purpose and connecting with your spiritual side.
• To encourage people to educate themselves about the world they live in.
• I want to be more compassionate and well-informed.
• To use all means at my disposal to make the world a more kind and more interesting place.
• To live a happy life...a comfortable life.
• To stay alive and healthy....keep on keeping' on.

Thank you to each of you who have been subjects in this project.  I'm grateful for each and every one of you and wish you happiness!

And thank you for folioing along and for being my partner in this.  Can you believe it?  It's almost over!

See you next week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 47

Hello and welcome to week 47 of The 365 Day People Picture Project!

I want to first mention that I experienced something quite exciting this past week.  I received an e-mail from someone, Hana,  who stumbled upon this project.  She complimented my efforts and said she had also been considering something similar, and wanted to reach out before starting her own project.  Of course I encouraged her to go for it!  Learning that I contributed some inspiration to another person, was pretty much a dream come true for me!

Hana didn't waste any time!  After e-mailing back and forth for just a couple days, she started her own 365 Day project! If you've enjoyed this project, I encourage you to follow @artysci on Instagram and check out her blog at www.artysci.co.uk.  Wishing you luck and success, Hana!

Day 322 - Marietta

This is Marietta.  She had been delayed in her tear-down/pack-up efforts from having worked the Recycled Arts Festival all weekend, so it gave me the perfect opportunity to ask if I could take her picture.  She quickly agreed, and I later learned that she may have been quick to let me take her picture because her son is a photographer.  I love it when I happen to meet photographers or people who have a photographer in their family, because they get it.  They don't think it's weird to have a complete stranger ask for their picture.

I asked Marietta the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she paused for a moment, then looked over to her adorable little schnauzer who was waiting patiently in his kennel, and she replied, "I'm happy that my dog is well."  Her dog had experienced a medical scare but came out on the other side and is doing well.

When I asked Marietta if she had recently performed an act of kindness, she said, "I lost $50 and I'm sure someone must have found it."  I was impressed with her positive outlook.  She's certain someone found it and she hoped it had made their day or that it helped the person who found it.  She genuinely hoped the finder of the lost money was happy and her sincerity was obvious.

"What I put out, I get back," summarized Marietta's personal mission statement.  She explained that she tries to think about what would be good karma in everything that she does.  This helped me to understand Marietta's sincere wish that the person who found her money was helped in some way.

I asked Marietta something about herself which she would consider to be a success and she replied, "that I raised three wonderful boys."

Day 324 - Jonathan

This is Jonathan.  He was so patient with me as we tried to locate the best spot for us to take a picture. The sun was shining brightly and causing the trees to cast shadows everywhere.  We finally had to wedge ourselves in a little alcove behind the bottle recycling machines at Whole Foods.  Jonathan was such a great sport about the weird location of our quick little shoot.

"I'm about to have 6 English Mastiff puppies," Jonathan said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  I can't even imagine the cuteness overload!

Jonathan's recent act of kindness was that he had given someone food.

"To be 100% - mentally, physically and spiritually, all the time," Jonathan said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Jonathan one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "I'm a drummer."  Jonathan is a drummer in a reggae band and here's a video from a while back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG0w4jr_Dpc

Day 325 - Alex

This is Alex.  I went into Plaid Pantry (convenience store) the other day and Juan (from day 236) happily announced that Alex was new and I'd have another new subject for the project!  Alex, before he even knew what he was agreeing to, confirmed that he LOVES having his picture taken!  I laughed and told him I'd be back before the end of the week.

"My music," Alex said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  He debated between answering that it was his girlfriend who was the happiest thing happening in his life, but decided on music.  Alex and his girlfriend are actually in a band together, so he sort of covered both with this answer.

I asked Alex if he had recently performed an act of kindness and he replied, "I work here!"  His job gives him the opportunity to share kindness with his customers who are people from all walks of life.  He then went on to say that most recently, he discovered a bees nest, so he "warned" other pedestrians to stay clear of the bees. (which was an act of kindness for both the people and the bees!)

I asked Alex if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.  Alex replied, "to make people feel again."  Alex went on to explain that he's in 4 bands and he wants to move people with what he says, both on and off stage.

When I asked Alex something about himself which he would consider to be a success, he answered, "I'm in 4 bands!"

Alex's 4 bands are:

1. Alexander S. Hormann - Solo
2. Lazy Finger - The band he's in with his Girlfriend
3. Vince Yawn - Punk
4. Soccer Moms - Alternative

Alex is full of personality and true to his mission statement, he definitely made me feel happier after meeting him!

Day 326 - Luis

This is Luis.  Although I didn't see it, Luis had just taken a spill on his skateboard when I approached him to ask if I could take his picture.  He agreed to let me take his picture, but he was wincing in pain.  I thought I should just let him be, but I could also tell I was a bit of a healthy distraction for him so I decided to carry on.  Luis was sitting on his skateboard so I decided to sit down on the grass with him in order to take his picture.  Just then, it hit me... C-R-A-M-P!!!  My foot/leg started to cramp, and poor Luis was still wincing and tending to the bruise forming on his shin.  We would have been a funny sight were we not in so much pain!  I had to hop back to my feet to make the charley-horse subside, but Luis couldn't do a thing about his injury.

I asked Luis the happiest thing happening in his life right now and through the pain, he replied, "having a child."  Luis' face lit up when he responded, even though he was hurting.

Luis was having trouble remembering if he's performed an act of kindness, but pretty much the only thing he could think of was the pain he was feeling.  I reminded him it was kind he had let me take his picture.

I asked Luis if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on-the-spot.  Knowing he wasn't thinking of much at the moment, I rephrased the question and asked about his life's purpose.  "To support my kid, is my first goal," Luis answered.  I looked down at the bruise forming on his leg and asked curiously, "do you want your kid to be a skater?"  He looked down at his hurting leg, rubbed around the bruise a bit, and answered that he wants his son to do what makes him happy.   In a flicker, I could see in Luis that he wants both to protect his son from the bumps and bruises that skateboarding/life dishes out, but he wants him to enjoy the ride too.

"Being a father, " Luis answered, when I asked one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success.  Wishing Luis and his family a lifetime of happiness!

Day 327 - Sir Charles Wiggins III

This is "Sir Charles Wiggins III."  He looked like he had someplace to be, so our interaction was short and efficient.

"My 3 1/2 year old daughter," Sir Charles Wiggens III said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked "S.C.W.III" if he had recently performed an act of kindness and he answered, "I would like to think so," but he couldn't recall a specific act.  Again, I reminded him that he let me take his picture.

"Live, grow, and thrive," Sir Charles Wiggins III answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one.

I asked one thing about himself he would consider to be a success and Sir Charles responded, "being content."  I love this answer!

Day 328 - Eric

This is Eric.  I spotted him taking pictures in the park so I figured he would most likely let me take his picture for the project.

"Vacation," Eric said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now. Eric is here vacationing from California.

I asked Eric if he had recently performed an act of kindness and his friend helped to remind him of the answer.  "I bought Voodoo Doughnuts for the family this morning," Eric answered.

"Enjoy life to its fullest," Eric answered, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

I asked Eric something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he answered, "my kindness."

Best wishes for a happy vacation, Eric!

Day 329 - Ben

This is Ben.  Ben asked me for directions and it gave me the opportunity to ask him for his picture!  I was struck with the realization that Ben was the first person in this project to approach me first.  After meeting Ben, I was so glad that he had gotten turned around.  I would have never met him had he found his destination.

I asked Ben the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he responded immediately, "growth!"

Knowing that people often experience an explosion of personal growth and development after having experienced something "bad," or at least not positive, I asked Ben if something bad had happened.  Ben then went on to explain that there are two types of growth - growth away from something, or growth toward something.  In Ben's case, the growth he's experiencing is a result of him being an incredibly driven person and his growth is toward building a really amazing future.

Talking with Ben feels like you're talking to a motivational speaker.  I couldn't help but catch a little of his enthusiasm and it's just what I needed.  I've been feeling a little blue about the project coming to an end and not knowing what I would do next, but then Ben happened.

Ben's words stuck with me and I wanted to learn more.  I figured Ben's wisdom must have come from a source,  - a psychological or philosophical theory, or perhaps a famous author on personal self-development.  When I got home, I googled to see if I could find the source and learn more.

I had created a dilemma in my mind - for example, if a person who experienced a terribly sad break-up decides to pick up the pieces of their broken heart and trudge on, is their growth away from the pain, or is it toward happiness?  Or is it both?   When a person with an addiction breaks free from that addiction, is their change to grow away from the pain and devastation caused from their addiction, or is their growth toward living a healthy and productive life?  I wanted to learn more, but my search didn't reveal the author, psychologist or philosopher behind this thought.  Instead, I discovered a whole lot of information about plants and phototropism.   You know how plants often grow toward the direction of the light?  That's phototropism.  I learned that when plants grow toward the light, it's called positive phototropism.  When plants grow away  from the light, it's called negative phototropism.  In my little botany lesson, I better understood what Ben was explaining to me and I reached the conclusion that although positive or negative phototropism is meaningful for plants, for humans - it matters not if we're growing away from something (negative), or toward something (positive), it matters most that we're just continuing to grow.

I asked Ben if he had recently performed an act of kindness and he explained that he had offered to help a group of people who are looking to improve their lives.

"To develop myself so that I can offer others as much as possible," Ben said, is his personal mission statement.

I asked Ben something about himself which he would consider to be a success and he said that he's able to experience "where I am in the moment, and have peace."

I left Ben feeling a bit of a boost.  Like the sun is for plants, Ben is like a light source for humans.  You can't help but experience a little growth and renewal when you're around his enthusiasm. His genuine desire for self-improvement and to be of service to others is contagious.  Ben told me his dream was to become a teacher.  He realized his dream, and now he wants to improve it.

Dream it. Realize it. Improve it.  Wow!

Ben filled me with inspiration and now the answer is right before me.  I had a dream to take a picture of a person every day for a year.  I'm now making that dream a reality.  Next step - improve it!

See why I'm so glad Ben was lost and he asked me for directions?  Seems we were both able to help each other to get where we needed to be.  Thank you, Ben.

Here's a summary of the personal mission statements and life's purposes of the subjects from this week. I also added a little extra from Ben.

• What I put out, I get back.
• To be 100% - mentally, physically and spiritually, all the time.
• To make people feel again.
• Live, grow, and thrive.
• Enjoy life to its fullest.
• To develop myself so that I can offer others as much as possible.
• Dream it. Realize it. Improve it.

Thank you to each of you who have been subjects in this project.  I'm grateful for your kindness and that you shared yourself with us.  Thank you.

And thank you for following along for another week!  These past few weeks have been bitter-sweet knowing the project is coming to an end.  Meeting Ben made me realize - I can keep going! I can improve it!   Knowing that I can always keep going helps me to not stress about the future of this project and this blog, and to focus on what's important.  Today.

Thank you!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 46

Hello! We're finished with week 46 of The 365 Day People Picture Project!

If this is the first time you've stopped by, I've challenged myself to take a picture of a person, every day, for an entire year.  The pictures are taken fresh daily. I'm not stockpiling photos.  The majority of the subjects in this project have been complete strangers who I've met while walking down the street.  Also included are a few friends, family, and co-workers.

I'm not a photographer and I still haven't taken a photography class, although I'm finally registered for one in a couple weeks. (a little late, huh?)  I just wanted to see if I could do it.  I wanted to challenge myself to do something, every day, for an entire year.  I wanted to learn photography, and I wanted to have content for this newly hatched blog.  And, here we are...

Day 316 - Ty and Marlise

This is Ty and Marlise.  We met in downtown Vancouver as they were heading to the wine festival in the park, and while I was actually taking a picture of a completely different couple who were going to be the subjects of the day.  Ty and Marlise jumped in on the other photo, much to the relief of the other couple, who then pretty much insisted that Ty and Marlise take their place as the subjects for the day and give the interview.  To onlookers, we would have appeared to have been a group of long-time friends who were stopping for a quick photo, but we were all strangers, having a great laugh together.

I asked the couple the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and Marlise responded, "we just got married 3 months ago!"  Ty jokingly said that their wedding wasn't his happiest thing and after some kidding around, Ty turned to Marlise and said, "being with you," is the happiest thing happening in my life.   Awwwww, so sweet.

When I asked the newlyweds if they had recently performed an act of kindness, Ty jokingly said no, but then went on to say that he tries to do nice things when they're out and about.  (such as giving money to homeless people on the street corner.)  Marlise said that they had just met a woman who had just moved here from California.  The woman hadn't met any new friends since moving here, so Marlise gave the woman her phone number and they made plans to get together.  I think the woman from California just met herself a couple of fun new friends!

"Nice matters," Marlise replied, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot.

I asked the pair something about themselves they would consider to be a success.  Ty replied, "my house."  "My children," Marlise answered.

Wishing Ty and Marlise a happy new life together!

Day 317 - My Mother-in-Law

My Mother-in-Law reminds me of a cross between Meryl Streep and Martha Stewart, with a sprinkling of June Cleaver.  Yes, she's just that nice.

I asked the happiest thing happening in her life right now and she replied, "getting up to sunshine in the morning, my home and my flowers."  She works hard in her yard, and now she's enjoying seeing her hard work in bloom.

I asked if she had recently performed an act of kindness and she explained that she had just driven a group of ladies to the St. Paul Heirloom Rose Garden.

Like other subjects in the project, my mother-in-law was having trouble thinking of an answer when I asked if she could think of a personal mission statement, so I rephrased the question and instead asked about her life's purpose.  With that, she immediately answered, "my life's purpose is to be faithful to Jesus, take care of my husband, spend as much time as I can with my children and grandchildren, and to stay healthy."

When I asked my mother-in-law one thing about herself which she considers to be a success, she just couldn't and wouldn't give an answer.  I could tell this was an extremely hard question for her and I was struck with the realization that she truly is so selfless, that her own happiness and success comes secondary to the success and happiness of her family and friends.  I don't think she had ever considered herself in this way before.  Eventually, my father-in-law tried helping her with an answer saying that she's successful at gardening and being a grandma.  I continued to push because I thought it was important to hear her own response.  Finally, she replied, "I was very good at my job when I was employed."  (She's enjoying retirement now.)  I was so happy when she came up with an answer and that she had a moment to reflect on her life.

Thank you for letting me take your picture and for welcoming me into your family. I love you.

Day 318 - John

This is John.  He seemed a little sad or stressed when we first met, but by time we were finished, we were both a little happier.

"Starting my own business," John said, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.  John's new company will build guitar pedals.

I asked John if he had recently performed an act of kindness.  He couldn't think of something specific, but he was sure he had done little things here and there.

When I asked John if he could think of a personal mission statement, he was stumped for a while, but again, as soon as I rephrased the question, he responded immediately and effortlessly, "to make music."

"Learning to control my own consciousness," John said, is something about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Day 319 - Josh

This is Josh.

"Falling in love," is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Josh if he had recently performed an act of kindness and he explained that he had given money to a woman who is physically disabled and in a wheelchair.  She also possibly has mental health challenges as well. I knew of the woman Josh was speaking of.  I see her sitting in her wheelchair on the street corner every day on my way to work.  Josh had observed her one day and when she would ask people for money and they would decline her, she would get a little upset and say things under her breath, or maybe not quite under her breath.  Josh watched this go on for a while and then approached her, gave her some money, and then more importantly, he gave her some of his time and his kindness.  He talked with the woman, learned her name, and simply just visited with her for a while.  I'm sure she could use the money, but more importantly, I'm positive she benefitted more from Josh's kindness.

"To follow acts of kindness, compassion, love and acceptance of those I care about and those around me, " Josh replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of something on the spot.

"I've raised two amazing children who are healthy and happy," Josh said, is one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success.

Day 320 - Graham

This is Graham.  We met in downtown Portland as I was just leaving the camera shop and he was leaving work.  I spotted Graham and thought he looked nice and approachable, but my hands were full and I wasn't going to ask him because I wasn't "ready" to take a picture.  Something just compelled me to ask him anyway.  Graham agreed and he was patient with me while I set my things down and readied myself.

Graham is a good-looking guy, but I was concerned I wasn't capturing it.  Although we were friendly enough before I had started taking his picture, it became awkward when the camera came out. Graham reminded me of a little kid.  When I would start to take a picture, he would get the biggest, cutest, child-like, forced, say-cheese smile on his face.  I couldn't help myself! I totally cracked up!  I could just imagine him as a kid, saying "c-h-e-e-e-e-e-s-e" when someone would take his picture.  Yes, I know I will never, ever, make it as a professional photographer because not only are my images not good enough, but I'm fairly confident that it says in the professional photographer's code of conduct handbook-  that one shouldn't laugh at their subjects.

Graham explained that he isn't photogenic and when he smiles, it doesn't look authentic.  When people tell me they aren't comfortable having their picture taken after they've agreed to let me take their picture, it means so much to me.  It makes me appreciate them even that much more, because I know they're outside of their comfort zone.  We both are.  The process of working through it together, is rewarding for us both.

Graham suggested that I should tell him a joke to ease the tension and make him genuinely smile.  I'm horrible with jokes. I know we're supposed to always have a joke in the can, but I don't.  I can't retain them.  So,  I blurted out the only thing that came to mind, I said to Graham, "ok, say this: One smart fellow, he felt smart. Two smart fellows, they felt smart.  Three smart fellows, they all felt smart."  (Try it yourself - don't read it, but just say it. It won't work if you read the words.)  Graham said it was too hard and since I didn't have a joke, he was going to tell me one instead.  Graham asked, "what do you call a pile of cats?"  I considered the question, but couldn't think of the punchline.  Graham replied, "a MEOWTAIN!!"  (get it - mountain?)  You can't say that we weren't trying!  We decided to finish the interview, and then take more pictures afterwards.

When I asked Graham the happiest thing happening in his life right now, he thought about his answer for a while and said it was a hard question. I was hoping it was because he had too many happy things to chose from and he confirmed it was.  He finally decided, "my niece and nephew."

When I asked if he had recently performed an act of kindness, I could tell he was recalling the past few days/weeks and searching his memory for a kind act.  I also got the feeling he does nice little things for people frequently.  Graham said that he had just given someone directions, and they were correct!  I laughed, agreeing that it's always more kind to give someone good directions, than it is to spin someone in the wrong direction.  (You might remember that I'm guilty of this.)  Graham just moved to Portland from California, so he was particularly pleased that he was able to be of help to tourists since he's new to the area himself.

"Always be mindful," Graham replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

I asked Graham one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success, and he replied, "my career."

After the "interview," we took a few more pictures and continued to visit a while longer. I learned that Graham collects domain names.  He said he was pretty obsessed with it for a while, but he's eased up on it a bit.  A few of his current favorites are:  instagraham.com and sparklepony.com.    He hasn't developed them into websites - I understand the fun in just thinking of creative domain names and then procuring them as your own.  Graham now holds onto them for a year and then just releases them back into the wild.

I'm still so amazed when I have interactions with complete strangers and it ends up feeling like I've just spent time with an old friend.  I hope the people in this project have had the same rewarding experiences that I've had.

Day 321 - Chris

This is Chris.  We met at the bus stop which always adds a degree of pressure since we're racing against the clock. Or, at least against the bus which could arrive at any moment.

"Summer vacation," Chris replied, is the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Chris if he had recently performed an act of kindness.  He replied, "yes," and then got a grin on his face. I asked if he wanted to share, and he explained that he got his girlfriend 6 birthday gifts!

When I asked Chris if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot, he said that he didn't have one, but his impromptu mission statement is: "to remember that everybody else is a person too."

One thing about himself which Chris would consider to be a success, is that he manages to go on a vacation every year.  Big vacations!  This year, he's going to Germany.  His favorite trip so far was his vacation in Paris.

The bus arrived just as we were finishing up and we were both on our separate ways.

Day 322 - Pam

This is Pam.  She's actually the mother of my dear friend, Debbie. (from week 15.)  Pam was in town for Debbie and Lou's (from week 20) anniversary party and it would be my only opportunity to take her picture for the project.

The day after I graduated high school, I rode a greyhound bus from southern Oregon to Portland and Pam let me stay with her and Debbie for the summer.  Pam is yet one more motherly figure I have in my life, and one more woman that I'm certain my own real mom is grateful for.  Pam was one more woman in the  "gang of moms" who helped see to it that all of us girls were happy, healthy, and safe.

I knew I wanted to share a picture of Pam laughing. She's always laughing!  In order to do so, I recruited Becki (from week 7) to be responsible for making Pam laugh.  It worked. Actually, we were entirely too successful at making Pam laugh. (I don't even want to know what Becki was doing behind my back to make Pam laugh so uncontrollably. All I know is that at one point, Becki was sniffing my armpits.)   In nearly all of the pictures, Pam was laughing hysterically!  We actually had to tone it down a bit and compose ourselves, which was extremely difficult.  I finally decided on this picture.  Although I loved the others in which Pam was laughing,  this is a little more appropriate to share with you.

When I asked Pam the happiest thing happening in her life right now, she gestured to all of us sitting around her and said, "the togetherness of all this."

I asked Pam if she had recently performed an act of kindness. She said that she and her husband, Tommy, volunteer to deliver food for the "Meals on Wheels" program every wednesday.

When I asked Pam if she had a personal mission statement, or if she could think of one on the spot, Pam replied, "to learn to be the very best person I can be...and that means trying to be nicer to people."  Amidst the joking from the family who were sitting in on our interview, Pam started to get serious.  Pam had a health scare recently, and I can imagine it influenced her answer.  She went on to say that she's recently been thinking and seriously making an effort to be a better person because when you get "close to the edge, " you start to consider - "how do I want people to remember me?"

I asked Pam one thing about herself which she would consider to be a success and she replied, "I'm successful at being a dog owner."   I confess, I was surprised at her response because I could think of several different possible answers. I wasn't the only one surprised, because the rest of the family erupted, saying, "you're supposed to say your kids or your marriage!"  We all laughed.  She insisted that her dog is happy and she was standing by her statement.  Pam, again getting serious, went on to say that she's successful at "being close to family, to make them realize how important they are to me."  With that, I got teary-eyed, gave one of my other-mother's a hug, and thanked her for being in the project.  And then we all erupted in laughter again...and I can't even tell you about that. It was just embarrassing for us all.

Pam touched on her thoughts about how people will remember her.  Pam is nice, even though she's concerned she may not always be.  She's enthusiastic, energetic, loving, and loud.  (You've got to be loud in that family!)  She's a good mom.  She's a hugger! She greets  you with a hug so big, it doesn't make sense how such a petite person can hug so big.  Pam lives.  She finds joy in simple little things like her dog, or a cup of coffee on a sunny morning.  Pam is welcoming.  Pam is someone you want to be around.  She's always reminded me of a woman who should own and run a cattle ranch, or better yet, a B&B on a cattle ranch. But yet, she very much gives off the vibe of the artist and writer she is.

Pam is an encouraging person.  She pushes you to do the things you dream of doing. Pam is a talented writer.  She was attending writing classes when I stayed with them that summer. It wasn't until I saw her passion and joy of writing, that I confessed I had my own passion for writing.  Pam told me about her classes, shared what she had learned, and she let me read her assignments.  I loved reading Pam's stories and I realized that some day, I'd like to become as skilled as Pam. Pam still encourages me to write and she's one of the few people who continues to fan my flame, so much so, that some day - I just may start that book.

Pam, you need not worry how people will remember you.  You are unforgettable, you.  Love you, Pam.

Here's a summary of the personal mission statements or the life's purpose of the subjects from this week:

• Nice matters.
• My life's purpose is to be faithful to Jesus, take care of my husband, spend as much time as I can with my children and grandchildren, and to stay healthy.
• To make music
• To follow acts of kindness, compassion, love and acceptance of those I care about and those around me.
• Always be mindful.
• To remember that everybody else is a person too.
• To learn to be the very best person I can be.

That's it for this week!  Thank you for following along!

My sincere thanks to each of you who have been subjects in this project. You are making it happen and I'm grateful for your kindness.   (And thank you to two of my other moms who agreed to be in the project. I love you.)  If you would like a copy of your picture, please don't hesitate to e-mail me!  I'd be happy to send it to you.

Have a big week!

365 Day People Picture Project - Week 45

Thank you for checking out week 45 of The 365 Day People Picture Project! I compare this point in the project to being around mile 21 in a Marathon.  For anyone looking on, it would seem that if a person has made it to mile 21 - the rest would be in the bag.  But, a lot can happen in those last 5.2 miles and in those last few miles, the battle that's happening in your head is now a full blown war.

By mile 21, you know if you can still hit your goal, or if you're so far off track that you now just need to concentrate on crossing that finish line.  At mile 21, one moment you're praising yourself for all of your training for the past several months, and then the next moment, you're cursing yourself for not training harder or smarter.  You fight to quiet the voices of self-doubt in your head and replace them with with a loop of positive mantras - I'm strong. I can do it.  I'm strong. I can do it.

So here I am, around mile 21.  I'm off track to meet my goal as far as showing improvement in the quality of the pictures I take - but I'm determined to cross that finish line anyway.  I could have done more.  I could have "trained" harder.  I could have studied more, practiced more, and learned more.  Just like in a marathon - it's time to hush those stupid negative voices and just finish strong.   For now, let's just concentrate on these last 5.2 miles ahead of us.  Let's just finish strong.  Finishing strong doesn't always mean that it's pretty, and quite often it hurts. Badly.  Finishing strong means giving it your entire heart. Finishing strong means you dig down deep to pull out more from yourself than you even knew you had left to give.  You might even just surprise yourself with what you can find when you dig deep.  Finish strong.

Day 309 - JL21

This is JL21.   I broke my own rule and decided to include a costumed street performer in the project.  But, there is a very good reason why I broke the rule.

Saturday night, I met up with my friend Anne and her friends.  We were having the kind of conversation I live for - one in which we talked about exploring and honoring creativity, doing what we love, finding who we love, and how all those seemingly random life coincidences one day align themselves to reveal that they weren't at all random, but meaningful occurrences orchestrated by the universe to lead us to exactly where we're meant to be.

Anne's friend, Jeannie, brought up "the Robot" during our conversation.  Jeannie knows the true identity of "the Robot," and although now I can't even remember how he was introduced into our conversation, he just fit the topic and he actually played a pretty key role in our beautiful conversation.  I didn't know "the Robot" who Jeannie was referring to, as I had never seen him before.

The next day, as I was driving to the library, I somehow turned down a completely different street than I normally take to go to the library.  I thought it was odd at the time because I get pretty set in my driving routes and routines.  I took a few turns in the attempt to get myself back on my normal route and all of the sudden --- THERE HE WAS!!!!  THE ROBOT!!!  Less than 18 hours after hearing about "the Robot," in a conversation about coincidences-not-being-coincidences, "the Robot" was right before my eyes!   I decided that even though it was against my rule, I just wanted and needed to include him in the project.

In the time that I had "interviewed" JL21, several people had stopped to take pictures with him.  He's quite the popular robot!

I asked JL21 the happiest thing happening in his life right now and he replied, "my relationship," and "I'm not overheating."   JL21 is a seriously determined robot.  I can imagine that on a hot day, his robot suit could get practically unbearable.

JL21 works for tips but his act of kindness is that he still lets people take pictures with him, even if they don't have money for a tip.  People love him!

"To live every moment," LJ21 replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement, or if he could think of one on the spot.  JL21 explained that living every moment is actually the art of slowing time and that it helps if you have a love for everything.

I asked JL21 one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied in a robot-like voice, "that I am a happy Robot."

If you would like to meet JL21, he can be found on Saturdays and Sundays  near Vancouver Farmers Market and Esther Short Park.

Day 310- Ian

This is Ian.  A person sitting alone at a patio table has officially become an invitation for an invitation...it's become pretty easy for me to invite myself to sit down with them to ask if I can take their picture.

"I'm moving to Canada in 2 months, " Ian replied, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in his life right now.

I asked Ian if he had recently performed an act of kindness.  He said that he does little things all the time, the most recent thing that came to mind is that he had just given a man a cigarette.

"Be nice to people, leave a little footprint, and spread happiness," Ian responded, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

I asked Ian one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success and he replied, "I'm still skateboarding at 28 years old."  I both kidded him and encouraged him, telling him my boss is 50+ and still skateboarding, and that hopefully he'll be able to say the same when he's his age.

Day 311 - Mercy

This is Mercy.

"I'm working on trying to buy my house," Mercy said, is the happiest thing happening in her life right now.

I asked Mercy if she had recently performed an act of kindness.  Mercy couldn't think of something specific, but she then explained that she works in customer service and she has the opportunity to be kind to people every day in the job she does.

"To be better and better," Mercy replied, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot.

I asked Mercy one thing about herself which she would consider to be a success and she explained that in addition to her job, she also has a coaching business - Left Turn Coaching.   Mercy travels the country teaching and coaching Roller Derby Teams!

Good luck in the home-buying adventure, Mercy!

Day 312 - Marc

This is Marc.

In my search for a daily subject, I often pass by Portland Shoe Repair, in the Hollywood District, and it always looks like such a happening place!  I couldn't figure out why so many people would be at a shoe repair shop, so I finally decided to stop in and that's where I met Marc.  There were enough guys for a basketball team and I learned they were all family, just hanging out and helping the family member who was working at the time.

I asked Marc the happiest thing happening in his right now and he replied, "enjoying the summer."

Marc's recent act of kindness, one in which he often does, is that he gave a person a MAX (lightrail commuter train) ticket.

"Take pride in your work," Marc responded, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

I was a little surprised and impressed at Marc's next answer, given his age.  One thing about himself which Marc considers to be a success - is his perseverance.  Marc said he stays mentally strong and no matter what happens, he sees the silver lining.   Marc has a pretty wise outlook for someone just beginning his life.  With that mindset, he'll go far.

Day 313 - Emily

This is Emily.

"I'm dancing again," Emily replied, when I asked about the happiest thing happening in her life right now.  Emily is a dancer and when I asked if she danced a particular style, she explained that right now, her work is mainly Latin style dancing.

Emily was having a hard time recalling if she had recently performed an act of kindness.  I could tell she had been searching her memory when she finally stated that she had made pancakes for her boyfriend.

In this project, I've noticed that some people have a tendency to minimize the act of kindness they perform for their partners.  Seems we don't place enough value on the little things we do for our friends, family and loved ones.  Those little gestures are of huge significance because they set people up to do good things throughout the day.  My husband makes my coffee 96% of the time and I can't even begin to thank him enough.  This one little act of kindness is not so little for me...it's HUGE!

We just never know...a tiny little thing we do for someone could be the stone that starts the ripple of kindness.  We don't have to be millionaire philanthropists to make a difference. It can begin with a smile, or a pancake.

"To stay in a constant state of evolution," Emily replied, when I asked if she had a personal mission statement or if she could think of one on the spot.

I asked Emily one thing about herself which she would consider to be a success and she replied after careful consideration, "defining my own success."  Again, such an insightful answer from a person who's just beginning her life.  She pretty much nailed the whole point of this question and the reason I've been asking it.  How do you define success?  Specifically, how do you define success for your own life?

Day 314 - Andi Caroline

This is Andi.  He's another person I met by simply inviting myself to sit down with him at his patio table.  Thankfully, he didn't mind me interrupting his break from work.

When I asked Andi the happiest thing happening in his life right now, the first answer he gave was, "getting to walk to work every day."  He then revised it to be, "consciously simplifying my life."  Andi has made the decision to simplify his life. He doesn't want to waste time or money.  It was as though Andy had been reading my mind.  Just earlier I had been thinking that the majority of the money I waste, ironically, was wasted by trying to save money.  In addition to wasting money, I end up with closets or drawers full of stuff I just won't or can't use. I had decided it was time to do another exercise in simplifying and Andi was a great reminder the time is now.  Living simply can feel liberating and obviously for Andi, it's bringing him great happiness.

I asked Andi if he had recently performed an act of kindness and I could tell he was feeling a little stressed and disappointed because he couldn't recall a specific act of kindness.   He made a very good point that if he does an act of kindness, he doesn't write them down or log them mentally, so nothing was coming to mind.  I think that's the same for a lot of us.

"Live by your values,"  Andi replied, when I asked if he had a personal mission statement or if he could think of one on the spot.

I asked Andi one thing about himself which he would consider to be a success and after considering the question again, he replied, "growing brussels sprouts."

As we visited, Andi kept circling back to the "act of kindness" question, determined to provide an answer.  When people start to feel bummed because they can't think of an answer, I normally remind them that they allowed me to take their picture.  For some reason, I don't know why I didn't tell this to Andi. I t Andi seemed so disappointed in himself.   He questioned if I was going to say that he hadn't performed an act of kindness.  It was really bothering Andi!  Poor guy!  I was so happy and relieved when Andi reached the conclusion on his own when he announced - I let you take my picture!  His inclusion in the project was his act of kindness!  Yes!  Andi gave me a huge amount of his kindness by letting me take his picture and share it with you.   After agreeing with Andi that it was an act of kindness and actually a pretty big one since a lot of people don't enjoy having their picture taken, he confessed he's one of those people. He's much more comfortable being behind the camera.  I have not doubt Andi performs acts of kindness on a daily basis - he's a nice person and his act of kindness, is his kindness.

Day 315 - Yesenia, Maria, and Angel

This is Yesenia (left), Maria (center), and Angel (right).

I headed down to Ester Short Park and the Vancouver Farmers Market in search of a subject.  The park was gated off for a wine festival, so I was restricted to the Farmers Market and the area around there.  It's difficult to explain, but I have the hardest time finding a subject in big events.

Not having any luck at the farmers market, I decided to just go sit on a bench outside the park and wait for someone.  I noticed a steady stream of sharply dressed men and women flowing by me.  The Hilton Hotel and Convention Center is just down the block from where I was sitting, so I gathered there must be an event happening.  I decided to ask Yesenia, Maria and Angel if I could take their picture for the project and they confirmed they were attending a Hispanic business conference.

Given there were three people, I asked them each only two questions.

I asked the happiest thing happening in their lives right now and they answered as follows: Yesenia - "the opportunity of being financially free."  Maria (as interpreted by Yesenia) - "in a few months, I will be financially free and without a boss."  Angel - "the opportunity to succeed."

I asked the the trio if they had a personal mission statement or if they could think of one on the spot, and I clarified the question by asking about their life's purpose.  Yesenia replied, "faith can get you to where you want to be."  Angel replied, "trying to better the life of hispanics and immigrants."  Maria responded, (with interpretation provided by Yesenia) "to help other people and to put God as a priority.  Thanks to him, we're free."  Yesenia went on to say that we have two choices in life. We can choose good or bad.  She wants people to know the good in life.  She wants people to uphold family values.

I was totally kicking myself after meeting Yesenia, Maria and Angel.  They were three beautiful and kind people and I could have better captured them had I had the right lens. I just had to make do. I almost didn't approach them, knowing I had on the completely wrong lens for a group picture, but I'm so glad I didn't let it stop me.  I'm so glad I got to meet them and I'm inspired by their genuine desire for good things and prosperity for the Hispanic community.  I just had to remind myself that limitations are only limitations if we allow them to be.  Sometimes, we just need to figure out a way to work around them.

Here's the summary of the personal mission statements from this week's subjects:

• To live every moment.
• Be nice to people, leave a little footprint, and spread happiness.
• To be better and better.
• Take pride in your work.
• To stay in a constant state of evolution.
• Live by your values.
• Faith can get you to where you want to be.
• Trying to better the life of hispanics and immigrants.
• To help other people and to put God as a priority.

Thank you for following along on another week of this project.

If you've been a subject in this project - thank you for your kindness and your generosity in sharing yourself with us.  I appreciate you, and thank your for letting me take your picture. If you like your picture, please don't hesitate to send me an e-mail and I'd be happy to e-mail you a copy.

Have a successful week - however you define success!