It’s week 27 of my Project365 on Flickr and we’ve reached the midpoint of our summer break. I think this image says it all. Yep, it’s summertime and the livin’ is easy. How’s your summer so far?
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What’s a Project365? It’s a personal commitment to make photography an everyday event. Essentially it’s a photo a day for a year, forcing me to slow down, learn my camera and see the world with an artistic eye.
Last Wednesday night was the kick off of one of my family’s favorite summer activities. UNR Pack Picnics on the Quad happen once a week on the UNR campus. This free summertime treat is sponsored by the UNR Alumni Association (Yeah, Go Pack!!). It begins in July and runs every Wednesday evening from 6-8 through mid August.
If you haven’t been to the Quad, it is truly a beautiful place. Big shady trees planted 100 years ago frame the cool grassy space. For me, it brings back many joyful memories from childhood and my years as a student at UNR. Picnics on the Quad are family friendly, free, and a great place to meet old friends.
There is live music, face painting, bounce houses and toy fishing to keep the kids entertained. Our family packs a picnic dinner, a blanket and beach chairs. We spread out, kick our shoes off and enjoy a cool, shady evening. The kids always find friends from school, devour free watermelon and popcorn, and run barefoot through the grass. Really, it’s a terrific way to spend a summer evening.
The 2010 Summer Schedule ::: I hope to see you there!
July 7–Sol’Jibe (Pictured above is Milton Merlos playing with Sol’Jibe)
July 14–HomeMade Jam
July 21–Reno Municipal Band’s Disney Night
July 28–Guitar Woody and The Boilers
August 4–Jelly Bread
August 11–Sol’Jibe
August 18–Reno Municipal Band
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Reno Revealed is a weekly feature highlighting artists, restaurants, boutiques, non profit organizations and events from around the Reno/Tahoe area. If you have a special request for a future feature, please email me. I’d love to hear from you!
Next week: The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
Last week I was in a design funk. I needed to create an invitation for my daughter’s fifth birthday party and I was avoiding it like the plague. Finally, I asked Kate (an insatiable artist) to draw me a something, anything with a Sharpie. She whipped out this giraffe in under two minutes. (No joke, you should see this child in action). I scanned it into the computer, converted it to a vector image and voila! Problem solved.
Next I asked Kate to describe herself. With her descriptors I wrote the following text:
Help us celebrate the 5th birthday of everyone’s favorite
artist, swimmer, sommersaulter, snuggler and sand castle designer
The invitations arrived in mailboxes yesterday and they were are HUGE hit. Plus, Kate is beaming to see her work in “print”. Because it was so fun for everyone, I’m now offering invitations and note cards featuring children’s artwork through my Etsy Shop.
You can now feature your child’s original illustration in a customized invitation or note card. Simply have your little one create a line drawing with a black Sharpie pen on smooth white paper. You can choose to scan and email or mail the illustration to me. I will convert the art to a vector file then design a custom invitation or note card using your personalized text. If you would like to feature your child’s signature on the back of the card or invitation, please include it (also written in black Sharpie) with your artwork.
Note cards will be printed on an 80# white folding card with colored envelopes. Invitations will be printed on 80# white cover stock, mounted on a colored 5×7 inch matte with a matching colored envelope. Envelopes and mattes are available in your choice of nine colors.
Customized art invitations and note cards are available in our Etsy Shop or contact me for more details.
Today my husband and I are celebrating a decade of marriage. Ten years ago we eloped. Pete wore a Hawaiian shirt. I wore a sun dress. We both wore flip flops. After dating for 18 months, we had no formal engagement. Serendipity took over. Pete’s mom had a small stroke in late June of 2000. A few days later my boss offered me a week’s vacation (the oncology unit at the hospital was under construction and we didn’t need all our staff). Meanwhile Pete had unexpected time off and ended up with the exact same days off. It was too perfect. We said what-the-hell, life is too short, let’s get married.
We drove down the coast, stopping at Great America and the registrar’s office. Finally we landed at a good friend’s home in San Diego. We married on the beach in La Jolla. It was amazing. I am so thankful it happened the way it did. Pete’s mom died 3 months later. If we’d had an engagement, she’d have missed it. My most vivid memory of her is Pete and I breaking the news that we’d eloped and laughing while she jumped up and down saying, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
Yes, it’s cliche, but I love Pete more today than I did ten years ago. He is my favorite person on the planet. He is the only one who can make me laugh until it hurts and who gives me the strength to be the woman I had only dreamed I’d be.
Below are five things I love about my husband. They are not the top five. They are not the only five. They are in no particular order.
- I love that he can make a trip to the 7-11 fun.
- I love that he calls to remind me to watch crap reality television and never passes judgement.
- I love that he stood by me through several heartbreaking years of infertility. He never said I was crazy. And I WAS crazy. Instead, he scooped me up and carried me through it like a fairy tale prince.
- I love that he trusts my judgement and thinks I’m funny.
- I love his genuine passion and commitment to our family and the world our children will grow up in.
I truly am the luckiest girl in the world. Pete is my lobster. I look forward to sharing many more decades of love and laughter with him.
I’ve reached the halfway point of my Project365 on Flickr. 26 weeks. 182 photos. Countless lessoned learned.
I’m so thankful my eyes have been opened to the joys and challenges of photography. I’ve been forced to learn the ins and out of my camera and notice the subtle details of the world around me. I can’t believe the beauty I see in everyday things that simply passed me by before beginning this project. My husband even says he notices interesting clouds or cool lighting he never did before.
I’m learning and growing every day. Here are a few of the skills (all done in camera) I’ve learned since beginning in January:
- Shoot exclusively in manual
- There’s a meter in my camera! Who knew?
- Create a starburst effect
- Silhouettes
- Bokeh
- How to shoot fireworks
- Create haze
- Lose the flash (Yeah!)
- What the hell a catchlight is
- And so much more…
I’m still a novice, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come during the last six months. I know my learning will be life long and I look forward to the journey. From my current perspective, my best tips for learning photography are:
- Learn to shoot in manual. Wow! What a difference.
- Plan ahead! If you know you will be at the aquarium or a fireworks show, google it. Read about it. Take notes. Then set your camera’s settings before the action begins and make adjustment from there.
- When you think you’ve got this thing licked, take a class. You will learn so much and realize how much more there is to learn.
- Use your camera everyday. If you get bored, it’s time to learn something new!
- Lay on your belly in the drive way for a fresh perspective. Screw what the neighbors think. You’ll be happy with your results.
Here’s to the joy of always learning! Now, get out there and shoot something… with your camera!
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What’s a Project365? It’s a personal commitment to make photography an everyday event. Essentially it’s a photo a day for a year, forcing me to slow down, learn my camera and see the world with an artistic eye.
I’m happy to introduce you to a dear family friend and cookie aficionado, Erin Aldrich. In 2008 Erin began her Peace Corps journey in Romania. She chose to continue her adventure with a transfer to China. After a few weeks home, she is headed there now. We will miss you, Erin. Safe travels!
As a side note, Reno’s Artown festivities began this week. Artown is a month long celebration of the arts in Northern Nevada. A printable calendar of events can be found here. Be sure to follow them on Twitter for all the happenings. Reno is Artown!
Tell us about you. We want details…
I was born and raised in Carson City and moved to Reno when I was 18 for school. Other than a year long stay in Eugene, Oregon, and my years with the Peace Corps, I have not lived outside of this area and plan to keep it that way. In college, I studied Geographic Information Systems and established my love for maps and map-making, which made up my first “real” job. After about a year in that line of work, I realized it wasn’t a good match for me and got the itch to travel. A few hours of internet research and several months of applying led to an invitation to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Romania from 2008 to 2010. I am now in the process of transferring to the China program as an English teacher. When I have some spare time, I pass it by practicing the piano, reading, hiking, writing, taking pictures, baking cookies or going for long walks.
What does the Peace Corps experience mean to you?
The Peace Corps experience means going outside of your comfort zone on a daily basis. It means being ready and willing to take on roles you never before imagined you would fill and being surprised by just how adaptable you are. It means opening your mind to new ways of thinking and trying to understand how cultures can be so different. Most importantly, it means new friendships with people you would have never met otherwise and making the most of your short time with them.
Tell us about your time in Romania
In Romania, I was considered an Environmental Youth Volunteer and originally my main role was to work with the local Covasna County Environmental Protection Agency on public relations and nature conservation projects. My Geographic Information Systems background came in handy and I was able to help some staff get up to speed on mapping software and techniques. I also taught a beginning English class to a few staff members. Over time, though, my main focus turned towards the local high schools where I started and ran a drama club with two English teachers and worked on an American Corners project with a high school’s librarian. The drama club, although it was a secondary project, swiftly became my favorite and most rewarding project in Romania. The best part, however, was not completing any projects; it was getting to know a few locals as close friends and participating in their culture.
Tell us about your upcoming assignment in China
In China, I will be teaching English as a foreign language to college students who hope to one day become English teachers themselves. The size of the cities that volunteers serve in range from 500,000 to 15 million people, which will be a big adjustment for me after serving in a city of 60,000. Training will be held in Chengdu and will last two months. During that time, we will learn how to speak Chinese, how to adapt to the culture, how to stay safe and healthy and we will also have a teaching practicum. After training, my fellow 90 trainees and I will be sworn in and move to our sites, which are all within three provinces surrounding the Chengdu region. The idea of transferring had never crossed my mind until another volunteer in Romania told me about her plans to transfer to Nicaragua, but I am so glad we had that conversation. I can’t wait to embark on Peace Corps Part II!
What aspect of your job brings you the greatest satisfaction?
By far, the best part of serving as a volunteer, for me, is getting to know locals and forming real friendships with them, not just friendships that are based on me being foreign. It takes a long time, sometimes two years, to earn the title “friend” in a new country. Getting beyond the initial relationships that are made up of showing me the sites or me providing entertainment with my funny Romanian grammar skills is a challenging but rewarding step. The moment the conversation with a local friend turns from me and where I’m from, what I’m doing and what I think of the country to them and their ideas is the sweetest.
What advice to you have for others considering volunteering for the Peace Corps?
Living in a different country for two years is not a straightforward endeavor and is full of highs, lows and all kinds of unexpected twists, but the Peace Corps helps to smooth the path for volunteers so they can feel comfortable and productive in their new surroundings. It is a wonderful way to fully experience a new culture while providing the country with the help they have requested. If you’re considering it, the application process typically takes about a year, so get started and see where it takes you. Visit www.peacecorps.gov and check out your options!
Do you have a favorite Reno hotspot or event?
While I’ve been back, I’ve gone to Bibo on Mount Rose Street six or seven times, making it my most frequented establishment. I truly missed it and the American coffee culture while I was gone and am taking every opportunity to order a coffee from the always awesome staff. As for events, my favorite has always been the Great Reno Balloon Race, especially the dawn patrol and mass ascension. It’s a photographer’s paradise and is definitely worth waking up before dawn to see.
Where can we find you?
Blog: http://thepickupsticks.blogspot.com/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/etothertothein/
*Drama Club photo courtesy of Erin. Be sure to check out her Flickr photostream. She takes amazing photos!
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Reno Revealed is a weekly feature highlighting artists, restaurants, boutiques, non profit organizations and events from around the Reno/Tahoe area. If you have a special request for a future feature, please email me. I’d love to hear from you!
Next week: UNR Pack Picnics on the Quad. They kick off next Wednesday night (July 7th) with Sol Jibe. I’ll be the one with the camera and the dancing kids.
Last month I had hit my proverbial wall. I was mentally exhausted from the daunting business is business and business must grow* attitude I had created. I chose to take a few steps back, inhale deeply and slow down. Boy, am I glad I did! The whole world seems cheerier to me now. In fact, I plan to continue my summer first, business second philosophy through the month of July.
Thankfully sales have really picked up in the last two weeks making, my laxidasical attitude easier to justify. I’ve stayed on top of blogging, continued learning photography and enjoyed time with my kiddos. We’ve made it to the beach several times including a fantastic “meetup” with fellow Monthly Meetup friend Candy of Candied Fabrics and her family.
On the agenda for July: more of the same. We are planning a family trip to San Francisco and Pete and I will be celebrating our ten year wedding anniversary. I’m looking forward to another great month!
{July Goals}
1. Read another novel (that doesn’t have a mouse solving a mystery or riding a motorcycle).
2. Finish 2010 Boxed Holiday cards.
3. Kate’s birthday party invitations.
4. Go to Lake Tahoe once a week. Take a sketch book.
5. Slowly chip away at my May goals if the mood strikes.
The Meetup happens on the first of every month. It’s hosted by the fabulous Liz of Athena Dreams.
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*Quote borrowed from Dr Suess’ The Lorax
This week’s featured design is a moving announcement I created for dear family friends who are moving to Atlanta. So, what on earth do you do for someone special who is moving across the country? Change of address cards, of course!
This design features an art deco style frame and key printed on kraft brown paper and mounted on a colored matte. Matching envelopes are printed with a return address. It is available in nine colors through our website or our Etsy shop.
It’s week 25 of my Project365 on Flickr and summer has finally arrived! This is how we celebrated.
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What’s a Project365? It’s a personal commitment to make photography an everyday event. Essentially it’s a photo a day for a year, forcing me to slow down, learn my camera and see the world with an artistic eye.
Young Chautauquans: Michael Sprinkle as Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Emma Benedict as Harriet Quimby and Coryna Samon as Winston Churchill
I’m a little behind on this one, but I couldn’t let Chautauqua (June 22-26) go by without giving a BIG shout out to its sheer awesomeness. Every June, Nevada Humanities puts on a week long historical and theatrical extravaganza. I’ve been to Chautauqua every year since I was a student at UNR in the early 90′s. In 1992, Thomas Jefferson scholar, Clay Jenkinson, came to Reno from North Dakota and began the Nevada Chautauqua we know today.
As a side note, I have to brag… I had Dr. Jenkinson as my professor for a small summer session humanities class in 1993. Every morning, for four weeks, a handful of us sat in a circle discussing 19th and 20th century American literature (for credit!!). It was the single best experience of my academic career.
So, what is Chautauqua? I borrowed this explanation from this year’s official program:
“The Chautauqua format is simple: a performer, in the guise of a historical figure such as Babe Ruth or Julia Child, tells “first-hand” stories about important episodes in the character’s life. After the monologue, the audience and performer engage in a lively give and take. Finally, the performer emerges from character to respond to questions that could not be answered in character. Nevada Humanities Chautauqua was created by Nevada Humanities in Reno in 1992 and is one of the longest running Chautauqua festivals in the country.”
In addition to adult performances, the Young Chautauqua Program gives local children and teens an incredible opportunity to be part of the Chautauqua experience. Participants choose characters who intrigue and inspire them. For the five months leading up to their performances, they research every detail of their new persona so they can create an accurate and confident portrayal.
The Young Chautauquans blow me away every year. Performing under the big tent, they captivate an audience of children and adults. My favorite part is the question and answer session. I am always amazed the by the insightful questions asked by the kids in the audience and the graceful answers given by the young performers. If you have a chance to see them in action, it is a wonderful treat.
Throughout the week there are many more events around town. Yesterday, the kids and I went to the Sierra View Library for a Sing Along with David Fenimore as Woody Guthrie and Tim ??? as Pete Seeger. (I’m actively looking for the identity of Pete Seeger’s alter ego. Stay tuned!) Jack and I will be seeing David Fenimore perform Woody Gutherie Friday night at the Hawkins Amphitheater.
The schedule of events around town can be found HERE.
I hope you have a chance to take in a one or two performances this year. It is an interactive and entertaining experience you won’t forget. Below is information about the remaining performances scheduled for the week.
Young Chautauqua takes place under the tent at Bartley Ranch from 9:30 a.m to noon. The remaining schedule:
Thursday, June 24 :: Rachel Carson, Richard Feynman, Marie Curie, Norman Borlaug, Gilda Radner, Harpo Marx, Groucho Marx and Annie Oakley
Friday, June 25 :: Anne Frank, Margaret Mitchell, L. Frank Baum, Margeurite Henry, The Queen Mother, Coco Chanel, Fannie May Salter and Jim Beckwourth
Evening performances of Adult Chautauqua take place each evening at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch. Music begins at 6 p.m. Performances at 7 p.m. The remaining schedule:
Thursday, June 24 :: Bonnie + Clyde, Emma Nevada and Babe Ruth
Friday, June 25 :: Paul Roberson and Woody Guthrie
Saturday, June 26 :: Joe Louis and Julia Child
Helpful links:
Nevada Humanities
Evening Chautauqua Program + Tickets
Young Chautauqua
Chautauqua Events Around Town
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Reno Revealed is a weekly feature highlighting artists, restaurants, boutiques, non profit organizations and events from around the Reno/Tahoe area. If you have a special request for a future feature, please email me. I’d love to hear from you!
Next week: Erin Aldrich, Peace Corps volunteer
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