tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58097159976785139872024-03-04T21:07:22.948-08:00am·biv·a·lence[am-biv-uh-luhns] -noun 1. uncertainty or fluctuation, esp. when caused by inability to make a choice or by a simultaneous desire to say or do two opposite or conflicting things.
2. <i>Psychology.</i> the coexistence within an individual of positive and negative feelings toward the same person, object, or action, simultaneously drawing him or her in opposite directions.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-86986131829992589622010-05-14T21:47:00.001-07:002010-05-14T21:50:10.922-07:00Number 13B<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKWR4tU3Q-M3jgGDlEUln2wvqFoN_59r1FE3yj1S_qqFaWrlwbhV8knkF5CzeFSDj-dVHEK6Q6dko2KdKGt72NP5FtGvSyLlrtYVv5-9EIliWMFFYs4utNyZarAIApqTuEgfIzvCupEGN/s1600/012b_web.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKWR4tU3Q-M3jgGDlEUln2wvqFoN_59r1FE3yj1S_qqFaWrlwbhV8knkF5CzeFSDj-dVHEK6Q6dko2KdKGt72NP5FtGvSyLlrtYVv5-9EIliWMFFYs4utNyZarAIApqTuEgfIzvCupEGN/s400/012b_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471353996137035554" border="0" /></a><br />More from today. I had a total of fifteen minutes to get some shots today. Tomorrow I will be doing a few PR shots for the Sultan Safety fair and having dinner with some friends. <br /><br />I think there is potential in finding a variety of objects to hold up my hair. This is something I will have to give more thought to.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-15759063488744587232010-05-14T21:23:00.000-07:002010-05-14T21:27:24.311-07:00Number 13<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbXE4IxXqH34QZ-kJb1SrZ2TqTySwAq9EbCkdvSry8wCKletGi5jabn7VUA8mYEHm2kEy2pzWaKME-G3jlWw421RntRvizRHs8cC56_1Syg24xKKAEYLBk4BKx2Ql7_7nheqsxG8hWWxp/s1600/012_web.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbXE4IxXqH34QZ-kJb1SrZ2TqTySwAq9EbCkdvSry8wCKletGi5jabn7VUA8mYEHm2kEy2pzWaKME-G3jlWw421RntRvizRHs8cC56_1Syg24xKKAEYLBk4BKx2Ql7_7nheqsxG8hWWxp/s400/012_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471347772054639714" border="0" /></a><br />Another afternoon spent taking apart cable components.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-14628735972037642672010-05-14T17:09:00.000-07:002010-05-14T17:21:48.614-07:00Number 12<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgepPg9ndmcIxXmv8aufBw1TDwgSwWObVlUOtQeFJR60-nwK9QChOPoUW2qUpyc_NiUX7QYQrzhEHp9lsSZjVcmvPDniSwEeAGsZDtUE5HVtiahirtoxDDYVN_TM7pWlwcodhyZOGMM7j/s1600/011_web.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 380px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgepPg9ndmcIxXmv8aufBw1TDwgSwWObVlUOtQeFJR60-nwK9QChOPoUW2qUpyc_NiUX7QYQrzhEHp9lsSZjVcmvPDniSwEeAGsZDtUE5HVtiahirtoxDDYVN_TM7pWlwcodhyZOGMM7j/s400/011_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471285042981385234" border="0" /></a><br />This was taken yesterday as I was in the process of photographing cable system equipment. I was listening to <span style="font-weight: bold;">This American Life</span> on my iphone. All of those boxes, racks and cords are what make up the head end of a cable system. The signal comes in through the satellite, goes to a digital decoder, then to a modulator and out onto the cable. With a few exceptions (the move to digital decoders) this is the same technology which has been in place for decades. RF technology doesn't change much.<br /><br />Unfortunately, none of this really helped our cable endeavor. This system was unidirectional; meaning you could deliver information to customers but they could not send anything back. So, no Internet could be delivered on this system without major upgrades.... In order to justify an upgrade, you have to have paying customers.<br /><br />So, I am now in the process of dismantling the components of this system and selling what I can and recycling or trashing the rest.<br /><br />Is anyone in the market for a really big satellite dish?Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-63730151045407799252010-05-10T22:29:00.000-07:002010-05-10T22:34:39.314-07:00Day 11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSU_-Si3R2eiMwo0HEKgRenCLflFFGyes9YhgJ9MPRisyQDJZNQmbs3b9gTqoP7-Irj7Larg_PXFoUjZf8vm_thAr-sqoz0bHuxxmYcoRT_lhkmOK7TO9ZtoaXmJMCImLWs3UGwEpMfld/s1600/101c_web.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSU_-Si3R2eiMwo0HEKgRenCLflFFGyes9YhgJ9MPRisyQDJZNQmbs3b9gTqoP7-Irj7Larg_PXFoUjZf8vm_thAr-sqoz0bHuxxmYcoRT_lhkmOK7TO9ZtoaXmJMCImLWs3UGwEpMfld/s400/101c_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469880414034474034" border="0" /></a>You will notice a 10 day gap. The past few days have been so busy I haven't been able to take the time to put the thought into this I wanted to. My goal for this is twofold. I want to improve my portrait skills and I want to see myself in a new light. As the weather turns from this rainy, cold spring into summer I hope to be more creative in posing, props, etc... I am really fond of my remote shutter release. I need to find some sort of extension cord for it so I can move onto some full body shots. <br /><br />In the next week I plan on cleaning out the garage to set up my studio equipment for the remaining rainy days. The storage unit is also going to have a thorough cleaning ahead of it. I have a dismantled cable system to get on e-bay.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-90586135869796193132010-05-10T15:15:00.000-07:002010-05-10T15:16:31.005-07:00Day 10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTZ6H-FczvHHqPlL-xVouk3YpqjbiUTwrcAtvYSMi8PZ2aNCUn-aVVmXHfdO_P5MCR2HGliGd-o8TXP2h1v3rqM3F8HxUDBrMYinzteyF1JvXsZ_HFJPyDSBTW9bmpoTlS_liKNV5nZ9x/s1600/010_web.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTZ6H-FczvHHqPlL-xVouk3YpqjbiUTwrcAtvYSMi8PZ2aNCUn-aVVmXHfdO_P5MCR2HGliGd-o8TXP2h1v3rqM3F8HxUDBrMYinzteyF1JvXsZ_HFJPyDSBTW9bmpoTlS_liKNV5nZ9x/s400/010_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469768766701168466" border="0" /></a>Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-88809358153050979622010-04-30T22:05:00.001-07:002010-04-30T22:06:26.131-07:00Day 9<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pVfPJwaYwzY6qaVqT7k0dkOdPlO-firChdSC5WvJIFoHaCfLNZ29_eBTxXm6sdSbIGnp8jotIS3bgRzrUvqC6PRcOIkMtkxh0aGw4hrKJ6mapOlYN_0gx_At1wzQklZlRo-PY5QoLXyd/s1600/009_web.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pVfPJwaYwzY6qaVqT7k0dkOdPlO-firChdSC5WvJIFoHaCfLNZ29_eBTxXm6sdSbIGnp8jotIS3bgRzrUvqC6PRcOIkMtkxh0aGw4hrKJ6mapOlYN_0gx_At1wzQklZlRo-PY5QoLXyd/s400/009_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466163529967402818" border="0" /></a>Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-30580472008205636652010-04-29T21:12:00.001-07:002010-04-29T21:13:24.057-07:00Day 8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP-H8-ejJfjZ-c6A53faWil-lL-HoLE988JWSJEZdjN7j01bZKFDkjVKtJVTbxvkVIJK15khhVDgi-68NkphUpbScWaADQICeCe4P0iI4mhF7zg6XPrQ_0PFUfEVYT9vZiLru6sZaN6Fh/s1600/008_web.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP-H8-ejJfjZ-c6A53faWil-lL-HoLE988JWSJEZdjN7j01bZKFDkjVKtJVTbxvkVIJK15khhVDgi-68NkphUpbScWaADQICeCe4P0iI4mhF7zg6XPrQ_0PFUfEVYT9vZiLru6sZaN6Fh/s400/008_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465778670103019394" border="0" /></a>Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-53891571150792689982010-04-27T23:38:00.000-07:002010-04-27T23:46:21.373-07:00Day 7<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MM3nk7xjZWavoNknlEyRPuN3js5kZ0oQGuJeSJhox3FIjpKDuT3e6B-N-tSFh1ojYuC5eYcu1i-viZI5ZvgaBdB7GiReg7B5-o1rsdeYefVIK_ZTpNp-SpdCgKxWmz9URlMjqEIHIEf9/s1600/007_web.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MM3nk7xjZWavoNknlEyRPuN3js5kZ0oQGuJeSJhox3FIjpKDuT3e6B-N-tSFh1ojYuC5eYcu1i-viZI5ZvgaBdB7GiReg7B5-o1rsdeYefVIK_ZTpNp-SpdCgKxWmz9URlMjqEIHIEf9/s400/007_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465074145361256962" border="0" /></a>I wanted to make sure people know I do, in fact smile. This was taken at dusk with a tripod and a remote shutter release. I love the way the light is coming through the fence posts in the background. <br /><br />Today was a long day. Tomorrow is going to be a a long day as well. I have to go to Everett to sign a release to get medical records transferred to a new doctor. New medical insurance is a pain. I wasn't particularly attached to the old Dr. so this may be a good change. <br /><br />On the business front, I need to get some ads out as soon as there is money to do so. The other business has some impending issues. The accountant keeps coming up with questions which seem to have obvious answers for me. It seems we are paying an awful large sum for me to have to do this much leg work. C'est la vie.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-82392654967680499592010-04-27T14:24:00.001-07:002010-04-27T14:31:14.534-07:00Day 6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXUIUsT3sovcvaJg324DpjMUT0yCypnhCX0OUm60kNQTnULMblhaHlDzTWEBcr-VQMaRCVChsudWtfQrW8Zy4oy6hdMjCat8kKC46EVx4JwS4mjfhfG9MUlOvmFuUZ7eTlMtx9ctET4f8/s1600/006_web.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXUIUsT3sovcvaJg324DpjMUT0yCypnhCX0OUm60kNQTnULMblhaHlDzTWEBcr-VQMaRCVChsudWtfQrW8Zy4oy6hdMjCat8kKC46EVx4JwS4mjfhfG9MUlOvmFuUZ7eTlMtx9ctET4f8/s400/006_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464931450995060626" border="0" /></a>Yesterday the wind howled and the clouds spit rain. Amid the gloom are the rhododendrons and azaleas blooming in my front yard. I took advantage of a brief respite in the rain for this photograph. <br /><br />Over the next month I need to make a point of cleaning out the garage to set up my lights and backdrops. I also need to obtain a reflector stand in the interest of being able to manipulate ambient light without an assistant.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-31906994189313576682010-04-27T14:19:00.001-07:002010-04-27T14:23:38.822-07:00Day 5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_G3zuHhzCTAVzOOA9RXPhtCElR5QL4QdNkqcDZjdtcKjYIR22bEk5UCKHkycjQAR2xn3Lt8fDkPtv4sLReK8hZNwyrCPJthSn_bankPgbJu3-b5pzmh68lXZCJgnYzW92P0A6QeYVDFG/s1600/005_web.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_G3zuHhzCTAVzOOA9RXPhtCElR5QL4QdNkqcDZjdtcKjYIR22bEk5UCKHkycjQAR2xn3Lt8fDkPtv4sLReK8hZNwyrCPJthSn_bankPgbJu3-b5pzmh68lXZCJgnYzW92P0A6QeYVDFG/s320/005_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464930133906620594" border="0" /></a><br />The 25th we spent the morning at Lake Tye with the munchkin for the annual fishing derby. The little one caught her first fish. We were fortunate to have gorgeous weather that day. So far this spring is making up for the mild winter. <br /><br />This photograph was taken later in the evening as we were helping TK move one more exit on I-5 away from Seattle. Yes, this is a traditional "cam-ho" pose but my resources were pretty limited and I needed to make sure I got something in for the day. On the upside, I really like how my eyes turned out.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-59579666081334244702010-04-27T14:14:00.001-07:002010-04-27T14:16:09.813-07:00Day 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUkm25qv-y66gDdGI_q_AKwB8nYQ6vEDKac8hnnk7LGHXriaPiaYwZZw7aAS1IXvZRvSHWGE4jQVfLUi1b672lHULJuYTje9wUvNqNVOVdGKYslwQTXZB4uR1_ZU69-a313-iL6Fd02CQ/s1600/004_web.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUkm25qv-y66gDdGI_q_AKwB8nYQ6vEDKac8hnnk7LGHXriaPiaYwZZw7aAS1IXvZRvSHWGE4jQVfLUi1b672lHULJuYTje9wUvNqNVOVdGKYslwQTXZB4uR1_ZU69-a313-iL6Fd02CQ/s200/004_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464928718092220258" border="0" /></a><br />I was still feeling the after-effects of migraine on the 25th. The day was spent cleaning house and taking the munchkin to swimming lessons. By the end of the day I felt as washed out as this photo.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-9107318156891366382010-04-27T14:12:00.000-07:002010-04-27T14:13:57.953-07:00Day 3Nothing on for the 23rd. There was too much miscellaneous other stuff going on and I didn't have a chance to even think about getting my camera.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-81921325361427633692010-04-22T22:45:00.000-07:002010-04-22T22:55:27.189-07:00Day 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JKcgYYrnY72nW6utEHuuMOx1mJRgKprNFfbmRZhfl9KVXS6nxPnRXKlUPaXyS6qAoCGqjPfb7XLvb8Y_hFqf3ifo9bSjnNFLxYSfMJv10iWn0LmC8SNNQSUkiIapUCEyzn0F2X9PsGrn/s1600/002_web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JKcgYYrnY72nW6utEHuuMOx1mJRgKprNFfbmRZhfl9KVXS6nxPnRXKlUPaXyS6qAoCGqjPfb7XLvb8Y_hFqf3ifo9bSjnNFLxYSfMJv10iWn0LmC8SNNQSUkiIapUCEyzn0F2X9PsGrn/s400/002_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463206050224995298" border="0" /></a><br />This was taken in my backyard two hours before sunset. I ran outside to take a quick picture before getting dinner on the table. One thing you can't see in this picture is the red lining my irises towards the center of my face. This translates to me having a migraine. <br /><br />A migraine headache is unique in that it is caused by the blood vessels expanding. This is why caffeine can help a migraine; it constricts blood vessels. So this was quick and dirty. Now off to a quiet dark room for me.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-18053905432152949082010-04-21T23:02:00.001-07:002010-04-22T14:35:19.155-07:00Day 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicI05Y-zO4p6XRm605ftha-q5zWQ8ijdd6-n-fbUTiQX_cpNZwlFDurHzVAOQJPNKOTjddeT5w6RsGNA0Toi1kK_06uKWADjY1yk_GJGNsBsPD-bmajjoQgt6dlCRuvjAdshKM6KiYZmwV/s1600/001_web.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicI05Y-zO4p6XRm605ftha-q5zWQ8ijdd6-n-fbUTiQX_cpNZwlFDurHzVAOQJPNKOTjddeT5w6RsGNA0Toi1kK_06uKWADjY1yk_GJGNsBsPD-bmajjoQgt6dlCRuvjAdshKM6KiYZmwV/s400/001_web.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462838463096025970" border="0" /></a>Day 1 was quite difficult. I stood in front of the mirror thinking of all my imperfections. My glasses make it hard to see my eyes. My ears are crooked. My freckles are turning into age spots. I have crow's feet. My chin is too big. My forehead is too big. I need to lose weight. My eyebrows are getting bushy. I can go on forever.<br /><br />So, I thought what do I like when I look in the mirror? Then the answer came to me. I love my hair. It has a natural curl to it which is brought out beautifully by the lazy humidity of the Pacific Northwest. It is long; most of the time my hair can be found in a bun held up with a pencil, a knitting needle, a crochet hook or, on very rare occasions, an actual hair stick.<br /><br />My hair seemed as good a place to start as any other. Give me some time and i will eventually get around to the rest of my face.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-51095967874721512622010-04-21T22:48:00.000-07:002010-04-22T14:34:35.343-07:00365 days...On a suggestion I decided to become one of many to take a self-portrait every day for the next 365 days. This is going to be difficult for me because like many others I do not like the way I look. Over the course of the past few years I have taken portraits for many women who do not fit the conventional defininition of beauty. These sessions have often resulted in some of my favorite photographs. So, off I start on this journey.<br /><br />The meat of this project will be on this public blog with the occasional reference to other social media.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-6324120932086290982010-03-09T22:09:00.000-08:002010-03-09T22:42:32.885-08:00Bella Vita Girls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ9tw-X7awp7BtWSoUw4hUvm9jM-JQPvceuOtfeHHkB7noVrRSpd5TSbBjuh4vEhL-fwpF482dHd55GRYpOcB7kKV3rwY8escmdxUqnprEY6rfB3MxpXLb1vLvjqPp_949PELqTEmvAUb/s1600-h/IMG_9557+%281%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ9tw-X7awp7BtWSoUw4hUvm9jM-JQPvceuOtfeHHkB7noVrRSpd5TSbBjuh4vEhL-fwpF482dHd55GRYpOcB7kKV3rwY8escmdxUqnprEY6rfB3MxpXLb1vLvjqPp_949PELqTEmvAUb/s400/IMG_9557+%281%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446890809250735266" border="0" /></a>A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of doing a portrait shoot with Brie'n and Nichole, the proprietors of <a href="http://bellavitaplanning.com/">Bella Vita Planning & Paper Company</a>. We spent a wonderful afternoon walking along the Snohomish River scouting out good locations. Overall, I am happy with the results.<br /><br />I wish I had brought my reflector with me so I could have taken advantage of the sun and a larger variety of locations. To this end, my next photo purchase is going to be a reflector stand. The bottom line is, I am usually doing shoots on my own and holding a reflector in the correct position while trying to snap a picture is unrealistic. There were a lot of excellent locations I couldn't use because the sun wasn't cooperating.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-5201267985200920882010-03-07T22:02:00.000-08:002010-03-07T22:58:33.236-08:00wings and thingsIf you ever want to make a room of people smile just take a little girl, put her in a full-skirted dress and a pair of wings. I have seen this strategy successfully implemented at many summer weddings. Every girl wants to wear wings. All of us. The size, shape and variety <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSvfmgdHCjVSYH7mVbqKd3OFYcA4fn2ogGTCgIf8qt5Im8LXmQVhmmUkoSzTUR4GBmvuQVCVdDmjJTq-y52uJcZV76Q1coC65OBBxIXDP3Ooz-WfWJCtX77LES4iTBxJFwsxKOkmNvA8t/s1600-h/india.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSvfmgdHCjVSYH7mVbqKd3OFYcA4fn2ogGTCgIf8qt5Im8LXmQVhmmUkoSzTUR4GBmvuQVCVdDmjJTq-y52uJcZV76Q1coC65OBBxIXDP3Ooz-WfWJCtX77LES4iTBxJFwsxKOkmNvA8t/s400/india.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446139745124397186" border="0" /></a>may differ, but every woman is the star of her own fairy tale.<br /><br />A good pair of wings can be an incredibly versatile prop and not just for children. Costumes are a powerful tool. A costume frees us to express things we might normally keep hidden. Clothes define us; they are an outward expression of who we are, where we come from, and where we would like to be.<br /><br />Perhaps it is my background in theater, but I am a tremendous fan of costumes. I like my photographs to be playful and I firmly believe putting a costume on someone allows them a certain freedom to step out of their comfort zone and relax in front of the camera. Just like wearing a suit to an important business meeting will boost confidence, the right set of clothes will open up a person up to express who they are.<br /><br />Society often dictates what we wear and when. A portrait session is a rare opportunity to create a visual representation of how we want to be remembered whether it be in an evening gown, a suit, jeans and a t-shirt or wearing wings.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-9150234581218362462008-11-16T21:53:00.000-08:002008-11-16T22:11:54.579-08:00The Door<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXxtX8s3s2_gBBoh4_C7dneQQhsknsSGqlS8hmrylV63Jwum-GGVhucfdCoCBOryG-Xs07-r5sOsjSnfCqs1N2reXlqMZPPfV_Wle_THKdJJxeb5BxMORAiBVzfm6wPxadIYQ6STi-vjM/s1600-h/open_door_w.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXxtX8s3s2_gBBoh4_C7dneQQhsknsSGqlS8hmrylV63Jwum-GGVhucfdCoCBOryG-Xs07-r5sOsjSnfCqs1N2reXlqMZPPfV_Wle_THKdJJxeb5BxMORAiBVzfm6wPxadIYQ6STi-vjM/s200/open_door_w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269505166629670162" border="0" /></a>The door stood open, inviting her to go in. She was unsure; she had the key. Why was the door open?<br /><br />Her hand grasped the doorknob. It was warm from the desert sun. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she pushed open the door. She stepped forward slowly and felt the old boards buckle beneath her feet.<br /><br />Then she saw it, standing before her in the middle of the room and in an instant her entire world changed.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-2202212840147885122008-10-19T23:58:00.000-07:002008-10-20T00:04:49.704-07:00broken room<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cspott.com/lj/broken_room.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://cspott.com/lj/broken_room.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />She laid on the bed waiting patiently for them to arrive. If you look close enough, you can still see her there waiting, looking expectantly at the two chairs. She arranged them perfectly so they would be able to see her sleep. Time meant nothing to her. As long as she stayed there, always in one place, she knew they would come.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-49957371125983450872008-10-14T23:30:00.000-07:002008-10-14T23:42:19.195-07:00How to hold things together<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cspott.com/lj/hinge_w.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://cspott.com/lj/hinge_w.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>There are many different ways in which we are connected to each other. Sometimes the bonds are strong, like superglue. Sometimes they are just being held on by a thread. Some bonds are stronger than others. Some are meant to survive. Others are made to be temporary. Your guess is as good as mine as to which ones will last.<br /><br />I was thinking about how your first best friend can be a result of something as simple as a seating chart in Kindergarten based on alphabetical order. India's best friend is Isis. Part of me really hopes we stay in Sultan so I can watch this group of kids grow up and see who they all become. I may be the "weird" parent, but I am fascinated by the development of all these new personalities and how they are learning to form bonds.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-59098652373961628452008-10-12T00:22:00.000-07:002008-10-12T00:44:09.548-07:00Accept or Overcome?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cspott.com/lj/washroom.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.cspott.com/lj/washroom.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I firmly believe each of us has a purpose for being here. We are all students and teachers. For the past few years I have believed my mission in life is to overcome fear. I mentioned this at my last meeting with the wise Scotsman. He brought up an important piece of information. Fear is not something to overcome. Fear in and of itself is not the problem. The problem lies in how it is dealt with.<br /><br />Fear teaches us to keep safe and protect ourselves. It can also prevent us from stepping out of our boundaries endangering our security. That is what it comes down to in the end for me. I want to feel secure in a world which is by nature insecure. <br /><br />I am open to suggestions.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-25673211502231146112008-10-10T20:36:00.000-07:002008-10-10T20:45:03.246-07:00ISO 100 Shutter 46 SecondsThere has always been something intriguing to me about night photography. Our eyes are amazing instruments which take bits of light, send electronic impulses to our brain and translate into something intelligible. For the most part a camera is blind without light. Most people have never experienced true dark. Most humans avoid the depths required to find pure lack of light.<br /><br />Light and photography are inseparable.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cspott.com/lj/haystack_night.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://cspott.com/lj/haystack_night.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-8690387210717971342008-10-05T23:47:00.000-07:002008-10-05T23:58:12.583-07:00The past becoming the present...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCE_WWdVZTu8a1GYeq1MZ-mhguGtK2AAJdAHNWaOUC3TZIMWLJu8PQg1RplvuBmHfq4sIYBkQy055Q82WUX11uvU2HLjdEkl1JWRKoGdrH5ZLv5iwOy9nLTyKVQLrWrYxuIWUpb2F-HDU/s1600-h/rural_decay_002w.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCE_WWdVZTu8a1GYeq1MZ-mhguGtK2AAJdAHNWaOUC3TZIMWLJu8PQg1RplvuBmHfq4sIYBkQy055Q82WUX11uvU2HLjdEkl1JWRKoGdrH5ZLv5iwOy9nLTyKVQLrWrYxuIWUpb2F-HDU/s320/rural_decay_002w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253931633938551426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I take these photographs along US highway 2 of abandoned farmsteads; Some appear to have been lived in recently. This makes me think of the bursting of the housing bubble. What is going to happen to all of the foreclosed homes if there is not one to buy them. Will they become worse off than their predecessors? In ten to twenty years will the middle class suburbs of today become another example of societal decay.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-68766406318369323672008-10-05T02:19:00.000-07:002008-10-05T02:39:25.155-07:00<span style="font-style: italic;">What do you do when your dreams go bad?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You build a better dream.</span><br /><br />This is the wisdom I learned today from <span style="font-style: italic;">The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl</span>. Yes, a campy kid movie made me tear up. Our dreams don't always work out the way they are supposed to. There is a wonderful quote by Edgar Allen Poe, "Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." I used to have a bookmark with this engraved on it. I think it is still in the pages of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Return of the King</span> where it was left when I finished reading it.<br /><br />R and I had a good talk today in the car after dinner with A and his wife. I mentioned how I wanted to travel and go have adventures and fill up my life with more stories and experience and how I felt I needed to do this on my own. R replied he would like to do this with me. Something clicked. It was like we were on the same page. At this point in our life R has to follow a certain set of rules to keep his job. Someday, we will reach a point where he can lead a life less guarded.<br /><br />In the meantime, he has realized I am not about to go off the deep end and the friends I have made over the past year or two are trustworthy and will take care of me. They are really friends; the kind who will smack me over the head with a clue-by-four when I am going to do something stupid. The kind of friends who stick with you when your pie karma is running low. <br /><br />The past year has been shaky between R and myself. It is funny how a fifteen minute conversation can put you back on level ground. I believe the ideas were always there, we just didn't have the right words to communicate them.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809715997678513987.post-19950545066195560042008-09-23T18:20:00.000-07:002008-09-23T18:29:04.059-07:00Hello my name is...I am passive-aggressive. This is something I have recently realized about myself. I am not particularly fond of the idea, but there it is. It is really amazing what a change in perspective can do. Now I am trying to break out of the patterns dictated by my super-ego. The first step is admitting there is a problem.<br /><br />So, instead of getting angry and putting things off in an attempt to avoid failure and disappointment, I am going to just move forward. I am going to take the emotion away from my job. It is what it is. I have a list of things which have to get done and getting mad or putting them off isn't going to make them go away. Ultimately, I would just be setting myself up for a failure of epic proportions.<br /><br />Anxiety is almost a tangible thing for me. Finding security in an insecure world is a losing battle. I think I am finally getting pointed in the right direction.Crystal Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17797427119639258022noreply@blogger.com1