I'm so bored with social media...and I'm completely creeped out that everything is so trackable. I'm also bored with trying to tell stories in only 140 characters. I finally got my Wordpress app working again on the new phone. So I'm going to do another social experiment on myself...don't worry it's similar to the men's ties, but not entirely. I'm going to switch back to my own site, read more and actually DO more. I need to produce more CONTENT and stop talking about it... If I post a picture, I need to cross-post it here. If I have something stupid to say about the world, I'm going to say it here. If I create something for the world, yep it's going here. I want to have a place to see my progress, a place to use some of my own contributions to big data for my goals. That seems reasonable. And hey, my site just turned 8 yrs old! Happy birthday, Gurl.
I always say that...
"I'm back!" I always say that when I start blogging again. The fact is that I just haven't had time to even update my Wordpress apps and sites in so long. But the numbers say that people are still coming here. Probably just thousands of former frenemies but that's okay too. It's better than Facebook... Speaking of, the new Facebook privacy invasion makes me wanna delete my account entirely. Just like this guy:
Every time I've added people on Facebook we become more distant. It's weird. It's just changing our society so quickly that I just can't... Maybe people just feel weird that I'm open publicly while they think a password site makes all the difference? I've spent so much of my life hiding (even in real closets) to think that I should hide now. Maybe you're hiding because you have so much to hide. That's okay. I know how it feels. But I'm gonna be who I am with you if I know you...and I'm gonna be that same person to everyone I know. That's what makes me—well me. You should try it. Not the being me part, but being you.
Maybe people hate my posts because they think that me sharing my crazy life is bragging. But I'm just as surprised with my daily stunts as you are! And I think constant pictures of your kids would certainly run head-to-head with that idea. I can't have kids. Sometimes I'm not sure if that's a blessing because I work my fucking ass off and I haven't given up on my own goals and dreams...which I share. But I also share my setbacks and believe you me--it often feels like I have more of them than successes! And I enjoy your posts about your kids...I'm happy that you have the life you want and I want to be apart of that...even if it's a dumb thumbs up icon. But I say, let's take it to the next step...real life. Let's send pictures again and talk on the phone. I promise not to scream.
But if we've had weird relationships in the past, exes and the like...I don't wanna be friends. I'm sorry but I'm not that kinda lesbian. I don't think I'm a lesbian at all, to be quite honest. But that's another post.
Now I'm working on a new site, a CopyCatFilms sister site...but Drupal is just too stupid for me. I'm a wordpress lover all the way. Kill that install. Start over. I even paid good money for that damn layout, but sometimes you gotta know when to fold'em...I love a reason to quote Kenny Rogers. It makes me feel closer to Dolly. (And who wouldn't want that?)
So I'm also packin for a trip to Illinois. Flying right under that Gateway to the West! My camera has been hacked with Magic Lantern and I'm going on a crash course of learning to use it. I cannot wait...
Kitty does not want me to leave.
Morty Misses, too
Our cat is intolerant of new situations. Strange for a cat that recently handled a cross-country trek of over 2,300 miles. Sadly, he lost his best friend right before the big trek across country. I know he misses Ninga... But the truth is...I can't get over missing Ninga yet, either. When I think of how abruptly he left us, on the eve of our move from Chicago, it just floods me. It was really just... a lot for me, at the time. He's been a part of my life for 14 years...it was just supposed to be a check-up visit.
How can we go it without him? --I blubbered into every box as we packed ALL night. This big journey into the unknown... He's the protector in our house. He's the fighter. He'd save you from a burning microwave, and swat a piece of pizza from your hand without hesitation. He went to a top 25 school and ate pizza out of party boxes. He'd leer over you, standing from the top of a door--making you think he'd pounce on your head or at least break a leg getting down. But beware--cuz if you'd reach to try to help him down, he'd rip holes in your arm--like a sheet on a clothesline--on his way to the floor, while hissing like a tiger. He'd get mad if you'd cry. And he would practically clean his own cat box. Funny looking with big, tall, back legs and spots like a dairy cow.
I miss you more than I could have imagined. Surprising, since you were always such an asshole! I would have done anything to save you. I know when you reached your paw up on my arm and laid your head to sleep for the last time--you knew that. And I'm sure you were pissed that I was crying. Thank you for forcing me to grow up and hanging on along the way, Ninga.
Morty is missing you terribly. Not only for the company, but always letting him know what's right. You gave him only the good sides of you, like a good father. He goes out on the new balcony, unsure of the new textures, scenery, and railing. He's scared of the boundaries. You showed him how to be a cat. He still waits for you.
I hope you know how much you meant to my silly life. I had no idea how much you meant to Morty's. We're trying to move on and keep him happy. He had a playdate with a nice cat. His response was...rather pissy.
Cat Facts
So, I know that Mariela found "Cat Facts" by some means of her Internet dorkiness, but she really has taken it to a whole 'nother level. It all started when we moved to California and immediately needed to change both of our phone numbers over to local numbers. We put it on Facebook, but who reads that, right? So it began...no one knew the numbers we were texting from. So we turned it into a little game--each new contestant added on new sections, visuals...and now--well, I couldn't be prouder of Cat Facts.
*Please note: the misspellings below are intentional and necessary.
The gist is that--immediately upon receiving a "who's this" text--you start responding with random Cat Facts and photos...set a timer--send them every hour on the hour (for contestants that are upgraded to Cat Facts Premium):
Thanks for signing up for Cat Facts! You will now receive fun daily facts about CATS! >^..^<
Cats use their tails for balance and have nearly 30 individual bones in them! <To cancel Daily Cat Facts, reply 'cancel'>.
(after receiving reply):
Command not recognized. You have a <year> subscription to Cat Facts and will receive fun <hourly> updates!
In ancient Egypt, killing a cat was a crime punishable by death. Thank you for choosing Cat Facts!
(after next reply):
Command not recognized. Cats bury their feces to cover their trails from predators. To <cancel> please let us know you are human by completing the following sentence: Your favorite animal is the ___?
(reply anything other than "Cat"):
INCORRECT! Your favorite animal is the Cat. You will continue to receive cat facts every <hour>. Would you like to upgrade to premium subscription?
(if reply is "Cat")
CORRECT! Your favorite animal is the cat! Congrats, you've been upgraded to Cat Facts Premium with Cat Pics!
Welcome to Cat Facts Premium: Did you know that the first cat show was held in 1871 at the Crystal Palace in London. Mee-wow!
(after reply):
Thanks for texting Cat Facts (Premium). Would you like to receive an instant Cat Fact with cat pic every time you text? <To cancel, reply 'unsubsribe">
<Command Not recognized> Did you know there are about 100 distinct breeds of domestic cat?
(after reply)
Thank you for your feedback about Cat Facts. Did you know cats have excellent senses including night vision and the ability to hear ultrasound? <To Cancel Reply "Not Meow">
(only after they reply "not meow"):
<command not recognized>
Gimme My Fuckin Change Back
Fun to relive old times & talented artists of our past/present/and hopefully future. We woulda never left Chicago without an old friends' music cheering us on...
Young Hines: Gimme My Change
Every time someone was in my car they would ask (more like scream), "WHO is this!?"
--He's our Nashville souvenir...and eventually a removed catalyst in our move to California. His music just shared so much emotion with how the days felt in Chicago, yet it was a reminder of the past and someone that I truly admired. I don't say that about many people, probably none. He didn't wait for someone to offer him a way to make his music. He just made it. He learned and challenged himself. He worked days at a time in his little home studio. He worked a day job to buy more and add to his studio. I completely adopted his model in Chicago. He renewed my spirit. He made me wanna dream differently. I buried myself in my work and continued to Fail With Pride (our other Nashville take-away). So when his album released...and it was speakin my language...and Chicago was completely shit, boiling over, and busting at the seams. I knew it was time for another lifetime adventure. I love every piece of California. And our amazing journey to get here. Even if I do miss all the amazing people that helped us get here. Every. Single. Day. But I'm so glad to have found home.
(I know, I know. The video of the move and our Route 66 is soooo far past due--but it's happening. I've been very busy setting up the small studio of my dreams. Workin. Testin. Workin some more. The Young Hines way... :D)
Crazy busy times. Cali is amazingness. (Evernote WP email integration sucks...)
Cleanin hard' drives, workin' on illustrations. And now I'm testing my Evernote integration with our portfolio site. Did it work? Evernote is so wonderful. It's like a culmination of my creative work, my professional work, my dumb thoughts, my stencil & painting ideas, to do lists, books to search, startup car audio companies ...and everything is organized separately, but still--together. However, after testing the email features to Wordpress...I have to say: it sucks. Evernote, I don't want your brand or any other brand all over my website, thank you. I do not want it imported with a giant ad banner over my words. I'm editing my reviews of the Evernote app about this. Don't be corporate douchery. I don't want your brand where I don't want it. I pay for a service.
It reminds me why I hate television and now Facebook. It's the ads. It drives me crazy. I get more sponsored posts than real updates by anyone or real businesses. Gross.
P.S. Please upgrade the audio recorder because our hilarious stories sound like shit from these Evernotes though...srsly. Dropvox er somethin. Try integrating, playing nicely, and removing the corporate douchery. Thank you.
Stirring Around Our Workspace
I do this often. Stir the furniture in our apartment...I think it drives Mariela crazy. But it's how I was raised. My granny still moves her furniture around every few months. I just thought that's what normal people do! So I've taken it to the next level...and modified most of our furniture to add wheels. It's quite handy. I think the needing to stir comes from our Native American roots. We can't move the tribe, so we shift stuff around. It gives a new feeling to a familiar place. Makes sense. But she also kept a large knife stuck in the door because we lived around really scary people--within our house and the neighborhood. So I've modified her model by using a magnetic knife rack by the door--but it holds keys, wallets, little dyke tools, camera remotes...etc. etc.
The latest stirring episode is because I've been frustrated with my photography lately. But I'm chalking it up to a few things: 1) I haven't really found my place here yet. Like a job or community involvements, but I know that will happen. Spring is in full bloom in Northern California and it's magnificent. 2) I'm used to photographing dingy urban stuff--usually weird & dark. Exactly the opposite of here. It's bright and sunny all the time and much more suburban. I know that riding my bike on daily missions will kick me over into the groove again. And that will happen when I find my place/job, too. I just have to be patient and diligent with my own projects in the meantime.
The biggest projects we have going now:
- pilot script
- creating 2D puppet animations for storytelling
- editing our cross-country move to Cali video
I've been hard at work on a video for my family that is finally complete! Mariela and I learned so many new effects and techniques, but the content is personal, but maybe I'll do a rough cut of some of the footage to share here. The time lapse of the family cottage is pretty terrific--if I do say so myself. I had stayed up so late the night before--drinking wine at the dining hall, an unexpected nap, and then more ukulele playing and singing with the fam. But it was 4am and the sun was a'comin. I scurried to gather my gear and ran out to argue with my new time lapse settings in Magic Lantern. I got it. It's beautiful. It's quiet and serene. All the colony kids and vacationers fast asleep...I even managed to get the sun rising over the colony pool. Luckily, I had the forethought to get the cottage first and move downhill for the pool. So maybe a short cut to come soon.
We had a terrific weekend and really didn't get anything done on our projects, but sometimes it's nice to just enjoy the sunshine. So we joined some new friends at Half Moon Bay for a fun day at the beach. I'm just still so stunned that the OCEAN is that close! Luckily, my midwestern hickness is wearing off and I haven't referred to the Pacific Ocean as a LAKE in quite a while now. ;-)
Is My Blogger Broken?
I kinda hate writing again. I liked blogging for my previous job, but it just never felt like my voice. So, I have to ask, is MY blogger broken? Perhaps with Google trying to kill RSS--they are in fact sabotaging the little people on the Internets. The geeks, present company included, that setup their bedroom as a radio/tv station 8 yrs ago--a station/podcast that they could only dream of having in 6th grade, will be crushed by the lack of readership that comes from RSS publishing. But I'm not one to get my panties in a bunch over the latest internet sensations. I know that those of us with real stories & real skills will always have a place at the table.
In related news, scriptwriting is brutal. We're hard at work to finish our pilot script for a web series. However, our planned web series is about lesbians--but it's not a lesbian web series, per say. Yet some of the scenes absolutely must be graphic! Ha--it's hard to pitch the pilot without including the graphic parts in the first episode, yet it doesn't quite fit. Eh, if we have to produce it ourselves, we'll do what we want (animation if need be--and you'll all be glad for the graphic parts). It's the age old dilemma. If you let others in...they will likely take it OVER. But with the help of others, our stories can finally be shared.
Lastly, my iPhone is dead all the time now. If you know me, in real life--please don't hesitate to email me your phone/text messages. Yes, it's true that you can also continue texting--but only if you have an iPhone--cuz I'm an Apple whore like that. (I can still gettem' on my iPad.) And I'm no longer participating in the stalking pleasures of Facebook. People don't really share. They come to gawk. I'm not tryin to hide--I've always been right here. But when ignorance starts filling my day (people posting racist images, tormentors of my past showing up in "likes," then of course my judging of everyone else's lack of judgement, and all the other dumb drama) I just have to walk away. Sometimes you just need a break--to really see what it was doing to you.
And then it reminds me why I liked blogging in the first place! I don't give a shit if someone clicks a like button, most of the time without even reading what I'm saying. This is a place that I'm free to be me. I can post what I want. I don't have ads for ridiculous crap in my face. And further, the content I share can actually be reviewed, saved for scripts, or produced in one of our videos. When I put stuff on Facebook...it might as well be added to a consumer database of what I like to do and then just immediately deleted. Ain't nobody gonna go back and deal with FB's weird, controlling ways of showing you even your own content!
So I'm back to the bloggin board...where it's beautiful, ad-free, and just what I want it to be.
P.S. Happy Birthday M.C. I still think about you all the time. I read through some of our final stories together this weekend--you always knew how to laugh. And you always believed in me. I'll never forget that.
Puppet Intro: Real HouseDyke
:: work in progress :: A first puppet…brought to life with a little 90's inspiration (song remix by yours truly). I'm still working out some of the kinks before I can launch the full puppet project, but I'm addicted. All of the images are hand-drawn from photos. Can't stop, won't stop now! Being a "day person" has taught me that I'm a terrible housewife, but I'm a pretty good HouseDyke…typically capable of fixing just about anything. "Just about"..."Most of the time."
Even if there's a struggle...
Adoption Workshop #4
So we attended the longest adoption workshop yet--in the East Bay (IAC). Surprisingly, it was the best. The best of FOUR that we've attended over the years! We are in love with this place. It was so open and honest about everything. It is the polar opposite of isolated, infertility treatment darkness and the strange uncomfortable other info sessions we've attended both in Chicago and here in San Francisco. When the meeting started, the facilitating woman shared her own story of a very difficult closed adoption. It was nice for me to hear. Even though I love & live with someone everyday that is the result of a very closed adoption, it is good to hear of others experiences. It's also nice because I am of an unusual "open" adoption where I have two families that I love very much--but making it all work, in reality, is sometimes very difficult on me. I don't want that for our kids. I want them to feel home. I want them to know that they are here to stay, that they belong. --Honestly, feelings that I did not have as a kid. I definitely have had some processing to do and I've been working on it over the past several years as we've stepped closer and closer to the adoption process.
But after this session, I feel absolutely ready. Now, it's just the large sum of money necessary to begin. Ultimately, that is what it has always been...It's hard to invest in a business, and at the same time, afford adoption. And now that I've stepped out on my own with freelancing, I feel that I really need to find steady, stable work in order to fully jump into adoption. Freelancing is just too uncertain. And honestly, I miss working with people--surprising, I know ;-). But I know that will happen soon enough. Why? Because this place is magic. Absolutely magic. There are so many interesting startups, companies, and organizations here.
Back to the waiting room: Then...then the nice lady put up a ppt screen and said that we would all get in small groups and openly discuss our experiences with infertility, and what has led us to adoption. My heart jumped in my chest. My palms started sweating and a rare feeling washed over me: FLIGHT. I focused my gaze on the door and started fantasizing scenarios to make a break for it...Openly discuss this!? With strangers!! my inner voice was screaming! I looked into Mariela's eyes and I knew I just had to do this and that she was with me. We turned and just jumped right in. The most amazing thing happened. It actually felt good. I felt like I could breathe. The people were so open and warm, nonjudgemental, inquisitive, and openly shared their own stories. For the first time at one of these awkward things--I actually felt connected to the people. Imagine that. It was a place that I would actually look forward to attending their day long workshops, etc. etc.
I can't wait to get started. So it's back to job applications for me. Wheeeeeee!
Web Series at SXSW 2013!
I Hate Tommy Finch, a web series, that I helped shoot is getting some play at South by Southwest in Austin this year! So, if you're in the area, check out the #OUTlanders program at #SXSW. I'm excited that it's roaming around out there, gettin' more exposure. It's a great story that was lots of fun to work on. The live play was absolutely amazing, and it's incredible to see it molded into video & music as a web series--really artistic, transmedia storytelling, fast forward thinkin' of Tellofilms and the lovelies, King is a Fink.
Lets watch the video sneak peek together, again: Sneak Peek--I Hate Tommy Finch Episode 3
The music of Sami Grisafe and Shannon Nicole was out-of-this-world perfect. You can listen to the incredible tune, Atlantis, on Spotify! I like to think of it as a little song-story about our recent adventure to California. I was scared to swim, but my fearless Mariela convinced me that she would teach me how. We're workin out the details after getting here, [to Atlantis].
And, eh hem...I must admit that one of my greatest film shoot moments, yet... eating sandwiches during a break with Nicole Pacent at the bar...in her bra. I couldn't formulate one intelligible sentence and I was too nervous to finish my sandwich. What can I say:
"I am at heart, a gentleman." --Marlene Dietrich
Puppet Makin
Puppet Makin a video by CopyCatFilms on Flickr.
I've been working away on some 2D animation puppets for a few projects. I realized that I will need lots of expressions, fortunately...I've gott'em.
Hilarious project. I highly recommend making a puppet of yourself...
We can all use to laugh at ourselves a little more--maybe I should a little less. Ha.
This City is Ab Fab
A few weeks ago, we were exploring in the city--stumbling over all the amazing newness of San Francisco. We had a little time to kill waiting for a friend when we found Crepes on Cole...an adorable little crepe place that was open late with a nice, casual, neighborhood feel. As we sat down we overheard a small group of women chatting away about Ab Fab. One of the women was explaining all that is...PATSY. She was doing a terrific job summing up her newfound excitement about this series we've obsessed over since the late 90's. It was so refreshing to hear. People talking about actually interesting things? Hell, people talking at all is a huge advance from Chicago. Everyone was so concerned with remaining invisible there--walking the streets with this vibe of please don't look at me, or even notice me. I know, I know...we are a little over the top, so the difference was just so glaring. It just feels so right here. I can't explain it in words... the friendly people waiting in line at the Treasure Island Flea...talking to you because why not
the courtesy driving--stopping to actually let you in
the way strangers instincts are to just smile at you
the way people dress and act exactly like they want, not looking for your approval...
It's extremely exciting to MOVE to a place you've never been! It's a constant surprise. I was so over living in the city (Chicago, that is). I just didn't want the dirty filth of negativity covering me anymore. The sidewalks like treadmills of people looking straight down, ready to run right into you, and often times stepping right into your shoes! I didn't expect to love San Francisco, not like this. I mean, I knew we would find amazing adventure in it. But this is pure love. I didn't expect a city park that could dwarf a small town--the wilderness and life so blooming everywhere. I honestly don't know what took me so long to make it here--other than my own fear of leaving home. And yes, I miss everyone. Everyone. But I know that this journey is just beginning and each day that passes, it becomes more and more home. I love building it here.
A few of our recent highlights, exploring the city with our new Zeiss lens:
We were lost in the Presidio, enjoying the smooth-vibe, driving of SF. The tunnels, the lights, the wilderness in a city...and BOOM--there was The Bridge. We took an exit and there she stood, like she was waiting for us. Quiet and still, nothing going on...but a beautiful spot to enjoy the Bay.
Since I was a kid, I dreamed of just seeing the studio where Stevie Nicks recorded Rumours. Mariela and her outstanding sleuthing and navigating, took us right to her doors. It was a small victory, but it just felt like we were finally here. Amazing. As I opened the windows and sunroof and kicked up my stereo playing the demo tracks from the Rumours outtakes, it was like you were transported to 1977 and Stevie was wearing her big headphones singing her heart out and the sounds filled the thick forest of trees in that little cove in Sausalito. I'm sure Mick's drums filled that canyon, now covered in multi-millions dollar homes...
Sorcerer, Stevie's song, was actually demo recorded before Rumours, but we felt it fitting for this shot. Maybe our California plate will be a Rumours track! They are all fitting: Dreams, Never Going Back Again, Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way, The Chain, Gold Dust Woman...hahaha.
So as the weekend draws near, I get antsy anticipation to just breathe the air of San Francisco and I look forward to finding our way into her gates again...
And remember...it all drains to the bay around here.
Frame BY Endless Frame Time Lapse
I started thinking...what has been my favorite thing to film? I mean, so far. I have to say that filming time-lapse in Maine on vacation with my hilarious extended family. Sure, maybe it's because it was such a quiet, clean, calm morning at the colony--one of my very favorite places on earth. It was my love of purist, photography --brought to life with motion. It's superb, while not true "frame-by-frame." So zooming in for higher resolution isn't an option! Fast forward to this week, I started in...fighting with Magic Lantern on my Canon 60D again. The problem has been audio with my Zoom h4n using the Sescom cable. I found the breakthrough that I needed (this helpful audio forum) and we set out for Treasure Island to record actual frame by frame time lapse (using the intervelometer of ML)!
It was the perfect end to a perfect day @ the Treasure Island Flea.
365 Days...
Grrr, I have so many projects going these days with trying to get my freelance business more off the ground, the demo reel that I'm working on, all the other short films, not to mention a giant documentary project. So I'm feeling somewhat frustrated by the 365 Days photo project that I started. It's a combination of things really. I guess I feel kinda silly that the pictures have to include me. Don't get me wrong, I love posing for the camera, but it just seems harder right now. So much is going on. And a big part of it is that I have a new manual focus lens which means that it's almost impossible to pull focus on myself, from a far. It's just too much. I love photography, but I'm finding that I don't like rules with it.
I've been focusing so much on editing and motion design that I feel like a movie a week of something edited would be more satisfying, and still extremely difficult. Or a doodle or drawing a day, now that my wacom actually has a tip that is perfect!
We'll see. I hate being a quitter about anything, but I also don't want to spend a lot of my time posting pictures that my heart is not in...
Best Camera Strap Ever.
I love the innovative film gear that spawns from Kickstarter projects! I'm such a sucker for'em. So when I stumbled across the new Leash & Cuff project I had to jump on. I've been using a Luma sling and I love it, but it doesn't do what I need it to do...stay safely at my side so that I can enjoy life, live in my surroundings without being sidetracked by my camera's whereabouts at all times. I like spontaneous photography and documentary clips, but that's not easy when your camera is a burden. After upgrading my primary shooting lens to the incredible Zeiss 35mm f2, I was concerned about my luma sling--letting my camera bounce around. Enter the Leash by Peak Designs! It's absolutely perfect, in every way. It is constructed of thin seatbelt material that glides perfectly over your clothing--to pull quickly for a shot. But the multiple spot configuration options (strap, sling from the bottom, sling on the side & bottom) makes it perfect for getting your camera in the best spot for YOU. You can also stick your foot in it or wrap it around your belt for stabilizing a shot or shooting video. It's tremendous.
When I throw my camera in a bag, this strap is so soft and slim that I can just let it fall on top...and then she's ready to grab and go!
I'm concerned that the little bobble clip connectors are going to weaken on the strap...but as long as its not too quickly--I'll just buy another.
I also grabbed a Capture clip with my pledge...and it's just as awesome. I haven't used it as much because the strap is best suited for my usual style, but it's mounted on my Kata bag in waiting for a good mission...say San Francisco Chinatown!?
Back to 3D photo editing! Wheeee!
We Shipped Our Hearts to San Francisco
Whew! Starting out on my own freelancing is a big undertaking. We've crossed so many barriers to get here and I'm glad to report that we are finally "settled" in the San Francisco Bay Area! My only regret is that I didn't come out here sooner. It is truly a magnificent place. I've lived a lot of different places and I've never called them home. This...this is our home.
Please be patient as I get our new site up and running. I have loads of new projects coming. Shipping our storage pods across country was a bit of a puzzle to put back together. But we're here...we're buying the equipment that we've spent years preparing for and I can't wait to show you what we can do with it.
If you've never shot with a Carl Zeiss lens, I highly recommend it. We upgraded to a 35mm F2 and I cannot take it off my camera. It's amazing. Lights? Who needs 'em with this fast of a lens. (Which is fortunate since one of my bulbs crashed to the ground and broke during a shoot at work before I left Chicago!)
Also on the horizon is a new Leash & Capture from Peak Designs. I'm thrilled because I carry my camera everywhere. Surprisingly, I want to do weird things like hike and climb mountains now that there is just so incredibly much to see...
And last, but certainly not least...we're anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Rhino Carbon Slider!!! I love photography gear Kickstarters, what can I say.
I can say: I love you San Francisco. Every single part of you. You were worth the wait.