the decisive moment

Headshots.

2010-02-26T11:45:00.000-08:00

Last week I had my first ever experience shooting headshots for someone. Having done plenty of portrait work I felt somewhat comfortable, but as always during the shoot I was sure it would all go wrong. Since I do not have a studio I invited Steve to my apartment. I felt quite professional explaining that the doorbell was the one on the side of the intercom labeled "fox box," the name so lovingly given to our home.

Steve was great to work with, very friendly and totally comfortable, even though he swore his fake smile was no good. Thankfully the sun was shining bright that day and my backyard comes equipped with some nice walls, so in the end the shoot went quite well.

The Holidays

2010-01-20T22:34:00.000-08:00

Easy Peasy

2009-12-16T19:44:00.001-08:00

I just made a coconut walnut chocolate bar and it was SO EASY. Three ingredients, three steps. I'm also planning on making my own tea blends. This is making me realize that being creative and making things sometimes is NOT that difficult. For this reason, I will not give into my misconceptions that I don't have enough time to make anything, or that I am too tired. Also, it makes me much more excited for cold winter days spent in my apartment, whirling things together into fun.

Another thought I just had about tea: A good black tea is very soothing to me because it reminds me of late nights talking to my mom in high school when she would make us both Lipton tea with sugar. At the time it felt so warm and comforting, but as I get older I realize that it was also probably my moms attempt to stay awake with her exhausting daughter. It's funny how your perspective changes as you grow up (and this really only makes me appreciate my mom more).

Thank you

2009-11-29T20:49:00.000-08:00

for this giving.

Dear Friends/Readers

2009-11-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

This is a post about you. See, I would like your input on something that I have been thinking a lot about lately. Although few of you comment (a faithful few friends whom I quite like), my site meter account tells me that many many more of you are reading what I post. In that case, I ask that you consider coming from the woodwork and giving me your opinion.

Here is the thing:

I have been challenged quite a lot this summer with whether or not people can really change. This is an issue that is of great importance to many things I believe, including how to trust others, and what to expect of myself.

In "Walden" Thoreau touches on this as he writes:

"I confess, that practically thinking, when I have learned a man's real disposition I have no hopes of changing it for the better or the worse in this state of existence. As the Orientals say, 'A cur's tail may be warmed, and pressed and bound round with ligatures, and after a twelve years' labor bestowed upon it, still it will retain it's natural form.' The only effectual cure for such inveteracies as these tails exhibit is to make glue of them . . ."

Along with whether or not we can actually change our nature, is the issue that is seems only a very few people are able to hold to, and diligently pursue what they believe. Most people comfortably confess their array of opinions that should naturally distinguish them from others, while living in lifestyle camouflage. So why are some people (like Thoreau or Ghandi or Mother Theressa), more inclined to actually do what they say , while others like myself are passive idealists. Are some more inclined, and the others unable to change?

Here is my question, if you have gotten this far, to you my Reader. Do you think that you actually do what you say? Do you think that it is possible to fully pursue the things you believe? Finally, are some people simply naturally more inclined than others to pursue the change they hope to see in themselves and the world?

To Get Away

2009-11-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

It has been both a smooth and unsteady transition into the city. Maybe like a continual ebb of comfort and uncertainty. Primarily, though, I have been quite glad to be here, finding myself actually pursuing the things that I had determined to in my dreams of moving.
One thing that has been difficult, and actually probably the most difficult, is my trying to stay in one place when my heart really desires to get out and explore at a moments notice, at almost every moment. Last week I decided that in order to maintain my sanity I would take the train into the mountains north of the city. This turned out to be very good for my soul, and the company of my friend Janelle only added to the greatness.
While we were in what we renamed "Quaintsville," we ate by a pond, spoke to some nuns at a convent, and walked through a yellow forest. There was a creative learning preschool in the woods where we walked, and I had an overwhelming urge to go apply for a job. Unfortunately, the school was closed for the day.

I know it's silly

2009-10-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

It's just food, and I know some people who would think that to be so excited about such a simple thing is unnecessary, but I say that those who find joy in the simple things can find the most joy in the profound.

This is my lunch. It is pretty close to the exact same thing that I make most days. A grilled sandwich. The difference today is that I used locally grown, organic vegetables that I picked up at the farmers market yesterday. You guys. . it made SUCH A DIFFERENCE. The bell pepper not only looked amazing, all multi-colored and marbled red and orange, but it SMELLED LIKE A BELL PEPPER. Also, I kind of have trouble with how much I cook things. Generally, I don't know when to stop and my tomatoes are mushy and my bread is a little black. Today: perfection. And, because it is rainy and cold out I made a little mug of mulled wine, which was not over-spiced or over-sweetened.

The howling wind and falling rain outside is in perfect opposition to the candles and little warm lunch inside.

I found myself in autumn.

2009-10-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Arriving in Penn Station, I found my way to a map that helped me find my way to the train that would take me to my new home. For a moment I considered going outside to take picture, but realized that as it was my new home, time was not of the essence. Making my way to the 2-3 train I bought my unlimited ride card, awkwardly got myself through and headed toward the place I would know.

Once in Brooklyn I got onto the F train, and after just a few moments I came out from underground for the first time in New York. The sun was setting, and the buildings were casting shadows about the landscape. Between my expression of anticipation and back loaded with bags, a man beside me caught me as new and asked, "This your first time seeing it?" I'd been to Brooklyn, but since it was a whole new feeling and a whole new situation, I just smiled and said, "Yea, kind of." He went on to tell me a bit about Brooklyn, and pointed out the highest tower in downtown. When I told him I was moving he wished me good luck, and I got off to find my home.

Seeing my street was odd, since I had spent so much time Google Mapping it the last few months. At my cross-street I stopped for a moment, took it all in, and my heart jumped with joy. After all that had happened, I had actually made it.

That was four days ago, and since then if feels like I have been settled in for weeks. Having friends here has made the transition so smooth, and so enjoyable. Our tiny apartment is a beautiful place, and our plans for it are big. Our tastes are coming together wonderfully, and as I sit here drinking my cinnamon soy coffee, listening to the innocence mission with the sun finding its way to our basement windows, I feel quite content. I love to find the beauty that is around me, and this seems like it will be an easy place to do that.

D.C. to N.Y.C.

2009-10-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

My time in D.C. was lovely. A great rest, and a nice transition back into a more permanent and comfortable living situation. My sister and I went to the farmer's market, made pasta sauce and pizza, went with my childhood friend to the movies, played with Jaklin, and hung around the house. She and Erik (my brother-in law, who happens to have great taste in music, which i appreciated through listening to his vinyls), are great parents, and great people to be related too. I really like them a lot.

Monday morning I made my final trip up to NY. On the way I stopped in Philly, which maybe wasn't the best part of my trip. Anxious to get to Brooklyn, I wandered about half-interested and only found the college and the bad side of town. Maybe I will need to go back, to give it a more fair chance.

Getting to New York was exciting and wonderful. I will make a whole new post about my time here, but arriving was exciting (I listened to Sufjan as I caught my first glimpse of the skyline from New Jersey) and easier than I had expected (except for getting stuck in the turnstile. . turn-style?).

Being in NY is certainly bitter-sweet. I miss being on the road, but I do love it here so far.

Chicago! Days 1-4

2009-10-03T20:00:00.001-07:00

Chicago felt like an end of an era for me in my travels. My laptop was back in hand, and people I knew were around me. It was entirely different, and I wasn't sure how to feel. Although most uncertain about my time between LA and Chicago, that time alone, facing uncertainty and being met by both great adventure and great peace, felt like a time I was not yet ready to leave.

I arrived in Chicago on Monday, where I went immediately to take the tourist picture in the bean. With my pack and bags I got plenty of comments and looks, from a cop questioning me about why I was in the city to a polished older German lady who told me about her similar travels at my age.

In Chicago I was glad to be with my brother, my friend Stephen, and my brothers friends who have become my own in my visits. As usual, my brother tried to convince me to move, and as usual a part of me wished I could jump in and say yes. We ate vegan food, drank Caribou coffee, and played games. Stephen took me to a wonderful deli, then showed me around the art studios at Wheaton college. Just so you all know, Stephen is so great as a person and as an artist. It was great to see his work, and great to spend time with him. My brother is great, his friends are great. . .

In the end, although sad to see the first half of my trip end, I cannot say it was not a wonderful time relaxing and enjoying friends. It was also nice to find myself closer to NY, and able to say that I could visit again soon. A turning point, to be sure.

Montana Day 3 and North Dakota

2009-10-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

I guess I need to get on top of this story telling. Montana Day 3 and North Dakota was almost a week ago, now.

So last Sunday I woke up on the stopped train to the feeling of the car moving. In a delirious state and with my eyes bleary from my sleep on the train floor, I couldn't quite tell if we were on our way or not. Finally, once I actually came to and heard my train mate tell me he was jealous of how long I slept, I knew that we were back on our way.

As we started out I was glad to have some granola and banana that I had bought the night before. I read and wrote, and listened to some music. After spending my nights in the seats, I decided to spend my waking hours in the lounge car, with the views and the window facing chairs. This decision ended up making my day.

Because of the train delays our car was offered free coffee and water all day. Free coffee. . . all day. Another reason to spend time in the view car. While I was down in the lounge reading Moby Dick and jotting notes to recall the scenes, a guy across from me asked how I was holding up. I started talking with this new friend, Limey and another guy (I don't like the term, "guy," by the way, but I don't know how else to describe a young man without saying "young man." Trouble.) Omni. As we talked Omni and I started talking about cities and trading, minimal living, and communities. We spent the rest of the day talking, laughing, reading and enjoying the long ride.

Realizing that I could not only make my way through the country alone, but find people with whom I could connect so easily gave me a great assurance that my love for being on the road was not something that came from short endeavors with those I knew. It is a love that is real, and that I hope to continue to pursue. This became one of the most beautiful days, finding myself quite where I wanted to be, and learning from the things and people around me. It was a time that I was honestly sad to see end.

Montana Day 2

2009-09-30T13:10:00.001-07:00

This part of my trip was the longest, and most enjoyable part of my trip thus far. I was met with challenges and blessings in surprise after surprise.

Saturday morning I woke up at my campsite to the sound of trains going by and got my things together to head to the station. It was cold, and the sun was just rising while I somewhat regretted having to put my sleeping bag in its stuff sack and take down my tent. With my black canvas shoes I climbed down to the grounds entrance to get my ride.

Once on the train I sipped some coffee and anticipated winding through the mountains. In the packed view car, where the seats face large windows that extend into the ceiling, I found a seat and let my heart be filled by the beautiful trees, streams and mountains before me. Orange casts from the sun made for an epic journey away from my day of solitude in Glacier National Park.

As the trees began to thin and the ground began to level, I disappointedly felt as though I was headed toward the central valley of California. Not long after it seemed that all foliage had disappeared our train was stopped. A freight had derailed some ways down the track and we were going to be at the station in Montana for a while. We were advised not to leave the station incase the tracks were cleaned faster than expected, so I meandered about looking into the tiny town of bars and casinos and a shut down JC Penny's. Sometimes I would walk a little ways from the station feeling rebellious, then become concerned about missing the train and would walk back. It was really funny, my small attempts at getting away.

Hours ended up going by, and those with closer stops were bused off. An attendant informed me that Chicago bound passengers would be at the station overnight. At first uncertain, having only vaguely talked to a couple people behind me and feeling quite alone I paced about. It was not long before I put off the uncertainty and embraced the time off the train.
There had been people around me with grocery bags, so I stopped a person walking by and found how to get to the grocery store in town. I walked the five or six blocks feeling no rebellion, knowing that I had about twelve hours to kill. The night ended up well with a veggie meal, a glass of wine, some harmonica playing, writing and drawing. After a picnic in the parking lot at sunset I got back on the train, and fell asleep.

Montana Day 1

2009-09-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since Seattle. I will begin with my first day in Montana.

Leaving Seattle: Late afternoon as the sun set over the shore. Conversation with a guy in front of me that finds us sharing stories about our times in YWAM being overseas (India on his part, Nepal on mine). My first train friend that I made on my journey. A note with words of encouragement, and reflections of his prayers for me, signed his hometown "Dallas, TX," and a number to call if I need help in Montana. My first realization that time flies on trains.

Arriving in Montana: Well rested from the train, as I am small enough to curl into the reclining seat with leg rest. My most intimidating part of the trip, hundreds of miles away from anyone I had even an association with and camping alone. Long walks along the highway, grilled cheese from friendly locals at the only open restaurant, rivers and trees. One strange experience of a man stopping along the road to talk to me, and later, me buying a pocket knife. Safe warm night in a campground rec room playing ping pong with friends of the owners. MAKING A FIRE FROM ALMOST NOTHING. Sleeping cozily in my tent and waking up to the sound of a train passing by.

These small bits of my travels are some key moments in my trip, but could be expounded upon to a large degree. Even more than these things were all of the feelings I had finding my way to where I was going, feeling the appreciation of making a new friend, the adventure of exploring through unknown territory, the uncertainty of standing out as alone (which I realized I did far more than I thought I would), and the feeling of accomplishment in finding that I was quite fine and quite glad to be on the road, alone.

Next post: Day 2 in Montana; with a new location

The Traveler: Stop One

2009-09-24T10:06:00.001-07:00

After a short flight, I arrived in Seattle, greeted by rows of pine and clear blue skies. A bus took me downtown where I managed to find Pike Place Market more easily than I expected. It was a strange feeling, walking around a city with my pack on (one man stopped me to say, "Your pack is as big as you!" and another to say, "Got another 5,000 miles to go?" I answered, "Almost," to that), but I maneuvered my way through the people. found a cafe for lunch, and purchased a handful of honey sticks for the road. I proceeded to walk all the way up, through downtown and into Capitol Hill where I visited more than on coffee shop, read Throreau and wrote.

This morning I plan on getting some more coffee (I have to take advantage of the situation) taking some pictures, and hopefuly finding my way to a bus to the Amtrak station, so I can get on the road to Montana, where I will arrive tomorrow morning.

Thank you to all of my friends who were came to say goodbye, and to the some who endured about 4 "last nights" with me this week. Thank you to those who couldn't make it but have extended me your warm wishes, thoughts and prayers.

I gave in and brought my little digital camera along with my film camera, so there may be more pictures when I arrive in Chicago and have access to a computer again.

Much much love, Meg

Ebarking

2009-09-23T03:45:00.000-07:00

Today I embark on a journey I have anticipated for what feels like years. I have wanted to hit the road since returning from YWAM, but felt that I should commit to finishing school. Now I am done, and with my things packed in my backpack I will set off to Seattle, Glacier National Park, Chicago, D.C., Philly, and finally arrive in my new home, Brooklyn, NY. Thank you to everyone who requested that I keep on blogging because you want to know what's going on. I'm not sure what the road will bring in terms of blogging, but if it is possible I will share with you all my adventures here.

New York, please be ready to accept me with open arms are rush hour in Penn Station in just a few weeks. I would appreciate greatly your kindness as I attempt to maneuver myself across your great city.

Much Love, Meg

Salvation // Mountain

2009-08-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

We took a Boat

2009-07-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

After a 4 hour drive to Georgia from South Carolina, and a two day flying expedition including an unplanned stay in Atlanta, my vacation has come to a close. Though a bit different than expected (more polos and plaid shorts than overalls and cowboy hats), it was great. One day we took a boat to an island that is a habitat preservation and simply beautiful. Unfortunately they had us leaving right at sunset, so I was shooting photos like a crazy person to capture all the beauty.

Fried Gator and Mason Jars

2009-06-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

I am in the South! Yesterday I landed in Georgia to see my brother before coming up to South Carolina for family vacation. There are a lot of things on my list of southern experiences to have, and I have already been able to enjoy many of them. Last night we went to Old McDonalds Fish Farm for dinner. Fried gator, frogs legs, fried catfish, hushpuppies, grits, sweet tea in mason jars. .

There was a thunderstorm that blew through right after we left, which accomplished one of my goals (along with sweet tea in a mason jar), and gave a beautiful cloudy sky for sunset. Cracker Barrel was this morning, riding bikes tomorrow, and hopefully fireflies very soon, too. So good.

Great Outdoors.

2009-06-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

A Great Gift

2009-06-06T00:51:00.000-07:00

These girls are fantastic. One day at the end of class Hollie asked me if I wanted to have breakfast with her and our friend Shannon. It turns out it was the beginning of a weekly breakfast club that I was kindly welcomed into. Hollie would often make homemade bread or granola, and Shannon and Ro would provide a place to meet with their yogurt, fruit, and french press Peet's coffee. For a few weeks we traded bringing homemade cinnamon roll's and had a four week long bake-off. So fun! I loved the way we all worked together, and I hope that we will reunite over breakfast again someday.

Since You Asked

2009-05-13T11:27:00.001-07:00

Blythe, you just made me realize how long it has been since I last blogged! It has been a crazy month. Just the other day I FINALLY cleaned my room and put clothes away that had been clean since Easter! Crazy!

So my last post I said that I would like to camp again. This weekend I DID. Not only that, I backpacked. It was so fantastic.

We climbed 1,000 feet in the first hour, which was the most significant portion of the hike. The steepness made us feel silly about our pace up when we went so quickly back down.

After getting to the site we set up camp. Alexia and I were cast off by ourselves because there wasn't enough room at the girls camp, and boys had to keep a safe distance. We concluded that this was more for their sake when night came and we were telling bedtime stories, then for the sake of modesty. Our instructor was kind and set up camp within shouting distance.

I kept running off into the woods, overjoyed with the presence of trees, streams, and an abundance of pine-cones. I LOVE pine-cones. They hang in front of my fireplace, and on the wall at the head of my bed.

Plastic makes us sad. LEAVE NO TRACE.

John (our instructor) told us some scary stories at night. I boastfully disregarded them with my intelligence ("What did the 'ghost' LOOK like? . . A Light? Well, how did he give matches to a LIGHT?").

The next morning Alexia and I woke up to John throwing sticks and rocks at our tent and snickering, at which time we got up, packed up camp, ate some oatmeal and climbed back down.

"We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us. Our flesh-and-bone tabernacle seems transparent as glass to the beauty about us" - John Muir, "My First Summer in the Sierra"

I would like this again soon.

2009-04-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

Photo Shoot: Done

2009-04-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

My friend Dustin and I collaborated recently to do a project recreating old portraits. We found models (including ourselves), locations, wardrobe, etc. and got to work shooting with a large format (4X5 if you know the lingo) camera. It turned out really well! We printed the images 4"X4" and handed them to our class like old pictures.

TAPE! TAPE TAPE TAPE!

2009-03-26T20:57:00.001-07:00

Oh, it's wonderful. Look at it all!
(found at http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog)

(Geology videos promote blogging)

Little Bitty Portfolio

2009-03-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

Click here.

(I found this picture I took in Nashville while cleaning out my computer.)

paper <3

2009-03-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

I've been using an old hot pink journal I found since I ran out of pages in my moleskin (sad). Hot pink isn't quite my favorite, but I thought I would change it later. Last week at church when my roommate actually commented on the irony of my using a hot pink journal, I knew I should go ahead and do something. So tonight I did. .

Now I won't feel so shocked every time I pull my notebook out of my bag.

Please.

2009-03-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

Go here. I can only hope that you feel even half of the exuberant joy I felt upon my discovery of this website.

Been a While

2009-03-11T19:23:00.001-07:00

Here are some things I have enjoyed lately.

1) Today, in a classic move on my part, I decided while talking to my mom that I needed to make a new pillow cover for a pillow on our couch that was falling apart. This is the result.

I might add to it in another random sewing spree.

2) Since most of you are my friends, most of you know that there is a really great guy in my life as of recently. This morning when he came to my door, he had a handful of flowers he had picked in the park (see: great). After putting them in a mason jar, I set them on my night-stand, and when I came home today the light on them was so wonderful I had to take some pictures. There is something about flowers in mason jars that I really love.

3) Lately I have really enjoyed having people over. On friday I had some people over to make pasta (with shrimp in a rosemary white wine sauce. . yes), play scrabble, and enjoy root-beer floats.

Right now I am enjoying vanilla ice cream with cinnamon and bananas, while watching the office with Alexia. Greatness.

Thank you all for being my friends and part of these good things in my life. This is also a formal invitation to any of you who I have not spent enough time with to come over and enjoy some records, food and fun.

boxes.

2009-02-20T01:45:00.000-08:00

I love to keep things in boxes. Cigar boxes, tea tins, cheese crates, and stationary tins are all around my room. Years worth of tiny objects, notes and pictures fill them with tangible memories I sometimes fear I will lose. All of the good memories flood around me, and even the the bad seem far more manageable, and are somehow healing, when so small. Every time I go to an antique store, I am mesmerized by the boxes. They are the possible vessels of my treasure.

They call him "Danger."

2009-02-18T18:15:00.000-08:00

Joshua Tree National Park

2009-02-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

Arrived: 1:23 AM
Temp: 31 degrees F
Activities: bouldering, scrabble, singing love songs, shimmying through caverns, cacooning ourselves in blankets
Number of Exclamations of the Beauty of the Land: several more than a thousand.
Left: 4:02 PM

i love my kitchen

2009-02-11T20:57:00.000-08:00

I just really do. The last few weeks I have invested the paycheck I finally got in groceries and indulged myself in cooking therapy. Even just making myself chai is lovely when surrounded by birds, hot air balloons, branches and lanterns. It makes me feel at home.

See this

2009-02-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

blog.

Link found on Clever Nettle (link to Clever Nettle in my links box).

Today is the most wonderful rainy day. It is not the most wonderful day in general, with a lot seeming to fall apart, but I love the rain, and it is making all of that feel more manageable. Making myself whole wheat pasta with veggies in a white wine cream sauce, drinking chai tea, listening to Credence Clearwater, and immersing myself in studying women's issues in the Bible are also all helping me. There is so much to think about, so much to learn from, so much to be inspired by. I teeter between the hope and fear of that.

I also found this.

I also think I will use my button maker Saturday morning.

I hope you have a good day, Reader.

This mixed with That

2009-01-31T11:30:00.000-08:00

I am the biggest sucker for music made outdoors, particularly the forest. The biggest.

This is the Kit pictured below.

See This Video

All the Beauty

2009-01-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

Napa and Sacramento beauty.

Couple Beauty.

Dorothy's Shoot

2009-01-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

Concept by my friend
Shooting by me

<3

New Years for a New Year

2009-01-04T14:31:00.001-08:00

Sitting is Always First

2008-12-21T22:43:00.000-08:00

Performance Art

2008-12-18T21:37:00.000-08:00

This is an group of pictures I took from the performance art piece I did today.

I cannot express enough how grateful I am for such good friends who helped me in every single part; thinking through the concept, building (SO MUCH!), moving, performing, waiting, watching, listening. Thaaaank you. I love you all.

Quotes and Things

2008-12-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

"One of them 'had a camera and he was taking pictures and running,' Reza says. This was a moment that really changed my life. The day after, I was on the street starting [to take photographs], and day after day I just forgot to return back to my office. And this was 30 years ago.'"

-Reza Deghati on NPR.org

"Summer was on the way; Jem and I awaited it with impatience. Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch in cots, or trying to sleep in the treehouse; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape; but most of all, summer was Dill."

- "To Kill a Mocking Bird," by Harper Lee

Go to:

2008-12-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

This website.

beautiful.

brilliant.

Perhaps someday we'll be friends.

I wouldn't mind it. Just saying.

Look how cute her stuff is!

Germany

2008-12-07T15:30:00.001-08:00

Munich was enchanting. Bikes, castles, cobblestone streets, centuries old churches, clouds, fallen leaves, modern art, Christmas markets, bikes, snow. . .

Big Sur Black and Whites

2008-11-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

Made Music in the Mountains with Friends

2008-11-10T00:45:00.001-08:00

Pamona? Beautiful?

2008-10-22T22:11:00.001-07:00

Very.

I wanted to get away, and thought about camping, but realized that I do not have any money to spend on a spot. Instead I got in my car and drove where I drove. Well, it turns out that La Mirada Blvd takes you to a road that takes you to a road that takes you to Cal Poly Pamona. It was sunset, and the hills were close, so I stopped and took pictures.

La Mirada Fair

2008-10-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

Go outside.

2008-10-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

It's good for you.

Why?

2008-10-16T22:48:00.001-07:00

Why, why, whywhywhywhyhwhyhwhwyhwy

Why do we always want more than what we have? And why do we always want more than what we SHOULD have? And why do we take people out shamelessly on our way to get those things?

Why don't we just look at what we have and realize that it's already more than we need (this being to my general culture)?

Why don't we give a little away?

The Decider Dot Com

2008-10-14T01:48:00.000-07:00

I got a new job for the Decider.com, which is being launched by The Onion. I'm shooting restaurants in LA for their city guide to food and night life. Curtis was my kind companion tonight, for my first night out. Aw yea! I hope I get to keep the job. . it's pretty amazing. All of this food went to my meals for the week (and the meals of Curtis' and my roommates).

Polermo. Italian Food. Tony is the best and treated us to some AMAZING food.

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Zankou. . HUMMUS! Yum. And so many delicious things.

So, come with me next time, yea? It will be fun.
And go to the Decider.com for LA when it launches, cause maybe my pics will be on it!

2008-10-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Remember when I went to the brewery? One of the studios I went to was a photographer who took my portrait for a project. She e-mailed me this weekend (almost 6 months later! I had pretty much assumed I'd never hear back) to send the pic and invite me to sit for her tomorrow!

Maybe I'll be a model.

Alright Fans

2008-10-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

The five of you, who also happen to be my friends. .

It's officially been 5.5 weeks since I posted about DC. It's just. . life, you know? Blogs, ladi dah. Oh well.

Here's a brief to long synopsis of my life since DC.

Most Recently, I went to the Opera with my friend Joel. I hardly ever dress up, so it was very nice to have a reason to go out. Plus, a new friend, which I always enjoy.

I also did as I do, and took off to the desert one night to hang out and shoot some photos with friends. Curtis took on the role of ninja friend, and fought off some crazy shirtless dudes speeding around in a lifted truck. That's what my friends get for hanging out with me.

I also went on a road trip with my friend Katy, consisting of giant Redwoods (one of my favorite things), country stores and ghost towns (another one of my favorite things), and sleeping under the sky (definitely a favorite thing).

SO, maybe this update could go on forever, because there is so much more. Does this mean and actual return to blogging??!

It just might be. .

Washington DC. Family.

2008-08-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my niece. She is beautiful, and I wish that I could live closer to be more of a part of her life.

Jaklin likes to play with Winnie the Pooh anything, make funny faces, let me kiss her hand, laugh at faces and sounds I make, eat bites and do sign language.

I did not take this picture

2008-08-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

But I did go here Monday night, where I climbed a hill, and slept under the sky, and I would really like to go back as soon as possible.

David Goes to College

2008-08-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

I can't help but be excited for students who graduate and go onto college. This is a little bit bias because I happened to not like high school much, and happen to like college a lot, but I can't help but think that college just REALLY is better.

David had a going away party, in which he invited everyone to bring a Chicago Pun Prop for a picture, since he is going to Moody Bible Institute.

See if you can figure them out.

I drew a picture. Raining Wrigley gum on the city.

A Nice Thing to Walk Outside To

2008-08-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

I love turning a corner, or going over a hill, or walking outside to an expected beautiful view.

The Villains

2008-08-15T14:55:00.001-07:00

Michael Angelo Ruffino now has a band.

The Villains.

If you've heard his old stuff, you will be blown away by the new sound! If you have not. . you will be blown away by the new sound! Acoustic punk + standing bass + cello = RIGHT.

We did some busking in South Orange County. The Villains got some advice from this great lady with a Social D tattoo on her shoulder.

Rainy with a Chance of Cookies

2008-07-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

Fortunately, I think that rain in the mountains is beautiful. Even with cold, damp feet, I enjoyed walking through Breckenridge. With something warm to drink, and a vegan peanut butter chocolate chip cookie in my stomach, I meandered around the main street, stopping in a bookstore to browse and buy post cards. Not bad.

It has been wonderful to see family I haven't seen in so long. Seeing my grandpa see me for the first time in years, a cousin I haven't seen since he was born (and is in elementary school), and aunts and uncles that I have been so removed from, have all made me realize that maybe now, at 22, it's time for me to make those trips myself to keep in touch. Or at least write the letters, or make the call.

Thank you, family, for the fun tonight. Let's do it again sometime; say, tomorrow night? Aunt Gail, Uncle Frank, Uncle Scott, and Aunt Becky. . it's your place again. Maybe I'll bring the reading material this time.

Updated

2008-07-26T01:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the input, Jon.

The new design:

Going to Colorado

2008-07-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

Making T-Shirts. What do you think?

(Aunt Gail, please disregard this blog if you happen upon it before Sunday. This is not the surprise my dad mentioned in the e-mail he sent requesting T-Shirt sizes. That's another surprise. Seriously. I never lie. I am perfect. . . let's just pretend this never happened.)

A Couple More

2008-07-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

I'm back.

2008-07-21T23:30:00.001-07:00

With some inspiration from a few people who I think are wonderful.

More to come. . .

Site Meter

2008-07-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

It's nice to see that people are still reading my blog. Apparently 32 people this week. Really, though, right now I'm not so sure about blogs or pictures, and I'm surprised that anyone is still interested in looking at my blinds. But thanks for sticking with me. Perhaps when I am more directed in my art, I will get back to sharing it again. Or maybe when my friends start blogging again (you know who you are), since they are who I really do it for. Let's face it: I'm not getting a job from my blog. Though maybe I should make a website, or resume. Anyway,

Dear friend,

Lets hang out again. I miss real life you. Virtual you is deadening, and makes me realize your lack of real lifeness in my life.

Love, Meg

Early Spring, Late Afternoon

2008-06-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Central Park

2008-06-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

makes my heart melt a little

2008-06-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

mutual friend

2008-06-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

The strangest thing about seeing a rabbit on the train was turning out to know who he was. We had met Rapid T. Rabbit's friend the day before at a gallery. Jay Van Buren is a NY based painter who has "furries" sit for him to do oil paintings. We introduced ourselves to Rapid and talked until his stop, where he was getting off to go to his day job.

in the place i was

2008-06-07T21:36:00.001-07:00

independent, ironic, gentrification

2008-06-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

"In the 1990s and 2000s, the 1940s slang term hipster began being used in North America to describe y o u n g, w e l l-e d u c a t e d urban m i d d l e c l a s s and upper class adults with leftist, l i b e r a l, or libertarian social and political views and interests in a n o n-m a i n s t r e a m fashion and cultural aesthetic. While definitions vary, hipsters are often associated with alternative music, "indie" culture (independent rock and independent film), and other non-mainstream products, such as vintage clothing. Hipsters may dress in a campy or ironic manner, pairing expensive vintage clothes with working-class clothing. The social scene in some major cities is centered in a gentrified downtown area where DJ clubs, fair-trade coffee cafés, and organic restaurants sit side-by-side with thrift stores and working class taverns." - Thank you Wikidpedia

While in New York, I have been studying the artist community. It is a truly fascinating that I identify with, and feel very separated from. A majority of the research has brought up issues of gentrification , in which artists are drawn to an area for cheap rent prices, which are then multiplied by their presence's impact on the neighborhood, thus kicking them out due to their low income. During this we have heard the term "hipster" thrown out a lot by groups very far and very close to what the name seems to identify with, and it has made me very curious. So curious that I am considering writing an essay called, "Why I bought a v-neck." It is a group that is disliked, yet followed and identified, yet rejected by many whom it identifies.

In other news, I saw Hairspray on Broadway last night.

I also just ate at Hummus Place and it was AAAMMMAAAZZZZIIINNNGGGG. I had hummus with a Mediterranean bean and egg topping, plus Baklava and Turkish coffee.

Tomorrow I am eating a "dirty water dog" and going to another gallery reception. Saturday another gallery opening, Sunday an artist church and Serendipity, Wednesday giving a presentation, and Thursday coming back to LA which may or may not be a desired event.

not my blog

2008-06-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

Check out my school's blog.

www.nycbiola.blogspot.com.

link and written out. make it.

love poetry

2008-06-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

Tip 4. Trust people when they say to wear walking shoes in NY. Vintage wooden sandals will NOT cut it.

It has only been 3 days, and I have done SO much. My legs are tired like never before. My feet are actually swollen from walking and standing everywhere (from 5th ave, to brooklyn, to queens, to uptown in an afternoon, and then there was last night).

Yet, New York is wonderful. I really do love it, and am amazed at how comfortable and content I am here.

Oh, Good morning, New York.

2008-05-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

My day started with walking through the city streets searching out some breakfast. Although the endeavor ended sadly on several parts (ending up at starbucks, paying too much for fruit, dropping the fruit, and spilling the bad bad tasting coffee on myself), I look back on it quite fondly.

Today we were tourists to the max. In a group of 14 we toured central park, went to the statue of liberty, visited ellis island, went to ground zero, saw wall street, and ate Thai food. A few of us girls then went to Little Italy for the night.

Here is my next tip for New York.

3. Under extreme sleep deprivation, take a nape on Ellis Island in the sun for about thrity minutes. This will cure your woes.

Here are more pics.

Tunnel in Central Park. Every one is different. BBEEEAAUTIFUL.

Oh. Just me and the statue of liberty.

Apple Store on 5th avenue. Really spectacular.

More to come soon. So much more.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK!

2008-05-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a few quick tips:

1. Don't bring a suitcase of ANY kind to NYC. Don't take one through the subway. Just saying.

2. Eat really delicious Italian food in Time Square pronto.

That's it really. I'm still a novice.

Here are some pics, though.

That's all for now. I have to get up in 6 hours for a walking tour of Central Park, Statue of Liberty, and class.

Just cause the city doesn't sleep, doesn't mean I don't have to!!

FINAL FINAL!

2008-05-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

I just finished my final final project.

I made a website.

UGH. Let's just say. . don't put off trying to make a website until the DAY BEFORE it's due.

Anyway, check it out.

There are typos, and awkward spacing and placing, so beware.

Definitely not my most amazing design work, but I am actually done. DONE! DONE! DONE!

Let's ride bikes.

give me your thoughts

2008-05-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

exboyfriendjewelry.com

2008-05-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

Performance Art, and CD Art

2008-05-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

My band and I had a show last Thursday. I used it for my photo final, and made a mock CD case with album art in it created by guests at the show.

I believe I will do things like this more often. Maybe in the forest instead of the softball feilds, though. .

Old Pictures

2008-05-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

beauty

2008-05-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

A beautiful child in my childhood hometown.

Good for Life

2008-04-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

So, I take a lot of pictures of my room, but it is such a great place, namely because of the things that remind me of people.

EXAMPLE 1:

These cacti remind me of many people.
First is my friend Jess, who drove with me to the desert on a whim where I found the cactus digging.
Second is Kara, who went camping with me in Joshua Tree, and "dug" the cactus on the way back
and third, is the wonderful Miss Riley, who so kindly shared in some pizza making, movie watching, and cactus planting. Oh, and cactus naming. She is the owner of Thomas, the tall, awkward cactus/man.

Oh, and did you check out the pic of me, Sarah, and Katie with Captain Jack Sparrow?

EXAMPLE 2

Sarah is entirely wonderful. She wrote me a letter on a map, made it into and airplane, and actually sent it to me via the air. It now hangs over my bed.

My friends are wonderful. I really can't imagine my life with out them. I would be a wreck, just let me say.

Oh, and my room would look way less great.

Michael Angelo Ruffino

2008-04-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

"It's just the life for me," said Tom. "you don't have to get up, mornings, and you don't have to go to school, and wash, and all that blame foolishness. You see a pirate don't have to do anything." -The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

my first website

2008-04-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

I am in my nature of computing class right now. We are learning how to make websites.

here's my first try. .

yeeeaaaa.

meg.svensson.photography.com comming SOON! (right.)

Just a Taste

2008-04-21T00:18:00.000-07:00

This last week I have:

Climbed trees
Walked along railroad tracks
Swam in a river
Skipped rocks
Slept under the sky more than once
Made a fire
Started a band
www.myspace.com/thesoundsofnaturewild
Lost my phone battery on a carnival ride
Driven over 500 miles
Gotten another speeding ticket
Danced in every situation possible
(gas station, mission, arcade, picnic table, garage. . )
Played music at the same time as 20 other people
Become passionate about music again

and taken hundreds of pictures, a few of which I will be sharing with care to look this week.

So the Brewery does have beer.

2008-04-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

Art Walk

1. Amazing Studios
2. Amazing Art
3. Tired us

This one artist had all of these little binoculars hanging from the ceiling. They had two images in them to create a 3D image (like modern stereoviews). They were SO amazing. The idea, the images. . . amazing.

This is a friend of Tom Waits (just our guess). Those are all different percussion and horn instruments around him; a one man band. He was beyond words.

Me in 20 years.

Camping with the Cactus (and Europeans)

2008-04-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

Joshua Tree National Park is one of my favorite places to be. Last week, after Chicago, I went camping with my friend Kara. We almost didn't get a spot, but when we did, it was amazing. We slept under the sky; something which my heart constantly desires, made a fire that I kicked around with my new boots, and hiked to an abandoned mine.

A couple weeks ago I saw a sign that said "PICK YOUR OWN CACTUS 59 CENTS." This had to happen. Kara and i went. Well, it turns out"picking" is relative, like truth (joke). We got tongs and picked up these teeny cacti. "Digging." Ha.

More strange things in the desert:

We also went to this place called Beatnik Cafe. It was really great. For being a desert, there are SO many good things to do. I made a little collage for it:

I think that I will try to sleep under the sky at least once a month.

How it Looks to be in Over Your Head

2008-04-03T23:18:00.000-07:00

Tuesday "night" I slept from 4AM to 8AM.
Last "night" I slept from 3AM to 6AM.

That is 7 hours of sleep in the last 3 days.

So of course, when I got back from class and dinner at 8 tonight and wasn't sure what to do, I decided to COMPLETELY rearrange my room.

Thinking about making a shelf led to switching my chair and dresser, led to moving EVERYTHING in my room back and forth, with only my mirror finding itself in it's original spot.

It looks much better now..

And I am going to sleep like a should have hours ago. Days ago.

Chicago

2008-04-01T08:52:00.001-07:00

light

2008-03-16T01:31:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to a house show in Pasadena to see my friend Mike play with the people that he's been on tour with the last month (Mike XVX and Jessie Williams). There's probably no way to sum up the night other than with the word "passion." They are all entirely passionate about what they believe, although there are some differences between them in that way, and make music about it. All of them played great, had some challenging points to make, and generally made for a good night.

great

2008-03-14T00:52:00.000-07:00

I just saw that my last post was number 111, posted on March 11. Wonderful.

In my photo class we are doing a project where we take 100 photos a day for 10 days. This is much more difficult than I imagined.
Here are some of my hundreds so far.
You may notice that my room is not the same room as before, and now it is the morning light that inspires me, rather than the sunset.

No, Seriously.

2008-03-11T02:18:00.000-07:00

Can we take just a minute and talk about how AMAZING my friend Liz is? Holy Cow. I am speechless. We did a photo-shoot tonight because she is going to be famous in about tomorrow for her beautiful music, and it couldn't have been better. She looks amazing. I am so excited for her! If you are in the area today (Tuesday the 11th) at 7:30 PM and are in Fullerton, you should go see her at Plush Cafe.

(note: sorry for the changes, if you have been checking. this should be the final!)

weekend of friends

2008-03-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Just Biola Classifieds

2008-03-05T21:31:00.000-08:00

Today on the online classifieds folder for Biola there are postings for:

1 platypus
1 colon cleanser
2 precious gems advertised for the "ring by spring" (i.e. getting engaged before grad)
1 60+ male actor request
2 grave plots

Yesterday there were

36 posts from
ONE person.

A stranger's wedding

2008-03-04T21:44:00.001-08:00

Here is a sample of the aforementioned not-me pictures. On Friday I was able to assist Shannon at a wedding. It was really great, and although I have a lot to learn, it wasn't nearly as scary as I had imagined (yes, I imagined it to be scary). My color settings on my computer are STILL messed up, so here is one to get you excited, and I will post more later.

It's all about me.

2008-03-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

I mean it is MY blog. Anyway. . I'm sorry for ANOTHER picture of me, and will remedy the problem by posting pictures of NOT me after this, but I HAD to post a picture of this. A long awaited package came in the mail tonight.

I happened upon this website where MelBell sells her handmade apparel. When I saw this clip, I thought it was brilliant, and totally worth it. Although I'm not actually a Treki, I felt like i should buy it from her and give her credit for the idea instead of just copying it and putting a dinosaur or something on it (how good would that be? Maybe I should have put in a request).

Look at it!

Showing Off in Sunday-school (Ch4 of Tom Sawyer)

2008-03-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

This morning I went to Long Beach to pick up a print for a photo critique. Fortunately, the shop I went to is conveniently located just a block away from Peet's Coffee and Tea. What could I do but go and enjoy the classical music playing, air-conditioned wonder, while working on a paper (which is unfinished and due in 24 minutes)?

While there I thought of you, who know who you are, with whom I would frequent Peet's and bond over a certain game and beverage of choice.

Although a lovely time was spent, it simply was not the same with out you.

A new Venture

2008-02-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

Recently, I found out that one of my favorite photographers (Uta Barth), with whom I often identify and am greatly influenced by, works just under an hour away at UC Riverside.

Being that I have been considering art school (specifically an MFA) after undergrad, it is my new endeavor to see if I can study under her.

observation

2008-02-25T20:21:00.000-08:00

does it mean something that I can't see myself?

just kidding.

black and white

2008-02-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

undercast

2008-02-24T13:02:00.000-08:00

I went for a morning run, and this is what I realized.

Someday we will get old, and trendiness won't matter anymore. No longer will we want skinny jeans, vintage toned photographs and railroad tracks. We will do what we please and try to please what we do. Original will not mean new, rather classic and worn in. It will not be cool to run off to far away places and document ourselves in masks. It will not be admired to be different by being just like everyone. Hopefully what matters will have grown into something more significant than one upping of the cool factor, though I fear it will only manifest itself into another form. It is possible that I will no longer like scarves, thick framed glasses, or loafers. I only hope I remember what actually matters. I hope that I am less concerned with comparing myself of others. I hope I am more aware of the work of God.

Jovial.

2008-02-21T15:05:00.000-08:00