SCOPE 50's Rock & Roll Party in Longmont

Monday evening I was honored to be able to photograph the monthly SCOPE event, sponsored by Longmont Recreation Services. SCOPE stands for Supportive, Captivating, and Original Programs & Experiences (for people with special needs). Pictured above is Amanda Quakenbush dancing with Elvis impersonator Paul Torrez. I was invited by Debbie MacDonald, who tells me the city of Longmont has offered programs for special needs individuals for longer than the 24 years she's been with them. Kudos to the City of Longmont, CO and Debbie & staff for being inclusive of everyone in having fun!

Another Trip to the Farm

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Mike Meader is the Farm & Member Education Coordinator for Grant Family Farms in Wellington, CO. On Saturday, he was working along side CSA members, cutting potatoes for seed. As he gave me a tour of the farm earlier, we discussed the current idyllic notion of farming. He explained that while there is a lot of satisfaction in farming, much of it is tedious, can be dangerous, and is just plain hard work. He views part of his responsibilities as educating the public about what farming is really all about. It's not just a nice tan, a ripped physique, and fresh air. The dirt under the nails, and the pure exhaustion at days end, are also a reality. We have much to be thankful for, that we have neighbors who are willing to sacrifice themselves physically so we may eat.

(This image is part of a series of local farmers being photographed for display in Spoons restaurants, which supports local & organic farmers.)

Living in Harmony

On a photo assignment this morning at 6 am, I was treated to a lovely and peaceful start of my day. Hired by a local restaurateur to shoot images for his newest location soon to open, he wants to feature the local farmers he supports. It's important to know where our food originates from; it's not the grocery store.

Ursula & Lawrence Holmes of Cresset Community Farm in Johnstown work with purpose & quiet dignity, not at all at the frenzied, scrambled pace of many.

Lawrence learned his biodynamic farming methods in Germany, where he lived for 26 years. For further explanation of their practices, see their website at http://www.cressetcommunityfarm.com/. Bundled up in the chill of the morning, they worked together, yet independently. It was calming to observe their rhythm. As with all of farming though, make no mistake that this is grueling work. This is more than just a job to them; it is their way of life. They are centered and gracious people. They sent me home with fresh produce they had harvested last fall. But they shared with me far more than vegetables. After two hours, I was reluctant to leave the harmony of their environment, despite the obvious hard physical labor. Packing up my gear, I refused to check the messages blinking at me on my Blackberry until I got home. It was such a gift to be welcomed into their world.

Welcome!

Drum roll please - introducing my new blog! I understand blogs are becoming the preferred technology communication medium for photographers, some even using it in lieu of a website. Admittedly, my big hesitation with starting a blog has been rather silly: my aversion to the name, "BLOG". I just don't like the sound of that word! When I can think of a more acceptable term, I will start using it.

What has made me dive in has been my Photojournalism instructor at The Art Institute of CO, Jill Mott. It is her class requirement that we establish a blog, and she suggested Blogger to us. Thank you, Jill. I can also thank Jill for getting me out shooting on a more regular basis. Last Quarter in school, I had a non-shooting class (I only take one class a Quarter; my life is too busy to do anything more). We will be shooting a lot for her class. This photo is of my young neighbor, Will Duncan, and I shot it as I was working on a homework assignment. This is my idea of a true sign of spring: kids out playing in the mud. Ah, the simple pleasures of childhood. And the pleasures of meeting your neighbors.