somebody may have had too much caffeine today… my sentiments exactly.
don’t worry it’s hot chocolate.
Tag Archives: kids photography
History is a race between education and catastrophe
-H. G. Wells
A confession. I am not a vicious reader. However, I may possibly be the most ferocious reader of book jackets and reviews. The evidence can be found in the three foot pile sitting next to my bed, composed of anything from fiction to biography to “bettering your business” to “how to color in the lines”.
Occasionally, I do fail at avoidance.
I actually pick up a book and read past the inside cover. Once the journey begins and I’ve been captured by my prey, I’ve been known to sit for hours and days straight until I finish an entire book. Yes really, one whole book. Recently, I finished Three Cups of Tea in 2 sittings. (If you haven’t read this, it’s a must). To some this is no incredible feat, but for me it’s unheard of to be able to sit still for more than 20 minutes without some type of electronic gadget or my phone in hand.
Until recently, I’ve been trying to find something to match this masterpiece. Something to avoid attacking my guilty pile of book jackets. I found it the other day and of course it’s by the same author Greg Mortenson.
Primary education is a requirement in the United States.
Primary education in some other countries is a luxury. It is something fought for. It is something that elderly men will give up their lives fighting for. Something that young women are destroyed for. Local men will hike with 90lb bags of cement, 18 miles upriver in order to create a foundation for educating their youth. It is that important to them. The thirst for knowledge. The thirst to read.
Meanwhile, my 3 foot stack remains untouched, unread. My guilt can often creep in and hypocrisy strikes. In one moment I neglect the education at my fingertips, in the next I advocate those who fight for growth.
I was thinking of the little girls I’ve photograph and how they are protected and nurtured. Parents treasuring their innocence wanting to capture every little moment. Amazed by their first words, the first time they put letters together and read a word. Learning at such a young age to read, paint, communicate, color, dress up, explore and laugh freely. Able to roam freely. Able to experience an education. Able to dream.
We live in such an incredible country. And cheesy as it may be, I’m proud to be American. And I’m so fortunate to be able to see the next generation grow and discover.
Equally so, I am proud of people like Greg Mortenson who share that freedom and spread it across country lines. One day I hope I can pay my education forward. For now I will attempt to race over to that gigantic pile of books and get past the front cover before a ‘catastrophe’ happens and the pile falls on me whilst sleeping.
Mountains can never reach each other, despite their bigness. But humans can.
-afghan proverb
I couldn’t resist, even without words (you know how wordy I can be… oh yes me)
More will be posted soon.
For now, as my grandpa would say, “I speak lil but good”
I just fell in love with her eyes and I had to get these up.
During my daily RSS obsession, I stumbled upon this beauty from Seth Godin.
When you read this, pass it along and even as important… recognize it in yourself, you matter. Simple.
You matter
- When you love the work you do and the people you do it with, you matter.
- When you are so gracious and generous and aware that you think of other people before yourself, you matter.
- When you leave the world a better place than you found it, you matter.
- When you continue to raise the bar on what you do and how you do it, you matter.
- When you teach and forgive and teach more before you rush to judge and demean, you matter.
- When you touch the people in your life through your actions (and your words), you matter.
- When kids grow up wanting to be you, you matter.
- When you see the world as it is, but insist on making it more like it could be, you matter.
- When you inspire a Nobel prize winner or a slum dweller, you matter.
- When the room brightens when you walk in, you matter.
- And when the legacy you leave behind lasts for hours, days or a lifetime, you matter.
And because I never post pictures.. Here are 2 pictures from a recent kids session. Not technically perfect, but I think they matter.
UPDATE:
as much as it drives me crazy when other people extend deadlines and i get my in on time, i must do it this one instance. my amazing friend, paola (mother to the double e’s), has just spread the “giving is awesome” link around children’s hospital LA, where she works in children’s blood disorders.
with the abundance of entries, i am trying to think of way to pick just one person. i was thinking of possibly doing an open mini-session at a park for a few different families. yet to be decided.
the new deadline is january 20th at 11pm.
if you’ve already entered, please don’t be discouraged. i will still be considering everyone and maybe a few families instead of one.
happy holidays!!!
-jenberry
As much as I love the holidays, I truly dislike the running around and scrambling for gifts. No, I’m not a scrooge or tightfisted, I just always wish I could do more for those that truly need. Normally, we donate to a local charity in our friends and family’s names (which we will still do). However, this year (thankful to KRISTEN) I stumbled upon a way to give back the priceless gift of photography. I know I would have loved to have more pictures of my family from my childhood. The few ones I do have are deeply cherished and priceless. This holiday, I will be donating my time and products to one deserving family.
So without further ado, in Kristen’s words… Please find someone to nominate or nominate yourself…
You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.You know someone. I guarantee it.
…and I want to know them too! I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography…worth over $1000 The winner will get a free photo session, (3) 8×10, (10) 4×6 & (10) 5×7 and a free disc of images….and the awesome, heart-glowing thing is that, this holiday season, it’s in your power to give a really deserving family the artwork they’ll cherish.
Oh, and it’s pretty sweet for you too: the person who nominates the winner receives a $200 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be? {you can also donate your credit to a potential runner up}
The rules:
- You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.) This is a karma thing, people, so please be thoughtful.
- The nominee must reside in Los Angeles Area. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself.
- You must e-mail me the full story: info@jenberry.com
The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve {pending enough entries, otherwise it will be extended until Mid January}…so tell your friends, and get nominating! I can’t wait to read the entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season…and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
Happy Holidays,
Jenberry
note: if you don’t live in Los Angeles, visit the site to find another amazing photographer in your area: http://givingisawesome.com/
This map shows the places that photographers have volunteered so far…
