6+6+06...Heed The Omen

"Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don't vote."

-George Nathan

I bet when you saw the title of this entry you thought I was going to write about the remake of the 1976, Richard Donner horror classic, "The Omen." Well, no, I was actually talking about the California primary. I went yesterday afternoon, (Tuesday) to my polling place, which looked more like a ghost town, then a place to make my social voice heard. And it had been that way all day. According to a recent Field poll, only one-in-four Californians or about 5 million, were planning to go to the polls, which makes it the worst turn-out since 1946.

As I mentioned in a previous entry, the campaign between the two top democrats seeking to challenge Gov. Schwarzenegger, Steve Westly and Phil Angelides, became more then a little heated. Lots of mud to be slung any way you looked at it, which apparently turned a lot of folks off to the whole prospect of taking time out of their day to vote. As disgusted as I felt myself getting over the dirty politics, it only strengthened my intentions to make it to the polls today. I saw one or two "Man on the Street" interviews throughout the day, and here is a small sampling of what folks told the reporters who asked them if they would be voting today...

"All the mud slinging put me off."

"The issues don't really affect me."

"I was put off to the political process back in 2004."

"I didn't have time."

"I don't care who runs against Schwarzenegger, I will figure it all out in November."

Sigh. I hear over and over about how we have our young women and men in Iraq to fight for our freedom, and democracy, yet only 5 million Californians could be bothered to get out and vote? Yes, the primary decided state issues, such as senatorial candidates, and propositions, but it all matters or none of it does. It doesn't matter what party you are affiliated with, we shouldn't be picking and choosing what freedoms we embrace. If we do, we risk losing all freedom. We already have less privacy then ever before, so I guess we all need to decide what we are willing to give up next, due to complacency and indifference. I will admit, it felt strange to cast my vote on 6-6-06, but on the other hand, I think given the projected low voter turn out, I am glad I decided to "Heed The Omen."

-OndineMonet
"Alameda County"
Berkeley, California
June 6, 2006
Afternoon

Update: Phil Angelides has been declared the winner in the primary, so tell me, will Arnold Schwarzenegger be re-elected in November or will Phil Angelides be voted in as the next governor of California? Tell me what you think.

Your Monday Photo Shoot: The Letter M

"I read in the newspaper they are going to have 30 minutes of intellectual stuff on television every Monday from 7:30 to 8:00 to educate America. They couldn't educate America if they started at 6:30."

-Groucho Marx

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Take a picture of something that starts with an "M." From marshmallows to mucilage, it's all good.

-John Scalzi (By The Way...)

Here's my photo. This is an Apple MARTINI. I tried one a few years ago, and while for the most part I don't drink, I do enjoy the occasional libation. I have a fondness for apple juice, which is one ingredient, I really like the way it kinda tastes like a green apple Jolly Rancher. I love sweet/tangy drinks. So, that's my "M" for this assignment.

Apple MARTINI (Webtender )

1 part Vodka
1 part Sour Apple Schnapps
1 part Apple Juice

Monday Monday

By The Mamas and the Papas

Monday, ,Monday
So, good to me
Monday mornin, it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday mornin, Monday mornin couldn't guarantee
That Monday evening you would still be here with me...

Every other day, every other day,
every other day, every other day is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
You can find me cryin all of the time

Monday, Monday
So good to me
Monday, Monday
Can't trust that day
Oh Monday, Monday
It's here to stay.

-OndineMonet
"Apple MARTINI"
Berkeley, California
June 5th, 2006
Evening

"Emotions"...A Round Robin Promotion

"Lets not forget that the little emotions are the great captains of our lives, and we obey them without realizing it."

-Vincent Van Gogh

For me,it's the little moments of perfect timing with my camera, that can bring about whirlwind of emotions, especially when I am not sure what to think. You know those times...everyone has them...the moments when you feel like you are standing on the edge of something, but you aren't sure what. It can be about a job, a relationship, a social ideal, a religious contemplation. It's not about faltering, and it's not about fear of the unknown...it's about the challenges we face, when making up our minds. Especially when we would have sworn that our feelings, thoughts, ideals, and yes, emotions, were set in stone. Emotions always serve as a vivid reminder of how we can take things for granted. Sometimes, it's ourselves that we take for granted the most.

Our current Round Robin challenge seems particularly challenging for me this time around. The subject is, "Emotions," and was chosen by our friend Chris, author of the journal, "My Photographic Life." I am not sure why I am finding it so challenging, but I know it's a good thing that I do. It's good to push our own creativity, particularly with the camera, because it captures life in the moment. I know it was my camera that helped me come back to the land of the living, after spending three years in a walking death of Anhedonia. With each new photo I pushed myself to take, I saw more and more emotion returning to my life, and my existence. Those little moments, made me feel alive, and now I realize that when I add them all up, it totals up to happiness. As of this coming August, my Anhedonia will be in remission three years. My therapist tells me that there is a slim chance it could comeback, but she doesn't think it will. Frankly I don't think it will either, because if anything, I can see life a whole lot clearer then before I got sick. My camera saves me, and every moment captured in it's lens, represents a world of sweet emotion.

If you are feeling like you could use a little creative challenging, why don't you join us for the next Round Robin Challenge? The date for this challenge will be, Wednesday, June 14. As always you can post your entry any time between the midnights. Just pay a visit to the official Round Robin Challenge blog to find out all the details. We are always pleased to have a new Robin join us, just be sure to read the ***Welcome Entry & Rules Of Play*** Come on and join us for the fun, you know you want to! :)

-OndineMonet
"Monet's Moment"
Golden Gate Park
Japanese Tea Garden
San Francisco, California
May, 2005
Afternoon

The Hummingbird

"Have you ever observed a hummingbird moving about in an aerial dance among the flowers? A living prismatic gem... it is a creature of such fairy-like loveliness, as to mock all description."

-W. H. Hudson

While I was searching for the Woodstock sculptures around Santa Rosa Thursday, I saw some amazingly beautiful sights. The town was filled with all types of public art, not the least of which was nature itself. I saw so many hummingbirds that day, but I had given up on being able to photograph one because of how fast they dotted in and out of the flowers. Around 1:30, I decided to pause for lunch in Courthouse Square, and to my delight I was able to capture this hummingbird. She paused for a moment at this flower, turned to me just after I snapped the camera, smiled, and moved on her way. Ahhh...life with the camera and sweet serendipity.

The Hummingbird (Haiku)
By Carly Gordon

Here is the dreamer

Her dream transcends the darkness.

Her soul seeks the light.

-OndineMonet
"The Hummingbird"
Santa Rosa, California
June 1, 2006
Afternoon

My Quest For Woodstock

"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

-Charles Schulz

As I said in a previous entry, I visited the wine country town of Santa Rosa this past week, so I could photograph some public art, and at least some of the Woodstock sculptures that will be on display throughout the summer months. This Woodstock was my favorite one of the day. It sits at the gift shop, which is adjacent to Snoopy's Home Ice- The Redwood Empire Ice-Skating Rink. Right next door is the "Warm Puppy Cafe," where Charles Schulz had coffee every morning before he would go to work in his studio to create the world of "Peanuts." Both the ice rink and the cafe sit directly across the street from the Charles Schulz Museum. Each of the 76 Woodstock statues has a unique title and this one is, "Expecting Company." It didn't get photos of all the statues on this trip, so I will just have to continue my quest at a later date this summer. :) Here are a few of the Woodstock sculptures I did manage to capture Thursday. Enjoy!

All of the following quotes are by Charles Schulz. :)

Chops Stock

"I think I have discovered the secret of life, you just hang around until you get used to it."

Explorer Admiral Bird

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today, it's already tomorrow in Australia."

Halftime

"I have a new philosophy. I am going to dread one day at a time."

Traffic Is For The Birds

"There is no problem so big, that it can't be run away from."

Village Gardener

"Life is like a ten speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use."

Smooth Jazz In Wine Country

"Aunt Marion was right, never marry a musician, and never open the door."

-OndineMonet

Woodstock Summer

June 1st, 2006

Santa Rosa, California

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #114: Things You Like Now But Not Then

"Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music."

-Ronald Reagan

Weekend Assignment #114: Name a thing you like today, that your younger self would probably roll his or her eyes at. People, places, things, ideas, philosophies... all of it is up for consideration.

Extra Credit: Name something you didn't like then that you still don't like now.

-John Scalzi (By The Way... )

This may come as a bit of a shock, I was once, for a brief time, a republican. LOL. Yes, I Carly had taken a walk on the conservative side. When I look back at that time in my life, and I try to figure out why I would do such a thing, the only possibility that comes to mind is that I was dating a minister at the time, and he had some influence on how I looked at the world. Well, my relationship with him didn't last that long, because I didn't belong being a republican, and he didn't belong being a minister. Sheesh... what the heck was I thinking?

I was, and still am a democrat. Period. So, in my youth, I was not super thrilled with Ronald Reagan as a president. In my frustration, I didn't particularly care for the man personally. I didn't really see that the man, the ideas, the philosophies, and the politics aren't necessarily the same. It also hadn't occurred to me, just how much Ronald Reagan really did love his country. Now, years later, I have more information to go on, and while I still don't think I would vote for him as president, I believe in my heart that he made decisions in office out of a genuine love for his country... he was a less selfish president then some. Just for a moment, put aside your feelings either way, while I share a few quotes I looked up tonight. Quotes that reflect his personal philosophies...

"We must not look to government to solve our problems, Government is the problem."

"Middle age is when you're faced with two temptations and you choose the one that will get you home by nine o' clock."

"Excellence does not begin in Washington."

"Peace is more than just the absence of war. True peace is justice, true peace is freedom. And true peace dictates the recognition of human rights."

"Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means."

"Today, if you invent a better mousetrap. The government comes along with a better mouse."

"To sit back hoping that someday, some way, someone will make things eight is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last... but eat you he will."

"There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect."

"I've always believed that a lot of trouble in the world would disappear if we were talking to each other instead of about each other."

"I've often wondered, what if all of us in the world discovered that we were threatened by a greater power from outer space from another planet... wouldn't we all of a sudden find that we didn't have any differences between us at all?"

So, I guess you could say that I have a whole new respect for President Reagan today, and I appreciate him more now, then I did in my youth.

Extra Credit: Calamari...NEVER liked it...NEVER will! :)

-OndineMonet
"Presidential Beans"
Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Factory
Fairfield, California
Spring, 2005
Afternoon

Art About Town...San Francisco

"Whether he is an artist or not, the photographer is a joyous sensualist, for the simple reason that the eye traffics in feeling, not in thoughts."

-Walker Evans

In the spring of 2004, the city of San Francisco had a lot of heart. Well, they still do, but it was during that spring and summer that the city held an awesome public arts program called, appropriately, "Hearts In San Francisco." Similar to Chicago's art project, "Cows On Parade," The San Francisco project used the city's almost signature icon, the heart, to symbolize the acceptance, tolerance and open-heartedness that it is famous for. The hearts were eventually placed in various locations around the Bay Area. They were installed on street corners, plazas, and parks. Over 130 up and coming artists designed and hand painted the hearts, including singer Tony Bennett, who created the one in the above photo, which now sits permanently in Union Square.

The hearts remained on display through October of 2004, then in November some of the hearts were auctioned off, with the proceeds going to San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center, for the enhancement of patient care. The original goal of the project was to raise $1 Million for the hospital, by February of 2005, the project had earned over $2 Million for funding from additional both online and one held at SBC Park. A limited edition book about the project was also made avail for purchase, and also benefited the hospital.

As you know by now, hunting down public art and photographing it is a great passion of mine. It began last year, when I drove to Santa Rosa to photograph the awesome display of Charlie Brown sculptures that dotted the town throughout the summer. Like the hearts, the Charlie Brown sculptures were eventually auctioned off for charity. And the tradition continues. As of last Monday, the town of Santa Rosa is again decorated with sculptures of a beloved Peanuts icon. This year Woodstock will be placed at different locations, around town. That is where I am off to tomorrow... Santa Rosa. I am spending the day photographing as many of the pretty yellow birds as possible, and I also hope to be able to photograph some other awesome public art displays as well. Santa Rosa is a art lovers paradise. It inspires me every time I visit there. Ahhhhh... "Life is good."

-OndineMonet
"Tony's Heart"
Union Square
San Francisco
May 27, 2006
Afternoon

Ladies And Gentlemen...The Beatles!

"If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there's be peace."

-George Harrison

As promised yesterday, here is one of the better photo opportunities the geese, in San Ramon, presented me with. When I saw them crossing the road in front of me, I couldn't help but think about my favorite album by the Beatles, "Abbey Road." You know... the one with John, Paul, George & Ringo crossing Abbey Road. That album was released in the United States on October 1, 1969. The cover for the album was photographed by Lain McMillian, who was given just 10 minutes, at around 10:00 AM, to get the shot. It's very cool that there is now a webcam, and all you have to do is click on it to see Abbey Road today. God I love the Internet!

Music is so important to me, it inspires me and makes me feel good inside, even on the harshest of days. One of the most romantic songs they wrote was, "Something." A song which has now been in my head for the last 24 hours. LOL. It's a nice, pleasant song, but when I need to just feel that, "Life Is Good" I always seem to put, "Here Comes The Sun," on the CD player. It's a song about hope, and how if we just hold on through the rain, eventually the sun comes around again...and warms us to the goodness in life that is just waiting to happen...

Here Comes The Sun...

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it's been years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's all right

Little darling, the smile's returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun...here it comes
Sun, sun, sun...here it comes
Sun, sun, sun...here it comes
Sun, sun, sun...here it comes

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say, it's all right
It's all right.

Go somewhere today, and smile. :)

-OndineMonet
"Abbey Road"
San Ramon, California
May 29, 2006
Dawn

In The Air

"In our dreams we are able to fly... and that is a remembrance of how we were meant to be."

-Madeleine L' Engle

Yesterday, Monday, I went to the San Ramon Art & Wind Festival, specifically to see the hot air balloon launch and a hang gliding demonstration. I love balloons. Living up in the hills, means that every now and again a balloon will find it's way up into the hills and into my yard. A few times, I have seen them glide ever so slowly overhead, and come to rest in one of my trees.I always like to imagine what occassion might have brought them to life. A birthday party, a wedding, maybe an anniversary or perhaps it was a balloon purchased on a first date! :) Going to the demonstration was going to be difficult, but I just couldn't miss the hot air balloons. Nope. That would have been too much wonderment to miss.

The balloon launch was scheduled to take place between 6:30 and 7:30 AM. Yikes! I usually go to bed at 4:00 AM, so my body was not too happy with me. :) Also, my I was in a fair amount of pain from my legs and back, but I was determined to go and get the shots. It has been a long time since I have gone and done any photography on my own. Alan is fun to go places with, but I need to get back some of my independence when it comes to going and doing things. Sometimes my legs cramp while driving, and it can be really uncomfortable. If I am swollen beyond a certain point, I don't push it, because I refuse to get behind the wheel if I can't drive safely. Nothing is so important that I am willing to risk that.

So, what's a girl to do? A girl does her meditation, she does her T'ai Chi and she does some positive visualization. A good friend reminded me last night, how wonderfully positive it is to take a few minutes to concentrate on the things that bring comforting thoughts and emotions to mind. It works for anxiety disorders, it works for depression and it works with pain management. I don't like to take my pain medication, I just don't like the idea of developing a dependency on it. I want to give my alternative regimen a real chance. I did well, and managed some sleep deep enough to wake up feeling ok.

I drove from Berkeley to San Ramon, which is a moderate distance, and got to Central Park with about 45 minutes to spare. Parking was horrendous. LOL. I should have known it would be difficult, but it was ok, it gave me a chance to do a bit of exploring around the area, and I found some lovely surprises along the way. Some lovely geese that live at the AT&T center in the adjacent, Bishop Ranch, industrial center, were feeling playful. They are beautiful birds, who have the right of way in San Ramon, and who have seen a camera before! They put on quite a show...really made it fun to be out taking photos at 5:45 in the morning!

The balloon launch time came and went...no luck this morning. The wind conditions weren't safe for lift-off according to the balloon pilots. It was blowing at north/southwest/east, and needed to be south/east-north! LOL... or something like that. Still, I was able to find a really good parking place up close, when some folks decided to leave the festival early, and it was fun to see the colorful balloons fully inflated. The energy of the kids at the park made me feel young. Very cool. I had a blanket in my car, so I placed it down in on the grass, and sat for a while, to enjoy the crowd, and my own company. :)

I stayed for about a half an hour, then braced for the long ride home. By the time I arrived back in Berkeley, the overcast clouds were lifting, and Elvis was curled up in a ball on the bed, waiting for me to come home. He was warm from the sun coming through the window, and really nice to cuddle up with. What a nice, comfortable sleep he and I had, for about 30 minutes, until his friend Molly came knocking politely at the back door. :) Oh well, friends are important, I'm sure she had some piece of information that she wanted to share with her pal, Elvis. Friends are important. Especially good friends. :)

"The balloon seems to stand still in the air, while the earth flies past underneath."

-Alberto Santos-Dumont

-OndineMonet
"Flying Low"
Central Park
San Ramon, California
May 29, 2006
Memorial Day
Early Morning

Where For Art Thou?

"War is a poor chisel to carve out tomorrow."

-Martin Luther King Jr.

There have been 71 journalists from around the world killed covering the war in Iraq.

There have been 2,464 U. S. Military deaths in Iraq.

There have been 17, 648 U.S. Military wounded in Iraq.

There have been 37, 972 Iraqi civilians killed since the beginning of the war.

This is a war based on lies. Every single day it continues, we lie one more days worth. It's obscene! This war didn't have to happen. This war shouldn't have happened. Please remember the journalists, who risk their lives to bring us the truth! Remember the truth! And by the way, where is Osama Bin Laden?

"I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking the world because they would never expect it."

-Unknown

Deadly Attack

-OndineMonet

Memorial Day 2006

"I know not with what weapons WW III will be fought, but WW IV will be fought with sticks and stones."

-Albert Einstein

Will it ever end? Sigh.

-OndineMonet
Golden Gate Cemetery
Presidio
San Francisco, California
2006

National Hamburger Day :) My Challenge With Steven

"Food is our common ground, a universal experience"

-James Beard

Yum!

Today is National Hamburger day, and the third time in a row I have celebrated the day with my good friend Steven, author of the blog, "(sometimes) photoblog." Each year we challenge each other to capture the perfect burger in photo...and taste. Steven is a fabulous photographer...and from the photos of the burgers he has cooked up in the past...A fabulous BBQ master as well. I suspect he might be a gourmet. LOL. My hamburgers would probably not be considered gourmet...but they are tasty.

1 1/2 lb. Ground Beef

1pkg Lipton Onion Soup Mix

7 dashes Lea & Perrins Worcester Sauce

6 Lg. Mushrooms chopped

1 Red Onion, sliced

Condiments to taste.

This year we decided to have potato salad, and fruit salad for our side dishes, and put Swiss cheese on the burger as opposed to our usual imported Cheddar. It was mighty tasty. Just ask Elvis! :) Thanks Steven...see ya next year for year 4! :) Go see what wonderfulness Steven has grilled up this year!

-OndineMonet
"Yum"
Berkeley, California
May 27, 2006
6:00 PM

10 Things That Make Me Say... "Life Is Good!"

"Happiness comes of from the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed."

-Storm Jameson

How fun! My friend Suzanne has tagged me for a new meme. As you know, I love doing memes, especially ones that lift my spirits and make me feel warm and thankful inside. That's what this one does. It's called, 10 Things That Make Me Say, "Life Is Good." Thank you for thinking of me Suzanne, and away we go...

1. The long drives I take once a year or so, to get specialty items. Such as apple juice from the Apple farm or chocolate from Ingeborgs, in Solvang, California. It makes something as common as chocolate all the more special when I get it at a place that is special to me. My new favorite place to get chocolate ice cream is at the corner of Haight/Ashbury. Just simple chocolate ice-cream cone from this Ben & Jerry's, is all I need to make me a very happy girl.

2. My blogging friends. The people I have met through my blog/journal have inspired me, have given me hope, made life a lot less lonely, and they have given me a lot more courage to face those day to day struggles that we all have. You are more then blogging friends...you are true friends. :) Smile, you know who you are! :)

3. Art. I just love viewing all kinds of art. Be it the public art on display throughout the Bay Area, that I have been showing you this past year, or the art in the galleries I visit. Even the natural art that nature tends to display is joyful to me. All I know is that it calms my nerves, and warms me up inside. Life is art...isn't it?

4. Finally I have a diagnosis. I hadn't been feeling good for a long time, finally my doctor moved to a different Kaiser facility and I was given a new doctor who did the proper tests and found out what I had. Fibromyalgia. It's painful, but I am learning to deal with it. Which leads me to #5 on this list.

5. T'ai Chi, Meditation, Yoga. Since I began studying and practicing these principles this past few months, I have felt much better inside and out. I have some very painful days, and not all of them work together all the time, but each one is helpful in it's won way. Without them, I think I would have given up photography all together.

6. My cat Elvis, especially when he wakes me up with paw pads and kisses. So sweet. I LOVE that cat!

7. I LOVE my camera. :)

8. Free rock concerts on the beach. They are about to begin again in Santa Cruz, and I can't wait. :)

9. Fresh fruit and vegetable from my garden. I can't wait for this autumn, when everything will be ready for harvest. I have already started creating some recipe ideas. :)

10. Cooking. I LOVE cooking. Italian is a specialty of mine, but I have started branching out into other types of cuisine as well.

Okie, dokie...there's my 10 things. Now I think I will tag, Karen, Pat, Charley, Patrick, Duane, and Steven. I hope you will pay a visit to Suzanne's journal and read her list. She is an awesome lady and friend. I enjoy her very much. Thanks darlin!

-OndineMonet
"Yum"
Haight/Ashbury
San Francisco, California
May 25th, 2006
Afternoon

Worth A 1,000 Words

"As I have practiced it, photography produces pleasures by simplicity. I see something special and show it to the camera. A picture is produced. The moment is held until someone sees it. Then it is theirs."

-Sam Abell

On Thursday of last week, I grabbed my camera and took a ride into San Francisco, to visit the neighborhood of Haight/Ashbury. During the late 1960's and early 1970's the Haight was the place to go if one wanted to become upclose and personal with the counter-culture movement. Flower children handing out free flowers, and preaching, "love not war," could be found all along the neighborhood. The Grateful Dead lived at 710 Ashbury street in an old Victorian which is just a half a block up from the famous corner. It still stands there today, and as I passed by it the other day, I could almost imagine the ghost of Jerry Garcia standing in the window of the top floor, looking down with approval, and amusement at how the street has evolved over the years, yet still retained it's unique free spirit. One can find organic grocery stores, T-shirt shops, record shops, flower stands, and believe it or not, at the corner of Haight/Ashbury is a Ben & Jerry's ice-cream shop, facing right up the street toward Jerry Garcia's house, as if it were facing Mecca.

If you are a photography enthusiast such as myself, the Haight is the place to come on a warm, late spring day, like last Thursday, camera in hand. What would inspire you the most might be the intense color everywhere, from the clothing in the store windows, to the clothing on the people you will encounter. This is not a black and white world. It is intense and alive, and the neighborhood energy wore off quickly onto me as I just experienced it with an open mind. What some might call weird, I called creative. Like in the above photo. How often do you find a pair of 8ft legs, stylishly attired in fishnet stockings, making a getaway from the upper floor of a Victorian house...in the middle of the day no less! LOL. And this was just one example of the perfect shots that were available all around me. I will be sharing more of them over the next week or so.

I chose this image first, to remind folks about the whimsy of photography...and the world. But whimsy is only one way to look at things. One of the reasons I enjoy co-hosting the Round Robin Photo Challenges with Karen, is the wide variety of creativity and interpretations I see from the each of the members who participate in any given challenge. The very last one we did, "Reflections," had our biggest turn-out yet, and also one of the best examples of the range of interpretations as well. So say for example, our subject had been, "How Your Camera Views The World," perhaps some would have viewed my photo of the 8ft long legs, protruding from the window above me, as crass or insulting to women. And that is great, because visual art is supposed to inspire emotion, thought, and feeling in the observer.

We at the Round Robin Challenges, have recently passed a bit of a milestone. We are now over a year old, and we have recently welcomed our newest member, which makes us at 50 friends all sharing our view of the world through our cameras. Taking pictures is not just my passion, it's my bliss. It makes me feel free, and alive. It helps me focus outside myself, and away from whatever might be hurting me. I have a dear friend who says I take my best photographs when I am hurting the most. I don't know about that, but what I do know is that art, and the pursuit of the beauty in the world does make me want to see everyday, with a kind of hunger that is difficult to explain.

I can visit the Golden Gate Bridge everyday of my life, and never quite see it the same way, but I am always amazed by it, and I always wish to be near it, just after I walk away. There is just something about the way it looks, as the fog is rolling through it, that makes me feel as if I am finally at home. I would be lost if I couldn't capture a photo of it, to remember, and maybe share with others it's beauty, and spirit. My friend Duane, author of the journal, "sotto voce USA," reminded me that today, is the anniversary of the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge, that makes it is a special day indeed. Perhaps I will take the camera, a picnic lunch, and drive to the Marin Headlands, to sit, and enjoy it's birthday. Like at any birthday party...the camera should always be there to capture the joy of another year in the life.

-OndineMonet
"Worth A 1,000 Words"
Haight/Ashbury
San Francisco, California
May 25, 2006
Afternoon

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #113: Travel Books

"We read to know we are not alone."

-C.S. Lewis

Weekend Assignment #113: Someone you know is traveling. Suggest a book or two for them to read on their trip. If at all possible, pick a book from the last couple years. Also, keep in mind that it's meant to be a recreational book, i.e,. they're not really reading to change their life, here, just to have fun.

-John Scalzi (By The Way...)

I really like the above quote from C. S. Lewis, because books have been a constant companion of mine since I was a small child. All those different worlds, all those different lives. I could go to a million different places, and even travel through time, and I would never be lonely... as long as I had my books.

Oddly enough, when I fly on a plane, I never bring along a book. Flying makes me much too nervous to concentrate. But when I have to travel a long distance by car, I always bring a book or two with me. As an example, when I drive down to Santa Barbara, which about a 350 mile trip down HWY 101 from the Bay Area, I always bring a book to read while I relax on the beach. I am hoping to take a drive late next month for my birthday, and I have two books sitting in my book bag waiting for the trip.

The Lives Of The Muses (Non-Fiction)
By Francine Prose

The Lives Of The Muses is a book about the women behind the artist. The lives of such ladies as , Yoko Ono, Gala Dali, and Alice Liddle, who was the inspiration for Alice In Wonderland. One particular aspect of the book I enjoyed was the representation of these ladies as collaborators, as well as providing inspiration to the artists, such as ballerina Suzanne Farrell and choreographer George Balanchine. "There is no ideal muse, but rather as many variations on the theme as there are individual women who have had the luck, or misfortune, to find their destiny conjoined with that of a particular artist." It is a fascinating read.

Every Breath You Take (Fiction)
By Judith McNaught

Judith McNaught is one of my very favorite authors, and this book is a terrific example of why. A well done mystery that combines some romance, with some very good chilling moments. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a well paced, well written light thriller. I have already read it once, and will be looking forward to revisiting it again this summer. :)

"A home without books, is a body without a soul."

-Marcus Tullis Cicero

-OndineMonet
"Books"
May 25th, 2006
Berkeley, California
Evening

Results Of The Poll About Blogging

"I do not run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead I run toward it, because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet."

-Nadia Comaneci

Here is the results of the poll I ran last week, on what we find most challenging in regards to blogging. LOL. As you can see it is a bit small. Sigh. You see, technology has been kicking my...my...my...patooty today, and so the full sized result box is now barely large enough to read. But that isn't the least of what technology has done to me today. LOL.

Other assorted snafus that occurred included a strange delay in emails I sent actually reaching their intended destinations. Some as much as 4 hours. I have no idea where they went first, or why there was an Internet holding pattern, but it happened. I am tempted from now on, to only send emails from my GMail address and not use AOL at all. Sheesh! It kinda makes me wonder if the OHS isn't spying on the secret recipe I sent to my Auntie Amanda in Virginia. It was just a recipe for Garden Lasagne. Although no one makes lasagne like moi. LOL

Out of 11 total votes counted, 6 of us, 56%, chose "The Technical Issues That Come Up," as our number one most challenging aspect of blogging. LOL. That doesn't surprise me a bit. Today for example, I wasn't able to post comments for a time on the AOL journals that participated in the Round Robin Challenges. It resolved itself rather quickly, but I only had a few minutes to try and reach everyone who was up and posted. I still haven't visited all the Robins, so if I haven't been by yet...I will be by soon. Blogger, by the way, has been acting up as well, so leaving comments through them has been challenging as well. Jeepers. What's a girl to do? Sigh. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. LOL.

-OndineMonet

Steven's Feline Friday: Sing It Elvis :)

"Rock and roll music, if you like it, if you feel it, you can't help but move to it. That's what happens to me. I can't help it."

-Elvis Presley

Sometimes people ask me, why I named my cat Elvis. The above photos tells the whole story. He looked so much like the "King" himself when he was a little guy, and he still does. He even enjoys rock music. LOL. No kidding. One of our best laughs, came one day when we put a CD of Elvis on the player, and about half way through we noticed he was no longer playing with his siblings, he was standing in place, shaking his hips. LOL. I am not kidding, it was like Elvis Presley had just been reincarnated into the our new little kitten! Unfortunately, that is also when we realized that if that were true it meant that Elvis really was dead. Something I try real hard not to believe. LOL. This is Elvis the early years, but just so you know, my kitty is now over 30 pounds...so we also have Elvis the later years. Except my Elvis has 9 lives, and doesn't do catnip in his sandbox! LOL.

My friend Steven hosts a great little weekly meme, he calls, "Feline Friday." It's a lot of fun and a great way to show off your favorite feline. Pay a visit to his journal, "(sometimes) photoblog" for all the details.

And now a musical interlude...

A Little Less Conversation
By Elvis

A little less conversation, a little more action please
All this aggravation ain't satisfactioning me
A little more bite, and a little less bark
A little less fight and a little more spark
Close your mouth and open up your heart and baby satisfy me
Satisfy me baby

Baby close your eyes and listen to the music
Drifting through a summer breeze
It's a groovy night and I can show you to use it
Come along with me an put your mind at ease

A little less conversation, a little less action please
All this aggravation ain't satisfactioning me
A little more bite, and a little less bark
A little less fight and a little more spark
Close your mouth and open up your heart and baby satisfy me
satisfy me baby

Come on baby I'm tired of talking
grab your coat and let's start walking
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Don't procrastinate, don't articulate
Girl it's gettin late, gettin' upset waitin' around

A little less conversation, a little more action please
All this aggravation ain't satisfactioning me
A little more bite, a little less bark
A little less fight and a little more spark
Close your mouth and open up your heart and baby satisfy me
Satisfy me baby.

-OndineMonet
"Sweet Baby Elvis"
Berkeley, California
May, 1997
Afternoon

Round Robin Challenge: Reflections

"One of the greatest moments in anybodies developing experience is when he no longer tries to hide himself, but determines to get acquainted with himself as he really is."

-Norman Vincent Peale

About a year ago, I decided to go and take some photos at Cliff House in San Francisco. Cliff House has a rich history, dating back to San Francisco at the turn of the century. It sits on a gorgeous spot,the Great Highway, and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. There is all kinds of plant life growing along the cliffs beneath it and the bird life is simply fascinating to watch. With the added attraction of Camera Obscura, one could spend the whole day there and not become bored. On this particular day, I was taking specific interest in the many types of birds flying around... this little guy especially.

I must have spent an hour that day photographing the birds flying, resting on the cliffs, and walking in the sand, but this was the only bird that day that seemed to take notice of his own reflection. He would take a step... and his shadow would follow. Back and forth he walked, but he couldn't seem to shake his reflection. LOL. What a show it was. LOL. I enjoy watching animals, especially when I can be there as they seem to be discovering new things. Now this may not have been a new experience for him, but it was for me. To just sit, take my time with the camera. Somehow, I did a little reflecting that day as well, about why I was being so manic with the camera. It was a good day. Reflection is good. :)

Thank you goes to Cheryl, author of the journals, "Welcome To My World," and "Life Through My Lens." This was an awesome challenge to be sure. The Round Robin Photo Challenges are open to anyone who would like to play along. It's easy, all you have to do is make a stop over at the official Round Robin blog, read the ***Welcome Entry & Rules Of Play**** and the entry for our current challenge, and you are all set. There is still time to get in on this challenge, you have up to one week to post your entry, but we do suggest that if you post on the day of the challenge, you will have the best chance of having your entry be seen. To see the entries by the other Round Robin participants, simply click on the links below. Enjoy!

"Seeing yourself as you want to be, is the key to personal growth."

-Unknown

"Little Bird Reflecting"
Cliff House
San Francisco, California
Late Spring, 2005
Noon

Round Robin Participants

1. Cheryl... "Welcome to My World," "Life Through My Lens." POSTED!

2. Karen... "Outpost Mavarin" POSTED!

3. Carly... "Ellipsis... Suddenly Carly" POSTED!

4. Valorie... "Retrospect USA" POSTED!

5. Sachin... "SacWorks" ***Welcome New Robin***

6. Deslily... "Here There and Everywhere 2nd Edition"
"Here There and Everywhere" BOTH POSTED!

7. Kimberleigh... "I Shaved My Legs For This?" POSTED!

8. Erika... "Stealing Time"

9. Nancy... "Nancy Luvs Pix" POSTED!

10. Julie... "Julie's Web Journal" POSTED!

11. T. J. ... "Every Picture Tells A Story" POSTED!

12. Suzanne... "Suzanne R's Life" POSTED!

13. Derek... "Through My Eyes" POSTED!

14. Tammy... "The Daily Warrior" POSTED!

15. Connie... "Moments To Remember"

16. Steven... "(sometimes) photoblog" POSTED!

17. Deb... "Sassy's EYE"

18. Dorn... "Through the Eyes of the Beholder" POSTED!

19. Steve... "PAPARRAZI BY PROXY" ***Welcome New Robin*** POSTED!

20. Betty... "My Day My Interests" POSTED!

21. Duane... "sotto voce USA" and "sotto voce" BOTH POSTED!

22. Tess... "First Digital Photos" POSTED!

23. rRose... "WAIT-NOTYET" POSTED!

24. Becky... "Where Life Takes You" POSTED!

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Nap Time!

"If people were meant to pop out of bed, we'd all sleep in toasters."

-Jim Davis (Attributed)

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Show off your favorite place to nap, that's not your bed. Couches, hammocks, recliners... let's see where you doze in repose.

-John Scalzi (By The Way)

I took a sleep hygiene course a while back, because I have been a lifelong sufferer of insomnia. I learned a lot of very valuable skills for dealing with sleeplessness, one of the most important being that when I do lie down to sleep, it should always be in a bed. Not a couch, not a chair... a bed. Well, I tried to follow that suggestion, and I found that it was true. Once I stopped trying to sleep a full eight hours on my sofa, and actually got into my bed to sleep I did a whole lot better. My sofa was comfy, but nothing replaced the routine of sleeping in my bedroom.

Another useful hint I learned from that class, was the importance of the midday nap. For that, my the instructions weren't so rigid, in fact it was suggested that by taking a 30 minute nap as a refresher, it could help with trying to sleep for extended periods, such as the solid 8 hours that is recommended. The instructor of the course said that a nap could be taken anywhere, as long as it was no longer then 30 minutes in length. I have found that I don't have a choice whether or not I listen to my body about sleep, it tells me loud and clear what it needs. Since I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I have learned the importance of sleep in making the rest of my body less achy. So, in addition to meditation, Qi Gong, and T'ai Chi, I also take a 30 minute nap as needed.

I usually sleep by my pool in the summer months, and sometimes well into autumn and winter, but this year it just hasn't been possible because of unseasonably cold temperatures and record rainfall. So, when I am in the house I take naps in my bed, but on days like today when it was clear and warm, I like to sleep under my pear tree in my back yard. I have a comfy, cozy blanket, my favorite vanilla scented pillow, and all the fresh air I can breathe. Most of the time, Elvis will cuddle up to me. He is my protector. LOL. It is a good feeling to hear his purr and feel his paw pads on my face when he decides I have been resting long enough. He is the sweetest alarm clock I have ever had. Ahhh. Rest and renew.

-OndineMonet
"A Sleep Place"
Berkeley, California
May 22, 2006
Afternoon

Governor Who?

"We'd all like to vote for the best man, but he is never a candidate."

-Frank McKinney

I read something in the newspaper yesterday (Monday) that truly put my nerves on edge. According to an article, in the Daily Review (Alameda Newspaper Group ) it might be likely that our next governor will be voted into office based on his being recognizable rather then on their merit as a politician. The article explained that the two men currently running for the top position on the Democratic ticket, Phil Angelides, and Steve Westly are relatively unknown to most California voters despite the fact that currently, Phil Angelides holds the office of State Treasurer and Westly is State Controller.

Recent polls have found that while California Democrats are quite vocal about their general displeasure in the job performance of Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, they have at the same time been somewhat lacking in indicating who will be chosen in two weeks, at the upcoming June 3rd primary, as a Democratic alternative. Both men have been running political ads for a few months now, and the heat is certainly being turned up as far as the political dirtiness that inevitably takes place. Both men had promised to not run any negative ads, but it didn't take long for that to change. Angelides is accusing Westly, a dot.com millionaire of trying to buy his bid for office, while Westly is countering by attacking Angelides's tax plan for California. According to the article, political analysts believe the attack campaigns, on both sides, will be getting worse over the next few weeks. I don't think I needed an analyst to tell me that.

The thing I have been trying my best to do, since the beginning of the year, is to figure out who will be the best person to put my faith in as a candidate. I tend to ignore, or sometimes completely block out, all campaigning commercials when they air on TV or the radio. I got burned out on all the mudslinging back when Reagan was president. I am sure I am not alone in that revulsion, so maybe I am not alone in the practice of tuning them out. Maybe that is why so many Californians seem to be taking an apathic approach to the upcoming primary. I can certainly understand it, and yet at the same time, it leaves me a bit perplexed.

I hear a lot about how important it is to get out and vote, and yet the same people who embrace that ideal apparently don't take a lot of interest in the election that places the alternative to the sitting governor on the ballot. If we end up with a lackluster candidate on the ballot, against someone we also don't believe in, who do we have to blame? I find it hard to believe that in the computer age, we don't have time to research who may be in charge of decisions involving California's environmental concerns, it's education budget, and it's taxes, just to name a few issues. What better way to deal with politicians, then to send a clear message about who and what we will tolerate in a candidate?

Tell me, do you feel a certain amount of voter apathy as the mid-term elections approach? Do you feel that the almost daily onslaught of negativity in the media regarding the Bush administration and the other various scandals involving elected officials in the news, adds to the general feeling of malaise regarding voting? Do you do any research into the candidates in an election, separate from news reports, either in print, or on broadcast news? If a candidate represents at least most of what you are looking for, yet begins running highly negative ads about his opponent, would you change your mind about who you voted for, based on that negativity? Tell me your thoughts.

-OndineMonet
"California Capitol Building"
Sacramento, California
November 2005
Afternoon

California Elections and Voter Information
Alameda County Registrar of Voters
Angelides For Governor
Westly For Governor
Rock The Vote

Dude Run! Don't Walk, Down Westeria Lane

"Desperation is the raw material of drastic change. Only those who can leave behind everything they have, ever believed in, can hope to escape."

-William S. Burroughs

I watched the season finale of ABC's "Desperate Housewives," tonight, and I while I found it an enjoyable enough episode, I had to wonder a bit about what could have happened to this show? When it first premiered in September of 2004, I thought is was a smart, sassy, snazzy breath of fresh air. I was, and still am, tired of the obsession of "Reality TV." Some of those shows are so silly in premise, some are sick, while others are just plain insulting. I get that it's fun to have someone to root for, I guess I just prefer to do my rooting for ficticous characters. You have to remember, I was a young adult in the days of Dynasty and Knots Landing. Of course it was also during the greed of the 80's, but you also have to remember that the summer of "Who Shot J.R.?" was popular for a reason. Through those fictional characters we could, for at least an hour a week, pretend we could live a little through them. Feel glamorous, feel strong and self-assured. Sometimes even feel good about wanting a better life. Ahhh...is there anything like pop culture to make you forget your woes? LOL.

I loved the character of Cigi Dunne on Knot's Landing. I loved the way she dressed, the way she wore her hair, the way she interacted with the other characters. Lisa Hartman played Cigi perfectly. Who would have figured that by the time the season finale would come around, she would be killed off in a cliffhanger? I thought it was done very well. All kinds of hostility and desperate circumstances had been following poor Cigi for weeks. She was a classically misunderstood herorine. Then in the last episode of the season, everything came to a shocking conclusion, when the camera pans across a dark, lonely, beach, where Cigi's body lay lifeless in the surf. Shocking! LOL. Of course it had me hooked all summer...I was sooo there when Knot's Landing came back the following season. Did Gary do it? Abby or Chip? Ginger or Richard? Who, who, who? LOL.

I don't feel any particular need to be there when "Desperate Housewives" comes back next season. There was a cliffhanger of sorts in tonight's season finale, but the thing is...I don't know if I care enough to watch it next season. I suppose it might depend on what it will be playing opposite. NBC and CBS haven't done much for me in recent years. I will miss the West Wing, but I am looking forward to the new show, "Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip," mostly because it will star Bradley Whitford, who played Josh Lymon, on West Wing. It will also star Matthew Perry, and it comes from Aaron Sorkin, who created The West Wing. With that combination, I believe it could be a hit. Good cast, good writing. Fingers crossed.

I haven't checked the fall schedules yet, to see what will be competing with what. I don't know...maybe I want to be surprised, maybe I just don't really care. I am hoping I haven't turned into a hopeless old coot. I'm, only 43. LOL. In the last few years I find myself watching more documentaries and science shows on Biography, A&E and the History Channel, then I do big network shows. As you know I am a big fan of Ghost Hunters,which is considered a "reality show." It airs on the Sci-Fi Channel, every Wednesday at 9:00 PM Eastern time. I mostly watch it because I enjoy the personal interactions between the members of TAPS, but of course once in a while they do provide a genuine, "what the heck was that?" moment.

It's a bit like a soap opera of sorts, only without the glamorous clothes, although they do have all new official TAPS T-Shirts and other gear available for around $20.00. You know...for any ghost hunting you might have planned in your real life. LOL. Hey, I love a good ghost hunt, don't you? My favorite quote of that show comes by way of Brian, the Taps team member who might be considered by some to be the weakest link. Whenever he thinks he is over his head, he accepts it, and bellows a simple, "Dude Run!" Sounds reasonable to me. LOL. Now THAT is good "reality" TV! Maybe there is something to be said for keeping it real. :)

Tell me, do you have a favorite "TV MOMENT?" Is there a show you are looking forward to either coming back next fall or one that will be premiering? Share with me what you think.

-OndineMonet
"A Walk On Westeria Land"
Castro Valley, California
Spring, 2006
Mid-Morning

The Interlude

"No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, no fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds...November."

-Thomas Hood

Can you tell I am missing autumn? :) The rain storm that was promised for today, never really got here...at least it didn't get to Berkeley. Oh there was cloud cover, and the air felt thick, like just before a big downpour, but the rain never did come. Somehow, I think it made me a little sad. I think I had been looking forward to the way everything smells after it rains. With summer only a few weeks away, this was being called the last interlude of cool weather before the heat of summer invades. Sigh. As much as it hurts my body when it's cold outside, it stimulates my mind and my senses just as much. I think clearer...everything seems to focus better. The world just seems to turn more gently, when it's raining. And when it rains in autumn...well...THAT is when I feel most alive.

I took this photo in Nevada, in the afternoon of a day in late October. It had been raining earlier in the day, but at this point there was just a heavy mist in the air. The temperature was cool, not cold, but I was really glad I had my warm brown sweater with me. There was inspiration everywhere. The trees directly behind me, were lit up with bright, new yellow leaves that looked like perfect lemon drops. And when the sun did peak through the clouds, and managed to dance off the leaves, it almost looked like golden tears, falling to the earth. Sigh. As melancholy as it all sounds...it was more dreamy then I can even say. Sensual beyond reason.

It was the end of October, but the November man was on my mind. He tends to invade my thoughts on days like that. And days like today. He will always be November to me, he was falling leaves, he was that chill in the air, he was the music playing on the radio, he was the first and last bite of autumn fruit. And every time we parted...I couldn't quite remember what he looked like. He caused me to go blind. He still does. The one thing I do remember, even after 20 + years is the way his eyes dance, that sparkle of life...so clear...so blue. He was beyond reason.

Musical Interlude...

Falling By Lablanc & Carr

I think about winter, when I was with him
And the snow was falling down
Warmed by the fire, I love being by him
When there's no one around

'Cause I'm falling, I'm falling
I'm falling...in love with you

I think about summer, my head was swimming
You wrote my name in the sand
We walked together, hoping forever
Please don't let go of my hand

'Cause I'm falling, I'm falling
I'm falling...in love with you
In love with you

The fall and the springtime, and like in-between times
Your here and then your gone away
And I just wanted to say
Won't you please, please stay

'Cause I'm falling, I'm falling
I'm falling...in love with you
In love with you...In love with you.

-OndineMonet
"Like In-between Time"
October 29, 2005
Late Afternoon
Nevada

Carly Loves A Mystery

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science."

-Albert Einstein

It's a cold, rainy night here in the Bay Area. Unseasonably cold they say. I don't know, I suppose it is, right now the temperature is only about 53 degrees, and I can hear some thunder in the distance. It's probably somewhere north of here, perhaps around the Golden Gate. I live for nights like this one. It makes me feel alive to feel all that electricity in the air. It's the kind of night that makes all the usual sounds traveling through the hills, sound like vagabond spirits on a journey, looking for a dwelling in which to rest...and make their feelings known. I believe in ghosts...how about you?

LOL. Don't mind me, I am just intrigued by the great mysteries because of the renewed search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa. Fascinating isn't it? I wonder if after all these years, the government will finally unearth the body of the former Teamsters boss, putting to rest one of the true, great, "Who done-its" of the 20th century. On the one hand it would be fascinating to finally know what happened to him after he disappeared, on the other hand, there would be no more mystery to ponder. What do you think...will they find his body on the property in Michigan?

One of the things I enjoy most about the Internet, is having all the information, right at my fingertips, to be able to search out all the things that have mystified me since I was a little girl. I always did love a good mystery, I have always been curious. Now, in my old age, I have the time to really search out information about things that before left me in a constant state of wonder.

Like, for example, who was Carly Simon really singing about in the song, "You're So Vain?" I always took it for granted that it was Warren Beatty, but now I am not so sure. I keep visiting her web site, looking for clues, or that one special day when she might decide to finally share with the world his true identity. It could have been "Deep Throat" of Watergate fame. Nah, since his identity was made known last year, that doesn't seem very likely. Maybe it was Richard Nixon, nah...that doesn't see quite right either. Elvis maybe? James Taylor? Wally Cox or Henry Gibson? Mick Jagger? Sigh. According to her official web site, Carly Simon will never tell the public who the song was about. In fact, she finds it kind of silly that it is even still being pondered. It's a great mystery...why wouldn't it still be pondered? Tell me, who do you think it might be?

Do you suppose Amelia Earhart was taken by space aliens? Was she captured by an enemy army? Or did she simply run out of fuel, and crash into the ocean. Maybe she was tired of all the fame, so she decided to fly off into the sunset and leave all the notoriety behind. I would like to think she flew off, to her own private island, and lived the rest of her life, not lost, but found within herself. Hearing only the sounds of the ocean, and the seabirds, and watching an eternal sun, sinking down till it met the endless sea. That's what I think about sometimes, when I am photographing a sunset over the ocean. How nice it would be...to be alone with that view every single night. Not a care in the world. But then, I realize how much I would miss my computer, my cell phone, my breadmaker and my digital camera. LOL. Tell me...where did Amelia go?

Let's have some fun. Over on my sidebar is a new quiz. I will post the results of the last quiz, about blogging, in a few days. For now, share with me which one of the great mysteries you have always wanted to know the answer to. I have assembled a pretty good sized list, but if your favorite mystery isn't there, feel free to share with us, in the comments, what your favorite mystery is...and if you would like to see it solved, or if you would rather not know what it's real story is. I look forward to your answers...after all...I LOVE a mystery. :)

"Without mysteries, life would be very difficult indeed. What would be left to strive for if everything were known?"

-Charles de Lint

-OndineMonet
"Mystery"
Berkeley, California
May 18, 2006
Afternoon

Go Away!

"We must embrace our pain and burn it as fuel for our journey."

-Kenji Miyazawa

Do you wish you could take all the hot air from the dramedy life of Jennifer Wilbanks, turn it into real gas and run your car on it? God...will this women NEVER go away? Now ok, I will admit when her story first became "news" a year ago or so, I had some sympathy for the poor girl. I know what it's like to plan a wedding, and have to face some new bit of craptasticness, seemingly at every turn. But I didn't understand then and I don't understand now, how this could possibly be news. At best it is filler. Stupid, annoying, who-the-hell-cares FILLER! I can't be the only one on the Internet who doesn't care if I NEVER hear about her tragic life again.

It seems there is a new chapter for the probably upcoming LIFETIME movie. Her guy, the guy who took her back, has called off the wedding. Sigh. That will mean a lot of toasters and waterpicks will be going back to Macy's. Weep weep. Sorry, given the actual news going on in the world, I am finding it difficult to tolerate stories about a very common, everyday, flaky moment in someone's life, especially when I don't even know them! Sheesh! If you are just as fed up as I am with this little more then gossip icon, leave me your comment. Feel free to tell me if I am completely off my rocker , you know me, I welcome all views here as long as they are respectful. In the mean time...Jennifer...darlin...GO AWAY!

-OndineMonet

Steven's Feline Friday : Elvis Looking For Ernst

"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat."

-Ellen Perry Berkeley

Elvis is a bit sad these days. It seems that since that new kitty turned up in the neighborhood, the Russian Blue, some of Elvis's friends have been hard to find. I am afraid Ernst, Elvis's best buddy, has run away. Well, that's not completely accurate, Ernst has been seen here and there by his owner, but he doesn't come home, and when she does see him around, he never comes when he hears his name. I was talking with his mommy tonight...and sigh...we think he may have adopted another family where he feels more comfortable. Much to the sadness of Elvis and Ernst's sister Molly.

My boy was lonely for a long time before we moved here, then one day Ernst moved into the neighborhood. He was just a wee kitten,but he decided to adopt Elvis as his big brother. They had so much fun with each other. It was good for my boy to have company. Somehow, I don't think he ever stopped missing his real brother, Jack, after we had to get rid of him. I know I still miss him. Sigh. I think this weekend, I will have a good, long, play session with him. It's supposed to rain cats, and dogs, so we will be spending the weekend inside. In fact, there is supposed to be quite a storm coming our way. The weather channel doohicky that I have on my sidebar, began warning of "severe weather" earlier today. Thunder and lightning is likely. Personally, I love it...but my boy will need some reassuring. I don't mind doing that one little bit...he's my baby after all.

I love sharing my cat Elvis with you, and it is even more fun to do so as a part of Steven's Feline Friday. If you have a kitty and want to play along, it's easy. Just post a photo of your cat and then pop over to Steven's and leave him your link. Go have a look see this week's Feline Friday entry...it has all the information you need to know. Thanks Steven, for the fun meme.

-OndineMonet
"Elvis Looking For Ernst"
Berkeley, California
May 18th, 2006
Late Afternoon

John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment #112: Things You Have Other People Probably Don't

"Something in human nature causes us to start slacking off at our moment of greatest accomplishment. As you become successful, you will need a great deal of self-discipline not to lost your sense of balance, humility, and commitment."

-Ross Perot

Weekend Assignment: Show off a personal possession of yours that you are reasonably certain other people don't have. Note this is limited to possessions: Don't haul up the spouse and go 'neener-neener." Pets are also off limits unless it's a truly bizarre pet: We're talking like a hyena or an ocelot or something like that. Otherwise it's best to stick to physical objects. Also, as I've done a similar Photo Shoot in the past: don't recycle. Come on, you've got more than one thing in your house..

Extra Credit: Pictures! I mean, obviously.

-John Scalzi

I can't remember if I have shared with you before, that I have a fondness for political campaign buttons. Well... I do. I know that having political buttons is not really all that unique as a rule, but I ask you, "do you know anyone with a genuine Perot/Choate button? That's probably something most folks don't have. LOL. I enjoy my buttons very much. I have been collecting them for years, but this one is my favorite. I keep it on my desk, although it is almost always pinned on the sweater that my stuffed moose, Ross, wears. Yes, I did indeed name Ross after Ross Perot. There was a lot I liked about that man, there was a lot there to admire and appreciate. More then anything, I liked the little extra choice his candidacy brought to politics in America. While the ballot is open to many different parties for each presidential election, we rarely have strong contenders to challenge the Democrats and Republicans. He did that, and while he isn't who I ultimately voted for, having another viable choice was a very good feeling. Here's to Ross Perot, and others like him.

Extra Credit: See above.

-OndineMonet
"Perot & Choate"
May 18, 2006
Berkeley, California
Late Evening

Blogging And Ethics

"Our Very lives depend on the ethics of strangers, and most of us are always strangers to other people."

-Bill Moyers

For the most part, bloggers are not qualified journalists. However, in recent years, blogging has gained a certain reputation as being a good source for information on everything from, recipes for homemade cat food, to the latest political intrigue. Sometimes the bloggers get it right, sometimes they don't, it is usually up to the reader to decide if the facts presented in any given entry, is accurate and factual, or if it is the unsubstantiated musing of a citizen journalist.
When I first began Ellipsis, I had no idea that I would eventually evolve in my entries, to include my personal opinions regarding current events. One day someone asked me what my political view was, and that opened a door for me to share how I felt about things. It was a nice freedom to be sure, but with that freedom came a responsibility, at least that is what I believed to be true. My word is important to me, so when I wrote an entry I tried my best to write with accuracy, integrity, and checking my facts not just once, but several times. I am not a professional journalist, I am a blogger, but the time and energy I put into what I write about means I have to give up something else in life, so doing it right means a lot to me.

I am thinking about all this because of an article I read today on AOL News which had originally been featured in the Wall Street Journal. The article deals with the influence blogging has over opinion on any given subject, but at times more specifically political issues. Sometimes all it takes is a story which may be true, to begin a blogging blitz of amateur OP-ED speculation. Personally speaking, anything that gets us to engage in an intelligent dialog is a good thing, unless we begin to play telephone with it. While politicians, celebrities, and the notorious may seem larger then life, in truth they have lives like all of us, and should be protected from irresponsible rumor mongers.

Having an amateur blog means that we can satisfy the need we all have, to take a stand on issues that mean a lot to us. I have been described as having a lot of passion regarding my political beliefs. That's true but it might be a nice way of saying, "Carly can certainly be overly opinionated about certain things." LOL. That's fair, it's not lost on me about how bull headed I can be, I have been known to dig my heels in when a subject comes up that has in some way touched my life. I don't however, feel the need to express every thought I have, the minute I have it, if at all. There are one or two subjects that I rarely speak about, because I feel too close to it...and it's hard to accurately express myself. I learned a long time ago that if I can't say what I want to with more clarity then emotion, then it's best to allow myself to process it through, within myself, until I can articulate it with honesty and clarity.

With all the scandal in the Bush administration, I would be thrilled to see a good bit of news come to light. Something along the lines of what was written in the Wall Street Journal article. It seems the online site,Truthout.org, ran a blog article breaking the news that Karl Rove had indeed been indicted last weekend by the special prosecutor in the CIA leak case, Patrick Fitzgerald. As of the writing of this entry, it doesn't appear that an indictment has been handed down, yet, but it does give one hope. Although for the time being, a bit of false hope. It's that potential that it won't become true at some future point which causes a lot of problems, for a lot of people. It degrades the integrity of citizen journalists in general, and makes us all sound like...well...misinformed nutjobs.

Opinion is fine, it should be encouraged. To share ones opinion with a friend means a lot,to share one's opinion on the Internet means bravery. All the tough subjects come with the possibility that if someone disagrees with your personal philosophy, they might REALLY disagree with you, and hurt feelings or even anger can be the end result, rather then two persons, sharing their opinions with passion. To present an opinion as fact, without anything to base it on, is irresponsible, and you won't be doing yourself any good by doing so. So why would an established web site write online articles which may be best described as wishful thinking, rather then honest jouralism? Couldn't the author of the apparently mistaken article simply have written an OP-ED article about how much he would like to see an indictment come to pass. Has blogging become the new tabloid medium? Share your thoughts with me.

-OndineMonet
"Splash"
San Francisco, California
Spring, 2005
Afternoon

Art About Town: San Francisco

"Anyone who says you can't see a thought, simply doesn't know art."

-Kojiro Tomito

I love this sculpture. It is titled, "Yin & Yang," and it sits at Justin Herman Plaza, along the Embarcadero, in San Francisco. The first time I saw it, I was in a moving car, on my way to the Bay Bridge. It wasn't very practical to go back and take a longer look at what I thought I saw, which was two disembodied heads, resting near the fountain at the plaza. That's not something you see everyday...now is it?

The eggheads are reproductions of artist, Robert Arneson's, eggheads, "Yin & Yang," which he created for the University of California at Davis. A native of Benicia, California, Arneson taught ceramics at U.C. Davis from 1962 to 1991. His egghead series were placed in different locations around the college campus. The original "Yin & Yang," sit outside the campus's Fine Arts department. Robert Arneson created many other powerful pieces, such as, "General Nuke," which is another in his head series, and is a statement on the escalating tensions of the cold war. While "Yin & Yang" have an almost whimsical quality to them, General Nuke reflects the artist's darker period. He passed away in 1992, from liver cancer.

One of the things I like to do, when I am out with my camera, it to practice taking photos while riding in the car. I have managed to get some interesting shots that way, a few I want to share here over the next few weeks. I like the way everything surrounding my subjects comes out just so normal. There is a lot of motion surrounding the subject...and it is all much more candid then if I tried to take the time to set everything up. I don't know, it's just a personal experiment I am trying, in an effort to broaden my horizons as a photographer. I could use some feedback on these entries. Please...feel free to let me know what you think. :) I also want to know what you see when you look at "Yin & Yang"...what comes to mind?

-OndineMonet
"Yin & Yang"
Justin Herman Plaza
San Francisco, California
May 14, 2006
Afternoon

Reflections...A Round Robin Promotion

"Life is a ticklish business; I have resolved to spend it in reflecting upon it."

-Arthur Schopenhauer

The water in Lake Tahoe is so clear, I swear you can see forever in it. Last February was a magical month, as far as my photography went. In one 24 hour period I went from photographing competition surfers and sun worshipers on the Bay Area beaches, to the snow topped hills and parks of Lake Tahoe Nevada. California has me forever, how many other places on earth offer so much for the amateur photographer? A mere 4 hour ride can place you in almost any photographic opportunity you desire.

When I saw how crystal clear the lake bottom was, I couldn't help but allow myself to stop, and rest, on the bench that sat just a few steps from the lake's edge. I let my thoughts drift with the flow of the water, and I let my thoughts to drift as well. Sometimes it can be very difficult to let thoughts into our minds, especially if they are in the form of painful memories. Sometimes it is the just the thing we need to do however, in order to free us...and let us move on toward happiness.

When I first learned how to practice meditation, the person instructing me told the class to , "allow the thoughts to come into your mind, acknowledge them, then let them just pass through your mind and continue on with it's path. As you breathe, allow the sounds around you...the sounds you hear every day...to enter your consciousness...acknowledge them...then let the sounds move on their way." At first it was difficult to do this exercise because I wasn't quite willing to give up control, but as I practiced on my own, it became easier and easier to let go. Now, months later, I have a new appreciation for the positive power of reflection. :)

I am excited and ready to meet this Round Robin challenge. It was chosen by our fellow friend, Cheryl, author of the journals, "Welcome to My World," and "Life Through My Lens." The date of the challenge will be, Wednesday, May 24, 2006, and as always you can post your entry any time between the midnights. If you can't post on that day, you can also post for up to one week after the date of the challenge, but you have the best chance of having your entry be seen if you post on the challenge date. :) If you haven't played before, simply pay a visit to the official Round Robin journal to learn all the information about the current challenge and how to play.

On a related note, I want to send out a warm "Welcome Back" to our friend, and fellow Round Robin, Duane, author of the journal, "sotto voce USA." Duane is an awesome writer, and a great photographer. I always look forward to seeing his interpretations of the challenge subjects. This past year has presented Duane with many challenges, both on and offline, but he always comes through with a great deal of dignity and strength. He inspires me. He gives me some great advice when it comes to my photos and writing...he is my talented friend, and I am glad he is back in the blogsphere with us. Welcome back Duane! If you haven't visited his journal before, be sure to drop by and say, "Hello," and "Welcome Back." :)

-OndineMonet
"Reflections"
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
February, 2006
Afternoon

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Bottom's Up!

"Love is not consolation...it is LIGHT."

-Friedrich Nietzsche

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Put your camera on the ground to shoot a picture of something you don't usually see from the bottom up. Call it the "worm's-eye view"of the world, if worms had eyes, which they mostly don't.

-John Scalzi (By the Way...)

This past weekend I paid a visit to Fort Point, which is located at the mouth of the San Francisco Bay. I have always wanted to see the lighthouse which sits inside the courtyard. It is one of the smallest of the Northern California lighthouses, oh how hard it has worked! The lighthouse is 27-feet tall and sits a mere 83 feet above sea level, atop Fort point. This lighthouse was the third and final one to be placed at the fort. It survived the 1906 earthquake, but not the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, which overshadowed the point and obscured the light. Fort Point lighthouse was officially discontinued in 1934. The lighthouse keeper to serve the longest was James Rankin, he was in charge from 1878 to 1929. When he retired he was commended for saving 18 lives off Fort Point.

I have a lot more photos of Fort Point to share with you, and I will post them soon. It is an immensely interesting place, with a lot of history. I decided to take as many photographs of this lighthouse as possible. It's beauty really caught my imagination and coincidently, I decided to photograph it from this angle, looking upwards into the light. :) Cool isn't it. :)

"I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars."

-Og Mandino

-OndineMonet

Fort Point Lighthouse

May 14, 2006

Afternoon

Kaboom

"Everything is created from moment to moment, always new. Like fireworks, this is a celebration and you are the spectator contemplating the eternal Fourth of July of your absolute splendor."

-Francine Lucille

It was a very full weekend. A chili cook-off, a rodeo parade, the Kaboom rock concert and fireworks on the Embarcadero, plus on Sunday, a trip to Fort Point to visit the inside of the historic fort, and to photograph the awesome lighthouse that sits just inside the fort's courtyard. It was so much fun to get out with the camera for these events, even if it meant that tonight I am a swollen, pudgy mess. LOL. It was oh so worth it. :) The rock concert Saturday night was awesome, and at right around 9:00 PM...there were fireworks. I captured this scene, looking down on the city of San Francisco, from high atop Twin Peaks. Amazing! It was a great opportunity to stretch my night photography muscles. This year the Kaboom concert celebrated it's 13th year, I hope there will be at least 13 more. You can bet I will be there camera in hand. The only thing is, I can't seem to get the first song the station played on the radio, as the fireworks began, out of my head...

Light My Fire
By The Doors

You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I were to say to you
Boy we couldn't get much higher...

Come on baby light my fire
Come on baby light my fire
Try to set the night on...fire!

The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre

Come on baby light my fire
Come on baby light my fire
Try to set the night on...fire!

You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I were to say to you
Boy we couldn't get much higher

Come on baby light my fire!

-OndineMonet
"Try To Set The Night On Fire"
San Francisco/Twin Peaks
May 13, 2006
Evening