A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 111~ Claremont Blvd And Ulloa Street

"We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives."

~Woody Allen

After a couple weeks of doing errands, and chores, and all the things a responsible person does, it was finally time yesterday to look for Woody Allen again. As you know, he has been filming his latest movie in the city throughout the whole month of August, and the whole city has been on extreme Woody Watch. I wish I could have followed him from location shoot to location shoot, but I couldn't. It would have been fun to have had a picture from each place, but it's okay, I have some photos from the location on 20th and Lexington, and now from the corner of Claremont and Ulloa, which is located in the West Portal neighborhood of San Francisco.

The day began with Alan and I making the trek across the bay, by way of the San Mateo bridge. The day before I had done some looking online, and found out Woody had been filming in the Upper Haight. So, heading toward Haight/Ashbury seemed like out best bet in finding him. Once we got there, it didn't take long to figure out that he had more than likely got what he needed there on Monday, and moved onto to a new location. I was a little disappointed, I have been having so much fun watching the process of creating a new film, but the upside is that along with all the excitement of maybe figuring out where he is filming next, has been the joy of discovering new places to eat, shop, and just generally enjoy ourselves.

As we drove out of the Haight, and back through Golden Gate Park, we decided to stop for lunch at a little Chinese restaurant we discovered when we were traveling about the location on Geary and 24th, the week before. At that time we had apparently missed his by just an hour or so, but it wasn't for nothing, we now have about 4 places in that area to check out for a future date. Yesterday, we decided to cross one place off our list of "Must Trys" by grabbing our lunch at a little place called "Hunan Cafe #2. It is a small neighborhood restaurant, a mom and pop place, and I have to say, the food there is FABULOUS! Truly a gem. A delightful San Francisco secret! We will definitely be eating there again soon. It is conveniently located just off the park, and the beach. YUM!



After lunch I decide to check on the Internet, and Twitter to see if I could locate Woody, and low and behold, I did spot a blip about him being at the corner of Claremont and Ulloa. Off we went. As we arrived, it seemed like we were going to need a bit of luck in finding him. As we drove into the neighborhood, we were one the lookout for the Studio Services trucks. Suddenly we spotted 3 large trailers in a church parking lot. Okay, the game was afoot! We circled the block a couple of times when we spotted a young, well dressed man, walking alone down the hill in front of us, with a camera in his hand! Great! Our first major clue! LOL.

We continued up the hill, and around a corner onto West Portal drive and then onto Ulloa, and there on the left was Woody Allen's town car! That meant he was definitely there! Good. We had the right location, now to find a parking place. We couldn't find a place along Ulloa, so we circled the corner. As we turned onto Ulloa once again, things looked a tad different. What was different? Well, there on my right, was Woody Allen stepping out of the place he ate lunch, Squat and Gobble. Weird, right? There I was, not 10 feet away, and where was my camera? Why all safe, sound and packed into the camera bag!

You can imagine how I felt when I realized I had just missed the shot of the year! When I saw his town car, why didn't I get my camera ready just in case he was out and about? LOL. And I call myself a photographer! What a rookie mistake!Oh well, I am not really complaining, once we found a place to park, and walked to the corner, I was able to get a lot of photos. And among the 100 or so pictures I had the thrill of taking one picture in particular... the one where he and I made inadvertent eye contact! I have to say, and don't laugh, I may never wash my eyes again! It was a good day and I am a happy girl, because this has been the August of a lifetime! It was the August of Woody Allen!

Here, see for yourself...

 


 

 

 

 

I am exhusted! But it's okay... Woody Allen and I made eye contact!

:)

I got a number of other shots while I was there yesterday, and as with the neighbored on Lexington and 20th, there was plenty of things to be seen and photographed!

It was a good day! Woody, if I don't see you again before you leave San Francisco, THANK YOU!

~Me )

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 110~ Autumn On A Late Summer Day

"I loved autumn, the one season of the year that god seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it."

~John Greenlead Whittier

Look what I saw today. I love it when one season get's so excited for it's day in the sen, that it jump starts things a little early. I do believe California will be putting on quite a show this year! On my list for autumn photography is Plumas, Napa, and Sonoma Counties. Plumas for the Dogwood, Big Leaf Maple and Aspens. Sonoma and Napa for the color of the vineyards and autumn fruits and vegetables. I am so excited, I can almost taste the ripe, juicy delicious pears and apples. Ahhhh! But don't think I have forgotten the coast for some Brussel's Sprouts. A little bacon, a little onion and garlic, some butter and a fine dusting of sea salt. Life Is Good!

I am an easy girl to please.

:)

~Me :)

Today's Link comes to us by way of our friend JR. If you haven't seen his marvelous photography, go check out his photo blog. He is an awesome photographer, and I learn a lot from him! :)

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/apadf6-109.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 109~ Every Hill A Novel, Every Home A Poem

"San Francisco itself is art, above all literary art. Every hill a novel. Every home a poem, ever dweller within immortal. That is the whole truth."

~William Saroyan

I am so happy, almost giddy with anticipation. I have had a blast the last couple weeks in San Francisco, while following Woody Allen around the city, I have discovered new public art. New restaurants, new parks, new neighborhoods, new little moments here and there that will keep me smiling even on my last day on Earth. I had no idea that following my favorite funny man around my lovely San Francisco would be so inspiring. The conversations I have overheard in the neighborhoods of excited residents and merchants has been awe inspiring. I loved talking to the film students on 20th street about why Woody Allen is an idol to them. It was so much fun watching the two guys in front of the little market on 24th street taking each others photo as they posed next to an outdoor display of nectarines, that just happened to be where Woody was standing next to a couple hours earlier.  I missed him there and at a couple other locations, but I also found a wealth of interesting subjects to photograph, including the market itself. And this week, I get to start all over again.

It's no secret how much I love San Francisco. And it's no secret how much I adore Woody Allen and his body of work. How about that, two great loves in the same place! Fun. Inspiration. Anticipation. Love. Appreciation. Drive. Determination. Happiness.

And the very best part of all? Sharing the adventure with Alan!

How lucky can one girl get?

:)

~Me :)

Now, be sure to drop by my friend JR's blog and see what he is up to today! He's awesome!

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/apadf6-108.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 108~ The Ghost Of An Unremarkable Day

"It occurred to me that if I were a ghost, this ambiance was what I'd miss most; the ordinary, day to day bustle of the living. Ghosts long, I'm sure, for the stupidest, most unremarkable things."

~Banana Yosimoto, The Lake

I love the unremarkable. I like shadows, and soft light. I love average faces, because they seem to be more honest than ones of full beauty or handsomeness. It's not the fault of the beautiful or handsome, it's just that I think after a while they develop a deep need to stay perfect, instead of allowing soft forming lines from laughter, or consideration tell the tale of a season in a lifetime.

The other day I came across this photograph, buried deep in a forgotten archive. I captured the ghost, on a late October evening, in the southern Sierra in 2004. The day had been unseasonably warm, and the luminance of the day was quietly slipping away, allowing the inevitable darkness to shroud the horizon, but it was the time of day that the unremarkable sometimes becomes the fantastic by way of shadows formed by the light of a setting simple autumn sun.

In a few moments, the spirit of the treeline of common trees in the Sierra would be gone, and the whole scene would be replaced by a common darkness. It felt a little like I was seeing watching a ghost dancing toward tomorrow. An unremarkable, fleeting, restless, illumination of energy that can't, and won't, go on forever no matter how much we wish it would, pray it would, or dream it should.What you are seeing in this photo, is the ghost of an unremarkable day, still haunting my imagination.

"I don't suppose you have to believe in ghosts to know that we are all haunted, all of us, by things we can see and feel and guess at, and many more things we can't."

~Beth Gutcheon, More Than You Know

~Me

Today's Link...

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/apadf6-106.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 107~ RRC: Inside Out

"Success is failure inside out."

~Unknown

RRC: Inside Out

It's that time again... time for another Round Robin Challenge. This time around it's all about Inside Out. You know, showcasing what you might expect to find on the Inside, but for whatever reason it is being seen on the Outside.

This challenge was particularly challenging for me this time around, because my computer died a couple week's ago, and I simply haven't had time, or energy to do much file transferring. Also, I have been busy with some time consuming photo jaunts to San Francisco.

I don't have any new photos for this challenge, but I do have several that I posted quite a while back that will fit with the theme nicely. I promise to make it a point to post in all new photos next time around.

:) Okay, here we go...

#1 My Favorite Easy Chair
I spotted this gem on a street corner here in Berkeley. You can tell it was well loved... or absolutely hated. I am not sure which. :)



#2 The White Butterfly
Several years back, the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park put a special butterfly exhibit, featuring as many as 25 different butterflies and moths. Most were happy to flutter about from plant to flowers, but this gorgeous white butterfly was determined to make a break for it. LOL. It was amazing to watch it hitting the window so determined to fly away.



#3 Bad Kitty
Dylan was just 4 months old when Christmas rolled around in 2008. Hendrix was a much more curious kitty than Dylan was, which is what makes this picture so interesting, well, at least to me. Dylan wasn't particularly interested in the Christmas tree, the only interest he showed in it was to sit on a small pillow on a chair that faced the tree. He would sit there for hours after he had dinner, just watching the pretty blinking lights. Well, on Christmas Eve, I was up late wrapping last minute gifts, when I got the eerie feeling that I was being watched. I turned to see two small kitten eyeballs starring out at my from under the Christmas tree! He was being a good kitty, so I didn't get mad at him, he just sat there until I went to bed, and then followed me. The next day his brother knocked the whole tree down... LOL... I still think Dylan may have put him up to it!



#4 Sepia Chairs (New Photo)
I have been crazy busy the last couple weeks, mostly with photo jaunts to San Francisco. There is a lot of fun and energy over there right now, as local photographers, and bloggers, have been chasing Woody Allen all about the town. It has been an amazing pleasure to seek him out, and try for those candid shots of a lifetime. It's more fun than I can even say, and a time Alan and I will never forget. He is such a gracious man, and so respectful of local businesses, and fans. He is a really nice man. I will be looking forward to seeing this new film, and my favorite city setting the mood. I spotted these chairs one evening while in San Francisco, and I kinda liked the surreal way it caught the light and shadows. Kinda cool I think. I added in a Sepia tone for effect. It just had an old fashioned feel.

 

#5 Outside Veggies (New Photo)
Another cool thing about following Woody Allen all about the town, is the wonderful inner neighborhoods that he has been filming in. Outdoor produce is a common sight in those smaller neighborhoods, but a rare occurrence in the East Bay. I love the quaint touch it gives the area. Everything looks so fresh and inviting. YUM. And now I know of some wonderful little places to stop and grab some reasonably priced produce in San Francisco!



Okay, that's my contribution for this round. If you would like to join in the fun of the Round Robin Photo Challenges, I know Karen would love to have you participate. Just stop by the official Round Robin Photo Challenges blog for all the details, and the complete Linking List of those joining us this time around! Just clink the RRC link at the beginning of this post.

~Me :)

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 106~ A Woody In A Haystack

"My heart shoots into my throat every time I think I see his loping walk, or catch sight of some floppy brown hair on a boy... but it's never him, and each time it isn't, my heart does a reverse trajectory down into the very pit of my stomach."

~Lauren Oliver, Before I fall

LOL. Okay, first off, I have to say... it's not as bad as the quote above implies. But I have to admit, being able to watch Woody Allen at work is a thrill that will last forever. And seeing him, being able to hear his voice did make my heart thump a little harder... in a good way. I had a great time last week, checking online for the latest sightings, then grabbing my cameras, some snacks, and Alan of course, and heading over to San Francisco. Throughout this month long adventure, I have known that it was a matter of being in the right place, at the right time, and I have always had a plan B for a secondary outing, so if I should miss him, the day wouldn't be completely disappointing. Last week was awesome, but this week it's a different story.

On Wednesday, he suddenly popped up at a cute little grocery store on 24th and Florida in the Mission district. As soon as we found the latest Woody posting online, we ran. And we made pretty good time across the bridge. I was thrilled. We would be there in less than 40 minutes. And we were. But when we turned down 24th street, we saw that the Studio Services crew was folding up all the equipment for the day. Everything was being put away with such great care, that if I had arrived just 15 minutes later, I wouldn't have known they had been there at all. The only thing to indicate that they had been there, were the side streets lined with wardrobe, hair & make-up and some technical trailers.

But no town car... and no Woody.

:(

It was okay, Alan and I had a hoot going on the chase, and when we didn't find him, we checked out the area, and took in the neighborhood. I was able to get a lot of new photographs for the files, and just like the week before, I discovered sights and sounds I wouldn't have seen otherwise. It was good. After we finished on 24th, we took a drive over to 20th and Geary, to check out where he was going to be filming next. We saw the usual sandwich boards, and again there was plenty of photography to be done. Geary is a much wider street then the previous two neighborhoods, so there was a lot to take in. This particular location is only a few blocks off Golden Gate Park, which is great, because we discovered some new places to visit for lunch and dinner, the next time we plan to eat in the city! It was great!

Again, knowing that it could be a case of hit and miss, we searched online for Plan B. I found an article that talked about a visit to that neighborhood by San Francisco's wild parrots. It seems they found a tree with some red berries for lunching on. VERY COOL! I have been trying to find the wild parrots for years, and never could find them. I must be the only one in the Bay Area who hasn't seen them. The tree was covered in them on Tuesday, and the couldn't eat all the berries... right? Okie Doke. It was a Plan B!

LOL. Why do I plan things? LOL. Yesterday. Oh yesterday. Well, Alan got off work at 2 pm, he was home by 3 pm, and we were on our way by 3:30 pm. There was light traffic. We made it across the bay in good time, we stopped for lunch at our favorite hamburger place on Geary, and we were in like Flynn! After all, the sandwich board signs from the previous day said, NO PARKING FROM 11:00 am till 9:00 pm. It was barely 4:00 pm as we drove up Geary. But we got to the corner of 20th and Geary and NO Woody to be found! Not a single Studio Services truck. No town car. No security. Nothing. It was like they were never there!

No Woody yet again! How could I have been skunked not one, but two days in a row?

Oh well, all was not lost. We always had the wild parrots just a few blocks away at 27th and Balboa. Well... no. As you might have already guessed... there were NO PARROTS. We couldn't even locate the tree with the red berries that was featured in the photo of the birds posted online late Tuesday afternoon. Apparently on Wednesday, the parrots came back to the neighborhood and picked the tree clean! There wasn't even berry juice on the ground! Wild Parrots? What Wild Parrots? I don't see no Wild Parrots Lady!

No Woody... And Now... NO PARROTS?

"If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans."

~Woody Allen

LOL. I think there will be a few more opportunities to see Woody Allen before the end of the month. I will try for next week. If it don't get to see him again, I will always have 20th and Lexington. That corner is where I got to see him in person, and hear his voice, so, I am good. And besides, there's always the Wild Parrots to chase around. But God, if you are listening... Could you give a girl a break? ;)

And Now... Inspiration On 24th...



And Inspiration On Geary Blvd...


Update: I may have missed him, but another Woody Watcher captured some wonderful candid moments from the Geary blvd film location...

Winnower: Woody Allen On The Street


~Me :)

Today's link comes from my pal JR...

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/apadf6-105.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months:Day 105~ 9 Years Ago Today

"You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved."

~Ansel Adams

Today is the 9th year I have been blogging. It doesn't seem like it could have possibly been that long, but it has. I had no idea what I was doing when I began my blog, I just knew it seemed like a good way to share about myself, and my therapist was overwhelmingly supportive of the endeavor. I think she would have approved of anything that would make me respond to life again. You see, due to a singularly mean spirited event that happened to me in 2000, I had spent roughly three years in a fully functioning, self induced coma. I was awake, and breathing, so to the causal observer I was fine, but to Alan and my therapist, I might as well have been in...well... a coma. After the event, which shall not be named, occurred, I shut down. And I did it so thoroughly that I developed Anhedonia. Let me tell you, Anhedonia is a pain like no other.

I don't want to spend too much time on this, because I couldn't be better now, but thinking back to the first day I started my blog, I know I wasn't sure it would do me much good, but I was willing to try, if for no other reason, then to prove how wrong both Alan and the therapist was for even suggesting it. But now, with that perfect backwards 20/20 vision, I know it was instrumental to my recovery. Anhedonia robs you of your ability to create. There is NO art. No developing recipes. No picking the perfect name for a pet. Hell, I couldn't even match up colors in my clothing when I was at my worst. Then one day, in the middle of the summer of 2003, I was swimming in my pool, and all kinds of emotions just began to swim over me. I was drowning in sadness, and happiness. I looked up and saw color again... the sky really was blue that day! huh...blue... go figure! I got out of the pool, went into the house, and checked out what this AOL Journals thing was all about.


And here I am. Plugging along. Anhedonia is only a stupid memory of my 3 year nap.



I have met so many wonderful people through blogging. I am thinking about them today. I miss my dear friends that have passed on. Pam. Kimberly. And of course, Steven. Steven was among my very first friends in the AOL Journals community. He began his journal, (sometimes) photoblog, just one day before I started Ellipsis. He was such a good photography teacher, he was helpful, and funny, and so understanding. He could tease with the best of them, but mostly he was a friend to whoever wanted to be friends with him. I miss him. So, so, much. I wish I could hop on over to his blog and say HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. But I can't. It's times like this when I think, well, Anhedonia has it's place. But then I quickly realize that just thinking that way, would do a terrible disservice to our friendship. Steven was not a defeatist, and he wouldn't encourage others to be that way either. He would verbally spank me for even considering that. He had a good soul, so I kinda think he knows how much I am missing him today, but he would be the first to tell me... "go find some light... go find some art. Stop dwelling on negative things."

So, that's what I did yesterday.

I found out Woody Allen was at a small grocery store on 24th and Florida in the city. Steven would have thought that was a hoot! Thinking of him, Alan and I grabbed a salad and headed for the Bay Bridge. It was a cool day, and we were both excited to have another chance at photographing the artist. When we got there, it was apparent we had left a little late, as the studio crew was in full packing up mode. I think Woody must have gotten there really early, and did the filming prior to the  store's usual opening. Anyway, we had missed the boat, but because we are good with the idea of Plan B, we set about driving about the city looking for inspiration. Inspiration is one thing San Francisco is never lacking. Thank GOD.

As we drove along Mission street, at the end of the day, I spotted the two fellas you see in the photograph above. Aren't they great? It's actually a set of three "monstrous" faces and is called "Moonrise." The artist who created them is Ugo Rondinone. I have to go back and rephotograph them, because I was in the car when I spotted them and the third head was a out of my camera line. Personally, I adore them. They are whimsical and at the same time, I think I may have seen the one on the left in a nightmare when I was 3 or so. LOL. Anyway... they resonate with me. I would have them in my kitchen if I could. Yep... my kitchen... yes!

I love most public art. It gives any visitor to a city a much clearer impression of what the city is about I think. Art provokes thought. Thought... emotion. I like these two, and personally I would be quite comfortable sitting and talking to them, as both kind of remind my of some of my therapists from years past. No joke!

Well... maybe a little joke. LOL

:) ~Me

Today's Link...

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/apadf6-104.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 104~ Fun With Therapy

"He thrusts his fists against the posts and still insists he sees the ghosts."

~Stephen King

After having had a pretty good run of energy, I woke up this morning to one of the strongest punch downs my Fibromyalgia has dealt me to date. I don't know why. I have had good strong blood glucose numbers the last week or so. I got a good bit of exercise last week in San Francisco, and my eating habits have been normal. I almost never know how hard this disease will hit me, or how long I will walk around in a fog. That's the hardest part. Sometimes it feels like I am a ghost. Like I have died without knowing it, and at times I have an overwhelming desire to simply mutter to myself... GET OUT!

"I'm fine. Well, I'm not fine... I'm here." Is there something wrong with that? Absolutely."

~Ned Vizzini, It's Kind Of A Funny Story

I wish I knew what decision I made that led to my having Fibromyalgia. If I could, I would go back and not cut someone off in traffic, or let someone go ahead of me in line at the store. I would put a few extra dollars in the cup of the homeless person I passed by. I would be nicer to the telemarketer who called during dinner, and tip that waitress at Red Robin 25% more. But that's just not how it works. If only.

Shrug.

This to shall pass.

It has to.

I have a date with my camera and Woody Allen on Thursday.

It may necessitate bringing my blanket and pillow, but hey, what's wrong with that?

I'm good.

~Me :)

"Think of your head as an unsafe neighborhood; don't go there alone."

~Agusten Burroughs

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 103~ Tomatoes, Roses And Woody Allen

"The single greatest lesson the garden teaches is that our relationship to the planet need not be zero-sum, and that as long as the sun still shines and people still can plan and plant, think and do, we can, if we bother to try, find ways to provide for ourselves without diminishing the world."

~Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History Of Four Meals.

A Garden On 20th...

Just a little bit more about my days on 20th and Lexington. Across the street, catty corner from where I stood for most of the two days I was there, was a small fire escape garden. Well, a collection of plants, might be a little more accurate, but whatever you want to call it, it was charming. Big cities like San Francisco fascinate me. The buildings have characteristics that one seldom sees in the burbs. I adore the old fashioned charm of the fire escapes of San Francisco. I have seen them covered bundles of drying laundry. Covered with plants like the one above. I even saw one, a few years back, that had a cardboard cutout of Paris Hilton, with devil horns drawn on her. LOL. There is always something to see in a window, or balcony, or a fire escape in San Francisco. I am going to add fire escapes to my list of must photograph places. There is such beauty in the simplistic!

Back To Gardening In The Suburbs...

Let's Start With The Tomatoes. Both are amazingly rich in full bodied tomato flavor. Is there anything worse than paying a ton of money for Heirloom tomatoes, only to find out after you get them home, that they don't have much of a flavor? That is the best part about growing your own vegetables. You can pick them right off the vine, and their flavor is so fresh and delicious. There is nothing like it. Delicious!

Mr. Stripey



Black Krim & Mama Mia



And Now The Roses...

Julia Child


Angel Face



Hot Cocoa


Pink Promise


The rose garden is so sweet right now. I love to take a book outside and just spend a little time with all that beauty.

And Now For A Woody Allen Update

I have been checking online this pass weekend, but not much new was mentioned about where in San Francisco he might be filming this week.I was beginning to think I wouldn't be seeing him again, at least not this week, but luck shined on me, and I found a website that says that he will be shooting this coming Thursday, in the Richmond district, at a small Italian restaurant called Gaspare's Pizza House And Italian Restaurant. I have never heard of the place, but a quick search came up with the website, and their rating on Yelp. So far I am impressed. I haven't had Italian food since Banchero's closed in June, so I will be looking forward to giving them a try in a couple weeks. Italian food is my favorite, both to cook at home, and to eat out. Gaspare's is right off Golden Gate Park, which is like my home away from home when we go to the city, so I will be looking forward to both photographing Woody a little more, and eating at Gaspare's at some point!

Thursday is a work day for Alan, so there is the possibility that we won't get to go, but it's okay, there is always the possibility of sometime next week. Either way, I am a happy girl right now. It doesn't take a lot to make me smile, especially lately. It's all good!


~Me :)

Today's Link...

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/apadf6-102.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 102~ Do One Thing Everyday That Scares You

"Do one thing everyday that scares you."

~Eleanor  Roosevelt

Funny Story...

See that pretty admiral butterfly above? A lovely creature, right? Someone once said, butterflies are flying flowers. Well, I don't know if I would quite go that far, but I know this, last Thursday, I was grateful for her visit. She helped me focus last Thursday, and without her help it would have been a much more difficult day. Here's what happened...

Okay, so you already know that I had more than a few obstacles block my quest to find Woody Allen in San Francisco last week. First it was my wacky Fibromyalgia, then we found a ridiculous Hornworm had invaded the tomatoes, then when we finally went on Wednesday, Alan and I found that Woody had wrapped up shooting at the place we heard he would be at before we could get there. LOL. It was a bit disheartening to say the least. As we drove by the empty intersection at 14th street and South Van Ness, Alan said it would be silly to not try again the next day. I agreed, and closed my eyes for the long ride home along the coast.

Thursday morning came, and it was an absolutely beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky! The only thing that seemed out of place was that I somehow kept losing my SD cards and the batteries for the camera. Odd. But finally off we went, this time taking the Bay bridge, rather than the coast by way of the San Mateo bridge, so we would be downtown earlier then the day before. Even so, I wasn't altogether sure it would make a difference. I have terrible luck. Always have. Well, you know, what ever can go wrong... will. So knowing that, I was completely prepared to get to the new location at 20th and Lexington, just in time to see the last truck filled with filming equipment turn onto Mission street, as they made their way back to wherever film is kept while awaiting editing.

Nope. That wasn't what I found as we turned onto 20th. No, I came face to face with not one studio services truck, but more like 6 or 8 BIG WHITE studio services trucks, lots of people milling around, lots and lots of technical equipment and the one thing I thought I would NEVER see in a million years... a sleek, black town car, with the driver standing in front of it. And it wasn't just any driver, it was the very same driver I had seen on the news a week earlier, that was waiting to drive Woody Allen back to the house in Marin County that he had been filming in.

Suddenly, then whole scene in front of me went a kinda surreal BRIGHT WHITE! Alan was taking to me, but even sitting here right now, I have NO idea what he was saying, or if it mattered. I kinda remember something about how neat IT was, whatever IT was! All I know is that as I sat in the passenger seat, rolling through an obvious movie set was... EVERYTHING WAS REALLY WHITE. But I didn't know what I was looking at. ALL I COULD FOCUS ON WAS A BLINDING WHITE LIGHT. Had I just died? Was I going into the light? How could I have simply turned onto a street and just... died?

It only took about a minute or less to get to the end of the street. I am sure of that, but GOOD LORD, WHY WAS EVERYTHING... SO... WHITE? As Alan turned onto Mission, I realized that I wasn't actually going into the light. It had simply been that as we rode down 20th street, the sun was in the perfect place in the sky to bounce right of one of the many white trucks which led to a temporary blinding. WHEW! Okay... I was okay. That was certainly a close one. But I was ok. WHEW. Dodged one that time!

We found a place to park, gathered our cameras, and began to walk to the corner of Mission and 20th. As we turned the corner, my pulse began to beat really hard. I was sweating from head to foot, and I was keenly aware that I hadn't dressed right that morning! Why in the HELL had I chose to wear black pants and a grey top? What had I been thinking? Why had I worn THAT blouse? OMG... I am completely dressed ALL WRONG. I SIMPLY DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH CLOTHES ON! I stopped dead in my tracks, and couldn't take another step!

Alan must have asked me two or three times if I was okay, before I could find the common English words to answer him. LOL. I explained that I was dressed ALL WRONG! He just stood there, listening to me babble on with an amused look on his face. "Oh come on" he said... lets go. He then gently took me by the hand, and pulled me along as we walked down 20th... toward the corner where the filming was going on. OMG. The same side of the street where they were filming???? WHAT WAS ALAN DOING?

Okay... my heart is now beating at full capacity. BEAT BEAT BEAT, and I was beginning to see that white light again. OKAY. ENOUGH! I stopped dead in my tracks, about 25 feet from ground zero. "ALAN, I am... going... to... go... across... the... street... and... that's... all... there... is... to... it! I am NOT going to continue on this side of the street. I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH CLOTHES ON!" And across the street I went. I am pretty sure I heard Alan laughing his ass off... but I immediately ignored it!

While I wasn't making a whole lot of sense, my decision was absolutely the right thing to do. You see, I knew deep down that if I continued along on the same side of the street that Woody Allen was on, I would be right there, as he came down the red stairs, which would have resulted in an embarrassing scene along the lines of my having peed myself, or speaking in tongues, or perhaps... I don't know... passing out cold or something. I think this was one of the most vivid cases of fight or flight that I have ever experienced. I am sure sometime around late November I will experience a full on panic attack, but I will cross that street when I come to it.

So with myself across the street, at a safe distance, I gradually calmed down. I counted. I people watched. I snapped off photos of interesting things, like that beautiful butterfly. I enjoyed the lovely tree we were standing under. I listened to other people's excitement. I enjoyed listening to everyone share why they wanted to be there, and what their favorite Woody Allen movie was. So were film students, so were celebrity hounds, some were just like me, a fan, who admired his work. The time passed quickly, suddenly I realized I had been there for about 2 hours, and a little while later, there he came down the red stairs. I had expected someone in the crowd to yell something to him, but instead everyone was really quiet. There wasn't even a single "HI WOODY" to be heard. It was surreal unto itself. He just got into the town car, and silently rode away.

And I had just faced a fear.

There is just nothing like it.

It always makes me feel so alive to know... I did it. Whatever "it" is.

Thank you Alan. :)

"What if everything is an illusion and nothing existis? In that case, I definitely overpaid for my carpet."

~Woody Allen

~Me :)

 Today's Link Comes From My Friend JR...

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/apadf6-100.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 101~ Inspiration On 20th

"Eighty percent of success is showing up."

-Woody Allen

While Alan and I waited to see Woody Allen at the 20th and Lexington location, we passed the time by taking in the ambient sights. 20th and Lexington is an interesting intersection, of two interesting streets, and every few minutes someone, or something, unusual passed by. It was a feast for a photographer's eyes. It was just life, but what life! Here... see for yourself...

"I was nauseous and tingly all over. It was either love, or I had smallpox."

~Woody Allen

I HEART San Francisco...



"I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out my nose."

~Woody Allen

Smile On 20th...



"I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys."

~Woody Allen

I Can't Say...



"A talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don't have."

~Woody Allen

Happy Tea...



"Time is nature's way of keeping everything from happening all at once."

~Woody Allen

A Chick Getting Her Shopping Done...



"It is impossible to travel faster than light, and certainly not desirable, as one's hat keeps blowing off."

~Woody Allen

Woody Allen And The Red Stairs...



See what I mean, there was a lot to take in. I am so glad I went back a second day, and took a closer look around. I think last Friday will remain among my favorite days with the camera. Life. Wonderful, strange, kooky, glorious life!

I am hoping to be able to find Woody again before he wraps up shooting in San Francisco. According to most sources he will be around until the end of August. With a little luck, and fingers crossed my camera and I will be there!

~Me :)

Today's Link...

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/apadf6-98-and-99.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 100~ 20th And Lexington: The Sequel

"What if nothing exists, and we are all in somebody's dream?"

I had a great time yesterday, and today, watching the process of what it takes to make a film. Well, at least as much as I could see from across the street! LOL. Actually, I got to see a lot about how things are done, and I knew before I went that for at least a part of the time I would be there, it would be like watching paint dry. :) I have been an extra in two movies, Angel's In The Outfield, and Moneyball, and both experiences were somewhat mind numbing. I say somewhat because as 11 hour days go, it could have been worse, but it was 11 hours. 11 hours of pretending to do a fictitious wave as if actually at a baseball game. 11 hours of alternating between booing and cheering. 11 hours of waiting for the sun to move around the ball park. But in the end, as the extras liaison put it, now I could call myself an ACTOR. Yes, well no, not really. LOL.

Both of my days as an actor working on the baseball movies were long, and the pay consisted of some free snacks and sodas, but where else did I have to be? I could sit at home, or I could go out and have an adventure. If given a choice, I will almost always choose the adventure over same old... same old. And besides, I learned about how hard folks work both in front, and behind the scenes to bring us movie magic. Just like with Danny Glover, in Angels In The Outfield, and Brad Pitt in Moneyball, I have a whole new respect for Woody Allen! I have always appreciated his work, but now I have a clearer idea about what it takes to achieve it! When the movie he is currently working on comes out, and I am in the theater watching it, I will remember the last couple days, and smile because I was there.

Awesome!

 

 

"In my next life I want to live my life backwards. You start out dead and get that out of the way. Then you wake up in an old people's home feeling better ever day. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, and then when you start work, you get a gold watch and a party on your first day. You work for 40 years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You party, drink alcohol, and are generally promiscuous, then you are ready for high school. You then go to primary school, you become a kid, you play. You have no responsibilities, you become a baby until you are born. And then you spend your last 9 months floating in luxurious spa-like conditions with central heating and room service on tap, larger quarters every day and then Voila! You finish off as an orgasm!"

~Woody Allen


~Me :)

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 99~ 20th And Lexington

"You can't live to be a hundred if you give up all that makes you want to live to be a hundred."

~Woody Allen

It was a successful day. And odd. And completely nerve-racking. And... AWESOME. I did it, I found Woody Allen in San Francisco, and got the shot. Alan and I got to the location where they were shooting, the corner of 20th and Lexington, in the Mission district. There was only a small crowd of about 20, and that varied from time to time as folks either gave up, or simply lost interest. I wasn't about to do either. It all paid off a couple hours later when I got to see Woody Allen come down the red stairway, climb into his town car and leave for a lunch break.

It was worth it? It was the best 2 hours I have ever spent in San Francisco. I got to watch them film scenes. I got to people watch, and believe me that was interesting, and the weather couldn't have been better. Warm, but not hot. Just perfect. When we first turned onto Lexington, I felt a little nervous. Then as we parked around the corner and began to walk back to the location of the shooting, I started to babble, and sweat. Why was I getting so flummoxed out over this? Well, you know, it was that New York minute that I always wanted to have. Would it live up to how I imagined it being? Would I be disappointed should he fart in front of me? Would it be boring?

None of the above. It was exactly how I thought it would be. The only thing missing was a corned beef sandwich from the Carnegie Deli. But now I know... it wasn't really needed at all.

Scenes From An Untitled Woody Allen  Movie ...











:)

~Me :)

Today's Link...

JR
http://jrclinephotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/apadf6-93-97.html

A Photo A Day For 6 Months ~ Day 98 A Day Late And A Woody Allen Short

"Confidence is what you have before you understand the problem."

~ Woody Allen

Okay, so I found out where in San Francisco Woody Allen is doing the filming for his latest project. I know it is at the corner of 14th st and South Van Ness avenue. If you click here, you will see many wonderful photos of the shoot that took place over the last couple days. Not a single one was taken by me, but I assure you, they are first rate! You will even see average citizens with their cameras, more than likely local neighborhood folk, all snapping away... but not me. No, I was a day late, and a Woody Allen short. But hey, it wasn't a total loss... nope... I think my photo of the corner of 14th and South Van Ness avenue is excellent, and I will never forget the excitement of taking it and besides, it was exciting to know I only missed him by hours... and hours... and... sigh... hours.

All is not lost, however, I am going back over to the city tomorrow, and I am hoping to only miss him by minutes... not hours. It's a lofty goal, but it's mine.

~ :) Me

Demotix: Woody Allen Directs Latest Film With Cate Blanchett In San Francisco

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: ~Day 97 In A Moment

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."

~Albert Einstein

Not bad for a picture, taken on my Android, in a moving car. If I have a camera, I will find the picture. After I get the picture, I like writing the opening or closing paragraph to a new story. Just the opening, or just the closing, the middle part doesn't matter all that much. Like any given day. It's a wonderful change-up on county sheep, and a wonderful way to rethink the photos you get when you have done a big photo jaunt. Try it sometime. Just take your best photo from the group, and write a short story, not only will you sleep better, you will look at scenes in front of you differently.

-Me :)

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 96~ If It Makes You Happy

"It is the hour of pearl... the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself."

~John Steinbeck

Photo: Bixby Creek Bridge, Monterey, Ca.

This is the second time in a very short time that I find myself quoting John Steinbeck. I think there is someone telling me to do a lot more photos in the Monterey/Carmel area. I think I will l listen to that someone, because lets face it, I love it there. But then again, speaking truthfully... I love all of Northern California. 

A couple weeks ago, or so, I shared about the stars of the Bravo series, The Real Housewives Of New Jersey, having visited Half Moon Bay, on their vacation on the way to Napa. The show was filmed late last summer or early fall, which would have been an absolutely ideal time to have seen the best of the Pacific coastline, but alas it all seems to have gotten lost in their own egos and backstabbing snobbery.

I once heard a description of what reality TV really is. The opinion was that it all amounted to... Human Cockfighting. I have never thought about it that way, because reality TV has many different versions of life and whats real. It might all be about finding the perfect recipe. But it might also be about who gets kicked off the island first. But then again it might just be about all centered around beating out 25 other humans to find the love of your life by getting the last rose.

Barf. I would rather get a hemorrhoid.

But I can't say I am totally immune to the reality TV phenomena. Nope. I watch. I am not always sure why I watch. I had been a huge fan of the Real Housewives of... and I enjoyed watching the ladies interactions, well until last year, when I woke up to find the picture of Russel Armstrong all over the Internet, with the caption, Russell Armstrong, husband of Real Housewife of Beverly Hills star, Taylor Armstrong, commits suicide.

Suddenly there wasn't much joy in watching the weekly train wrecks. As a matter of fact, I felt a bit responsible. No, I didn't drive Russell to suicide, but I felt a small bit of shame for having formed the opinion I had of him. I didn't know him. I knew what Bravo showed us of him, and everything else was provided by Taylor. It wasn't pretty. Their life wasn't what anyone dreams of growing up becoming. 

It was sad. And it was a strange thing to know that Russell had hung himself, rather then live with the pain. I've been there.

No suicides on the Real Housewives of New Jersey. Bankruptcies. Friendship Betrayal. Gossip. And yes... Cheating. In fact the big story arc this year, is about whether or not Teresa's husband, Joe, is cheating on her, as he awaits trial on fraud charges. A lot is supposed to be revealed in the coming weeks, as the preview shows Joe stepping away from dinner at a vineyard in Napa, to take a phone call from work. But when his wife follows him, he can be heard calling someone... "honey" and tells the person on the phone that he has to hang up, because his "bitch" wife is coming, and "what a cunt" she is.

Disgusting.

Alan would never speak about me that way.

I don't get it. They were filming their vacation in one of the most beautiful parts of the county, certainly the state of California, and the didn't see a bit of it. Not one bit. I know I am anything but impartial about the Bay Area, but really, they saw nothing to appreciate along the way? They didn't know why the Golden Gate Bridge wasn't gold. They had NO idea the history behind it, or why it was special right from it's start. They were all a little busy comparing dick sizes, peeing outside, and pointing out how just uninteresting everything in California was. 

I am not all that amazed, or even insulted by their remarks and attitudes, I expect all of them miss a lot of beautiful things in life. 

That's the part that makes me sad.

And I watch this show, again, because????

Hmmmm. 

~:(

I am really looking forward to our vacation in October. And yes, Napa is on our list. There is a wonderful Botanic garden there, with a lot of trees, that should be in full autumn leaf mode. I can't wait to hug Alan amongst those trees.

~Me :)

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 95~ Godzilla Has Been Up To No Good!

"Do not trouble the trouble, if you trouble the trouble, the trouble will trouble you."

~Prof. Elizabeth Santos

The Treasure...

 

 Every year Alan and I plant a vegetable garden, and every year our mascots... Godzilla and his brother Godzilla sit at oposite ends of the garden and watch over it. They scare the birds, and the aphids, and most importantly, the make us smile. Alan is quite the prankster, so sometimes I will go out the garden and find Godzilla, or his brother Godzilla, propped up in some rude fashion. LOL. Honestly, when I purchased the brothers all those years ago, I did so because I thought they were so funny. I don't know, they just ticked my funny bone one day, and I couldn't resist buying them. Call it an impulse. But it was definitely one of my better impulses, because Alan and I have had a lot of fun posing them for photos, or putting them in unusual places like the cat box. 

Don't worry... the cat box had been freshly cleaned and replaced with unused kitty litter.

The Evidence...



They are fun to have around, but in the last few years it seems they have been up to no good, and yesterday, I came up with the photographic evidence. See that guy up there at the top, he is in charge of watching over the northern side of the garden. He usually does a pretty good job, but yesterday afternoon I went out to do some photos for the garden diary, and what did I see? I saw a BIG chunk missing from the pride and joy of my Mr. Stripey Heirloom tomato plant. It seems Mr. Stripey #Une had been assaulted in the middle of the previous night!

Curses! Curses! Drat!

Okay. Not the end of the Heirloom Tomato world... right? No. It's not. But I had big plans for Mr. Stripey #Une. He was going to be the featured addition to a fabulous Heirloom and French Feta homemade pizza. I love tomato and cheese pizzas. I love cooking and creating new recipes. Not that what I just mentioned was all that creative, but the point is, I was looking forward to tasting that tomato. And yes, I am disappointed.

But the good news is, despite the evidence, Godzilla and his brother Godzilla, were both innocent of the crime of Felony Heirloom Tomato Pilfering. No, the real culprit is one... Hornworm Worm.

Ugg. Alan is off work for the next 5 days, so he and I will go through the garden and make sure we take care of the suspect. There are a couple other garden pests that we want to make sure haven't moved in with the current riff-raff. It is a simple fix, and it won't harm other outdoor creatures. That is a must. I wouldn't be after Mr. Horny... but what's a gardener to do? Alan has put a lot of work, and time and love into those tomatoes. And we have a lot of cooking to do. And eating. And enjoying fresh veggies right from the garden.

And now for some good news. As it turns out, I haven't missed my chance to stalk... I mean happen upon a casual meeting...of... Woody Allen. He will be in the city until the end of the month. From what I understand he has been seen all over the city, so my chances of running into him are pretty good I think. Of all the celebrities I have had the chance to photograph, photographing Woody Allen would be.. well... sigh... A-MAZ-ING! Hell, even if I don't get a chance to take a photograph, just being able to see him across Market st. or the Embarcadero would mean my bucket list would have an empty space way up at the top, and I would smile for a very long time.

:) Imagine having a New York minute, in San Francisco. 

"Everybody loves a thing more, if it has cost him trouble."

~Steve Berry, The Venetian Betrayal

Tuesday is the day! Wish me luck!

~ME :)

A Photo A Day For 6 Months: Day 94~ What The Duck?

"With a rubber duck, one's never alone."

~Unknown

"She's a few feathers short of a full duck."

~Unknown 

The presumptive GOP nominee, Williard "Mitt" Romney has chosen Paul Ryan for his V.P. pick. So? So, I thought I would care more than I do. Paul Ryan, who is plenty polarizing mind you, just doesn't bring out the same kind of ire Sarah Palin did in me. I know. I know. Give it time. It's not like Ryan hasn't pissed me off from time to time. YES HE DID, and while it's there, there is also a strange kind of ... of... competence that he exudes that makes me at least a little less frightened that if Mitt Romney is elected, and God forbid should pass away in office, that we would be thrust into an apocalyptic mood swing of a crazy person. Ummm... woman. Ummm... person.

Is it possible for women to be sexist against her own gender?

Hmmm.

I wish I knew what to think. In August, 4 years ago, I was still smarting from Hillary Clinton's primary loss to Barack Obama, when along came Simple Sarah. I believe I described John McCain's choosing her as...any old vagina in a wind storm... or something to that effect. I didn't come to that conclusion on the first day of her introduction to the national political stage, it wasn't even after the interview she did with Charlie Gibson of ABC News. No, it came somewhere around her disastrous interview with Katie Couric. Who knew Katie Couric would be the one to ask the toughest question of the presidential campaign...

Katie Couric..."And when it comes to establishing your world view, I was curious, what newspapers and magazines did you regularly read before you were tapped for this — to stay informed and to understand the world?"

Sarah Palin... "I’ve read most of them again with a great appreciation for the press, for the media, coming f—"

Katie Couric... "But like which ones specifically? I’m curious that you—"

Sarah Palin... "Um, all of 'em, any of 'em that, um, have, have been in front of me over all these years. Um, I have a va—"

Katie Couric... "Can you name a few?"

Sarah Palin... "I have a vast variety of sources where we get our news too. Alaska isn't a foreign country, where, it's kind of suggested and it seems like, 'Wow, how could you keep in touch with what the rest of Washington, D.C. may be thinking and doing when you live up there in Alaska?' Believe me, Alaska is like a microcosm of America."

That was it. Right there. Sigh.

"Not the cry, but the flight of the wild duck leads the flock to fly and follow."

~Chinese Proverb 

Barack Obama was spreading HOPE. Who couldn't use a little hope after enduring 8 years of the Bush presidency?

Barack Obama was spreading CHANGE. Who didn't want that, after the incompetence of 8 years of the Bush presidency?

Barack Obama was spreading the possibility of the country being whole again, and who didn't want that after 8 years of the Bush presidency?

Obama had a lot to spread. And while it felt like a huge stone was being lifted off my shoulders, I wasn't ever particularly impressed with him. Our house had solidly supported Hillary Clinton, but when Hillary lost the nomination to Obama, she asked her supporters to get behind Obama... and we did. Hope sounded good. Change sounded especially good. And competency would have been especially good... if only it would have actually happened.

Don't get me wrong. No one in the Obama administration is Bush level incompetent, but I have some serious questions about how Obama arrives at the decisions he does. Shrug. Honestly, I don't know why anyone on the republican side of politics would want anyone else in the White House. Obama has caved so often, I don't know how he can still say he is a democrat. Not much of what he promised as candidate Obama has materialized. And he still seems obsessed with pursuing the fantasy of bi-partisan politics.

"Always behave like a duck... keep calm and unruffled on the surface but paddle like the devil underneath."

~Jacob Braude

It's pretty telling that the current Obama/Biden campaign slogan is... "Barack Obama... Are you in?" "Stand With Barack And Joe." "Forward."

In 2008 it was all about YES WE CAN.

4 years later it seems... NO WE COULDN'T.

What the DUCK?

~ME :(