In My Own Little World

It's been a long time. A few days after I wrote the last blog about adventuring in Kensington section of Philadelphia with 'the gang', I opted for surgery! Yes, it was by choice if you can consider that getting rid of pain is a choice. The right foot was looking funny and then skewed the spine and the rest of the body. My doctor said "I was an interesting woman" and proceeded to tell me all of the things going on with my toes that made this so. Lucky you...this is about photography and seeing - not my medical ills!! So I am now the lucky owner of straight toes (though I won't know that for days yet til we go back for a check up) and this big ugly black open toed boot that is my faithful companion for six weeks. I am confined...and not champing at the bit like I thought I might. I almost find it relaxing to sit upstairs in the recliner with my foot up on a bunch of pillows.

But wait!!! This is about the PhotoSchmoozer and seeing. What can I do if I can't go out and about?!? Well...simple my photography friends...stay in and within and see what is right in the world around me. There are windows to the outside and amazing little wonderful things right here in this room that have lots of meaning. My niece Rebecca found some cute little duckies at the local hobby shop, so there too are photo ops. Then there are all of my 'chatchkas', goddess statues...the choices are infinite. In the days to come, I will share some of those. For today...me healing in my chair. As the New Year approaches, I can be filled with gratitude - a foot on the way to healing, a great new job and wonderful family and friends who nurture and care. Happy Days and always be still to just look around you. It is amazing.

Shopping the Avenue

It was a cold and blustery day. Now you can tell that from the way people are dressed?!? Hats and scarves; heavy jackets and gloves. Isn't the hat on the little guy cute? How come kids can more easily get away with that cute stuff anyhow? When we got there, very few people had ventured out. There were those guys who were selling their wares (I'll introduce them another day), some delivery people and a few guys walking the street. There were some hanging around a program for AA and NA, and others who were walking up the street having gotten free bread from the food bank or shelter. As we were there, and it warmed up a bit, the 'ladies' and the women with children seemed to come out to look at the round racks of clothing out on the sidewalk, head into the stores to buy Christmas decorations and just look at 'stuff'. What fascinated me were the variety, sizes and shapes of the people - ages too, and the colors they dressed in. There were coats and jackets, of every type of fabric - even the 'big' guy with his fur coat and red shoes (he'll come visit the blog another day!" We spent several hours. Some people we just photographed walking along the street; others I chatted up and asked for their pictures. "Of course, you are an interesting subject and you have a great smile!!" Who could say no after being complimented?!? Some stared but I discovered that when I smiled at them, they could share their smiles. Ever notice that? Just go out walking in a neighborhood other than the suburbs, and you will discover that there are a wealth of treasures there for you to take pictures of!! Have FUN and allow your 'little child' to come out and play! Remember to dance your way through life.

In the Beginning...

Today I want you to meet 'The Gang" before we went out to the neighborhood. You get a different picture of all of us as we respectfully sit and watch/appreciate the work we have brought to share. Now what is Hinda saying?? She is talking to us about VISION. She has just shown us pictures in her books that are easily recognizable as those with a vision. Funny thing...their pictures were mostly black and white - except for the amazing Annie Liebovitz with Bette Middler amidst the roses, and Whoppi Goldberg in her milk bath!!
Now she is challenging us to share our pictures and discover what our vision might be. Yes, there is a blur in this picture, because Hinda talks with her hands - a lot - and it is just a part of her!! Now there is 'rumor' that Panasonic Lumix, NY main office, might just take our pictures and write a story about our adventure in the neighborhood for their newsletter. Stay tuned!!

The "PhotoSchmoozer" Gang

Meet the 'gang' and aren't we a group!! It's a wonderful thing to be The Photo Schmoozer, but it is really so much FUN to find a gang and go out in a neighborhood together to chat people up and explore!! This is what I did on Saturday, 12/6.08. But when I started out that morning, or even more, when I signed up for the Panasonic Lumix workshop, little did I know what would be happening!! Our 'fearless' leader, Hinda Schumann, workshop leader for this day, describes our shoot this way:

The class spent a couple of hours shooting in the lower Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. The EL (Subway Line) runs over Front Street- which is the main shopping district. Behind this main street are blocks of empty factories, though someone told Ellen and I that in the basement of one of the empty looking factory buildings was a tropical fish wholesaler. It could be true.. then again.. But we chose this location because the light changes with the shadowing from the overhead subway, there is city scape and residential streets, there is empty warehouses, and lots of people out shopping, and getting ready for food pantries to open, meals to be served, and lots of street life in general. We discussed that going to a suburban development would yield very different pictures, and probably people who would not be as open to being photographed. In other words this neighborhood had a something for everyone element to it.

What a diverse group of individuals we were. Looking at the picture, 'the guys' brought their big SLR's and lenses, wielding them and being noticed on the neighborhood foray. 'The girls', had smaller point and shoot cameras...but as Hinda said to us, "I have seen great photos coming from cell phones so it is the photographer and the 'eye' that captures the moment." I agree!!
Just a quick left to right:
Julius: a cardiologist up from Florida to visit his family
Martie: the Photo Schmoozer
Bert: a self described 'paper pusher' with the State of New Jersey
Ellen: a recent high school graduate and a waitress at a Sushi restaurant
Dan: a teacher and a priest

We started out showing samples of the work we brought, talked about 'our vision' and how our pictures captured this. Then we talked about what our goals were to be as we went out into the neighborhood. (Note: My first teaching jobs eons ago in Philadelphia were in these same neighborhoods. I used to walk my kindergarten class to 'the Avenue' to see the world and meet the shop keepers)
We all agreed that we wanted to 'capture' the essence of where we were and the people who lived nearby. We all had different ways of approaching the people and the environment. Needless to say, in my Photo Schmoozer style, I smiled, flattered and 'chatted people up'. Once again, I discovered, and NOT to my amazement, that they responded!@! I watched Hinda, and she engaged people too, but in a quieter way. As I chatted, one of my new 'buddies' was right there with me taking fantastic pictures. He said that he was a bit shy though about walking up and talking to people. So are so many people!! It takes comfort and practice. So welcome to the world of Kensington and its residents!!

He Knows He is Not Perfect!!

The 'woman' with the funny nasally voice called yesterday to let me know that my books were in at the library (actually it is a computerized voice!) so off I went to bring home yet more books to read. Hey, it's a great way to learn about the world when your foot is hurting and you can't walk too much!! When I got out of the car and was walking in, this guy was standing out front, drinking his soda and smoking his cigarette - listening to his music as well and talking on his cell phone!! Multi-talented!! I couldn't help but overhear some of his conversation as I walked past: "Hey I know I am difficult at times but I know who I am and I know I am not perfect and I am working on it. Stay with me." Hmmmm I thought. He's rather communicative and knows about himself. YES~~ When I came out, I had reflected about his comments and decided to share my thoughts about his words. I said, "I couldn't help but overhear what you were saying when I walked past. I like how you know yourself and work on who you are." At first he just looked at me, but then realized that I was saying something positive and we chatted. Or maybe I should say, I listened. He proceeded to tell me all about what he knows about himself, that he is not perfect, but that it is God's will that we recognize our imperfections and work on them. He had a very strong belief and I told him that his words made a lot of sense. What I would have missed if I only went in to get my books...see, I would rather learn from people and that is why I enjoy talking to them and learning about their stories and adventures.

Vanity and Views from the Chair

Vanity and grey hairs are my reasons to schedule a 'regular' every six week appointment for 'beautifying' myself! Aside from that, visits to the salon are fun. The 'girls' are no older than mid 20s and I get to learn so much about another generation, their lives and partying at clubs. It's a world so removed from mine, but living it vicariously is a 'hoot'!!
Once the color gets spread on the graying roots, there is time to sit, rest, reflect, nap or...half an hour or so. This day, I started looking around and my fingers started jittering. "Get out the camera" and see what is really involved in this business. Awesome!! It was a grand tour of all of the tools of the trade. The 'younguns' did not have my same sense of humor and questioned my crazy self about what I was doing, but hey, a girl's gotta have some fun and this is way better than reading about movie stars and other celebrities in People magazine!! So take a minute and cast your eyes on the familiar and the unfamiliar. My point? Until you have time and stop to REALLY look around at your surroundings, you never know what is fascinating in your world. Enjoy!!

Yams: From Garden to Table!!

One of the most important lessons I have learned being The Photo Schmoozer is that everything is a story and worthy of photographing! Today was no exception. Months ago I went to K-Mart and brought home a 'six pack' (NO, no relation to "Joe Six Pack") of yam plants. Not knowing what to expect or if they would grow, Bill decided to find a space and plant them. Last week he decided it was time to dig a few and see what we had. Well, they were about 3 inches long with less than a 2" diameter. Well, they were good. Better luck next year?!
NOT SO. Today was gorgeous and Bill was out working in the garden. "Martie, come out with your camera." Oh my!! There is his hand was the biggest yam that we have ever seen!! And it was one of many. Synchronicities abound. Yesterday I found a recipe for butternut squash pie with gingersnap crust. Now, why not substitute yam for the squash and that I did! The only thing I can say is that it is totally delicious. Come on over for a piece if you want. There is plenty left. Want the recipe? Ask me and I will send it. Enjoying Fall and all of its spectacular beauty? Sure hope so. This year, I seem to be wanting to take the little details of all of the incredible colored leaves. That's for another time!!

Gil & Curtis Sail the Seas!!

His hat is soooooooo the opposite of everything that Gil is! We went sailing on the AJ Meerwald out of Bi-Valve, NJ for a six hour cruise on the Delaware Bay the other day. The day was one that we would have to call 'perfect' - clear, sunny, the right temperatures and the excitement of the expectations of what we might see or do while out on the quiet of the Bay. For one thing, we knew we would be seeing lighthouses that could not be seen from land! Great expectations. For me, as The Photo Schmoozer who likes to 'catch people doing something right', there is always yet another expectation though. I wonder who I will meet and what stories they will have to share. Today was no exception!! Well, ok I admit that I can find stories everyday!! As we were waiting to get on the boat, I saw three people sitting on the bench on the dock. Later, I happened to be sitting next to the female of the group - she had forgotten her seasick medicine so we were just being still together. Soon, she was joined by Gil, her fiance, and Curtis, Gil's little brother from the Big Brothers program. It's Gil I want to affirm because he is so opposite of the hat he was wearing - see the saying on the collage?? "The beatings will continue until morale improves". No way was that him!! First, I have to say, I watched him with Curtis and you could see a caring connection between the two. Turns out they have a 5 year history together. When Gil comes aboard the AJ Meerwald as a volunteer, Curtis is right there with him, working by his side hoisting the sails, taking pictures, or snoozing on the deck!As we talked, I asked Gil what he did. He shared that he is Executive Director of a Community Health Care agency in South Jersey. I was wearing my DARE to AFFIRM shirt, so we talked about what that was and then Gil began to share his philosophies as the leader of his program. The first thing I have to share is THAT HE REALLY LISTENS!! People talk about an 'open door policy', but his truly is. He goes to staff meetings, meets with all of his managers weekly, and nips problems in the bud by encouraing everyone to be involved in solving them together. I asked if he had always been such an affirming individual? He didn't answer right away, but after reflection, we came together a bit later for another conversation. His experiences in Peace Corp and his degree in Cultural Anthropology plus the wisdom he has gained from life, are some of the other puzzle pieces that make Gil open to people, cultures, values and beliefs. He respects them and in turn, engenders so much respect from all of the employees at the 20+ clinics that serve the working poor. He is amazing; his staff recognize him as such, and his fiance', Betty, loves to spend her time validating him as well! I learned almost as much from her as from him!! Yes, we saw the lighthouses and I came home with some photographs of them, but the experience of meeting Gil, Curtis and Betty was a special event of the cruise.

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Yesterday was Bill's birthday. Happy Birthday Bill!! Now, he won't say how old he is but we will tell you that he is a 'card carrying' social security guy who qualifies for Medicare. You do the math.
We decided to celebrate in a quiet way. He chose to go to Riverwinds in West Deptford, NJ. We like it there to watch the airplanes land, see the tankers and tugs going up and down the river, and walk along the beach to discover what is new. For me, well, you must know that it is 'photo ops' galore. No matter how many times we have been there, it is always new!! Beautiful!
A woman and her two daughters came down to the river with 4 helium balloons - "Happy Birthday" was their message. I watched them walk down to the end of the path. Schmoozer that I am, I needed to go and see who was having the birthday and if there might be a party going on! I was prepared to share that it was Bill's birthday too.
When I got to the bench near them - my opener - who is having the birthday party?? Here's the story. The girls are now about 7 and 9. When they were 1 and 3, their dad died. They never got to know the very special man that he was so their mom has made sure to keep him alive in their memories. Every year on October 9, his birthday, they come to the river, bring balloons, write messages and release the balloons for his 'birthday party in heaven'. What an emotional story. I thanked her for sharing with me...and just sat and reflected on my blessings in life!! I just asked...and she just shared. We had a bond.

Sit Down and Look Around!!!

The Photo Schmoozer stepped out on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, journeying to National Park - a state historic site and park on the Delaware River. It is within viewing distance of Philadelphia, the airport and shipbuilding on the river. There is also a beach for walking, watching waves and just contemplating and watching people. When we first got there, I sat on the sand and watched. Close by were some Canadian geese. Oh I know, they are everywhere around here. I watched them. Then I just sat still. Yep that is what I advise you to do all the time. All of a sudden, I looked down and there was SAND!! Now I grew up at the ocean in southern New Jersey, but the sand was very different from this. I wondered what would happen if I looked really closely. Here is the result! I am awed that something as grains of coarse sand and teeny pebbles can look so amazing and show so much detail. Just proves my point. Be still and LOOK and see what asks to be seen. Another time, I might share about the children, families and other experiences going on around me. Today, sand, just sand.

Friends and friends

For me, The Photo Schmoozer is about JOY and SPONTANEITY and PEOPLE & THEIR STORIES. It is going out and about with eager anticipation but without expectations of anything but discovering someone and 'chatting them up'. That I can do and that is so special. The scene this time is a small town on the Cohansey River called Greenwich. It was the sight of a tea burning during the Revolutionary War at the same time as the Boston Tea Party. On a drizzly weekend at the end of September, we went to see what was happening. Our friend Bill, the glass blowing guy was to be there doing his metal work. And what else?? Quien sabe?? The magnet that drew me into this particular story was the woman with the 'jaunty' dark green hat but more so, the purple t-shirt with the beautiful faerie!! (see top right picture and you will know what I mean) I stood for the longest time watching Francis Smith and Dana Gayner(in the green shirt) 'doing their thing'. They were adding so much joy and excitement to the lives of young children with their paints and brushes and creative ideas. The little blonde just glowed with her butterfly mask; the guy with his black bat mask and the little child with the designs that Francis so sensitively put on her arm so she would be able to see it.
There was a lull in customers so I decided to sit on a hay bale and 'chat'. Francis says she is a fibre artist, involved in choral music, and a photographer. As we talked - really listened to her, we also found out she is a world traveller. Her recommendation for the best location for 'chatting people up' and listening to their stories is Heathrow Airport in England. Where hasn't she been and where is she still going. "Want to join the trip to Morocco in January?" "Here is the name of the company I travel with. Come along." We talked about photography. She uses FILM and not sure she wants to try digital. Bill handed her his camera and, well, it was too much to figure out 'all of those buttons'. No matter. What is most important is that she is 'young and energetic' and never stops living!
I asked how she and Dana knew each other. They both said, "We are Friends and friends." Living in South Jersey with many Quaker meetings, I did know what they meant. They both belong to the same Meeting and have become friends through their art and other interests.
Francis got busy again, so I got to know Dana - yet another treat - an artist, an equestrian and a teacher. WE talked for awhile about the PROCESS of art, whether it is photography, painting, drawing or... She teaches art to children and like I learned years ago in undergraduate school. tries to instill in them our most important lesson: "That the PROCESS is more important than the PRODUCT". This is a lesson I am learning and sharing with my photography adventures. It is most important to me to go out, be still, see, and learn about myself and my world through the process. Hmmmmmm I haven't printed my pictures...yet...and don't have them hanging around the house...yet...I am happy to have been gifted with the energy of the visions. So enjoy the pictures of my new friends of all ages. Be SPONTANEOUS when you go out and about and engage in YOUR PROCESS. It is such an individual experience.

The Willow Tree...No More

The Photo Schmozer is about people and their stories. My latest posts have been about "The Willow Tree" in Betty Park in Pitman, NJ. Well, I would have to say in some ways, it is about me and my story. As long as I have lived in this town, I have appreciated the tree and its delicate 'being'. The other day, I discovered that our local beavers had also enjoyed this tree as they had many others on both sides of Alcyon Lake. I went away for just two days, and when I got back and rounded the curve toward home, I just STOPPED!! The Boro of Pitman, in their 'wise' decision making, had chosen to cut the tree down! This morning, before the tree company came back to clear it all away, I went to the Lake to bring closure to the story. The 'good' of this (I always try to find that) is that they had put wire around another small tree so the beavers would not go near that. Small blessings!!

DAMN Beavers!!

Normally when I think of beavers, I think of these eager little creatures who come out at night, find some little saplings to gnaw until they fall, and build a dam and homes for themselves at the surface and under the water. The other day, I had been working hard and decided to go out for a walk to see what I could see. I live only two blocks from a beautiful Alcyon Lake and Betty Park in Pitman,NJ, so I decided to take advantage of the Fall weather and walk down. I have lived in this town for almost 40 years and at the lake, there is a huge willow tree that has always been my favorite. To my shock...amazement...consternation...sadness...I discovered that someone/something else also has been favoring the tree and IT IS NOT GOOD. The beavers, busy on the other side of the lake, have now come over and begun chewing away at the giant willow. For all of the layers they have chewed through, it has not been an overnight thing. Once the outer layer is destroyed, where the tree gets all of its nourishment, the tree will begin the dying process. This is not a Fall thing with opportunity for regrowth in the Spring. It seems that it could be permanent. I called Bill, on his way home from work, to come and see this. I could take his picture next to it so you could see how really big the tree has become. The Photo Schmoozer develops relationships with people, places and things. My willow tree has been one of them. Sad.

The View From the Chair

The advice today from The Photo Schmoozer is to 'Never leave home without it'!! Of course, you know that the 'it' is the ever trusty camera - the small one that easily fits in the pocket! Today was time for the six month dental checkup and my 'buddy' and I went off for the adventure to visit with 'our buddy' the dentist! We have such a social chat talking about children (she is about to have her third), sister joys and challenges( we each have two) and life as we know it. As much as I can dread the dentist, the noise of the drills and the potential pain, I also know that it can be a fun time!! As I sat in the chair, letting my thoughts travel 'out and about', sometimes with my eyes open, and sometimes with my eyes closed, I received lots of images. This was the most fun one!! It is my dentist - or as much of her as you can see when there are lots of precautionary measures necessary for her protection. I sat and watched - a bit blurry without my glasses, but eventually I asked for them and then said, "Can I take your picture? It is the 'coolest' view from here?" Did she think I was a tad bit touched? To be sure, but since she is so good natured, there was a "SURE". When I left home, I had not idea that this would happen - no plan except for the camera in the pocket. Just let go and see what happens and enjoy the experiences and the results. You can be sure I did.