Saturday, June 14, 2008

Happy Us

Dear McKay,

I'm am so happy that we got married five years ago today. I am such a lucky girl. Every year gets better and better, and I can't wait for next year, when who knows, maybe we'll actually get to spend our anniversary together?!
I wish so much that we could be together today. I miss you every day, and I can't wait to see you soon!

And I think it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway....




You're my best friend.

I LOVE YOU!!!!
XOXOXO

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Summer Snowflakes

For the past two days it has been snowing. Yes. I know.

It could be worse-- it's not sticking for very long, and it's usually more slushy rain than snow, but seriously. Snow? I brought shorts, not parkas. And everyone that I talk to around here says, "what do you expect? We're in the mountains." Well, nobody told me it snows in June in the mountains.

Which reminds me of another funny little outsider moment I had. During a lecture one of my instructors announced that she was in the market for a bear skin rug and to let her know if we hear of where she can get one. I was shocked! I couldn't believe that she had just announced to a group of 100 people that she actually wanted a bear skin rug as an element of decor for her home. After class I was talking to a couple of friends about this, expecting them to think it was as crazy as I did. They both looked at me for a moment with identical blank expressions, until one of them said, "Where did you say you from?" I explained that I was from Portland. They nodded and said, "Oh okay, that's why. Yeah, you West coasters think that kind of thing is weird. To us, it's normal." FYI these girls were from Alaska and Wyoming. FYI #2 I still think owning a bear skin rug is gross.


We're half way through week two and I survived through two critiques in my photo studies class--not that the assignments were too terribly difficult. The first was showing shutter speed and Depth of Field in action. (The visuals are for you, McKay)
































The second assignment was about fooling my light meter. Getting the best exposure.


























We're judged solely on technique and not creativity (they just want to make sure we understand the controls,) but it's still a bit nerve wracking having an instructor critique in front of about 40 other people, but I guess I'd better get used to it, because I'm pretty sure it's not going to get any easier. So far, no sobbing aloud during class.

Today I had my first visual studies class which includes a history of photography. I have a feeling this is going to be my favorite class. I enjoyed SO much absorbing and seeing where it all began. It's so interesting to me the debate on whether or not photography is a science or an art. Can't it be both? According to the majority of the art community (even today) no, it cannot.

In other news, I have become totally obsessed with the Dan in Real Life soundtrack. I am building much of my photo library to Sondre Lerche's vocals, not to mention the hours of homework. And the occasional blogging.

I'm sure there was something else that I was going to write about, but I actually have some time off tonight, and I am hoping to finish a book that I started back in Portland. I know how to party.

PS. A hearty hip hip hooray to McKay for finishing his finals yesterday!!! Yaaaay!! If I were there, we would totally celebrate with a frosty. I love you.