Today is day 71 for my family. We remain positive and vigilant as the helicopters continue to fly overhead. The weather has been wonderful this past week. Today is quite possibly perfect, as it isn’t too hot either. We still wait for Linus Bikes to give us a call and come pick up Sylvie’s new ride that is weeks overdue.
Hmmm, what to do today, and on the rest of this beautiful Memorial Day Weekend other than play dice games, be outside in the sun, hit some tennis balls at the club, potentially get lost down the rabbit hole of social media, and other stuff that seams to poke its head from time to time. There is literally three weeks of school left for the kids, though some schools have already wrapped up the year. We went to Sylvie and Estella’s school yesterday and the day before to pick up their remaining belongings, bitter sweet to see the school with shin level grass, lost and found items out front, and library book return bins. Was really nice to see the girls’ teachers. They are are just amazing and have done a really good job. It hasn’t been easy but hats off to what they’ve pulled off these past ten weeks.
I think it’s time to start shooting film again. The M6 has been in the bag for the past ten weeks. I was reluctant to shoot it because there was nowhere to get the film developed. I have rolls of Trix 400 and Portra 800 in the wine fridge ready to be exposed. And now that my lab is back open, I might just switch back over. Something to look forward to I guess. With that said, finding the desire to shoot these past two weeks has been tough. I’ve kind of run out of gas, though i’m trying to motivate myself. Maybe I need a new project?
I’ve really enjoyed what all the individual Leica Stores have been doing with their Instagram Live chats with different photographers. I most recently tuned into a Jim Marshal’s Collective with his long time assistant Ameila Davis which was over the top fascinating. Her insight and memory to pull stories about each photograph was incredible. I own three of his books - Proof, The Haight, and most recently Show Me the Picture. All are fascinating and inspiring. To have had the access that he had is just simply mind boggling. It was a different time. People didn’t have their guard up the way they do today. I guess he was primarily a 35mm and 50mm shooter because it allowed him to get close to his subjects. That picture of Miles Davis in the boxing gym is one of my all-time favorites.
Mother’s Day feels like a year ago but we had a nice time celebrating. The kids and I made Lovey breakfast in bed. We opened presents and went for a walk with some friends. I think (I hope) it was a wonderful day for Amanda. We love her so much. Superhero and Real Estate broker extraordinaire.
We braved it last weekend when the beaches decided to open. It was a strange day to see everyone out, some people being respectful by wearing their masks, while other’s didn’t give a care in the world. It was nice to see the ocean and for Estella to put her feet in. A lot of mixed emotions. It felt like a look but don’t touch scenario. We stopped in Pacific Palisades afterword to walk around The Village. Super Cute. Nothing was open of course, but we did get a Starbucks and a smile across the street.
I know we still have a long way to go and that this slow burn of getting things back to normal will take some time. I’m for it as long as we all continue to practice social distancing, wear our masks, wash our hands, and just make good common sense logical decisions. If we ALL do that, then we are certainly on our way.
Be well all. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay home. If I find the will to shoot, will post more pictures next week!
Mother’s Day 2020.
The girls pose for a picture after a walk with dear friend Jenny 5/10/20.
Estella poses for a picture on the kitchen counter 5/14/20.
Will Rogers Beach 5/16/20.
This photograph make me think of Henri Cartier-Bresson 5/16/20.
Sylvie, Estella, and Amanda on the PCH 5/16/20.
Signs warning visitors to keep a safe distance 5/16/20.
Estella waiting for the tide to come in and feel the ocean on her toes 5/16/20.
Sylvie saying goodbye to her 4th Grade Classroom, picking up her remaining items 5/21/20.
Sylvie’s teacher, Mrs. D’breau, a wonderful mentor and friend 5/21/20.