Blackberry Baja Video (Take 1)

Last Fall, I had it in my head that I was going to start shooting video. I loved the idea of having family movies to look back on. Although I adore photos, there is something about a moving image that truly captures the essence of it all, whether it be a sound or a gesture or a series of movements. Our annual Baja pilgrimage was the perfect opportunity for this venture, the only problem was that I didn't have a video camera! The next best thing- my blackberry phone! Holla!

When looking at some of these clips with my brother, we literally were holding our stomachs in pain from laughter. From the old school portable karaoke machine that an old Mexican man wheeled up to the taco stand to the loudest motorbike in history to catching someone unaware when they didn't know they were being filmed. It's those moments, those real moments, that make life such a special place.

Over the weekend I was sick. Sick enough that I didn't have the energy to get out and enjoy the sun, but not sick enough to keep me from going stir crazy in my apartment. So I decided to teach myself how to use Final Cut Pro. Within minutes, I realized I was in way over my head. But having watched enough Law and Order to drive me loony, I didn't have much else to do. So I dug out the old movie clips and tried my very best to create something that did the trip justice. I have a long ways to go, but I think it's a good start!

For a Rainy Day

Sometimes we put things out there, and well, we just don't know how it will be received. But at the end of the day, we owe it to ourselves to do our best at everything we set out to do. We owe it to ourselves to be ourselves, our authentic selves. And usually that involves a bit of risk. My lifestyle has been very different from most people. I don't work a 9 to 5 job. I find it hard committing to something more than a week in advance. I am most comfortable with camera in-hand. My favorite experiences usually involve a road I've never driven with no destination in mind. I travel extensively. I camp in the desert for a month at a time to surf un-crowded waves with my family. More than anything, I love to share myself and my experiences with those I love. Usually, it's words and images from afar, but once in awhile I put together a short slideshow to better portray the experience. And sometimes something amazing happens, like it did this past Friday. I was talking with a friend whom I haven't seen for at least a year. She wanted to share with me the impact of forwarding on my slideshows to people in her life. She said in particular, one individual was so moved by it he had shed a tear and called her immediately, and has since watched it every time he needs cheering up. I can't begin to describe how this made me feel. I'm sure many others can relate, because I too, have been touched by things created and passed on by others (and usually in moments when I need it most). But to know that by sharing an experience, it has changed someone's day many times over is simply amazing to me. Hearing that news was the greatest gift I could have received, and in turn, I am re-inspired to continue putting my experiences out there. Maybe, just maybe, this will find its way to someone else that needs that little hit of sunshine on a rainy day.

This is the slideshow I made last Fall about our annual trip to the Mexican desert in search of un-crowded waves. The handsome men featured are my two brothers and my father. The cat (we named him Carlos- he stole my heart!) was a wild, desert kitten that befriended us. Carlos brought us half eaten lizards as gifts and loved riding on the back of the motor bike. After watching this again, I think I am about due for another adventure!

Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching!

Baja Bliss

Recently, it was our annual Baja pilgrimage. Just as everyone is going back to school, packing away the summer clothes, and getting back into the work groove after summer vacations, we are packing our surfboard bags and loading up on sunscreen for a family adventure.
I feel so blessed just to be able to take the time off, that we ALL are able to take the time off, and go hang out in the waves together. The best part is that they are not only my family, they are my best friends and some of the coolest people I know. What a lucky girl I am.
Back to the pilgrimage. This involves a really long drive, about 36 hours in fact. The destination is some property that my brothers bought a while back, property in the middle of the desert, property with world class waves out front. It’s an extreme environment. Extreme in its climate, in its plant life, in its inhabitants. Rattle snakes, scorpions, tarantulas, black widows, coyotes, badgers and more that I probably don’t even know about! However, watching a huge orange ball rise out of the ocean every morning, seeing the hundreds of pelicans and gulls fly their daily migration, and surfing alongside dolphins and sea turtles in crystal turquoise waters helps to overshadow the run-ins with the more disturbing creatures.
In saying that, after 2 1⁄2 weeks of desert life, I was ready for a hot shower and pedicure. I must be getting soft in my old age! Thank you guys, for such a special time. I treasure it.