Sunday Thoughts, A Life Lesson

First up American Guide did publish some of my parade images on Memorial Day so quite pleased.  I'm also getting more exposure on Instagram with my Real Not Reel Hollywood iPhone photos. https://instagram.com/Claudia_M_Eastman 

Snapping pics that have NOTHING to do with faux, media created Hollywood. Instead photographing images that convey the true look of the neighborhood. 

Using the iPhone as a camera has been a learning curve. So has using the Instagram app. Here's a snap I took and altered this morning. It's fun to play.

Now the important life lesson learned.

Here's my teacher.

I've learned that the sweetest oranges are the ugliest ones.

This woman parks on Broadway in Chinatown on Sunday mornings and sells these huge bags of oranges for $5.00.

Been buying from her for three years now and not once have I had a bad orange. Every single one has been as sweet as sweet can be.

Not overly ripe. Perfect.

It's the best bargain in LA.

Not pretty until you slice it open, quarter it and shove it into your mouth.

And yes, Vitamin C and fresh OJ for DAYS!!!!!

So that's my life lesson. Never take things at face value.

 

American Guide

Pleased to note that I've been asked by the American Guide blog to present images, a blurb and a bio from my parade project.  Took forever and a day to cull which images to include, spent 45 minutes on the blurb, 5 on the bio.  Should be "published" this weekend or Monday or Tuesday.  

Besides this lovely invite my Giants who are hosting the Dodgers at AT & T Park beat them last night, 2-0 and went 4-0 tonight.  Seems the Dodgers haven't had a run in 22 innings. Watch your back boys.  You may be in 1st place 2 1/2 games ahead of us but we play one more game tomorrow (a game of aces, MadBum vs Kershaw) and we are your worst nightmare.  GO GIANTS!!!!!

I'm Trying

My desire to create my last career path has not waned.  Obstacles, competition, and descrimination are NOT going to defeat me. Too well worn and experienced to give up. That and too stubborn.  I have a talent with a camera. I love to travel. I'm good with words.  I will become a paid travel photographer. 

Something I can do when I retire from Location scouting in a couple of years.  Completion is unbelievably stiff, everyone and their mother has a camera these days.  Then there's social media, Tumblr, Flickr, Instagram, ad nauseum. It's a battle but when I look at Sunset, Nat Geo Traveler, etc., I say to myself, "I could have shot the image."  So I shall not retreat. I shall move forward. Contacting on line blog creators, photo editors, etc. I will not be deterred. 

Here are my photo blogs. What do you think?
   
https://www.flickr.com/photos/locationgoddess/
http://ceastmanparades.tumblr.com
https://instagram.com/Claudia_M_Eastman

When I'm 64

That would be today.  Absolutely nothing planned for the occasion. Quiet, calm, uneventful. Some good coffee, crossword puzzle, something sinful with chocolate. Simple things. What more does one need? 

So after having enjoying Dupar's Pancakes at 3rd and Fairfax I answered my own question, what more does one need?

Wesley.  A 5 month old pup. Gave me kisses and love and made me smile.

Thank you Wesley. Yep. Simple things.