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.

SnapSeed

Having fun on the iPhone with the app SnapSeed.  What do you think?

Leave Well Enough Alone

Damn it would be nice if Google would stop changing everything. Irritating. Have changed their map format to something that's a piece of crap.  

Did the same when they took over these blogs.  Now when you want to add a photo they insist on access to everything in order to upload.  Bite me Google!!!

NOT progress IMHO but hey I'm not in the age category they are appealing to am I? Nope, the new generation LOVES sharing every tidbit of their daily loves. Like it's meaningful. I'm of the generation that prefers privacy and keeping my business MY business.

Moving on to other matters, love this iPhone image I shot whilst sitting in 405 freeway traffic. When traveling distances (this trip was to Newport Beach) I prefer to hit the road pre dawn. LESS traffic and often interesting sunrises.

Holy Crap

It's been months since I've been allowed to post on this blog.  Something to do with Google taking it over. No matter. Happy that I can start blogging once again. 

Freedom of Speech

From the rest of the world to the Parisian Terrorists!

2015

Shaking my head. Time does seem to quicken as you age. No doubt about it.  Not making any resolutions. Who needs the pressure? Especially when I know I have no real hope of keeping any I'd make. That's another thing which occurs as you grow older.  Understanding who you are. What makes you tick. I lead a simple life. Good friends, food, books, pets, my sports teams, travel and a few favorite TV shows compliment my life on the planet. Don't need much. Don't want much. Laughter. Honesty. Solitude. A quiet existence.  Happy New Year!

Spaghetti For Breakfast?!

Dang I love cold, overcast winter days in LA.  Especially if those days are between Christmas and New Year. Lots of hot drinks, flannel, and comfort food. Work is non existent so time is spent relaxing and rejuvenating.

It's not  even 10am and I'm devouring some tasty leftover pasta for breakfast. A wonderful reminder of college mornings and a student's limited food budget. 

45 degrees when I awoke before dawn. For SoCal that's cold. I make no excuses. In an area of the world where the sun shines brightly 99 per cent of the year and temps hover in the low 70's, 45 brings out, gloves, scarves, a beanie and fleece. At least it does for me. 

Breakfast is done. Sipping tea. Jazz piano via iTunes radio playing softly. My iBook mystery awaits my full attention. Signing off, Roger, Wilko.