Still Developing

Even before I got into digital photography, everyone knows I was obsessed with polaroids. I'd like to think I got into it before it became some kind of hipster-emo kid thing, but I don't know too many scene kids so I'm not quite sure when that all happened. All I know is I have my wall full of polaroids, and I'd have more if the Polaroid 600 film is still around -- or not selling for $100 a pack on eBay. I have exactly one pack left, and it will remain untouched until I find the right event or some more back-up.

Some may wonder how polaroid photography can be considered an art form; after all, it's pretty much "click" and you're done. But like any creative person can tell you, art isn't about the medium or how complicated or abstract it can be. It isn't about having purple hair or oversized glasses while arguing about the genius of Yoko Ono and Murakami at Starbucks. It's about the intent, the creativity and the heart behind a project.

I was thrilled when the ISM Community decided to throw an exhibit and asked for submission from all 'roidaholics. That was my first time having work submitted at an art gallery, Hibbleton in Fullerton to be exact. Kevin, the head of ISM, decided to branch out even more at the larger Copro Gallery in Santa Monica, and it was a nice feeling knowing the local art community had such support.

Now, ISM has released a book, "Still Developing: A Story of Instant Gratification," making this my first time being published in a book. That's where this polaroid process is so far since I began this adventure a year and a half ago, and I'm grateful for each step.

Stank + Skank

My friend Natalie, whom I've known for about a decade, texted me last week saying she was engaged. It's the first time I'll be a bridesmaid, and the first time a close friend is going to tie the knot. It's such a weird feeling that people I love feel ready to be a grown up -- she already bought a house -- while my desire to stay forever young grows each day.

I met her at the local junior college during my short-lived goal to be the student body Athletics Senator (don't ask). She was already on the governing board. We both got close on the student newspaper, the Mountaineer, where we all spent 13 hours a day in the newsroom because journalism was our life -- and we were young with nothing better to do and had no bills to worry about.

The weird thing is, she lived just a few blocks from Edgar's place, but I never visited because I thought I had all the time in the world. This is quickly becoming my fatal flaw, by the way. Now, she's bought a house in Lake Forest and is getting married, ah! I was looking for pics of us to post but I couldn't find too many. Time to change that before another milestone happens.