Barbara Gordon Photography

Pieces of Me

2010-09-28T11:44:00.001-07:00

I don't regret my mistakes. They have made me who I am today.

I've heard that message many times over the years, from many different people. Heck, I've said it even more times than I can remember. But it's true. Your mistakes do have a part in who you become over time. Just like anything that erodes, chips away, and polishes an object, so do actions, reactions, and relationships.

The people in our lives are a big part of "the process." I have noticed that I absorb things from people who are, or have been, on my personal radar. I try to keep the positive things, and try to avoid repeating the negative. In other words, learn from their pain, not mine.

So, here are a few of the pieces of me collected from others...

HC: -Hearts of Palm. I should never have learned this because they are awesome good, but expen$ive.
-If you gain weight easily by eating a certain thing, it means your body cannot process it (scary)

AN: Sushi - (as in, California rolls. I do not eat raw things, so that's as "sushi" as I get)

CJ: -V-neck T-shirts are awesome comfortable for lounging/sleeping in.
-Jealousy limits your number of friends.

ES: Share.

JSC: Having lots of friends helps you survive being alone.

LA: -Walking. (Walk, walk, walk..)
-Feed and nurture your spirituality and inner self for peace.
-Don't be afraid to go on adventures...by yourself.

JE & GM: When the money runs out, so do some friendships.

SH: Don't mix diuretics with wine. (Hey, this is important! LOL!)

TG: When life gets tough, singing helps.

AL: Sometimes no matter how hard you love, if it's the wrong person, it won't work.

DL: Even the most horrible people can have a "happy ever after." (Argh!!!)

TG: -It's okay to laugh at yourself.
-Don't trade your happiness for security.

BD: Genetics do make a huge difference in a person being evil.

GK: Refuse to allow the dark thoughts, and only host happy thoughts. Surprisingly, life is a pretty nice place by doing this.

HG: Perseverance is the absolute key!

Well, that's all I can think of off the top of my head. I'm sure I'll think of a ton more things later, but superficial or deeply meaningful, these "things" sit on the top of the heap for me - who knows why, but they do. Funny how some things just stick.

B

New Item in My Etsy Shop - Coasters!

2010-09-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

New in my Etsy shop! Ceramic tile original art coasters.

See them HERE

One Banana, Two Banana...

2010-09-16T13:04:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I noticed that some of the bananas on my tree were starting to turn from green to yellow, signaling that it was harvest time.

It's a two-person operation, so ran to get H so he could do the actual cutting. My area of expertise is more of a ladder- steadier/stalk holder/supervisor.

With one hand on the stock, and one hand on an adjacent tree to brace myself, H proceeded to lop away.

BAM!

Nothing like having a huge stalk of bananas come swinging down...right into you. Not painful, but sort of a Three Stooges / Lucille Ball kind of scene - starring me.

I schlepped my treasure into the kitchen and got all the bananas cut from the stalk, and rinsed them under some cold tap water. These little guys are yum-licious and live up to their name; vanilla ice cream bananas.

-- Post From My iPhone

The Joy that Forgiveness Brings

2010-09-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

If you think forgiveness is only a gift you give to others, then you should watch THIS.

I wish I could say I had a soul as kind and beautiful as this woman's. She forgave, and through her gift of forgiveness she brought endless joy to another human being, and even more joy to herself.

B

Tuesday Morning

2010-08-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.

-John Lubbock

B

-- Post From My iPhone

A Fun Day at the Winery

2010-08-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I drove out to Temecula wine country to Maurice Car'rie Winery / Van Roekel Winery with two of my friends, and my fellow photographers, Ellen Seefeldt and Heather Van Roekel . Heather invited Ellen and I to hang art at her cousin, Sara's, new gift shop, "Sara Bella's," and Ellen and I were very happy to accept the offer.

Temecula's relatively close, but a long enough drive for some decent girl talk, chit chat, and catching up on the way there and back.

We got there a little early and had some time to check out the vendors who set up there on the weekends. Each of us bought a pair of super fabulous sunglasses that matched our alter egos perfectly - Ellen, the party princess, Heather, the Aqua Avenger, and my super fabulous mystical magical creature glasses. (I AM that person in my head, okay?)

The Party Princess

The Aqua Avenger

"To the beach! And beyond!!!"

Super fabulous mystical magical creature (Yes, I AM! LOL!)
After a brief, but really interesting, behind-the-scenes tour of the winery, and before the delicious smell of freshly made brie and baked bread could stop us dead in our tracks (super Y-U-M), we were off to hang our pictures.

We got it done, with no mishaps I'm happy to report, and then we made a last stop at the gift shop so Heather could say her goodbyes to her family, and Ellen and I could do some quick shopping.

As were were walking around we stopped in our tracks when we saw the "Heather's Mist" wine on display. Heather's Mist...get it? So, Ellen and I each bought a bottle so we could have Heather sign them. I won't be drinking mine - it's a wonderful souvenir of our day at the winery, and our "backstage pass" tour. As for the fate of Ellen's bottle... Well, let's not bet the farm on that one! (Winking at you, Ellen)

All in all, the day, the opportunity, and the company...a solid 10!

If you're out in the Temecula area, please stop by the Maurice Car'rie Winery / Van Roekel Winery, and Sara Bella's Gift Shop. There's lots to see, do, and enjoy and you'll be happy you did.

Sara Bella's Gift Shop
34567 Rancho Ca. Road
Temecula, CA, 92591
Mon - Wed:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

B

Scenes from San Francisco

2010-08-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

If you're going to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you're going to San Francisco
You're gonna meet some gentle people there

For those who come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there
In the streets of San Francisco
Gentle people with flowers in their hair

All across the nation such a strange vibration
People in motion
There's a whole generation with a new explanation
People in motion people in motion

For those who come to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there

If you come to San Francisco
Summertime will be a love-in there

"San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair)",
Scott McKenzie

On Bucket Lists...

2010-08-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

I'm sure by now everyone knows what a "Bucket List" is, but for those who do not, here it is in a nutshell:

A personal list of things you want to see, experience or accomplish before you kick the bucket - or, bluntly put, before you die.

I used to be a bit paranoid about bucket lists - I mean, is it mandatory that you die at the end? Or can you just live out the rest of your days peacefully content knowing that you did not waste your short time here in this wonderful earthly life?

I am now settled on this question, in part due to the wise words of Leonardo da Vinci:

As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well used brings happy death. ~Leonardo da Vinci

I, for one, would hate to come to the close of this marvelous adventure we call "life," with the sad realization that my time here was not well spent. Thus, I have decided to make my own bucket list.

Since this should be less of a whim, such as the yearly commitment to our New Year's Resolutions, that is followed religiously for, oh, about 30 to 60 days, 90 if you're very self-structured, I think the bucket list should incorporate the three main areas of life:

People
Places
Things

PEOPLE: Are there people I want to meet or know better? Maybe I want someone as a friend, lover, mentor or spiritual guide. Do I need to "clean house" and remove some people from my personal orbit?

The People category includes myself. What have I not done that I need to? Have I learned enough? Cared enough? Helped enough? Quietly gotten to really know myself enough? Have I been kind enough? Have I taken care of my body enough so that I feel as healthy as I could? I'm sorry to say that I can answer no to all these questions.

PLACES: Okay, this is my absolute biggie - I have made it clear to some people in my life that the thought of becoming old or incapable of traveling at will, and having not seen enough of this beautiful world, makes me shudder with sadness. So, yes - this will be a major portion of my list. The world is a big place, and I need to get out there and see it!

THINGS: Do I surround myself with all the possessions that I feel would make me happy? Okay, I do confess that I like "stuff." I'm not selfless enough to say I don't, and it really doesn't bother me to want things. I don't ask for things from others, and I'm fully prepared to work as hard as I need to in order to get these treasures - and, let's face it - it just makes me HAPPY when I get something new. Nothing wrong with that!

And what about the intangible things? Is there something I'm doing, or not doing, that is causing me stress? Are there causes that I think are important that I should join or promote? Is there a hobby, sport, activity or craft that I need to participate in or learn? What events should I experience?

And, finally, is there a mandatory number of items in each category? Or the list in total? Is 10 too few? 100 too many? I don't have a clue here. Not having a clue is a good thing - it gives me the freedom to just make it as long as I want it to be.

So, there's the framework that I've come up with. I'm sure my bucket list will form and reform, with minor and major adjustments, but the important thing for me is that I start. After all, “The journey is the reward.” (Chinese Proverbs).

B

A Lovely Sunday Morning

2010-05-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

I am truly blessed to live in a beautiful place. The streets are clean, the people are friendly and there is little crime. It is paradise.

This morning pooch and I woke up, got dressed and took a lovely walk to soak in the scenery and start our day in the fresh air.

The best part of the walk was when I passed a stable hand at work. We met eyes for a moment and with a genuine smile, he gave me a gift: "May God bless you."

Post From My iPhone

Hello. I'm back.

2010-05-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

Wow, SOMEONE hasn't blogged in forever and a day. Sorry. Been as busy as a cat in a rocking chair factory. (Just gotta love hillbilly sayings).

Anyway...

I really have to share this gorgeous flower with you. There's this freaky plant that popped out from a hanging fern basket I have, and it produces these huge luscious flowers. The plant looks similar to a Christmas cactus, but MUCH larger. The flowers are the size of a man's fist.

They look like they're coming out of the fishhook succulent, but that plant is behind it.

So, there's my mystery plant. Any ideas what it is?

B

--Post From My iPhone

A New Milestone!

2010-03-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I hit a new milestone with my Etsy shop, Barbara Gordon Photography!

I have 103 positive feedbacks, with a 100% satisfied rating!

A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

I SO LOVE happy customers, and this is such a great validation of how hard I try to give great customer service.

What a SUPER way to start the weekend!

A happy little shopkeeper :-)

B

A Few Things to Do This Weekend

2010-02-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

1.

The Indepependent Short Film, Music & Art Festival is taking place in Long Beach this weekend. My friend, Ellen Seefeldt, is one of the featured artists showing her photography. She always has some really cool and unusual pieces, so try to catch her if you have some time Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Here is an excerpt from their website:

The ISFMA Festival will take place at beautiful Long Beach, California. The ISFMA stands for Independent Short Films, Music and Art and that’s what we bring to you. A fascinating and unforgettable weekend packed with culture; film screenings, live musical performances and an array of artwork.

Please join us in this special event!

Proceeds from this festival will go towards A.M. Creative, Inc., a non-profit org which raises money through grants and donations to benefit local school districts that will cut budgets in their music and art departments.

Venue Location: the Hotel Maya - 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach
http://www.isfmafest.com/

2.
MURDER ON THE HIGH C's

This is the final weekend to catch this funny musical whodunnit. The original play and score will keep you guessing, and laughing, throughout the evening. The cast is super talented, and my bff, Tricia Griffin-Marles, is a riot in her part as the cruise director.

This is from the theater website:

Murder on the High C's

RCT Professional Series
Feb 5 - 21 (2010)
Type of Show Musical
Seating Assigned
Show Times Friday, February 5 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday, February 6 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 7 @ 2:00 PM
Friday, February 12 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 14 @ 2:00 PM
Friday, February 19 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday, February 20 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 21 @ 2:00 PM

Pricing General Admission: $22
Students & Seniors: $17

A new, improved edition of the highly acclaimed original whodunit musical!

Book by Scott K. Ratner
Music by Tim Nelson
Lyrics by Scott K. Ratner & Tim Nelson

Directed by Tim Nelson

"The music, lyrics and book are all well thought through and all the possibilities with regards to 'whodunnit' are brought together nicely at the end." - musicaltheatrematters.co.uk

"...an extremely professional production, well-written and very funny, with not a dull moment." - Broadwaybaby.com

"Scott Ratner and Tim Nelson - you must be commended... The music reminded me of classic Rodgers and Hart - you captured the flavor completely... One of the cleverest scripts I've seen in a while - purely entertaining" - edfringe.com

3.
STEVE MILLER BAND AT THE HONDA CENTER

Cal State Fullerton's Front & Center series will feature The Steve Miller Band this Saturday night. Also performing will be some of the students from CSUF's award winning College of the Arts.

READ MORE HERE

Have a great weekend!

B

"Miss Me Yet?"

2010-02-10T15:38:00.000-08:00

THIS cracks me up! LOL!

Murder on the High C's

2010-02-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

If you have ANY time at all in the next couple weeks I would highly recommend you go to the ROSE CENTER THEATER in Westminster and catch the show, "Murder on the High C's." It is a great 1930's style whodunnit set on an oceanliner. Clues are given throughout this musical comedy as you're all invited to try to figure out who is killing off the passengers one (or two, or three) at a time.

I was lucky to be the show photographer and also did the actors' headshots and production photos. What a great crew to work with! I found them all to be the nicest, most talented group of people this side of the Pecos.

(Did I REALLY just say Pecos??)

Here are a few shots from the press package and article in the Orange County Register today.

[Photo credits: Barbara Gordon] <- I LOVE THAT!!

The show is an original written by Scott Ratner and Tim Nelson. The omni-talented Mr. Nelson also directed and wrote the musical score.

A Foggy Morning at the Lake

2010-01-30T20:23:00.001-08:00

I woke up this morning and did what I usually do - a quick weather check out the window. Today I had a wonderful surprise!

FOG!

I grabbed my camera and drove over to the lake to take some shots. Here they are...

A Walk Through the Forest

2010-01-18T23:33:00.001-08:00

More Michigan Pics

2010-01-17T21:36:00.001-08:00

A Simpler Time

Bridge in Traverse City, Michigan

A New Selfie

2010-01-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

Here's my latest self portrait :-D

Out of the Darkness

Bye Bye 2009, WELCOME 2010!

2010-01-12T11:31:00.001-08:00

Soooo, you may have noticed that I've been MIA for awhile - at least, I HOPE you've noticed!

The holiday craft season was ca-razy in a great way. I did lots and lots of shows this past season, more than I've ever done before. And while I was busy taking, making, preparing and showing every single day for months, it was a fantastic time that I wouldn't trade for the world.

However,

I'm happily bidding adieu to 2009, and the entire decade, actually. I can't say it was a total downer. I met lots of new people, made some friends, rekindled old friendships, and learned many things.

The past 10 years have been an absolute revolving door of good things, bad things, fleeting things and permanent things - well, as permanent as things ever are.

I'm sad to have lost contact with some people (for now, anyway), but that happens for a reason. Perhaps our time together had served its purpose and we both needed to travel through life on different routes.

I'm happy to have many, many new people in my life that I love spending time with. I have grown to a point where I genuinely crave the company of people and love all the opportunites I've had to meet, greet and chat with a great number of people through my craft shows, organization affiliations and travels. People are awesome, and spending a little (or lot) of time with them makes me a better and more interesting person.

2000-2009 was also a great decade for me as far as traveling opportunites. While I haven't traveled nearly as much as I would like, I've been fortunate enough to see several countries, states and cities. I've been amazed at how different and similar the world and its people are.

I'm also trying to evolve as a person. If you know me, you know I can be very...um...er...direct (okay, blunt) at times. This works for some people, but not for others. I'm trying to slow down and accept what life and God give me as a path, rather than trying to cut my own way, while trying to control not only myself, but also the universe. Doesn't work. Just stresses you out when you're a control freak out of control.

Inhale...

So, I'm taking deep breaths and trying to control only my outlook on life, rather than life in total.

Exhale...

It will be exciting to see where this fresh new year and decade leads me. With God's help, it will be fantastic!

Wishing you a happy and hopeful 2010!

B

My "Michigan" Look

2009-11-08T19:31:00.001-08:00

BEST Halloween Costume I've Ever Seen!

2009-11-06T10:05:00.001-08:00

WYNDHAM HOTEL GALLERY EXHIBIT

2009-11-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

PLEASE JOIN ME AT THE WYNDHAM HOTEL GALLERY artist reception and holiday show on THURSDAY - NOVEMBER 19th from 4:30 TO 7:30, where I will be showing through January 7, 2010.

In addition to the gallery pieces, there will be a holiday sale of ceramics, jewelry, scroll saw, prints, glass art, sculpture and cards. Complimentary wine, hors d'oeuvres and parking. I hope to see you there!

Location: WYNDHAM HOTEL, 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA (714) 442-8592

Woodbridge Holiday Arts & Crafts Show

2009-11-03T18:30:00.001-08:00

Well, my favorite time of year is here! The holidays are quickly approaching, and there is an absolute flurry of arts and crafts shows. Here is a informational postcard for my next show. Hope I see some of you there!

Michigan - Day Four

2009-10-17T19:55:00.001-07:00

I am truly blessed to have such great friends.

Today D & V drove me hundreds of miles so I could experience a dream come true.

The movie "Somewhere in Time" is H and my favorite love story of all time. A long while back I researched the hotel where the movie was filmed and found out it was The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island, Michigan. "Well, that's the end of that," was my conclusion, thinking I would never travel to Michigan, and by extension, would never see The Grand Hotel.

Today changed all that.

It is more beautiful than I imagined, and I couldn't believe I was there!

Even better, it just happens that this weekend is the "Somewhere in Time" weekend, and there were a lot of people dressed in period clothing.

It was a great, great day, and I am so grateful to my friends who made it possible.

B

-- Post From My iPhone

Michigan - Day Three

2009-10-16T19:28:00.001-07:00

And ANOTHER fantastic day here in Michigan. I had no idea that there was so much to do and see here. Skiing, rafting, canoeing, hiking, fishing (HUGE) salmon everywhere - the lust is endless. And everywhere you look, gorgeous landscape.

Some pics from today

Beavers at work

Fish fry Friday. All You can eat fish dinners.