Finding something in me & Chasing away the blues…

Among the things I’ve accomplished in my life, I will always be most proud of my daughter. Always. Recently though, I’ve done something somewhat for myself. I’ve enjoyed photography since I was a little girl, when my Godfather gave me my first camera for my First Communion. Later, I lost my favorite Minolta Film camera in our fire. I knew I’d never be able to get with the century and afford the digital camera I really wanted. I got lucky though. An electronics shop went out of business and I just happened by on one of their last days, and I was lucky enough to find a one for a real cheap song and was able to use my old Minolta lenses. Sure a few steps down from the one I wanted for 5 grand, but it’ll do. For now. I hungered for more photography.
A very close friend of mine, did purchase a camera similar to the one I was jonesing for. Her photography is impeccable. She has a fantastic and unique eye and her ideas are amazingly creative. She doesn’t use photoshop to alter anything she’s captured, and gets it right the first time. I’ve soaked it all in like a sponge, learning so much from her, but I have a long way to go till I am half of what she is.
I’ve done mostly still life types, or brief moment natural type shots, but recently was asked if I’d like to attempt something I’ve not done before. I embarked on something new and completely different. Another very close friend of mine asked if I would be interested in doing photo shoots for a charity she’s involved in. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into, or what was expected of me and neither did the first model. I got a couple of really nice shots, but nothing meant for a bikes and babes calendar. After the second shoot I was more comfortable and had a much better idea of what we were going for. I’m not the type to condone scantily clad or nude girls hanging in some dude’s garage, but ultimately, it came to be a little more tasteful then that. It was a tough project for me, not only the learning scale of photographing these girls, or how to give them direction, but my body wasn’t really capable of something like this. After the first shoot, I was down for about 5 days. I could hardly move. The first day after, I was completely knocked out and slept all day. I learned to bring my medication with me to help manage the pain. I also learned, with my neuropathy, bone & muscle pain, and other negative effects from cancer treatments, this is not something I could do all the time. It knocks me down a few days each time.
Yet, this is still something kind of cool, that has been published in a calendar, that I am actually proud I’ve accomplished. The Children Of Fallen Riders 2011 calendar is available. The proceeds go into a fund to benefit just that, children of fallen riders. When a motorcycle goes down, we never think of the impact on the family. That person was most likely the main bread winner and it could leave the family in dire straights financially. COFR helps out where they can, be it school supplies, clothes, rent payment, or helping out with other bills. They believe every little bit helps. They also feel “The day this foundation is not important to the bikers is the day that we would be wasting our time.” If you are interested in seeing what I’ve gotten myself into and supporting a unique NFP charity, you can find the calendar here… http://www.childrenoffallenriders.com/blog/2011-calendars-are-available/
There is also a big event on the 22nd of THIS month, where the COFR calendar girls will be there to sign your calendar and the custom bikes will be on display. Check out COFR “Chase Away Your Winter Blues” flier, ($15 per person) lots of music, including the, now 11 year old, guitar prodigy, Tallan Latz, and shocking adult entertainment. I so will be there!

Even though my mother feels it's raunchy... Here's a sample....

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