Crazy Busy Monday, worked all day and edited all evening-I’m exhausted. I wake up thinking about photography and rest my head to my pillow thinking about photography. I am fascinated with all kinds of pictures. and am constantly looking at print, and online images. It is truly a gift to have passion for something. I came across this quote and read it a few times, hope it hits a note with you as well.
Quote
Happy Tuesday!
XOXO,
GIGI
baby Gigi
My life lately, has been one big interruption of sorts. I miss Gigi’s Meanderings when I don’t post, this little refuge that allows me to share my humble life, with all its idiosyncrasies. I feel as though there is not enough hours in the day. I recently celebrated my 54th birthday on July 28th, my motto for this one being “5’4″ and 54”. Last year was “53 and free”, “50 and fabulous” you get the gist, embracing each year instead of hiding my age. In our youth driven society I feel good about my age-do I have regrets? Certainly. Who doesn’t?
Gigi @ 54
On a positive note I am happy to be alive, we all know life as we know it is not forever, but there is still a little work here on earth that I need to do, and a few more places I would like to see. My birthday signifies my personal “New Year” I set resolutions and assess the previous year, and figure out what I could do better.
travel
My “54” list:
Physical Goals
I will continue to lead the healthiest life I can, recommitting to being as physical as possible, nourishing my body with organic fresh food, and reestablishing a strong yoga practice. Oh and finally dropping that annoying 5 pounds that keeps hanging around.
love yoga
Spiritual Goals
I will humble myself and do whatever I can to uplift others and have unconditional love for my family and friends. Continue to work with my various charities and try and make a difference in another person’s life.
Professional Goals
Establish my photography practice and develop my business model of photographing everyday women, creating extrodinary beautiful portraits. Continue to share my thoughts on Gigi’s Meanderings regardless if I have 5 readers, 5,000 or 1,000,000. And oh learn PHOTOSHOP.
Photographer Gigi
Keep stress at bay-which is our worst enemy.
Quote
Live each day as if it were my last-and celebrate just because and sprinkle a love trail where ever I go.
QUOTE
What are your plans for your personal “New year”? Do you cringe at the thought of another birthday? Share your anti-aging techniques…
Xoxo,
Gigi
I’m at an age where my friends parents are advancing in age and starting to have health challenges. This CANCER beast is out of control, touching everyone I know in some way. It certainly makes me appreciate every day my family and I wake up. I try and engage my life in a meaningful manner, stopping to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Alaska sky
Being a photographer I know life is a series of snapshots, images that represent a moment in our lives that will never be repeated. I’m obsessed with documenting life as it flashes by. My son used to get annoyed with me and say “Can’t we just do what we are doing? why do you have to take a picture?”.
For me relationships with my family and friends are so important. I may not have always been the “best friend” or family member, but I am always willing to work things out and apologize and move forward.
Yes, I love some material trappings like pretty shoes, leopard prints, sparkly baubles, and such, but at the end of the day it is the relationships with loved ones that really matter.
A few weeks ago my mother acquired some pictures from her cousin in San Francisco. I’m the default historian in the family and have always loved old photographs. Here are a few snapshots of my ancestors. I’m not sure of the identity of everyone, other than that are family members from my mother’s side. I hope 75 years from now there are families that will be sharing images that I captured through my lens…
my mom circa 1938
This is my mom and her only brother and their aunt who took care of them for a few years. They were living in Mississippi during the Great Depression.
My mother’s grandparents
This is my mom’s grandparents on her father’s side, the Elston family.
cowboy
I’m not sure who this cowboy is, doing a little research-I love this picture.
family
I love the expressions, smiling on pictures is something that came about much later.
mom’s family
Love the hair and the dress.
my mom’s father-my grandfather
My grandfather moved west via Mississippi do to some sort of scandal. He settled in the small town of Oroville in northern California. I would love to know the story of how he and his family migrated to the bay area.
I hope 75 years from now some one is looking at my images sharing moments of a bygone era. I’m excited and looking forward to do family portrait sessions and capturing memories.
Happy weekend,
XOXO,
Gigi
Came across this quote today, and it really resonated with me, so of course I had to share it with all of you…
Quote
It is so easy to give up on dreams, especially when there is someone whispering in your ear discouraging words, of why you can’t do that. Usually it is someone that means well, a close friend or family member. When I graduated high school I wanted to go to the Fashion Institute of Design and become a buyer for a fabulous store and travel all around the world shopping. My mom of course had another dream for me, and it did not include FIDM, her theory was that I would end up working for The Broadway for minimum wage and that I would be better served going to the university to pursue a traditional career. So fast forward 30 plus years since high school graduation and I am still working on that day dream, never was successful at the “traditional” career piece. I am totally jazzed about photography and perhaps I will travel the world taking images and maybe publish one of those beautiful coffee table books filled with my view of the world…or maybe a book filled with incredible 50 plus year old women that are making a difference in this world.
What are your dreams? Are you living your daydreams? What is stopping you?
Xoxo,
GIGI
http://youtu.be/4mLrm1cuhWM
Last week I celebrated my 24th wedding anniversary, unfortunately it was the same day of my brother-n-law Jimmy’s untimely passing. We flew up to Stanford Medical Center to join family in spending our last moments together, showering Jimmy with prayers and song. It was a sad day, one I will never forget, and I pray I never have to experience my own child dying before my eyes.
Wedding Day july 23, 1989
We eloped to the island of Kauai and had a simple ceremony witnessed by my dear friend Blaine and her then husband Bob. The small chapel was filled with strangers that Reggie recruited from the hotel. I was worried that no one was going to be there, so this was his solution, run around the hotel inviting everyone to come to our wedding unbeknown to me of course. This was Reggie’s second marriage and at the time we felt it was best to have a low key ceremony, of course the inner bride is alive and well inside of me and is jones-ing for a 25th wedding vow renewal next year with all the trimmings.
Reggie & Gigi
Fast forward 24 years; we have been blessed with a daughter and a son, we have both lost siblings, survived bankruptcy, abuse from the IRS, stroke, acquired a new office 100 miles away, fishetarian, vegetarian, vegan, raw vegan, a kitchen remodel, plus or minus 15 pounds, reading glasses, interesting family dynamics, marathons, triathlons, the end of the long silky perm era, and oh I can’t forget menopause and we are STILL TOGETHER!
Reggie & Gigi
Our marriage is very similar to training for a triathlon. Swimming, biking, and running are the events you have to somewhat master in order to complete the triathlon, in marriage you also have to participate in all the parts, you can’t pick and choose , and expect to finish the race. There will be some parts you like and some you will loathe. You may at times get discouraged and want to quit, but you know just like that early morning ocean swim, once you get wet you are fine. When your training is consistent, you become stronger, just like in marriage when you are slacking in a few areas you have to work harder or else before you know it you will just settle for mediocracy accepting “whatever” as your norm.
Malibu Tri 2011
Crossing the triathlon finish line, you are overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment, the excitement trickles through your entire body, you quickly forget about the hours you put in, the setbacks and injuries. In marriage you have to keep “training” for those peaks, and remember the “dating” phase and DO what you DID then, that made you want to close the deal. The “training” is a lifelong commitment that can be truly rewarding, so if you have been a little lack, dust off those running shoes and go for a spin around the track.
Reggie & Gigi
XOXO,
GIGI
Gigi & Son Reggie
Now that George Zimmerman was found not guilty, the media agencies are saying it is a tragedy, not a crime. Many want to deny that race had anything to do with the case, that Zimmerman only followed Trayvon because of his suspicions of him being a criminal. Being the mother of a boy that is about the same age Trayvon Martin was at the time of his murder, this case hits home with me personally. When I see images of Trayvon, I see my son Reggie and all the other African-American boys I know. Racial bias and profiling happens all the time, it is not something I chose to fixate on constantly, but I decided to share my list of a few “racial profiling” situations that I have personally experienced in my sheltered life.
1. Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara– I drove up like all the other guests, (btw not that it should make a difference I was alone). No one helped me with my luggage, I believe it was assumed I was not “checking in” therefore I did not need assistance with bags. Action-Had to go in “check in” and then in my LOUD voice asked if they had discontinued helping guests with their luggage…Hotel sent written apology, fruit and chocolates to my upgraded room, clearly I had a reservation and did not need “free” items…I just want to be treated like all the other guests.
2.Four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara– My family and I go to the restaurant to have lunch, the hostess quickly stated that she had to check if she had a table for us, even though I could see numerous empty tables. After being seated in the near empty restaurant, I go back in and asked the hostess why was she reluctant to seat us, and before she responded a manager intervened and apologized. Action- made a formal complaint and our lunch was taken off our bill. Once again I am not on the “free lunch” plan and just want to be treated like all the other guests.
Santa Barbara
3. Nordstrom Brea– I was shopping in the cosmetics department ready to make my purchase, there was a woman ahead of me who was having a problem with her check being approved. She was irate and wanted to see the manager to figure out why her check was not accepted, so the manager came and approached me and began to explain why my check was not clearing the system. I let him explain and then I said “I’m not writing a check”. Action-made a complaint and Nordstrom suggested that if I ever have a “problem” come right upstairs to the office and a manager would assist me with my purchases. I just want to shop like all the other customers.
4. Nordstrom Brea– Went to return a fragrance that Reggie purchased for Mother’s Day, a month later the sprayer stopped working and I told the salesperson that I needed to exchange my gift, or could the sprayer be fixed, she told me that they do not carry that perfume and proceeded to take care of another customer. In my LOUD voice I tell her the perfume is right THERE in the case. She exchanged the perfume with an “attitude”. Action-Made a complaint to the management and once again I am told to come to the management office and someone would assist me with my purchases. Once again I just want to be treated equally like all the other customers.
The exterior of a typical Nordstrom department store at The Florida Mall located in Orlando, Florida. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
5. Campanile/LeBrea Bakery– We used to frequent this restaurant a lot, on this particular day we went for brunch, it was not that busy and the hostess seated us at an undesirable table way in the back. There was a beautiful fountain in the front with tables that was the preferred seating area and there were plenty empty tables. I shared with Reggie my obeservation, and he said “NO WAY”. He then went outside and watched for about 10 minutes as other non African-American patrons came in with no reservations and they were all seated in the front of the restaurant. Action-after about 4 couples were seated Reggie politely asked the hostess why did she seat us all the way in the back, and her reply was “Sir I don’t know.” The sad thing about this, I believe she really did not know…
Campanile
6. Ralphs- This particular day I was doing my shopping, when I was approached by an elderly woman who asked me if I were available for hire-she needed a housekeeper. She was very polite and even asked me if I knew how to make a sweet potato pie. I replied to her that I did not think she could afford my day rate and YES I do know how to make a sweet potato pie.
Help
7. Pharmacy – When my children were little, on occasion I would need a prescription filled, and on this particular day I go to the counter and the clerk tells me I cannot get this particular med, that I need to go back and get a new prescription from my pediatrician. I asked why and her reply was “Medi Cal does not cover this” Action- I can’t write everything I said here-let’s say it was a day those who were there will remember for a long time.
8. Store Parking Lot Hollywood – This particular afternoon I was parked in a store parking lot in Hollywood,with my friend (btw a caucasian girlfriend) we were about to get out of the car, when a police officer blocked my parked car and jumped out of the car and came to the window and asked for my drivers license and insurance. I asked why and he said “just get it” I was in my little BMW and I don’t think he really noticed my friend. I could not find my insurance card, but I had the one for my other car, and I told him that it was the same agent, he seemed bothered that I had other cars. He continued to interrogate me, until finally my friend asked him “why are you bothering her?” when he saw that she was white all of a sudden he backed off. After he drove away, my friend said “I guess that was “driving while black”?…he never stated what the problem was nor did he give me a ticket.
Sheriff
I could go on and on with these stories, but I chose to believe there are more good people than bad and when you correct situations when they happen that perhaps the idiot will think twice next time. I talk to my son about proper behavior now that he is a teen and not a cute “little boy” anymore, I warn him about how to act if approached by the police. He is not driving yet, but in a way I am happy, because I would be afraid, especially now.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Trayvon’s parents, at this time of loss, I can’t imagine losing my son, the pain would be unbearable.
Trayvon
Xoxo,
GIGI
Until the philosophy which hold one race superior
And another
Inferior
Is finally
And permanently
Discredited
And abandoned –
Everywhere is war –
Me say war.
Bob Marley
INDEPENDENCE DAY HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
HAVE A NICE LONG WEEKEND AND TAKE TIME TO WORK ON YOUR OWN FIREWORKS…
I’m going to enjoy this long weekend and work on a lot of loose ends…
Xoxo,
Gigi
I love street photography, perhaps it is the mystery of who are these people in these shots, and what were they thinking as they were captured by the lens.
I would love to dabble in street photography in the future, I’m intrigued by people, and could sit for hours in outdoor cafes observing people as they cruise by. There is truly an art to capturing someone for that perfect shot. I wonder if anyone gets upset when they discover they are being photographed. I’m not familiar with the legalities of street shooting, or if you have to get a release on the spot or what. I guess I will have to do the research and find out.
Enjoy…as some of my favorite street photographers talk about their favorite shot…
http://youtu.be/9M2CC06kyOs
I plan to play around with this on my vacation this summer, stay tuned…
Xoxo,
Gigi
Jack & Jill Teens Long Beach
Phoenix Arizona record breaking temperatures ie. 118 degrees + 250 or so teens, at a regional conference for 4 days = a lot of fun & sleepless nights.
Jack and Jill 75 years
We attended the annual Far West Region Jack and Jill teen conference held this year at Arizona State. Reggie and I along with a few other moms from our chapter were chaperones. I have been a member of Jack & Jill, since Reggie was 2. Jack and Jill is an African-American nationwide family organization that was founded by the late Marion Stubbs Thomas in 1938. The organization was formed during the depression, an extremely segregated time in our country. The focus was creating an environment for African-American children to stimulate social, cultural, educational and civic programs. Jack and Jill celebrated 75 years and is still going strong with 220 chapters with over 30,000 members nationwide.
Plenary Session
Some may question is there still a need for Jack and Jill? Times are different now, we even have President Barack Obama! We live in a suburb, where my children were always one of a few African-American families in their school and neighborhood, I wanted them to be exposed to other children who looked like them. I wanted my daughter to not feel like a “show N tell” exhibit every time she changed her hair from braids, to a press and curl or a natural hair style. There are many groups like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, National Charity League, Assistance League, etc., we participate in these organizations as well.
Reggie & Reggie
If I had any doubt about the validity of Jack & Jill, I can recall an incidence when my son was about 10, and I was picking him up from my neighbor/girlfriend, who is also African-American. The three of us were standing outside in broad daylight about 4 in the afternoon, when a car drove by and the occupants shouted “Niggers”, I felt so awful and helpless when I looked down at my son. Or when prom time came around and everyone was pairing up to go, and no one asked my daughter, all I had to do was pick up the phone and call one of my Jack & Jill sisters and my daughter had an escort. I have met some of my lifelong friends in Jack & Jill. We all strive to raise our children to be leaders in our society, and to make a difference in this world.
Let’s Work, Let’s Play, Let’s Live Together…
Senior Charis
We are so proud of our senior Charis, btw she recently completed her Gold Award, the highest honor bestowed on a Girl Scout and has completed over 500 community service hours.
Wearing our uninterrupted “White”
Yes some of our “rules” are 75 years old, but it is nice to see everyone dressed for a change. Matter of fact on the drive back home we could not just speed by the outlet in cabazon, so of course I was thrilled to find a pair a white Prada pumps…
Prada Pumps
Hope you had a good weekend and stayed cool.
Xoxo,
GIGI
Greetings Friends,
Stay cool today and HYDRATE! I’m in Arizona where it is 118 degrees.
HAPPY WEEKEND!
XOXO,
GIGI
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