"You Can't Say I Never Take You Anywhere"
It all began with the first photo. Adam was two and a half, and Teresa was four and a half. March 24, 2007, a very cool early spring day in Southern California. We spent the afternoon at Almansor Park, where ducks and other birds frolic in and around the man-made lake. The goal was simply to "feed the ducks" by the water. We brought a half-a-loaf of bread and enjoyed the seemingly ordinary day. After taking this photo, an idea struck. And stuck.
There are now close to two hundred pictures from various sights all over Southern California. From a Dodger game to various beaches and piers, to the Rose Parade and the sweet atmospheres of State Street Santa Barbara, from local museums and gardens to the grounds of the Santa Anita racetrack. The last photo was taken on August 16, 2010. After four short years, you can see how fast Adam and Teresa have grown. You can also noticeably see how fast Adam has passed Teresa in height. They grow up so fast!
It all began with the first photo. Adam was two and a half, and Teresa was four and a half. March 24, 2007, a very cool early spring day in Southern California. We spent the afternoon at Almansor Park, where ducks and other birds frolic in and around the man-made lake. The goal was simply to "feed the ducks" by the water. We brought a half-a-loaf of bread and enjoyed the seemingly ordinary day. After taking this photo, an idea struck. And stuck.
There are now close to two hundred pictures from various sights all over Southern California. From a Dodger game to various beaches and piers, to the Rose Parade and the sweet atmospheres of State Street Santa Barbara, from local museums and gardens to the grounds of the Santa Anita racetrack. The last photo was taken on August 16, 2010. After four short years, you can see how fast Adam and Teresa have grown. You can also noticeably see how fast Adam has passed Teresa in height. They grow up so fast!
As a collection, my ultimate goal is to display this somewhere with the powerful words of Max Ehrmann's
"Desiderata" in some way expressed obviously on the pictures.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
"Desiderata" in some way expressed obviously on the pictures.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
"Waiting in Vain" by Bob Marley
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