For four years, I've been going to Burning Man. The last three of those, I've helped coordinate Camp Pendant, a lively, warm, lowkey group of friends and relatives who've become my bona fide playa family.
The memory of the morning this photo was taken -- walking across the dusty lakebed, watching people frolic as the icy night air was slowly, gently warming from the reappearing sun -- is one I hope never to forget.
You know those people who are just consummate hosts? The type who not only throws the best parties, but also makes sure no one's glass is ever empty and stays late to clean up at other people's parties. We all know one.
This year, a group of us came together to plan a surprise birthday party for our friend Andie, who is just one of those hostesses. Measuring yourself to the standard-bearer is a pretty good way to inspire greatness.
Sometimes I feel like my life is one big performance.
I've never really understood homes that are usually silent. Growing up, there was almost always music playing in the background, and as an adult, I've pretty much kept the same protocol.
Music can be a source of motivation or calm. It can reflect my mood, or alter it. In many ways, it's my muse.
Tonight was the opening night of the Railroad Revival Tour -- six cities, three live acts, outdoor venues. The final song of the night, "This Train is Bound for Glory," was performed as a ensemble jam with all three bands. It was, hands down, the most amazing live performance I've ever seen.
You know what's great?
Short-short wearing, slightly paunchy, middle-aged rockstars who can pack The Independent with an incredibly diverse crowd that knows all the lyrics.
You know what's greater than that?
Being part of the crowd that knows the lyrics.
!!! (aka, ChkChkChk)
In the courtyard at the Oakland Amtrak station stands an statue of C.L. Dellums, the late civil rights and labor activist and vice president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.
This weekend, someone added a bit of sartorial color to the elegant Mr. Dellums.
Sometimes, focusing too hard on what's directly in front of you has the unfortunate consequence of rendering the bigger picture a blur.
After visiting the temples of Angkor last November, I made a point of telling nearly everyone who would listen that Cambodia should be on their Life List (or Bucket List, if you prefer.)
Since then, three friends have made the trek, with a fourth on her way there now. Each of them has come back feeling awed by the scale and beauty of the temples, and grateful for the experience. It's a nice feeling to inspire someone.
You can see my complete set of Cambodia photos here.
Ask any child what his or her favorite color is, and you'll likely get a quick and decisive answer. They're used to being asked that question--I suppose it's one of the first choices that they get to make, and experience the continual expression of.
A sweet six-year-old recently asked me my favorite color, and I realized I really didn't have an answer. Later that night, as I walked through my home, I realized that brown is present everywhere, in every shade and tone imaginable. Furniture, clothing, textiles... I surround myself with brown.
So then I tried a little experiment. I used Adobe's Kuler palette maker to create color themes of a handful of my favorite photographs. I wasn't too surprised when nearly every palette was rooted in an earthy shade of brown.
Do you know what your favorite color is? The color you surround yourself with more than any other? The one you gravitate towards, consciously or not?
Full circle and then some.
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