Who knew there is so much drama with school boards and tiny community groups? I guess whenever you get two or more people together, there will be conflict. Especially when money and power are involved. My experience lately of covering these types of things make me realize the power plays that go on even in the smallest of organized groups. Here is my latest story … Continue reading School Boards and Town Groups
My passions are writing and photography. I am by training a photojournalist, but have been learning more formal photography techniques over the last seven years. I had a great session on portrait lighting the other day (with a great photographer named Rob Andrew). I also had the good fortune to photograph a beautiful model named Brooke. Lighting is, of course, the first key in any … Continue reading Photography Lessons: Portrait Lighting
Getting more involved in my community and learning about what is happening around me has been one the biggest blessings of my retirement. Before, I got up at the crack of dawn, commuted 45 minutes to work; spent the day in a windowless office; drove another 45 minutes to get home after maybe running a few errands in town; then had about three to four … Continue reading David and Goliath
One great aspect of my retirement and recent freelancing is getting to know more about my local community. I have finally had the chance to see what is going on locally and meet those who shake things up. I’ve become amazed with the level of things that happen at the local level in a small, rural community. One person here in Descanso who makes a … Continue reading My New Friend Duncan
I went to the cinema to see a movie with my sister, Lisa, today. We saw “August: Osage County” with Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. I rarely go to the theater to see movies anymore; and I say this as a true movie lover. My thoughts on this movie: the acting was phenomenal. The story line was interesting, but they blew it with the ending. … Continue reading August: Osage County
Hiking in San Diego’s East County: Airplane Monument I’m a lifelong resident of East County and, for the past 25 years, I’ve lived four miles from Green Valley Falls. Until last week, I had never heard of the Airplane Monument hiking trail just north of Green Valley – literally 4.5 miles from my house. On New Year’s Eve, I joined two companions for a day … Continue reading Hiking in San Diego’s East County: Airplane Monument
I’m a few days late, and it’s been at least three weeks since I last posted, but I am hoping for a peaceful, happy and loving 2014 for my family and friends. I’ve written enough about the losses we experienced in 2013; I can only hope the new year brings all of us peace. Still, those losses are lessons about life. We don’t get out … Continue reading Welcome 2014
If you’ve read my previous posts, you know I lost my sister, Marion, to cancer in July. It was quick; she was officially diagnosed on June 4 and died on July 3 (though, in hindsight, there were signs prior to the diagnosis). We didn’t come from a “cancer family.” But during my last mammogram in September, I was told “now you do.” The vast majority … Continue reading Life, Death, Cancer, Schmancer
Sometimes I think I would like to live the life of Moose Peterson (http://www.moosepeterson.com), a world-renowned wildlife photographer. The man has more patience than most humans, plus some super huge lenses. I admire his work immensely. I don’t think I could spend hours in a cold, damp place just waiting for that elusive shot he manages to capture over and over. His work is not … Continue reading Wildlife Photography
We don’t have kids, and thus we tend to coddle our dogs (3) and cats (2) the way many people treat their babies. We are those crazy people you hear about who dress their animals in holiday costumes. But we have a very good reason. The pets hate it. They get annoyed and tear the items off. The husband gets frustrated trying to direct them … Continue reading Crazy Pet Lovers
Sharon A. Penny 