Sara Norris Photography :: Unique Fine Art and Portrait Photography

Fall is in the Air

2011-09-27T10:02:00.000-06:00

I am in love with Fall: the colors, the smells, the crispness in the air. The reds of fall are especially gorgeous. Jewel-toned, rich and deep.

Video Games Sneak Peek

2011-09-26T13:07:00.000-06:00

I had an amazing night in the studio with Video Games. Here's a little sneak peek at the incredible talented Kent Erickson playing the trumpet.

Monday, Monday

2011-09-26T08:34:00.000-06:00

Aren't Mondays great...?

Cowboy Love

2011-09-05T08:42:00.002-06:00

Robert Frank "Rodeo"

365 Project: Day 141

2010-10-21T13:45:00.000-06:00

I realized something today. As of October 13th, I should have been finished with my 365 project. Alas, I am not even half way done. I was looking back on what I was doing a year ago today, and my life is SO much different than it was then. The pink toenails and library books are still here, but I'm in a completely different place now. I feel like I have grown and changed so much as a person.

The last year of my life has been a huge learning experience. I feel like I'm headed in a similar, yet different direction than I was then. I'm learning how to be much happier and its actually working. I'm taking responsibility of my financial life, and for once I'm setting goals and planning for my future. I have always believed that a person can do anything they want with their lives. For once, I'm not only believing that I can reach my goals, I'm actually creating a plan to make those things happen. It feels very positive and like I'm taking an active approach to living my life.

365 Project: Day 139

2010-10-07T12:08:00.000-06:00

I had an unexpected epiphany this morning. Things that I had been pondering, ok, things I had been obsessing about, suddenly became very clear to me. Its a strange feeling when you're blindsided by the truth. Its really amazing how things just switched from being confusing and stressful to very simple. If this were a cartoon I'm sure I would've had a huge light bulb appear above my head. The realization was such a huge relief that I actually sort of laughed aloud to myself. Then I realized that I was in public, but I was still smiling at my book. How did I not see things this way before? Perspective truly is everything.

I just read the book "Delivering Happiness" by Tony Hsieh, the CEO of Zappos.com. A friend insisted that I read it and she even let me borrow her copy. I laid in the park one day and read the entire 240 page book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Hsieh's insight on his life, happiness, setting goals, and his philosophy behind the way he runs Zappos is incredibly encouraging and interesting. He is fascinated by the idea of happiness and has done a lot of research about it. He even recommends other books that he has read on the subject.

Now I'm reading one of the books he recommended, "The Happiness Hypothesis" by Jonathan Haidt. True happiness has always been a mystery to me. Of course I have been happy and I often am happy, but in general I would never call myself a content or happy person. By nature I'm a worrier. I stress for no reason at all. My stress levels have actually caused me physical illness and intense pain on more than one occasion. What makes it worse, is I know that I do this. I realize there is no reason for me to feel this way in most situations, but I can't help it. Believe me, I've tried.

I don't want to be stressed, frustrated, or anxious and I don't think that I should have to be. I don't want to let the little things get to me anymore. I am on a quest to be happy, or at least to find out why I'm not. The way this book explains what makes us happy and why people tend to dwell on the negative is very scientific. Breaking it down in a factual way makes it all very clear to me why I react the way I do. Its fascinating. This book also gives you suggestions on how to retrain yourself to react differently. I have a lot to learn and this is definitely no easy task, but I figure, hey, its at least worth a shot.

365 Project: Day 138

2010-09-29T21:36:00.000-06:00

This is what I do when I've been working at my computer for WAY too long. I roll my desk chair away and lay on the floor with my feet propped up on the desk and I stare off into the distance. Its the only position that relieves the pain in my back and gives my eyes a much needed rest. Thankfully the cord for my headphones is long enough to accommodate my need to be periodically horizontal.

I don't know how people do it. How do people sit at a computer in a desk chair for 8 hours a day, 7 days a week? Aside from the physical pain, it stresses me out. I go stir crazy when I'm chained to my desk. I desperately need a laptop so I at least have a little flexibility. I could sit in my new favorite chair, or in bed, or go to a coffee house. Working in front of a computer for hours and hours like this only adds to my already erratic sleeping habits. My exhaustion then makes my stress and frustration more intense. I try to take breaks, go outside, walk around, lay on the floor. I do everything I can to relieve my discomfort, but after a week straight of long days, I'm pretty much fried.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The result of all this work and pain is what makes it worth it in the end. I photographed, retouched and laid out my very first catalog for Dream Mullick Collection's Fall line. I'm so excited to see the final printed catalog. I'm proud of myself. I think it came out really great! And I'm sure I will only appreciate it more when the pain finally stops.

365 Project: Day 137

2010-09-16T18:38:00.004-06:00

One of my worst fears is losing my sight. Its a completely unfounded and irrational fear. As far as I know there is absolutely nothing wrong with my eyes. I wear glasses to see far away and I have terrible vision at night, but aside from that, there is no reason for me to fear going blind. I think I fear it because its the most devastating thing I can think of happening to me. As a photographer and artist, my sight is everything to me. I can't imagine feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, but not having the ability to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of a sunset. Living in a world of darkness is terrifying to me. I get most of my inspiration from looking at the world around me: paintings, photographs, architecture, little moments in my daily life...if I could no longer see these things, what would my life be like? I don't know that I would have the strength to continue to try to create. Its been hard enough to lose my inspiration, if I ever lost my sight I think I would fall apart.

| Artists Wanted | In Focus : Pete Eckert from Artists Wanted on Vimeo.

Pete Eckert is such an inspiration to me. Pete is the embodiment of my worst fear and yet he still creates beautiful imagery, even without his sight. I've read several articles about him in the past, but when I came across this video it really touched me. I've seen it before, but I still cried the entire time I watched it. His story, his life, and his perseverance overwhelm me. Even as I write this, I feel emotion welling in my throat. Pete wasn't always blind. He grew up wanting to be an artist. He even went to art school for sculpture and industrial design. He wanted to study architecture at Yale. It wasn't until later in life that he lost his sight due to Retinitis Pigmentosa. He says that now sound gives him vision. Having to touch and hear in order to see is unimaginable to me. How can you see a painting with your fingers?

Pete says, "Women talk about a glass ceiling. Blind folks face a glass front door. We can look into the workplace but aren’t allowed to enter. I do something else. I slip photos under the door from the world of the blind to be viewed in the light of the sighted. I view my work during the event of taking the shot in my minds eye. I “see“ each shot very clearly, only I use sound, touch, and memory. I am more of a conceptual artist than a photographer. My influences come from my past memory of art and what I now find in the world at large. I now ask to touch sculptures in museums too. That’s another long story."

The images he creates are incredible. He paints with light and captures things in a way that I would never dream of. His work makes me think that my sight could be viewed as a handicap to my creativity. It limits my perception of the world to a single sense. I have to ask myself: why don't I use my other four senses when I'm creating? Because my work is visual, I rely mostly on my sight, but what could I create if I couldn't see? It opens a whole new world of possibility. So what am I afraid of?

Visit Pete's website to read about his story and to view his portfolio: www.peteeckert.com

365 Project: Day 136

2010-09-13T21:04:00.000-06:00

This is my new favorite chair. I love chairs that my entire body can curl up in...especially if they're vintage. Things are generally looking up lately. I still haven't found my inspiration, but other things are happening in the mean time to keep my mind busy. Like this chair.

Today was far from uneventful. My "I'll Fly Away" print was purchased by ABC for the set of Modern Family. I'm so excited to see if it shows up in any episodes! I just found out that I was accepted into a financial planning program that I've been on a waiting list for since February. After months of waiting, a depressing application that forced me to realize that I am well on my way to becoming a financial mess at 27, and a page full of interview questions I'm finally in! I'm really stoked! Hopefully I will now be set on the right path to financial freedom and responsibility. I figure its better to get a grip on these things while I'm still young.

I was almost in TWO car accidents on my way to the grocery store this evening. Both near misses were caused by jerks who were trying to beat red lights. Its always a GREAT idea to floor it through a busy intersection while driving directly into the blinding New Mexico sunset. Right? Idiots. When I finally got to the grocery store, I witnessed a hugely pregnant, not to mention pissed off woman kick a man in the ass right in the middle of the bread aisle. It took everything I had not to laugh out loud. I actually had to leave the aisle. I am so grateful that my life is full of these little moments. I can't help but stop and laugh. I see the craziest things every day and, ironically, those crazy little moments keep me sane.

On a side note, I am so thankful for all of the comments, emails, phone calls, and text messages that I received after my last couple of posts. They were all so full of hope, encouragement, and support. If nothing else, this project has been a place where I can vent my frustration to the world and get nothing but positivity, comfort and understanding in return. I appreciate you all so much. I am feeling a little better. I'm trying to just go with the flow and keep myself busy until my inspiration returns.

Modern Family

2010-09-13T20:05:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to share this news with everyone! This print was purchased today for the set of Modern Family on ABC!! Everyone help me keep an eye out for it. I can't wait to see if it makes it into any episodes.

"I'll Fly Away"

365 Project: Day 135

2010-09-06T21:23:00.000-06:00

I am uninspired. Still. I wish I had the words to explain how emotionally difficult it is for me to feel this way. I'm just going through the motions every day and its draining and unfulfilling. When I can't create its like I'm missing a huge part of what makes me who I am. The world looks completely different to me when I am uninspired.

I had a great photo shoot yesterday with a beautiful young woman. As I was looking through the lens I remembered what it was like to be at that point in my life: 18, just about to finish high school, and bursting with optimism and possibility. The girl I was back then thought she had it all figured out. I miss that feeling of being so sure of myself. Ten years ago I was full of fire, now I'm full of questions. As the years go by I feel that flame fizzling out. I feel myself settling for the ashes of the woman I wanted to become.

I have to stop there. Its so hard for me to write this entry. It is uncomfortably real. Analyzing my feelings and writing this is emotionally exhausting. These words are the truth and I can't seem to find a way to censor myself or sugar-coat it. I am trying to be honest with myself and I'm putting it all out there. I'm working hard to set new goals and right some wrongs in my life. I am making some major changes and personal change is difficult. Its a very emotional process that I've been avoiding for months by stalling with this project. I didn't want to write about all of this. I've been surrounding myself with distractions, trying to dull the reality that I'm in this place right now where I have a million questions and no answers.

365 Project: Day 134

2010-09-06T19:19:00.000-06:00

I'm working hard to make some major changes in my life. I feel like there are so many things that I should be doing that I'm not, many things I want to do that I haven't, and many things I shouldn't be doing that I am. All of that has to change. I feel this sudden urgency to get it together.

As a teenager I daydreamed about the life I wanted to live, and back then, it all seemed possible. I remember being so hopeful and feeling like I had so much time to figure everything out. I didn't know about all of the distractions and detours and dead ends that can come up along the road of life. There are so many ways to lose yourself and I'm feeling very lost lately. I know where I want to end up and I know where I've been, but somehow I've wandered off my path and I've gotten lost in this maze. My frustration has been building and building and I've finally reached a breaking point. I have to do something. Its time to get my priorities straight.

Autumn is almost here...

2010-09-03T08:28:00.001-06:00

and these leaves wait in anticipation of the fall.

Anticipation - 8x12 print $25

Mike Kelly: Wake the Dead - Available Today!

2010-08-24T10:44:00.000-06:00

I am so stoked that my friend Mike Kelly's album comes out today!

I spent months taking the pictures and working on the artwork for this album and now its finally here! I get to see a copy for the first time when Mike comes to play in Albuquerque this Thursday. I'm so excited to see it all finished and put together. I can hardly wait.

Here is a video from the amazing Austin Tolin about the making of Mike's album.

Mike has been on a incredible journey these last couple of years after going through a very serious heart surgery. Now, he is out there pursuing his dream and I am so proud of him and what he is accomplishing.

This is one of my favorite songs on the album that Mike did with the very talented Andy Skib.

I Designed an Album Cover!

2010-08-05T15:38:00.001-06:00

I have an amazingly talented musician friend named Mike Kelly. When he asked me to design his new album cover of course I said yes!! Months have gone by and I have been waiting and waiting to finally be able to share this project with you guys.

The album's official release date is August 24th, but it is available for pre-sale. Visit his website to order your copy now and you also get a free autographed tour poster! You can also download a free song from his new album. Mike is currently touring all over Texas and New Mexico. The show dates are on his website, so if you get a chance to catch one of his shows you won't regret it.

365 Project: Day 133

2010-07-28T01:07:00.000-06:00

My back is killing me today. Its all achy and knotted up from sitting for too long. I've been working really hard lately, which means long hours in front of my computer. My eyes are so tired that the right one is starting to twitch...again.

Thank God I'm leaving town this weekend. It'll be nice to take a road trip and get away for a little while. I'm really looking forward to just getting in the car and driving. Plus, I'm going somewhere I've never been before with some of my favorite people. Its just what I need right now.

365 Project: Day 132

2010-07-26T00:46:00.000-06:00

I have an idea. A really big idea. Its been brewing somewhere in the back of my mind for a while now. I feel like on some level I always knew it was there, but it was fuzzy and in the distance, just waiting for me to find it and focus myself. I don't know how I didn't think of this sooner.

More and more I find myself day dreaming. Brainstorming. I get a feeling inside of me when I'm onto something that I think is good. Its a nagging gut feeling that won't let my mind rest until I figure out how to make it happen. Every decision I've ever made in my life has been based on my gut instinct and that's what I'm going with now. I still haven't gotten all the details worked out, but its coming together. The only thing I can think about lately is how to make this idea a reality. I'm not ready to tell anyone what it is just yet. Nope. Not yet. But I'm really excited about it!

365 Project: Day 131

2010-07-24T19:24:00.000-06:00

Lately I feel like I'm waiting around for something to happen. I don't know what, I don't even know what I want to happen at this point. But still, I'm waiting, trying to figure it all out.

I'm still waiting for my motivation to return. I'm bored, unsettled, unsure. I don't know if I can wait much longer to figure all of this out before I explode. Its getting really frustrating and I feel like I'm wasting time. Days are just going by one by one with no distinction between them. I'm trying to wait patiently. Unfortunately patience is not a virtue I possess. For once in my life I wish that something could just come easily. Effortlessly. Is it too much to ask for something amazing to just happen?

365 Project: Day 130

2010-07-24T18:48:00.000-06:00

I have a love affair with water. Pools, rivers, lakes, oceans, I love it all. Floating around on the surface of the water, everything gets calm and quiet for once. There is something about not being able to feel the weight of yourself that is relaxing and freeing in a way that nothing else can be.

Its nice to be weightless sometimes.

365 Project: Day 129

2010-07-22T21:39:00.000-06:00

I love hotels. I love the little shampoos, the fold out stand that you put your suitcase on, the little fridge, seeing all the people who are traveling to and from who knows where...its great.

Think of all the people who have stayed in that room, from all over the place. Where were they going? Why did they stop there? Where had they been? They should keep a guest book in every single hotel room for people to write the story of their travels. That's a book I'd love to read.

New Greeting Cards from Sara Norris Photography

2010-07-20T11:12:00.000-06:00

Hand-written letters are definitely a lost art. I love hand-written letters. In the age of emails, text messages, facebook, etc., the idea that someone took the time to sit down, write a note, put a stamp on it, and actually mail a letter or a card is very special to me. In the spirit of recapturing the lost art of a hand-written letter, I have added three new sets of cards to my Etsy shop.

Balloon Fiesta

Johnny Apple Seed

The Roots Series

These sets are only $8 and are now available in my Etsy shop!

365 Project: Day 128

2010-06-18T17:05:00.000-06:00

Today I let go...I just let it all go. The frustration, the mental block, the obsessing...I let it go. I spent the afternoon with myself at the park. I was there for hours. I'm not sure people know I do this. The park is one of those places that I sneak away to when I need to think and just be alone for awhile. I love the park. I love grass and trees and being outside. I spent hours in the shade of a big old tree, laying in the grass listening to my iPod and clearing my head. I napped for almost an hour and a half. Apparently I have no problem sleeping in public like a bum. I opened my eyes to a view of the canopy above me swaying in the breeze. I awoke feeling rested, recharged, and peaceful.

There is something about laying on the grass that quiets my mind. The calmness that my body feels when I'm laying against the earth is hard to explain. The smell of the grass and the dirt, the coolness of it against my skin is comforting and relaxing. I ran my hands through the blades of grass along side of me, letting them tickle my palms and tangle in my fingers. I laid there for a long time and stared up into the trees stretching over me. I watched the sunlight flicker through the leaves as they twirled. These are the moments that ease my mind. I took a deep breath, inhaling the damp earthy smell and just like that...I let it all go.

Free Shipping

2010-06-17T12:01:00.000-06:00

Looking for a unique piece of art for that newly redecorated room, or a gift for someone special? Be sure to stop by my Etsy shop. I'm offering free shipping today only!

*All shipping charges are refunded through Paypal*

Newsletter Giveaway

2010-06-15T12:30:00.000-06:00

and the winner of my first Newsletter Giveaway is.......Courtney! She's the lucky winner of a Summer Inspired Surprise Pack from Sara Norris Photography!

8x8 "Shade" print with 11x14 matting

Just a note-book set: "Seaside Series"

Courtney will also receive a special gift: a new set of greeting cards featuring images from Sara Norris Photography. These won't even be available until next month!

Courtney was chosen at random just by signing up for my newsletter. If you want to be included in the drawing for July's giveaway, be sure to sign up for my newsletter on my blog or visit my website.

365 Project: Day 127

2010-06-15T11:12:00.000-06:00

Oh inspiration....where are you? An old friend of mine keeps telling me to look up. I'm not sure what this means, or why he keeps telling me to do so. I tried it. FYI Paul, it didn't work.

I have so many ideas...that's not really the issue. The problem is actually putting them into action. Its the process of creating that is, well, for the lack of a better word...its stuck. My creativity, which is usually flowing like a river, has slowed to an annoying drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet.

Its such a strange feeling. Creating isn't an essential human need like water or food. I will technically live without it, but it is essential to my sanity. I find it fascinating that when I think of what this feels like to me, I think of physical pain. I feel like the person I am inside of this body is being deprived of something I need. Its become this torturous process for me. Its stifling. I feel like I'm gasping for a breath of air that just isn't enough to sustain me.

I'm working on it though. I'm going through the motions. Its so frustrating to have all of this inside of me and not be able to do anything about it. I'm creatively paralyzed. I have all these ideas and goals but I just can't get them out of my head and into reality. Forcing it only makes it worse. I'm only getting more and more frustrated. I need to be patient and wait for it all to come naturally. Once I stop obsessing, I know everything will come so much easier. The problem is....I'm not a patient person.

365 Project: Day 126

2010-06-10T22:12:00.001-06:00

I find myself standing like this when I'm really thinking about something. I stretch my arms up, I pull my hair away from my face, I take a deep breath and I rest my hands on my head. You can even see me doing this in Day 31's picture. I've been catching myself standing like this and looking out the window a lot lately. Its interesting the things you notice yourself doing when you're just being yourself.

I look out the window or I stand on the porch and I just stare. Not at anything in particular...just into the distance. I don't know what is going on with me lately. I'm tired, I'm on edge, I'm unmotivated, I'm frustrated, I can't focus on one thing for more than five minutes at a time. I'm bored. I feel like I've hit a wall on so many levels. Creatively, personally, mentally. I think the inevitable has happened and I have burned myself out. I'm right on schedule though. I shouldn't be surprised. Its been about one year in the same place and I have that anxious feeling growing in the pit of my stomach. I should have expected it.

I've had this stagnant feeling many times before. Something is missing. I'm impatient for a change. I feel myself being pulled away from this place, from my routine, from my life. It doesn't seem like I'm moving in the right direction. Or any direction at all. This nervous energy is building inside of me. Its like I'm about to burst and go flying in 500 directions at once just for the sake of progress. I'm trying to hold it in, but I am constantly asking myself, "What am I doing? What's the next step?" It consumes me.

I want to be able to look out the window and for once be content. I just want to be satisfied. But I don't think I'm capable of that. I can't imagine a point in my life that it will ever happen. I will only be satisfied in a state of constant motion. I am a restless soul. *sigh*

¡Revíva!

2010-06-10T00:41:00.001-06:00

I finally got a chance to post images from the ¡Revíva! show on May 21st. This band gets batter every time I see them. They are a group of awesome, talented guys and I love going to their shows. I always have such a blast!

Check out all of the images on my Facebook Fan Page.

There's No Place Like Home

2010-06-04T15:28:00.000-06:00

When someone orders a print from me I'm always thrilled. I pack each print up with love and send it off to find its new home. That little piece of me and my world is going to become part of someone else's life. Whether it be a gift for their loved one, or a present they bought for themselves...my print becomes a part of their home and their world.

There is nothing I love more than when its new owner sends me pictures of where my print has ended up. When Irene from Design StILes send me an email today I was so thrilled! She bought my "Once Upon a Time" print. Now I can see where it has found its new home.

Irene wrote a blog post today and included this picture. It looks amazing all frames up on her wall. Take a look at her blog post here.

Do you guys have pictures of where you've displayed my prints? I would LOVE to see them!
Thank you Irene...you made my day!

365 Project: Day 125

2010-06-03T21:04:00.001-06:00

I'm feeling a little directionless lately. I need a vacation for sure. Its time to recharge. I need to go somewhere and clear my head, gain a little perspective and re-prioritize. I'm finding myself caught up in the stupid little things and I'm losing sight of what is important to me.

My head feels cloudy. It happens from time to time. I think that's part of why I move around so often. The process of discovering a new place rejuvenates me mentally. It sparks my creativity and reminds me just how big, incredible and surprising this world is.

Just the idea that summer is here is starting to bring me back to life. I wilt in winter. I hibernate. When the warm weather returns I feel myself getting excited for every single day. Here's to a beautiful, amazing and inspiring summer.

365 Project: Day 124

2010-06-02T21:05:00.001-06:00

There are so many things about people and life and this world that I don't understand. I try so hard.

Some days it just exhausts me.

Stuck on You Magnets - Boardwalk Set from Sara Norris Photography

2010-06-02T14:29:00.000-06:00

Spruce up your kitchen or office with a Stuck on You Magnet from Sara Norris Photography! I love this "Boardwalk" series. These would be perfect in your office to hang pictures of loved ones or an important memo.

www.saranorris.etsy.com

The Sara Norris Photography Newsletter

2010-06-01T10:41:00.000-06:00

My very first newsletter went out this morning! I have already gotten such a great response from everyone. I'm so excited to be sharing the latest news from Sara Norris Photography with my fans every month. I've loved getting to know you all over the past couple of years. Its been so fulfilling for me to share my work and my life with you. I really want to create an interactive community with my fans where we can all inspire each other. You guys are all so sweet, supportive and overall just amazing! You inspire me every day!

When you sign up for my newsletter, you'll be the first to know about upcoming sales and discounts, new prints and gifts available in my Etsy shop, and each newsletter includes a monthly giveaway exclusively for subscribers! If you haven't signed up yet, make sure you don't miss out on July's edition. You can join my mailing list by filling out the form on the top right side of my blog or on my website.

365 Project: Day 123

2010-05-18T21:34:00.000-06:00

I think I'm sick....again. I really hope I can shake whatever this is quickly. I've got a fever and my body is radiating heat, but I couldn't resist getting out of bed to soak up some of this beautiful summer sunset.

Now I have to get back in bed.

365 Project: Day 122

2010-05-11T20:18:00.000-06:00

Summer is by FAR my favorite time of year. I worship the sun. Although I do wear sunscreen everyday...even in the winter. During the Summer the days are longer, the nights are all warm and fuzzy, I don't have to wear shoes, I can go swimming and camping, BBQ, 4th of July, fireworks, etc. There are too many good things about summer to list.

I was able to sit outside this morning and enjoy my breakfast of coffee and cinnamon toast before the wind picked up. Its so nice to take a few minutes to enjoy the morning. Of course, I had been up since 6:52 am and had already gotten a good amount of work done before I decided to enjoy my morning around 9:30 am. At least I made an effort to take a second for myself today. I was proud of myself for that.

2 Time Couture

2010-05-11T11:33:00.007-06:00

I recently had a photo shoot at a great little boutique in Albuquerque called 2 Time Couture. I finally got a chance to post some of the images for you guys to see. I had a great time shopping while I was shooting (sorry, I couldn't help it!) and these ladies were so much fun!

www.shop2time.com

365 Project: Day 121

2010-05-10T17:14:00.001-06:00

My sister and I drove down to our parents' house this weekend to spend Mother's Day with our mother and grandmother. It was so nice outside and my car was filthy so I decided to wash it the old fashioned way. No motorized brushes. No high pressure sprayer. Just me, bucket of soapy water, and the hose. Just being outside in the hot sun, wet driveway under my bare feet, radio playing classic rock in the garage...it started to feel like summer.

365 Project: Day 120

2010-05-07T19:07:00.000-06:00

It was such a nice day outside today. It was warm, sunny, and (for once) not windy. I'm so happy that its almost summer. I wait all year for summer. I also found the biggest Dandelion I've ever seen today. It was a good day.

Stuck on You Magnets - Ranunculus No. 1 from Sara Norris Photography

2010-05-06T18:04:00.003-06:00

My Ranunculus images are Sara Norris Photography favorites! Now you can have my Ranunculus No. 1 Stuck on You Magnet to brighten your kitchen or office. Get this magnet or make your favorite pic from Sara Norris Photography into a magnet! SPECIAL ORDERS ARE AVAILABLE! Just send me an email for a special request.

My "Stuck on You Magnets" are all handmade by me and feature my original photography. Each one is made with a 1" square glass tile and has a super strong Rare Earth magnet on the back. You'll be surprised just how powerful these little magnets are! Just one can hold up a stack of 5 pictures! They are perfect for lockers, refrigerators, file cabinets or anywhere else with a magnetic surface.

www.saranorris.etsy.com

Holly Norris - nope, no relation

2010-05-06T14:48:00.003-06:00

Holly Norris is a young Canadian photographer who's work I just came across today. Her photojournalistic images are so powerful. I love her American Able campaign. Through a series of clever mock American Apparel advertisements, she addresses how disabled women are overlooked in today's media and advertising.

In her latest blog post Holly posted images from the No More Silence March that was held on Valentines Day in Toronto. The march was to recognize the over 500 indigenous women who have been murdered or who have gone missing on Turtle Island over the last three decades. Apparently there has been an ongoing problem with genocide against indigenous women in the area that is being covered up by law enforcement, coroners office's and the courts. Its really disturbing. This is an issue that I had never heard of before and it is really terrible that this is happening to these women.

Check out more of Holly Norris' work on her website and her blog.

http://hollynorris.ca/

http://forestfirecity.wordpress.com/

Both images featured here are © Holly Norris.

365 Project: Day 119

2010-05-04T19:08:00.000-06:00

Tuckered. There is no better word for how I'm feeling right now. Its been a long day. I just want to melt into my bed right now.

Join My Mailing List

2010-05-04T16:29:00.010-06:00

Now you can get all the latest from me right in your inbox! Starting in June I'm going to be sending out a monthly e-newsletter. It will include the latest news from Sara Norris Photography, upcoming specials and sales, a monthly giveaway exclusively for subscribers, and the heads up on new items and prints in my Etsy shop.

Don't worry! I promise not to clutter your inbox with tons of emails. This newsletter will only be sent out once a month and I will never sell your email address or your information to anyone. Your info is safe with me! Any time you want to stop receiving updates just click on the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the newsletter. Its simple!

I'm really looking forward to sharing with you guys!

To sign up enter your email address in the form on the right side of my blog or just click here!

365 Project: Day 118

2010-05-02T23:00:00.001-06:00

The past week has been chaos around my house. The police have been at the house across the street everyday for a week. They've been arresting people, hauling stuff out of the house, and still continuing to stake it out from an incredibly obvious van that I've seen parked in the street. Today there was a cop chasing a car down my street when they refused to pull over. I'm starting to worry.

On top of that, there has been a construction crew at my house every day for over a week now. They are turing that garage full of junk that I took my picture in front of on Day 108 into a studio apartment. I snuck in there today to take a peek. I'm a little annoyed that the landlord chose to put money into converting the garage instead up fixing the two houses that are already falling down on the property. I think this will be a nice little apartment for someone once its finished though. It would make the perfect office for me if I could afford to rent it. Or if I actually wanted to stay in this house another second. With all the craziness around here lately I can't wait to move out of here!

365 Project: Day 117

2010-05-01T16:28:00.000-06:00

I love 24 hour places. Restaurants, gas stations, bars, etc., I love them all. There is just something about a business that NEVER closes that I find really interesting. I have become a sort of connoisseur of these kinds of places. That was my favorite thing about Las vegas. EVERYTHING is 24 hours! Its like heaven.

My new favorite 24 hour place is Harold's Laundries. This place is amazing! Its a 24 hour convenience store that is also a laundromat. I love it! The laundromat part is genius! All it needs is public showers and you could practically live there.

The convenience store is small, but its stocked with all the essentials: sodas, chips, stale "fresh" pastries, candy bars and a sassy elderly woman who has obviously smoked most of her life/ gotten too much sun behind the counter. In addition to all the traditional goodies, they also have an ample assortment of miniature laundry soaps: liquids and powders. There is even one of those Claw arcade machines that are impossible to ever win a stuffed animal out of, and a candy/sticker/temporary tattoo/crap you don't need dispensers that every kid loves.

I took a ton of pictures there today while waiting for the laundry to finish. I can't wait to show you guys.

My Afternoon at the Rio Grande Bio Park

2010-04-30T08:24:00.003-06:00

I had a great afternoon walking around and snapping some pictures. Its been too long since I took the time out to do this.

The two ponds there are so beautiful.

These geese were so funny and they had the cutest little family.

The Roots Series is now magnetic!

2010-04-29T19:01:00.001-06:00

Spruce up your kitchen or office with a Stuck on You Magnet from Sara Norris Photography! I love this "Roots" series. These would be perfect in your office to hang pictures of loved ones or an important memo.

www.saranorris.etsy.com

365 Project: Day 116

2010-04-29T15:06:00.000-06:00

The wind is so crazy today! Not so long ago I couldn't wait for Spring to start, but now I can't wait for it to be over. I forgot that Spring in New Mexico comes with a lot of really windy days. Its like mother nature's own special form of torture. The temperature finally warms up, but you have to deal with blowing sand, dirt in your teeth, your hair all tangled, allergies, etc. It sucks.

Stuck on You Magnets from Sara Norris Photography

2010-04-29T09:13:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited to show you guys some of the new items I've been working on!

Stuck on You Magnets are the newest addition to my Etsy shop. There are two different styles to choose from: bottle caps or glass tile. Both have an Super Strong Rare Earth Magnet on the back. These magnets not only feature your favorite images from Sara Norris Photography, but also a collection of vintage illustrations to choose from. Stuck on You Magnets are available individually and also in sets.

Each magnet is $5 individually and $12 for the sets of 4.

www.saranorris.etsy.com

365 Project: Day 115

2010-04-28T19:21:00.001-06:00

There are beautiful white flowers blooming in the front yard. They are right next to the porch. I smile every time I run by them on my way to or from somewhere I'm inevitably in a hurry to get to. Its nice to notice the little things these days. Lately I feel like my life is flying by while I stumble through with my head down just trying to get through the day task by task. The days seem to just blur together.

Thank goodness for little white flowers.

365 Project: Day 114

2010-04-27T18:25:00.000-06:00

I'm feeling a little less stressed, a little more motivated, and a lot more organized today. I think the beautiful, warm sunshine is making me feel a lot better. The constant desert wind in the Spring just makes everything feel so chaotic.

The past few weeks have been overwhelming. My mile long to do list has suddenly taken over my life. It seems like as I slowly cross things off, more and more and more just keeps piling on. As a result I'm not only keeping one calendar with my schedule, but two, just to keep track of everything. One in my purse and one in my phone. I have a ringer alert for every single thing that must get done. My life has been planned out hour by hour for the last month. Its exhausting.

Its hard for me not to take on the world. I'd like to believe that I can do anything. And I can. I may develop severe headaches, and eye twitches in the process, but I am capable of anything. That sounds really healthy, I'm sure. (Please note the sarcasm and eye rolling here.)

I have this constant compulsion to work and create and just keep pushing and pushing and pushing myself until I just can't go on. I'm not sure where it comes from, but I can't seem to stop it. If I'm not working on something, then I'm thinking about what I "should" be working on. I'm obsessed. I will work myself to exhaustion at the expense of my health, my sanity, my relationships, and my personal life. There is a certain satisfaction I feel when things are getting accomplished. Yes, I realize that this is problem. No, I don't think it will ever change.

365 Project: Day 113

2010-04-27T16:31:00.000-06:00

I'm back! Don't be fooled, this is no indication that I'm actually getting caught up with all of my ongoing projects. I just miss my 365. I'm so sad that it has fallen by the wayside in my effort to "do it all". But here is it.

Day 113. Sara sans makeup. Those of you who know me have probably NEVER even seen me without at least a little makeup. I don't leave the house without it...ever. The sad state I'm in is a direct result of my schedule, stress level, and lack of tolerance for the unnecessary right now. Makeup is unfortunately not necessary, as much as I'd like to think it is, and today it just became one more thing for me to do.

At this point my stress level is such that my left eye has been twitching for 11 straight days. Not to mention off and on for a week before that. I'm seriously considering getting an eye patch. Maybe I'll bedazzle it.

Senior Portraits!

2010-04-27T16:08:00.000-06:00

Last week I had a blast spending the afternoon taking Anika's senior pictures. It was such a beautiful day and Anika was so great! I couldn't have asked for a better photo shoot. Here are a few of my favorites from the day. Thanks Anika!!

Its that time of year!

2010-04-01T19:22:00.000-06:00

I'm now booking for Spring and Summer photo sessions! If you are interested in booking a photo shoot just send me an email at saranorrisphotography{at}hotmail{dot}com.

Don't wait! I only book a certain number of photo shoots for the season and you don't want to miss out!

365 Project: Day 112

2010-03-23T17:57:00.000-06:00

I think I may have a problem. My camera collection has officially exceeded my available shelf space. Actually, I ran out of space a while ago. I've been finding creative ways of arranging my cameras so that I can cram as many of them as possible onto the limited shelf space I have in my tiny room. But now its really official. I am out of places to put them.

These cameras are my babies. I love them all. They all work. When I see one sitting in a thrift store I just can't stop myself from picking it up. I especially love Polaroid cameras. I got two new-to-me vintage Polaroid cameras a couple of weeks ago. They both work, but the Polaroids they take aren't made anymore. I was so excited when I saw them in the thrift store. They both came with the original hard case and a ton of little accessories and goodies to go with them. Whoever owned them must have really been into photography. They took really good care of these cameras and I am so thrilled that they now belong to me!

So here I am. All these cameras and nowhere to put them. What am I going to do? I'm not going to stop collecting them. That's for sure.

365 Project: Day 111

2010-03-21T16:10:00.000-06:00

I have dressed and undressed this manequin probably 500 times in the last few days. I've been shooting some of Modern Cowgirl's T-shirts for their website. I started looking at this mannequin and thinking, "This is supposed to be the standard female form?" I think I can honestly say that I know maybe one or two woman who look like this. Maybe. No wonder we're all screwed up when it comes to body image.

365 Project: Day 110

2010-03-07T20:45:00.000-07:00

I changed the locks at my house today. Someone, somewhere out there has my purse, my house keys, my ID with my address, my cell phone, my debit card, and about 10 rolls of exposed medium format film.

My purse was thrown from the car while I was driving down the freeway last weekend. I don't even want to get into the details of how that happened. But, some jerk found it. How do I know that someone found it? Because they returned it like they should have? No, of course not. That would be too much to ask of our society. I found out because there was about $40 worth of games and rap/hip hop ringtones charged to my phone the following day.

It worries me a little that some person out there has my address and house keys, but it has been a week without incident so I'm sure its fine. However, I'm still changing the locks. You just never know.

Visual Poetry

2010-03-07T15:50:00.018-07:00

Just recently I have fallen in love with the poet Pablo Neruda. He was a Chilean poet who's real name was Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto. He wrote under the pen name Pablo Neruda. His poetry was all originally written in spanish. It is amazingly beautiful, even when translated. I can't imagine what life would be like if every emotion I experienced was as intense as he describes his own feelings.

I am creating an entire collection of images called the "Visual Poetry Series" based on poetry that inspires me. The prints will be available with (or without if you prefer) lines from my favorite poems. This is the first of many to come.

The line that goes along with this print is from Pablo Neruda's Sonnet XVII.

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,

or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.

I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,

in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms

but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;

thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,

risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.

I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;

so I love you because I know no other way

Than this: where I does not exist, nor you,

so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,

so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

365 Project: Day 109

2010-03-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when this baby was delivered to my house! A 30"x30" print of my "Shade" image. I almost didn't want to send it off to its rightful owner. Its really amazing to see something I created reproduced that large. I can't imagine what it would be like to have a billboard of one of my images. I don't think I could handle it.

An interior designer from San Francisco emailed me a couple of weeks ago about this image. She was interested in having it blown up for her client's kitchen. I was stoked! I knew the file could be printed this large, but I had never actually tried it before. When I saw that it had been delivered I couldn't wait to tear the package open. It was like unwrapping a gigantic present on Christmas morning! But, a gigantic present that I could only enjoy for a minute because it belonged to someone else.

I know the people at the Post Office must love it when I walk in carrying packages like this. I sell 20"x20" prints all the time and I ship everything flat. The packages are always awkward for them to handle, they don't fit on the scales properly, they have to be measured with a tape measure. Its just a lot of extra work for them when there is a line of impatient, disgruntled people trailing out the door, which there always is at this particular Post Office.

That's why I loved Tina. She was my favorite USPS employee. Always very sweet, always smiling no matter how large of a package I brought in, always conversational with a little hint of sarcasm. I make many trips to the Post Office down the street, so I've gotten to know Tina a little. But, sadly, Friday was her last day. She's moving on to another Post Office location. I made a special trip to mail a package out on Friday just so I could bid her farewell on her last day.

Its funny how you can become a little attached to your favorite people to see in passing. The barista at your favorite coffee house, the guy who works at the dry cleaners, a waitress at a local hole in the wall, the bar tender at the little bar up the street, and the sweet and helpful postal employee. All people who you don't really know, but you do. You see them only in passing, only for a few minutes at a time. You know almost nothing about them personally, but they still have a place in your life and its sad when they are gone. Now, when I go to the Post Office Tina won't be there and that makes me a little sad. I sort of wish she was there to send out the biggest print I've ever sold.

365 Project: Day 108

2010-02-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, I discovered the place where my landlord stashes all the junk she doesn't need anymore. Our garage. I was poking around the property the other day, you know, just out of curiosity. I don't like doors that I haven't opened. I always wonder what is hiding on the other side. When I walked through the gate, this is what I discovered.

I don't understand why people feel the need to hang on to junk they don't need. I, fortunately, don't have this problem. When there are things in my life that are old, broken, don't fit anymore, or just taking up space because I don't use it: I get rid of it. There are very few things in my life that I find to be irreplaceable. Pictures, my cameras, my computer and printer, and a couple of small keepsakes. Those are the only things I own that I care about. With the exception of my computer and printer, it all fits into a small box. Everything else is expendable.

So, why do people feel the need to hang on to old, rotten, broken wooden doors, TVs, rusted paint cans, small scraps of chicken wire? These things aren't even re-usable. So why not get rid of them? Why do people feel the need to hang on to every little thing, even if its broken?

365 Project: Day 107

2010-02-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

I think I was a little preemptive with the 'I feel great!' celebration yesterday. While I am feeling better than I was, around 3 o'clock today I crashed. My body is just worn out from trying to recover from whatever horrible sickness I had last week and trying to keep up with the unreasonable demands I put on it. Poor thing is simply tuckered.

After laying down for a quick cat nap, I got up and brewed myself a much needed cup of coffee. I have to learn to take it easy on myself. Its just not in my nature to take things slow. I don't walk, I run. I always have. Starting in second grade I attended a school with an accelerated program that required me to take computer classes, learn a language and take up an instrument. I not only attended a full day of school, but I had lots of extra projects to do and a couple hours of homework every night. There is a picture of me as a kid asleep on the couch with my homework. Plus, I was in Campfire (which is like Girl Scouts), I attended several dances classes a week and I was in a dance company. I was a busy kid. I was multitasking at 8 years old and I haven't slowed down since. But, I learned a lot. It prepared me for life and I'm very grateful for the experience.

I figure I'll rest when I'm dead. Which, at this rate, may be slightly premature.

365 Project: Day 106

2010-02-22T23:25:00.000-07:00

Today was my first official day back in the real world after several days of being in bed miserably sick. Of course, after all the gorgeous, spring-like days that I missed out on, my first day back outside and it was overcast, freezing, and to top it all off, it hailed. Oh well, at least I can breathe out of both nostrils again. I have to be thankful for the little victories at this point.

I really can't believe how rejuvenated I feel today. I think all the rest I got last week did me good. Its such a great feeling to not be exhausted for once. I feel so awake and clear headed. I better enjoy it now though. Last night I was already having trouble sleeping again. I spent a few hours yesterday cleaning, disinfecting, and reorganizing so I could start this week out on the right foot. Now I feel good. Healthy(er), rested, organized and full of new ideas.

I discovered these little yellow flowers in my yard today. Such hopeful little blossoms. I guess they thought it was spring too. They may freeze to death with the weather suddenly changing back to winter, but they made me smile today and got me all excited that spring just might be on its way after all. Oh, I can't wait!

365 Project: Day 105

2010-02-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have never been so miserable in my life as I have been for the past five days. I spent these last 5 gorgeous, spring-like days in bed, sick with what I've been referring to as death. Sore throat, fever, cough, sinus pressure, runny nose, stopped up ears...misery.

Today I am finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I actually got out of bed, put on clothes that I would wear in public, and tried to convince myself that I was all better. I am the worst sick person ever. I don't get sick often, but when I do it usually takes me down for a good week. That's probably due to my schedule, lack of sleep, stress level, exhaustion, and over all workaholic lifestyle. I don't take care of myself like I should and it usually takes a pretty good virus to force me to slow down a little. I can't help it. Its just not in my nature to slow down. I simply don't know the meaning of "taking it easy". I actually tried to get out of bed and work (unsuccessfully) several times over the last five days, only to find myself crawling back into bed, defeated.

The over the counter pills I had been taking were making me really groggy and foggy-headed, so, on Friday I decided to go out and find some different medicine to relieve my symptoms. While at the store, I stood in a daze for a good 15 minutes in the cold medicine aisle trying to make a decision. When I finally chose something and headed over to the self checkout line, obviously sick and miserable, holding my one item, I was cut off by an incredibly inconsiderate woman with a basket FULL of stuff. Instead of letting me go ahead of her she started scanning items as quickly as she could, as if her efforts to hurry were going to make me any less pissed at this point. That's when she broke the thing! I couldn't believe it! Now we were just both standing there. I'm sure she could feel me staring a hole in the back of her head. I switched lanes, only to find a woman with a sale item that wouldn't scan. The other two self checkout lanes were broken and all the regular lanes were packed with people who had baskets full of stuff. I seriously wanted to scream, but I wasn't going to leave without this cold medicine. So, I waited.

When I finally got home, I took the recommended dosage and started answering a few emails. I barely got through one email when I started feeling overwhelmingly drowsy. I had to lay down. I got into bed to rest for a minute. Next thing I know, 3 1/2 hours later, my sister came into my room and woke me up. I was completely passed out. She was going out for a little while, but asked me if I was doing ok. I was in a daze and still half asleep and I said I was fine so she left. That's when I got out of bed and started walking around the house totally out of it. I was disoriented, lightheaded, and tingly all over. It was like my entire body had fallen asleep. About 10 minutes later I decided that I needed to go to the hospital and called her to come back and get me.

Let me start this part off by saying I don't have health insurance. I needed to go to Urgent Care instead of the Emergency Room. Even if I were dying, I simply can't afford the ER. We couldn't find an Urgent Care location that was still open at 8pm so I had no choice but to go to the nearest ER. When we got there the waiting room really scared me. I don't know if this was my perception due to my state of mind or if this was how it really was, but it scared me. It looked so dirty. It was earth toned, dimly lit and completely packed with miserable looking people who had probably been there for hours. Sick people, injured people, people with IVs. It was scary.

When we got up to the counter I was so out of it that I couldn't even really form a sentence to tell the man what was wrong with me. Thank God my sister was there. She asked if there was an Urgent Care that was open: no, there wasn't. She asked if there was financial aid available: there was, but I'd have to fill out all sorts of forms and meet with a counselor and then, MAYBE, if I qualified, they could help me. I couldn't even see straight at this point, there was no way I could go through all that. I sort of started to panic. I really just wanted to cry. Was I really going to be forced to make the decision between my health, possibly my life and money? REALLY? I felt like there was nowhere to go to get the help I needed. In my disoriented state I had to decide: Was I dying? Did I REALLY need to see a doctor? How bad off was I? I decided to go just forget the ER and go home keeping my fingers crossed that I was making the right decision. I started thinking on the drive home, was I going to become one of those cautionary tales about taking over the counter medication? One of those people who has a bad reaction to some common medication and suffers permanent damage to my health, my body, or worse, dies from it? All because I was afraid of the cost of healthcare. This was the scariest decision I've had to make for myself. A person should NEVER have to make this sort of decision.

When it came down to it, I was more scared of being in debt to the hospital than possibly dying. What is wrong with this picture? This is outrageous! But, its true. At that moment I knew I didn't have the money to get the medical help I needed and it really upset me. I went home, ate a full meal, drank as much water as I could and laid down, hoping that would be enough to flush this medication out of my system. Several hours later, I started feeling a little better. Thank God. I'm lucky that my reaction to this medication wasn't worse. What would I have done then?

Today, I'm so glad that I'm feeling better. So, I went outside for a minute to enjoy a little sunshine.

365 Project: Day 104

2010-02-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

I realize I'm a little late with this one, but I have been VERY sick the last week. I'm still not feeling well at all, but I was determined to accomplish something today. So, here it is:

Day 104:

Its Valentine's Day! A day for love and romance and all of that stuff. I know so many people in crazy relationships right now that it makes me sort of grateful to be single. While it is nice to have someone there to snuggle and hold hands with, love makes you crazy. It makes you feel the most intense emotions. Highs and lows. Every sense is heightened. You act in ways that you never thought you would. There is an upside though. Nothing is better than the feeling of falling in love with someone. Where it gets tough for me is staying in love with someone. The sparkle definitely starts to wear off after a little while. Everyone always says that its because I just haven't met the right person yet. I don't think that's it. I think its definitely not them, its me. I really mean that.

Being single is a whole new thing for me. I'm learning a lot about myself. I'm learning to live MY life, not my life in a couple. I'm learning to deal with moments of loneliness that I've never had before. But its overall a good thing. This is the longest I have been single in at least 10 years. I'm sort of proud of myself for not jumping right into another serious relationship. That's what I tend to do. I'm ridiculously impulsive when it comes to love. In typical Aquarius fashion, when I find someone I'm interested in, my curiosity takes over, I spend as much time as I can with this person. I basically devour them, learning everything about them, absorbing them like a sponge. Then, once I feel like I've learned everything I can, or I become bored, or they do something that completely turns me off, I run for the hills. Depending on the person this can take days, months or years.

My birthday was this month, and yes, I am a text book Aquarius. Just about every little trait of the water bearer describes me. Its a little freaky how accurate the zodiac can be. Its really very interesting to see every little detail of your personality spelled out on paper by someone who's never met you. Of course there are things about me that are uniquely Sara Norris. But for the most part, I'm proud to say that I am an Aquarius to the core. If you don't know anything about your sign, I suggest you look it up. Even if you don't believe in it. You might learn something about yourself.

365 Project: Day 103

2010-02-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

This is my first day trying out my new approach to this 365 Project. I took my camera everywhere I went today and the first chance I had 5 minutes to stop, my tank was on empty. So. Here I am. Pumping gas. I think this new strategy is going to work out for the better. It forces me to get out and take pictures of myself in new places and new situations. I'm going to have to be a little more creative too.

In the beginning of this project I worried that I wouldn't have the motivation to keep it up, but I am determined to make it to 365 days no matter what. With my schedule, its only getting more difficult to keep up with. However, if I gave up now, I'd never be able to forgive myself and I can't have that on my conscience.

365 Project: Day 102

2010-02-09T23:28:00.000-07:00

I wish I could just stay like this for just a few days. Curled up in bed, headphones on, iPod in hand. Content. But, you know, life keeps on going. You can't stop it. You can't slow it down. It moves on dragging you along with it whether you need to stop for a breather or not. Time keeps passing. New days keep beginning and ending and beginning again. Life doesn't care if you are tired. It doesn't care if you aren't ready. It doesn't care if you want to stay 26 a little longer.

Tomorrow is my birthday. Yep. In a few hours I'll be 27. I don't feel older. I just feel like I'm not living my life fast enough to keep up with my age. I haven't accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish by the time I turned 27. But somehow I'm supposed to accept that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be at this point and be ok with that.

Last year I went skydiving for my birthday. What better way to celebrate your life than by doing something that could end it? Short of driving into oncoming traffic, I can't top flinging myself out of a plane at 18,000 feet this year. I'm not even going to try. 26 was a tough year for me. Come to think of it, so was 25...and 24. Your 20s are tough. There is so much to learn about yourself. You do a lot of growing in your 20s. You're becoming this person. This adult. I'm still just trying to get my head on straight and get a grip on what I'm doing with myself. I feel like I'm going to look back on these years through the eyes of experience and shake my head wondering, why was I so worried, why was I so confused, why was I so stressed, why was I so hard on myself, why did I take things so seriously?

Honestly, I just want to stay right here, eat a cupcake, and let my biological clock tick over to 27 like a dream. Another year of my life. Gone. Lived. Here I stand on the brink of another beginning. Oh, 27, please be kind.

365 Project: Day 101

2010-02-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is how I look these days. Hair all a mess. Eight out of my ten toes missing polish. But, damn, I'm tired. This is what a Sara Norris tired face looks like. Serious. Slightly annoyed. Going over a mental list of all the things that still need to get done today and here I am, taking pictures of myself.

I was outside today taking pictures of some new Modern Cowgirl merchandise and jumped in there real quick to snap a few of myself as well. This is my new strategy for my 365 project. I'm going to start taking my camera everywhere I go. Also, if I have a camera in my hand for any reason during the day, I'm taking a picture of myself. I think its the only way I'm going to make it through this project. It might be more interesting too. I'll take a picture while pumping gas, doing the dishes, grocery shopping, you know, whatever is happening during my day. Yep, I think this is the way to go. Much more practical than artistic, but, you never know. I might create my greatest masterpiece at the DMV. Oh man, that makes me smile.

Keep Me Posted

2010-02-08T18:15:00.010-07:00

When I was asked if I wanted to design a venue poster for my friend, Mike Kelly, of course I said YES! I love doing this sort of work. I have photographed Mike many times over the last year and I was thrilled to create these for him.

If you don't know Mike Kelly yet, you should definitely check him out.

365 Project: Day 100

2010-02-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to find my car encased in a block of ice. The doors were even frozen shut. I'm looking out the window at it right now. I don't want to go outside in this mess. I hate winter, I hate being cold, I hate snow, and I hate scraping the ice off of my car. I can't wait until Spring.

This is Day 100 of my 365 project and I feel like I have just barely made it. I have been so incredibly busy and exhausted lately that this project has sadly started to fall through the cracks. There are just not enough hours in the day to get everything finished and eat and be social and sleep and maybe even shower once in a while. However, I love this project and I am going to try my hardest to finish it. I may not be able to take a picture every single day, but I will take 365 pictures by the end of it.

It amazes me the response I get when I'm not posting every day. I get emails, comments, I'll randomly run into people I know who ask me why they haven't seen a new entry lately. I had no idea that people were really paying attention to what I was doing. But, I must admit, I miss it too. I promise I will try harder.

365 Project: Day 99

2010-02-01T00:23:00.000-07:00

I love photo shoot days. Its amazing how happy I am with a camera in my hand. I had a photo shoot today for Modern Cowgirl's spring collection. I've done a shoot with these two ladies before and I always have such a blast with them. Its so great to be able to work and laugh hysterically at the same time.

I wish I could do this type of work all the time. Editorial fashion photography is one of my favorite things to do. I really just love photographing people in general. I enjoy my fine art work, but its just not the same. There is something about the entire photo shoot process that makes me all excited. From location scouting and shopping for props, to hair and make up, the shoot itself and getting that first look at the images on my screen...I love it all. In the past I have thought about getting more into the production side of photo shoots. Maybe as a producer or a stylist. That part of the process is so much fun for me. But then I would miss out on the fun of shooting. I think I'll just stick to producing my own shoots for now.

Today was a good day.

365 Project: Day 98

2010-01-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

I know. This isn't my typical self portrait. But what this picture is about is more important to me right now. These are my feet standing in the middle of my street. This is the asphalt right in front of my house. At 2 o'clock this morning. A man was shot right here.

I heard the entire thing. You all know I don't sleep, and at 2 o'clock this morning I was laying in bed, lights dimmed, with my headphones on, enjoying a little music. That's when I heard gunshots.

There is a woman who lives across the street from me, a couple of houses to the left. She and her boyfriend have an incredibly dramatic relationship. I've never even seen them, but I have heard several screaming and yelling fights in the street. I definitely know more about their relationship than I care to, and so does the rest of the neighborhood. Its like a soap opera over there. They just can't seem to get along. Last weekend, in the midst of a fight, he sped out of the driveway in his truck and rammed her car...on purpose. I've never heard a woman scream like she did. She was attacking his truck and yelling at him through the driver's side window. You'd think he'd run over her dog or something. He sped away and left her in the middle of the street, still screaming after him.

You'd think that after multiple public screaming and yelling altercations and your boyfriend purposefully crashing into your car, you'd decide that things just weren't working out and maybe, i don't know, breakup or something. Apparently thats not the way everyone thinks. You know, rationally. I'm not sure how things escalated this time. I'm not even sure that the woman was involved. I never heard a word out of her. All I heard were gunshots. When I took off my headphones, I heard another gunshot and several men yelling, running and speeding off into the night. One of the men had been shot. I could hear him yelling "I'm hit. I'm hit!". I'm assuming he was only wounded because he was still running and yelling. As his friends were shoving him into the car I heard them saying that he was bleeding everywhere.

At this point, I'm sitting indian style in my bed, being very quiet. I was even breathing slower and softer. I was listening, waiting to hear what would happen next. There was no way I was going to look out the window for the fear that I might see something that would scar me for life.

As soon as they drove off, tires squealing, the street was again quiet. Just as it should be at 2 in the morning. Just as if nothing had happened. Then, the calvary arrived. Police were everywhere. In cars, in SUVs, in a helicopter with a spotlight, on foot with flashlights. They swarmed the neighborhood like insects on a rotting animal's corpse in one of those time lapse videos you'd see on the Discovery Channel or somewhere. They were spotlighting houses and cars, looking in the street, knocking on doors. It was all quite the scene. I watched them scour every inch of the block looking for....well, I'm not quite sure what they were looking for. Blood? Bullet casings? You know, evidence. Maybe I've seen too many cop shows. A little while later I nodded off to sleep with cops still deep into their investigation.

All of this just takes me back to my previous statement. Something is not right in the world right now. People are doing crazy things and reacting in irrational, violent ways. What possesses a person to try and kill someone in the street? Over what? A woman? Money? Hurt feelings? Drugs? Respect? Apparently respect is a really big deal. What is going on in this hypersensitive, overreactive world? Oddly enough my reaction to this situation wasn't fear. It was sadness. Sadness for these people and the chaotic, over dramatic, stressful lives they must live. What kind of life is that?

Hot Child in the City Triptyc

2010-01-30T12:38:00.001-07:00

I like the way things look from above. I don't mind heights at all. I love to fly. I must always have a window seat so I can look out at the world below. I've been skydiving. I like standing on the rooftops of buildings. This is what San Francisco looks like from a hotel roofdeck. Isn't it romantic...

Hot Child in the City

My Hot Child in the City triptych print is now available in my Etsy shop.

365 Project: Day 97

2010-01-27T23:38:00.001-07:00

You don't have to see my whole face to recognize the sadness and worry captured in my eye. I heard some horrifying news today about an old, dear friend of mine and it just crushed my heart. My attachment to and love for my friends is very powerful. It takes a lot for me to let someone into my life and really consider them a close friend and I consider those friends to be my family. They are a part of me and I would do ANYTHING for them. When they're hurting or going through something terrible in their lives, I feel it in the deepest part of me. I get this overwhelming compulsion to help them and comfort them and be there for them. Knowing that they are beyond my help is devastating to me. I always want nothing but the best for everyone and I personally know so many people who are in a lot of pain right now for various reasons. I feel so helpless and my heart is just breaking for them.

I've got this sinking feeling that something is going terribly wrong in the world right now. I feel it in my gut. I feel like something just isn't right. Yes, I realize that its a cruel, cruel world and bad things happen every day. But I feel like its different. Something has shifted. Natural disasters, economy, hardship, suffering, heartbreak, politics, bad relationships, bad choices. We are living in a very sensitive time. People are distraught. People are on edge. People are at a breaking point. I keep hearing sad story after sad story, not just about the world in general, but from the people in my life. People need help. So, what can I do to help you?

365 Project: Day 96

2010-01-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

I can't WAIT for summer. I'm going stir crazy from spending so much time inside. Winter is not my favorite season at all. Its cold, dry, windy, it snows, the days are shorter, everything turns all brown and twiggy. Honestly, I hate it. It would be fine with me if we skipped right from Fall to Spring without even a single snowflake. I'm just dreaming of a summer day, or better yet, a summer night.

I want to go outside...without a jacket. I want to sit in my house with all the windows open. I want to go for walks at night in a tank top and flip flops. I want to go swimming. I want to lay on the beach with the hot breeze blowing in my hair. I want to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin. I want a sno cone. I want the smell of blooming flowers. I want to be bare foot without frozen toes.

But, its still only January. I'll just have to hibernate in my sweaters and jackets for a little longer. *sigh*

365 Project: Day 95

2010-01-25T21:22:00.001-07:00

World, meet my first love. My first real camera. My mom gave this camera to my dad as a gift when they were dating. My baby pictures were taken with it. I found it in a closet when I was about 13 years old. It was just sitting there, waiting for me to grow up and discover it. It was just waiting to be mine. So it could play its part in my life. So it could help me fulfill my destiny. So it could be my first true love, my best friend, my outlet, my crutch, my ice breaker, my passion, my catalyst, my hero. It was just waiting to show me who I was meant to be.

This is my most cherished possession. It was the first step in my journey. Who would I be without it?

He loves me...

2010-01-24T11:41:00.001-07:00

...he loves me not.

I love flowers. Even when they're dying, they still manage to be beautiful.

New print now available in my Etsy shop.

He loves me...he loves me not.

365 Project: Day 94

2010-01-24T00:39:00.001-07:00

Art. Its my life. Its everything to me. There is nothing in this world that brings me more happiness than art, creativity, and self expression. Humans are so incredibly complex, and having the ability to express those complexities in a visual way just amazes me. I love that I can show people what I am feeling through my camera. Its such a freeing experience to spill myself out through a lens, or through a drawing or a painting. Yes, I also draw, and yes, I attempt to paint.

Art museums are some of my favorite places in the world. I fell in love with the Getty. I could spend days and days in there. But, the thing about me and museums, is that I like to go alone. That way I can take my time. I can browse, I can observe, I can really take in what I'm seeing. I often just bring along my iPod, put on my headphones and peruse the exhibits to the soundtrack of my choosing. I hate being rushed by someone who maybe just isn't moved in the same way by a Jackson Pollack painting. I can sit in front of a Jackson Pollack for hours. I find his work so energizing. A lot of people don't get it, or just don't like it, and that's ok. But I absorb his work like a little sponge. The other reason I like to go alone, is because as much as I love art, I don't like to discuss it. I don't want to stand in front of a Monet and talk about color, composition, brush strokes. I just want to enjoy it. I want to take it all in without someone chattering away in my ear.

One of my favorite exhibits was an Andy Warhol exhibit I saw when I was living in San Jose. I always really loved Andy Warhol, as an artist and as a character. If you don't know anything about his life, it was fascinating. I highly recommend reading his biography. So, here is my little tribute to Pop Art.

Once Upon a Time...

2010-01-23T12:11:00.001-07:00

Now, where do I begin? This blank page holds so much possibility. A poem, a novel, a letter...its all up to you and your imagination. What's your story?

Now this print is available in my Etsy shop!

Once upon a time...

Picture this

2010-01-22T09:59:00.001-07:00

After many, many requests for framing options, I went looking all over Albuquerque for decorative and affordable frames. I think these vintage frames are the perfect complement to the nostalgic style of my photography. So now, selected prints are available in vintage frames! There are several different frames that will soon be available in my Etsy shop in addition to these.

"Where were you going?" in the oval "Vanilla Latte" frame.

"Ranunculus No. 2" in the square "Silver Lining"frame.

Each frame has been cleaned up, but still has that aged and distressed vintage look. They are sealed in the back with brown framing paper to protect the prints. These frames can be propped up in a display or hung with the claw hanger on the back. I just love them. They remind me of the framed family pictures that hung in the hallway at my grandmother's house.

365 Project: Day 93

2010-01-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with the groggy haze of sleep thick in my head. I couldn't sleep last night. I just couldn't settle. I tried watching a movie, I tried listening to some music...and nothing. Not one droopy eye lid, not one yawn. I was wide awake. I finally nodded off around 4:30 this morning.

When I finally pried myself out of bed around 11 o'clock I didn't even think twice when I put on the boots that were next to my bed instead of the slippers I usually wear in the morning. I slipped my arms into my robe and headed to the kitchen to make a BIG pot of coffee. Its wasn't until I had finished that first cup that I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and realized what I was wearing. I paused, cup in hand, and looked myself over in the full length mirror. I had to laugh and shake my head at myself. I might have even rolled my eyes. I looked ridiculous and I had been walking around for at least an hour like this before I even noticed that I was wearing boots.

These are the little moments that make me aware of myself from an outside perspective. I like that I can laugh at myself and these little quirks in my personality. Things like this are what make me who I am. These are the moments that make up my life. These are the private little moments that make up my relationship with myself. It was one of those moments when you catch yourself just being yourself.

365 Project: Day 92

2010-01-21T13:37:00.001-07:00

I am a list maker. I always have been. I live my life task by task, checking things off of a never ending to do list. I was thinking, if I make a daily to do list, why shouldn't I make a to do list for my life. So, I've decided that I'm going to make a running list of all the things that I want to experience or accomplish in my life. Dreams, goals, travel destinations, milestones, landmarks or places I want to visit, things I want to photograph. Sort of a map of the places that i'd like for life to take me. Sort of a bucket list I guess. But I don't want to think of it as a list of things to do before I die. That just feels like I'm working against the clock. I'd be checking things off my list as more of a means to an end. Who knows when I'll die anyway? That could happen tomorrow for all I know. I want to think of it more as a guideline for living my life. I have so many random things that I want to do or projects I want to start, and as life goes on, those things get forgotten, or put off until another day. You know, that magical day when everything is finally perfect, the stars align, I have more free time, more money, etc. I hate to break it to myself, but that day may never come and I can't just keep waiting for it. So, its time to come up with a game plan.

By the way, these headphones are my new favorite toy. Well, I guess my new favorite old toy. These were mine a really long time ago and I gave them to my sister for whatever reason a few years ago. She just found them in a box yesterday and gave them back to me. I love the way music sounds through headphones like these. Earbuds are just not the same. Listening to music with these headphones is like hearing your favorite songs for the first time all over again! If you are a music lover and don't own a really good pair of headphones, I highly suggest you rectify that situation immediately.

365 Project: Day 91

2010-01-20T01:19:00.000-07:00

No one knows I come here, but I come here all the time. Its quiet. Its beautiful. Its the perfect place to watch an amazing New Mexico sunset. I can always be alone here. I sit, I think, I pace, I listen to music, I watch the people walking down below, I observe the people in the offices across the street, I listen to the sounds of the lives going on around me, I enjoy the breeze. Spending time up here gives me great perspective both literally and figuratively.

Its nice to have a place in the middle of a city where you can hide out for a while and find a little peace.

365 Project: Day 90

2010-01-20T00:43:00.000-07:00

I saw a theme for a photography contest today: What is love? I think I might enter this image. Its not really the sappy hearts and flowers picture that the judges are probably expecting. I've written about love before, but I've never asked myself this specific question. What is love?

Honestly, I can say, I don't think I know anymore. My past experiences with love, in a romantic sense, have gone from wonderful to frustrating, confusing, and painful. I've lost a lot of myself in relationships. Every time I meet someone new it only gets more and more difficult to give my heart away. Now days, I tend to keep a safe distance.

Each time a relationship ends I retreat to lick my wounds. I hide away and try to put myself back together, stitch by stitch. I won't let anyone in for a long time. Its tough to get through the layer of scar tissue that has grown around my heart. It gets thicker and harder with every break, every wound, every little prick of a hurt feeling.

Right now I feel like things are as they should be. My heart is back in its rightful place. The stitches will hold me together until I can heal completely. It'll take a while, but I'll be good as new one day.

So I ask myself...what is love? To me, love is a broken heart on the mend.

365 Project: Day 89

2010-01-20T00:35:00.000-07:00

Photoshop is amazing. I learned how to use this program about 10 years ago and, wow, it has come a long way since then. It is one of the many tools that enables me to express myself creatively. Its just incredible what you can accomplish with this one program. I've been working on learning some new skills and techniques lately and I am having so much fun playing around with it.

This smoke effect could not better describe my state of mind this week. I've just been going crazy with stress. I've known I would be a photographer since I was 7 years old, but pursuing it as my full time job is really new to me. The work and sales are still really inconsistent at this point and its a scary feeling when funds are getting low and it starts to sink in that maybe I should try to find a job. Ugh. There is no worse hell that I can imagine at this point than having a full time job. When I'm working at a job, I melt down creatively. Its not that I don't want to work. Believe me, I work harder now than I ever did with a full time job. But its a different kind of work. Sitting in a beige office with utility carpeting, florescent lighting, little bobble head dolls and various other knick-knacks on people's desks just crushes my soul.

I walked into an office today to pay a bill and almost had a panic attack. Walking through the rows of desks, phones ringing in the background, people glued to their rolling desk chairs, motivational posters on the walls, cubicle partitions...I don't want that sort of life. Its just not for me. I stood in line waiting to pay my bill and seriously started to break out in a sweat just thinking that I could be working in a place like this in the very near future. I could just feel my dreams starting to slip away from me.

My dream of being a full time photographer is like my baby. I'll do anything to defend and protect it. I am so happy with my life right now, that the thought of losing it all because of something as stupid as money is just devastating. But, the universe (or whatever you believe) came to my rescue once again. I don't know why I ever doubt that there is a plan for me. This is what I'm supposed to be doing right now. This is exactly where I'm supposed to be and things have just fallen into place yet again. Somehow, whenever I need help the most, it just appears and I'm amazed every time it happens. This has turned out to be an amazing week and I'm so glad that everything has worked out.

365 Project: Day 88

2010-01-19T02:25:00.000-07:00

This is how stress feels to me. It binds me, restrains me, holds me back. It takes a lot of focus for me to free myself from its grasp. I tend to fixate on whatever is stressing me out. My mind gets clouded in a panic and I find it really hard to concentrate on fixing the situation. The worst part is, I know this about myself and I still do it anyway.

I've been really stressed out this week. Everything has turned out to be fine, as it always does. For some reason, knowing that everything will work itself out doesn't ever seem to comfort me when I'm in the throws of my stress panic. There has never been a situation in my life that hasn't worked itself out in some way or another. So why do I stress? Why am I afraid? Why do I let it get to me? Why is it so hard for me to believe that everything will be just fine?

365 Project: Day 87

2010-01-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

Ugh. Laundry. Its one of those annoying little tasks in life that you just have to do. Its right up there with dishes and grocery shopping for me. I despise having to do it. I'll let my dirty clothes pile up as long as possible before I actually make the effort to wash anything. The day always comes when you get up and go to the closet to get dressed only to find that there's not one single thing that is suitable to wear. In my life, that day is also known as laundry day. Otherwise, I just can't force myself to do it. The washer and dryer on this rental property are in a little cinderblock shack behind the house. Its terribly inconvenient to have to drag my laundry outside and through the backyard, not to mention its freezing now that its winter. However, having a washer and dryer at all is a big plus for a renter. I shouldn't complain. As much as I hate doing laundry, I hate going to the laundry mat even more. Something grosses me out about washing my clothes in a machine that countless numbers of other people have used. The dryers never manage to get your clothes completely dry, always requiring one or more additional quarters to finish the job. I swear they're rigged.

People watching at the laundry mat is fascinating though. There's a certain crowd of people who you run into at the laundry mat. I've seen some pretty strange people hanging out washing their clothes. There's always that person who comes in carrying a year's worth of laundry and with no consideration for anyone else, uses almost every single washer in the place. Or the person who puts their clothes in the washing machine and then just leaves. Where do they think they're going? What do they expect is going to happen when the washer is finished and other people are waiting to use it? That's when you get into shady territory with boundary issues. There is that point when the person has been gone so long that you have to decide if its appropriate to take their laundry out of the washer so you can use it. I mean, there is a stranger's underwear in there. Do you really want to touch those? There's also that person who insists on talking on their cell phone the entire time they're washing their clothes. I was in a laundry mat once with a woman who was not only on her cell phone, but she was talking on speaker phone. What possesses a person to talk on their speaker phone in public is beyond me. Just today I drove past a laundry mat where there was a homeless man laying not only on the sidewalk, but across the sidewalk casually picking his nose. I'm usually the girl sitting as far away from everyone else as possible, headphones on, book in hand, trying not to make eye contact with anyone.

Most laundry mats are set up exactly the same. Washers and dryers, of course, rows of plastic chairs all linked together so you have to sit uncomfortably close to the person next to you, one or more televisions chained to the wall or on those hospital stands hanging from the ceiling, usually set on some horrible channel that no one wants to watch, overpriced vending machines that have been picked over so the only things left are trail mix or licorice, change dispensers that are inevitably out of order or just keep spitting out your dollar bill no matter how hard you try to flatten it out, tile floors with dryer lint and dust bunnies in the corners...its quite the scene.

365 Project: Day 86

2010-01-16T18:55:00.001-07:00

I just pulled in the driveway after my weekend shooting Mike Kelly, Asleep at the Wheel, and Bleu Edmondson. Its so good to be home. I feel like I've been away a lot in the last few months and every time I return it makes me appreciate the feeling of home even more.

My bedroom has become a little world that I have created for myself. This is the first time I have really had my own room since I was 18. I was so excited to make this space my own. This tiny little room has become not only my bedroom, but also my office, my creative space, and my sanctuary. I spend the majority of my time in there.

There is something about standing in someone's own private space with all of their things that can tell you so much about them. From the art they have hanging on the wall, or the lack thereof, to the color of their sheets, or the furniture. Are they a pack rat or a minimalist? The things that people choose to surround themselves with speak volumes about them. Standing in my room you probably get a really good understanding of my personality.

There are lots of nice, calming blues and greens. My room has big windows that let in a lot of light during the day. There are 3 lamps in this little space. I despise overhead lighting, so I rely solely on these lamps to give off a soft, warm glow at night. I have a small desk lamp with an embroidered shade, a japanese paper lantern and blue, glass vintage lamp. The switch on my wall never gets flipped. I also have a ton of Candle Cottage candles that add a little ambiance.

Having a desk I can tolerate sitting at all day is really important to me. I searched all over until I found the perfect little vintage desk. It was supposed to be used as a vanity, but I have repurposed it as my work space. Its small and made of actual wood, not that compressed particle board crap that they make most furniture out of these days. It has brass knobs on the drawers and small decorative detailing in the wood. Its perfect for me.

The walls are full of art and photography that inspires me. Some I created and some I didn't. I have three posters from Paul Michael Dellostritto. He designs incredible venue posters for bands and live music shows. There is a bulletin board above my desk full of Polaroids, inspiring quotes and pictures of family. I have my Shade image in a 20x20 framed print hanging next to my desk. That picture was taken on Crystal Beach, one of my favorite places in the world and I look at it often. There is a print of The Soul of the Rose by John Williams Waterhouse next to my bed. I've had this print since high school. It has those blues and greens that I love and the expression on the woman's face is so tranquil. She is lost in the moment and the scent of a rose and seems totally at peace.

In one corner I have a tall, black shelf full of books, photo albums, and vintage cameras. I don't keep many books around. I try to give them away or donate them once i've read them. The only books on the shelf are the ones I need for reference or ones that I really love and will read or look through again and again.

My vintage cameras all sit proudly on display on that same shelf. They are my babies and the only thing I collect. I dream of all the pictures that they once took of events, families, friends and treasured memories in people's lives. I wish I could see the things they have seen.

My bed frame is black rod iron twisted into swirls and curly Qs. My mattress is covered with light cornflower blue sheets made of organic cotton. I have two pillows and I sleep with both of them at once. Each has a case to match the sheets. There is also a chocolate brown, chennile body pillow that I snuggle up next to. I have a down comforter with a soft, tan, micro suede duvet cover. My bed is amazing. Its a shame that I don't sleep much.

So, now that I'm home, I unpack the car, walk into my room, toss my coat on the bed and take a deep breath. Its so nice to have 4 walls I can call my own. A place where I can close the door behind me and decompress, relax, and spend time with myself. I love my little home.

Self Portrait Contest!

2010-01-14T02:22:00.001-07:00

I'm working really hard to fulfill every single one of my New Year's Resolutions in 2010. One of those resolutions is to enter my work in as many photography contests as I can afford.

I'm so excited to say that I just entered the Artist Wanted Self Portrait Contest! The grand prize is 6 months free rent in NYC or $7007! The portfolio with the most public votes wins a $1,000 prize. Please vote for my portfolio!

Please spread the word! Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, email, call everyone you know. Make that social networking work! I want to WIN! Thank you guys for all the support! Keep your fingers crossed for me.

www.artistswanted.org/saranorris

Cup o joe

2010-01-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I love coffee. I'm drinking a cup of it right now actually. Doesn't this image just make you dream of lazy mornings, sleeping in, reading the paper in your pjs, and sipping a hot cup of coffee in your favorite chair.

This print is now available in my Etsy shop. Enjoy.

Cup o Joe

365 Project: Day 85

2010-01-13T00:57:00.000-07:00

Ouch. I have got to learn how to slow down and pay more attention to where I'm going. I'm a walking accident, always have been. I don't know if its a lack of spacial awareness, or that I'm impatient, or that I'm always looking ahead to the next thing rather than paying attention to what I'm doing. I'm just always in a big hurry.

Throughout the years I have suffered a ridiculous number of bumps, bruises, stumped toes, skinned knees, splinters, paper cuts, and knots on the head. I've never quite figured out how to clear a doorway properly. I always cut it too close and end up hitting my arm, shoulder, or hip on the door frame or worse, the door knob. Oddly enough, even with all my clumsiness, I've never needed stitches nor have I broken anything. Although, I'm convinced that I broke my nose as a toddler. Not paying attention to where I was going, I peddled my tricycle directly into the bumper of my dad's work truck. I still have a small scar on my nose and across my right eyelid. However, I do have a very suspicious bump in the bridge of my nose, not to mention that I can't breathe very well out of my right nostril, which is why I think it may have been broken.

This particular bruise came about while attempting to shoot yesterday's 365 picture. In a hurry to get into the back seat, I managed to run directly into the side of my car. This was immediately followed by shooting pain and a slew of unladylike expletives. How I managed to do this, I'm not really sure. I wasn't paying attention, but damn, it really hurt.

365 Project: Day 84

2010-01-13T00:08:00.001-07:00

On the road....again. I just can't seem to stay home these days. I'm off to fulfill another of my many New Year's resolutions, to photograph more musicians. This weekend I'm shooting Mike Kelly, Asleep At The Wheel, and Bleu Edmondson.

Long drives alone through the desert are good for contemplating the complexities of life. On my drive I was thinking about why I waited so long to really pursue my dreams of being a photographer. I've known this is what I wanted to be since I was a little kid. I'm going be 27 next month and I have just now gotten my butt in gear? I know what was holding me back: fear. Knowing what you want out of life is scary. What if I try as hard as I can and it just doesn't happen? Then what am I going to do? Failure is not an option here. I have no back up plan. This is the only plan.

I feel like I'm getting a late start, but I guess its better late than never. Maybe its good that I hesitated for so long. Now, I'm older, I'm wiser and this time around I really mean it. I really want this. I see now what I was missing out on during all those years of being afraid. How did I ever expect to get what I wanted if I never even really tried? I've realized that not trying my hardest is failing and that is unacceptable.

I look back on all of that time and now I see myself clear as day. I wonder what in the world did I think I was doing? I wouldn't call all those years a waste of time though. They were only a waste if I learned nothing and I feel like I have gained so much from that experience. All those years of internal struggle, being afraid of my ambition and not really understanding why I was unhappy. I could have lived my entire life that way. I guess that's just my style. Stubborn. I don't learn unless I struggle. This lesson took me almost 10 years to learn the hard way. They say hindsight is 20/20 and man, they are right. My future may be blurry, but at least I know I'm headed in the right direction.

365 Project: Day 83

2010-01-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

BIG sunglasses. I can't live without them. My eyes are super sensitive to the sun. I can't even go outside without my shades or I'm blinded, eyes watering, squinting, and overall looking quite unattractive, I'm sure. The sun gives me a headache. Probably because my facial muscles are all tensed up and contorted from trying to keep the blinding light out of my eyes. At one time I probably had 10 different pairs of sunglasses, all equally huge and crazy colored. Most of them have since either broken or been lost somewhere along my journey. I'm down to 4 pairs. I know there is one pair that was left behind in Vegas, but I think that pair really belonged in Vegas. Hopefully there is a really stylish hotel maid running around in my awesome shades.

I get a lot of comments and non-complements about my different sunglasses. Either people love them or they think they're ridiculous. You know, when someone says, "I love your sunglasses. I could never wear those, but you can pull them off." That's a non-complement. Why not just say nothing?

I've always made bold fashion choices. Ever since I was little I dressed myself in these crazy get ups. There are pictures of me as a kid wearing so much jewelry that I'm surprised I'm standing upright. I had a favorite dress too. It was all one piece and had a white top with a little embroidered rainbow patch on the chest. The skirt was knee length, and vertically striped in rainbow colors. It was really brightly colored and I loved it. Even now, I still love it.

During my teen years, shopping was like a battle. My parents were still paying for my clothes and, with complete disregard for my style and taste, mom refused to buy me anything she thought was ugly. Unfortunately, she thought at least half the clothes I wanted were exactly that. So, I was forced to find a happy medium, or have no clothes. I remember her throwing away a pair of vintage bellbottom jeans that I bought at a thrift store because she thought they were hideous.

Things haven't changed much. My clothing choices have toned down a little as I've gotten older, or at least I think so. I still love bright colors, I still wear huge jewelry. The best part is, I still genuinely don't care what anyone else thinks about what I'm wearing. So, here's to being bold, being yourself and wearing ridiculously huge sunglasses every single day.

365 Project: Day 82

2010-01-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

I woke up really stressed out this morning. It was the strangest thing. I was in a panic. There was a lot to get accomplished today, but that's not really different from any other day in my life. Sometimes, when I have a lot to do, even though I'm organized and I've made a list of what needs to be accomplished, I lose direction. I'll find myself standing, usually in the middle of my house for some reason, just trying to decide what I need to do first. That's when I start to feel overwhelmed. I'll just stand there or pace around thinking and trying to sort everything out in my head. Then I usually do the dishes or clean something. For some reason, doing the dishes calms me down. Maybe because my hands are busy and I can focus, accomplish something that needs to be taken care of, and burn off some of my nervous energy all at the same time.

I realize its not only the tasks on my list today that are stressing me out, but that's what I focus on. Even though I absolutely love my life right now, there are always those little issues. For one thing, I am exhausted. I don't sleep much or well when I do manage to fall asleep. Money, or my lack thereof really upsets me, even subconsciously. I try not to think about it, but every now and then, it'll creep up on me. There is a reason that the term "Starving Artist" exists, its not a myth. I think it gets to me because I know I'm working so incredibly hard and I'm trying the best I can to pull it all together. I LOVE what I do and that's why I keep at it, but I never seem to get ahead. All this work is toward an ultimate goal, and that's what keeps me going. The tasks on my list, those are the things I have control over. I can complete a list of tasks, but I can't make money magically appear and I can't force myself to rest. Believe me, I've tried to do both. So, every now and then, I have a day like today. A day where all of the things I try not to think about confront me. A day that is overwhelming and upsetting and unbelievably stressful.

Working out helps. I had a long workout today. I'm going to hurt like hell tomorrow, but I feel better right now. Then, I laid down and read a book for a short while so I had time to just breathe. I got to lose myself in Edgar Cayce's life for half an hour. Maybe that's why I like to read biographies. I get to experience someone else's life and avoid whatever is bothering me about mine.

I finished most of the tasks on my list today. I kept up with several of my New Year's resolutions. Those are accomplishments to be happy about. Just as I'm writing this post, I received several positive comments on my photography and an email letting me know that I was featured on a really great blog today! Those are the things that make this struggle all worth while for me. One day all of my hard work will pay off and I will finally get ahead. I know tomorrow I'll be just fine.

365 Project: Day 81

2010-01-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

I am determined to stick to my list of New Year's resolutions this year. So, today I attended my very first business class at a local non-profit organization. I walked away feeling much more prepared and confident. I got a lot of my questions answered and was able to bounce some ideas off of the person giving the presentation. She had some really great advice. It was so refreshing to get answers from someone who knows what they're talking about. There are always so many ideas dancing around in my head and its nice to know that I can go there any time and get informed guidance on what my next move should be or which ideas I should pursue more seriously. Its amazing that these resources are out there in the community and available for FREE or almost free. Its a good feeling to know that there are entire organizations who want to see you succeed and will help you in any way they can. I will be taking several more classes in marketing, finance, SEO and website optimization and several other subjects over the next few months and I think my business is going to thrive this year because of it. I feel, overall, really encouraged and supported after this class.

Since I am the Jill of all Trades running this business and single handedly taking care of everything that goes along with that, I sometimes feel really isolated. I know that I have an amazing family and friends who love and support me, but there is no one who is actually in this boat with me. That can be hard. Sometimes it would be nice to have someone to collaborate with, someone who knows what I'm going through to talk to and rest my head on when I'm stressed and exhausted and just worked a 15 hour day, someone to just be excited with me when things are going well. I do get that from the people in my life, but its just not the same as having someone directly involved. At least now I feel like there is a place I can go where the people have the answers I'm looking for. Just knowing that gives me a little peace of mind.

365 Project: Day 80

2010-01-04T18:59:00.001-07:00

I used to want to be a photojournalist. I wanted to travel and document the major events and injustices of the world. I thought about joining the Peace Corp. I still think about it. There's a part of me that will always want to do that and I may still attempt it. But, sometimes being a photographer is emotionally really difficult. While everyone gets to see the pictures you take and say "Oh that's terrible, someone should do something." You actually have to be in those horrible places witnessing everything first hand. The hard part for me is not only seeing it, but knowing that there is almost nothing I can do help or to change it.

Kevin Carter was a South African photographer who traveled documenting war zones, the famine in Sudan, the brutality of apartheid, etc. He became famous for an image he took of a little girl who was starving, dying and struggling to drag herself to a feeding center. As he crouched down to take the shot, a vulture landed behind the girl. It sat, waiting for her to die. That photo became the defining image for the famine in the Sudan in the early 90s. After he got the shot he wanted, he shooed away the vulture and left the girl to continue her struggle. Carter sat under a tree, smoked a cigarette, talked to God and cried. He was obviously deeply effected by this little girl, but he still didn't help her. Who knows what happened to her, but Carter won a Pulitzer for his image.

Two months later he committed suicide by carbon-monoxide poisoning. He left a note in the passenger seat that said, "The pain of life overrides the joy to the point that joy does not exist." Through all the years of documenting these terrible events he had become a drug addict and his personal relationships were suffering. Although he won a Pulitzer for that image, he received a lot of criticism for not helping that child and that deeply effected him. He received the international acclaim he had always wanted, but at what cost? He had to live with himself and the fact that he left that little girl there to die and profited greatly from it. Its tragic.

I can't imagine living my life traveling from place to place, witnessing the most horrible tragedies in the world and watching people suffer every day. I couldn't do it. I could never have left that child there to die. A lot of good can come from making the world aware of people and places that are less fortunate and in desperate need of aid, but there is a fine line between documenting for the sake of international awareness and documenting for personal gain.

365 Project: Day 79

2010-01-03T19:14:00.001-07:00

This is one of the seven books that I'm reading right now. Well, there's not really much to read in this book, its mostly pictures, but it still counts. Richard Avedon is one of my favorite photographers. Hell, I'd even venture to say that he may be my favorite photographer. When I saw this book sitting on the shelf at the library, I had to take it home with me. There is a lot of truth in his images. The way he captures people seems to show them for who they are in that moment. I love all the black and white portraits that he shot on a clean white background. The white background allows the person to become the focus of the image without any distractions. The intensity is incredible.

He was able photograph so many amazing people and document many important time periods of the 1900s. I love his images from during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1963 he photographed William Casby, a man who was born into slavery. Its one of my favorite of Avedon's portraits. The tone of Casby's skin is so rich. The expression on his face shows how hard his life must have been. He's worn.

Avedon photographed Napalm victims in Vietnam in 1971. One of his subjects is a woman who was terribly scarred and disfigured. She is looking into the camera with the only eye she has left. She has so much intensity and sadness. It makes me cry every time I see it. My heart goes out to her. I can't imagine what she's been through, not only physically, but emotionally and mentally. You can't survive something like that without it permanently damaging you inside and out.

His images from the East Louisiana State Mental Hospital are disturbing to say the least. He documented people who are lost, childlike, afraid, confused, distraught and locked up in a facility because society and their families don't know what else to do with them. The patients all look abandoned. They all seem so alone, each in their own little worlds. The hospital is all tile. Its stark and cold. Avedon's own sister passed away in a mental institution.

Avedon also photographed fashion. Ah...Avedon's fashion portfolio is amazing. In the 50s he created a series with Dovima wearing Dior and posing with elephants. Brilliant.

I can't say enough about his work. If you haven't seen it, you are missing out. It is incredible. Avedon inspires me.

365 Project: Day 78

2010-01-02T23:18:00.000-07:00

I am drawn to anything vintage or antique. There is something about owning things that are older than I am that I find appealing. Items hold history. They tell a story of a different time and they also hold the memories of the other people who owned them.

There are certain things that I particularly like. Vintage postcards (especially if there is a message written on them), old photographs, cameras, typewriters, buffets, vanities, ash trays, records and record players, chairs, anything from the 50s or 60s, lamps, desks, clothes and jewelry, metal serving trays, and stained glass windows in wooden frames. While I admire all of these things, I try not to own more than I can fit in my car so I very rarely buy them. The only things I really collect are vintage cameras, but in my room I have an antique desk, a 1950s telephone table, and a glass lamp probably from the 60s or 70s.

I bought this typewriter for $20 in a thrift store today. As soon as I saw it I had to have it. I can only imagine where it came from, who bought it, where they bought it, why they bought it, and what kinds of things they typed with it. Love letters, Dear John letters, resumes, formal requests, applications, school papers, essays, maybe a novel. I'll never know, but that's part of the charm. Whoever owned this typewriter took very good care of it. There is hardly a scratch on it. But I can tell that it is well used. All the paint is worn off around the nob on the right side that you turn to advance the paper. Someone was doing a lot of typing.

Now, how did this cute little typewriter end up sitting in a thrift store full of crap? There was seriously nothing but old, broken, dirty junk in this place. It was a disgusting mess in there. But, sitting on a table was this typewriter. I think maybe it was meant to be mine.

365 Project: Day 77

2010-01-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of 2010. Not only is it the beginning of a new year, its the beginning of a new decade. I have always loved New Year's Day and all that it represents. I like the idea of a fresh start. Its a time to put all the mistakes you made over the last year behind you and resolve to do better and try harder this time around. My cousin said to me the other day that this year she will be 2000 and thin. Say it out loud. Yep, very clever. A new year fills people with hope that they can make a change for the better. Really, if it weren't for a calendar, this would be just like any other day. But, because it is the first day in a 365 day cycle it is seen as a beginning. It feels like a new beginning to me.

I made a lot of major changes in 2009. None of which were actual resolutions of mine. In fact, I only remember one of my resolutions from 2009. It was to get back in shape, and I did. I started running every day and I lost 20 lbs. I feel like 2009 was the year I started my life over. It was a long, rough year for me in so many ways. I burned a lot of bridges, I revisited a lot of old ones, and I built a lot of new ones. I finally got the courage to change the things in my life that were making me unhappy. I started working on my photography full time. I began this 365 project. I moved, again. But it was an important move because it brought me home. I've spent more time with my family in the last 7 months than I have in the last 8 years total since I moved away. There is nothing like going home again to recharge you, ground you, remind you who you are and that there are people in the world who will always love you and take care of you no matter what. My family has proven that to me time and time again. They are my rock and I am so grateful for them and all the support they give me.

I'm starting 2010 feeling stronger. I'm starting out on the right foot with goals, dreams, direction, and hope. Real, genuine hope for a happy, fulfilled future. For once, I feel like I'm headed in the right direction. There is a positive momentum happening in my life and everything just keeps falling into place, piece by piece. I'm working harder than I ever have and I'm happier than I have ever been. In fact, I don't even think happy is a big enough word to describe how I feel these days. I just feel really good about where I am right now and that is a refreshing, welcome change.

I have a long list of resolutions. Some of them are small changes, some of them are just goals that I want to accomplish, and some of them are really going to be a challenge. I'm going to list them, because I want you all to help keep me in check this year. I'm sure I'm leaving some things out, but I put a lot of time into this list. I really thought hard about what I could do better, where I should devote more time and energy, what will make me happier and more fulfilled, what is in my life that is holding me back?

Business Goals/Resolutions:
- Figure out what I'm going to do with this 365 Project when I'm finished. Should I publish it? Offer the prints for sale? Submit it to a gallery? Nothing? I'm just not sure where I'm going with it yet.

- Find a new project to start when my 365 project is finished in October. I'm really enjoying this project and I'm going to be sad when its over. I need a new project to transition into.

- Enter at least one photography contest a month or as many as I can afford. I hear about photography contests all the time and I never enter or I can't afford to. This year I want to enter.

- Start selling my fine art prints/gifts wholesale. I feel like this is the next step. I love my Etsy shop and I won't stop selling retail, but I want my business to grow.

- Expand my portrait business to include much more music photography: promo shots, album covers, live performance shots, etc. I LOVE music and I want to incorporate it into my life in as many ways as I can. This will make me very happy.

- Submit my work to galleries, local coffee houses, business, salons, basically anywhere that is willing to hang it. I would love to have my work hanging in a public place.

- Take business classes offered through the SBA. There is always room for improvement. I want my photography business to succeed and thrive. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life and I want to learn everything I can to make that happen.

- Get health insurance. I have no health insurance and that is a scary thing.

- Attend trade shows/craft shows and sell my prints/gifts. I think this will be a great direction for my fine art business to go. I'll get to travel a little, meet new people, and present my photography to entirely new audience. It will be a huge change to have people looking at my prints in person instead of just selling them through the internet.

- Introduce new product lines in my Etsy shop. I have a lot of new ideas for this year. I'm not going to let those secrets out just yet, but I think its going to be really great!

- Be more persistent about promoting my photography. I do a lot to promote my business, but I'm not doing everything I can. I want to focus more on marketing.

Personal Goals/Resolutions:
- Find a charity or non-profit that I believe in and start volunteering. This is something that I have wanted to do for a long time. Now is the time to start giving back.

- Give blood more often. I used to give blood all the time and for some reason I stopped. I think I just got busy, which is a lame excuse. Its an important thing to do and I need to stop making excuses.

- Start exercising regularly again. I'm really thinking about taking up Yoga too. I feel so much better over all when I'm working out regularly. I think more clearly, I sleep better, and I have more energy. The end of 2009 was so crazy with all the traveling and everything. I got out of my routine and I need to get it back.

- Cook my meals at home and stop taking the easy way out...no more drive thru. Its hard to cook for just one or two people so I just grab fast food rather than take the time to cook. Its expensive, its bad for my health, its bad for my weight, and I don't even really like it. I need to stop eating it so much.

- Create a budget and actually stick to it...or close to it. I am terrible about not keeping track of my money. I don't really spend a lot, but I don't keep track of where its going either. I want to start saving a little money this year.

- See more concerts and attend at least one major festival. I love live music and I wasn't able to afford to attend many concerts in 2009. I hear there are going to be a lot of awesome bands on tour this year and I'm determined to go to more shows. I'm putting it in my budget.

- Start meditating. I need something to center me and calm me down. There are so many benefits to meditation. I need something that will help me stay focused and bring down my stress level. Plus, it just feels good to breath deeply.

- Read MANY more books. I have a list of books I want to read and a list of subjects I'm interested in learning more about. I just need to set aside a little time in my day to sit down and read. I love it and I haven't been doing enough of it lately.

- Not drink as much. Don't get me wrong, I definitely benefit from the occasional jack and coke, margarita, or glass of wine. Lately I feel like drinking is nothing more than a huge waste of my time, energy, and money. I'm cutting back.

- Take a real vacation somewhere other than Texas. I love Texas, and I will be on Crystal Beach this summer, but I want to go somewhere I've never been before.

- Spend more time outside. I sit at this computer most of the day. I want to get out in the sunshine more, even if its just for a quick walk.

Happy new beginning everyone!

365 Project: Day 76

2010-01-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

Its New Year's Eve and I've decided to stay home. I finally got back to Albuquerque this evening after being away for a week. I spent the drive home with my stereo cranked up, singing as loud as I could in my car. It was a relief to spend some time by myself. Tonight, I'm exhausted. I just want to be alone and I don't really feel like going out or drinking. I ate the homemade chicken and dumplings and cornbread that my mom sent me home with, had some coffee and stayed up working until 4:30 in the morning. I wished everyone Happy New Year via text message.

I've been going through this phase lately where I really enjoy spending time alone. I'm usually a very social person. I love going out, seeing my friends, meeting new people and chatting until the wee hours of the morning. But lately I'm tired. I'm tired of going to the same places and drinking the same Jack and Coke. I've never really been alone. I went from sharing a room with my sister and living in my parents' house to living in a dorm room with a roommate. After that I lived with two different boyfriends. My sister and I live together now, but I have my own room this time around.

I genuinely enjoy spending time with myself. This is the first time in my life where that has even been an option. People are put off by someone who likes to be alone. They find it strange. I think its a great thing to be content hanging out with yourself. I'm more put off by the person who can never stand to be alone. Starting off 2010 at home, doing what I love and focusing on myself was the perfect night for me. It was exactly what I needed after a week of traveling and holidays and family. I needed to recharge. I needed to be alone. I just needed quiet.

So, Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2010 brings you all happiness, health, and everything your hearts desire.

365 Project: Day 75

2010-01-02T12:31:00.005-07:00

I had an awesome time shooting with my dad today. I tried to go shoot at an indoor range when I was living in California and they wouldn't let me because I wasn't licensed and they didn't have enough people available to supervise me. So here I am, in the middle of the desert, shooting at soda cans with my dad. Who needs a shooting range anyway? Not me apparently.

I shot two of my dad's pistols, a Beretta 3032 Tomcat and a Ruger 9mm (not pictured), and my grandfather's old Browning shotgun. The pistols were no problem, but that shotgun was really heavy and it hadn't been shot in about 40 years. I was a little worried that it would either knock me down or just explode. I kept having visions of that Red Rider BB Gun from A Christmas Story. "You'll shoot your eye out!" Luckily none of those things happened.

I had shot pellet guns before, but never anything like this. I took a hunter safety course when I was younger, even though I would NEVER kill a living thing, but I've always been really interested in shooting. I just hadn't gotten the chance until today. I wasn't a terrible shot either. I actually hit several of those cans. Not too bad for my first time. Now I'm hooked! I loved it! Its been on my list of things to learn how to do for a long time. I will definitely go shooting again. I want to get better and the only way to do that is to practice.

Now I can check that off my life list. Next on the list, I want to learn how to ride a horse.

365 Project: Day 74

2010-01-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

I'm so ready to go home. I miss my bed, I miss my Mac, I miss my work. Yet, here I am again, in the cold, in the dark, roadside in the middle of who knows where, Texas.

My iPod is my only salvation right now and the battery is dying. I need to invest in a book light so I can at least read after it gets dark. Right now I'm reading Edgar Cayce's biography. He was absolutely amazing! Cayce called himself a "seer". His grandfather had telekinetic abilities and could move objects with his mind. Even as a child Cayce had psychic abilities and had several visions at a very young age. He spoke often with his grandfather about the things he saw. His grandfather was accidentally drowned in a pond by a horse when Cayce was only 4 years old. However, Cayce claims that he was able to see and speak to his grandfather even after he had passed. He also claimed to see several children who he played with that no one else was able see.

Later in life Cayce discovered his ability as a healer. He was able to put himself into a hypnotic state and tell a physician exactly what was ailing their patient and exactly how to cure it. He had no medical training and knew nothing of anatomy, but his diagnosis and suggestions for treatment were always correct. Cayce never even met most of the people he was diagnosing. He became very ill at one point and completely lost his voice for a period of time. But, once under hypnosis he was able to speak normally. Cayce diagnosed himself and told the physician how to treat his problem. The doctor would give him suggestions while he was in a hypnotic state and his voice would return as normal when he awoke. It was incredible.

I can't imagine having that sort of ability. He was afraid of it and, being very religious, he was also ashamed of it. Many people in the church shunned him and told him he was going against God. How sad to have this amazing ability to help countless numbers of people, and to have people make you feel like you had to hide it. It must have felt like both a blessing and a burden.

I'm only as far as his mid-twenties, so I haven't read yet how he used his ability throughout the rest of his life. I can't wait to finish the book and find out!