Flynneous: Cooking, Reading & Photographing

Californivacation: Morro Bay

2012-01-29T15:47:00.000-06:00

On my trip I was constantly catching places just as the sun was fading. Lack of planning? Or are the days too short to capture all of PCH's beauty?

I have to fess up. I'm pretty sure these first two are totally out of order and not so close to Morro Bay.

I arrived at Morro Bay late late and was very interested in seeing the famous Morro Rock, so I stayed at Morro Bay State Park...driving in when it was already pitch black along somewhat curvy roads to find Morro Inn, where I had booked a room (an hour or so before!) My room had a view of the water, but I couldn't really see the rock until the next morning...

I think this is the ugliest rock I've ever seen.

Nice boat though.

Took a short hike up to see the ugly rock better. The air was so fresh and there was even a mountain bunny on the trail.


Shockingly, Morro Rock was just as ugly a hundred feet up as at eye level.

I'm sure there were other pretty things to see in the park, but I had to move on. Tomorrow, I'll bring you prettier pictures from Montano del Oro State Park, a few miles from Ugmo Rock.

Californivacation: Grover & Pismo Beaches

2012-01-27T16:47:00.000-06:00

Made a quick stop at Gover Beach because I had to rush to try to see some monarchs at a nearby butterfly grove.

So where are the pictures of softly floating butterflies? 没有！A local guy walking in the area said they haven't been coming like they used to--before their pretty orange wings would coat the whole grove of trees. He said their main diet of milkweed is frequently bush hogged by local farmers. I was a little depressed at this news. Poor butterflies. Let 'em eat milkweed!

Seriously it was a bummer. I might have gotten a little teary because I really wanted to see them, but the nice gentleman showed me the way to Pismo beach a short walk away. Again, the sun is setting when I get to the good spots...but it does result in the warmest pictures and then driving in the dark.

What's that? Two pictures of the same thing at different exposures? You're welcome.

Did someone set this up as an alter or something? Curious. I saw similar formations on other beaches.

This is my Breakfast Club face.

Californivacation: Sickening Solvang & its surroundings

2012-01-25T15:18:00.000-06:00

I took a slight detour from PCH, which I very much regret. When you travel alone in a car and have a limited amount of time, its hard to decide just where to stop. Imagine stopping too much and then not having time to see the good stuff, ie Big Sur. I had this fear during my entire trip. I tried to shake it, but it was the fear of missing all the good stuff, not spending time wisely, running out of money, etc etc.

It was generally a relaxing, fun vacation but I did have moments of panic and doubt as to where to go and what to do. It turns out Solvang was my least wise stop.

While these pictures make it seem quaint, don't be fooled. This Danish 'village' is a sickeningly sweet tourist trap that only grandmothers and Dutch quilters should visit. Every building was made to look Danish because a handful of Dutch settlers moved there a hundred years ago...so there were windmills, bakeries with cardboard-like Danish cookies and shops that looked like houses with mean old ladies in them ready to shove unsuspecting children in ovens.

I wandered around the overpriced shops, thinking I might at least get some Solvang cuisine but thinking better of spending $20 on a Dutch sandwich, I shook the dust off my feet and munched on Smart Start as Solvang disappeared into my rearview mirror.

Safely out of Solvang, which is in wine country, I stopped on the roadside to take a pic of some grape vines.

I really like this one. I think Robert Mitchum or Brian Keith lived there.

The last picture show.

This was kind of a cute barn, don't you think? I didn't go in though...I'm pretty sure there were Dutch grannies with hot ovens in there.

Californivacation: El Capitan State Beach, part II

2012-01-23T15:13:00.002-06:00

It was so quiet at El Capitan State Beach. I don't think I ran into a single person while I walked on the beach. A lot of the areas I went to were largely deserted so I could traipse around taking pictures without interference.

There was a beautiful old train bridge at the exit of the park. When I stopped to take pictures of it, I discovered that dozens of monarchs had moved into the area. It was the beginning of monarch season so I was hoping to find some. They floated along so lazily in the sun and amongst the trees. It was beautiful and I watched them for a while before I got back to the bridge. They were so high up that I couldn't get a good picture or video of them (my video is laughably bad) and they never seemed to land within range of my zoom so alas here is the only picture...

The elusive Californian monarch

Under the bridge


On the road again.

Note: Highway 1 cuts in and out of 101 along the coast. Lest you think I wasn't truly on PCH.

Californivacation: El Capitan State Beach, part I

2012-01-21T10:10:00.001-06:00

I had to pay to go into El Capitan State Beach, which seems like it would be more worth it if I were staying there for 2 or 8 hours but many of California's state parks are closed due to the poor economy so I suppose I'm glad I could do my park. It was a beautiful beach and nice to roam around for an hour or so.

I was obviously there in the off season.

I liked this one so much I took 4 ish pictures. Ooh wispy wintry branches.

More on El Capitan's less beechy side up next.

Californivacation: Santa Barbara

2012-01-20T16:47:00.000-06:00

I spent the first night of my trip in charming Santa Barbara. Unfortunately I got there when it was already late and most of the shops were closing (it was Sunday). I did get to try my first Pink Berry even though my fingers were kind of stiff from walking in the cool night. I also had amazing legit tacos at a whole in the wall place. I was the only person there who didn't speak Spanish...it's hard to find authentic, delish places on your own. Thank you, Lonely Planet.

I stayed at a cute bed & breakfast and had an interesting convo with the manager, a Turkish man from NYC.

Adobe style buildings were Santa Barbara's thing (but not like cloying Slovang, which you will see in a future post).

I didn't go anywhere without encountering palm trees.

Very cute downtown area. Maybe a little touristy, maybe a little high end, but nice all the same.

These eclectic pianos are all over town and people are invited to sit down to play them. Cool idea.

I've been scheduling posts like cra cra (Bev are you reading this?) for my 15 readers so look for some every coupla days until I run out of edited pics again. We're inching our way up to San Fran.

Californivacation: Carpinteria Beach

2012-01-19T20:32:00.001-06:00

On my trip to California (remember way back when?) I took a lot of pictures of the same thing sometimes because what happens if one of them didn't come out right? Then I'd only have 7 copies of every stretch of beach, every rock on the beach and every tree. It only stands to reason...

And one more...proof that I was there.

It's alive!

Opposite the beach it was still gorgeous and vintage colored.

If I can stop reading The Hunger Games, I will post more soon. By the way, have you read The Hunger Games?

2011 Reads

2012-01-08T22:40:00.000-06:00

I love year end lists. They were always especially great in China where it was easy to miss all the best new books, movies, and music. For the past few years I've been keeping a list of books read for the year.

Here are all the books I finished in 2011 (in order of completion) with brief commentary. Top five are in green.

Howards End by E.M. Forster Two British sisters lives are dramatically changed by their romantic entanglements and their romantic philosophies. Read the Norton edition.

Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman Biography of marriage, motherhood, tragedy & faith. A genuine voice and a heartbreaking story.

The Imperfectionists by Mark Rachman (great cover by the way) An English magazine in Italy is the intersection point for a variety of characters over several decades. Fast and compelling read that was just slightly contrived but worth a read. Each character's story was unique.

Amsterdam by Ian McEwan Friendship and betrayal by the master of the sad ending. Well written but like tying a lead weight to your leg and jumping in the ocean. Read Atonement instead.

Eat This Book by Eugene Peterson Great book on consuming the Bible by a thoughtful Christian author. Full of wisdom. Made me excited to glean new things from the Word!

Factory Girls by Leslie T. Chang A true look at the lives of female migrant workers in one of China's factory hubs. Started out well but Chang lost her edge and went on a tangent part way through.

Next by James Hynes Discontented Midwestern businessman goes on a job interview in the midst of terrorist activity. Took a gamble on this book and didn't love it.

Nothing to Envy By Barbara Demick L.A. journalist explores life in North Korea by interviewing defectors from the same area. Great book and a rare look into the horrific situation north of the DMZ.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen College boy runs away to the circus and falls in love with the star of the show. I DO NOT understand why anyone liked this book. Writing was horrible--like reading the directions on a script) and the story was contrived. I'm sure the movie's better.

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides Haunting and nostalgic tale of the Lisbon girls and their inexplicable suicide. Great descriptions and sentences, leaves you wanting answers that you know from page one you're not going to get. Good read.

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen You've read this already right? My favorite line is still from the movie version - "Surely you and I are beyond speaking when words are clearly not enough.

The Painted Veil by Somerset Maugham Self-centered woman marries a research doctor who lives in Hong Kong and faces mortality and morality during a plague. Completely different from the movie. Good read but I liked the redemptive story of the movie better. Eek.

Little Bee by Chris Cleave Nigerian refugee moves in with a British editor after her husband's suicide. Not sure how to describe this story but it had honest voices. Ending was fairly implausible.
The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne The journey to creating a radical Christian community amongst the least of these. Very challenging read on living the Gospel and being a peacemaker. Too deep to summarize.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith A girl from an eccentric (make that cooky) family living in a dilapidated castle documents her coming of age. Book and movie are equally beautiful and breathtaking. Must read/see.

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson If you're a beginning photographer, read this. If you've been taking pictures for a year or two, you should probably still read this. I should probably read it again.

Oliver Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout Pulitzer prize winning book of short stories that feature one curmudgeony woman. Interesting read but many of the stories featured romantic betrayals.

The Psycopath Test by Jon Ronson Investigative journalist of unusual topics, Ronson explores the word of psychology and psychopaths. A little disjointed but still fascinating look at the cult of psycology.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett You've already read this right? If not, ask yourself this...why not?

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan Super popular book (at least among the NPR crowd) about the mostly separate lives of a music producer and his secretary. Told with some unusual devices (one chapter is a ppt). Eh, seemed more about experimenting with form than creating a memorable story. I like straightforward plot better so judge this one for yourself.

The Paris Wife by Paula McClain Fictional (but well researched) tale of Hemingway's first wife over the course of their marriage. Didn't love it at the beginning, but I got more engrossed in Hadley Hemingway's story as it progressed.

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom The autobiography of a Christian woman who worked to save Jews during the Holocaust and was put in a concentration camp as a result. Amazing story of God's faithfulness and miracles. Must read.

The Marriage Plot by Jeffery Eugenides Does the famous marriage plot work in real life? Boy loves girl who loves another boy and being that they're Brown students, they analyze everything. Oh I was hoping I'd like this better. Story didn't grab me like Virgin Suicides.

What were your favorite reads of 2011?

Mine (and Ben's) first (wonky) baby quilt

2012-01-05T10:14:00.000-06:00

In anticipation of the newest addition to the S family (who is very far away in the Middle Country), I made a quilt in their family colors (rather the colors they have been known to wear quite often). It's a wonky version of a log cabin quilt (sort of) and while far from perfect, I was pleased with how it turned out (after all it's probably going to be thrown up on a few times!). Even more I'm excited by the thought that baby Ben will have a little homemade something from me to cuddle up in since I can't be there to cuddle in person.

Here are the pics--pretend like they're good (I took them pre new camera and pre new flash) and pretend like the quilt isn't horribly wrinkled.

I'm almost done with a baby quilt that zigs and zags. Will post pictures soon. I promise.

Californivacation: SoCal

2011-12-07T22:02:00.000-06:00

The trip begins...or began. I took somewhere around 3000 pictures on my California trip in early November -what with 2 cameras--one of them with speeds of 4.5 pictures/second. So it's taking me a while to edit them since I took several versions of every photo and every angle of every beach pebble along the trip north.

I started in SoCal & after a friends' wedding a few friends and I headed to Laguna Beach--my 1st glmpse of the famous PCH (that's West Coast lingo for Pacific Coast Highway aka Highway 1).

Look at this crazy rubbery seaweed.

These trees were cool. Don't know what kind though.

A beautiful bird of paradise. That is one crazy plant.

That's all for Laguna Beach. It was pretty, but SoCal is not the place for me. More soon...je vous promets.

Butterflies for My Favorite Toddlers

2011-10-24T15:44:00.000-05:00

There are butterflies here--all over the place here. I thought they were a spring thing, but apparently not when you live near the beach and it never gets really cold.

I took this video for my favorite toddlers in China who probably aren't seeing too many of these brightly colored winged wonders.

P.S. I'm in love with my new iTouch. It's so multifunctional. I did worry that it was an unnecessary expense but not so. With all the interviews I've been doing lately, it's recording-sans-2-foot-long-head-phones has been crucial...plus I get to send butterflies to toddlers. Tell me that's unimportant.

Down on the Corner, Out in the Street

2011-10-17T09:35:00.003-05:00

I've been experimenting with the 35mm lens on my Seagull. It has such a tiny aperture. I loves it. Here are pictures capitalizing on the 2 aperture and some I just liked. All photos taken with high saturation slide film, which I can't stop taking pictures with.

Downtown Biloxi. Went on a hot Sunday afternoon. Can you feel the heat?

Magnolia cone. Isn't it fascinating? Bright red seeds for a tall tree with white flowers. Gorgeous....this is a weird picture though.

Should I stay or should I go now?

Everyone has taken this picture but it's hard to resist a nice train track.

Very pleased with how this one turned out, especially since I got a red ant bite in the process. Marrr.

I want to hug this tree or takes it's picture over and over again. It's a big maple in front of the First Baptist Church and the trunk/roots are slowly flowing along the edge of the street. Took this on a dark, cloudy afternoon after it had rained so the grass pops.

This one could be more in focus but it's just so dreamy and there are two bugs in it. Bonus points if you can find them.

I always want to take a picture here so I have and I do.

More film photos when I can afford to get the stinkin' 'spensive slide film developed! Oh another reason to miss Shanghai and Elite photo!

Vestigages of Shanghai

2011-10-15T09:01:00.000-05:00

A few last pics of Shanghai I just got developed. I'm sorely missing all the good places to take picture in the city on the sea.

Yum...though I hardly ever ate these. I went in for the less fried more bready street foods.

I can't remember exactly, but I think this guy asked me to take his picture.

Not really in focus, but I like it anyway...so there.

He didn't want me to take his picture...mwahahaha.

Oh boy could this guy talk. He offered all kinds of advice about places I had to go and magazines I had to buy. Mostly I didn't understand what he was talking about, but I don't think I was alone in that.

Oh and all the people. That's my pengyou turned around there. I like how this pic captures the constant motion of the metro stations. I'm shocked it came out with this 100ISO film.

Dat's a Big Bird

2011-10-14T22:14:00.000-05:00

This picture (in two edits) looks like winter, doesn't it? Nope, just a dead tree. I was walking home with my cameras and this huge hawk few overhead. It was gorgeous.

Hoods

2011-10-12T22:10:00.001-05:00

A few more car pics....The old cars were just so pretty and had beautiful details. Why don't they make cars like this anymore?

Back to September

2011-10-10T21:52:00.002-05:00

A few photos from September...

Can you believe this sky?

I didn't eat any of this, but it sounded pretty good.

I call this the New Ruin. It overlooks the beach near our apartment and has a ancient Greco-Roman feel nestled in the live oaks. I snuck up there one morning and took a few pics of it.

Why don't you come to your senses, shrimp boat?

I think this guy is cra' cra'. Rumor has it he is really wealthy. He rides his bike around town like this all the time and he's not selling any of those bags.

Mom and I solved a murder.

I love these beautiful birds.

And one more of Desperado...

Hot Rod Lincoln

2011-10-07T09:58:00.001-05:00

Over 5000 classic cars were on the Mississippi Gulf Coast this week for a festival called Cruisin' the Coast. The cars were amazing...here's one vintage Lincoln I edited four ways.

Writing Up a Storm

2011-10-06T20:33:00.000-05:00

I've been writing up a storm the past three weeks for the Sun Herald and I've been really thankful for all the work. I'm starting to get the hang of summing up events with less than 300 words.

I've gotten to meet an eclectic group of people...including phone interviews with an Olay spokeswoman and a martial arts stuntman...plus...

An 8k for breast cancer (the Spidey mask for the finish line)

A renowned songwriter (very down to earth)...

A boy scout expo complete with catapult...

A military mom who made a t-shirt quilt for her daughter...

An artwork unveiling...

A Greek night. (He's a real boy!) Opa!..

...complete with THE Greek Elvis

Then there was an Elvis impersonator...

A pet blessing...

...on the beach.

This week has been all cars...

...cars to commemorate the fallen of 9/11

Lovely veterans enjoying classic cars (I wanted to take them home)...

...a car that shoots fire

...and the man who made it do that

...a new blade-free LASIK surgery -- $2200/eye!

and back to cars, including ones with rat trap petals...

Phwew I'm wore out!

Gnarly Trees

2011-09-24T15:19:00.001-05:00

I wrote a short story for a class at college once and mentioned live oaks in it. My teacher crossed out live, not realizing that it's actually a type of oak–deep rooted trees that stay green year round. There are thousands of them down on the Gulf Coast. In some places, the live oaks are the only thing left standing in lots where there used to be majestic houses overlooking the sea.

And this is a gnarly old cypress tree that probably saw better days before Hurricane K. It's it awesome?

Last Days in Shanghai IV: The last of the early morning pictures

2011-09-16T11:30:00.000-05:00

Last ones I promise although I'm sad to be coming to the end of this little series (of course there's at least a hundred more...)

I always loved these posts with the streets spray painted on them. Chinese characters look cool.

This is a seductive old bicycle cart.

This guy was nice. He really loved his bird. He could speak Chinese that bird.

Bamboo birdcages are gorgeous.

Fresh soybeans


A great way to travel after hours of walking in the sun.

Fin.

Last Days in Shanghai III: More early morning pictures

2011-09-13T11:30:00.000-05:00

I was determined to get more pictures of Chinese people before I left Shanghai...very devil may care of me, I know. People were so much nicer at 6 o'clock in the morning than when I've taken pictures later in the day. I guess the city gets to you by 10 a.m. or so.

I loved this lady.

After I took some pictures of her, she came over and touched my arm and looked at them. She was so sweet.

This guy did not want to let me take his picture.

But I did it anyway and then he wanted to see the pictures. I gave him some lip for that.

Chinese city folk have a certain knack for sleeping on noisy streets.

Right after I took this picture, I scooped up this lady cause she was so tiny.

I only show you that last picture to remind you about the courtyard with that awesome view of the temple. And here is the lady who showed it to me after she took me on a short tour.

In the News: My first centenarian

2011-09-12T10:57:00.000-05:00

This weekend I got my first freelance gig since I leaving Shanghai. I was really excited and a bit nervous since it was a trial run.

I covered the 20th Annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Blues & Heritage Festival. While I didn't get to hang out for long and enjoy the music, I did chat with a number of very friendly folks. My favorite interviewee was a 103 year old woman who has been part of the festival since it started.

Please head over to the Sun Herald's website and give it a read!

Last Days in Shanghai II

2011-09-10T21:19:00.000-05:00

Most of these are from a jaunt in an old, well preserved neighborhood I discovered in the French Concession area of Shanghai. I love that area. Also, these pictures do not betray the searing heat and humidity of that day, thankfully because that would be as unpleasant as my sweat drenched self traipsing around with two cameras in July.

Nothing dangerous about these power boxes.

Like doors, old mailboxes are endlessly photogenic.

I did a Kel El on this picture.

See...a door and mailboxes.

An advertisement for the "dentist". Don't go to a dentist with a painted sign attached with old wire. Serious.

More Kel El-ling it.

This is where bok choy comes from.

Most people run from the camera but this guy wanted me to take a picture. He's one in a billion.

Hilarious, random Chinese cowboy flour (I think) bag. I'm glad it's a registered trade mark.

Just Finished: Understanding Exposure

2011-09-08T11:30:00.003-05:00

Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera by Bryan Peterson

If you want to take better pictures, read this book from cover to cover. From the title it might sound like Understanding Exposure covers a very limited area of photography, but that's where you're wrong. Peterson, a successful photographer, has everything the beginner needs to take beautiful pictures. The book begins with how to use ISO, shutter speed, and aperture together to create pictures that are technically and artistically good. From there Peterson explains the different techniques to get a variety of cool effects such as panning. Even though I had been taking pictures for over a year, I found the book extremely helpful and the lighting section provides invaluable information on how to adjust exposure for different times of day and situations. There are pictures on almost every page to illustrate Peterson's instructions. My only criticism is that some terms are mentioned numerous times but not explained until the last third of the book. But that's just another reason to go through the whole thing.

Do you photographers out there have any other recommendations for photography manuals?

My new appendage

2011-09-07T14:46:00.001-05:00

I wanted to introduce you to my new appendage...a huge messenger bag! Woot woot! I have to admit that I sp-uh-lur-ged on this bag. I really needed it. Really did. It's from a NYC company called Vaya. I saw them on the Groupon-for-Etsy site Heartsy and couldn't help myself. Vaya bags are made to order. They use canvas on the outside and have a bunch of color choices. You can get more complex than mine. I'm a girl with complex yet simple tastes. The inside is vinyl so everything is waterproof. (Not even a drip made it inside this weekend during the tropical storm.)

Not to keep gushing, but the Vaya people have thought of everything. There are pockets galore. They ask which shoulder you'll wear it on and make it accordingly (finally something for us lefties!) And you can get a reflective strip to keep you extra safe when messengering (I didn't get it because I like to live on the edge). My Mac Book fits in it perfectly. More importantly both of my cameras fit in it perfectly (probably all 3 at the same time but a girl has her vertebrae to consider), which was the main reason I needed an upgrade. If I ever get a puppy, I'm totally carrying it around in there, too.

One more thing, I emailed directly with the owner and she sent pictures of the fabric combinations so I could see before I made the jump. Great customer service, great product. No, Vaya is not paying me to endorse their bags.

P.S. Please ignore that renegade rat tail curl that I missed when putting my hair up. It's not fair to notice it because it's been so hot and humid and I was taking pictures of myself in my apartment complex which is embarrassing.

Last Days in Shanghai I: On Film

2011-09-04T12:00:00.003-05:00

One thing you need to know about China: you'll never be able to get up earlier than the elderly Chinese people. You just can't do it. There are too many and they're always going to beat you to the punch. Before I left, I wanted to get up early early and take pictures of the city before all the people & cars hit the streets. I got out by 5:30 a.m. and took pictures for about 4 hours. It was great. Wish I would have done that once a month. I took several hundred pictures...more are coming soon. These are highlights from my Seagull camera...

I would not have gotten this shot without a really nice lady who told me to walk into this courtyard.

Now that's a Shanghai chic.

I don't know if I should, but I adore this picture and how ephemeral all the clothes are.

I went to an old park in the former Jewish corner. An elderly man hijacked me and took me to meet his friends. It was great. This is his friend and more on the other old man in a future post.

This man looks like a muppet to me. A really nice one. He was in his 80s (I think), was an engineer, and spoke Russian.

Old apartment building across the street from the park.

The egg and rice seller's signs.

Taken on a different day...my friend Vivigan on her awesome powder blue faux Vespa.


Just like my town in Mississippi, there are chickens running around the streets.

Pretty Ladies

2011-09-01T20:47:00.000-05:00

Hello! I've been photo editing...which means I'm finally scheduling some posts so stay tuned. These are still from my last weeks in China. Sadness.

I took some pictures of my friends/co-workers at our going away lunch. Using the 35mm lens on my Seagull, I took a turn at experimenting with portraits. It would be hard not to take good pictures of these lovely ladies. Don't you agree?

group pic sans moi.

she's looking into your soul.

Lo is super fashionable.

Love this. She could be on the cover of a novel. Maybe I'll write one so she can be on the cover of it.

I love her expression!

This is the cutest Chinese person on the planet. Really she is. And the sweetest.

Our lovely intern. She really likes Korean emo music.

And swoopy bangs.

oh wish this was more in focus. marrr. this gal rocks fascinators (the thing on her head).

the end.

Wish List

2011-08-22T17:02:00.000-05:00

I try not to be materialistic, but lately, despite being almost jobless, living in a very full apartment, and completely uncertain of my future I keep thinking how nice it would be to own a few very useful things. I promise not to buy them...

1. An industrial sewing machine. Cause then I could make my own messenger bag instead of buying an expensive one to fit all my cameras in and I could sew leather, plywood even if I felt like it.

2. A car. Nothing fancy but preferably with a sound transmission and miles per gallon galore. (Might have to buy this one sometime soon.)

3. DSLR with video. Not really a priority this one, but I can tell my camera is getting older. It's a bit slower than I'd like and occasionally a very small blue dot appears on some of my pictures. I recently read that flying in daylight can kill pixels (or parts of the sensor). Ah! Apparently there is some sort of radiation or some such nonsense out to get my Nikon. Between that and the x-ray sensors ruining film, air travel is a total enemy of my photography habit.

4. Tartine. The famed bread book. I don't truly need it...not until I experiment with the artisan breads in my Baking With Julia cookbook...yet everywhere I go (mmm...maybe just on food blogs I visit) I see this book mentioned and it's less than half price on Ebay! I wish I had people to cook for...

5. iTouch with camera. a) because there is a light meter app and one of my film cameras has no light meter and the other one has a wonky light meter. This means I have to carry my digital with me on all photo outings. Marrr. Of course when my new messenger bag arrives, they'll all fit in it but I was counting on using my vertebrae for the next 50 years. oh and b) because of mobis. They're everywhere. I want to scan them and find out what they do. I'm pretty sure that I'm missing out, and I'm really worried that you can't pluralize them with an 's'.

6. Food processor. Just a small one. Practically every recipe I've made of late told me I need one and they were all right. Have you tried to make a paste without one? It's messy and ineffective and I'm pretty sure pastes did not exist until their invention.

Now that I've gotten that off my clavicle, on with the job hunt!