Dogs And Skies

El Rancho Encino

2011-11-15T16:37:00.000-08:00

Clockwise from top left: 900 pairs of Nine HUNDRED dollar glasses, A Lineage of Pastels,

Antiques + Plugs, Poppy Asks Nicely. Shingle Springs, CA

This second Portrait of Place is that of El Rancho Encino. Well, that's its official name. Its monikers have included The Mud House, The Country Home, The Ranch, and most notably, Parent's House. Mostly it's just home.

The Beach House

2011-11-09T18:02:00.000-08:00

Clockwise from Top Left: A Secularists Gallery, Rothko Shmothko, Conan, Balcony. Long Beach, CA

I've accepted the idea of my proxy home being a moving dot on a virtual map.
So, in lieu of house-warming, I've started a new series called Portraits of Places. A lament to the places I get to stay sometimes.
The first portrait belongs to that of The Beach House. A lucky abode filled with good feelings.

2011-10-30T01:15:00.000-07:00

A General List of Do's & Don'ts

(Neither Concrete or one-subject-related in nature)

[But mostly having to do with aesthetic]

__________________

I have about a million of these lists. They are a wobbly effort in identifying a personal taste and aesthetic. A visual manifestation of my very metaphorical navigation of this weird world of art and the myth that may surround it.

hotel california.

2011-09-10T00:12:00.000-07:00

Patti Smith would say something profound about this motel room.

but all I can say, is
this motel room smells like the non-indoors.
in the non-appealing way.

a perfectly ordinary cheeze-fest.
a suspect carpet.

winged eyeliner

2011-08-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

self, seedy sixties.

Impromptu Pool Jumps.

2011-05-04T19:42:00.000-07:00

by the Sisters Castro.

well, that happened.

2011-04-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

(WARNING: this post is long and arduous and should you be the scan-through type, there are pictures at the bottom)

2011 has slapped me in the face. I don't even think I could call it a slap because it's too pussyfooted of vocabulary. Instead I'll say, 2011 roundhouse kicked me in the head while I wasn't looking.

I don't want to say I've lost my identity, but I can't help feeling like I've lost pieces of it.
GAAAAAAAHMELODRAMA.
i know, right?

But wait, let me explain, fast tracked.

so when i was 8 i got this dog as a reward for staying in a show that i actually didnt stay in and also because he was hypo-allergenic and i was one of those asthmatic kids who had to walk around with an inhaler because everything was a trigger for an asthma attack- yeah one of those kids. he was great and i was happy and he went everywhere i did and even in college i made the effort to drive miles and miles and miles just so i could go hang out with my dog that i loved for more than half my life because to me he wasn't a pet as much as a childhood confidant that listened patiently while i pined over zac hanson or curled beside me while i secretly consumed copious amounts of literature even though it was SO UNCOOL to read. he sat in my lap when i felt like the whole world was on my sisters side damn her and her perfection and pattered behind me as i made up dance moves to songs i'm too embarrassed to list here. he had a bad attitude towards strangers and basically anyone that wasn't me and for that i loved him more. he was rugged and an off brand poodle if you know what i mean not one of those miniature designer dogs that are too fragile even for a handbag. he swam in rivers and trudged in mud and followed the little girl who loved him more than anything anywhere because that's the type of friend he was and the type the little girl needed. there were a million amazing things about him like how when he slept he looked like Falcor and how he loved corn on the cob more than anything and how one time he hid under the couch so he could steal pretzels out of my sisters bag that was lying on the floor. he was a massive part of the life that i knew and understood and felt comfortable in because he was a monument of happiness for me and the person i had become. he grew old with me and i was lucky enough to still manage time in my petulant schedule for him, so that i could spend his older days laying in the sun and taking naps. i'm not an unreasonable person and i had come to terms with his age and knew that maybe a chapter was about to end and not to say i was okay with it but who am i to argue with the nature of life? and despite all the stupid vets who know less about love and more about vaccinations he spent an additional year in my life happily enjoying corn on the cob and laying in the sun. but alas, when the moon in her meadow calls upon the living who have used up their time, not even love can hold back the only truth we all know.
And, on New Years Day of 2011, my little pup who I spent years nurturing and understanding died next to me on the couch he loved so well, in the house that smelled like home.

That's how 2011 started. And by hanging onto threads, I've made it through to April. (holyshitaprilican'tbelieveit'saprilgrowingupsucks).

Those who have experienced the joy of having a creature sidecar along with you through most of your life, can vouch that little is more impacting than the feeling of a friend- be it imaginary, real, or animal- growing up with you in every sense of the word.

so, that happened.
And as if to make a statement about doors closing, windows opening, blah blah blah, the universe takes my car away from the endless roads I would have undoubtedly made it limp over.

Wait, let me make this clear for you. Car? Just a car? Nope, no way.
My vehicle was many things, not excluding a comfortable place to sleep, a meditation space and a storage unit.
I wrote about the wonders of my Jeep here, about three years and 70,000 miles ago.

i love my car, because I don't claim to be one of those sensible people who know objects are just objects.

Anyways, I've retired my car and it will, quite literally go spend the rest of its days on a farm in upstate california (and not one of those metaphorical 'farms' parents tell their kids the pet went.)

So now, without my car and without my dog, I re-learn how to function happily and move forward.
blah blah blah, being an adult is hard.

Windows

last trip north

in retirement

Hearts

why do i look so corpse-y? who knows. but i'm clearly happy about the addition to my life.

a little heavy handed with the vignetting.

2011-02-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

This is a walk I took, right when the rain cloud broke and washed out all the sun and blue.

Not gonna lie, I like it. Weird and dark skies make me feel unpredictable and flighty. Like Eeyore... if Eeyore smiled more and didn't mind having his tail unattached sometimes.

Not to say I'm unreliable OR grumpy... I just, like bad weather.

Life has a funny way...

2011-02-18T03:32:00.000-08:00

...of keeping you from posting on a blog.

more posts are coming. no, but really.

Sister Castro

2010-10-29T01:51:00.000-07:00

For the record, shading with words is HARD...

Just sayin.

This is a piece I created for my sister as she hung out in my computer in her little google chat window. I love technology because it allows me to pretend we aren't 600 miles away from each other.

p.s. wigs are next, Alejandra!

A Horrible Picture of a Cool Thing.

2010-10-26T21:34:00.001-07:00

I never posted this particular picture on this here blog, but that picture of my Clothespin-ed friend was part of a school assignment during the summer.

The magazine is Digital PhotoPro and the online article is here.

BTW.

2010-10-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

After months of home floating, I fled Santa Barbara and moved to Santa Ynez.

It's worth the precarious commute through the Los Padres forest to live here.

Because here involves fifty horses, country roads, morning fog and enough oaks to keep my fingers attached to graphite...

Oh, did I mention the space comes with a benevolent yellow lab?

Now if only there was an orange tree, it would be enough to convert me to a religion.

this oak lives across the way. She's a beaut!

Flight.

2010-10-23T11:03:00.001-07:00

Earlier in the week, I stole away Alexandra for friend therapy.
I think it worked for the both of us...

the horses and 2 part harmonies didn't hurt either.

Questions.

2010-09-18T00:32:00.001-07:00

I keep getting questioned as to why I am so horribly neglecting this poor little blog.

I don't mean to.

Here's a picture I took with an old roll of film and a mistreated camera.
It's from more than a year ago, after traveling across six states and not sleeping for two days.
It was a humid day in Logansport, IN and dunking in the local watering hole helped.

386 Broadway.

2010-08-27T17:41:00.001-07:00

My friend Reanna's birthday is coming up, and in celebration of her Mastery of Creep, she stalked a couple of really talented brothers on request.

Here she is, on our second annual RTSquared.

Happy Birthday Reanna!

Crimson and Clover.

2010-07-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

Even in a bra and a heavy wig, Reanna is lovely AND doubles as a photography assistant- which some of you know makes both a rare and valuable model.

Here she is getting pumped for our Cher shoot. I'm pretty sure she hated having to stand in violent weeds and getting undressed in front of picnic-ing families, but because she's my friend and just so lovely, she hardly even showed it.

An Excuse for Not Posting since February.

2010-07-07T19:33:00.001-07:00

I hate moving. Well, as far as I know, everyone hates it.
It's tedious, exhausting, and a horrible reminder of all the shit we don't need, but collect along the way anyway.

That being said, I hate moving five times in six months even more.

I'm not a hoarder-by any means. Believe me. I've seen the show.
But, I'm no nomad either. I'm not one of those worldly types who can fit their belongings in the back of their sedan and drive into the sunset at any given moment. Definitely not.

But this most recent move was different. It wasn't me, bouncing from room, to city, to room, to bed, to city.

It's the house we've lived in for around 12 years. And that doesn't sound like much, but to put it in perspective, I was 11 when we moved into that house. 11. Like the age when obsessively listening to Hanson was Life, and sixth grade meant glitter and skateboarding sweatshirts. Whoops.

Anyways, it's hard work, cleaning out a home of 12 years. I think I have fewer actual memories, than I have old boxes labeled "T's Memories".
I also think that there's an inherent sadness when leaving such a house.

I've never seen an actual ghost, and know that really their existence is up for debate, but I like to imagine that when we leave it'll be haunted by all the wonderful weird we experienced in its rooms. Maybe instead of transparent figures floating down hallways, there will be an eternal echo of my family's way too-loud cackling. Or a constant clicking of my dogs' nails. Or maybe pans clanking and cuss words.

I'm truly happy for my family. They are a brave bunch for picking up and leaving the city where not only I was raised, but both of my parents were raised as well. I was born around the corner, as was my sister. My parents met in a highschool fifteen minutes away.
San Jose was a good home. Not super exciting. Not dreadfully boring either. Safe. With good neighborhoods, and nice schools.
But moving out from behind Silicon Valley's thick shadow of smog and bad driving will only be a positive change.

The New family home is now an Awesome Country Home, after much too much time spent waiting for one.
But, I'm allowed to mildly grieve for the changing of my Soap Opera name, Kay Nelson. From here on out, it shall be Kay Deerwood. Well, until the next time I move.

Nelson Way July 1st, 2010

A Woman's Role

2010-02-11T20:48:00.001-08:00

Alright, so I've started a new series.

It's a self portrait series, exploring women's roles- roles that we put ourselves in, find ourselves in, whatever and all. Roles that most women have been in, during at least one point in their lives.

So far, I have shot only five... but expect more.
I have found that shooting myself is both absolutely cathartic and addicting.

So, be nice.

The Artist

The Tramp

The Clown

The Doormat

The Virgin

A Preview.

2010-02-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

I'm working on something new!

Be prepared.

Skies and Travels

2010-01-29T21:34:00.000-08:00

726, Unit B

2010-01-29T21:11:00.000-08:00

I've revisited 726 through a series of 4 hard drives. This is what I found.

There's a reason they weren't posted before, they are neither well taken or widely interesting- however, I love seeing them.

It was a great time in my history, despite whatever was happening outside of Unit B.

p.s. The following BIT goes like this...

We offer Marcelo spare change to eat a dog treat, he toils about it, finally eats it, only to wretch afterwards.
Along comes Edwin, curious as always, asks if he can eat a dog treat, and four bites later, shows Marcelo how it's done.

Merry Christmas! (and all the other things i've missed).

2009-12-27T23:34:00.000-08:00

Holidays have been crazy, and busy.

But part of the holidays involved creating a crazy surprise website gift to my parents for their bungalow in Mexico. It went over really well, and my parents were really touched. Sooo worth it.

You should go look at the site. Partly because it's fun to be nosy.
And partly because it's likely Sayulita is the dream you've been looking for. (It really is, by the way).
I have full intentions of moving there after graduation...Living like a beach bum in an awesome bungalow and learning Spanish fluently. See ya.

www.casadelashijas.com

Bobo.

2009-10-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

Our fat lab with hip problems and dorito feet. She loved her butt itched and any edible substance (including non-edible ones).
She was born in 1999, and accordingly named Taylor (it was either that or LeoDiCaprio).
She loved food, my dad, other dog orifices, and taking dumps in the ocean.

Love you Bobes.
I would write more about you except I think if you were literate, you would probably be one of few words... Unless those words were HUNGRY, FOOD or DINNER at which, you would be probably be quite colloquial.
Wherever you are, I hope you and Beana are catching up.

Love,
Me

DIM350.

2009-10-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

I'm in a new class, and it's made me create.
And that's always good news.

These shots are actually old.
But they're refreshed. Or recycled. Or reused. Or whatever floats your boat.

A New Look.

2009-10-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

I changed things around, I got jealous that eveyone's was better.
And, this, was the result.

Someone actually suggested I should name my blog Dogs and Skies a while ago.
Look! I can admit when a good idea's not mine!

But, I do like dogs and skies.

So there that is.

Don't let the new jam completely disorient you. I'm still the hardworking, underachieving participant of art I always was!

love,
tc

Monterey.

2009-09-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so posting-wise I have been utterly blowing it.
Clearly.

But here are four (generally mismanaged, as promised) images from my birthday weekend in Monterey.

On the Heels of The Journey Next.

2009-07-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

This is how I overexpose Wyoming!

...more over-exposed, ill-cropped and generally mismanaged images to come.

Backed Up.

2009-07-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have done a poor job of documenting my life this past month.

Or at least, I have done a poor job of documenting my documentation of life, on this blog. (?)

The short version? Nevada doesn't know what a vegetarian is. Utah's flats are flooded in June. Wyoming's clouds will chase you. Nebraska thinks flash floods, are No Big Deal. Iowa will make you want to move there. Illinois harvests traffic, and Indiana harbors friends and fireflies.

Suffice.

2009-06-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

Week From Hell.

But here's Linnea talking on the phone, while Alex packs the attic.

More images from that day are to come, but first I have to survive the week.
It's unlikely.

Life Update... Evacuation.

2009-05-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

The easy way out.
i.e. heading to the beach, when the mountains are on fire.

Or, maybe, it's just the smart way out.

As my house was in the evacuation zone, I am now, quite content and cool in San Pedro, with one small box of valuables, and two of my favorite people.

Hope the winds die down.

60 hours and 2,345 miles Later...

2009-04-21T10:50:00.001-07:00

Did you know 21 year olds can RENT CARS?
I feel like this changes everything.

I TOTALLY made it to Canada. Wooo!

Cigarettes and Oatmeal.

2009-04-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

This is Reanna.
She is my friend, and I am hers (despite all the reasons not to be-for we really do find interest in the most different things.)

Taking pictures of her, was harder than taking pictures of a Vampire.
You'd think the lens gave her severe internal pain, for all of her groaning.

I would expect this behavior out of someone like, 100 shades less attractive than she is.

Silly.

Regardless, a contrasty portrait of a friend will have to make due.

My Playlist.

2009-04-08T19:28:00.000-07:00

First Breath after Coma.
Death and Transfiguration.
A Poor Man's Memory.
The Birth and Death of the Day.

Clouds and Canines.

2009-03-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

I am sure of very little.
Especially during this time of uncertainty, doubt, skepticism and disregard.

However I am sure of two things.

I love taking pictures of Dogs and Skies.

It could have something to do with the fact that dogs and epic stratocumulus cloud formations really make me feel great inside.
It could have something to do with the fact that it takes little to no effort to photograph either of these things well.
It could have something to do with the fact that clouds never try too hard, and dogs never ask to see their image on the screen afterward.

Or, it could have something to do with the fact that I identify with both.

After all, if you ask my roommate what my three wishes would entail, she would very likely answer this (in no particular order):

1.Original score by John Williams including original theme that symbolizes my life (enter cello and piano medley).
2.The ability to defy science by sitting on clouds.
3.The right to one day, in a heaven of clouds that smell faintly of water perfume and home, be able to sit with every dog I have ever loved, pet, played with, cared for and met.

I guess somewhere in between those wishes is world peace, and a solution to world famine.
But say those were, I don't know, taken already.
Then these would DEFINITELY be strongly considered.

And lucky me, Dogs and Skies have filled my life the last two days.

Seven hours, two friends, and one hardrive later...

2009-02-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I maybe spent an inappropriate amount of time on this component.
And by inappropriate time, maybe I mean seven and a half hours.
And by seven and a half hours, maybe I mean eight.

It was a pretty straight forward assignment- put images in a flash component that makes the flash file look like a book with turning pages, I mean essentially dragging and dropping.

I still don't have an acceptable excuse as to why it took so long.

Anyways, here's the book in all its glory.

DIM352 continued.

2009-02-06T21:59:00.000-08:00

Our current assignment involves shooting the weather.

I find this a great excuse to wear my rainboots.

On a similar note, it only took three years in the still program to learn quicktime!

Jalama (again).

2009-02-01T23:35:00.000-08:00

Apparently I am unwilling to explore further than Lompoc.

And while tarps weren't involved (well, technically), time lapses definitely were.

Wacom Tablet.

2009-01-31T23:19:00.000-08:00

Guess who finally installed the software for her 21st birthday Gift!

I know what you're thinking, but seriously, give me a break.

A plastic pen and digital paper is not necessarily a medium I am familiar with.

Oh, and this tablet's The Shit.
In case you were wondering.

Life Update #10... DIM352

2009-01-27T15:03:00.000-08:00

The class I am currently in involves establishing a blog, and posting different elements of the assignments on that blog.

So, part of this blog project (or blogject, if you will) is posting chosen pages of the Inspiration Journal we are creating in the class:

I find myself looking for more ways to create in this class.
And if you've ever had Chris Orwig, you know what I mean.

Somehow he makes you feel like you are totally capable of taking over the world by means of artistic creation.

I'm into it.

Life Update #9...Pink Pants makes a Visit.

2009-01-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

Tarp Trunks.

Crancy Pants.

RANNA!

Pretty like Chealeada.

::::::::::

The below is part of an assignment.
I chose a scale, for no particular reason other than the fact I liked its color, and it looked kind of like an object Pixar might animate.

We were supposed to put the chosen object in various places that it would not normally reside.
Such as:

or:

or:

or:

or even:

Pink Pants accompanied me on this Scaled adventure...and was very cautious about staying out of the shot.

Damnit RANNA!

A Lighter Update.

2009-01-10T03:09:00.001-08:00

So, I think art is important.

I think most people think it is important.

Mainly, because it is wonderful, in all forms.

That's why a Secretary of the Arts is so important.

Many civilizations and governments around the world have some sort of ambassador for art and culture... I think it's high time for our government to put down their cowboy boots, and pick up some artistic enlightenment...Indeed.

So please, please, please use the 10 seconds it would take you to pick your nose and sign this online petition for a new Secretary of the Arts.

All You Need is Love.

2009-01-03T03:09:00.001-08:00

Or so John Lennon said.

Was he wrong?
Ignorant?
Un-realistic?

I don't think he was, either.

I think he knew about Love.

Not the love made out of pink hearts, and x's and o's.
Not the love capitalized by Valentine's Day.
But Love.
The love you feel for your spouse.
For your parents.
For your friends.
For your sister.
For your partner.

Whatever.
It's love.

If you are lucky, you will find this love.

So why do people feel at liberty to beat down, judge, and forbid the love of others?

I am still reaming about November.

By the success of Prop 8, California lost something huge (yes, we gained something huge also.)

But man, did I lose faith in humans that day.
Man, did I lose faith in men. in women. in whatever god they claimed to worship. in Californians. in Americans.

Yeah, I'm getting political on this blog.
Here it is, all the shit laid neatly on this page, in this link, in this small space.

Here is the sound-off that some will judge, and some will celebrate (I am at liberty to do this, as I am not concerned with the jobs I won't get because I let my opinions meddle with my work.)

This is my life. These are my opinions.

And if I lose even a reader over my feelings toward this, then fuck em.
I won't lose sleep over it.

How can someone, ANYONE claim that the definition of marriage makes homosexual marriages un-constitutional. Huh? How can they? What is this?
Really?

Definitions get changed all the time.
Our Constitution gets amended.

That's the deal.

We are constantly changing our environment to better suit the "rights" of all. Slavery, women's rights, isn't equal rights ACROSS THE BOARD the next step in the great efforts of human kind?

So who are you to deem ANYONE un-worthy of what you have.
Who are you?
You think because God deems it un-worthy?
Is that why?

Because if it is, well...

Well I guess there's nothing I can say to that.

If you hide behind your religion, just to feel better about those different from you,

If you use your religion to justify discrimination,

than there's no getting through to you.

Your hatred, or maybe just your lack of understanding, has already overcome your love.

And even though, I sit here, two months later, disappointed, hurt and offended by the ignorant decisions you've made, based on high-priced mormon propaganda,

even though you must be different from me in every single way,

I would never, never hope for any of YOUR rights to be taken away.
Your right to hope.
Your right to marry.
Your right to love.

This is my sister.
She is not the reason I am so disgusted by Propostion 8.
Though she is one of the reasons.

Her love is real,
and I am sure,
there is someone out there,
who judges her for that.

Life Update #8

2008-12-25T02:49:00.000-08:00

I do not understand people who do not like to drive.

Granted, this is very likely going against every sustainable, hippie minded thing I believe in, however- Driving- The act of going from one place to another (that preferably lasts more than an hour) is highly satisfying for me.

No explanation.

Maybe it's the excitement of getting to Point B.
Or leaving Point A.

Maybe it's just the excitement of doing nothing, but still doing something.

I like it for its quiet.
Or for its music.
Or for its Books on Tape.
Or for its clarity.
Or for its hum.

I enjoy it.

Pee. Ess.
Happy Christmas!(Or to be all PC about it... Happy Holidays!) And have a safe, safe, safe New Year!

Life Update #7

2008-12-18T21:45:00.000-08:00

It just took me 25 dollars to fill up my Jeep.

wtf?

Life Update #6- Camoflauge.

2008-12-01T14:25:00.000-08:00

Fall Turns to Winter (Even in California).

Life Update #5.

2008-11-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

New(ish) Additions.

I love them both... though one's breath is distinctly better than the others.

Life Update #4 (Technically).

2008-11-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

Lots of driving, good thing California is beautiful.

Oh, and that Politicumpkin? That one on the right? With the neat Obama sign? Yeah, it definitely does say "Vote 9.04.08."

I think the alliteration between Nine and November got to me.
Oops.
You know what I mean.

A Late Update.

2008-11-02T00:41:00.000-07:00

Political Chaos + Halloween2008 = Politicumpkins.

Life Update #3.

2008-10-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

Mid Californians.
Cold Suns Set.

With cold hands.
Slow heaters.
And cold car seats.

Shoot, it even smelled cold.

Life Update #2.

2008-09-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

So I promised to give life updates once in a while when I had decided to slow down this blog about a month ago...

However, instead of life updates, it has mostly turned into Neighbor Kid Updates.

I can't help it.
We hang out with them nearly everyday.

Today was no different as we spent nearly every hour with at least one of the three.

Ojai, Ventura, Santa Barbara.

Man... moving up eight blocks is going to be a lot harder than we thought.

And Edwin had his game in Ojai (which he won by the way), though it seems Alex was still a little frazzled by the time the game ended.

P.S.
I'm heartbroken over Paul Newman. Heart. Broken.

Life Update.

2008-09-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

We have three neighbor kids.
They play.
They whine.
And occasionally cry.

They laugh.
They draw.
And usually skateboard.

They secretly like Harry Potter.
Believe mightily in aliens.
And usually have stinky feet.

Tonight, we went to the beach with the intention of light painting, however, because they are boys, no older than 12, who realized that the liquid inside of glow-sticks is TOTALLY AWESOME AND QUITE LIKELY TOXIC AND THEREFOR EVEN MORE AWESOME, the night quickly turned into a who-could-glow-better contest that eventually ended in tears.

We've adopted them as our temporary little brothers, and it will be a shame to have to leave them one day.

Covering All My Bases.

2008-08-29T23:19:00.000-07:00

Dear {Universe},
Dear {Energy, God, Brahma, Allah, Buddha, Hercules, Hades and Hera}
Dear {Sky, Heaven and Earth}
Dear {Good Night of Dylan Thomas}
and {Moon in the Meadow, Light of the Tunnel, and Peaceful Sleep}

Take Care of Her.
Love her. Pet her. Kiss her.

Sneak her on the bed. And on the couch.
Throw the ball. And keep throwing the ball.
Until you can't anymore.
Scratch behind her ears.
And her butt.

Let her kiss your face.
But never touch her feet.

Find the one white hair at the end of her tail.
And watch her left ear stand straight.

Listen to her whisper in her sleep.
And bark in her awake.

Keep her away from the rose bushes.

Lay with her on the floor.
Even if it's hairy.

She loves the laser.
Use it every time the sun sets.

And let her chase her reflections.

She'll learn to open your door,
so find a new way to lock it.

She'll eat the Junebugs,
so try and find them first.

She'll chase the squirrels,
so don't let them fall.

She prefers the Kong over the tennis ball.
So try not to lose it.

Her belly is sensitive, so be careful.

She is unsure around strangers,
so always introduce gently.

She will never learn to not pee on the lawn.
So get some tough sod.

She'll always hate the mailman.
So get a tough mailman.

She will give you more love,
than you will ever learn to return.
But try anyway.

Keep her distracted, happy...
And full.

Dear {Insert Belief Here}
She will ask for nothing more from You than love... and well, food.

I'll miss her asking me.
Because there is a hurt where there used to be a warmth.

My Baby.
I love you.
And miss you.
I have a mean, withered soul, my Bean-a Girl.
A cold heart, and a dry eye for all but you.
Tonight, I know tears, and hurt.

I love you.
I'll miss your sneaky butt, and the way you used to stare.

Love,
Me

A Temporary Leave of Absence.

2008-08-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

Dear World,

(Photography world, and otherwise) Within one very hectic 10 hour period, I have come to many conclusions.
Without disclosing too much info or sentiment (for we all know I am not one for either) I would like to say, that I have come to a pretty interesting decree -that my images have never, not once, ever, been All They Could Be.

My focus is now shifting.

2007 was a rough year, and while 2008 may have been soiled with some residual disappointment, I had promised myself to make 2008 the year of Change.

My photography has not Changed, really.
It has not grown.
Morphed.
Inspired.
Or really improved in many ways.

Sometimes, my images are aesthetically pleasing.
I don't call it luck, or even sometimes, skill.
Really, what I'll call it, is an amazing 35mm lens that rarely moves from its home at 1.4.

So, what this ends in (or at least pauses at) is a break from this blog.

It seems right.
A digital sabbatical of sorts. (As various commitments prevent me from taking a real one.)

I think that if I focus more on taking pictures that are good, instead of taking pictures that are good for my blog, I will improve as a Trainer of Light (in-Training).
Also, by saying this, and getting these thoughts into the world, I hope to make it more real- like when drug addicts get "Sober Since 2007" tattooed on their fore-arm.

I mean, I have a lot on the horizon... Antarctica, Kenya, and possibly Copenhagen.
These are my fun thoughts, my happy thoughts that could make me fly, if that was an option.
These countries, and these efforts will be one half of my focus. The other half will be designated to legitimately learning the art of photography, and to getting comfortable with all those pockets of photography that make me feel so awkward.

I'll post pictures of my life sometimes, because digital snooping is naturally, a fun time.

But otherwise, it's Goodbye for now.

I will leave you with this picture.
Because I like dogs, and because several times throughout the day, I think about spending time with them.
It is not a particularly good picture.
In fact, due to the newest restrictions on multi-tasked driving, this is probably an illegal picture.
But I like it.

Oh, and p.s., if you have gotten to the end of this, Good For You.
I find that the majority of people I know have the attention span of fruit-flies... Maybe you're unique.

Or maybe you're just curious.

Dogs, Skies and one Dad with a Guitar.

2008-08-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite things.

This is Shmarshmellow...

2008-08-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

...my 12 year old neighbor turned shooting assistant.

He goes by Marcelo (to strangers) Celo (to his brother) Marshmellow (to his classmates) or Shmarshmellow (only to me).

If you're ever looking for him, check our front porch.
Because chances are he is there, knocking on our door, or practicing his kick flip.

This is shortly before Eckelkamp and McLoone came to sabotage the show.

McLooney...

2008-08-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

... as Jason Schwartzman.

Not as the Joker.
...psh.

And it's okay if you don't like it, because chances are someone who may or may not have been asked to butter his stomach will.

Dogs and Skies.

2008-07-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

i was still photographing.

Invasion.

2008-06-27T01:33:00.000-07:00

Oh, and P.S., I speak in riddles now.

Hope everyone's break (those that have this 3 week long pretend summer vacation) has been going just so great, and happy, and beautiful.
No, this is not sarcasm.
It's genuine hope.

Sunday Morning.

2008-06-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

Blinds are closed. Lights are off.

Enter Edwin. My nine year old neighbor, who occasionally comes up to my window to chat.
The blinds are closed, mind you.

Edwin: Teresa?

Teresa: (Groggy) Yeah Edwin.

Edwin: Hey, so did you hear that Devon broke your purple watergun yesterday?

Teresa: Yeah. I heard.

Edwin: Lucas said, you said, that Devon didn't have to pay for it, and now Lucas can keep it... Did you say that?

Teresa: Yep.

Edwin: Craaaaaap. I wanted it.

Teresa: Hey.

Edwin: Oh... Crud.

(silence)

Edwin: So, what are you doing?

Teresa: Sleeping!

Edwin: Oh...Okay, well-

Teresa: I'm sleeping Edwin. Come back later.

Edwin: Uuughhhhh... (Trails off as he walks away.)

History Lesson.

2008-06-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

In July 2005, my sister was new to Long Beach.
Now this may be hard to believe for anyone who knows my sister,
but she hated it.
She thought it was stinky and dirty and lame,
and while I still keep all of these opinions,
her opinion has since changed.
(Such is the effect of love and alcohol).

So a few weeks ago, I found a bag of stuff that I used to use to heal my home-sickness when I first moved to Santa Barbara (also in 2005).

Crumpled at the bottom was a note from her, from that July in 2005 (on purple Lisa Frank stationary mind you, and if you are not familiar with Lisa Frank, chances are you were not a girl in the nineties... because I will tell you what, neon, rainbow animals were The Shit.)

I digress.

On this Lisa Frank, dalmatian speckled paper was one of the best things I have ever received from my sister. And while I will not share the whole thing with you (I have become much more open in the last six months, but I dare not push the line), I will share my favorite bit.

"I wanted you to know that I AM stupid because no matter what I say or do you are more important to me than anybody I know... Everybody."

It makes me feel warm and snuggle-bug inside... like the feeling of warm blankets and tea when you're sick.
Because it reminds me of THAT girl. That girl who before LB, LaVerne and Ripples, was a big, beautiful fish, in the small pond that was San Jose.
The girl who was heartbroken, unhappy, and loved midnight Slurpee's.
Who took me to school, early in the morn, as grumpy as ever,
and then picked me up halfway through the day... in full support of my ditching.

A less wise Teresa, would say she misses that girl.

But I don't anymore.
I acknowledge time, and the effect it has on people, and their relationships.
I respect the change that has taken place, for better or worse, in both of us.

726 and the delight that is this place has helped me appreciate this.
Refusing to sit in her shadow, and carry her pedestal around, has helped me see this.
Becoming my own person, has helped me live this.

Most likely, she'll call this blog "dramatic", "rude", or better yet "guilt-ridden".

What she doesn't realize, as she sits and reads this (most likely with her special someone in tow) is that guilt is just another word for, "what someone does for love."

So open your eyes, because as much as you think you are seeing, you aren't seeing nearly enough.

Don't bring me a gift.
Bring me your understanding.
I love you, I will always love you.

We are sisters, and on our most distant day, we are closer than most sisters out there.
I won't forget that.

Bye Bye Bre(!!!)

2008-06-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

I'll miss your face and all the amazing weirdness you bring to the table! (I of course am referring to cheese infused bratwursts and bacon infused chocolate).

Alabama better have some bomb camping because come 21, I will be on my way!

Oh, and get a blog already. The time has come.

Miss you!

The Neighbor Kids.

2008-06-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

Alex and I have spent almost 70 dollars on water guns.

Yeah. It's serious business.

The Sister Chronicles.

2008-05-31T15:15:00.000-07:00

Watch Sarah's face.
She slowly loses interest in my story, and diverts her attention to better things...I mean, better people. I mean better person.

Peggy.

2008-05-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

My grandfather died on Memorial Day, 2007.

For the anniversary of her loss, my grandmother made a rhubarb pie and told me not to photograph her wrinkles.

She's more beautiful than she knows.

Toby.

2008-05-21T01:45:00.000-07:00

He might have two teeth left.

Bad breath.

And a bad attitude.

But when I am down, I think of him, and how when he first entered my life, I was 9, scared of the dark, and all about my high top converse.

And now, 11 years later, he sees less, smells more, and still gets excited when I come home.

Tobes.
Toblerone.
Boo.
Toby Nairobi.

Elephant.

2008-05-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

"But where did he get his business card from?"

"His wallet..."

For the record, mean is spelled M-I-K-E-A-N-D-M-A-T-T.

There was just nothing magical about Matt's light.

The Result.

2008-05-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

After nearly a year of avoiding it, I returned to the studio this week for an assignment.

And it wasn't until I battled checkout, fought with c-stands, and pulled my hair out over my travelites, did I remember why I love the studio.

And yes, this is a one light set-up.
And I can almost hear every Still Photo student grabbing at their heart, gasping for air. No Fill Light! No Background Light! Look at that Ratio! Look at that Black without Detail! What kind of Pro Photo Student are you?

I am one who is deliberately ignoring you.

So at last, I give you, the most incredible twins of all time.

A Preview.

2008-05-14T17:16:00.001-07:00

A Mother's Day Platter.

2008-05-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is meat and cheese.
No, I did not participate in its consumption.
But none the less...

Happy Mother's Day from the Castro's!

2008-05-11T00:43:00.000-07:00

Love you mama.

From day to night, today is your day.
love you.

I-Phone Portraits.

2008-05-04T00:42:00.001-07:00

Indiana + I-Phone = Mike McCreepy

The Man.

2008-04-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

My roommate, Alexandra, just celebrated a successful night.
By successful, I mean successful.

Mr. Robert Swan has walked both the North and South pole, has studied beside Jacque Cousteau and has several times been acknowledged by Queen Elizabeth.
He is a Man of Change.
He is a Man of Humor.
But most of all, he is a Man of Inspiration.
And tonight, he gave the Lecture of all Lectures at SBCC.

It was a great night cap.

So, to you, Robert Swan.
My name is Teresa.
And you, dear Mr. Swan, are The Man.

Thank You for tonight.
It fixed my day.

Nephele.

2008-04-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am so busy looking ahead, or over my shoulder, that I forget to look up.

Today, I looked up.

D.A.W.G.

2008-04-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

This is Jackson Browne.
When I volunteer at the Dog Adoption and Welfare Group, I usually head for him first.

He is very tolerant of my puppy voice, and my tendency to hug his entire head while burying my face in all the glory that is his precious, slobbery, face.

He then continues to slobber on my pants, and stretch across my lap where he knows he will get the optimum amount of attention.

All in all, Jackson Browne is my happy thought for Friday.

teresacastro.com

2008-04-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

So I've reached the light at the end of the long tunnel that is my website.

I struggled.
And fought.

But now I have a website, and that's pretty neat.

So please, feel free to browse (the whole 26 images that are up).
Or you can send me a message via the contact form under "Contact" on the site, if you so please.

Or you can do neither, and be totally lame.

And Then, Barnabus Fellinix Died.

2008-04-20T01:03:00.000-07:00

Plans Changed.
And a great Saturday night emerged.
And with it, Sage, Willow and a Full Moon transpired.

A Full Moon, A New Start.

Yes, yes I know they are out of focus.
And no, no this is not me trying to pretend they're not.

This is simply me without a tripod, so back up.

Because California is Beautiful.

2008-04-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

And Because this is what I get to look at.
And Because I can.

To You, Vast Universe of the Unknown.

2008-04-18T02:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Universe,

I am perfectly comfortable with the fact that my idea of Life After College is still a little foggy.

I am secure enough to know, that whether it be volunteering in Cambodia, researching sea lions in Monterey, or shooting fashion in New York, I will be Happy.

Three years from now, it's possible you throw me a curveball that sends me running for shelter, cowering from even the thought of dealing with my struggles.
It's possible, that three years from now, I am exactly where I pictured myself to be, and instead of being happy, I could just be bored.

But that's the great thing about you, Universe.
Things will unfold, how they will unfold.
I will not call it fate, or destiny.

Just the reliable fact that what will happen, will happen.
No matter the path of myself, or those I love.

And don't worry Universe.
I am responsible enough to see the liability of a loan. To see the risk I took when I signed for that loan for a school I can't afford.
I am repsonsible enough to see that by taking out this loan, I signed up for fifty years of steady payments, and therefor, steady paychecks.

I am twenty.
And now adopting a path of my own.
And I'll get severely bushwacked, and beat up.
I'll trip over all the rocks, and roll down the steep hills.

But you can be damn sure that I will see you at the end of that path with a smile and a paid off loan.

And maybe some cool stories about the African kids, and the retouching jobs, and the life I sought on the way.

P.S. I think Georgia is pretty damn cool.

Blue (Da Ba Dee).

2008-04-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

So maybe I failed at the Harbor Shoot Off.

But Mike did NOT.

The entire time, I photographed nothing but reflections.
Which could be some sort of analogy for life.
But isn't. So don't try.

And as the day progressed, I learned...

That Leica cameras larger than your head, do, actually function.

That to ride a bike backwards, sobriety is often required.

That Mike totally shoots Nikon and secretly Hearts it.

And that no time is a bad time for Mother Mary neck tattoos.

(for you sister!)

To Stella Luna.

2008-04-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

Dear 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport,

I heart you.
The way you try so hard every morning to start up... the way you only sometimes fail.
The way you made that loud death noise for a bit, only to move on to better, more interesting noises. These things only make my heart grow fonder.

I love the way everyone's windows only intermittently work... Except mine. Mine always works.

I love the way the driver's seat wobbles, and the passenger's seatbelt only occasionally works. What a great excuse to keep people out!

I absolutely adore the blue writing on the side panels. Nothing says nineties like blue cursive.

I was the shit in 1998!
You exclaim.

Sport!
You yell.

Ah, blue cursive, how mod you are.

And remember that one time I backed into that wall?
And that other time I let your tags expire and now have to appear in front of a judge?

And how you swallow other people's CD's?

Phil Collins? Nine Inch Nails?
You laugh at even the thought of getting them back.

And what about all those times we evaded tickets? How Great You Are.

I love that your trunk converts into a bed, a moving truck, a storage space and sometimes a refuge.

And I love the Window.

Oh how you engage me, Window of the Passenger Side.
Never are you boring.

Will you be up?
Will you be down?
Will you be neither?
And so what if I have to drive with three blankets! So What?
My rubber-banded pencils only temporarily elude you, Jeep.

So Jeep, I say this.

Give me four more years.
It's a steep request. This I know.

But four more years.
I know you are pushing 150,000.
I know.

But think of the fun you'll miss.

Sincerely,
Teresa

We're just so fancy!

Welcome! To the House of Battle!

2008-04-04T17:42:00.001-07:00

Middle-Shelf Battles brought to you by the residents of Unit B. (We miss you Unit A!)

You're Up, Sempel.

What Now Boba Fett?

2008-04-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Work Day brought all sorts of things to fruition.

Including the inception of Star Wars Party Attire.
We're into it.

p.a.s.t.

2008-04-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

One is in Carson.

The other in Long Beach (or maybe San Pedro).

One is in San Jose.

And none of them are in Santa Barbara.

I miss you.
And when you read this, know that I wish that instead of being spread across California, we were sitting in our exclusive world, on our couches, with the dogs and maybe some movies.

I miss you, I love you and am thinking of all of you.

...because as the youngest, I never ride shotgun.

December 3rd, 1997

2008-03-30T02:06:00.000-07:00

I found my journals from 1997.

I was 10, and in the fifth grade.
So naturally, most of the journals describe the magic of Hanson, and how Zac Hanson is just so Dreamy and Fine and wouldn't it be great if I was going out with him and Oh My God our birthday's are both on the 22nd, it's totally a sign, obviously we are meant to be together, unless Ryan Phillippe or Leo DiCaprio show interest because they are so Dreamy and Fine too.

Eeek.

However in my fifth grade class journal, we were asked to define "Life".

This is how I defined it:

"12.03.1997
Life is...

Life is Death. Because your only living for a little while and then you die. But somebody takes your place so it's like your recycling.
Somebody dies. Somebody lives."

Well... I had my moments.

Sally slipped on a Pancake.

2008-03-30T01:06:00.000-07:00

The SEMPELS Came to Town This Weekend.:

"Just the other day, Sally Slipped on a Pancake.

When out of nowhere Lord Poo appeared before me and demanded tribute.

Fortunately I was wearing my garlic and had a crucifix handy so those evil vampire bastards couldn't touch me.

Unfortunately, Snow White was left weapon-less.

Luckily, David spilled the beans- literally, and kept the secret safe. They were kidney beans in case you were wondering.

Thank God that there are still people like Sylvia Brown in this world!"

When you laugh that hard, you forget to take pictures.

Game Night.

2008-03-28T01:42:00.000-07:00

So what if we are in our twenties?
Show me where it says we have to act our age.
Show me.

WALKER! WALKER!... Oh wait, no it's Him!

Take Cover!

(Alex runs down Hall)

You girls having a slumber party, or just Causing Trouble?

(Blinds him with Million Candle Power Flashlight)

No Trouble.

Bye (Exclamation Mark Exclamation Mark Exclamation Mark)

2008-03-25T00:52:00.000-07:00

Ireland's over, and it's weird.

Part of it being over is clearing out my computer of anything that has to do with green pastures, shamrocks, or beer.

So I found these pictures, and as I thought more about it, I realized there is an epic battle going on in my head.

Part of me celebrates this Trip's success and along with it, its completion.

But part of me will miss the security of being constantly distracted by something so completely separate from everything in real life.
I think I will miss wasting gas, by booking it to Ventura where I will be late, invaluable, and probably boring.
I think I will miss being made fun of, and making fun in return.
I think I might miss contributing as little as possible, and then expecting as much as possible in return.

I'll miss it.
And I wish I had some iconic image to paste here, to resemble closure of this year long journey and all the neat mess that came with it.
Because maybe I did enjoy myself.
Maybe I actually got to know a few people I like, and whether I will ever see them again, is quite frankly, irrelevant.

Because I learned that if enough time is invested into anything, awards will be reaped... (or awards will be "Teresa'd" for those who know my name.)

So, bye Ireland. It was fun.

And, bye Ireland Group. We had our moments.

Bye, year long distraction. Don't worry. I'll find a new one.

Bye, pretty drive to Ventura. I'll miss feeling like the drive is too long on the way to class, but too short on the way home.

Bye(!!!)

Re-Visiting.

2008-03-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

I found this today.
Amidst a whirlwind Black and White Conversion Party.
(And by party, I really mean, me).

And I realized wow, what a great way to disguise the fact that the sky is TOTALLY blown out.

And then I collected every incorrectly exposed image I could find, and converted them all to Black and White.
I was non-surprisingly disappointed.

None the less.
The Burren, Ireland.
Sunset.
With two people who shall remain nameless.
(And by nameless I mean Mike and Bre.)

Details.

2008-03-21T23:17:00.000-07:00

I reserve love for very few.

My parents.
My sister.
My grandmother.
My family.

Ask my roommate.
And maybe she'll tell you I'm a fool, and my heart may quite possibly be made out of stone.

But there are some things that melt my cold, stone, frozen tundra of a heart.

Three things, in fact.
And I don't spend nearly as much time with them as I'd like.

Reanna Joy.

2008-03-20T01:55:00.000-07:00

So I have this friend who's THE shit.

We sit and take care of our lives while talking on Skype.
Though by taking care of our lives, I mean NOT taking care of our lives, because chances are we are procrastinating whatever we are SUPPOSED to be doing by talking on Skype.

These talks usually last until the next day.
Which is when we realize the sun has risen, and we still have yet to complete any of the tasks we got on the computer to do in the first place.

Totally NOT stonked... but the next best thing.

This is what 2 am multi-tasking looks like:

Right Turns from Here On Out.

2008-03-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

okay?

The Weekend.

2008-03-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

... was a weekend of firsts.
Of lasts.
Of new friends.
Old friends.
And new old friends.

The weekend was a learning experience.
A new experience.
And a valuable experience.

It was filled with family.
AND friends.
And therefor, rarities.

Thank you.
To all that came and supported.
To all that didn't come, but supported anyway.
To all that showed interest, even when it was feigned.
And to all that deemed me worthy enough to drive four hours for an 18 minute presentation.
I love you.

Thank you.
To all that went to Ireland with me.
I'm sorry for lots of things.
But my experiences were unforgettable.
And I like most of you more than you know.
(Ask again, maybe I'll answer this time.)

Thank you.
To Joe and Paul.
I mean it when I say,
You Changed the Way I Photograph.
It took two years at Brooks to find my way.
And I have a long way ahead.
But you two have helped me find it.

Over the weekend
I shot less than I should.
Laughed more than I knew possible.
And got to spend time with the few people I hold so dear.

The next image is Copyrighted Alexandra Sempel.
Hehehe.

Beach, Booze, Bro's and Bre's Bratwurst

2008-03-10T12:36:00.003-07:00

We have plans.
And then change them.
We (Bre) grills chemical Bratwursts.
And then decides they are definitely not edible.
We find bro's.
And then listen to jam sessions.
We almost run out of gas.
And then instead run out of coolant.
We almost get towed.
And then don't.
We drive on precariously narrow roads.
And then trespass.
We run on fields of green.
And then pretend its Ireland... Part 2.
We drink until there's nothing left.
And then watch as our tent is taken by the wind.
We laugh.
And then complain about laugh cramps.
We stoke a fire. Put on every layer we brought. Play some games.
And then fall asleep in a tent that instead of standing erect, as it should, lays flat, in surrender to the wind.

Fun times at Jamala. I mean Jalama.

Oh, and apparently we light paint.
Whilst intoxicated.
On the beach.
In the cold.
With two green glowsticks, and eight layers of clothes.

JEB.

2008-03-10T11:47:00.001-07:00

We got a little visit from a little Jeremiah.
He in fact, was not a bullfrog.

goodbye.

2008-03-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

pismo beach, ca. 3.07.08

The Guilt Factor.

2008-03-03T16:53:00.000-08:00

So I got to spend some time in San Jose recently.
And my dad, being the Guilt King he is, had something to say about his "tulip tree".

Dad: "This is the last time we will see it bloom in a while, you know"

Me: "Yeah, I know. It's so pretty."

Dad: "Have you taken any pictures of it?"

Me: "No I haven't gotten the-"

Dad: "Oh right, you don't take pictures. I forgot."

So here it is, dad. Your tulip tree in all its glory.

Running Away.

2008-03-01T23:58:00.001-08:00

From Day to Night, I drive with two people I like (it's rare).
And instead of keeping her eye on the road, she keeps her eye on the prize. Smart Girl.

This is how I prepare for the 14th by the way...
The Lobero. Seven PM. Be there or be...ware.
I'm witty!

My Cox Internet Bill. YES.

2008-02-25T23:00:00.000-08:00

My Security Code is better than your Security Code.

Handstands.

2008-02-24T05:30:00.001-08:00

If ever you feel inclined to entertain house-guests by performing handstands in the hall, please refrain.

You may just find yourself at the hospital at 4 a.m. with a fractured finger and a bruised ego.

Latitude 35, Longitude 120.

2008-02-23T23:23:00.000-08:00

When night comes, so does quiet.

It's an improvement.