Week 2 ending June 27th, 2009

I spent this week in Oregon. It's a strange and beautiful place. The images tell these stories....

- a street cart which makes the best chicken rice EVER. Nong, the owner, couldn't be more adorable. She opens at 10am and sells out by noon. There is a small yet growing line at 9:50am.

- Time was spent with friend, Jeff Whetstone. He recently won a Guggenheim fellowship for his photographic works (www.jeffwhetstone.net). I got a private lesson from him in large format photography. What a privilege. He carries a harmonica with him. I love that.

- I met a young man named Paul. He was traveling as Jeff's assistant. Upon his arrival in Oregon he learned his mother had taken seriously ill. He was making tracks back to Tennessee the next day. The images show how heavily this was weighing on his mind. Wood splitting and gin were his therapy that day; who can blame him.

- I ate food prepared by a world class chef who several years ago won the Food and Wine Top 10 new chef's in America. I don't have the proper words to describe how good his food is, just that it makes me happy when I'm eating it.

- I got to spend time with a family whose parenting skills were so perfectly balanced between love and guidance, yet a freedom allowed to learn and explore the world on their own. This is a peaceful family, a deeply loving family, and an example to us all.

- And finally, I met a dog named laz. I think he knew he was a protector of the children. Laz is an awesome dog

These were the people, the dog and the places that made me stop and pay attention....

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