… New Blog Post on my Substack …
Please click https://geniecbalantac.substack.com/p/holy-moments !!!
Peace + Much Love, G XXX
New Blog …
Hi All!
I have started a new Blog at https://geniecbalantac.substack.com/ …
I will keep my Posts up here as it was all a labour of Love, but please go to my new Blog for future updates!
In Peace and Love, G XXX
Inhaling and Exhaling …
As we head into Spring, after a Year of the Pandemic and an otherwise Personally Challenging 12 Months, I have grieved, I have loved, I have tried to help others , I have given it all up to God.
Now, I am ready to dig deep, back into my Muse, and Create back into the World.
I have fallen in Love again with Color, with Sass, with connecting the Details.
My need to Make, to Document, to Honour, has been in between Flux and Flow; and where usually it comes all out at once, now I am moved to share in bits.
And believe me when I say, I have a multitude of A L O T to share, and for my busy, and full Life, I feel in bits is the best at the moment. As we move through lent to resurrection, I hope in that Journey, I will have shared most of it.
Swiping Left: 1. As long as you’re Alive, Believe it! 2. Birthday Self Portrait, The Camera as my Mirror 3. Visual Journaling, My Friend 4. Adorned with Vintage (Girl Scout) Badges, Celebrating kitsch is pure Happy 5. My Favorite Plum Tree is Pure Testimony 6. Light and Faith 7. We all have a Free Spirit 8. Love in my mapplethorpe Shirt 9. This Much …
One thing that the #Pandemic has shown me is that I am of the world, I am most Happiest when I wander, make random, meaningful connections, and forge Memories. Traveling is about living your Narrative, and adding to other’s along the way.
As soon as I can cross over International Borders in this Era of Covid, I am in the Air. Is it strange that I have an affinity for lands I haven’t set foot in, closer to Kindred Spirits that are thousands of miles away, and get excited, and think it is imperative to get lost, talk to Strangers, and immerse oneself in Cultures ; to truly say, ‘I am Alive’.
Swiping Left: 1. In Stripes and carrying the Important Bits in Venice, Film Pic 2. Waiter in Little Italy, NYC, B + W Pic 3. Checking In, LaGuardia Airport, B + W Pic 4. Making a Living, Mérida, Mexico, Film Pic 5. After School, #London, Film Pic 6. Jumped into my Lap, #Paris, France, Film Pic 7. Army Bagpipers, #Edinburgh, Scotland 8. Up Church Steps, #Liverpool, 9. Parading in #Barcelona, Spain 10. Museum Light, #Amsterdam, Netherlands.
I’ve been Inspired this past year by my fellow Wanderers, Vagabonds, Journeyers.
My Irish BFF @lulucullendublin, whom I met on a flight from #Dublin to Chicago, and whom I am starting a new #Podcast, @inhaleandexhaletwo with. She is Beautiful inside and out, Kind, Giving, and an all around Kick Arse Queen! I can’t wait to create Memories with You, Much Loved Sistah! Ireland and Croatia here I come!
Foss, @unseenwalks , who has the infectious Joy of Life, of Adventure, and is truly a Top Lad, has single handedly helped me fall back in love with London, introduced me to places I I never knew existed, and reawakened my inner ‘Walker’. I highly recommend you visit his YouTube Channel, LadMob, Go, Now.
Lastly, @thisispattismith . She is a True ‘Traveler’ in every sense of the Word. Her posts are like going down a Rabbit Hole: delicately, delectably. She is the Mistress of embracing all of Life’s Levels.
Up next, finally my Musings on 2020! In the meantime, check out my Updates on my Instagram (Click on the Pink), particularly my Stories!
Always Love, Always Light … G XXX
In Between …
… not a Full post but a bit of checking in with Myself, my Muse, the World out there.
How are You? How are you Getting through all of This?
On top of the Pandemic, the Protesting, and something Personal; I’m finally coming into the Middle. Somewhere in between Comfort and Chaos.
All of a sudden, there is this insatiable need to Create, shine some Light, and to Share.
With that in mind, I am in the midst of making Original Art to submit for the Artbox Project in Zurich, Switzerland. It’s been a minute, since I’ve made or even had any sort of Art show, and I am rather excited to be a part of this. Because of this Project, I finally made one main Website for all my Creative Endeavours. Please take a Look at, Bookmark, Subscribe, and Share: geniecbalantac.com .
And this is a Bright, Big, Thank YOU to all of you (at least 1K clicks a day) that have been visiting my wee Blog, these past few months ( particularly my Readers in Canada and Lithuania! ) I’m utterly Chuffed and Honored. If you’re so Inclined, please reach out, or leave comments, I would love to connect with you!
geniebalantac@gmail.com
Stay Tuned for a longer Post on the current state of the World, and finally, my Sojourn in Barcelona. In the meantime, please check out my ‘Stories’ on Instagram, it’s my running Visual Journal!
Stay Safe, Stay Sane …
All Peace and Love, G XXX
Hindsight 2020 …
In a Lesson that I co-taught recently, it was posited that Photographs (and sometimes Ephemera) are Proof someone was there and experienced something.
And for the past 10 Years, Proof is in the eye of the beholder:
(And as always, click the Pink for the Link)
… And in combing through photos to accompany this wee Love Letter to the past 10 Years, I am completely shook at the unadulterated depth of what was lived.
I revitalized and fell back in Love with my Faith and in doing so, fell back in Love with Life.
My Parents became my Best Friends.
I started off the Decade with a Married name and midway through it, I claimed it back with the name I was born with.
I discovered a Soul Mate in my Beloved Sadie Dog, watched her cross the Rainbow Bridge, but know she will always be with me where ever I go.
Lived alone (with Sadie) for 7 years in our 1920’s Magic Cottage, the whole of which became my Creative Playground, and discovered an unwavering Strength in being Solitary and that I can do for Myself, by Myself.
Defined and Redefined what Family truly is, wether it be the one we are born into, or the one we choose. Became Close to some, Unattached to others. I was Empowered, I was Comforted, I was Hurt, I let go.
Continued to make Art, Visual Journal, had a couple of Art Shows, and my First Photography Show.
Taught Art and was a Photographer at the Crocker Museum, worked my first Retail Job at Apple, worked in a Food Photography Studio, and went back to working with Children with Special Needs: One Job was a Lesson in Grace, my Current Position is where I am supposed to be.
Then it was back to my Beloved UK for my 50th Birthday: London, Oxford, Edinburgh, and a bit of Dublin. For my next Birthday it was a Solo Trip back to London, onto Liverpool, Barcelona, then Amsterdam. The first trip, felt like a Trip ‘Home’, and certain lessons were learned. Second trip showed me that I can Travel Alone, there is a Freedom in doing so, and that my Future will be Overseas.
Some Fave Travel Posts (click to go through): Oxford, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and my Solo Trip to London.
… And was Filmed Walking around the Barri Gòtic in Barcelona by my Most Talented Friend Marc Samper, Please click through to look at his Brilliant Work:
… Said Good Bye to my Life in Curtis Park, living 20 Years away from The River, and Sold our Magic Cottage.
Moved back to The River to be with my Parents, settled into new, yet familiar spaces, became Mum to an Angel Cat, called Kiki, and began, the next Chapter going into the 2020’s by starting a Year Long Project: Hindsight 2020: Click through for Ongoing Gallery!
Getting Ready …
A Great Big Thank YOU to Kyle, Click through to his Etsy Store, for the Beautiful Leica!
And he’s a Brilliant Photographer as well: Check out his Instagram!
Where will the next 11 Months, the next 10 Years take Me?
Rest assured, it will be Honored, it will Documented!
… Always, LOVE
G XXX
+ Check back often for ‘Hindsight 2020’ Updates
++ Next Blog Post: Barcelona:
In My Lens …
Edit November 18: Outside Studio Musings (with Kiki the Cat):
Edit October 26: Opening up Linda McCartney’s new Book, Polaroid Diaries:
And take a listen to Episode 2 of my Podcast, Just Yawping:
Also, follow me on Instagram ( Click Here) for Daily updates in my Instagram Stories!
… August was World Photography Day and I wondered if I should Participate:
32 Years of Self Portraits …
Image + Words from the Linda McCartney Website.
(as always Click the Pink for the Link and best viewed on a Desktop or Laptop)
Every Day is World Photography Day.
It is my life long Tonic.
On My Photography Site , I posted some early words about my Life through the Lens:
From L to R: With my First Camera, a Kodak Ektralite 110 in London + With my First 35mm Film Camera, a Minolta Maxxum 7000 + a Polaroid of Me (taken by my Friend Joanne) with my First (Impulse) Polaroid Camera.
Click here to read about My Passion and then here for my Love of Film.
Looking back at my Life, Photography has been my World. The Camera is the Narration to my Life, how I make sense of the Minutiae, how I define who I am.
It’s my Bridge from the Divine, My Prayer to the World.
As many Creatives know, however, we can have a Complicated Relationship with this Muse. I am unabashedly, no exception.
Sometimes, it’s easy.
From that Moment of perception, to framing that shot in the viewfinder, to that feeling of pressing the Shutter down and hearing, t h a t s o u n d.
Bliss.
Sometimes it’s complicated.
From feeling inadequate because of that perfect shot thrown up on Social Media, to someone pulling out their new Gear, to hours spent on Editing Pics, and no one making a comment on them, ever.
Pain.
Photo + Quote from Eve Arnold via shootdotedit.com
These days, there are a Plethora of ways to take Pictures. Mobile Devices, ‘ D’ Series Cameras, Mirrorless Cameras, and now, back to Film Cameras. There are even more Photography Apps, Editing Programs, Social Media Platforms, that make it easy for you to Snap, Create, and put your Work out there.
By that Definition, everyone can be a Photographer.
So, I Posit this.
I went to School for Photography. I have Instagram on my iPhone. I ingest an (un) healthy amount of Books and Magazines on Photography. I use Three Editing Programs when I edit Pictures.
Does this make me a Photographer?
Via shootdotedit.com
We just lost Peter . Thank You Dear Man, for your Gift, your Legacy. His Work, defined the 90’s for me and h o w Black + White Photography should be.
Well done Peter, for bringing it back to Center.
Photography has nurtured my Altruistic view of the World around, and the World within. It single handedly, makes me a better Human.
This feeling seems to run deep in my Family.
My Beloved Grandma Balantac :
Taken with this Camera:
Other than the Family Nostalgia (that’s my Dad, Uncle Moreno, and Auntie Josie in the Photos) they capture an important era in Filipino American History. Whilst raising three Children and making a living as a Migrant Farm Worker, she became an instinctive Documentarian. And since October is Filipino American History Month, her Photos are more relevant than ever.
My Beloved Dad:
His Shots from the Early 1950’s when he was Stationed in Europe, hands down, have inspired my need for Wanderlust and taking Pictures of it. He has the ability to capture the Heart of the Moment as well as the Offbeat. He bought me First Camera, and to this day, still encourages me to look for the Different in things.
I have been taking Pictures since I was 11, and have shot with 5 (4 of which I still have) Film Cameras into my late 20’s (can you guess which ones they are?):
In My recent move back home on the River, I’ve Rediscovered some Gems.
In my Teens, 20’s + Mid 30’s, I lived through Black + White Film:
Me … Queens, New York, 1985
On our way out for the day, I asked my Auntie where these steps led. She said that’s where we keep our Bins. I loved the light, and I asked her to take my Picture. It wasn’t until I got the Film back, did I realize, how cool the Juxtaposition was of me, all clean and put together, sitting next to the Trash. Thus, my life long habit of hunting for Randomness, began.
Waiter … NYC, 1985
I was walking around Little Italy with my Minolta around my neck, when I heard a voice bellow ‘ Take My Picture !’ I can’t recall his name, but I do remember the energy on that street. I love that ‘John’ was walking out of Frame and the other Waiter in the background.
Wee Lad … NYC, 1985
It was only a Split Second, but when he walked by me I knew I had to take his picture. I have always been careful of taking pictures of Children and asking for Permission. But, this Photo I took on the sly and I feel it made it more Quirky.
Guitarist … NYC, 1985
Walking fast amongst the Crowd, I caught sight of this Musician strumming in the doorway. I stepped back, snapped, and kept on walking.
On the Move … Coney Island, 1985
In traffic, I looked up and saw this intense Conversation. I love how the Window framed them.
On a Bike … Merida, Mexico, 1987
After the Pyramids in Chichen Itza, we walked around Merida. His bike caught my eye.
Michael Hutchence … Madison Square Garden, 1988
My Late 1980’s + Early 90’s are defined by INXS. I saw them 3 times in 1988. This Gig was the most memorable, as we were able to sneak close to the Stage. RIP Michael, you were big, bright Shooting Star.
Mom + Dad … Muir Woods, 1988
Simply put, the light. Still my Favorite photo of my Parents.
Mama … Miami, 1995
My First Trip to Miami was with my Dominican Professor/Friend to visit her Familia. I absolutely fell in love with them, her Culture, and Her Mama.
Playing … Bohol, Philippines, 1998
My First Trip to the Philippines was on a Medical Mission. We did get some time to explore, and whilst we were driving around, I looked out the Window, and saw these kids crossing a path. One of my Favorite shots from the whole Trip.
Some Random Black + White Favorites:
I did Shoot Color Film as well:
At my Grandparents Farm, I distinctively remember seeing Dad in between the edge of the window and the top of the trunk lid. Daddy saw me taking his picture and smiled!
At the Tower of London, we were walking around and I remember how Proud he seemed. After I took this, he waved at Me!
I had just been gifted my new Minolta Maxuum for my High School Graduation, when we visited my Friend Ruth’s Family Farm. This is her Sister Kathleen and still is my Favorite Portrait I’ve taken with this Camera.
When we arrived at this Small Village in Cebu, there was a long line of people winding around the whole of the building. As the building began to fill up, people started to peek in through the Windows. I gave these Kids School Supplies after I took this Picture.
A Beach in Cebu. I remember just gasping when I saw the above view. It doesn’t get any more picturesque than that.
In Manila, children come up to cars waiting in traffic, selling things or asking for Help. I looked up and saw this young girl carrying her Sister and she seemed so, troubled.
I Shot Color and Black + White Film with my Fuji Film 312 Zoom on My Trips to London + Paris (2013 + 2015):
I remember being SO excited about going to Walgreens and picking up my Prints! How times have changed.
Crockett, CA
This was taken with my Rocket Spartus Camera, that shoots 127 Film. I love the shape and how the Images overlapped. I had the Film and Prints done at The Darkroom.
Then I also took stock of my Photography Books.
These have Inspired me for 33 Years, have been in 4 Different Homes, and I suspect will come with me when I Live Abroad:
From Bottom L to R: Robert Freeman + Herb Ritts + George Forss + Top: Linda McCartney
These Books inspired Me through the 90’s to Mid 2000’s …
Dan Eldon, Sabrina Ward Harrison , and Viggo Mortensen particularly inspired me during this Period. Because of them, I started Visual Journaling, making Mixed Media Pieces with my Photography, and created my First Website, Just Genie:
In my Mid 30’s , I Started Shooting Digital with a Canon A630. It’s the Camera I used to get signed to a German Photo Agency ( click for my Gallery). I am Humbled and Chuffed they see something in my Work:
… then I Graduated to a Canon XSi (because the Agency wanted me to Shoot Raw):
… onto a Canon 6D (because Photography School wanted me to Shoot Full Frame) and also when I started Watermarking my Work:
… to my latest Edition of a Leica Delux for my Solo Trip to Europe last December:
Pics from Barcelona (more to come in my next Blog Post).
I was impressed with it’s Detail, the Full Frame + Raw Capabilities, and how unbelievably light it was!
But, I don’t always Document with a Traditional Camera.
In my Early 40’s (I know), I got my first Mobile Phone, a Nokia, and I remember being so excited that I always had a ‘Camera’ ready:
On to iPhones:
5s …
6 Plus …
7 Plus …
Even with this wealth of Images, however, I could have never imagined how my relationship with Photography would evolve, and literally, save my Soul.
It started with the ending of my Marriage in 2011 …
In the Depths, Photography was my Divine Light:
It healed me, opened me up, made me humble:
In the Last Couple of Years, it has become my Benediction …
Sometimes, I do make Portraits.
I love that Buzz when I can Connect with someone and we Create something different, together:
My True Passion, however, is Traveling. In the last Two Years, I’ve been Blessed to have been able to do just that.
London, Oxford, and Edinburgh:
A bit of London again (My Spirit Animal) + Liverpool + Barcelona + Amsterdam ( More Coming):
Click here for more of my Travel Photography …
During this current Renaissance, I’ve devoured Books and Magazines …
From Top, L t R: Sally Mann, Walker Evans, Harry Benson, and Steve McCurry
… And lately, I have been Inspired by:
One. Shaun Evans
His Film Photo for the Liverpool Art Book …
As well as being a Photographer, he is a Brilliant Actor and a Poetic Director:
Stills (taken from my iMac) from the Apollo Episode of Endeavour that he Directed (and Acted in).
What I love about his Storytelling is how every shot f e e l s like a still photo, his meticulous attention to Detail, and his subtle use of Color. The last few shots of the episode where he pans from Endeavour in the Car, then slowly up to the Moon, I gasped. It was Beautiful. Dear Mr. Evans, Well Done! I can’t wait to see more of your Vision, you Inspire Me.
Read this for his words on Story Telling (I Love that he shoots with a Leica) and watch Endeavour if you love Lyrical Story Telling.
Two: Iddo Goldberg
Please go to his Website for the full effect of his Stunning Work:
I was first Introduced to Iddo with his Acting in ‘ Secret Diary of a Call Girl ‘. Then onto the brilliantly addictive show Salem, with his lovely Wife, Ashley. It was around that time, that I stumbled upon his Instagram, Iddo Photo. I was/am moved by his innate way of tapping into the Humanity of his Subjects, by his singular Aesthetic, and his incomparable Skills (I believe he shoots mostly Film). Mr. Goldberg, I am in Awe.
Three: Patti Smith
I first came across her Music in my first Year at University, and then her Verse and Photography, in my Late Twenties. I have since revisited her work, and have been blown away by her shots taken with her vintage Land Polaroid Cameras. Her photos coupled with her prose, verse, and narrative, is just plain Intoxicating.
Now along with Linda McCartney and Yoko Ono, she is my Creative Hero. As I embark on my own Journey of writing a book (with Photos shot with Film), Ms. Smith, you will be my Guide. You are a true Renaissance Woman.
And with that, my ode to Photography ends. What started out as a small nod, has grown into a heartfelt conversation on one of the biggest Loves of my life. I hope in my sharing, I may have rekindled someone’s passion for Photography , inspired someone to go out and shoot, or go to the Library and check out that Photography book.
I am always on the hunt for new projects and/or collaborations with my fellow Photographers! A joint show somewhere? Sending a Visual Journal back and forth in the Snail Mail to each other? Chatting about new Photography Books, editing Techniques, Shooting Film with Vintage Cameras, on my Podcast?
Are you interested? Let’s chat!
E-mail Me: geniebalantac@gmail.com
… Where will you take me, Dear Photography?
I have no idea, but I can’t wait to get there.
BIG Love, G XXX
PS: Wanna see my New Magic Studio?
… Filmed Last Month, I have since added more + rearranged!
Expect more Vlogs soon!
Liverpool and Living As Art …
Edit: October 11, 2020
Because WordPress switched to a ‘Block Editor’ Format, my Videos may not be centered! The content remains the same, however!
Thanks for Visiting and Enjoy, G XXX
… We are always searching for a Group of People, a Tribe, a ‘ Family ‘, to Inspire, Empower, Lift Us.
This is why I am drawn, attracted to, certain People, certain Places.
Click here to View My Travel Photography …
( And as always, Click the Pink for the Link )
It’s why I Love all things John, Paul, George, and Ringo. It’s why I am a Full Blown Anglophile . It’s why I needed to visit Liverpool on my ’50th Redux Trip’.
The First time I ever heard of The Beatles, was when I was in 7th Grade, and we were told that John Lennon had died. I vaguely recall a Classmate saying ‘ Who’s John Lennon ?’.
Fast Forward to Sophomore Year in High School, and I became enamored with the 1960’s and began to Voraciously Devour anything related to that Decade. Of course I came across the Fab Four, but it wasn’t until:
… These Albums, some of my most Prized Possessions, from a Box Set bought from Price Club, did I finally fall in deep with the Lads.
As I made my way through each Album, every Track; I was Enthralled, Mesmerized, Seduced.
I began to Read, Research, and become immersed in their Wondrous Journey together. And for the very first time in my Young Life, I became attracted to the idea of surrounding Oneself with Like Minded, Creative Folk. To give Birth to something greater than Yourself.
Making Art, and Living Life as Art.
Thank YOU, Fab Four. You Hooked Me, line and sinker.
I became an expert on all things Beatles. I bought, borrowed, bartered for anything on The Four:
… I even did an English Lit Paper, comparing Chaucer to John Lennon’s Books with an accompanying Cassette Tape with Beatles Songs!
And then because of The Four, I was Introduced to these Women.
Women that helped shape, continue to shape, my Creative Life:
Photos by Linda McCartney
Quite unexpectedly, Linda had a Show of some her Film Prints, at the now defunct, ’Darkroom’ here in Sacramento in the Fall of 1985. Seeing her work mere Inches away, blew my mind, and in one fail swoop, I wanted to be Her, and she made me fall in Love with Photography.
Endlessly, Thank You Linda. You are why I am a Photographer.
Then there was Yoko Ono. I fell for her Sensibility, the Bravery in her Art:
She is a Formidable Asian Woman and I was enamoured. I was so moved after visiting Strawberry Fields in NYC in the Summer of ‘ 86, that I wrote her a long Impassioned Letter.
This is what I got in return.
Thank You Yoko, I will sing your Praises, Forever.
Fast Forward to London, 2003. I finally made it to Abbey Road:
Another Aside, I could have gotten into Abbey Road if my Ex would have used his Connections with Tape Op Magazine. I Threatened to go knock on the Door and say that he works for the Magazine, but it was not a happy alternative. A few years later, I did get to hear some Top Secret Vintage (Unmixed) Beatles Tracks Recorded at Abbey Road: I call it even.
I have also Followed the next Generation of the Four with Awe + Admiration:
Bond Street Store, London 2003
I have Loved Stella McCartney since her Days at Chloe, and I am fortunate to have some of her pieces from a w i l d Sample Sale in London.
Mary McCartney follows in her Mum’s Footsteps, In Her Own Right and then Julian Lennon is also a Brilliant Photographer and overall, Renaissance Man. And Julian’s Brother, Sean Ono Lennon ? He is just Transcendent on every Level. I’m waiting OH So Patiently for all of them to Collaborate Together, can You i m a g i n e ? But in the Meantime:
Pics like this will keep me Blissful.
Image via Google Search
… so, going to Liverpool? A Pilgrimage.
After my Week-End in London, I made the Mad Dash to Euston, Rode the Best Train in the World into Liverpool and had my First Airbnb Experience:
Then I took the first in a long line of Memorable Uber/Cab Rides that I had during my Sojourn in the ‘Pool. What made them so Memorable, you ask? It was like each and every Driver knew what (Philosophical) Question I was going to ask before I did and knew the Answer I needed to hear! Each and every one of them exuded such Kindness, Warmth, and Tenderness to this Wanderer so far from her Comfort Zone, that every time I bid them Adieu, I did so with pieces of a Well Fed Soul.
Here is an Example of my many Wonder -Filled (Unedited) Talks and I was Respectfully Careful, to not film their Faces:
Then I was finally on the River Mersey …
And whilst I waited for the Ferry:
It was Windy, it was Cold, it was Magical:
Had an Intimate Tour with a Liverpudlian Lass that Introduced me to the City’s Rich History + Shared with me Secret, Local Only Places + I Quickly fell in Love with the ‘Pool:
As the Sun set, it became increasingly colder, but I didn’t let it deter me in finding something to Eat. True to form, however, I Stumbled upon The Tate Modern Liverpool just before it closed ( Turn Sound Up! ):
… and I felt like getting into the Holiday mood, so I took an Uber to The Liverpool Christmas Market:
Before I left for my Trip, I stumbled upon this Article about an Organization Selling Scouse Pies at the Market. I was on a Mission, to have that be my first Liverpool Dinner! I finally found the stall and I struck up a conversation with the kind Lad who wrapped up my Steaming Scouse Pie. He lit up as he started to talk about how the Organization helped him off the Streets, how through it’s Football Club, he’s gained back his Self Esteem, how he’s Empowered to start looking for work, and how he has healthier Living Skills. It hit me, as he happily wrapped up my Pie and told me what Stall to get the best Hot Cider at, that our very Human, Humbling exchange, is the reason why I Travel. As I paid and prepared to walk away, I said he was incredibly Brave and that he has Inspired Me! He ran around and gave me a great big bear hug and said, ‘ Love, You’re Brave and Inspiring for having an Adventure all on your own!’
… and My Dinner:
… Back to Downtime at the Airbnb:
( Turn Sound Up! )
Then in the Morning, the True Celebration Began:
This 51 Year Old is ready in Pink + Leopard …
As I waited for my Uber down in Front, I was Chatted up by two Friendly Builders, asking me where I was from, because I didn’t look ‘ Local’. I answered ‘ I’m Californian and I came to Liverpool to Celebrate my Birthday, Today! ‘. To wit one of them answered, ‘ What a Brilliant way to Celebrate your 21st! ‘. Really, that was the b e s t Gift, ever. Went into my Uber Beaming, and the Driver said, ‘ It must be Your Birthday Today!’ … Really, I kid you n o t , and we Preceded to have the Second Best Uber Conversation of my Solo Trip. We discussed Trials, Triumphs, Living Free, and Traveling ‘ Open ‘ . I stepped out, elated by our Deep Connection, and I Thanked him for the Gift of His Wisdom.
He Answered, ‘ You have the right way of Living, don’t let anyone take that away from You!’. Needless to say, I stepped onto the Bus, High:
It was 2 Hours of Nervous, Excited Energy, and feeling like I could jump out of my Skin at any Moment. A l l Bucket List.
I was Bouncing up and down in my seat, gasping, crying, listening to Stories, I’ve heard a million times before. And in the place where they were Birthed.
What follows, is how I Documented such Bliss, even with a Stubborn Instax Camera, and one rapidly dying Leica Battery. Lesson hereafter, A L W A Y S carry an extra Camera Battery and Thank GOD for the iPhone. Nothing could deter me from my Happiness, however:
One. At the Start of the Tour …
Two. Love Me Do …
Three. … George’s House:
… Around the Corner:
Four. Penny Lane …
Five. Saw a bit of Local Liverpool:
Six. Strawberry Fields …
Being an Advocate for Social Justice, my Heart swelled to hear all the Empowering things they were going to do with their new Facilities! They open their gates for the first time this Summer: Click here for more details.
I know John would be Chuffed and I’m putting it back on my Bucket List.
Seven. Paul’s House …
This pic? See the smear of Tears on my Glasses? I had just had one of those ‘Spiritual’ Moments that would reoccur throughout the rest of my Day …
Eight. Cemetery that Inspired Eleanor Rigby …
Nine. John’s House
Next Time I’m in Liverpool, I want to book a Tour of the House …
Ten. Then this Moment …
I was Joyfully Singing to ‘ Help ‘ and Recording what I saw, when we drove by this Park. I saw the Soft, White Mist, hanging just slightly above the Grass, like a layer of soft, sticky, Cotton Candy. It was then I noticed random people with their Dogs, boldly making their way through it all, totally unaware that it looked like they were actually, floating.
It was Bewitching, it was Beautiful.
It shook me.
If you listen closely, you can hear Me saying ‘ Wow! ‘ …
Lastly:
My All Time Fave Beatles Song that I want played at my Wake.
My Review of the Tour? Sweet, Addictive Icing, surrounding the Layers of Cake, that was my most Brilliant Day.
After the Tour, I took a Taxi back to my Airbnb to grab my Extra Camera battery.
But really, this Liverpudlian Cabbie:
Before heading back out, I took Advantage of the Bright Mid Day Light and did a bit of Honoring my Mate Kat’s Beautiful Airbnb:
And no Birthday would be complete without a visit to a Church, not one, but two Churches. I mean, come on, it’s Europe and a Street called Hope, I had to.
At one end of the Street, the Catholic Church, The Metropolitan Cathedral . Truly, one of the most Beautiful, Modern Catholic Churches, I have ever seen.
I Prayed, I Cried, I always feel at Home in a Catholic Church.
On the way to the other end of Hope Street …
This Statue: Please Read the Inspiring Story Behind It: It’s Made of Used Switch Blades …
I was Mesmerized.
When I walked inside the Church, I automatically k n e w who’s work this was.
The very First Female British Artist that I Fell in Love with, Tracey Emin.
Whilst in London for My Art Show, I accidentally saw her, and I was Flabbergasted. I hid in a Toy Store, and took this Film Pics of Her from afar. Hereafter, if I meet someone (Famous) that Inspires me, walk right up to them and tell them so:
Then to Another Spiritual Place, The Cavern Club !
As I walked down the stairs, I could literally hear my heartbeat over the Guitar Music playing in the distance. And with a Deep Breath, I stepped down into a Space that I have dreamt of being in since I was 16:
I’ve been to Hundreds, if not Thousands of Gigs this Lifetime, Click Here …
But to have been to one at the Cavern Club, Indescribable.
I touched the Walls, I had a Pint.
I listened to a Liverpudlian Musician.
I was Chatted up by some Lads, and I could have stayed there all Afternoon + Night. But I had an Exhibition to make before closing:
When I started to make Art, she was a Major Influence on Me. At Various Points in my Career, People have said that I reminded them of Her. I don’t see it, but Truly, I am always floored by the Compliment …
… So You can Imagine what this Exhibit meant to me:
That’s me Crying in the Elevator going up to it.
Before going into the Heart of it, a few Collaborative Art Pieces from Yoko:
My Contribution to the ‘ Wishing Tree ‘ …
‘ Peace is Power ‘
Shhh, I snagged one of the Crayons.
My Soul was Bursting:
I saw the Original of this in Central Park in NYC the Summer of 1986. I was so Moved, that I wrote Yoko that long Impassioned Letter.
And Random Brilliant Bits taken on my iPhone:
As I walked through to the end of the Exhibit, I was Empowered, Floating, Buzzing. I also swore, that I will have a Dynamic Partnership like John and Yoko did, one day.
After buying many Bits from the Gift Shop:
… I headed back to my Airbnb to Regroup, pick up this Card from Kat:
Then it was off to:
You know I chose it for the name, and did do a little Research, but nothing could have prepared this Foodie for my 2 1/2 Hour Dining Experience.
See that? Pure Happiness.
I was a bit apprehensive about my very first Fine Dining experience ( not to mention in a Foreign Country ) all on my own. But from the moment they took my coat, to making me a Custom Gin Drink, to all the various people that came and chatted with me between Courses, I felt taken care of, Loved.
The Food? Brilliant British Cuisine.
When in Liverpool, Go to ‘ The Art School ‘!
They will make you Happy, they will Fill You up.
Then it was back to Kat’s Lovely Airbnb, for the most perfect Night Cap I could think of, Listening to her Vinyl Records!
Exactly these Angel Numbers as I started Spinning …
Blissful End to Hands Down, the Best Birthday of my Life.
The Next Morning, I was off to Barcelona!
As I connected and chatted Happily with my Dear New Mate, Kat, I realized that I was going to miss Liverpool, Her SO Lovely Airbnb, and Her. I had Tears in my Eyes as I drove away, and I have to say, I left pieces of my Heart as I did.
Although, this Chat with my Uber Driver on the way to the Airport, made Me feel better:
And Airports always makes everything Much Better:
Next ’50th Redux Trip’ Post, Hola Barcelona!
But back to the Earlier Idea of ‘Living As Art ‘.
I felt it on this Trip, when I met Filip, Kat, Ali + Guillaume, Marc, Fiorella, Carla, Agostino, Rea + Leo, and Lulu:
I always feel it in Europe, truth be told. It’s the Reason why I will live there one day. As I stated at the beginning of this post, it was The Fab Four that first Introduced me to the idea of having a Tribe, of being Inspired by the People in your Life, and ‘Creating’ something larger than Yourself, because of them.
As I enter into yet another Renaissance this Lifetime, I revisit when my Life was Art, Literally ( as always Click the Pink for the Link ):
I had Art Shows and Ran an Art Gallery …
I started my first Blog that got 7k Hits a Day …
I even Published a ‘Zine entitled ‘ Life As Art ‘ …
In all these Experiences, I have Met, Bonded, Connected with, SO many Inspiring People. I wasn’t consciously aware of it at the time, but I was adding to my Tribe. They have all permanently shaped my Creative Muse in some way or the other, no matter how Long or Brief our Time together was. And since then, I am always searching for that kind of Connection.
And sometimes, if You’re Lucky, You find it at work:
One. I Developed and Ran an After School Program …
Two. I was a Retail Specialist at the Local Apple Store …
Single Handedly, Two of the Most Rewarding + Challenging Jobs I’ve ever had, but the perfect Examples of working with a Group of People to ‘ Create ‘ something larger than Ourselves, and forever being Inspired by that Experience.
An aside, I am Currently Looking for my next Big Creative Endeavour in California, the UK, and Europe at Large: Give me a Shout and let’s Chat!
… Thank YOU for being with Me on this rather Long ‘ Rabbit Hole’ of a Post!
Next up, My First Visit to Barcelona …
Until then, Live Thankful, Live Big!
All LOVE …
G XXX
Shift …
Most people are on the world, not in it …
(Click on the Pink for the Links)
Dear 2019, did you see that shift? Those past 12 months that just flew right by ya? The most Sublime, the most Heart Wrenching stretch of time in my Life. To be fair, I have never been the type to skip lightly through anything, but damn it all if I wasn’t savagely thrown, headfirst into the lot. In Deep? I was consumed.
I turned a Half A Century Old, I lost Life Long Relationships, I was on the receiving end of Unfathomable Hatred and Callousness, I lost My SO Beloved Sadie Girl, and then I Sold Our Magic Cottage.
But as there is no Darkness without Light, I was also Gifted with profound Strength, an Unwavering Sense of Creativity, and Unconditional Love from my Tribe. In Deep? I was consumed.
I then moved back to the River: Rogue River Drive, my Childhood Home to be with + take care of my Beloved Parents. After 20 Years of being away, 7 of those Years being completely on my own (with Sadie Girl of course) and becoming Ferociously Independent, it has been the biggest Shift of all. My Parents are my Best Friends but learning to share space with people ( I edited down a whole house into Two Rooms + a Shed ) again has been Profound to say the least:
One of thePerks of moving back, however, is I have fallen in Love with the River Again.
It’s quiet Beauty has not lost it’s Magic on this River Rat, and I can’t want to Document, Explore, and Share my Adventures.
It was and still is my Haven:
Before all of this Shifting, I was planning on going back to Europe. And when I was unpacking the day to day necessities, switching out warm weather clothes for winter clothes, I was subconsciously packing for the Trip. However, I was still toying with the idea, should I go? Do I deserve to go? Am I taking on too much in an already jam packed year?
But after a disappointing, almost heartbreaking trip last December, I was empowered to rewrite a new Narrative for this Birthday. So I planned my 13 Day Trip in 2 Weeks. London, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Amsterdam:
This Film By My Brilliant Mate Marc was made whilst I was in Barcelona! It epitomizes the Vibe of the Whole of My Trip …
But First:
Hastily placed Boots, Bag, Pink Tights, and my new Leica into my Luggage and off I went.
Any Trip to Europe, has to start in the UK.
It is my Spirit Animal:
I only fly Aerlingus: SFO to Dublin, Dublin to London. The Irish Hospitality, all the Free (Included) Food +Entertainment makes the 15 hours go by fast:
Then, on the way to my Fave Part in London:
I knew I wanted to stay in East London, because last Year, I did not get to explore it properly. Going back to the Qbic again, was the most obvious choice. Right in the mix of it, affordable, and Stylish.
In Hindsight, I had made Dinner Reservations at their Motley Restaurant, and really one of best things about staying in a Hotel? Going Downstairs for some Noshing! I was at the Qbic in 2017, and I have to say the improvements to the Bar and Restaurant make it more Inviting, Open, and Warm. But the best part of my stay at the Qbic? Meeting my Birthday Twin, Restaurant/Bar Manager, Filip. He was Inviting, Open, and Warm and we became Fast Friends! Check out his Music, he is a Brilliant Singer!
… And a True Testament to how the whole of my Trip was from the moment I landed in Dublin to the plane trip back to the States. The People, the Tribe that I forged in 13 Days, it’s the Reason why I was lead there, to feel the Shift.
Then there is the Brick Lane/Shoreditch Area. How do I adequately describe these stretch of Streets? After my first Art show at Truman Brewery, I have deeply loved East London.
… There are ways to document, it seems. One is to go into ( a new country or) a new situation and hit it like a hot wind, not stopping to think — simply to feel.
Scanned Instax
Scanned Instax
My Version of ‘ Humans of New York ‘ which, again, set a Precedent for the Whole of the Trip:
In front of the Beigel Shop, I met this Lovely Man whilst I was taking pics … :
… We had a Brilliant Wormhole of a Conversation that included Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, Brexit, Microbiology, and Taoism. It was the Proverbial Shot that my Broken Self needed, to ‘ Let Go’ and Fricken OPEN UP. After our chat, I asked him if I could take his picture and I gave him one of these:
… I walked away with the most Tangible High and for the rest of the Trip I ‘ Attracted ‘ dozens, if not more, types of these Experiences. Lesson learned though, I have not heard from him, so when I met someone I wanted to stay connected with, I gave them my Phone and asked them to add me on Social Media and/or put their Contact Info in!
I bought that Black Wrap ( I eventually gifted it to my Liverpool Mate Kat ) in the background from this Wonderful Woman, Josephine! Check out her Website for more of her Beautiful Work! We connected on a Creative Level and our Conversation of Making a Living as an Artist, Fashion Photography/Gear, and our Shared Love of the Artistic Community in East London, left me flying High once again. I need to reach out to her, to keep our Conversation going …
Towards the end of my Parading, I ran across this Fabulousness. I thought I was the sly one snapping away, when the Chess Master said to me ‘ If you want to take a Picture you have to pay me!’ As I profusely apologized whilst digging in my pocket for coins, he said ‘ No! With a Kiss! ‘. I thought about it for a split second, than ran over and gave him a peck on both of his Cheeks. As I walked away, he said ‘ Look she’s Blushing, she wants to Kiss me again!’ And with that, the whole lot of them burst out laughing! The Cherry on Top? The night before, I texted my BFF that I wanted to Kiss someone on this Trip! Be Careful what you wish for and w h o is the Lad with the Glasses taking a picture of ? I scuttled away, High from all that Flirtatious Energy, and carried it into a Monumental Meeting with some Editors.
After my Meeting, I gave Filip a Wee Christmas Gift + had a Good Bye Drink with him + packed for the next Leg of My Trip, Liverpool.
Feel that Shift, London? You gave me back my Swagger.
How do I describe what going to Liverpool meant to me? Let me get back to ya on that one, but first, I stayed in my Awesome Mate Kat’s Airbnb . I fell in Love with the Lot:
It was my very first Experience in an Airbnb, and I am now totally Enamored with it all! On my First Solo Overseas Trip, I absolutely loved having a ‘ Home ‘ to come back to. Kat is Dynamic, Kind, Caring, and we quickly became Friends (Truth be told, I had Tears in my eyes when we hugged Good Bye)! I Highly Recommend Kat’s Abode if you’re in the Liverpool Area!
+ Go to my Website for High Res Copies of my recent Travel Pics + my Portfolio.
++ Updating Blog Features in the next Month or So: Check back often!
+++ Starting to work on my Art Shed this MLK JR. Holiday … It’s Time:
Up Next, My Birthday in Liverpool!
Big Love, G XXX
Edit: April, 2019: If on a Desktop/Laptop, Please check out My New Sidebar Features. If on a Mobile Device, Click ‘ Menu ‘ for the New Features!
With Love, 6th Avenue: Part Deux
Before I start u n p a c k i n g ( when all I want to do is plan for my Europe Trip next Month ) I had to get the last bits from the Magic Cottage + Clean + Say the final Good Byes:
Dad’s last visit was on Monday, a Man of few words, but I had to Document him saying something, as he was Instrumental in Gifting me with a Wonder Filled Space:
Brought Sadie for the Final Good Bye …
Got my Last Fave Meal of Green Panang Curry from the Thai Place down the street where after 14 Years, they always remembers my Name!
Vlog on my Front Stoop that is a little blown out + a bit blurry but is still Heartfelt:
Good Bye Pink Room:
But most of all I will Miss the Light. The Fall Light in the Magic Cottage is the most Sublime. I am Blessed to have experienced it well into November:
Then walked around the Emptiness, one last time:
Saw Wes today after work, and as I walked up to the open door, he bellowed ‘ I am taking apart your House!’ … sob. All the Shelves were gone from my Pink Room and the Side room and all the Inside Doors were off. SO Surreal, as Yesterday it was all intact. I asked him if I could Document the Process of the Remodel, and he said yes! I feel like it’s something I need to do for more Closure and I am excited, as I used to do/enjoy Architectural Photography: Photos coming soon!
As I drove away, Wes ran out to my Truck and said, ‘ Here, you need to have this! ‘ It was a Hello Kitty pencil that I had lost ages ago, and then it hit me, this is truly Good Bye, and I cried all the way to Rogue River Drive. It will take time for me to adjust to my new/old environment …
Lastly, as the above piece has been Gifted already, I wanted to share it here. One of my Fave last pieces I made at the Magic Cottage. I fell in Love with Box Wood Canvases! Where have you been all my Creative Life? I like this size and I will be buying a bunch to make Art to take on my Trip next month!
This weekend is a Three Day one ( Thank YOU Veterans ) and my Goal is to have my Office/Inside Studio all set up, most of the inside boxes unpacked and most of my Bedroom put together. I refuse to show ya’ll what it looks like now, HA! but will post Pics of the Finished Rooms, as well as a Vlog in front of where the Big G is, and of my first walk on the River, just a few blocks from here. Little known secret, I used to be a River Rat , and I am SO looking forward to being that again!
Click the Links Below for other Blog Posts on my 6th Ave Journey:
Home : This Post will be Published in a UK Print Magazine, early 2019!
LOVE, G XXX
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