Photography, inspiration > Old sign in Metaxourgeio!

Found this, while I was walking from my morning job (Omonoia square) to the Greek Designers Association (Metaksourgeio). I love vintage typography. Here’s a detail. “Καλύτερα” means “better”…

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The Blind Side.

Every time I watch the following trailers, I cry. Truly. Ask my husband. And I haven't even seen the movie yet ...

I cry because:

* I am an adoptive mother who is fiercely protective of my son. I relate to Leigh Anne Tuohy in this way ... for sure :)

* I think of every child who is sleeping in an orphanage tonight --- waiting for parents. I cry because I have seen these children with my own eyes --- and have witnessed their pain.

* I remember all the wonderful people who I KNOW make a difference in the lives of young men just like Michael Oher. Particularly Father Michael ... who I am honored to call a friend (you can see his work here as well as in the link above).

* I know what it is to change the life of a person --- through love, guidance and education. I have seen lives changed when a young person finds someone who believes in them --- and will fight for them. I had the pleasure of meeting a young boy in Haiti who had lived as a slave in a wealthy Haitian home for many years. He was rescued by a French woman and brought to St. Joseph's Home for Boys in Port-au-Prince. I watched as his rescuer visited him there at Christmas - over a year after she had brought him to the home. It was an amazing reunion to witness. The woman was overjoyed at how well the then 8-year-old boy was doing now that he had love, guidance and an education. It was amazing.

* I cry because it is THAT EASY to change lives ... with Love. Love. Love. And I am eternally grateful for women like Leigh Anne Tuohy ... who show the rest of the world what love can do.

* And perhaps what brings me to tears most is Sandra Bullocks response to the woman who says "I think what you are doing is so great. You are changing that boy's life." And Sandra's heartfelt response just sends me to tears ... "No, he's changing mine." I can't tell you how many times people tell Halis and I what a wonderful thing we did to take Isaac in. First of all --- our love for Isaac is REAL, not charity. And he does more for us than we could ever do for him. Seeing Isaac as anything other than TRUE family is an insult.

I had no idea who Michael Oher was until I researched him AFTER watching these trailers. I am no football fan. So, I shed tears over this story thinking that it was a work of fiction. To know that it is REAL just makes me even more emotional about it. And to see just how real it is, check out this featurette:

Now --- if you have seen this movie --- please tell me what you think of it. And if you haven't seen it --- maybe you should! I know I will be at the theatre this weekend. With Kleenex!

Love,
Jodi

P.S. You can also read the book before or after seeing the movie. I know I will.

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Words of Wisdom ...

“I come from a hut, from a hut I went to the projects, from the projects I went to a mansion so you out there you have ABSOLUTLEY NO EXCUSE!” – Wyclef Jean

Love,
Jodi

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Articulation and the Art of the Well Written Blog Post.

I read this Shutter Sister blog post yesterday and was both highly impressed and mildly intimidated. Her writing flowed so eloquently. In very few words, she poetically and effectively articulated the delicate and complex world of a young boy --- fresh out of his toddler years --- but not quite pre-pubescent. At the same time she also richly expressed a common struggle to photographers --- how to photograph with patience and understanding of your subject. Her post not only conveyed so much in so few words, but the accompanying photo was pure magic.

I admit, I was envious. In fact, I took the day off of blogging (seriously). I felt so inarticulate, ineffective and lacking in my photography as well. It was a "woe's me" day. But then I realized ... the author (Kate) is such a gift. Her talent serves to inspire ... not to outshine. I am always growing and learning ... and talents like Kate keep me motivated to press on. Hooray!

So, I broke out the camera in Shutter Sister solidarity ... and did my best to take some shots that pleased me ... and that reminded me of the unique, beautiful and worthy contributions that we all make to our world. Then I wrote this simple (but hopefully effective) blog post.

Thanks Kate.

Love,

Jodi

P.S. I will continue to post some of my recent photographic "contributions" to my Flickr account as I am able.

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Inspiration: Chief Mankiller

Many years ago I read this great book by and about an Indian chief who achieved amazing things for her people against incredible odds. Her story was such an inspiration to me. At that time I was just beginning my journey into womanhood ... I had just left home to get married ... and I had no clue yet about the wonder, beauty and power of women. Chief Mankiller , and many other inspirational female authors, helped to initiate my self-exploration into what it meant to be a woman, a wife, a mother, a member of my community, etc.

And today, by divine intervention, I came across the following quote:

"When people cease waiting for great leaders or prophets to solve entrenched problems and look, instead, within themselves - trusting their own thinking, believing in their own power - and to their families and communities for solutions, change will follow. In traditional indigenous communities, there is an understanding that our lives play themselves out within a set of reciprocal relationships. If each human being in the world could fully understand that we all are interdependent and responsible for one another, it would save the world." ~ Wilma Mankiller

I am now reminded of the power of me (& you), of the beauty of the reciprocal relationships I (we) share with so many others, and of my (our) responsibility to the whole of humanity. I was thankful to have found it today, and thought I would pass along the book title that inspired me so many years ago ...

Mankiller: A Chief and Her People

Much Love,
Jodi

P.S. Day 9 of "30 Days of the Everyday"

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