Adopt A Best Friend For Life

I can't imagine my life without a dog. Max is a part of my life and he brings me so much joy. When I adopted him last July, he had no idea that he was in for an adventure of traveling across the country with me. I think he had a good time. Well, most of the time he did. Once he realized that buffalo can roam right next to the car, he wasn't too thrilled with that and went crazy each time I stopped on the side of the road to take a picture. It didn't matter if there was an animal nearby, he didn't want anything to come near.

Yesterday we went to our local dog park to play...I mean, Max went to play. OK, I enjoy it too. A lot.

I have to admit that it's one thing I do that brings me joy. It's a place where all of the dogs get to run free together and play. I can even see them smile. All of the lucky ones who found a home. Unfortunately, there are thousands that need homes. I found Max with a rescue organization and I would suggest you adopt one from a rescue as well.

When Max and I were in Utah, we visited the Best Friends Animal Shelter to see all of the animals rescued for life. They are lucky to be able to live in this beautiful place forever, but they still need a home.

Adopting a pet is getting a friend for life. They bring more to your life than you could ever imagine. Who else will be so happy to see you each time you get home? Even if you leave for 5 minutes, it's like you've been gone forever. If you are interested in adopting, visit ASPCA.You can find animals wanting you in your area.

Here are a few of the happy dogs we came across yesterday at the dog park:

Getting My Feet Wet

I think we all tend to gravitate to things that make us feel good. I love walks on the beach, and I have been doing a lot of that lately. I've also been working to get ready for a little art opening to show some pictures I've taken of Long Beach. It's been quite the learning curve, which I enjoy.

I tend to try and be a perfectionist in what I do. Believe me, it is not always perfect but I try to do the best I can with making it so. I enjoy taking pictures and being outside. This week has been interesting working on the printing and framing aspect of a completed photograph. I love to see the finished product brought to life but there are details sometime you don't think about.

Searching for the perfect frame has been an experience. Then once you try to frame a picture, there is always that little dark dust particle that decides to fly into the frame right when you secure it, only to see it when you turn the frame around to look.

So, getting out and walking around is a huge help. Last night I put on my rain boots and headed out to the beach to watch the sun go down and see the dogs play. The storms left beach "pools" in the sand and since I had my boots on, I decided to walk in the pools..scrunching down and take pictures from there. I think a few people thought I was crazy, but the dogs thought it was a good idea and joined me in the pool.

There are bright blue skies today so I am going to go out and see what I find. You can see more of my puddle shots HERE.

Art:21, Walks And Lists

Each day I try and get out to take a walk on the beach. Usually, it's when the air is cooler, the sun is setting and I can feel the salty ocean breeze on my face. That is my favorite time. I like to walk where dogs are allowed too. I can't help but smile seeing how happy they are being on the sand,running around and splashing in the water...unlike their owners who are standing up on the bluff, waiting for them to come back.

I don't know if the owners mind that I take pictures of their dogs. I ask sometimes but usually they don't seem to mind.

The birds don't mind. I tend to take a lot pictures of them too, as you may have noticed. I wonder if they think, "oh great, here comes that crazy lady with the camera again."

For me, it's the best way I know how to relax. At least I try to relax. My mind sometimes wanders and I think about lists. You know, the constant "to do" lists that you try to remember to write down so you don't forget and then you check them off and more things come to mind that you have to write on the list that's stuck in your brain because you don't have a pencil? No? Ok, well...maybe it's just me.

One other thing I enjoy doing before I go to bed is watch at least one artist story on the PBS series Art:21. You can watch for free on your computer by clicking HERE

As they describe it, ""Art:21–Art in the Twenty-First Century” is the only series on television to focus exclusively on contemporary visual art and artists in the United States. Fascinating and intimate footage allows the viewer to observe the artists at work, watch their process as they transform inspiration into art, and hear their thoughts as they grapple with the physical and visual challenges of achieving their artistic vision."


Or it can be described..."You think you're crazy? Take a look at these artists! You'll feel completely sane after watching their process." Maybe it's that I feel at home with some of their stories. This one woman focused solely on water. She loved taking pictures of water.

That's it.

Someone who likes what I like! There must be others out there in the world that love to look at and take pictures of some obscure things as much as I do! It's a great place to go to if you are in a rut and want a new way of looking at things. Just like looking at art, these short stories take me through the process with them and I start to believe that whatever they are talking about is genius! Perhaps I watch it late at night in the hopes that the creativity will seep into my brain as I sleep. In any case, it's a great show. I would recommend a look.

Here are some things I saw on my walk of list making.

My First Art Show

You know how I've been talking about fear of the unknown, taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone? Well, I am certainly putting that to the test soon. I have the opportunity to showcase my photographs at The Wine Crush in Long Beach, California. I am going to put up a collection of images that I've taken of Long Beach for a show on Saturday, February 20th.

Easy enough, right?

Since I've been traveling, I love sharing my experiences with you here showing photos I've taken and telling you stories about where I've been. Of course, that is in the comfort of a campsite, hotel room or a cafe' somewhere. I like to wander and take pictures of what I find interesting. They might not be interesting to anyone else but me and that's ok. I like taking pictures of bird feet, patterns in the sand, art on water tanks, fences, the same house over and over, etc. It didn't matter if anyone liked it because I did and I was on the other side of the computer so I couldn't hear people say, "that's stupid."

Now I am putting myself out there with the images I've taken in Long Beach. It's a little vulnerable putting your art on the wall in a public place for all to see right in front of you.

Ok, maybe more than a little.

Each image I will show has a story of when I took it, what I was doing and what I was thinking at the time. I love this city and I hope it's reflected in the photographs I will show.

So, another foot in the pool of the unknown. I know it will get easier, but I have to say that I am nervous and excited at the same time. Of course this comes along after I tell you that I dread public speaking. I will be in a room full of people (hoping for the best), with many of of them in attendance to see the art specifically so it should be interesting to say the least.

Thank you for all of your support. I hope you can make the event if you are in the area. Click HERE to see the invite on Facebook.

If you are unable to RSVP on facebook, here are the details:
What: Images of Long Beach by Alison Turner "LBC through my POV"
When: Saturday, February 20th 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: The Wine Crush 3131 East Broadway Ave. Long Beach, CA 90803

The image of the sunset in this blog will be included in the show along with others from Long Beach. The other pictures on this blog are just to give you an idea of what I like to look at. You will have to come to see the rest for yourself.

Stepping Out Of Comfort And Into Growth

There are a few things that am terrified to do. I am not a fan of public speaking, heights or needles. Of course I have to experience all of these things in my lifetime. I don't want to to it, but I do. If I do it enough times, it gets easier and the anxiety around it tends to soften. I'm not going to say that I look forward to it, but it gets easier each time.

I mentioned the PBS series I was watching, "This Emotional Life" in a blog a while back. One of the episodes deals specifically about facing your fears. Once you face them over and over, they are no longer your fears. I suppose it's the same with dreams. Once you realize your dream, it is no longer your dream.

There have been a few specific moments in my life where I had to face something I wasn't looking forward to doing. At seventeen, I embarked on a month long Outward Bound class where I camped with a group of 10 other lost people trying to collectively find a way through the mountains. It was one of the most physically and mentally challenging experiences of my life. I remember freezing on a rock when I was climbing and couldn't move. Of course I had to trust the person belaying me who just took a 10 minute course in, "this is how you prevent someone from falling." I eventually made it up the rock, but I tell you what...it was not what I considered to be fun at the time.

We were sent off alone in the wilderness for 3 days without food or water (we could get water at a nearby stream) which was a welcome event after being around strangers nonstop for 3 weeks. It was a chance for my blisters to heal a bit and to be quiet. When it was time to leave the isolation after 3 days, I lost my voice. Once the guides hiked over to greet me, I think "uhhaaa" came out of my mouth.

Years went by and I graduated college, found a job and started working in a corporate environment. I would take vacations here and there and camp on some weekends but nothing challenged me the way Outward Bound did in my teenage years. Since I played basketball in college, I missed the camaraderie of a group of women coming together for a common goal. I searched on the Internet for something new to wake me out of my working life coma that would be challenging yet fun and included a group of people looking to do the same thing.

At the time, my weekends were filled with the excitement of flipping through adventure travel magazines and catalogs. I flipped through one sportswear catalog and found an ad for an all women's adult surf camp, Los Olas Surf (www.surflasolas.com). That was it! I was always sick of people assuming that I surfed since I was born and raised in Southern California. I loved to swim, but I never tried to surf. It was time to do something about it! I thought about it for a second and signed up. I decided to share a room with a complete stranger and spend all days with other complete strangers. For some, that might seem like a daunting task. I didn't care, I needed a change.

It's hard to describe the feeling of standing up on a surfboard for the first time. Surreal could be it. There I was...knees banged up from kneeling and falling numerous times. But for one brief second, I was up! I was standing and moving forward! It was like a drug...I had to do it over and over again. Of course, it's never the same but you want it to be once you get up, move forward and for one moment...euphoria.

Of course the instructors Julie, Kristy and Nicole can get up on the board in their sleep and ride it backwards...no lie, I witnessed it with my own eyes. I don't know if I would have stuck it out without their support. It can be a bit ego bruising once you try and try and can't seem to stand up for the life of you. They would give you a thumbs up for even getting out in the water to try. Paddling was cheered with a "right on! Paddle, paddle, paddle!" You really couldn't help but smile.

After returning home, this trip left me with a feeling of anything is possible. Within the year, I quit my job and decided to embark on the open road with my dog to explore something new each day. This will be my 3rd year of doing so. Of course I will document it here every step of the way. I would encourage you to do something that makes you feel uneasy. Do something that you always wanted to do but were afraid to do it. I can almost guarantee that you won't regret it.

Surfing again is on my list of 39 goals for my 39th year. I look forward to the challenge.

If you are interested to step out of your comfort place and sign up for an amazing adventure, check out:
Outward Bound (all ages, Men and Women)
Los Olas: Surf Safaris for Women
(photo credit = Cat Slatinsky)

What have you done that inspired you to change direction in your life?

Today Was A Good Day

You know the days where everything seems to go right? I had a pretty good day today. I went for a walk on the beach as the sun was setting, took Max to the dog park, met a dear friend of mine to chat for a while and met with a business owner to agree on a date in February to showcase my work for my first art show opening! More details to come on that, but isn't it great when you get to enjoy so many nice things in one day?

Some of the smallest things I love the most. You know the feeling you have over something, however small, can bring out the best in you? That you find hope in the world over the tiniest of details? Ok..."maybe hope in the world" is a little much, but you get what I mean.

To celebrate my exciting day, I took myself out to eat without a phone or a friend and I just watched everything that surrounded me at that moment. I ate at a sushi bar where I could watch the chefs prepare meals and I was at such an angle that I could see some of what was going on in the kitchen. One thing stood out for me. I watched the dishwasher in the back as he very carefully took out the small ceramic plates out of the drying rack and slowly and precisely, stacked them together and turned to put them on the counter shelf...ever so gently. Have you ever been at a restaurant and all you hear are banging plates in the kitchen or clearing the table? Without him knowing it, I greatly appreciated his conscious plate stacking.

Also, my paper white flowers in the backyard are coming back. I am excited about seeing that. Even though I hate the mornings, I look forward to waking Max up and greeting the day with him. Each night, the sunset is a little different and each time is an experience. All of these things I appreciate. These are a few pictures from my walk on the beach last night. Yes, I love birds. I walked up slowly to them...stood there, got my shot ready, then ran towards them. I don't think they appreciated it too much, but I had fun. To see more, click HERE

A Walk On The Beach

Ahhhh, there is nothing like being next to the ocean, especially on a crisp sunny day. I took a long walk (camera in tow) on Huntington Beach yesterday stopping to take a few pictures of what I saw that looked interesting.

At one moment, I did exactly what this man was doing (well, ALMOST exactly) and laid down on the sand to feel the sunshine on my face and listen to the waves crash. I think that could be one of my favorite things to do. All of your cares seem to slip away in one moment as you lay still to feel what's around you.

Not many beaches allow dogs, but there is a section here in Huntington Beach that is dedicated to let dogs be themselves. This is the part I took a walk on. I love how excited and happy the dogs look as they get to run around and do whatever they want.

They take time to play.

There are times that we forget what it's like to go out and just play. I remember each school day and how I looked forward to just running out during recess to jump around and swing on the bars or kick a ball around.

Sometimes I pass by a school during recess and think back to those times and then get envious that those kids can wake up and play all day in the same clothes. If only we adults could do that. Wouldn't it be nice to get up, go to work, play, go out and wear the same outfit the entire time?

For me, I find the most peace being in nature. If I am having a rough time I know that all I have to do is get outside and walk in an open field, the beach, or the mountains and any worry I might have had just seems to disappear. It's the same feeling I get watching dogs at play on the beach.

Get outside.
Play.


Here are more dogs I've photographed throughout my travels. Click HERE to view.

Does Size Matter? (Canon PowerShot 1200 IS vs. Canon PowerShot s90)

I spent all day yesterday printing a few pictures from my travels. I am not the best at organizing my photos so it took a while to go through and sort out a few that I liked. I still have more to go through, but I chose a few to put up for sale on my Etsy site. You can see the pictures I put up on the right of the blog.

As you might know, I dropped and killed 2 Canon Powershot cameras during my travels. Recently, I purchased a new camera after I received a gift certificate from Amazon.

Buying a new camera is not an easy task since there are so many makes and models to choose from. Then you have to read the reviews and think about what is best for you. I decided to buy a Canon Powershot s90 camera. It's still a point and click and since I prefer the Canon brand, I chose this one. I am pleased so far with the results.

Most of my pictures I've taken on the road are with my Canon Powershot SD 1200 IS. After printing some of the images, it really is a good camera. I didn't have any complaints with it, besides it slipping from my hands a few times(of course that's the Camera's fault). I still have it and will continue to use it. However, I do love shooting with my s90 now.

Last week I went to a free photography group meeting to listen to a professional speak about their business. I thought, "why not? It's free and I will be able to meet like minded people who also share the same passion for photography." The group organizer asked everyone to introduce themselves and say what their first camera was and what their "dream" camera is. I listened as everyone rattled off numbers and names with the crowd smiling and nodding their heads knowing full well the cost, model, and performance of the camera that they were describing. To me, it was just a number. I mean...I know they are beautiful quality cameras but since I don't have a SLR, I couldn't relate.

It came to my turn to talk. I introduced myself...said that I quit my job to travel across the country with my dog in a tent. A lot of people in the group smiled at me with some applause in the room. Then I said I used a point and click and that I didn't really have a "dream" camera since I was pretty happy with what I had. The smiles I had at the beginning turned to confusion and for second, I could hear crickets chirping in the room. It's as if I lost all credibility at that moment. I then stopped talking and looked at the person next to me to continue the introductions (as I sunk lower in my chair). Once again, the camera model numbers came flowing with a collective sigh of relief amongst the group that there were more of "them" in the room.

Don't get me wrong, I would love the opportunity to push a button with a very large and expensive camera, but I don't have one and I think that anyone can take an amazing photo with what they have. After all, it's just a tool to capture what you are looking at in that point in time. However, I am not opposed to owning one in the future if the opportunity presents itself.

I feel that I almost have to apologize for the size of the camera I have. When people see large cameras, I think the automatic assumption is, "wow, they must be an excellent photographer!" When I see those cameras I automatically think that the photos must have amazing clarity but then my mind thinks: "wow, they have to lug that around with them the entire day...I wonder if their shoulder hurts. I wonder if they bang it on walls walking into a room or what would happen if they dropped it." Most likely, that would be my experience.

I was going to do a side by side comparison of my two cameras but I thought I would show you some of the pictures I have taken with each. If you are thinking of purchasing a Canon s90, I found this review helpful...including pictures. CLICK HERE for review.

Here are some pictures I took with both "point and clicks." Which one do you think I took with my less expensive 1200 and which one with my new s90?

Can you tell a difference? The first 5 images (excluding the camera photos) are from my lesser expensive Canon Powershot 1200IS and the last 4 pictures are from the new Canon s90. In my opinion, it's the picture you take that's the best photo. Don't let the equipment intimidate you or discourage you from taking a picture you love. The one you take that you cherish forever is the most important shot, no matter what camera you have.

Long Beach Neighborhood Breakfast

Once again, "We Love Long Beach" organized a free community breakfast for neighbors to come together and get to know each other. This time is was in the community of Wrigley in Long Beach.

As WLLB says, "We want to give you the opportunity, in a safe and friendly environment, to get to know your neighbors better. (There will be free pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit, vegan delights, orange juice, and coffee.) Also face painting for kids and a live DJ to set the mood. Remember LB, community is the home that WE build together, valuing our differences and the common good, to make Long Beach a great place to live."

What a concept. Getting to know your neighbors. I am close with the neighbors on one side of my home but I don't know most of the people who live on my block. We all come and go but never get the chance to really know each other. This organization plans these events so you get out of your house and talk to the people who live in on your street or around the corner. Just think if all communities did this. Wouldn't it be great if we all came out of our houses and met the people that decided to live in the same area as us?

I was invited to photograph the event and it was a pleasure to do so. It was heartwarming to see everyone coming out together for a common goal...to get to know each other. If you live in Long Beach, please visit their site and become part of the community. I would also suggest you reach out to other organizations in your area that brings neighborhoods together.

Thank you "We Love Long Beach" for all of the hard work you do! This city is lucky to have you.

Here are some pictures I took of the event. To see more, click HERE

Lasting Memories

The past few days in Southern California has brought on some record rain, if you haven't heard. It found its way into my driveway and into my garage. I was gone during the day for the first big storm wave and I came home to inches of water in my garage.

Since I live on the road several months out of the year, there are only a few things in my home in case I need to pack up quickly to get on the road. For the most part, I live like I am still living out of my car...but in my home. Most of my belongings are stored in my garage. Some things are in plastic bins (smart choice) however there are a lot of items in cardboard boxes (not so smart choice). All of the boxes on the ground were soaked along with the contents inside of the box.

I wasn't really concerned when I came home, but I looked in the morning and didn't realize how many cardboard storage boxes were on the ground. A lot of them had old family photos in them. I also had framed pictures resting on the ground that are now soaked along with clothes, furniture, and other miscellaneous items. Although it was a bit sad to find, I wasn't that upset about it.

Because I have lived out of my car for so long, material possessions don't mean as much to me as they did in my 20's. I was never one to spend a lot of clothes and things. I think the "treasures" that mean the most are trinkets from places visited and pictures from those trips. Some of the damage leaked into albums of my grandparents. This picture I scanned a while back is one of my favorites of them.

Losing my father and grandparents was extremely painful, but all of the memories I have in my head will never be damaged by a flood. I am thankful that I had the time with them. I am fortunate for that. I can't complain. I am fortunate to have a roof over my head, food and love ones to turn to.

For all of that, I am forever grateful.

During the time the water was creeping up in my garage, I was out snapping these pictures.

Seeing Things In A Different Light

Sometimes we might take for granted all that surrounds us. We see the same thing over and over in our routine to work, to the store, going to the park, etc.

Is it the same?

I tend to go to the same places to see new and different things. I might see something I didn't the other 10 times I went to visit. Or, I might see something in a different light to give me a fresh perspective on something. Sometimes if I enjoy looking at something, I visit it several times to look at it again. Even something that stays in the same place like a tree, a lifeguard tower, or a house. Depending on the time of day, weather conditions or your mood...it can be different each time.

For the month of September, I would visit the same house on a bluff at the beach in Cape Cod each day to look at it and take a picture.

There wasn't a pattern to my visits. I would go at a different time each day...sometimes twice a day. In the sunshine, rain, wind, sunsets, or at night. I walked out to the ocean and looked back at the house until I couldn't see the right side. I would then snap the same picture of it sitting in the bottom left hand corner of the shot with a small strip of grass.

Even at home, there are things I see more than twice a week that look different each time. I took a picture of this tower while standing in a different spot on different days. It's the same tower but with a different feel each time. Not better or worse, just different.

Perhaps I look at certain things in too much detail. I never used to do this, but it's exciting when you know that even when you visit the same spot you've been to many times before...it will never be the same.

I like that.

Long Beach Skate Park Opening

I was asked yesterday by "We Love Long Beach" to photograph the opening of the Michael K. Green Skate Park. It was a wonderful event! It was great to see all of the kids come together for a great cause in the community.

We Love Long Beach (WLLB) is a non-profit (501c3) community organization founded by Scott and Robin Jones in 2008. As fourth generation residents of the City of Long Beach, the sibling pair started the organization after extending a breakfast invitation to fifty of their neighbors. It was a free breakfast in the park with no other agenda than for neighbors to have the chance to get to know one another.

I've been taking a lot of Long Beach pictures and Scott and Robin reached out to me to photograph their participation in this event. I am so glad they did! I will continue this partnership with them so they can share images with each community in Long Beach with the goal of bringing all communities of the city together.

For the most part, I usually wander around and take pictures of things I find interesting. Like fences, birds, trees, open fields, the road, bird feet, etc. The shots I've taken of people are usually candid and they don't know I am taking their picture. I just capture a moment in time without them knowing.

This is the first time I set out to take action shots of kids and some posing for the camera. The energy at the event was so positive so it was easy for me to snap away, observing the kids anxiously awaiting the opening of the park. I hope I captured that with these photographs.

Thanks to "We Love Long Beach" for including me in the opening. I look forward to more events soon. Here are some pictures from the day. For more, click HERE

Mornings And The Sunrise

I am not a morning person. I admit it. I am not one to jump out of bed, sing a song, welcome the day and whistle while a bird sings along with me on my shoulder.

I wish I were. Well..I would like to be.

I have never been.


I have always been a heavy sleeper and a night person. My mother was the one singing songs to welcome the day, ripping off the covers so I would freeze and turn the light switch on and off over and over until she woke the dead (me). Even when I was a child, the waking up part was hell. Then it was even worse when I had to sit next to my father for breakfast and he would eat grape nuts. I don't think there is a reason to eat that cereal unless you want to annoy the person sitting next to you with all of the crunching going on. In fact, I don't think you are able to hear anything when you eat that cereal. Maybe that was the point. There is nothing like two "morning haters" sitting next to each other annoyed by everything while my mother would sing away, skipping around the house.

Things haven't changed much. Well, my mother isn't around to turn the lights on and off, but people close to me know to wait until I have been up for a while to speak to me...ok, that sounds horrible. I am not painting a good picture here. I am not THAT bad, really.

My former boss and I had a deal that he wasn't allowed to call me before 8am (for his own sake, really). I would get a phone call most mornings at 8am on the dot. Maybe it's a problem when I have to tell my boss not to call me before a certain time.

It's not that I can't do it. I did a fitness bootcamp class at 5:30am for six months before work each morning. I don't really know how I accomplished that, but I did. I think I was tired of the voices in my head debating on weather or not I was going to work out that night all day during work, or if I would be too tired...or fill in the blank for another good reason. At least when I worked out in the morning, I didn't have to think about it all day.

I've been telling myself lately that I need to get up to see the sunrise. I suppose my mind told my body that it was about time for me to get out of bed and get out of the house to see it this morning. After the head debate...I went out. It was beautiful. Peaceful. I walked along the shore and took pictures of the birds, the pier and then took a stroll to the dog beach to watch the pups play in the ocean for a while.

I am glad I did.

Etsy Fridays

I have slowly but surely decided on a few pictures to put up for sale on Etsy. It's not easy sorting through 30,000 pictures to find one that I like enough to offer to you.

Each Friday, I am going to post new pictures that I have put up for sale on Etsy that week. I will put them up throughout the week but will send you a notice on my Facebook Fan page each Friday on what is new so you don't have to check back on the ETSY page if you are looking for something. I always welcome suggestions so if you love a picture but don't see it for sale...let me know!

You can always take a quick look on the right side of the blog to see what's up for sale. I am new at this, so thank you for your patience as I work out the kinks. To get updates, please become a Facebook fan by clicking HERE

So, it's a goal completed on my 39 things I am going to do in my 39th year list. Now it's off to discover new things and places to talk about! Keep exploring! :)