Forks Over Knives Premiere

I went to the premiere of Forks Over Knives last week which was held at AFI. I was appointed to be the photographer that day and I enjoyed it immensely. The event went well, the crowd was amazing, the food was great and I met Rip Esselstyn, the author of Engine 2 Diet. I took tons of photos but I forgot to take a photo with him. I was too busy taking pictures of everyone and everything in sight. It was my very first time to attend a premiere and not to mention, I was documenting the event. I thought I was going to miss the movie but I was able to snag a seat next to the camera girl. Okay, I didn't exactly get a seat because the theater was packed but the steps were quite comfortable. I did love the movie, it was very informative but might be a bit extreme to a lot of people. If you haven't seen this documentary, I highly recommend you watch it; even if you're a skeptic, I assure you, you will learn something from it. It really made me think about what I eat and how it affects my health. To check out more photos, please click on this link.

Spring Garden

I woke up to a chilly beautiful morning. I made smoothie for breakfast from cantaloupe, cucumber, spinach and hazelnut milk with chia seeds – it was delicious! I went outside to look at the plants, which I do every morning before I go to work but today was my day off and was able to appreciate the beautiful outdoors with no interruptions. The garden looked enchanted, I had to take photos. It was spellbinding the way the light hit every strand of grass and leaves covered in diffused light and flowers illuminated by the unobscured sky. The mother robin who was nesting in the dogwood, found worms to nourish its fledglings. I went outside, took a few shots of the front and back and then started sneezing. I thought I was going to die but I didn't think anyone has died from perpetual sneezing; so, I endured the pollen attack. Tekko, our dog ran outside once I opened the door, was also mesmerized by the garden. He sat on the grass quietly, perhaps listening to the serenading birds while the wind was blowing his thick mane. Here are some photos I took of the front garden.


And here are some photos of the back. For some reason the backyard garden looks enormous here, our yard isn't that big.

And here's Tekko giving me the raspberry.

If you're wondering what plants are in bloom right now, here's the list: Amsonia, Mint, Iris, Chinese Dogwood, Columbine, Honeysuckle, Heuchera, Allium, Phlox, Zizia, Variegated Nettle, Azalea, Baptisia, Blue-eyed Grass, Roses, Chinese Witch Hazel, Native Snowbell, Ninebark and Rhododendron. I'm sorry if I left anything out, that's all I can remember right now. I hope you enjoyed my photos. I'll take some more in the summer.

Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring.
William Alexander

Book Project

This little guy is the main character of the story.

I just finished the last page of the book I was working on for the past few days. I am super excited about this project! I've never illustrated a book from a story before. The first book I published was based on my illustrations so this is a bit different – it's challenging and fun at the same time.

A friend of mine approached me regarding doing illustrations for a book written by her sister. I read the story and fell in love with the characters – I hope I do the story justice. This book is so special and I am so delighted to be part of this cause. I can't show you the pages right now but I promise to post them once the project is in completion.

I'm not sure what quote I should write today but here's a good one.

Be the change you want to see in the world
- Gandhi