DREAMLIKE

Was going through some old photos I'd taken a couple years back and have always loved this one. There is always somewhat of a dreamlike experience being this close to the sign that gives me confidence - it's pretty cool. I remember Amanda and I were hiking, just the two of us up in the hills, LBS (life before Sylvie) as we like to call it. It was a beautiful day, sun still pretty high in the west, creating a nice reflection off the Hollywood sign.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER - MORE TENNIS

Can't help but look for inspiration each and every day - whether you see an amazing piece of art, watch a great movie, close your eyes and face the sun, feel the warmth on your face, wherever you can get it, just get it.

So it's late at night and I'm wandering Sam Jones' website (http://www.samjonespictures.com/#), looking for inspiration and find some. He's just a brilliant photographer not to mention his classic choice in music. Got me thinking I should really get back to some of those photos I was editing last week while I was out at UCLA. And plus a bunch of friends have been asking, "where the f*ck are those photos..."

I'm only so so happy with them. But knock yourself out.

FARMERS CLASSIC - LOS ANGELES

Got out to the Farmers Classic the other evening where Juan Martin Del Potro and James Blake did battle under the UCLA lights. For the most part, Del Potro had the match pretty much in control, though Blake made a charge in the second set, taking it all the way to a tie-breaker, but Del Potro ultimately prevailed 6-4, 7-6 (3).

Every year I look forward to attending the tournament, but this year was different - I had access pretty much to anywhere on the grounds, particularly being able to sit court side and feel like a true pro. It was a bit intimidating at first, everyone with their big guns (a lot of 5Ds and D700s, with their big fast scopes (70-200mm f.2.8s)) - but I quickly settled in and got some great frames. Hope to get out again this weekend. Here is a little sneak peak. Reminder to double click on the photo to get the real effect!

JULY FOURTH WEEKEND

Becoming a tradition, we had a fantastic holiday weekend in Ojai, CA. The resort was absolutely beautiful and we had the most fabulous room on the outskirts of the grounds - we felt like royalty...well we are, but you get what I mean. We shot up Saturday morning and unfortunately there were a few work issues that needed to be dealt with before I hit the pool so after an hour and forty-five minutes of watching an email go out on my super internet connection, I was finally able to join Amanda and Sylvie at the pool. From there we went back to the room - Sylvie exhausted, we received a wonderful bucket of beers and chips/guacamole from the resort, and got ready to go to Sea Fresh - our favorite little fish joint, Sylvie in Amanda's arms as we had dinner. Afterward, we did a drive by to Boccali's for their famous strawberry shortcake where Sylvie held court with a bunch of older kids - she loves to be at the center of things, already a leader at almost 18 months old. We took the short cake to go and went back to the room and put Sylvie to sleep - some star gazing on the patio afterward.

Sunday was more of the same, breakfast on the patio, more time at the pool, facials at the world famous spa. We got all snazzed up to have dinner at the hotel, but Sylvie wasn't having it - too much sun from the day before and a bit of pain we are sure with too many new teeth coming in - she was a little lethargic and groggy. So we settled for dinner in our room.

We got some more pool time in on Monday and we were on the road around 230 - straight shot home with no traffic. All and all we had so much fun, was great to all be together and be a family.

As a reminder, you can double click on the image to enlarge.

Our digs...



Sea Fresh Restaurant.


Sylvie holding court at Boccali's...



Celebrity. Diva. Legend.


The Resort Grounds.s




Ready to go out.


More touchstone moments.

ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND CONT'D

Here are a few more from our weekend in Minnesota. Not much else to say. Off to Ojai for our annual trip. Thanks to Missy for snapping a few of these...



The old street...



Grayson and Sylvie having a moment...





A little color...



"I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?" - Stand by Me