I have been walking around the house with a fairly heavy heart over the events that have unfolded in Florida. I first learned of it from VacaSis--she and her husband were just in Orlando, and have been tooling around Florida for the last several days. Very tragic events, and very senseless. There is entirely too much crazy in this world.

This week has been an emotional roller coaster for me. I've been working on two projects for clients who are very precise and perfectionists, and while I can sympathize (as I tend to be that way myself), it was at times very frustrating. One minute I would think I'm almost done, and the next I'd be knocked-back to square one.

Then a MOD had contacted me to tell me she had a box of her father's old camera gear, and asked if I wanted it. If you recall, I had a similar thing happen last year, and as a result I got a functional Ciro-Flex Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) camera, and this has re-ignited a passion in me for photography--especially of the B&W variety. So I drove to pick up the gear, and it turns out that some of the camera gear was a Hasselblad 500C. Hasselblad has always been considered the Cadillac of the camera world. I have always dreamed of owning one, or at least shooting with one. So I was excited by the prospect, but when I picked it up, it was clear that it was not functional. The lens was in two pieces, and the mechanism in the body appeared to be completely frozen.

So for the rest of the week my emotions were up and down because I would do some research online and think "I think I can fix it" but then something would happen and I would go "no, I think I just screwed it up more." A few up and down cycles like that, and then I decided it might be best to take it to a repair shop. Optimism again. Then I got the estimate on the repairs--over a thousand dollars. Basically I was learning that for the cost to repair it, I could buy a used body and lens that were newer and better. So now I sit here with an absolutely gorgeous paperweight. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to get it up and running. I have downloaded some copies of old repair manuals, and I am still studying the situation. This may be a restoration project that could take me years. But it is such a gorgeous camera--I would really love to get it up and running again.

And then the other roller coaster involved the California State Fair. The 8th of June was the day that they had said they would announce the selections for the photography contest. I had submitted eight of what I felt to be my strongest photos (based on how well they performed in earlier contests). So I waited eagerly to see if any of mine would be selected to be shown in the fair. The 8th came and went, and there was no word. Finally on the afternoon of the 9th I saw a link to the results. I clicked it and saw a list--and my name was nowhere on it. I was a little crushed. I mean, it was my first time ever trying to enter, and I knew the competition would be fierce, but I was hoping that at least one of mine would make it in. Then if that happened, I was planning to lose my State Fair virginity--I have lived in California all my life and never made it to the State Fair (held every July). So I shrugged...and moped...and said "oh well, I'll try again next year."

Then on the 10th I got a congratulatory e-mail from the fair officials. With my heart in my throat, I dashed off to the results website. I guess what I had seen the day before was a partial list, and that they were not done populating it. I found my name--multiple times, and by the end my jaw was on the floor and my head was in the clouds. The final tally: of my 8 entries, I got one Honorable Mention, two 4th place ribbons, and two 1st Place, Blue Ribbons!! So believe you me, I am heading to the State Fair next month, and going as an award-winning photographer!!!

So I have spent the last several days with my head floating in the clouds. I actually had to go to the website on Saturday morning--just to make sure I hadn't dreamt the whole thing! (But to my relief, my name was still on the winners' list.) So needless to say, I am very excited by this. This year has been amazing for my photography--winning all kinds of ribbons. And this is just the cherry with which to top it all off. I am just really happy with the way things are going in that area of my life! But then the events of Orlando this morning have provided some balance...and a reality check.

And speaking of which, I need to start processing the photos--I need to order some new prints, because I will have some pictures showing at the State Fair at the same time as the Solano County Fair, so I need to order some more! And I have some more matting and framing to do--because I am also going to prepare some shots for the Napa Fair and Fireworks on the 4th of July.

So have a great remainder to your weekend, everyone, and we'll talk with you later!