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Quarantine Chronicles 2020 – A Photo a Day in May

For the month of May, while following the stay-at-home order in Ohio and feeling very un-inspired, I challenged myself to make one photo a day with a camera. I'd already been taking daily walks and making photos on my phone, but I wanted to be more purposeful. So I actually made multiple photos each day, but specifically focused on one simple moment and chose only one photo to post on Instagram with the #aphotoaday hashtag. There's nothing ground-breaking in this collection, but the challenge forced me to slow down even more and truly appreciate the day-to-day moments. At first it was a burden, as I was still heavy with lack of inspiration and general anxiety about the world. But each day I began to look forward to really making time for a photo. Some days were definitely rushed. Some days, my ideas and the outcome were pretty disappointing. I wish I had made more self-portraits and experimented more. But here it is, in all its imperfect glory, a time capsule of 31 personal moments, my 31 days of Quarantine Chronicles. Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order, captured on either my Nikon D750 or my Fujifilm X100s. (click the thumbnails to enlarge — there are a couple that are pretty dark!)

thanks for looking!

2017 Women's March - Cincinnati

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On the eve of the 2018 Womens March, so much has happened over the past year, and so much remains the same. I regretfully posted only 5 of my photos a year ago from the Womens March in Cincinnati... so of course in the wee hours of the night I felt compelled to dig back in to the archives for more images. And I found a good selection of worthy photos that are still relevant. Stay tuned for a blog post from this year's event. #peace

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Cincinnati Women's March

A sampling of my best images from this historic day, January 21, 2017, when millions of people of all genders and ages, races and religions came together in unity to peacefully protest the new administration at the Women's March in Washington, D.C. and in cities around the globe. At the Cincinnati sister march, I even met a radiant 100-year-old woman exercising her right to protest; she was born before women had the right to cast a ballot. The march grew into a worldwide stand against inequality in all its forms. Here's hoping for a brighter future where we are all equal. 

Cincinnati Comic Expo - 2015

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More photos I never posted from last year's event, since the 2016 Cincinnati Comic Expo is coming up this weekend!

Cincinnati Pride Parade!

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People of all walks of life came to the Cincinnati Pride Parade to show their support for the LGBTQ community in Cincinnati (and worldwide). I tried to capture the energy of the parade participants and crowd, while also enjoying the event (as in, taking in the experience and purposefully putting my camera down here and there). Every year, I've been either out of town or busy during the Cincinnati Pride parade weekend and this year I was finally was able to attend. It was especially moving to see participants carrying signs honoring each individual who perished in the horrific Orlando nightclub shooting. It was a very thoughtful way to honor these victims. 

Stay tuned...

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I recently drove across the great Midwest and onward into the Wild West with my sidekick/husband to the tiny town of Tucumcari, New Mexico. Here we experienced a fun four-day festival, Rockabilly on the Route.  And, we traveled alongside (and sometimes ON) old Route 66! (We saw parts of Route 66 last year as well, on the way to and from the Grand Canyon). Needless to say, we LOVE road trips and all things Americana. I'll be posting photos soon on this blog and over on our new joint venture, Pop Rocket Creations.

In the meantime, here's a sneak peek.

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Look for the rainbow after the storm.

I'm so, so sorry, Orlando. It's been a horrible week for Americans, and for humanity in general.

But we are better than this. 

Walk with pride. Jump over puddles. Look for the rainbow after the storm.

Good will always prevail!
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A rainbow-painted crosswalk is pictured in the Grove neighborhood of St. Louis, MO, on May 30, 2016. / © Melissa Doss Sliney 

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Legendary comic book artist Allen Bellman!

Marvel Comics artist Allen Bellman is pictured at the Cincinnati Comic Expo at the Duke Energy Center in downtown Cincinnati, Sept. 19, 2015. Bellman worked on the Captain America series, among many others, during the Golden Age of Comics.

Marvel Comics artist Allen Bellman is pictured at the Cincinnati Comic Expo at the Duke Energy Center in downtown Cincinnati, Sept. 19, 2015. Bellman worked on the Captain America series, among many others, during the Golden Age of Comics.

http://www.allenbellman.com

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Up close with Grand Canyon squirrels!

TOP: Just after sunrise, a squirrel has a snack while enjoying the view overlooking the Pipe Creek Vista in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on July 1, 2015.

BOTTOM: A squirrel lies down and stretches out to take in the view of the Pipe Creek Vista in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on July 1, 2015.

Fun with Fiestaware!

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I've been meaning to make some photos of the fun and colorful Fiestaware and various other tableware from our wedding registry. This brand is made regionally in West Virginia! For this shoot, I made a French press using a bright green Bodum press and a blend of delicious beans from Higher Grounds and Dark Matter. And yes, the coffee was consumed. With chocolate (not pictured). We love drinking from these Kate Spade mugs with our initials! I never knew I could be so enamored with plates... but when they come in bright colors and unique designs, I can't resist!


Self-portrait

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For this photo, I just used some nice window light to snap a quick self-portrait. (Window light always wins). I liked the overexposure since it created an ethereal look and also eliminated most of the background elements. Then I layered two images in Photoshop to create a double-exposure effect.