From The Archives:: Kate, Writer & Film Maker

Kate. Kate & Betsy. I used Kate’s words but had to use this photo of the two of them, from a spontaneous run-in one day as I was leaving a shoot, saw them in their driveway and jumped out with my camera and possibly startled them both, but then we laughed and caught up and I took this photo of them. I love it. I love moments like that. Even if I do scare people by yelling out my window at them.

Before the Covid came to town we have worked on several collaborative projects of theirs, shared many stories, ideas, and eats in their kitchen, and were starting a winter game night when suddenly we weren’t going into each other’s homes anymore. Someday we’ll get back to sharing those moments. But today I’ll share Kate’s story and a photo I took on a random cold day…..

Kate Kaminski, Writer/Filmmaker (About to be Former Adjunct Professor)

1. What is one notable change in your life since Covid19 has changed how we are able to do things?

I really miss being in a classroom with my students. I’m teaching my final semester of college film studies this month, so I’m a little sad I won’t get to have that “last class” and be able to give these past 20 years of my working life a proper farewell. (I guess I’ll have to find another way!)

2. What has been most challenging?

Worry and stress, compounded by a fairly significant life change. This is one scary virus and I definitely don’t want to risk getting it so going out is fraught.

3. Have you found any silver linings you care to share?

I’m finding a lot of inspiration working in my garden. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have had this much time to dig in the dirt, move plants and tidy up. I wish you could come over and hang out in it with me because it's looking really good:)

4. Are there any shifts you are hoping to stay in place as we move forward?

I’d like to think that we will all be more aware of the huge contributions of service workers (of all types) to our overall, collective quality of life and learn how to be kinder and more appreciative of each other. I won’t miss having to shake hands, so that can go away forever. But mostly, I truly hope this terrible event helps us move toward a more equitable society for all people, especially the most disadvantaged among us.

5. What are you most looking forward to being able to do again?

I look forward to being able to hang out with friends again. I keenly miss my friends.

****

Let’s also give it up for Kate who just finished up 20 years of teaching. In the middle of a pandemic. What a strange way to end a huge life chapter (or entire book)…

Thanks Kate! I too look forward to hanging with my friends. Very Much xoxo

{365} Photo Project: May

May. Month 5 of photographing life every day. The month where we all seem to come alive in Maine. I love seeing and hearing neighborhoods with kids getting outside and playing. Bikes come out, sidewalk chalk gets used, people start gathering outside to chat, eat, and laugh. This May was a wet one here in Maine, but my camera and I managed to capture combinations of chilly damp days and the happy relief of getting some sun in our eyes. And, as is always my goal this time of year, I made sure to get by and IN the water.

Eating, hanging out, capturing events, seeing live music, recitals, birthdays, walks to raise money for important causes, traces of shifting seasons, laughing, and even trying indoor climbing for the first time… all got to be part of what made May a pretty busy and great month. Thankful for this project to remind me of the good that continues to happen month after month…

5/1. Thunder and the Niece at the 2nd annual Red Storm Strikes Out Cancer Walk in Scarborough.

5/2. This was a delicious and fun meal.

5/3.

5/4. One of my faves from the month. I love people’s different body language and gestures.

5/5. For years the Neph has been holding an annual bake sale to raise money for The Maine Cancer Foundation. This year he raised money for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and for their walk where he was being honored as one of their heroes of the year. Pretty cool kid, right?

5/6. Hi Spring!

5/7. Another rainy day, another photo shoot. Kallie from Portside Real Estate at the end of her photo session before we both jumped into our cars and out of the rain.

5/8. These two. Laughing and reading books after school.

5/9. The Niece turned a whole year older this day. Happy 7th birthday, Button!

5/10. Recital Dress Rehearsal. Waiting to go back stage.

5/11. Family birthday party for this one.

5/12. Mother’s Day. We went out for ice cream with my mom. This one stayed home in her cozy hoodie robe thing.

5/13.

5/14. Someone got a dollhouse for her birthday…

5/15. Small Business Awards. Lots of Mainers doing some great things!

5/16. Only one of these is for me.

5/17. The Ghost of Paul Revere and the Perry Brothers playing at the Zachau Construction celebration for 50 years in business | Brick South, Thompson’s Point, Portland, Maine.

5/18. About to walk for Crohn’s & Colitis. This image cracks me up because every face seems to lead you to another face doing another thing…

5/19. My high school pal and I tried this thing and it was only sort of scary and I’m only sort of bad at it. And we laughed about how it’s on land where people maybe partied when we were in school. Maybe.

5/20. Hooligans.

5/21. City Hall | Portland, Maine.

5/22. Bikes, books, unicorn castle time, and heart shades for this one on this day.

5/23.

5/24. My friend’s kid, Maggie is one of the coolest people I know. She plays guitar and violin. IN A GIRL BAND.

Maine Academy of Modern Music event | Bayside Bowl | Portland, Maine.

5/25. On this day I met Willard! Then went in the water while my friends floated in a giant unicorn.

5/26. MOVIE time with these two.

5/27. Neighborhood artist.

5/28. Prepping for this year’s Port Fringe. Keep your eyes peeled for the schedule and be sure to go see Seance on a Tuesday afternoon!

5/29. The other Beetle.

5/30. Met this handsome guy on a shoot.

5/31. On a rooftop. Or a boat. Almost doesn’t matter because it’s eat and drink outside season!

Ok, May that was busy and fun and now I’m ready for more sunny days by the water!

Family Photos: Zephyr's Family

Years ago I met and worked with Tricia, selling lip balms for a small company, and sharing life stories over daily lunches. Since then she has moved out of Maine, and now has this group of people to call family. And luckily I got to hang out with all three of them at the beach this Fall…

Zephyr, Tricia, and Merrill.

We met at the beach on a somewhat dreary day, but you know a little bit of rain looming in the air does not have to damper a child’s excitement to see the ocean.

I love watching kids get excited when the water hits their feet. As an adult I still love that feeling! Toes in the sand and cold water around my feet never gets old. Z definitely loved getting not just her feet but her legs in the ocean water.

Those curls!

Let’s also take a moment to give it up for Zephyr’s mom who made that adorable top she’s wearing. Perfect for a beach session, and looks great in color or black & white!

Thank you, Tricia, Merrill, and Zephyr for a fun(ny) family photo sesh!

Final goofy photo on the way back to the car. Adults with a little steam left, Z is now running on empty. I appreciate this honesty :)