tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-363305412012-01-15T09:14:54.046-08:00My personal place to share and express matters residing deep within my soul...Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.comBlogger331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-80033542565136322922011-08-11T08:16:00.000-07:002011-12-29T15:03:44.246-08:00

On my birthday in 2004 I bought my dream home, I named her Casa Milagro. Two years following my divorce with a transitional condo under my belt I was finally living in a neighborhood where I felt connected. Connected by the diversity, the character and the people. I was home. And yet, it took me a couple of years to embrace this open armed place we call Normal Heights. I was completely connected

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-88024018111348487732011-07-08T09:19:00.000-07:002011-08-02T15:34:42.073-07:00

Several years ago I received a recommendation to seek out a man named Dave Towe. He is an aquatic therapist using warm saline based pools for his practice. I had amazing transformative experiences with Dave, healing really. As I do when I come across something I have a passion for - I tell everyone! Since then I brought several people to Dave's pool and even photographed one of the sessions. That

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-45698035030496151412011-06-24T15:17:00.000-07:002011-06-24T15:22:19.135-07:00

The street lights come onA childhood reminderof days long gone Now's the perfect time fora game of hide and seekBut promises were madethat we must keepTo be tucked in safelybefore it gets too dark At first a soft glowturning quickly to brightMarking a summer's day endingand turning to night The Jacaranda tree growsbeneath the streetlamp's glowWith her branches in shadowas if pointing the way

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-31222136991485645392011-02-18T15:38:00.000-08:002011-03-15T11:34:02.934-07:00

Journal Entry: November 13, 2010 At 18 my life took an unexpected course and my childhood ended abruptly.  Skipping over a period usually attributed to developing a sense of self. The time referred to as the identity period, beyond the barrage of societal and parental constraints and contamination. Even though I took my life on as a highly responsible individual, mother, employee, and wife, when

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-59655490566271069452011-01-20T08:25:00.000-08:002011-01-20T08:25:37.246-08:00

Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability | Video on TED.com

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-8376184825141226442011-01-15T08:51:00.000-08:002011-01-15T08:53:25.308-08:00

Does it make you uncomfortable, I see you the way that I do? Not that I don't see the imperfections. Lord knows that we all have them. It's just that I love them all too. Was it rose-colored glasses? At first it might have been. But that color has faded now, And my vision is anything but dim. Does it make you uncomfortable, I see you the way that I do?

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-72451412006977356322010-08-16T08:02:00.000-07:002010-08-16T08:04:19.659-07:00

BOOK REVIEW: SHADOWS AND REFLECTIONS

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-2272316389556192472010-07-16T07:47:00.000-07:002010-07-16T07:50:44.787-07:00

Journal Entry: December 6th, 2009 I knew the moment I saw Napa Valley Grill had closed in Horton Plaza, that 'it' was done. This marking the beginning of the closing of doors (literally) that had opened in 2001 around this very time. A time of first experiences, like eating mussels. An evening of friendship that grew into love, the music of Janice Joplin, wine, thoughtful and thought provoking

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-50520899766339592872010-07-14T13:17:00.000-07:002010-07-14T13:19:55.002-07:00

My first coffee table book is in it's 2nd Edition with a brand new cover and look! Get your copy today by simpy clicking on the book link below. Great for you or as a gift. Share it with your friends and family. Thank you for taking an interest. - Lori Here is an excerpt from the book... ..."In a shadow, whether belonging to person or object, distinctions disappear. They are ageless, genderless

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-5890315179342213622010-03-23T10:10:00.000-07:002010-03-23T10:10:14.246-07:00

He couldn't ever remember chocolate or vanilla, So he bought carrot cake instead, At the time I couldn't see it, But this was an act of love.

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-15729868932607412392010-02-20T13:40:00.000-08:002010-06-12T07:34:33.314-07:00

From Casa Hogar On the return drive home from my recent visit to an orphanage in Tijuana, a thought struck me (of course far more than one, but I won't talk about the rest now) about living in community. It may be difficult to understand the relevance of my point that's coming, but I get it or I wouldn't be writing about it. Driving in and out of this unasphalted part of the city, the scene

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-1729947911353529502010-01-28T07:46:00.001-08:002010-01-28T12:54:29.099-08:00

I brought enormous proportions of meaning to the recent turn of a a new year and decade. I wasn't alone - go figure. New Years' Eve was filled with burning rituals, saging, vision boarding, and journaling away events good and bad over the last ten years. It felt good. Change is on the way. Of course it is, change is always on the way. To my surprise, January 1st turned out to be a bit of a

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-21573092241716244532010-01-13T15:05:00.000-08:002010-01-18T14:14:11.337-08:00

Entering my 3rd year in the professional photography arena I continue to be blessed with opportunities beyond my own imagination. What I thought would be a medium in which to express my passion for art and creativity has turned quite surprisingly into so much more than that. While exploring this medium I was intrigued by the idea of photojournalism, combining my travel bug, yearning to help

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-47844808803740602912009-06-30T09:58:00.000-07:002010-01-18T07:39:49.140-08:00

In April 2001 my second tower collapsed, I was laid off from my job. The first collapsed less than one year before with the end of my marriage of 18 years. The blueprint for my life, it seemed left out in the rain blurring all the lines of permanence, stability and structural integrity. A clean slate? At the time I couldn't see it that way. To me it just looked like one big ink pool mess. I spent

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-16199616048801805972009-06-30T09:35:00.000-07:002009-07-02T16:20:21.694-07:00

A shadow, whether belonging to a person or object, distinctions disappear. They are ageless, genderless, and colorless. All outwardly characteristics erased, casting out discrimination caused by perception and judgment. The shadows altered only by the surfaces they grace. Imagine two figure shadows meet, no hair color, eye shape, eye color, or skin color to compare and contrast. The shadow, a

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-8178174260835750922009-06-28T09:52:00.000-07:002009-06-28T10:34:13.926-07:00

Jack and Randa live across the parkway from me. A lovely couple steadfast in their love for one another. They have been together for a very long time, as they are now well into their 80s. Veteran neighbors rumor they have been together since early childhood. I see them together everyday and always they are joined by their limbering fingers.Last summer Randa had an untimely surgery with effects

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-551148080690189782009-06-28T09:45:00.000-07:002009-06-28T09:51:51.191-07:00

Jack & Randa Randa

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-44573424365789122772009-02-15T12:13:00.000-08:002009-02-15T12:35:08.196-08:00

I have an idea to launch...yes another one. The title of this Blog - "Produce on the Parkway™" is describing the treelined City owned (but not maintained) parkway areas that aesthetically are supposed to be pleasing. However, as a corner lot owner I have one side that remains unmaintained by me and is seasonally occupied by assorted weeds and other green plant life. This is where I would like to

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-82155102797770446812009-01-23T16:01:00.000-08:002009-01-23T16:26:47.000-08:00

The year 2008 was in many ways a year filled with reflection, a year marking the end of one song and the beginning of another. Realizing that it had been eight years since I had separated and ultimately ended an 18 year marriage and squinting my eyes for a moment pondering the questions – “What have I been doing? And, “How did I get here?” Oddly enough this same time period also coincided with

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-88710805261375502892009-01-07T15:38:00.000-08:002009-01-07T16:31:18.438-08:00

In June of '07, after returning from my glorious birthday trip to Paris, celebrating the 50th year of my earthly life, another milestone occurred - menopause! Hooray I thought - I have been praying this would happen. Having already fertilized two eggs, both harvested now to the ripe old ages of 30 something and twenty something, I figure it's time to retire from the egg making business. I swear

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-53220989045788506982008-10-07T12:37:00.000-07:002008-10-07T12:53:31.671-07:00

From Cantina Mayahuel on Adams Avenue to the beautiful Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage to a road trip along the beautiful Central Coast of California...you can't keep a good girl down!

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-27292450764391726632008-09-23T09:04:00.000-07:002008-09-23T09:14:52.973-07:00

Well this is a first for me - after months of planning and building of adventure excitement - my trip to Belize was wiped out by Hurricane Ike, due to my connecting flight out of Houston. At first it looked only like a one day delay, moving my departure from Saturday to Sunday. Plus the flight previously leaving at the crack of dawn in San Diego on Saturday was now leaving Los Angeles at the same

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-50902479251838601162008-02-21T08:53:00.000-08:002008-02-21T10:04:07.722-08:00

I recently was asked to be part of a panel to speak about what inspires creativity and renewing creative energy. As part of my props I brought along my box of "64" Crayola crayons. I bought them a long time ago to spark imagination using inner child qualities that are often forgotten, and sometimes I even play with them.Today I was wondering why there were 64 crayons in the box. The number 64,

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-12958730061851766152008-02-01T10:48:00.001-08:002008-02-02T07:44:28.640-08:00

As some of you may know by now, I am off on another venture. This time it involves writing a book. The premise of the book is to capture the stories of women 50+ who are embracing their age and their common 'strand' is gray hair, or going gray naturally.Originally I had thought that this would be more of a photo journal with a little bit of text, however, after I interviewed my first woman I knew

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-6421145762119864212007-07-30T09:41:00.000-07:002007-07-30T10:06:22.825-07:00

It's not about the money!!! It's certainly not about the stuff. The resume. The car. The wardrobe. The diamonds. The status. The fancy house. It's about the air. The one thing that we all literally share and breathe in each and every moment - without thought. I recently learned about a lung disease called Pulmonary Fibrosis and out of deep respect for the incredible human being afflicted and his

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-54050411692070589352007-06-03T18:49:00.000-07:002007-06-04T12:04:06.248-07:00

I had my first photography show on June 1st in Phoenix! They have an event there called First Friday - similar to San Diego's Ray at Night or Kettner Nights. Tad Smith, a graphic artist saw a photo of mine published in a trade book and invited me to show my works at his gallery - Studeo Tad! There was a mad scramble to get everything in order for the show, the selection from thousands of

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-65617834408082569452007-04-20T06:32:00.000-07:002007-05-22T10:42:56.441-07:00

Just a few more days for me in this wonderful city of Paris, and after 3 days of playing tourista a sensory overload has occurred. The Montmartre apartment, now fondly referred to as 'home', is busy this warm and sunny morning with a few loads of wash as we tidy up for a visit from the owner. She is coming by with the locksmith to fix the sometimes stubborn lock on the front door. Crumpling the

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-83482539411385694162007-04-13T06:39:00.000-07:002012-01-15T09:14:54.066-08:00

Today we scheduled a private cooking class with French Chef Eric Fraudeau. In hindsight this may have been an advantageous beginning for a prolonged stay in Paris, as we began our time together with a trip to the local favorite markets. We met Eric at Poissone Pepone, for seafood selection on the corner of Rue Lepic and Rue Abessess. For almost two weeks now we have walked by this hub eyeballing

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Dated: Paris, Montmarte 2007, 22 C - another beautiful day. I exit the apartment looking forward to the journey down five flights of what looks like antiquated hand carved wooden stairs - you can see the grain and knots in each plank and the steps bring an uneven cadence to each step. Out the iron doors to the bustling cobbled streets, passersby with their croissants and warm baguettes wrapped

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-89188555450032069842007-03-09T07:31:00.000-08:002007-05-21T17:15:02.213-07:00

I made a decision about a year ago that I was not going to dye my hair, or weave it, and embrace the natural process of going gray. Quite frankly, I just have never been really good at even keeping a regular hair appointment - I'd rather be doing something else - and there is always a handy pair of scissors in the bathroom! To sit in the parlor chair for hours facing yourself in the mirror - well

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-51423692969617307052007-03-07T08:26:00.000-08:002007-05-21T17:20:06.828-07:00

Saturday I viewed a film by Deepa Mehta - 'Fire' she has two other films in this trilogy, '1947 Earth' which I have not seen. There has been much controversy around her films in India, as she speaks out for women through them. Last year I saw her film 'Water', a film that is one of the best films I had seen that year, it was beautiful and tragic (not sure if that is the right word) at the same

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-52561476841700611592007-02-27T09:29:00.000-08:002007-05-21T17:20:51.373-07:00

My plan last night was to watch the Oprah Winfrey special on the opening of her new Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. Unfortunately, it wasn't airing until 10 pm, and I am in bed by then! Thank God for TiVo - and as I do sometimes in the morning as I am putting on my makeup I watch the previous nights shows - which was a bad idea this morning, for as I watched the Oprah special,

Lori Brookes, Artist, Photographer, Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04613466367891230204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36330541.post-1161315665717749892006-10-19T20:40:00.000-07:002007-05-21T17:21:18.324-07:00

I had this brainchild several years ago whilst in the beginning of the end of an 18 year marriage. I had by the grace of God been surrounded by some very spiritual people who would later be known to me as mentors on my spiritual development and a huge help through my life transition. One night sitting with one these blessed friends, we were having an intense discussion about our lives and we were

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