1000 Prints Sold

Thank you SO much for helping me sell 1000 prints so

far!!  Very Exciting!!

Santa Barbara Independent - Article

Wanted to share my mention in a recent art column in the Santa Barbara Independent... by Heather Jeno.  Click HERE to see the article, entitled "Art for Hamachi and Hot Dogs," based around art happenings found outside the typical gallery settings.  My print show, formerly up at Coffee Cat on Anacapa Street in Santa Barbara, has been condensed and moved to the Starbucks on Victoria (1235 State Street).  Thanks to Carrie and Matt for moving my show, thanks to Heather for mentioning my project and also thanks to Susan, manager of Starbucks, for hosting show #3.

The First 3rd Degree of Separation!!!

This is very exciting!!  Thanks to my friend Kelly in Santa Barbara (see image #8, as well as her response from November's posts, entitled Coffee and Weddings), who was inspired to pass the project on to her friends, and some of those friends to their friends....well I have reached my first, 3rd degree of separation!  Here's how it went... 1. I shared the project with Kelly.  2. Kelly shared it with her friend Kelly.  3.  That Kelly shared it with her friend Rhonda!  Thanks so much to all three, their support and encouragement, as well as sharing the stories of how they know each other!  The collection of these stories remains a very big part of this project and what makes it so special to me!  Please continue to share!  I will include all 3 letters so you can trace the connections...

1st Degree

Hi Friends,

In this email you'll see a beautiful and inspriation letter written by my girlfriend, Melanie -- many of you may know her from our wedding and the incredible job she did photographing and designing our invitations and programs. Melanie is embarking on an admirable journey over the next year to eliminate her personal debt by providing beautiful, low cost prints of many of her beloved photographs. Please read on for her explanation of her project and how you may choose to participate.

I first met Melanie when we worked together at Starbucks in Santa Barbara. We began working there within two weeks of each other; with our matching Starbucks uniforms and our long, blonde hair pulled back in ponytails many customers mistook one of us for the other. We got a kick out of that, and quickly formed a connection. We worked together for two years, but it wasn't until I quit the store that our friendship really began to develop, and it wasn't until the year she spent by my side helping me brainstorm and plan many elements of my wedding that I began to think of her as one of my very best friends. Not only did we wile away the hours hand-making wedding invitations, addressing envelopes, editing photographs and working with color, layout and design, we made time for happy hours and dinner out and coffees downtown. We shared many a good bottle of wine and for awhile were each other's frequent date to the movies. When Will and I moved it was Melanie who packed boxes until well past midnight and then appeared on our doorstep before sunrise the next morning -- coffees in hand -- ready to help unload the U-haul truck. Melanie is one of the most selfless, giving, inspirational and talented people I've ever had the privelege to know, and her friendship means so much to me. I love her dearly... and wish her all the luck in the world with this admirable project.

Kelly S.

2nd Degree

Hi Everyone!
This is a special project from a friend of a friend of mine. I have many friends named Kelly and one of the Kelly's (from Santa Barbara) is a friend that I met through Tim's school. Her son and Tim were in Kindergarten together and she and I have kept in touch and get the kids together when our schedules allow.

When I met Kelly she was also a single mom so right away we had something in common... besides our name. Just this year she got married and I was fortunate enough to be invited and attend her beautiful wedding. She is an amazing person and an incredible mom. I get inspired by her creativity and her interactions with Isaac and enjoy spending time with them both whenever we have the chance.

I met Kelly's friend Melanie when I was at her bridal shower and her wedding. She designed amazing wedding invitations and all the printed items at the wedding were her original creations as well. I had no idea she was also a photographer until I got this email from Kelly. After reading Melanie's story below, I was impressed with her idea for this project and definitely wanted to help out. I ordered several of her prints right away and almost forgot to send off the story which was the most important part...It was always my intention but time just kept getting away from me.

So here it is...my story to send....and you will be able to read Melanie's story as well as my friend Kelly's story about Melanie as well.

There's more...I got the pictures in the mail yesterday from Melanie. Let me tell you....they are even better than the PDF document can detail. Incredible quality and each one is personally autographed and individually wrapped for protection as well. I'm am even more impressed with her now too. She has incredible quality photos, integrity for her work and quick turnaround time with her complete dedication to her project.

I have to say....for $2 each print....WHAT A BARGAIN! I ordered about 8 of them and planned to put them on the front of a blank piece of card stock and make my own greeting cards. Now, I may have to get more so I can make greeting cards and have some of them framed too. They are very nice and I think it's a great way to put the very talents she gained to use by getting her project off the ground. Very creative!

I can assure you they are of great quality and you will be more than pleased if you decide to purchase some of them for yourself.

Thanks!
Have a great day and a Happy New year!

Kelly H.

3rd Degree

Hello,
This is extremely long to read though very interesting. To condense things - I know Kelly H. (the one I rec’d this from) by her doing volunteer work through me for Guide Dogs of America. Only met her once when she came to a GDA event with her kids – but very fun-loving and always doing things for others (being jailed to raise funds for charity, creating food baskets for the needy, helping GDA – those are things from my limited knowledge of her). Now she is passing on this email to help a friend of a friend get out of debt. In a hope not to lose your interest, I’m going to give you the link to Melanie’s site where you can meet her grandma, learn Melanie’s story, and view her unique photos which she’s selling. It’s a very creative idea to use her talents (photography).  http://debt-freeby30.blogspot.com  I’ve ordered several myself that I plan to make into greeting cards.
Mark – I’m sending this to you because several pics are from Coeur d’Alene, she was in the press there & had an event at the Calypsos Coffee Co. Thought that might be of interest.
Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Rhonda

North Idaho College

I couldn't believe it when I got a call from Phil Corlis, the photography instructor from North Idaho College, asking me if I would come speak to his class.  Me?  Really, me?  This project has opened and continues to open many fun and interesting doors, and having this very unexpected opportunity to share my project with some fellow photographers was a true honor.  Thanks to each one of them for their attention and encouragement!  Big thanks to Phil for his instant friendship, his honest and sincere belief in me and my work, and for this unique opportunity!  I was so touched when he asked me to bring my prints so that at the end of the class each student could pick one out, ON HIM!  What an inspiration in kindness and generosity!  Here are the heartfelt words Phil emailed me about our connection....

I am always impressed with the power of dreams. Without them we are nothing. With them anything is possible. I discovered your dream in the local newspaper sitting at the breakfast table one morning.

Next -it was a visit to your blog.  As a photographer, teacher, and yes a dreamer I was immediately drawn to the simple elegance of your work and your idea. After reading the story of each image I had a plan. I hoped you would share your dream with my college photography students.

I was sure it could motivate and inspire them. A few phone calls later and we were sitting and chatting in my office and shortly after that - there you were in my classroom spinning out your compelling tale. It was magical.

I don't know what was better - the stories, the "shopping spree" at the end of class with each student picking a photo as their own, or the look on their faces as they thanked you on their way out the door.

For me it was the stories, the photos that are now framed and sitting beside me at home, the inspiration, and a new friend made.

So there's just one thing left and that's to say thanks for the power of your dream.

Phil Corlis
Dreamer, Photographer, Teacher

Santa Barbara Print Show

What would a trip back to Santa Barbara be without finding a place to host my 2nd print show? It all managed to come together, and I am very happy to report--a huge success, not only in print sales, but in simply being a great time of catching up with friends and their smiles!  Thank you to everyone who came,  and who continues to believe in the passion behind my project! Just thought I would share a few of the images from opening night!

View from the middle of Anacapa Street.  Welcome to Coffee Cat and the project's 2nd print show.  Special thanks to owners Jason and Krista for their support!

A view from the inside of Coffee Cat and one section of the 120 images that were displayed.

Fellow photographers and dear friends, Joni and Daniel!  We all met because of our connection to Door 9 Studios.

I loved how the prints looked on the bright, red walls!

Katie and I - she came up from San Diego for the show and much needed girl time!  Katie was the assistant manager at the first Starbucks I worked at in San Diego.  We have been good friends ever since!

The prints were hung on any and all available wall space!

Mike and Erica - dear friends and supporters!

The Tisdale Kids - 3 of my favorite faces in Santa Barbara.  These are the wonderful and amazing souls I lived with and part-time nannied for.  Its hard not smiling when they are around!  I adore them!

Inside Coffee Cat - the sign and the ceiling. Cool place!

My Girls!  Katie, Carrie, Kelly and I celebrating life at Zaytoons! Wanted to share this image taken the night before the show.  These 3 helped me put the SB show together and hang it on opening day!  I so appreciate each one of them!!  I am blessed with amazing girlfriends!

A Friend - and Her Friend

1st degree of separation - I am passing along an e-mail sent by my dear friend, Melanie.  I think you will find it a capturing and worthwhile read and her attached photos quite inspiring.  Melanie is inspiring.  We met while working at Starbucks a few years back.  It's amazing how coffee can bring people together!  Those early mornings were a killer, but I loved opening with Melanie.  I left Starbucks after a relatively short period, but we kept in touch as often as our crazy schedules allowed.  I treasure the conversations that she and James and I shared about faith, dreams and life in general.  I love Melanie's honesty, amazing integrity, brilliant creativity and her generous friendship.  I am also so thankful for the many amazing moments of Chloe's life that Melanie captured with her artful eye.  Please read on and make sure you check out her blog as well when you have a chance.  There are several more wonderful photos and stories to see that aren't included in this initial attachment. 

Melanie, keep your vision set high!

Love, Heather

2nd degree of separation:  My friend Heather sent this letter from a person she knows who is trying to make a difference.  Heather, her husband James, and their beautiful daughter Chloe have been part of Josh and my life for over 6 years now.  They are an incredible couple with incredible faith and have always been an inspiration.  We were closer with James while Heather was still up in Oregon plugging away to become a Physician's Assistant.  Once I finally met her after hearing so much about her, I understood why James was so smitten.  Heather is amazingly caring and strong.  She is so much fun to be around and didn't hesitate to join my bachelorette party at Disneyland even though she was pregnant.  I am passing this on for her.  I hope you will take the time to read on.

Thanks

Tiffany

The Next Print Show

I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be heading back down to Santa Barbara for a short visit!  I am also thrilled to be having my second print show at Coffee Cat thanks to owners Krista and Jason, and my friend Kelly for making the connection.  I'm really looking forward to catching up with old friends and hopefully making some new ones!