Archive for the ‘Photos & videos’ Category

What a gem.

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

You see, I’ve happened upon a gem and I’m not sure I want to share it with anyone. But because I’m such a nice person and happen to love writing about travel, I guess it’s in the stars that I tell you all about the gem that is Washington State.

After meeting my new man, and subsequently realizing I’d never been to his hometown/state, I finally ventured out to Washington just in time for his annual family camping trip. En route, I flew over Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier at 30,000 feet and even caught a glimpse of Seattle. We made out way straight to the woods, a much needed respite from the mundanity that has been my schedule lately, in an area near Lake Kachess. For 4 days I was without internet connection or cell service, and boy do I miss it.

Here are some snapshots.

At first I thought this was Mt. Rainier, but as I look closer at the top, it looks like it has erupted at some point, making me believe it’s actually Mt. St. Helens… could be wrong, but it’s beautiful nonetheless. [I stand corrected...this is Mt. Hood. And has never erupted ]

Another shot from the sky. This, I believe, is actually Mt. Rainier. See how the top is still intact?

After a hike to the top, looking out at Lake Kachess. Simply beautiful.

A shot of seattle from the plane. I didn’t get to spend time in Seattle, as I was camping all weekend, but next trip I’ll definitely venture into the city.

A shot of the mountainscape adjacent to Lake Kachess. The last day we were here, I spent some time reflecting during sunset.

At dusk, and before mine and Jordan’s return down the hill, through the forest, in the dark.

When we returned, it was time to sit by the fire with Jordan’s family and mentally prepare for a return to the city. One I was definitely not ready for.

As you can see, Washington state is beautiful. I look forward to spending more time out there, and seeing everything it has to offer. I’d love to visit Puget Sound, Seattle, wine country, and hike some of Mt. Ranier. If you’ve been to Washington, feel free to comment with some recommendations!

Captive and Captivating

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Both captive and captivating, she waits. Her eyes reaching out from behind the steel, longing for what once was.

While the masses saunter past her, the sound of her infant calf grows faint and like the human idiomatic expressions of her kind, her memory serves her well.

Perhaps too well, for it would be easier to forget than to long for what shall never be again.

elephant SD zoo

Photography by Jordan Larrigan

Using the Shakeit Photo iPhone App

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

As promised, I have continued to play with the ShakeItPhoto iPhone Polaroid photo app to take pictures. It’s become my favorite app, by far. Wait, didn’t I say that in my last blog about this??

Well Ok, for someone who has pages upon pages of miscellaneous apps, the creator should be honored that it has remained my favorite application for the iPhone. :D Infact, it has a place on my iPhone dock for easy access.

Here are some of the more recent photos I’ve taken with the iPhone Polaroid app, ShakeItPhoto.

50's Car BedDog and Bone

Telegraph Beer ColdSelf Portrait- Mia TaylorKings of Leon ConcertMiner Silhouette Calico Ghost Town


Austin City Limits: Keeping Austin Weird.

Monday, October 5th, 2009

A recent trip to Austin, Texas for the annual Austin City Limits Festival (ACL) of 2009, had me both confused and excited. As we began our final decent into the “weirdest part of Texas,” I had no clue what I was in for.

From my previous travels and venturing around Austin, I was reminded somewhat of a unique blend of Bourbon Street and a country-style Downtown San Diego. The Downtown Austin area is flourishing with new and unusual architecture (most notably the armadillo-inspired City Hall Building- even has a tail!), blocks of bars with live, local bands and rows of tourist-ridden shops selling the infamous “Keep Austin Weird” shirts.

Visiting Austin Texas for the Austin City Limits festival was a great experience. Yea, so it rained pretty gruesomely all day Saturday, but luckily that was the day I decided to skip and explore around Austin, check out the Austin capitol building, and eat some delicious southern food. I even saw a Michael Moore film, Capitalism: A Love Story at the Alamo Drafthouse a dinner movie theater with full service. Can you believe the movie was only $9.00 and the food wasn’t even overpriced!

Friday and Sunday I slept in until 11 am and dilly-dallied until I was ready to make my way to the festival. Once I got there, I realized it was NOTHING like I expected. It was easy-going, few restrictions and a LOT of people. In comparison to Coachella, ACL wasn’t nearly as restrictive. People had blankets, chairs, blow-up and life size Gumby dolls, Flagpoles with distinctive flags adorning them and quite a bit of muddy debauchery. I was excited to see Pearl Jam, Kings of Leon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bassnectar and tons of other cool bands.

Here are a few pictures.

keep-austin-weird shirtAustin City skyline Photo by Mia Taylor

Mud at Austin City Limitscrowd of people at ACL

My Polaroid iPhone App- ShakeIt Photo

Friday, July 24th, 2009

Since switching over to AT&T for the iPhone, my life has been revolutionized in many ways. Firstly, I have been experimenting with all sorts of applications for the iPhone for to-do lists, games and photography.

I’ve downloaded everything from Lemonade Stand (practicing my business-running skills) to iFart (yes, I’m a child at heart). One app that I’ve really enjoyed having is ShakeIt Photo.

ShakeIt Photo iPhone app is a unique and fun app that allows you to take photos that look JUST like old school Polaroid film. The photos look like a polaroid and you even shake the phone to speed up the developing speed- just like you would an polaroid photo you’re too impatient to wait for.

Here are some photos I took the first day I got the ShakeIt Application.

Pasta-roidShoesroidSittin PoochKickin Back

I’d love to get your feedback and suggestions! Leave me a comment :)