Alison Turner Photography Website www.AlisonTurnerPhoto.com

As you might know, I have a list of goals for the year that I outlined on my 39 goals for my 39th year blog.  One that wasn't on the list but I made a goal for myself is to put my photographs on a site where you can view and easily purchase.  Goal completed! You can find this site by clicking HERE or by simply typing:

www.AlisonTurnerPhoto.com

Many of the photographs on the site are from this road trip the people I've come across during this trip.  I will be adding more as I go along and it will always be a work in progress but it's a nice way to be able to put everything in one place.

You can browse photographs by clicking on "galleries" from the top menu. If there is a photograph you like, click directly on the photo and from there, you will have options to buy prints once you click on the green "buy" button.  If you don't see that button, the image is not for sale.  There are also options to download images once you click on "buy."  Once you go through the steps, it will take you to an online check out and the printing is done through a photoshelter partner.  I've received feedback on the printing and to my delight, the quality is great!  If there are photographs on my blog that you would like to purchase, please let me know and I will put them on this site.

Max and I will get back to the travel blogging but wanted to let you know about a goal completed!  We look forward to sharing more of our adventures with you!

Goal Completed: Get A Photo Published Somewhere

There is something about writing down your goals and keep them up somewhere to remind yourself what you want to accomplish for the year. I don't believe in New Year's resolutions, but I do believe that if you write down some specific goals, you will achieve them.

Key word...writing them down.

I wrote them down in a journal, blogged about them and posted the list on the right side of this blog so I have held myself accountable. If you are ever bored and think that life is passing you by without doing anything, it's a great way to get back on track.

I am not the most social person in the world. I don't mind being alone and away from the crowds...in fact I prefer it at times. I do know that when I say yes to things that I don't feel 100% comfortable doing, it's the best way to learn and grow. The other night was a mixer of local artists that I thought would be fun to check out. It was a place I have never been to and I went alone so I couldn't hide in the corner with the familiar.

I soaked up the energy and sat down for a bit. The founder, Tanya Quinn sat next to me and we started chatting. It was so nice to meet her since we exchanged a few emails here and there. At the same time, a writer for the District Weekly came up to talk to her and needed someone to take pictures for the article he was doing on the event. Since I brought my camera to take pictures for a blog, I took a lot more to see if there was any he could use for his article.

He did.

By saying yes to something that felt uncomfortable at first, it lead me to achieve a goal that I wrote down at the beginning of the year. It's easier to say no or come up with an excuse on why we can't do something. The reward for a little discomfort is so much greater than the perceived "secure" feeling of sameness.

I would encourage you to write down what you want to achieve this year. You might be amazed at all of the opportunities that come up to achieve those goals if you pay attention.

A big thank you to Tanya Quinn for organizing such a great event and to Greggory Moore for using a photograph I took that night. If you are in the Long Beach area, you can pick up a copy of The District all over the city. A link to the full article can be found HERE.

As far as the bike goes...I saw it outside of the event as I was leaving and liked the way it looked so I had to take a picture of it.

Long Beach Creative Mixer

Lastnight I went to a creative mixer held by the Long Beach Creative team. This social event, produced by the LBCreative! Festivals & Events Team, serves as a showcase, meet & greet and networking opportunity for Long Beach-based artists, musicians, writers, crafters, dancers, poets, designers, film makers, performers and artistic individuals.

What a great place to connect with artists from the community!

As I arrived, I stumbled upon a performance of some belly dancers and as the night progressed, there were singers, rappers and artists everywhere giving their part to share their expression on a three part giant canvas to be auctioned off at an upcoming Haiti benefit this Sunday. If you are in the area, it should be a great way to lend a hand, have a good time and mingle with your neighbors.

Over 150 artists and dozens of businesses, non-profit organizations and creative individuals are collaborating and contributing to “Carnival de Corazón - My h(ART) goes out to Haiti, an artist response Haiti benefit and festival. 100% of proceeds benefiting the Ye´le Haiti Earthquake Fund

4:00pm - 9:00pm
Family-Friendly Event
Hancock University Art & Design Center
1638 Long Beach Blvd Long Beach, CA 90813

8:00pm - 1:00am
Extended Live Music
18+ Upstairs, 21+ downstairs
The Cellar (off of the Promenade)
201 East Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802

A variety of highlights and entertainment include:

A silent art auction
A kid’s Corner showcasing art, crafts, poetry, literary projects, and other art-works
An exclusive CD compilation featuring local, independent bands and singer-songwriters
Fashion show
Food vendors
Free bike valet and bike safety checks
Live music by over 20 local bands, singer-songwriters and local DJ’s
Live painting, a public collaborative mural
On-site haircuts
On-Site T-shirt screen printing at both venues (bring t-shirts for $5 screen prints)
Performances and Showcases: Acro-yoga, contemporary & cultural performances, fire dancing and more.

If you would like to volunteer contact LBC411@gmail.com

For more information visit LBCreative.org

I would recommend getting involved with your local art community. It's a great way to get inspired, meet new friends and at the very least... try something new.

For a more in depth view of what the mixer is all about and the people behind it, please check out the article in the District Weekly by Greggory Moore (Click HERE to read)

"Images Of Long Beach" Art Show Reception

At the beginning of the year, I listed 39 goals I wanted to complete in my 39th year. On Saturday, I completed another goal from this list.

I initially wanted to put my photographs up in a cafe' but I had the opportunity to display them in a wine shop...including a reception!

As you may have read in previous blogs, it was definitely a learning experience. I am so thankful for the opportunity to display my photographs from Long Beach in my "Images of Long Beach" collection at the Wine Crush. The night was truly special to me.

Thank you for all that came out to support my work and take the time to introduce yourself. I am lucky to have you be a part of this...even if you weren't able to be there in person.

I am humbled by the support and encouragement from you on a daily basis. The photographs will remain on the walls for the next few weeks if you would like to stop by and take a look.

It was a night I will never forget.

My first art show.

I will continue to take photographs of my travels and share them here with you. Please become a fan on facebook if you would like to see additional images. I tried to take pictures at the show, but I only took a few since I opted to visit with everyone instead.

Sometimes words can't describe feelings we often have. I think this is one of those moments. I feel truly blessed. I am excited to share more.

The display is located at: 3131 East Broadway
Long Beach, California 90803
You can see all photographs from the "Images of Long Beach" collection HERE