Thanksgiving Day With My Family

The American tradition...Thanksgiving.  A time to get together with friends and family to participate in the annual tradition of finding out how much food you can eat before you feel sick.  This year, my Aunt Lynne decided that we should all meet at the San Diego Zoo for a thanksgiving meal.  I had no idea that the zoo was open on Thanksgiving, much less that they were serving meals.  I joked to everyone that they would most likely be serving the animals that have died that year at the zoo.  Many people took that seriously so I stopped saying that.  However, it wasn't far from the truth. They were serving other animals that weren't fortunate enough to have residence there.

Throughout the week, I watched traveling stories of horror on the news about how backed up the freeways were so I decided to travel on Thanksgiving morning.  I drove to San Diego to meet my cousin, Wendy at her house in Linda Vista.  Earlier in the week, she posted pictures on Facebook of a dead raccoon on the side of her neighbors house.  For days it laid there and she was completely disgusted that nobody properly disposed of it.  After a while, it didn't smell so she figured it was a taxidermy raccoon.  Once I saw a photo of it on Facebook, Mr. Raccoon had to participate in their family portrait. When I arrived, Wendy and I took a walk to the neighbor's house and I knocked on the door.  The music was blaring and once the door opened, I didn't see who was on the other side from the metal screen door but I said, "Hi, we're your neighbors and I am a photographer...may I borrow your raccoon?" The voice on the other side said, "sure" and the door closed.  Mr. Raccoon fit in just perfect with the family of Wendy, Don, Pasa, Goldie, Colin and Jennifer! The following day, we went back to the house and Wendy asked if we could adopt the raccoon.  It is now a part of my family.  It's me, Max and Mr. Raccoon!

After the family portrait photo session, Wendy and I headed to the zoo to meet up with my mom, her mother and their partners, Allan and Erick, respectively.  After our meal, we wandered around the zoo looking at some of the animals.  I am fascinated with people watching animals at the zoo.  It's a bit sad and makes you wonder if there are any other species on this earth that have pets like humans do.  I know the animals at the zoo aren't considered "pets" but do other animals have pets?  Anyway, as I walked by the gift store, I saw some animal masks that would be perfect for  some "couples portraits" of my mom and Allan as well as Lynne and Erick.  They were good sports to play along, even though it might seem a tad creepy.

After the zoo, Wendy and I headed to her father and step mothers house.  I don't get to see Dick and Judy very often so it was nice to spend some time chatting and having a piece of pie.  Dick makes me laugh and this photograph of him taking a photograph seems to fit his personality well.

I am thankful of my loved ones on this holiday, as well as every day in between.  I know we are all nuts (perhaps I may be the freak show leader), but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Here are some photographs from the day...

Following Inspiration

I love a new adventures and I love art.

I was browsing art at an open studio and fell in love with one of Jennifer Hrabota Lesser's paintings. When it comes to art, I am partial to animals (especially dogs and birds) and water. I came across a painting she did with birds and water. I was instantly drawn towards it. I had to take a print home with me.

I met the artist and chatted with her a bit on how she gets her inspiration for her work. She asked me if I've ever been to the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology.

I haven't.

I just stood there shaking my head like I was saying to her, "oh no...I have heard wonderful things but haven't had the time" when in actuality, I had no idea what she was talking about. Comparative what? What are you comparing Zoology to?

I stood there to listen to her talk.

She is inspired by the museum. There is a feeling you get when you see hundreds of stuffed creatures that you have never seen alive with your own eyes. They sit in the museum, stuffed with a number associated with the breed of animal. Rooms and rooms are filled with different creatures from all over the planet. She spoke with a soft tone and seemed very saddened and concerned on how we are unable to see these creatures in their natural habitat. She wanted to take that experience and create something beautiful. I would say that she succeeded.

My love for her work and interest in her inspiration made me want to venture out there to see for myself. I hopped on the T the following day to Harvard square, wandered around in circles for about 45 minutes until I finally found the museum. Along the walking circle tour, I would try to open up my brain on the walk to absorb any math energy that would exude from the campus. No such luck.

I have arrived. I paid the half asleep volunteer my admission and made my way up to the 3rd floor. The museum started off with the evolution of animals until the present day. My favorite room was the mammal room. It was two floors of cases and cases of actual size creatures. As if an entire zoo was packed into a room. It was a sight to see. If you could get past the smell of the "I don't really want to know" stench, it is a little surreal. I stared at some creatures and imagined them coming to life and running away. I was surprised to see how large a wolf is standing next to it. I've always wanted to see a bear on my travels and after standing next to one with its mouth wide open...um, maybe not.

I was allowed to take pictures and even though others were taking pictures, it was a little sad to me. I guess I would like to remember them alive and running around in their natural habitat. It could be because I have only seen one dead body and have never been to a funeral with an open casket. That is all foreign to me.

So, it was a day at the museum to remember. You never know where life will take you. Observe, listen and learn from others. Because I loved Jennifer's art and talked to her, I was able to see something I might have otherwise missed. Her inspiration led to my adventure.