Sunday, March 29, 2009

Exhibition of Erik's Photographs - Sunday, April 5


Dear Friends,

One of the most gratifying aspects of living in San Miguel is the ability to interact with, and indeed, influence the lives of others. What started as a simple outing with our housekeeper's 9 1/2 year old son Erik has turned into a long term project - teaching him photography and enhancing his self-esteem.

When I gave Erik an old digital camera a couple of months ago, I had no idea that he would develop a passion for photography and would display some real talent. With each lesson, he is more outgoing and enthusiastic. Recently, Linda and I showed some of his work to friends. The response was so positive that we have decided to give him an exhibit at our home in San Miguel.


At the show, Erik's photos will be sold for 100 pesos each (about $8 US). The proceeds will be used to help Erik purchase a new camera in order to pursue his passion for photography. Rather than simply giving him a new camera, we thought it would be important for him to contribute to the purchase.

Come and meet Erik and his family next Sunday, April 5, from 4-6PM at our home on Vergel 6, San Antonio. Drinks and appetizers will be served.

For those of you that are unable to come to the exhibition, you may view Erik's work on this blog and contact Linda or me if you would like to purchases any of Erik's photographs.

Please see the above invitation for details about the event next Sunday, April 5.

Hope to see you there!

Carlos & Linda

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Erik Learns Photography























Some faithful readers may recall that in January, I took our housekeeper's son, Erik, on an expedition to purchase holiday gifts http://sanmiguelnews.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-expedition-with-eric.html




































I left open the question of "what next?". After some thought, I decided to teach Erik something about photography. Photography is a hobby I have pursued since I was about 12 years old. It taught me a lot, and enabled me to travel, meet interesting people, and even, for a time, earn a living. I thought that learning such a skill would enhance Eriks' self esteem by teaching him something that his classmates didn't know; in effect, making him an "expert" among his peers.
































Fortunately, I had an old digital camera in the house. I spent a couple of hours with Erik, teaching him how to use it. He had no problem - in fact, within a week he knew more about it than I did!

































I gave Erik the assignment of taking photographs of his family, friends and neighborhood. He came back a week later with a cardful of stiff, posed pictures of his family, and a few shots of his neighborhood. We went over all the pictures, and I explained the difference between those photographs I called "souvenirs" and those that were "more interesting." I showed him how some were out of focus.

















































The following week. he came back with more pictures. It was clear that he had understood my lesson because more of the pictures were interesting, and fewer were "souvenirs" or out of focus.

















Within a few weeks, his work had improved substantially. I made him some business cards with his name and address, and the title "Photographer". He was very proud! And I was proud of him.

He took a trip to a shrine in Mexico City with his parents, and came back with dozens of pictures, which he and I looked at and discussed. He also brought me a gift - a small candleholder. But the real gift was the accompanying note, which said "Senor Carlos. Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thanks to my best friend."























On our recent trip to the US, I brought back a better camera for him, a small tripod, memory cards, and a digital frame for him to view his pictures (his family has no computer). He was pleased as punch, and spent a week taking several hundred pictures, many of which were excellent.


















Last Sunday, Linda and I accompanied Erik and his parents to a piece of land they had purchased on which they are building a new home. The land is barren - flat and dry. With Linda's assistance, Erik was able to take many good shots. She found an old hat that she showed him how to use as a prop.

































I resolved to sponsor an exhibit of Erik's photographs, and to sell them to my friends and neighbors. Linda had a terrific idea - use the proceeds of the sale of Erik's photos to contribute towards the equipment we had purchased for him - so it was not simply a gift, but something he had worked for.

































Within the next few weeks the show will happen. I am hoping that some of my readers will log on to see Erik's work, and will consider making a purchase. If you like any of the pictures in the blog, and want to support Erik's interest in photography, contact me and I will be happy to send you a print for 100 MXP or $10 US.
Stay tuned!
[Note: all photos in this blog, with the exception of the pictures of Erik, were taken by him!!]






























Sunday, March 1, 2009

Two New Grandchildren























Linda and I are grinning ear to ear due to the two new additions to our family!

Kaiya Isabella Jackier, born on February 18, 2009 to Tracey. 6 lbs. 6 oz. of healthy, happy baby!



















After Kaiya's birth, Tracey wrote us the following letter.

Hi everyone,

We are ecstatic! Kaiya was born this morning at 9:56am. She weighed 6lbs, 6oz. She is in perfect health and latched immediately for 20 minutes. When she was finished, she did a full push up (seriously!) and pushed herself up on her mom's chest. She sleeps well, feeds well, and calms easily. We couldn't have been more blessed! Thank you all for your love, support and encouragement. Tracey was a champ during the caesarian and is doing well.


Love Tracey

Hannah Sophie Glazer, born on February 25, 2009 to Lisa. 6 lb. 3 oz. of pure love!



















Following is an email Linda sent out after participating in the birth of Hannah.

Dear Friends and Family,
Just wanted to share our newest of the two granddaughters, Hannah Sophia, 6 lbs. 3 oz, 19 1/2", born at 10:04 am on February 25, 2009.

Three days before the scheduled c-section, Lisa asked me to, be with her in the operating room. We arrived early morning yesterday; she was prepped, and just like in the movies, I suited up in one of those androgynous jump suits, mask and booties. The nurses were wonderful, as was the doctor, describing everything that was happening while we were behind a blue sterile curtain.

"Get ready", they said, and wheeled a mirror up so Lisa could see. My cameras ready, they told me," MOM (meaning me!), you can stand up and take pictures". A little shaken, I stood up, quickly snapped a few photos of them pulling out the baby. Tears were streaming as I watched in total disbelief the wonderment of the birth. Within minutes, I was holding her, and then with my wits back, I began shooting madly...

How lucky I am to have witnessed such a miracle, and am still standing to tell the story! We are so blessed!

Love,
Linda, aka Nannie


Check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/26103653@N07/sets/ for more photos of the two girls (not to mention a few pictures of Lilah, granddaughter #1 and Lisa and Tracey)!