15 Comments
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Xavi Buendia's avatar

Another highly relatable story, Stella. I know that feeling of almost but not quite there. Love these California scenes, very personal and different to what we usually see from there.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Xavi!

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perfectlight's avatar

you know how to get to carnegie hall, don't you? practice!

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Ha, too funny! 😂 I love it. Thanks for this!

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George Appletree's avatar

2nd and 3d are for me the most spontaneous shots. Bit shadowy though

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thanks for your looking, George. Photographing shadows cast at an angle by afternoon light is a challenging condition. I often try to work with whatever is there and make the best of it.

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George Appletree's avatar

Not difficult to improve in post process

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Ann Collins's avatar

Stella, your voice encourages me to keep practicing with self-kindness and gentleness that fuels my courage ("heart-age" "wholeheartedness"). Your words are helpful to me in the way oxygen and sunlight feed growing things. Thank you, truly.

My favorite photo is the last one. I'm fascinated by the Alternate Reality way of viewing people through the lens of the bubbles. Looking at the mother and child in the lower left corner next to the crisp graphic sign fragments: "Greatest Show Tell Earth" reveals a sharp contrast. Unlike a static billboard, human energy and aliveness is something Mysterious and Wonderful.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

You’re a kindred spirit, Ann. Thanks for your thoughts! I’m glad today’s post gave you some encouragement. I love the last image too. It’s one that takes time to absorb because there’s so much going on. I could see it as a big print in a gallery where one can get lost in the details. Take care and be gentle with yourself.

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Diane’s Blue Forum 👩‍💻's avatar

I love this post!

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thanks for looking, Diane!

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Betsy's avatar

Love the photos- they’re so ebullient!

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thanks for looking, Betsy! I must confess, I had to look up the word ebullient 🫣 I love the meaning. Much appreciated. I learned a new word today too.

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Parikha Solanki's avatar

Everything about this post was exactly what I needed to hear/read/see - thank you.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Parikha for letting me know. I’m glad it has resonated with you. Words like yours encourages me to keep going. Much appreciated!

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