you'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
you'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
so be sure when you step.
step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
and never mix up your right foot with your left.
and will you succeed?
yes! you will, indeed!
kid, you'll move mountains!
- audrey geisel

i had the pleasure of photographing my first high school senior this past saturday. and a pleasure it was. she was so funky and edgy, which i totally dug, but she was also so sweet and smart (such a great head on her shoulders). she (and her mom and dad) drove six hours to have me photograph her for her senior photos. needless to say, i was extremely flattered...and honored to do so.

we talked a lot during our three hours together. we talked about school, hobbies, boys, etc. we talked a lot about school (she wants to attend a san diego university) and following your heart and dreams.

also, i had to ask her about her hair and earrings...and what her parents thought about it all. she told me they didn't mind, which being pretty liberal myself, i don't think i'd mind either. but she also told me that she used to have her hair more pink, and her nose, lip and above her lip pierced but the school (the public school) made her take them out. i couldn't believe it. a public school made you take them out? yes, she said, they said it was a distraction. i was blown away by this. i was kind of surprised (no, i was really surprised) that a public school could make a child change their hair and take out piercings, claiming it's a "distraction"...that's crazy.

J, i hope you had a blast. i sure did. and i have no doubt that you truly will move mountains someday. keep up the great work and don't forget to call me when you move to san diego.

p.s. sorry this took me so long to post. blogger wouldn't allow me to upload photos for the past three days. grrrr.