kj Random Thoughts

Non-Silver Thoughts

2011-08-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

Want to share this wonderful website and link to a book on non-silver techniques. "Alternative Photography" is a great source of information. this book is being shared for all to enjoy. Thanks, Alternative Photo!!

A Non-Silver Manual: Preface
Writer / Sarah van Keuren

I am busy in my studio, looking forward to darkroom time and can't wait to read this Manual as inspiration!

Random Thoughts: The Creative Mind

2011-08-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

Heard this when I drove - think I will listen again. What is creativity? Food for...thought ;-)

The Creative Mind

Norway Tragedy Thoughts

2011-07-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

(In light of the events in Norway, I am posting a guest posting from Geir Jordahl. Our prayers go out to all affected by this tragedy.)

Dear Friend:

There are no words yet I must speak.

First of all, I must express condolences to all who lost loved ones and friends directly in yesterday’s tragedy in Norway. Words help little but they can remind us that we are not alone.

Nietzsche said that a man can survive any how if he has a why to live for. The attack on a children’s camp in Norway truly challenges Nietzsche's assertion for me. Perhaps it is because Norway is my first home. Perhaps it is because there is no greater cowardice, no greater sin than killing children. Perhaps it is because…. I look for reasons, I look for ways to attempt to understand how such horror and tragedy can happen. How? Yet it happens everyday, in many places across our sacred precious earth.

Barely 24 hours before the attack in Norway, Kate and I were driving through Oklahoma City. The temperature was 107 degrees F and we were on our way home from the memorial celebrating the life of Marie Quinn O’Grady, Kate’s Mom who left this earth last month. The drive from Florida was long and hot and tiring. Yet we were compelled to exit the interstate and brave the 107-degree temperature to stop at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. We stopped to view that sacred space where men, women and children perished. I was not entirely enthusiastic about stopping (I am no lover of heat!) but the reason to be there came clear when I stood under the survivor tree. It reminded me of my “why;” to communicate through pictures the magic and beauty of the earth, to affirm life and transcend mere survival by recognizing the sanctity of all life.

Survivor Tree, Oklahoma City National Memorial

Tragedy and suffering compels us to reaffirm the why of our existence, for without it we have no reason to live. I still have no words, but the lack of words resides in the world do the “how.” It is in our “why” that we persevere.

It is my hope that my friends, family and colleagues will come together in the face of such horror and sadness and look to reaffirm their own personal ‘whys” in their lives. To quote from Victor Frankl from “Man’s Search for Meaning”

"We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation, when facing a fate that cannot be changed. For what then matters is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at its best, which is transform a personal tragedy into a triumph, to turn one’s predicament into a human achievement."

Geir Jordahl

Contrasting thoughts

2011-07-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

to

We are driving home.

http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/ to http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2220

Card Thoughts

2011-07-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

A posting here after oh so long - - I have made cards to send thank you for all of cards, prayers, donations and flowers people have sent for my mother.

If you don't get an official thank you, here is my thank you to everyone who is supporting me in this challenging time.

You can see the obituary here: http://www.hiers-baxley.com/obituaries/Marie-Ogrady/

"A Mass will be held on Friday, July 8, 2011 at noontime at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Ocala. A Celebration of Marie’s Life will follow in Oak Run for friends and family. Memorial Contributions may be given to Legacy House of Ocala or the American Cancer Society."
5x7 Folded Card
View the entire collection of cards.

Lightroom thoughts

2011-03-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

I am teaching a class on lightroom and it has been very interesting - -

November 1 thoughts

2010-11-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

Jonathon at Hogwarts

I missed October posting. So much happened. Mom had surgery for lung cancer. I worked on the Bill Owen's portfolio and I went photographing in the Eastern Sierra with Geir and I travelled back to Florida for Harry Potter for Jonathon's 13th birthday with him and Wendy and to visit Mom and Dad. And I worked on my lightroom class and on digital negatives for my conversation books as well as my photographs from Thailand/Cambodia. So a month goes and now a new one starts. Now I am back with Mom and Dad - She is getting better but it is slow and it is good to visit. Onward...

Mom and Dad with Jonathon at Red Lobster for his 13th birthday

Thailand and Facebook Thoughts continued

2010-09-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Back from Thailand - an amazing trip. Here is my facebook album.

Thailand-Cambodia 2010

(I took most of the photographs with my old iPhone - which since it was not activated, acts like an iTouch. When I got to wifi - which was pretty often in this area - I would upload the photographs. It was great!)

More to come as I work through the 1000s of photographs I took with my 'real' cameras!!

Facebook Thoughts

2010-09-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

My postings are happening more on facebook - I carried my old iphone (now really an itouch with a camera) and, when I get wireless, I can post my photos and thoughts on facebook. It is different than this blog (people actually read my posts ;-) ) and for me more public, more anedotal I suppose. It is interesting to notice the difference....

I continue my adventures in Thailand - and it is a wonderful place.

Thailand Thoughts: Day five

2010-09-05T07:32:00.001-07:00

Driving down the street in Chiang Mai after the over-night train from Bangkok...

Thailand Thoughts: Day four

2010-09-04T01:22:00.001-07:00

Last breakfast at my hotel. Temple in the morning and night train to Chiang Mai in evening.

Thailand Thoughts: Day three

2010-09-04T01:19:00.001-07:00

Day three is Ayutthaya and amazing temples and amazing photography. So much the better for sharing with Virakich.

Thailand Thoughts: Day two

2010-09-04T01:11:00.001-07:00

View from my window at the Kantary House. A good place for me - out of the way, but I can walk the neighborhood and take the water taxi to the center. I visit with my friend, Virakick Sudhasawin, whom I met at the Precision Digital Negative class in May. A lovely evening with him and his friend Anne. Next: Historic City of Ayutthaya

Thailand Thoughts: Day one

2010-09-04T01:04:00.001-07:00

Day one: Breakfast at my hotel, new journal from Dreaming Mind ready to go. open for adventure.

August thoughts

2010-08-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Life stays busy...or I do.

I am at Mom and Dad's in Ocala, Florida, and enjoying just being here. We went to see "Eat, Pray, Love," I went photographing with Dad at the "Shalom Park" and went shopping with Mom as well as dinner at Red Lobster (of course...)

Also this month, I have been working on my photography and this time is such a such a gift. I have scanned years of contact sheets, organized all of my prints and begun the process of photographing them for my website with the help of Neeley Main, my wonderful assistant!

I have activated http://www.katejordahl.com and am very excited about my energy and commitment to my photography!

So, next week is my 51st birthday AND I take an airplane to Thailand to photograph! I am going to enjoy both!

Warm August thoughts and wishes for the end of your summer....

(Above, mom and dad in front of the Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala with the D70 Infrared DSLR.)

July thoughts

2010-07-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that it has been 8 months since I posted...I have found facebook has taken the place of this sharing on some levels, and simple busyness on others...

Now it is summer and I am beginning a Professional Development Leave and looking at all of my art work and all of my projects and thinking...what next.

How is that for random thoughts?

More here and on facebook...perhaps...

random thought thoughts

2009-11-11T13:55:00.000-08:00

I can not say my thoughts have been less random in the last few months since I have posted here, but I can say my life has been perhaps more random...Between travels (Netherland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden) and a 50th birthday and a return to a truly crazy, fiscally challenged California Community College....I have had my mind full if not my hands...
I do not know the place for contemplation in this insanity, but still have a desire to think it possible.
My journey was amazing and important and creative and difficult. I feel that I gained so much but like the krone that I took home from Norway, it has great value but will not exchange into my current life.
I can feel rich (in krone, in creativity, in experience) but I live this current life with a sense of want and a sense of hope.
Back to my monthly thoughts? More hope...

Fiftieth Birthday Thoughts

2009-05-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

So it begins. On August 23, 1959 I was born, but I begin my celebration today with my parents on May 23, 2009. We have a lovely dinner and I got my present from them and it was very nice and thoughtful and I am so glad to have some time with them!
A bit of my childhood returns -- The toy my parents drove all over NY state to find for my last Santa Christmas...
Thanks, Mom and Dad. So many hugs for this and for everything....

Mid May thoughts

2009-05-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

What can I say? TeachingWorkshopsPlanningSummerTravelWorrying...
AboutLaidOffFriendsThinkingAboutArtWorkingOnProgram...
ReviewThinkingAboutStudentLearningOutcomesPacking...
CameraGearPackingPackingPackingForTripToNorway-Europe
Worrying
TeachingClassesMeetingStudentsHangingShowsPlanning...
ReceptionsThinkingListeningToHarryPotterDreaming...
OfQuietTimeAnsweringEmailsAnsweringEmailsAnswering...
EmailsAnsweringEmailsAnsweringEmailsAnsweringEmails
AnsweringEmailsAnsweringEmailsAnsweringEmails...
AnsweringEmailsAnsweringEmailsAnsweringEmails
AnsweringEmailsAndAnsweringEmails

and the summer heat starts and I dream of long norwegian summer days and fresh fish and light to make me cry.

onward.

Last day of April Thoughts...

2009-04-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

Thirty days has September, April, June and November.....

So I get my April blog in just in the nick of time...

I am excited about -- teaching lightroom next month.
Spring weather and planning to make my annual visit to my garden soon ;-)
My wonderful students and open studios at Foothill College this weekend...
My family and our starting to talk about plans for a teaching-free/photo full summer...
Attending the "Courage to Teach" workshop in New York and getting to experience the Omega Center last weekend....

May your spring be full of joyous growth and your May be rich in smiles.....

A random thought for March

2009-03-31T06:52:00.000-07:00

My last chance to record a thought for March. Where has this month gone? We are 1/4 through 2009 and when I have to type 2010 I just can't get my fingers around it. In 5 months I will be 50; I have worked at Foothill College for 12 years; I have worked at PhotoCentral for 26 years. My father and mother will be 77 years old this year. Time does not wait for us to enjoy it. Me with my mom and dad

I do try to savor each day -- but sometime the busyness gets the better of me. I keep saying that "April will be better" -- but April will only be crazy in a different way....so I soldier on glad for work I love and my family and my friends and knowing I must decide to spend more time with them for now is the moment.
Thank you to all of the people around me - - you make my life rich, even when I look to busy to notice.

Alan Harvey Thoughts

2009-02-22T07:55:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was the memorial for Alan Harvey, one of my retired colleagues at Foothill College. Alan was the dean that hired me at Foothill and mentored me in those first important years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a serious sense of organization that made working with him both fun and effective.

Memorial Page on Facebook

He gave me a chance to excel. Thank you, Alan. You will be so missed.

Avatar thoughts

2009-01-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about my avatar lately. Not simply because my smiling face is appearing in literally hundreds of posts in my online classes (although that is part of it) and not just because it is 2009 the year of my 50th birthday and I can't avoid the truth of my chronological age much longer...

...but because I have had to update it - - I realized that I don't look like some pictures that to me look like me - - do you know what I mean? I have to face the fact that the face in my internal mirror is not the face that people see (especially after late nights trying to keep up to date with the afore mentioned online classes....)

How we change day by day.
How we stay the same.

End of Fall quarter thoughts

2008-12-14T08:40:00.000-08:00

The grades have been submitted. The papers shuffled to be filed away another day... (I am so sorry - My GTD regime suffers in time like these....)
I try to turn my mind to creative projects and the things to do that don't have to do with school...but the transition is hard. I either poke at next quarter's syllabi or read/watch pointless books/movies....
The importance of fallow time - - of letting the field of my mind rest so that new sprouts of ideas and creativity can begin to peek out -- is difficult to affirm. Before I know it, I will be back at school, teaching classes again. Before I know it, I will be juggling life, online classes, on campus classes and administrative junk...
How to find time just to breathe? How to find space in life for the artwork that is one of the purposes of this life?
Projects jockey for attention - - I will be at peace with what I do and what I can't do. I will honor the process.

Midterm thoughts

2008-11-04T06:58:00.000-08:00

I struggle. I try. I wish I could get more done, and do what I can. After all these years, you would think I would feel differently, but in some ways the bar gets higher and the questions more difficult. I want the classes to reach to all the students. I want them all to succeed and it seems that my years and skills should make this possible....I do have to accept that I can only prepare and present and encourage. In the end, the students must do the work and the failure or success is their own. As it should be....

Can I be centered as I accept what I can do and what I can not do?

50th Anniversary Thoughts

2008-10-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Happy anniversary to my mother and father. We are here in Georgia at my brother's house to celebrate 50 years of marriage! A wonderful milestone. A wonderful day.

They have shared life and love and all that comes with 50 years of living. Congratulations to them.

Marie and Martin O'Grady

Late Night Thoughts

2008-10-07T23:49:00.000-07:00

How does time go so quickly? I am back to teaching (hurrah) and busier than ever. Listening to the debate replay while I click away on the keys. Wishing for time for creativity. Glad for time to teach. Enjoying time with my family. Looking forward to my parents' 50th anniversary and look fondly back to last month and my 25th anniversary. Onward. Choices, to-do lists, wishes, hopes, onward.

End of Summer BBQ thoughts

2008-08-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

How did we get to the end of August! An event to notice the summer gone and the talent of the PhotoCentral Crew....

You are invited to join us on Friday for a Potluck/BBQ at PhotoCentral.

PhotoCentral - End of Summer Celebration/Staff Show
Potluck/BBQ
when: Friday Eve, Aug. 29, 6:30PM
where: PhotoCentral, 1099 E Street, Hayward, CA
bring: Food/drink to share. BBQ grill available, if you'd like to grill.

==================================================================

In the PhotoCentral Gallery: The 2008 Staff Show

Hayward Area Recreation District's PhotoCentral Gallery's September exhibition features the work of of staff and volunteers of PhotoCentral including Susan Honda Eady , Wendy Gray, Susan Hatcher, Glenn Hemanes, Juanita Hemanes, Robert Jankowski, Geir Jordahl, Kate Jordahl, Rick Knepp, Daniel Miller, Greg Stidham, Frederick Watkins, and Marco Zecchin The exhibition will be up from August 25, 2008 to September 25, 2008 with a Potluck/BBQ/Celebration: Friday, August 29, 6:30 pm. We will have the BBQ warmed up at 6:30; bring by a dish to help celebrate and relax at this end of summer event.
Gallery hours are Monday 5-10 pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 10-1 pm and Saturdays by appointment. Visit the PhotoCentral website or call 510-881-6721 for more information.
card: http://www.photocentral.org/staff2008web.pdf

Hope to see you there!

Florida Vacation Thoughts

2008-08-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

I am off to visit my parents with family in tow for a week of hot weather, pools, sunburns (inevitably), trashy novels, day trips to local sites. I am looking forward to relaxing in the friendship of my parents and sharing them with Sierra and Jonathon.
I will bring my camera and take only snapshots and carry my textbooks for fall quarter, but feel no obligation to open them!
A vacation. Not a common event in my life -- I take adventures, go on photoshoots and lead workshops. The idea of a week with no real agenda but to visit and relax is an unusual thing.

San Francisco Airport Museum Exhibition Thoughts

2008-07-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

My exhibition of images of Australia and New Zealand is up at the San Francisco Airport Museum. It is such an honor to be chosen for this show and for it to be located pre-security! If you are dropping someone off or on your way to a plane, you can stop by Terminal 3/D1 Connector to see my photographs!

Here is info about the Museum and about my show.

Here is my webgallery of the Show.

Having exhibitions is such a good way to re-assess work. It is also a good way to keep in touch with our creativity. During the crazy days of being dean, I could go and work on these photographs and remember that I am a photographer.

Nearly Deanless Thoughts...

2008-06-29T19:54:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow I am dean for half the day and teacher for the other half...I end this adventure with so many thoughts about what it means to be a teacher, an administrator and part of a team of people working for the good of students. I am excited for the transition and sad at the same time....As I said in my 36th "Tuesday Times,"

This school year has been an amazing experience for me as interim dean. Thank you to all of you who supported me in this challenging adventure and were there when I called for help or advice. I learned so much in this time and the best part of all has been getting to know many of you better. We are lucky to have such a creative group of dedicated faculty and staff working together to help our students and each other. It has been inspiring. I go back to my classroom with joy and sadness and more ideas then I have hours in the day! Thank you to each and every one of you for all you have taught me and challenged me to achieve in this school year. I join with all of you in welcoming back Duncan Graham as our dean. With his new insights and experience, he will be an even more effective and helpful guide as we navigate the upcoming challenges of the state budget crisis and programs reviews. I am sure you will join me in saying that we are here to work with Duncan to make 2008-2009 a great year for everyone!

And as my last quote from Eugene Ormandy says:
Thank you for your cooperation and vice versa.

That's all for now -- on to class planning and life planning... (Funny how life planning is unnecessary when you are working 50+ hours per week! ;-)

SFTN Award Thoughts

2008-06-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that "Searching for True North" is being recognized with these awards. We worked on this project for a year with such intensity and effort that it is difficult to be impartial about the outcome. This book was the fulfillment of our dreams in so many ways.
To now have the work recognized by awards is so wonderful. Thanks to all of you who have helped, offered positive feedback and purchased the book. Special thanks to those that purchased the limited edition or prints -- this support is what will allow us to make the next books and next projects....
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

Jordahl book, "Searching for True North" wins one Gold and two Silver awards in Book Competitions.
Searching for True North, by Geir Jordahl, edited by Kate Jordahl featuring poetry of Norwegian Poet Rolf Jacobsen has now won three book awards:

· Gold Medal/Best of Show, PubWest Book Competition

· Silver Medal, Prix de Paris

· Silver Medal in the Independent Publishers Book Awards

Learn more about the book, the awards and how to purchase copies, visit the Searching for True North Website.

From the website: Searching for True North is a selection of images from 30 years of Geir Jordahl's photographic work. On this lifelong journey, he follows his internal compass to discover the universal landscape, those places that, while separated by cultural or political borders, are united in their celebration of the Earth and its interaction with human-made elements. Although Jordahl is inspired by place, the work is not place specific. As Margaretta K. Mitchell says in the book's introduction, "Nature has given Jordahl a way to comment on our contemporary lives...The iconography of earth, air, and water come together in Jordahl's photographs with the artifacts of civilization, allowing the mysteries of these places to haunt us, making poetry of the visible."

Auction Thoughts

2008-05-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

I hope you will join us for this very special event....
PhotoCentral Auction: Fundraiser 2008 May 17th! Mark your calendar
PhotoCentral Auction 2008, a semi-silent auction of renowned photographers’ works to benefit PhotoCentral, a community photography program is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2008, PhotoCentral Gallery, Hayward Area Recreation District Offices, 1099 E Street, Hayward, California, www.photocentral.org. Artists include: Bruce Barnbaum, Barry Brukoff, Robert Buelteman, Christopher Burkett, Brigitte Carnochan, Susan Casentini, Mark Citret, Mel Curtis, Richard Garrod, Fan Ho, Vaughn Hutchins, Richard Lohmann, Ray McSavaney, Margaretta K. Mitchell, Elizabeth Opalenik, Ted Orland, Bill Owens, David Pace, Thea Schrack, John Sexton, Brian Taylor, Keith & Annette Walklet, Marvin Wax, Al Weber, Marco Zecchin... just to name a few.

Bidding closes on Saturday, May 17. Contact Geir & Kate Jordahl with questions 510-881-6721 or email auction@photocentral.org.

Events/Dates:
Exhibition: Ongoing through May 17, 2008
Reception & Auction Close: Saturday, May 17, 2pm-7pm (all are welcome!)

Location:
PhotoCentral Gallery
Hayward Area Recreation & Parks District Offices
1099 ‘E’ Street, Hayward, CA 94541
Directions: http://www.photocentral.org/auction2008/PCmap.pdf

Auction Gallery Hours:
Monday 5pm-10pm
Tuesday 10am-2pm
Thursday 10am-2pm
Friday 7pm -9:30pm
Saturday noon-4pm

Bidding is in person or via FAX.
Additional information is available at the PhotoCentral Gallery and on the web:
http://www.photocentral.org
Or email: auction@photocentral.org

PhotoCentral Auction Prep Thoughts

2008-04-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

So here we are -- a buzz of activity at PhotoCentral while our wonderful, dedicated, crazy volunteers sequence and hang the auction. Images that inspired, images that make us smile, images that we hope will raise funds to keep things moving forward....

Auctions are such a difficult way to keep funds coming into a non -profit -- but sometimes the benefits are the learning, the sharing and the community coming together to say "THIS IS IMPORTANT."

this is important...

(Thank you all who give their time, their art and their heart to this endeavor. You remind me why I work so hard and care so much....)

2008-04-11T06:49:00.001-07:00

Glimpse of SFO show

Belated thoughts

2008-04-05T21:36:00.001-07:00

How does a month go by without an entry? Life is so busy with being dean, working on the PhotoCentral Auction and preparing for an exhibition. I will have work at the San Francisco Airport museum beginning in June.
As break from the busyness, I decided to work in the garden which had unexpected consequences. A thorn was hiding in the grasses, went through my glove into the palm of my hand and caused a tendon infection that landed me in the hospital for much of last week!
I never counted gardening among the "extreme" sports...but there you go. A change in plans and a moment of thoughtfulness.
That day, before I went to the doctor and then the hospital I put the following quote on the top of my "Tuesday Times" (part of my deanly duties) :

Let us rise up and be thankful,

for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little,

and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick,

and if we got sick, at least we didn't die;

so, let us all be thankful.

Gautama Siddharta, 563-483 B.C.

The irony -- and the wisdom -- was not lost on me as I sat in my hospital bed....

Hope you are having a wonderful day.

Denver Thoughts

2008-03-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

So, a day in Denver...to relax? catch up on work? think? The hints of a nasty cold have me moving slowly and cautiously toward the day. I am going to go to the Denver Museum to start to see "Inspiring Impressionism" if I can get in....one of those admission by ticket time shows....

I bring my index cards where I am trying to capture all of my do and turn them into actions...I have been reading David Allen's "Getting things DONE:The art of Stress-free productivity." (how that book got in my hands is a story for another blog...) Oh, how I could use some stress-free anything!!

Off for a mile high adventure...

More Searching for True North Publicity thoughts

2008-02-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

A wonderful article by Ben Marks on KQED.org!

http://www.kqed.org/arts/visualarts/index.jsp?id=21862

Modernbook opening thoughts

2008-01-31T22:26:00.001-08:00

The day is almost here - - the Modernbook show opens tomorrow.

Searching for True North Exhibition Opening on February 1, 2008 at
ModernBook Gallery, Palo Alto

The companion exhibition to the book Searching for True North
featuring the photography of Geir Jordahl with the poetry of Rolf
Jacobsen and edited by Kate Jordahl opens on Friday, February 1 from
7-10 pm with a reception open to the public. The exhibition is at
Modernbook Gallery, 494 University Avenue, Palo Alto and runs through
February 29, 2008.

For more information visit http://www.searchingfortruenorth.com and
http://www.modernbook.com/exhibitions.html.

(Norway.org, the official site of Norway in United States, has
published an article about "Searching for True North" Visit
http://www.norway.org/culture/photography/Searching+For+True+North.htm)

Thanks so much to all who have helped us get here!

All the best,

Kate Jordahl
http://www.jordahlphoto.com
http://www.searchingfortruenorth.com

Foothill College
650-949-7156
http://www.foothill.edu/fa/photo/katejordahl.html

PhotoCentral
510-881-6721
http://www.photocentral.org

http://www.jordahlphoto.com/JordahlPhotoNewsCurrent.pdf

I try to live what I consider a "poetic existence." That means I take
responsibility for the air I breathe and the space I take up. I try to
be immediate, to be totally present for all my work.
- Maya Angelou.

Norway.org thoughts

2008-01-25T23:48:00.000-08:00

I am so excited. Norway.org, the official site in the United States, has written a lovely article about Searching for True North and included two images and an excerpt from one of the poems.

You can see the site here.

One week until Geir's show at ModernBook Gallery. It will be a busy week....

Photo LA thoughts

2008-01-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

Heading to Photo LA tomorrow night. What does it mean? The excitement of sharing "Searching for True North." The hope that people will like it. The interest to see all the inspiring art and be part of the event. I must remember to pace myself. Photo LA is just too much. Too much photo. Too much talk. Too much information. The first time we went, we ran away and returned home to process film in the darkroom, convinced that if we stayed one more minute we would never take another photograph, so over loaded with images - - amazing images - - were we. "Why make anything else?" was answered by the smell of fixer and the rhythmic mystery of making something.

Now I feel like a long distance runner. I won't fade. I will go the distance. Giant Avedons and breathtaking Starn twins exhibits and exquisite minature Kertesz's will not overwhelm me. I will breath. Enjoy. Thrive in the company of greatness...

I will celebrate the medium that I love and am so glad to be a part of -- Photography.

New year thoughts

2007-12-31T23:03:00.001-08:00

Joy and wonderful in the new year! May 2008 be fabulous!

Book Signing Thoughts

2007-12-03T20:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Fellow Photographers! Some of you have seen the "work in progress" - well, the real thing will be here next week!! Come see us as we talk about the process of making this book and share images! hurrah...

Book signing and talk by Geir and Kate Jordahl on December 7 at Foothill College

"Searching for True North," a book of photographs and poetry has been published by Modernbook Gallery, Palo Alto and its debut will be at Foothill College on Friday, December 7th at 7 pm in Building 6100, Room 6107.
Geir Jordahl, photographer, and Photo Instructor/Interim Dean Kate Jordahl, editor, will share the adventure of making this photographic book including the images, stories and challenges. There will be refreshments, tours of the photo building and a book signing. Searching for True North is a selection of images from 30 years of Geir Jordahl's photographic work. It includes an Introduction by Margaretta K. Mitchell, Poetry by Rolf Jacobson, Translations by Roger Greenwald and Afterword by Karen Kienzle, de Saisset Museum. Join us
for a special evening!

Brew and Book in Hayward on December 12th

Start with a brew at the Bistro while Geir and Kate tell more tales of the making of "Searching for True North" then slip next door to our local book store, the Book Shop, to buy your own copy. See you there!!
December 12 at 1001 and 1007 `B' Street in Hayward starting at 6:30 pm.

Questions? Call Kate at 650-949-7156 or email at kpjordahl@sbcglobal .net

All the best,

Kate Jordahl
http://www.jordahlphoto.com
http://www.searchingfortruenorth.com

Foothill College Photography and Digital Imaging
http://www.foothill.edu/fa/photo/katejordahl.html

PhotoCentral
http://www.photocentral.org

Searching for True North Arrival thoughts

2007-11-09T19:05:00.001-08:00

The book is here - one copy for us and one for the gallery, at least. It is a triumph and a transition. The waiting is...not over, but changed. Will all our work be rewarded with people liking the project? What next?

http://www.searchingfortruenorth.com for your own sneak peek!

My daemon - what do you think??

2007-10-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

Deanly thoughts

2007-10-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

What has happened to Kate? She has become interim dean of Fine Arts and Communication at Foothill College - what an odd thing! Time is so crowded and busy and impossible and, strangely, I like the job. I find myself enjoying the challenge and wanting more.

So many questions - who am I? Can I still be an artist? What will come next?

Interesting. Interesting.

florida thoughts

2007-09-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

Visiting my mom and dad. It is great to have time (not enough! ) to visit and share with these two wonderful people.....

Here we are at the Harn Museum in Gainsville.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for a beautiful visit and for being beautiful people! Kate

Jane Thoughts

2007-09-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

(Tomorrow is Jane's Memorial - it is difficult to believe she is gone. I was alway waiting for a miracle without even knowing it....Here is what I will say at the memorial if I have the chance.)

Read about Jane Here: Jane Sandsmark Memorial

Today
Today - this moment is all we have and Jane showed us the way to make the most of each second. She is for me an inspiration.

Fred and Jane - They were a team and it is with admiration I also celebrate all Fred did to let Jane thrive and enjoy life under the shadow of her cancer and her treatments.

Curiosity. Creativity. Consistency. Caring. Jane was full of these and many other admirable traits. She will live on in our hearts and in our actions.

When you do something for the environment, create something original, read a science fiction book, enjoy a croissant, explore a museum or think of France, think of Jane. I will remember Jane and her gift of simple pleasure in each moment of her too short life and try to take this gift forward to share with everyone I meet. Thank you Jane for being my friend.

August thoughts

2007-08-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

The book is to the printer.
We are off to travel in our camper.
My 'work' whimpers but waits.

I am tired and long for answers. Have so many questions. sigh....

SFTN thoughts

2007-08-06T00:59:00.000-07:00

It is almost over - or this part is. I am printing the last photographs for checking. We will be giving the galleys and cd and all of it over to the designers on Tuesday..."Searching for True North" will be off to China, and will arrive by Christmas. Being editor is wonderful and exhausting. I love pulling all the parts together - figuring out what needs to be done and making it all happen...

It will be wonderful and sad when it is done. There is the next bits (publicity, selling, the exhibition), but my aspect will be done and I will miss the sense of purpose and challenge.

Onward thoughts

2007-07-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

I struggle onward with the book and classes and life all snapping at my heels. How do I keep on on on? How do i not lose hope when i am so tired and feel like all i do is not enough?

sigh

Guilty thoughts

2007-07-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

So I am going the way of most bloggers - getting busy with life and not posting - is that a bad thing? hmmm.

I guess if I think of journals and diaries and other ways of recording our life, it is not surprising that most blogs get abandoned.

I think of the diary by the nurse in the new england town that chronicled an epidemic then stopped. What is our life is so interesting or important? But perhaps it is just the act of paying attention that matters.

weightwatcher thoughts

2007-06-25T23:50:00.000-07:00

So I have been following (and I don't think of myself as a follower) weightwatchers since February - 23 lbs lost - 1.1 per week...more I feel thinner and healthier. I shudder to think what would have happened if I had not stopped and changed my eating habits. It is not always easy - and despite my efforts, I will need more exercise continue to lose.

It is unsettling that what they calculate to lose, only lets me stay pretty stable at this point...

Points Point Point. I count them. I earn them by walking. ah well...

tired thoughts

2007-06-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

book bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook bookbook book....

I work on the book until I can not see...It is the purpose of my life right now.

http://www.searchingfortruenorth.com

afternoon thoughts

2007-06-19T16:00:00.001-07:00

cranky afternoon thought. meetings. large iced mocha only dulls the pain...sigh...

too many thoughts too little time...

put on a happy face.....

NAPP thoughts

2007-06-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

I just added a gallery to the National Association of Photoshop Professional site:

View my gallery

Let me know what you think....

late spring thoughts

2007-05-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

all of the bugs seem to have come alive in one moment. the trees are creaking with a new song. we are here they say. sunlight slips through their branches to say spring shall leave and the time of living the summer time is here. I walk through the campus and put on my photo eyes. suddenly all is moving as a potential photograph. they are not just branches anymore, but abstract potential. I wish to stop and savor this moment.

Late night thoughts

2007-05-26T23:01:00.000-07:00

Hello - just here cropping photographs and working on Geir's book. It is an amazing process - but tiring on many levels.

Geir will be talking at Kebble and Shuchat on June 2nd. Download it HERE

Ilford will be supporting the continuation of traditional silver printing and Geir with Gitta (Brigitte Carnochan ) will adding to the conversation. Should be interesting.

I just want time to work on the book and have a few minutes of normal life! hmmm....what IS normal?

(This is a photograph of us at the Mumm Winery show organized by Ansel Adams Gallery. Just a random photo in the late night - example of normal? hmmm...)

public or semi-public thoughts?

2007-05-22T11:27:00.001-07:00

Will I publish this address? Will I let anyone see my 'blog?' Or is it just a place for me to write when I feel so inclined....Why am I doing this?

I think it is interesting that 66% of blogs are abandoned

The Blogging Iceberg -
Of 4.12 Million Hosted Weblogs, Most Little Seen, Quickly Abandoned

Will I keep this up? Why or why not? Will I published the address? Hmmmm....

searching thoughts

2007-05-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

the book is all we do and all we think about...sort of. It is the start and finish of every action - yet there is so much to be distracted by and so much else to do...PhotoCentral, Foothill, Dinner, Children, Family, birds, gardens, visitors and everything else in the work come into our thoughts...which are like butterflies...

Book stuff is here: http://www.modernbook.com/books.htm

I am here....happy. sad. tired. hopeful. onward....

Jane Thoughts

2007-05-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

I sit here next to my friend Jane and hope...not for recovery. This not possible. Jane is in the last stages of dying from brain cancer. But I hope that she will not suffer much longer and that she will not leave us at the same time. I listen to her breath and wait for it to stop. My heart goes most to Fred, her husband and friend, who has been so amazing in this process of illness and death.

Jane Website

bookish thoughts

2007-04-29T23:47:00.001-07:00

Where do the hours, days go? We are working on Geir's book day and night - and it is all encompassing. It has taken over the center of our lives and the center of our home! You can see some of the photographs HERE.

It is an interesting process. I am an editor unofficially - and it is something I enjoy.

black and white photo thoughts

2007-04-26T22:38:00.001-07:00

Bruce Barnbaum came to campus and shared his photographs and thoughts.
They are beautiful images and with deep thought behind each one. It was nice to share with a fellow photographer and have him share with my students.

www.barnbaum.com

Wednesday morning thoughts

2007-04-25T08:15:00.001-07:00

I must decide today if I will do the 4 day foothill or 2 day foothill systems for Fall 2007. The 4 day means:

• driving to foothill 4 x (gas, bridge toll [$4!] time)
• 2 more office hours per week
• obliged hours in day realistic

The 2 day means
• arrive on campus at 8:30 am and leave at 10:30 pm
• 'free' on off days from traveling to foothill

I am not sure which is worse or which is better, but I must committ...

late night foothill thoughts

2007-04-24T22:55:00.001-07:00

at 10:52 pm...what to do but pack up and go home? expecially when it all started at 6 am...a day full of students-- beginning to advanced and add in alumni...full, rich but I am so tired. A large coffee and a quiet ride with Doris Kearns Goodwin's Lincoln book to keep me awake!

Doris Kearns Goodwin, "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" (2005) has been a great book on tape...The genius and goodness of Lincoln astounds me.

What a day thoughts

2007-04-24T16:53:00.001-07:00

I am here thinking that this day is too long and I am too tired and
still I can not do it all. What does it take? 48 hour days.

Plastic thoughts

2007-04-21T19:19:00.001-07:00

Plastic camera? ANY CAMERA! Picture Pictures Pictures

Clicking on this link will take you to the absolute vodka sponsored site of plastic camera and plastic camera like art....

More thoughts

2007-04-21T09:03:00.001-07:00

I am trying to post via email. This could be interesting. I am tired
an have so much to do, but just need to play a bit! Morning Morning...

Random Thoughts April 21, 2007

2007-04-21T00:57:00.000-07:00

Lord knows I spend enough time on the computers - you would not think that I would need yet another electronic place to type my thoughts...but it seems like I have been inspired to add to the general din of information on the airwaves. So here is my first post...at 12:59 am when I should be sleeping, or working or something!