Happy Earth Day - Ways to Help Our Planet

Earth Day is when I check in on the recent progress of my favorite organizations that are supporting and responsible and sustainable use of our planet and resources.  If you're getting ready to plan vacations for the year, how about doing a Sierra Club Volunteer Vacation in which you join other earth-friendly people in using your time and talents to help maintain ecosystems throughout the globe?  You could do a Service & History Hike in Hawaii, help Replant A National Forest in Alaska, or even Remove Invasive Plants from Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.  Even if you prefer to spend your vacation relaxing on the beach, a $15 donation to the Sierra Club- America's oldest and largest environmental organization, can help maintain environmental protections and awareness.

Want to find more ways to get involved in environmental non-profits?
Check out this list of --> Green Non-Profits from Mother Jones <--- br="" nbsp=""> If nothing else... at least get outside and take a nice long walk to enjoy the fresh air that breathes life into our bodies and without which we could not survive....

Cabaret Show Fundraiser - The Miracle Providers NorthEast

On Saturday evening I had the joy of seeing my first FULL Cabaret Show done by the Miracle Providers NorthEast. The theme was Fairytales & Fantasies, and WOW. Just, WOW. It was an INCREDIBLE show. The costumes were AMAZING, the makeup was phenomenal, the dancing was insane, and the lights, sound, and set made the Lowell Elks Lodge look like a fabulous cabaret club. I was in awe for most of the performance but still managed to take some photos from the back of the room behind the crowd (no flash, mostly 135mm, 1600 ISO, f/2.0 - 2.8, 1/160th sec, tungsten white balance, captured in large JPG.) They did a great job of performing in the round, and the set up allowed everyone to have a fairly intimate experience with the performers as they roamed the room. The best part of the evening is knowing that almost all of the proceeds go to benefit families and children who are affected by HIV/AIDS. If you're interested in volunteering for a show or any other events, please visit: http://miracleprovidersne.org

Here are some of my personal favorites from the evening:













































Next time I'm going to have to buy my ticket in advance to secure prime seating so I can get even better images!! To view the full slideshow of 197 images, click play below:

Fashion Show Fundraiser | The Revolving Museum | Lowell, MA

One of my favorite art organizations in Lowell is The Revolving Museum, which provides opportunities for local high school students to engage in art projects that further their creativity, confidence, and skills to work collaboratively and independently in a dynamic and diverse working environment.  They recently relocated to the Western Ave Studios (right above my studio) in order to preserve the funding for their programming and improve the creative working space for the students.  To celebrate their grand re-opening in the new space, the students put on a FABULOUS Fashion Show Fundraiser!  I was so glad that I was able to attend and help support the museum and its future at Western Ave!  Of course I had to take some photos while I was there- click play to watch the music video below (for total awesomeness, pump up the volume!!)



For a look behind the scenes at The Revolving Museum's new working space at Western Ave >>CLICK HERE<< !

LOVE IT: Harvard Oktoberfest & Honk! Parade & Festival

On our way into Cambridge on a Sunday morning we were stopped dead in traffic for 30 minutes, so after about 8 minutes of sitting in the car and not going anywhere, I decided to hop out and see what was happening. To my delightful surprise, the intersection in front of us was overtaken by hoards of crazy costumes, invented instruments, and all around FUN!! Just one more reason why I adore living in Massachusetts- people fearlessly & publicly celebrating the geeky and weird. ;-) After getting home, I found out that it was actually the Harvard Oktoberfest & Honk! Parade & Festival which is meant to “Reclaim the Streets for Horns, Bikes and Feet!” how awesome is that?! Take a peek at some of the fun that went down while many angered and confused drivers sat in their cars (press play to start the slideshow):

Jack Kerouac Memorial Walk | Lowell, MA

I heard about this little adventure through Lowell at the last minute and since the starting point was literally next door to me, I decided to check it out and hear a little more about one of Lowell's legends- Jack Kerouac, author and beat poet. The night started with a stop at the home he spent quite a bit of time in while living in Lowell, followed by a walk over the bridge mentioned in Jack's memoirs, with a few stops at his hometown church and favorite hangout - the public library. The evening ended with a set of readings of Jack's work and original work inspired by Jack Kerouac. It was a fantastic evening for a walk and for being immersed in the words of a man who lived fully in each and every day. Here's what the adventure felt like to me (click play to start the show):

Capoeira Rosa Rubra at UTEC | Lowell, MA

I first learned about Capoeira at the Lowell Folk Festival which brings performers from all over the world right into our backyard! Have I mentioned how much I love living here?! Anyway, it looked so cool that when I found out about a group of people in the Boston area called Capoeira Rosa Rubra getting together for a Batizado, I thought I'd check it out and attempt to photograph it. It's something that really cannot be given justice by still images because it's a constant state of motion and music along with two people negotiating a movement relationship within the midst of a shared space. It's a true fusion of martial arts and dance that needs to be experienced in person to be fully appreciated. In any case, here's my attempt to capture still images of a very movement driven experience (press play to start the slideshow):