SPE in San Fran

Well, as most of you know, I just went to CA for the SPE (Society for Photographic Educators) conference. I am going to start with the flight. It was from IAD at 5am, then to Charlotte to SFO. I got to SFO at around 1030AM and to my hotel by noon their time.
Since I am a photo geek. I do try to take photos from the plane. I just love the clouds and seeing the landscape from so far away. The one image to me looks like a sundial, but its size gives me no clue as to what it really might be. There is a perfect circle with a tower in the center and what look like hands. I thought it might be a large cell tower and the "hands" shadows of guide wires or supports. So if anyone knows please tell me I would love to know.

Silver Spring Fashion Show

Since I am in update mode here is a glimpse of the most recent Silver Spring African Fashion show. The show featured several designers and included a jewelry line that was nice and funky.

Frogs

While hiking around Palmyra we saw a LOT of frogs...mostly cute

As you may know I had the opportunity to go home and spend some time with family and friends recently. I didn't document how things have changed or do any in depth research. I just visited some of the places that I spent time in growing up. When I go back in the fall I am hoping to vist some of the places that my Mom spent time in as she is interested in seeing how it has changed. She was told that the field by her childhood house is now condos....so much for progress.

corinne and kids at the fair

The girls weren't the only ones taking pictures at the fair. I was able to hold onto my camera long enough to hopefully show a good idea of what was going on.

Binta and Nabelle photograph the fair

This is the girls first time going to the fair. They are 4 and 6 and are interested in everything. Lately they have taken an interest in my camera. While usually maintaining a firm grip on the strap I let them take as many pictures as the would like and have discovered the world look much different from their point of view. Although I havent posted any of them here, Binta tends to take a lot of pictures of people. So I end up with photos of strangers on my camera. Pretty soon I will need to get them their own cameras.

The crowd is gathered, the President who was supposed to arrive at 830PM, doesnt arrive until almost 1030. Supporters and other government officials happily chat and wait. After his arrival the Ivorian Ambassador gives him a warm intorduction. Once the President takes the podium, his message is of unity, the desire to bring peace to a country that has seen two civil wars in the 50 years since its creation in 1960. Then he thanks his supporters and is on his way. The next stops-the world bank in NY then back to DC to meet with Presdent Obama.