"Nobody puts baby in the corner"

Today I went to watch "Dirty Dancing" in Union Square for film night in the park. It was my first time watching the movie (I know...I've been deprived) and the first time I've participated in this type of event. I had so much fun and definitely recommend all of you to check it out. It'll give you a sense of what it feels like to really be a San Franciscan, meaning we're cool and like to have a good time. One thing I do suggest is to bring a cushion for your behind. The cement is not fun to sit on for two hours.

I wish I took pictures, but I didn't want to bring my bulky camera around. This movie has inspired me to take dance lessons! Say goodbye to my peace signs and scuba diving moves and hello to coordination!

Here's what the rest of the 2010 schedule looks like for SF:

Saturday Aug. 7 - Ferris Bueller's Day off in Dolores Park - 8 p.m.
Saturday Aug. 28 - Rear Window in Union Square - 8 p.m.
Saturday Sept. 11 - Amelie in Washington Square Park - 8 p.m.
Saturday Sept. 25 - The Big Lebowsky in Dolores Park - 8 p.m.

Happiness

Despite the hardships I have been through the whole month of June, I am happy to say that things are starting to feel normal again. When I say the word "normal" I mean I feel happy, motivated, and rejuvenated. I'm doing things that make me excited and it's a wonderful feeling. It hasn't been easy. There are times when I want to breakdown again, but I know I'm at a better place than I was before, so my brain rewires to focus on the future and the goodness that is in store. 

Switching gears now.


We all know that a person should not be the basis of one's happiness, however, after a breakup, it's hard to be happy because all you're used to is having that somebody around. That individual WAS your happiness, so after everything is said and done, it's hard not to sulk and pity yourself for feeling the way you do.


It's easy to go back and think of what the hell went wrong in a relationship or to pick your brain and try to find answers on why your significant other is a completely different person from who you fell in love with, but the fact is, you can't change what happened. If somebody doesn't want to be with you, it's his/her loss. There isn't any point in making yourself feel worse, so let it go and find somebody who fits your needs and shares the compassion you have for life and love. 

I've somehow found the strength to let go of the past and free myself from what I held onto for so long. What I tried to somehow fix, but was already broken. It took a lot of self-assurance and constant reminders that everything would be okay, but what I really want to touch on is that without good, genuine people, I would not have moved on this easily. 

I have such great friends and family who care about my happiness. They gave me the attention I needed when I felt lonely to which I am extremely grateful for. They pulled me out of my house when I needed it, brought me out to socialize, but most importantly, they filled that emptiness. 

It isn't about what you lose, but about who is there when you're at your darkest point. If you've ever been in a situation where you're just down in the dumps feeling like shit, please be thankful to those who have lent a helping hand. These people don't come often and we must hold onto friends who genuinely care. 

Now, I know I just went on a rant about how somebody cannot be the basis of your happiness, but there has been one particular person that has reminded me that life doesn't stop here. So, to whom it may concern: thank you for chatting with me in the wee hours of the morning, for cracking jokes, for being sincere and caring about my feelings, for challenging me and getting me think about life in a new perspective, and most importantly, for acknowledging my strengths and making me feel like I can do anything I strive for. 

Prices of photographs

Picture only:

4x6 - $5

5x7 - $10

8x10 - $20

8x12 - $25

Picture with frame:

4x6 - $15

5x7  - $20

8x10 - $30

8x12 - $35

Picture with mat and frame:

4x6 - $25

5x7 - $30

8x10 - $45

8x12 - $50


Here is an example of what picture, mat, and frame looks like.

Other photographs on sale

Here are some of my other photographs that are on sale. Same price as the previous post: One 8x12 photograph for $25 or an 8x12 photograph with mat and frame for $50.

If you're interested in a size other than 8x12, let me know and we can negotiate the price. 

Contact me at: ChristinaLi206@gmail.com.

Sunset at Ocean Beach

Heart candle

Moraga steps

Haight Street 

Purple flower

Cup of tea

Flowers blooming in the Spring

Red leaves

Doggy footprint in the sand

Biker on Haight Street

Guitar

Blue/green birdhouse

Sunset in LA

Cluster of flowers

Magenta flowers

Birdhouse 1

Birdhouse 2

Bird at the beach

Star on a step

City Hall 

Flower hiding in the leaves

Flowers in the light

Pink budding rose

Golden Gate Bridge

Palace of Fine Art

Mama duck and her babies

Lombard Street

Flower in my hand

All of the photographs on my blog are copyrighted and can not be taken or used without my permission.

Art for sale!

Hi all,

Like any of these photos? Think they'd make a good addition to your bare walls?

If so, good news. My photographs are on sale!The size of these pictures have been blown up to 8x12 and look fantastic. My photographs are very bright, vivid, and eye-catching and can be a perfect gift either for yourself or for family and friends.

I am selling my work for $25 a piece without the mat and frame. 

However, if you like what you see below, the photo of your choosing, mat, and frame is $50. 

If you're interested, e-mail me at: ChristinaLi206@gmail.com.

All things beachy

I've noticed that my blog has been deprived of pictures lately, so here are a few shots I took of what I like to title, "All things beachy."

Gorgeous sunset at Ocean Beach in San Francisco.

Ocean Beach's very own doggy print in the sand.

    

Sunset in Los Angeles with a touch of palm trees.

Seagull flying off to Neverland.

Beach accessories.

Sand, water, and sun.

Kite in the sky.

and...ME! Photo taken by David Loret De Mola

Naturally 7 hypes up audience in vocal play performance

There were no instruments on set, but the sound of sticks clashing onto metal cymbals, the whistle of a flute and the vibrations of a high-pitched electric guitar could be heard from the stage of Yoshi's Jazz Club Wednesday evening. 

What seemed to portray the sound of various instruments was in fact, the voices of talented men dubbed 'Naturally 7."

Naturally 7's enthusiasm and love for music instantaneously grabbed the attention of the audience. Not only did the ensemble provide sounds of nonexistent instruments, but their soulful harmony resembled memorable 1990s groups such as, "All 4 One" and "Boyz 2 Men." 

The group performed songs including, "Wall of Sound," "Say You Love Me" and their very own arrangements of "Broken Wings" and "Feel It (in the air tonight)."

Roger Thomas, the director and rapper of Naturally 7 started the group in 1999 with his brother Warren. Roger wanted to do something unlike a regular a'cappella group and thus, created what he calls "vocal play," the creation and the becoming of instruments through the human voice. 

The club was packed with an energetic crowd who lit up with smiles and cheers as Naturally 7 continued their performance after the time allotted. As the final song ended, the audience members rose to their feet and clapped until their hands became sore. 

 

For those interested in learning more about Naturally 7, visit http://www.naturallyseven.com. The group's latest CD titled, "VocalPlay" will be released in the United States on June 29. 

Naturally 7 YouTube clip

"World's Toilet Crisis"

I am watching this episode of Vanguard on the world's toilet crisis and I wanted to puke the first 5 minutes into it. It made me realize that I am enclosed in this box where I only see the world as I know or live. I am actually very embarrassed for being so blind about the idea that people don't have toilets in places such as India and Indonesia. It's not like it has never crossed my mind. I've been to China and had to squat in a hole to do my business, but essentially I was still using a toilet and it's not like I had to go out in the fields. Toilets are not something I think about every day. I feel so closed-minded and naive in a way because as I watch this episode, my mouth is dropping and my eyes are open wide. It's as if this is the first time I've heard about the unsanitary way people have to live. Given that I am a writer, this all makes me kind of hit myself in the head because it's something I should be exposed to and should be out writing stories about. Except here I am, stunned by what these correspondents have to document because I live the majority of my life seeing things in rose-colored glasses. It's ridiculous. We live in a world full of  toilets and clean drinking water, but clearly take it for granted. The next time you sit on your toilet, don't pick up that newspaper or book. Instead, think about how we need to change the world so people aren't dying because of unsanitary living conditions.


Watch this episode and see for yourself.


World's Toilet Crisis

Friendships

I received a call from a good friend I met in college today to catch up on post college life. She really is one of the nicest people I have ever known. I may sound pessimistic, but in my eyes and through my experiences, you don't come by genuine people very often. I've met people who I thought I'd be friends with forever and they have slowly disappeared from my life. It saddens me to think about best friends turning into acquaintances and then disintegrating into nothing, but that's life. A friend had told me during a coffee date that it's those acquaintances you can tell the most to. I agree, but which of these acquaintances will end up standing by you? 

I've lost touch with a lot of people and have cut friendships with others. I think it's more than okay to cut ties with people you can't trust anymore or who you know won't be there for you if you needed a helping hand. I also have a mindset that if the people you meet won't help you grow in some way, then there is no point in maintaining that friendship. Is this logical? Sometimes I think I'm very cautious about letting people into my life nowadays. I have also become very picky on what I will and will not tolerate. I told my other friend that I have maybe 30 people I'd invite to my wedding and he thought I was insane. He didn't say so of course, but I could see it in his expression...

I will admit that I am not perfect. I find myself not a good friend at times. If I've failed to be there for people, then how can I expect anything in return? No one is perfect..and this leads me to the topic of expectations. 


I've grown up in a very loving family. Crazy sometimes, but very caring and supportive. I guess some would call me a spoiled princess? I have been very fortunate to live the life I've lived. Others, though, may not have come from such a nice background. Who am I to judge someone who has grown up in a very different environment with no parental figures to look up to? Or those who have had to live in a very out-of-control atmosphere? If I have not been in his or shoes, then who am I to say this person is not fit to be a part of my life? But when does the other person's upbringing and lifestyle affect yours in a bad way? To the point where he or she should not be a part of your life anymore? 


All of these questions constantly surround my thoughts. No, it's not fair to judge someone based off of his or her experiences, but at the same time, it's not healthy to keep someone around if he or she cannot give you what you need to grow and what you need to be the person you strive to become. 

Graduation and what comes after it

Hi all,

I can't believe I graduated 17 days ago from Sacramento State with a Bachelors in journalism and a minor in English. I decorated my cap with the words "LiLi" because that's what everyone called me in the newsroom.

I soon had a graduation/ new full-time job celebration in Sonoma and had a fabulous time. I received two amazing cakes, a balloon with congratulations in Spanish, and a pen that had "LiLi" engraved on it. 

But as we all know, things never go the way they are planned. I was supposed to be moving in a couple of days, however, due to health reasons, which I will not describe in detail, I had to call off the move. I was supposed to be off to the central valley for a position as a copy editor at a paper. I was and still am devastated. I had everything planned out and now I don't know what my life will entail. It's hard to be in control of everything and suddenly have that power taken away. I don't know how to explain it, but I feel as if  I have lost my motivation. I've lost that sense of control and I don't know how to gain it back. I know things will work out the way its supposed to in the end. It always does...

As for now, I will try to be happy and stay positive. Since birdhouses make me happy, here are a couple of pictures I have taken of them. Enjoy.