Worth A Thousand Words

Gallery photo of the Doyennes of Photography in LA exhibit featuring diverse female photographers. Doyennes was curated by Jigisha Bouverat and Kristina Hicks at Castelli Art Space and was a part of the MOPLA calendar (Credit: Hermosa Journal)

   April and the Month of Photography Los Angeles (MOPLA) may be wrapping up, but there is still time to take in some wonderful MOPLA photography exhibits and events.  You might consider checking out Compton Junior Posse: Daring To Claim The Sky - Photographs by Melodie McDaniel, at Space15Twenty, which highlights a Compton after school equestrian leadership program for at-risk youth.  Or, may be Not An Ostrich: And Other Images From America’s Library is more your speed if you want to peruse 500 images from the Library of Congress’ collection which have been expertly curated by Anne Wilkes Tucker.  If an exploration of loss and resilience by contemporary Latinos is more your cup of tea, then check out A Universal History of Infamy: Those of This America which was curated by Vincent Ramos.

   MOPLA is presented by the Lucie Foundation which is dedicated to honoring master photographers, cultivating emerging talent and promoting photographic appreciation worldwide. Don't miss the chance to see some wonderful photography!

A Melodie McDaniel image from the exhibit Compton Jr Posse: Daring To Claim The Sky via Space15Twenty. (Credit: Melodie McDaniel)

B.Yellowtail x Land of Nod Capsule Collection

An art print part of the B.Yellowtail x Land of Nod collection. The design was created by Wakeah Jhane (Comanche/Blackfeet/Kiowa).  (Credit: B.Yellowtail)

    Have you heard about the B.Yellowtail and Land of Nod collaboration?  One of our favorite designers has just launched a gorgeous collection with the retailing powerhouse.  The entire collection is based on original design pieces handcrafted by Native artisans who are members of the B.Yellowtail Collective.  From art to blankets, and everything in between, the collection is full of color and covet worthy design.  Now, children everywhere can discover the beauty of authentic indigenous culture and creativity.  What a wonderful way to incorporate Native elements into your favorite little person’s space!

New Year, New Vision Board

Sample vision board. (Credit: Hermosa Journal)

   Now that the end of year festivities seem like a million years away why not settle into 2018 by creating a vision board?  We tend to think you can’t get too far in life if you don’t have an idea of where you are going.  A vision board is simply a collection of images or words that help you focus on what you want in the future.  Are you trying to dance more or get a new job in 2018?  Why not create a vision board to serve as a helpful reminder?  

Creating a vision board is super easy and fun - all you need is a few hours, old magazines, poster board, your favorite adhesive material, a beverage of choice and some inspiring music (feel free to ditch the last two in a pinch).  First, take a few minutes to ponder what you want to manifest in 2018.  Then, just flip through the magazines and cut out images that speak to you.  When you see something that resonates with what you want in your life you will know, trust us!  The only real advise you need is don’t overthink it - if the image connects with you, cut it out.  After you’ve exhausted your magazine search, organize and adhere your visual reminders to a piece of poster board.  And viola!  Your vision board is complete.

   Like most things in life, the potential to have a blast with this activity increases tremendously if you do it with pals and if you don’t take the process too seriously.  It’s all about the journey friends...may your 2018 rock!

Real American - An Epic Memoir

(Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal)

   When a friend gifted us Julie Lythcott-Haims’ newest book, Real American, we couldn’t wait to sit down and read.  The New York Times best selling author does not disappoint with her newest title.  Real American is a breathtaking memoir that gorgeously captures the author’s experience of life as a mixed race person in the United States.  Lythcott-Haims describes, with so much beauty, her search for acceptance and self love - a journey that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an other.  The book made us cry, ponder life, and laugh.  It is a must read!

Gracias Por Oaxaca

Gracias Madre restaurant. (Photo Credit: One Kings Lane)

   Looking for ways to cultivate a sense of gratitude in your life?  One way to foster this feeling is to give back to people who are in need of a little extra help.  This Thursday, perhaps you’ll consider joining legendary restaurants Gracias Madre and Guelaguetza as they combine forces to help the victims of the Oaxaca earthquake. These two amazing restaurants will be holding a vegan feast fundraiser on Thanksgiving at Gracias Madre.  

   Anyone can participate by paying the suggested $25 donation or by signing up to volunteer.  The proceeds will benefit Por Oaxaca, an organization dedicated to providing provisional housing to indigenous communities affected by the 8.2 earthquake that hit Oaxaca on September 17, 2017.  This recently created effort is the brainchild of the Lopez family, the Los Angeles based Oaxacan powerhouse behind the storied Guelaguetza restaurant. 

Participating in this act of giving will surely be tasty and leave you hungry to help again.  Be sure to get there early, if you want to find a seat, as this event will surely fill up quickly.

The Por Oaxaca relief efforts. (Photo credit: Por Oaxaca)

A temporary home created by Por Oaxaca. Close to thirty homes have been built to date. (Photo credit: Por Oaxaca)