Olaina.PhotosAndArt

Curls and Baby Gates

2011-08-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ella is fifteen months old in these photos. Our house is now seriously babyproofed with gates and a play yard--which Ella sometimes likes to play in and sometimes wants to escape.

Mommy, I don't feel so good

2011-03-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Even when she's not feeling her best, Ella still has bright, beautiful eyes--and I still can't resist taking her picture.

At The Beach in Stormy Weather

2011-03-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

Today we had a photo shoot at the beach, which sounds great for spring, but sometimes (like today) means stormy weather.

The family was full of love and smiles despite the cold, and we had tons of fun for our hour-long session.

Here's a sample of our morning:

Too many pictures of Ella

2011-03-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

I thought there would be a chance I was taking too many pictures of Ella, so I packed my camera away and go at her with my cell phone as though it were sufficient.

But then I found this blog, Enjoying the Small Things, and a woman posts photos of her children and their environment every day with what she writes about, so I thought, "Yes!"

I'm going to post a few old photos of her, but my camera is coming back out with a vengeance, baby.

It helps, too, that she's reaching an age where I don't have to hold her all the time. Even at the park she crawls around on the playground. I have to be careful big kids don't trample her, but I can do that from behind the lens, right?

Ella dressed up in a newborn size dress.

Ella's first July 4--2010.

Ella's first midterm election.

Baby I'm Yours!

2011-03-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

With my new station in life as a mother, I have added babies to my repertoire of photography subjects.

This year I had the pleasure of photographing my friend's son, Alex. We did a little photo shoot in my apartment, where I maintain a little studio (also known as Ella's nursery). Next week we get to do a family photo shoot at the beach/pier/park. I can't wait! Alex has the most adorable blue eyes and crooked little smile.

Wedding Days

2008-08-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

A sample of my work---I will capture the details of your wedding and the special moments of your joyous love:

Some very casually photographed paintings

2008-05-28T19:05:00.001-07:00

In case you'd like to see while the website is under construction....

Roaming Rome

2008-04-14T23:01:00.001-07:00

The photos are finally here--believe it or not this album is the abbreviated version of 927 photos is now 215 photos. Here are five for a taste:

The trip was a wonderful business-related surprise--Justin made a presentation about the research he has been doing for the past five or six years with Hal Hoffman, and I roamed around with my camera every day taking photos of everything I could capture during our four days there.

The photos are the sole property of Olaina Anderson. Prints may be purchased for a reasonable investment. Contact me at olaina@olaina.com.

Match Day Mania March 20, 2008

2008-03-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

The envelope please....

The winner is the UCSD School of Medicine Class of 2008, of which every student Matched and will be doing a residency program next year.

Let me be your photographer!

2007-11-05T13:45:00.001-08:00

Neighborhoods of San Diego: an 18 month calendar January 2008-June 2009

2007-11-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

There will be a limited edition of calendars for sale by the Business Improvement District (BID) Council, most of which are expected to sell at Balboa Park December Nights (Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 & 8). However, I can take orders via e-mail if anyone wants to purchase one. If I do say so myself, the calendar is beautiful. It is an 18-month calendar, featuring the 18 BIDs of San Diego. Each page shows one dominant image across the top and then two vertical and one horizontal image below the largest image.

The parts of the calendar with the dates leaves enough room for people to use the calendar as a planner.

All this for the low low price of $12.00!

The BID Council wants everyone to see the beautiful and unique neighborhoods of San Diego. Having shot all of the photographs, I ventured into parts of San Diego I had never seen. The BIDs include Adams Avenue, City Heights, the College Area, Diamond, Downtown, El Cajon Boulevard, Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, La Jolla, Little Italy, Mission Hills, North Park, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, San Ysidro and the calendar rounds out its 18 months with the two neighborhoods grants were given to: Bird Rock and South Park.

Can you imagine? It's like a little preview to a grand tour of San Diego! Each page gives a sense of the neighborhood's qualities. Each neighborhood is beautiful.

Two weekends! Two shows! Too fun!

2007-09-03T22:27:00.001-07:00

CLICK BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Ray at Night

University Heights Arts Open

Program to download

UHAO website excerpt:
The 2nd annual, University Heights Arts Open (UHAO) on September 15-16, 2007 is a free self guided tour of the arts. The weekend festival showcases the works of over 10 new as well as celebrated artists, playwrights, performers and musicians from the San Diego region enlivening the University Heights community.

Event hub: 4345 Campus Ave. San Diego, CA 92103 Noon-6pm (Birney School off Park Blvd.)

A little wedding story

2007-08-30T00:06:00.000-07:00

Check out this beautiful couple!

Remember your dog's dashing days forever!

2007-08-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

Puppies are puppies best friends

2007-08-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Have photos of your pet playing in her element!

2007-08-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Plan Ahead for Holiday Cards and GIfts!

2007-08-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

I know it's only August, but there's nothing like that feeling of knowing you've already got your cards prepared while everyone else is panicking about the holiday sales. If you would like to have your pet or pets be the center of attention for a photo shoot, I am your photographer. Unlike other pet photographers, I prefer to capture looks of happiness and joy as your pet explores his or her favorite environment. Here you can see a few samples of my work with one family's dogs. My rates are extraordinarily reasonable because I think of photography as a gift, so please contact me at olaina@olaina.com if you are interested.

The End!

2007-07-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

This bride and groom ended their evening as beautifully as they began....

The end... and just the beginning....

Practicing walking, dancing... seating

2007-07-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

Weddings take a lot of planning, much of which becomes evident during the rehearsal, where many of the most natural, comfortable and fun photos can be taken:

The groom's sister waits as the rehearsal continues...

The bride and groom make a few last minute adjustments to the details of their plans...

They practiced their first dance to make sure all the steps were perfected...

The Rehearsal Dinner... or a Birthday Party

2007-07-12T00:23:00.000-07:00

One lucky bride... or should I say groom? ...had the good fortune of perfect timing and was able to turn the rehearsal dinner into a surprise 30th birthday party for the groom.

Either way--I was honored to take photographs of the momentus occassion:

Preparing for the most beautiful day of your lives!

2007-07-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Part of the magic of weddings is the care all those involved take to make sure every special touch is as beautiful as ever dreamed. Both the women and the men are transformed into people extraordinarily gorgeous in appearance, though we all know the beauty of their souls is what brings them into the wedding party.

While the ceremony and reception hold moments that must be captured, in my own wedding experience as well as the experience of those whose weddings I have photographed, much of the joy comes in the moments before the wedding as the preparations are being made. Later, everyone has fun remembering the flutter of pre-ceremony excitement and sees the transition into the peaceful exchange of vows and the energetic post-ceremony celebration.

Below are some pre-ceremony photographs of Arman and Mehrack's wedding:

Morning light shone on the bridesmaids as the make-up artist worked her magic.

The boys had a different experience:

The best man practiced his toast while one groomsman listened and another groomsman and his wife watched through the window.

The groom stayed cool by standing in front of the air-conditioning vent.

Blended-Cultures Wedding Photography

2007-07-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

One of my greatest fascinations in life is the way two people in love can creatively blend their cultures and customs to create a marriage that celebrates their families' history as well as their personal love.

If you have any special requests for pre- or post-wedding rituals you want captured, just let me know and I will be there.

Below, a Persian-American wedding rehearsal included the American tradition of having the family "give" the bride to the groom (with the added Persian tradition of greeting each other with kisses on both cheeks).

Arman and Mehrack also incorporated the traditional Persian ritual of holding a beautiful cloth over the couple while family members sprinkle sugar onto the cloth, representing the sweetness of life coming to the lovely couple. (The cloth is improvised here with a table cover; thus saving the best for the magical moment to come the next day.)

Music.... and Photos And Art

2007-03-04T00:38:00.000-08:00

This morning I arrived at Claire de Lune's at 5:30 a.m. to take down my art in time for the Women's History Museum to hang their displays for Women's History month and the San Diego Indie Music Festival.

The handy thing about having been in a car accident two weeks ago and having no friends or family helping me remove the work is that there was enough room in my rented Ford Escape for me to fit all the photographs and most of the paintings into one car. Justin and I used both cars to get to Claire's, as I recall.

At Claire's, Yvonne was totally surprised to see me so early--she didn't realize all this was happening today. But who realizes anything at 5:30 in the morning? Fortunately, I was able to rely on the kindness of strangers to help me remove some of the work. There was a guy there who held the ladder and also removed all the nails from the walls. Also, a customer suggested (after I had moved the ladder from one side of the shop to another without crashing into a chandelier, thank you very much; and before I was actually satisfied with the ladder's placement) that we should move some of the furniture and angle the ladder less steeply, since he'd seen people die from falling off ladders that were not properly secured.

After taking care of all of my art except for the three skinny pieces on the pillar, I was lucky enough to have time to see if the women would like me to leave anything up to brighten up their mostly black and white display's of historical text. Fortunately, they wanted the Cure nude figure and the pieces on the pillar, as well as the dancers I had completed during February--the month of my show. They liked that it brightened up the display and that it was feminist work. I like that I get more publicity and opportunity to sell.

Then I emptied the car at home and went back to North Park to finish painting the utility box. Of course, it wasn't long before I started getting hungry and hot and tired (three hours of sleep thanks to managing Jareb's performance on Friday night!) and by the time the Disconnected owner started bugging me about my painting of his logo (after I had to pick up the gross cigarette butts and box from the ground in my area--they almost all smoke) I was fuming. Plus the paint burns my eyes. So I am afraid I was a little snippy--but I think it's a terrible joke for him to ask me if he could spray paint it (because he wants it to be an ad for his store.)

I'm already angry because I see their sticker everywhere I go--on the post by my ATM on posts at the Seaport Village. They've littered San Diego with their marketing scheme. Unfortunately, I agreed to paint the logo in exchange for (three, he said) a haircut, so I felt I had to uphold my agreement. That's one of the things I'm learning--to stand my ground instead of just letting people walk all over me.

So I told him he couldn't spray paint it.

I might have used slightly different terminology.

After that, I put all the paint stuff away and rewarded myself with lunch and a day of live music--which I photographed copiously. In fact, I am sitting here waiting for the photos to download... but I'm only on 180 of 577. The cool thing is, one of the bands asked me for some photos... or at least what I was doing with them (like if I were giving them to Daniella, etc.). Since I was just taking them for myself, I gave him my card and told him to contact me for copies. He said he'd pay me for them.

Which makes me think I should ask the producers if they would like photos... or at least I should find contact information for each of the performers and ask them if they would like photos.

In any case, I built my portfolio a bit today.

And I'll share it with you later... since I have now 372 photos to go before they're all downloaded.

I do have photos!

2007-03-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

One of the artists also took photos and she was kind enough to send me copies, so I will share them with you:

And of course do not forget to see Olaina Photo Gallery by Rob Thullen

Do I Want to Be a Model?

2007-02-27T07:49:00.000-08:00

Or just look like one?

Yes, today is my first figure drawing modelling gig. I am going to be clothed for most if not all of it, but holy cow! I have to stay still for 20 minutes in a row! Several times over a period of three hours!

I'm really excited. It's going to be so fun!

And while I won't post pictures, I will tell you about it later.

Cheers my dear artist friends! And if anyone wants to hire me for this kind of work (instead of being the model, and me being the photographer or painter), do let me know. While I have certain restrictions about location and implication, I'm totally into performing, and this is just frozen frame ballet. :)

You know you wanna be there!

2007-02-26T20:16:00.000-08:00

Success: May I have the definition, please?

2007-02-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

Will you please use the word in a sentence?

"Was the art show a success?"
"Were you successful tonight?"
"Do you feel like it was a success?"

These are the questions people asked me toward the end of the night at Claire de Lune's. I know I must have had a dead-empty-tired look in my eyes. Maybe that's why they asked. But people always ask questions like that when someone holds an event, right? I mean, what's it all about? And I know I answered the question with an awkwardness akin to a teenage girl being asked, "Are you going to prom?" And she says "yes" and hopes that the end of the conversation, because she doesn't want to explain that she is going with a group of friends, because she waited for The One to ask her, and The One is going with someone else. She knows she will have fun, but it's not going to be The Night that everyone makes prom night out to be. Is it going to be a success? Yes, if she doesn't walk around with Sad-Heart because she is with her friends instead of some stupid-lover that doesn't even know she exists, yet.

So here's my answer. If you mean, "did I make a lot of money and sell a lot of art?" Not really. I did sell a few cards and a few matted-not-framed photographs, so my work is now in someone else's home instead of in waiting-to-be-shown storage. That is a success.

But it would be foolish to become an artist for the money. Most artists are even poorer than teachers. That's why we have "real jobs" too.

Pause.

Rewind.

Did she just say the art show was not a success?

No. I did not say that. Think about this, which is what I didn't get to say last night, but what I know to be true:

The first time I went to Claire de Lune's, maybe one year ago, I noticed the paintings on the walls, found out they were for sale, found out the artist actually sold some of them, and decided I wanted to have an art show there one day.

The only thing I needed was a body of work.

I took my first official painting class in late June 2006. Nine months later, I had a one-woman photography and painting show at Claire de Lune's.

Some people grow a baby in nine months; I made an artist.

So was the night successful? I saw friends I hadn't seen in a long time and we got to reconnect with each other. People from Justin's medical school were there, people from my church were there, people from my neighborhood were there--all my new and old friends in one place at one time because I invited them to join me. Someone said my work was full of life and energy (it was late by then--I was finding her words ironic, but taking them in). People said I have a good eye for photography. People thanked me for having the show and I thanked them for coming. People told me Jareb has an amazing voice, a good tone... I just wish technical difficulties hadn't prevented him from starting to play while my friends were still there (I said he'd play at 6:30, but it was 8 before he started...)

I suppose I could talk about what I wish had gone differently: I wish that despite the technical difficulties with the music I had made an announcement about why the music wasn't starting and thanking everyone for coming while they were still there, instead of just cruising around while a baby did the sound check on the mic. I wish I had taken pictures of my friends there, and Jareb playing in front of my art, and my work up. I wish that I had set my table of cards and art up in a more visible and comfortable shopping location, instead of in front of the stage. People might have felt uncomfortable standing in front of the singer or not have noticed it when they just walked into the shop. I wish that I had more energy and felt more secure so that I could project a happy face at an art show that is really a pretty spectacular success just for existing--just for me existing and then making it happen. I wish my face were not so transparent, every emotion painted onto its canvas with such bold colors. I wish that I weren't so easily stricken by one person's attitude or another person's absence or my wish for more conventional economic success through art not actually coming true. I wish that I had made conventional pricing signs, since even though I had my card posted by each piece with prices and titles written down for each piece, people asked if the art was for sale. I wish that even though I intellectually can explain that my art show was a success I could also feel jubilant about it. Or at least pleased or content. I wish I didn't walk around with this feeling of "ehhh..."

But that's what I have. Major Depressive Disorder is a disease and I've been battling it for just over a year now. My art show was a success. Every day that I do anything good at all, I am a success. I just have to more fully accept this new definition of success, and life on my terms, not the American Gold Standard. And like 32 years of codependency, it's not a habit that changes over night.

I am a success because I am a friend and a wife and I make some pretty things and share them with people. Good enough.

And now I have to go get a job at a restaurant, so that I can continue to be a success who lives in an apartment and doesn't have to even think about whether my art will sell so that I can buy another mocha or a tube of paint.

And when people ask me if I had a successful night after waitressing, my answer will be based on the kindness of customers, the fun I had with co-workers and guests, and however much money I carry home in tips--and the money part of the answer hopefully won't feel like a judgement of my success as a person (or an artist--the way it feels when they ask on nights like last night.)

PS. The show goes on through February, so come see! It's successful. :)

Please join me!

2007-02-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

I am having my first ever one-woman photography and painting show, and am having an artist's reception to celebrate the occassion. My art is hanging there for the rest of the month (and it's already the 14th!), but I hope to see you all on Sunday evening at Claire de Lune's in North Park on University at Kansas (practically under the North Park sign). I can't believe I can fill up a whole entire coffee lounge--and this one is HUGE--with my photographs and paintings. Upstairs you can see India, coming down check out the ocean, and on the GIANT wall downstairs and all around the room there are acrylic paintings (and a few more photographs) for your viewing pleasure. I plan to be at Claire's earlier on Sunday, but Jareb will start to play at 6:30.

Check out Claire's & get directions!

Claire de Lune's Coffee Lounge is my new haven!

2007-02-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

See me and my work on Saturday!

2007-02-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

Ray at Night is this Saturday, February 10, in North Park. I'll be hanging out at Claire de Lune's on University and Utah from about 6 p.m. until 10 or so. (At 2906 University Avenue, San Diego, 92104, to be exact.) I have acrylic paintings and photographs (including my India series, bee series and ocean series) hanging there this month. I am also going to be a bit of an artist in residence; I plan to spend at least part of each day there, painting or working on computer related art (writing or photography).

I hope to see you there!

And if somehow Claire's is too far away for you, but Bee Essential is not, I am the featured artist there for this year's Valentine's Day party. Of course it's at the same time as Claire's shin-dig, but I've learned not to actually try to be in two or three places at one time because it just ends up making everyone feel awkward and me feel overwhelmed. So, if you'd like to go there, go, buy a painting, a card, a candle and give it to your sweetheart. Then, mosey on down the street to Claire's and by your sweetheart something sweet to eat.... and more art from me. :) Plus, there will be live music--check out Claire's entertainment page on the website.

My art is everywhere!

2007-02-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

OK, well three place:

Saturday I hung my art show at Claire de Lune's. Surprisingly, I was able to fill all the walls--we're talking huge walls. I didn't realize I had such a large collection of work. I'm going to need to work on finding a place for it in March, since there isn't so much wall space here in our lil apartment. I also have some of it (the flower stuff) hanging at Bee Essentials, a candle shop that is having a Valentine's Day chocolate and wine tasting party on Feb. 10. I need to check with Claire, I'd like to do a reception there too--I'll let everyone know when it is.

And of course, the outdoor weather-safe flowers are still at Espresso Garden, where even your puppy is welcome to enjoy the relaxing environment.

Flowers for Sale!

2007-01-30T17:01:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that my art is going to be showcased at Bee Essentials on Park Blvd. in University Heights for February and a special Valentine's Day chocolate and wine party. They sell candles and other lovely things, and Tiffany, the darling proprietress has added some of my smaller flower paintings and photographs to the wares for sale.

My name will be on the invitation, so when I have those I will send them along or post one or whatever seems logical.

Pet Services Offered!

2007-01-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

Does the four-legged
love-of-your-life need:
a run?
a walk?
a feeding?
a photo shoot?
a portrait painted?
Lend me a borrow-puppy, and we can all live happily ever after. I will love your pet as if she were my own and then I will gladly return her to you, because after all, I’m just the borrow-puppy-mommy.

Acrylic portrayal of two pups: ‘Mom’ surprised ‘Dad’ wih the gift of a commissioned surreal painting of the dogs. As requested, one dog drinks from the Water Tower and then another one comes out of the blue--which is exactly how he cheerfully joined their happy family just a few weeks before the painting’s due date.

Skills abound: I will happily paint or photograph
anyone, but my caregiving specialty is dogs because I grew up with Frisker, Buffy, Muffin & Max as our beloved family pets (most of them came with their names).

Borrow Puppies!
I can help you!
Contact Olaina
at 858-361-8662
or olaina@olaina.com
for more information.

Adams Avenue Grill: Great Food and Photo Show!

2006-12-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Please visit our favorite neighborhood restaurant between Jan. 8-Feb. 5, and see three of my photographs on display with the Photo Arts Group show. Yes, they were taken without a filter--God made the stars shine in the daytime for me by shining the sun on the ocean water on the rocks. I looked down and said, "Diamonds and stars!" and then I took one photograph.

There will be two others at the show--also from the same location, but you'll have to go there to see them! (I know some of you are cheating and just looking online instead of going to the shows...) Besides, if you don't go to Adams Avenue Grill you don't get to have their scrumptious Tomato Soup--they'll serve it in a cup (literally--a mug) or a bowl and it feels so good on a rainy day like today; there's a special tang to it that I've never found in another tomato soup, plus an occasional piece of bacon... it's so creamy and lovely that I might just have to walk over there today and get some! BTW, Justin and I recommend the lunch menu for those of you on a budget, while the dinner atmosphere is quite romantic (though you can still color the paper table clothes with crayons) and the servings are larger, the prices are higher. At lunch time the quality of the food is still fabulous, and you can order from a pre fix menu that includes dessert. Here's their link if you'd like more information: http://adamsavenuegrill.com/ And did I mention the service is delightful and friendly and if you're going to a show at the nearby Ken (movies) or Diversionary (live) they'll do their best to make sure you get there on time? (It's your own fault if you dawdle over another glass of wine!)

Another sample of my paintings

2006-12-22T20:48:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Thanks to my beautiful friend Grace Ann, who forwarded me the Craig's List ad about it, I now have several paintings hanging....

Cure

Searching

That Night

Open (and also a yellow and orange one like this one--but smaller)

Three

Sudden change in plans--they're not in a coffee shop, but these paintings are still available to the public, just contact me directly at olaina@olaina.com.

Happy Holidays!

Ray at Night at ANI Home--still on display for Dec.

2006-12-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

Did you miss the opening? That's OK. You can still see my art hanging at the ANI Homes office at 3827 30th Street, North Park, 92104. It will be up for the month of December, unless someone should decide they want to give it a good home or to a loved one for the holidays. :)

Will it be you?

"The Cure"

Justin looking at the photos ("Double Dare" and "Take Off" and bio; "That Night" acrylic painting in the background.

"Welcome" & "Possibilities"

Justin and I in front of "Man Alive" acrylic paintings and three photographs.

Painting a small car covered with stickers

2006-12-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Utility Box at University and 30th, North Park

Sometime in my formative years I must have put a sticker on something I wasn't supposed to vandalize.

Yesterday I did my penance.

I am painting The World in A Grain of Sand on a utility box the size of a small European car, but first I have to clean it well to make sure the paint doesn't peel off later.

This means removing the graffiti (in permanent marker and other substances), the band posters (thank you for permanent clear tape), and the stickers.

I am armed with a scraping spatula, some chemical that is still making me cough today, and sand paper.

Thank God the yoga classes of last week have given me visible arm muscles--they are being well used.

In the meantime, I have met the owner (Neil) of the new salon and the contractors and electricians that will be finishing the job by Saturday, when Neil is set to have an opening party.

Me too. The whole neighborhood is having a party for my birthday and I will have the car painted by then.

Here's a picture of the before.

I'll take my camera down today to get some shots of the during and Godwilling after ( maybe tomorrow). The guys from George's camera come out to say hello every now and then, and ANI Homes is across the street, where I will be showing my work on Saturday.

I'm off for more fun! (It really is fun.) :)

An invitation from ANI Homes

2006-12-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks for making this invitation, Ari!

I hope to see everyone there! Don't forget the party continues somewhere in town after the show--it's my birthday!

Friday, Dec. 8: Music and Art 6-9 p.m.

2006-12-01T01:27:00.000-08:00

I so totally know why my journalism kids kept me at school until 2 a.m. so they could make their info-graphics.

Come to this event! It's going to be amazing!

Art shows coming up!

2006-11-26T09:07:00.000-08:00

This is a work in progress.... aren't you just dying to find out what the final product will look like? Come to an art show in December and you shall see!

Get some while you can! The holidays area just around the corner (including my birthday), and a purchase for someone else would make me so happy! I love to make other people happy. That's what people bursting with love do when they have borrow puppies and borrow babies and a couple of talents... they share. :)

Expressions in the Garden: Dec. 8, Friday
Ray at Night: Dec. 9, Saturday

And you wanted me to post some finished paintings, so here's a sample:

Dream, Reach Eve Moving Forward

American Dream On

Expressions in the Garden

2006-11-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

The Espresso Garden will be hosting Expressions in the Garden on Friday, Dec. 8. Art will be on display by Olaina Anderson (amazing gifts, BTW!) and live music will be performed from 6-9 p.m. by singers including David and Jareb with a mellow mix of classical, folk and pop music. We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you! The Artists Open at The Center was Fabulous!

2006-11-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

PHOTOS HAVE BEEN ADDED BY POPULAR DEMAND
(THEY ARE IN LOW RES HERE.... PLEASE NO STEALING! IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN SEEING MORE OR PURCHASING ART WORK PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY!)

Thank you so much to everyone who attended the Artists Open at the Center. I had so much fun seeing my friends and family there and meeting so many new and interesting people.

I even let some work get adopted--I am only sorry that I forgot to get the contact information of some of my new friends so that I could send them personal thank you cards. So:

To the young man who took home the 16x20 framed photograph of Diamonds (the sun reflecting off ocean water on rocks at the beach)--thank you. That is one of my favorite photographs I ever had the good fortune to shoot. I still cannot believe I had the extraordinary providence of the being there at the very moment that the sun made stars in the day time. Who gets to see real stars in the daytime without any kind of visual/camera filter or medical/health intervention? Me! I am blessed to have had the camera with me, to have looked at the ground instead of ahead at the waves for a moment, and therefore to have the opportunity to share Creation's beautiful tricks with all those who will get to see that work of art I happened to capture on film. (Still available in other sizes and forms if any readers are interested. I'm thinking of using it as part of my holiday card this year--you can purchase a store bought holiday card with stars for the same $3 and send the same one as millions of other well-wishers, so why not use one of these homemade ones and support a local artist?)

To the first buyer, who took a photograph of seagulls home to another state, thank you!
It was very encouraging to have a purchase within the first hour of the show, and it was a lot of fun to talk to you about the birds and show you all the different "poses" I caught them doing. (We San Diegans all know you can't actually pose a seagull--you can't even all that successfully keep one from eating your food at the beach...)
I suppose I should thank those two birds, who didn't fly away as I crept closer and closer to them while they looked at me and each other and tried to decide who should go first if one of them were to fly. (My favorite of those photos is called "Double Dare.") In that one the two are looking over a cliff that wasn't that steep to someone 5'4", but the birds are looking down with trepidation, as if they've forgotten they can fly,
"You go!"
"No you go first!"
"I dare you!"
"I double dare you!"
I think you adopted the one called "Take Off"--I like the forward action of that shot, the possibilities of where they might go. I hope they enjoy their home in a different state (on the East Coast I think you said?) and that they travel safely--I'm sure the long flight in a plane will be effortless for them and safe for you; a real treat for the birds. :)

And then there are the acrylic painting and pastel art lovers. What an honor! I always have a hard time parting with my works of art. We spend so much time together deciding what is going to come out of the canvas and the paint and the heart and the mind, it's difficult to say whether the painter paints the painting or the paintings comes alive and the painter is merely the vehicle who gets to hold the brush.

I can't believe I didn't take the time to give the two paintings and one framed pastel hugs before they left, though I'm pretty sure I hugged their new caretakers. I am comforted by the knowledge that they have found happy homes and that some of them are going to be in town and that those that moved to other counties will be well-loved.

I am not really crazy, but I have some words for my works:

"Why Not?": when I asked people their opinion, they were not sure which gender the two figures are; my favorite answer was, "Does it matter?" No, it does not. What matters is people think you are dancing, or entwined, or making love and definitely in love, and they are right, right, right. I have a feeling there will be more editions of paintings in this vein, but you were my first and inspired by my friends, and I love you. Why not?

"Lovers": Wow. I can't believe I let you go to live in someone else's home. Justin and I loved your colors, your flowers, your ethereal spirits blooming out of the flower pistils and entwined in the air. We'll miss you. But I think there are more in your family too--more of that style of painting calling itself to life, asking to be borne of my brush. You will never be alone.

"Middle Management": You are the saddest yet most hopeful one, which makes me sort of glad you live somewhere else now. That man, who was first just a figure so crouched in his pose he clearly needed something to contain him, became a symbol of Willy Lohman in The Death of a Salesman (the death of the English teacher in Olaina still clearly a ways off, don't you think?). It is a man full of potential, ready to burst out of his cub(icle) and really Be. There is light out there, but only a little comes inside the box. Where do you think he will go? I leave it to you to decide. Where will you go?

And to all the card lovers--may your joy and the recipients' joy be matched and full of love and blessings and beauty. A little bit of love from my heart to each of you is given with those cards--pass it on. Pay it forward. :)

I can't wait to see more art enthusiasts on Dec. 8 at The Espresso Garden for Expressions in the Garden. The date has been changed due to a conflict in event scheduling, but it will still be glorious as the artists and singers share their love and talent with all who come through the Garden gates.

More shows soon!

Give a little....

2006-11-05T22:25:00.000-08:00

Need a special personalized gift for the love of your life or just because of your love of life?

I can take photos of your pets, your family, your friends, your favorite.... pretty much anything, anywhere. I can also paint something for you, or write something for you, or both.

Plus there's all the art & photography I have already created that might fit into your living room a little bit better than it is (ALL) fitting into my studio/living room. You can see that by appointment, or at The Center on Sat., Nov. 11, 2-7 p.m., or The Espresso Garden on Sat., Dec. 9, 6-9 p.m.

Please e-mail me at olaina@olaina.com if you have any questions.

Thank you and happy holidays!

With love and peace,
Olaina

Expresssions at the Garden!

2006-10-30T23:25:00.000-08:00

This party is really going to be the coolest birthday party I've ever had (by coincidence--it's not really just for my birthday) because it's going to be at a garden coffee shop and there will be live music and I will be showing my ART AND PHOTOS and I'm alive for it! :)

I'm going to be 32. But that's not what really matters.

What really matters is that Jareb and David and Fiona are going to be singing and that Jeremy and Darren and Monica are going to be serving lots and lots of guests and that I am going to be showing my art and photos--which means it really is the rebirth of my life. You know--since last year I kept the whole birthday thing on the down low, a little bit.

Details soon--but keep Dec. 9, Saturday, 6-9 p.m. open on your calendars. It's a very important day. It's my BIRTHday. :)

And the first inaugural Expressions in the Garden!

just a sample

2006-10-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

While these are not necessarily the titles of the work, these images are just a small sample of the photography you will see at the Nov. 11 show at The Center:

San Diego Lights from the Balboa Bridge with Amanda

Cabrillo National Monument Park--The Water Comes In

Cabrillo National Monument Park: The World is Old Already

The images are supposed to have watermarks on them, but apparently it's a really good thing I have a webgodess instead of trying to do my webpage myself... it's coming soon! I know you can't wait to see olaina.com in all its glory!

:)

Would like to see my paintings and photographs?

2006-10-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

I'd love to share it with you! Join me at the Artists Open Studio at The Center, which will present over 60 local artists and live music (including my friend Jareb!) Be there! Nov. 11, 2-7 p.m. plus free workshops in tai chi, yoga, and artists way!

3909 Centre St., Hillcrest--San Diego :)

Note to Self

2006-10-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Five hours of taking photos at an event equals about 30 hours of time spent total on preparing the images. Don't be shy! Set realistic expectations! And yes, these hats and gloves just happened to be sitting on the table with the mirror reflection exactly the way you see them here, so of course I shot a photo of them. It's a little fine art photography mixed in with photo journalism. I think it's a very nice combination of talents.

Show at Balboa Park merges into Poway display

2006-09-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Spanish Village show is open for a special night event tonight--After Dark. So if you haven't seen it yet, PhotoArts Group is hanging in Gallery 21 and still includes six photos of India I took two years ago. The whole Village is open, so you can see jewelry and stuff too. It's from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and I plan to be there. Some of the time, most of the time, for as long as I want. :)

And then, tomorrow, we're hanging our show in the Poway Center for the Performing Arts at 15498 Espola Road (92064 if you want to Mapquest it). That show, "Multiple Universes: Beyond Definitions," runs from Saturday, Sept. 30 to Monday, Oct. 30 showcasing the digital and photographic art of 59 artists. We will have an opening reception on Sunday, Oct. 8 from 2-5 p.m. There will be a different photograph of India there--Hot and Fast, it's called. And since it's not at the Balboa Park show it will be easy for me to hang in both places at once. Genius!

If you're a loyal fan, these photos were all hanging at Heights Cafe from mid-July to August, so you don't have to drive all the way to Poway to see one photo you've already seen.

And I promise next time my photos will involve other countries or subjects--India gets old.

Well, India is old.

But I have new photos to share with you and I look forward to the opportunity.

Thank you for coming to my blog and/or my shows!

When I Grow Up

2006-09-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

I want to be free

or a butterfly

or a grain of sand

or water

The School Shooting Dream

2006-09-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

It's one I've had frequently since Columbine. During Columbine I was still doing my credential work and working as an aide in an RSP class in a continuation school (special ed class--kids who had learning disabilities so they read between a grade 2 to, oh, 10ish level but also had their own babies and were pregnant again, or were bouncing between juvenile hall and their "regular" school because they could still wield knives and guns and spray paint cans like nobody's business. They weren't supposed to spend any time with their gangs as part of their probabtion, but where would they have slept? Their dads, their uncles, their brothers, their sisters all jumped in. They had to go home. How could they get out. The only ones I know who ever got out either became famous or dead. Mostly dead.).

The day after Columbine we had a fire drill.

You would think they'd have rescheduled.

At that continuation school we even had a kid, one of my favorites, whom when I discovered he liked Edgar Allan Poe because there was a story in a textbook he had to read, I went and found a collection of Poe's stories at a used bookstore and he read every single one of them, wouldn't do anything else, and who were we to stop a kid like that from reading? A kid who wore a trench coat (especially after Columbine--just to throw us off) and cut into his arm in patterns, right there at his desk with his pencil while I asked him please not to do that. A kid who gave the book back to me on my last day there, because I leant it to him. I can't remember if I tried to get him to keep it, or if I took it back because I hoped I'd find another kid like him. I never liked Poe much. And then of course we had kids from rival gangs in the class, and there was that one day in the quad, where they stood facing each other and staring each other down and I noticed because it got silent and all the heads turned to see the action.

But all I saw was two little boys staring at each other with fear and anger and loneliness and pain in their eyes.

So I walked up to them because I loved them like little brothers and didn't think of anything else but wanting to save them from themselves and getting into more trouble--me, 5"almost5', probably 105 then, and said, "Hey guys, what's up?"

They looked at me and a light went on in their eyes and they walked away from each other while the volume in the quad went back up to lunchtime level.

Back in class everyone just did their work.

But ever since that Columbine Day, there's been the school shooting dream. I know I'm not the only teacher who has it. But I had it again last night. And for the first time, I was a high school student instead of the teacher.

In the old dream I had to protect all the kids. In the real life--awake--I always had a route out of our classroom and school planned. The school plan, the one we practiced, was incredibly inefficient and if there were really something happening, something serious, we'd probably all die in the funnel of the ramp to the parking lot. In my plan, we do a little jumping up a fence, a little climbing down the bushes--the way the kids always went when they were ditching and didn't know I could see them from my desk through the shaded windows that didn't really cool our classroom from the greenhouse effect at all. Sometimes: 90 degrees, 40 kids, after lunch, Anna Karenina and next door laughter, funny jokes being shouted and a publication being created.

Is it clearer now, why I'm taking a year off?

After Columbine, I always took my cell phone to the library with the kids. I should have brought my purse and my car keys because we wouldn't have access to those for maybe weeks or months if the school became a crime scene, but it was more likely I'd "lose" them while I helped some other kids find books or truly useful information online.

After Columbine, there was a plan for everything the adminstration could think of--we had packets and gloves and cards of different colors to indicate the level of help needed in our rooms--all OK, injured, dead. We had directions to use our trashcans for the toilet, to get under our desks, to get into a safe place in a room with 1/4 walls that were glass windows ceiling to floor, to lock doors that only locked from the outside in some rooms.

It was all very organized.

But in this Columbine dream (I know I had it because of Canada's shooting yesterday--they do this in college now, these poor sick kids are getting older, but now I remember it started in offices--we're all infected) I was a high school student. I didn't have to protect my flock. But I also didn't have anyone really doing a very good job protecting me.

It was a really weird combination of things, the way dreams are; my elementary and junior high school for the setting combined with some of the back of the last high school I taught in, and the last principal I worked for talking through a megaphone and what looked like the lunch lines saying something about team work and everything being OK if we get into the right line, and there were these two gangs with their spray graffitti that was brown. Why brown? And they even tagged in sky writing. I could see the planes, and all the kids looking up. The sky was their territory too. Brown (I now realize) like the tags behind my apartment building. Brown? Interesting choice. Maybe it was on sale? But there was an event that day, something like prom--we were all very dressed up--but I was with all my high school friends, in the band like we were, and we were shepherded into the music rooms and made to warm up but at the risk still of being shot and I turned my head and saw Mr. Hallback, my real band director and truest mentor in high school and for a while afterward who I can't find now that I'm married--he was invited but declined, though I used to have lunch with occassionally.

And then I woke up and had to shake the Columbine Dream feeling. But at least I don't have to go to school today and be vigilant. Today I get to read to little kids at story hour and their own moms and nannies will be there to take care of them. I won't have to keep counting heads, like I did when I took 70ish teenagers for four or five days to cities like Chicago, Seattle, Kansas City, Washington DC (where we were evacuated from the White House because a plane invaded its sky-territory (maybe they should tag it so it's more clear to beginning pilots--oops!)) but we met Dick Cheney because he fishes with one of the yearbook kid's dad... I have his signature on the Cedar Fire edition of our newspaper, but it's still in the manilla envelope the White House staffer sent it in.

Does anyone ever need to ask ever again why I need a year off from teaching?

My God, it's a miracle anyone survives high school the first four years they have to do it. To go back is an act of love and mercy and devotion to the dream that one person (in tandem with a bunch of others with the same dream), the dream that one person can make a difference in peoples' lives, can make the world a better place.

And no, the hours aren't great and we don't have summers off. I worked 60 to 80 hours per week--an hour before they arrived preparing the room, the props, the papers, and countless hours afterward reading and grading (a sin) their writing, not to mention all the journalism stuff which is a full time job itself, but one of the best jobs I'll ever have had. And in summers there are workshops and planning and meetings. So we get to sleep in and have coffee in coffee shops. For 180 days a year we can't even pee until the bell rings (two hour classes) and even then it's only if we're quick and lucky enough to talk to the kid who needs talking to, wait in the line for the two bathrooms for two buildings, and maybe eat at least part of the snack we brought, since breakfast was at 6 a.m.

If I get to keep in touch with some of those kids for the rest of my life it will be a life well lived.

More art fun at the Espresso Garden!

2006-09-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

They're part of the University Heights Arts Open! There will be two other artists there, and little ol' Olaina. Come see come see! Sept. 16 & 17 noon to 6 p.m.--and on Saturday, after the Arts Open, come back to the Garden to relax and enjoy a warm drink and some live music.

More info on the University Heights Arts Open: http://uharts.org/

Come see The Spanish Village Show

2006-09-12T17:18:00.001-07:00

This exhibit is part of the Photo Arts Group, which means my photos will be hanging with a bunch of other really talented and brilliant photographers, so you should come to see it!

Here's the info if you haven't gotten a paper postcard:

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I look forward to seeing you there!

Come see The Spanish Village Show

2006-09-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

The Building a Photography Portfolio Class is Over

2006-09-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

So now I can build my real photography portfolio. Eventually, what I would like to have is a portfolio for weddings and one for portraits so that I can be a commercial photographer. I am going to build those at my own pace and in my own style while I continue to convalesce. But for tonight, I made a portfolio called "Hate Free Zone," which was important in its own rite. Here is the text that went with it:

Artist Biography

Where are you from?

People ask me that because of my name. Olaina: creative parents in the 1970s. Maiden Name Gupta: I am ¾ Indian from India. Anderson: with an O. I was born in Toronto, Canada, to Indian immigrant parents who were chasing the “American Dream.” We moved to the States when I was in first grade and I grew up doing my best to be perfect. (I do not know why. It just seemed important for 30 years.) I am a wife with trophies for grades, writing, journalism, teaching, advising an award-winning high school newspaper and leading numerous volunteer organizations. And now, at 31, I am finished with being a human doing and trying to be a human being. I have finally given myself permission to explore painting and photography as activities important in my life and hopefully one day my livelihood. In these two forms of art I have managed to literally find light in the darkness.

What have you done?

So much for just being.

This July and August, I had the privilege of hanging my first photography show at Heights Café. “This is India.” captured my first and only visit to one of my answers to “where are you from.” It was an astonishing three-week experience in the summer of 2004. I went with my mother, father, brother, and husband. My dad is the only one who had visited there since my parents left just days after their wedding in 1968. We relied on him to translate with his now-broken Hindi as we swept through hotels and relatives’ homes in Bombay, Calcutta, New Delhi and Bangalore, finally settling in Goa during the off season to “rest.” “This is India” is a phrase we often heard from the natives when we had questions or comments about anything. It was spoken with the lilt of a rhetorical question, the flatness of a statement, the annoyance of someone stating the obvious, and the teasing voice of a cousin who knows the Western-way and understands the reason we asked. This is India: The traffic flows through intersections like sand through an hour glass, the monsoon downpours begin and end without warning, my husband got an electrical shock when he touched the shower knob of a hotel, the toilets even in middleclass apartments are flushed by buckets the user fills with water from a spigot in the wall, and if Heights Café were in India there would be families living under blue tarp tents on the sidewalk. In fact, it wouldn’t be too surprising if overnight someone built a concrete building (or one made of cow dung bricks) on the corner and just started living and working there. This is India.

Some of the photographs from that show will be on display with the Photo Arts Group in “Deja-View,” from Sept. 16 to 29, in Gallery 21 at the Spanish Village in Balboa Park and in “Multiple Universes Beyond Definitions” at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, October 1 to 28.

I also have an ongoing show of acrylic paintings of flowers on wood called “Blossoming” at The Espresso Garden, which is located at 4121 Park Blvd. in Hillcrest.

Artist Statement about “Hate Free Zone”

This portfolio begins with a black and white portrayal of the sadly controversial LGBTQ community. Here, color does not matter, but two dads love their adopted baby boy, and two women have been committed to each other for 25 years but only legally married in Canada for one year.
Next, there is the story of Evans Scott Cartwright’s baptism into the love of Jesus Christ, which knows no boundaries. None. Love one another. It’s that simple.
The third chapter is about my high school journalism staff. When I had to leave teaching for medical reasons, I signed our traditional senior gift with the words, “Know Greater Love.” High school can be such a tumultuous time; I know many of us are glad we only had to live through those years once in our lifetime. But the school newspaper students know great love—of words, of truth, of friends, of teachers, of self, and I was privileged to be a part of those four years of their lives. Those photos are of journalism conventions in Chicago and Seattle—they loved the color of the leaves, the chill in the air that gave them an excuse to walk arm in arm, the musical activities of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and of course the good old fashioned fun of a photo booth; so much fun that they fell asleep on the bus. A moment of peace.
Then there’s Mandi and Eric Tremaine’s wedding. The “girls” show their love for the bride by doting on her all day long, letting her tell them what color to wear and how to do their hair; the “boys” play pool to relax before the big moment, but even Eric, typically a big tough Marine, had tears of joy in his eyes on that day that was dedicated to love. Mandi glowed while she watched her husband and his mother dance, and then her father came and asked her to dance—the love of family grew into a bigger circle.
Jennifer and Tony Zimmerman love their California friends so much that they came all the way back from North Carolina, where he is now stationed in the Navy, to baptize their son Cal. Lori Killpatrick (now Smith) did not let her father see her in her wedding dress until she was completely ready to walk down the aisle with him and be given to her fiancé. The little girls loved every moment of their part as princesses, and her father let his love for his daughter pour forth in this final moment as daddy’s little girl.
In the world I want to live in, love shines brightly and wins over the darkness of pain and war, hunger and hatred, fear and all of the –isms. But for now, I see the glimmer of hope for the world in all of these people who love one another.

And here are some of the photos in the sidebar ------>

A Happy Home

2006-09-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

Once, when I was talking to Jason, Jeremy's brother, and teasing Jeremy as he walked by, Jason said, "You sound like you're related." (They have a really big family, and I've met a lot of them at the Garden.)

But that's how it is there: the co-owners of The Espresso Garden make people feel at home.

And someone stepped in today and said it was an oasis from the street, "Even the fence, and the fountain and the slope all leading away" from that chaos out there--it's our little paradise.

Today someone took one of the flower paintings home. She seemed like a nice lady, and she really wanted it to give life to her Vegas home--she says Vegas sucks the life out of everything. It was hard to say goodbye, but I gave it a hug and knew it had found a good home.

Sometimes it's hard to let go, even when you know it's the right thing to do.

A Haven for Artists

2006-09-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

Today I got to wake up when the was shining (actually I think there was honking or sirens), I got ready as I felt like it,and then I went to The Espresso Garden and hung out with Jeremy (The Espresso Garden co-owner) and Grace Ann (painting a beautiful mural of a Tuscan scene on the Garden wall) while I painted flowers.

Today was an easy day to be happy.

Jeremy says I have a lot of energy. It's Garden energy. I can be happy there, with no one judging me well or poor, a sweet girl painting and showing me how to achieve more depth in my own paintings, and nothing to do but say hello to people who come into the shop to relax.

Plus tomorrow I get to read to little kids there for story hour. (Thurs. 10:30)

The Espresso Garden is a haven for artists. Someone who isn't one said we were inspirational today.

Grand Opening of The Espresso Garden!

2006-08-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

The Espresso Garden invites you to celebrate life, laughter & love & their Grand Opening at the free Summer Sunday Bash Sept. 3, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 4121 Park Blvd.
All Day:
Pets Welcome
Free Food (while supplies last)
School Supply & Book Sale
Art shows—meet the artists!
Evening:
Karaoke
DJ (mellow mix)
Background Movies

my domain

2006-08-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

Olaina.com

It's on its way to being built; in the meantime information about my art is available here.

Business cards!

2006-08-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

I just ordered business cards, and they don't say teacher or Journalism Adviser--though I suppose I should use the CJE (Certificated Journalism Adviser), since I did put in the time and take the test to get that fancy designation from the Journalism Education Association.

But they're so pretty just as they are.... I'm going to try to post them but Blogger so far has failed at it 3 times at least.... so here's the neat part... hopefully.... yes!... just imagine the text.... it's in the white space (duh!). :)

home made ice cream!

2006-08-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that at Heights Cafe they have the best homemade ice cream in San Diego? Pete makes it--I had chocolate with Oreos in it today. And while I was there, I got to see these photos of India that are on display through the end of the month.... come on, you know you want to see them.... just go on down Park Blvd.! :)

Two shows!

2006-08-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

One Olaina. :)

Can you believe it? I used to have to do a show every 15 minutes--it was called teaching tenth grade honors English, and the act was two hours long. And then there was the phone act, "Yes, Mrs. So and So, Johnny is a very special student, but I do need him to turn some work in so I can be able to assess his abilities...." And the grading act (usually held at a coffee shop until they closed--which meant we'd drive from the suburbs where everything closes at 9 p.m. to Hillcrest where we would work til 11 or 12 or 1 a.m.): "Oy vey! This is crap! Justin, listen to this... " , try reading the sentence again, write a note to the student explaining what would help to improve the paper, mark the grade, record the grade, go on to the next of 200 3-5 page essays.

And now I have a photo show and an art show.

For the rest of August, you can see "This is India." photos hanging in Heights Cafe on Park Blvd. at Adams Ave--just past the neon University Heights sign. Some of the photos will be exhibited later in Poway at the Performing Arts Center and at the Spanish Village in Balboa Park. I'll keep you posted on that!

And on your way back from eating yummy soup and salad while you're there, you can see "Blossoming..." It is a permanent exhibit of acrylic paintings on wood hanging in the most adorable and relaxing outdoor coffee shop known to man. The paintings are at The Espresso Garden, which is a new business run by Jeremy and Darren, the nicest coffee guys you'll ever meet. I know I'm writing in .... what's that word for extremes? .... but it's really true. They are very kind and sincere, their coffee is super yummy, there is a fountain in the middle of the garden, and puppies are welcome. Plus they have free wireless internet and a bench swing. What more could you want from a coffee shop? It's at 4121 Park Blvd., right by Frock You at Polk Blvd. just down the block from Henry's Marketplace. I hope to see you there! (They even let me water the plants. It's very therapuetic and is like having borrow babies--I play, and then I give them back to their real owners and I am fulfilled.)