<>

etc-

we are not model minorities {cal poly pomona}

A while back, I was asked to be the photographer for this AMAZINGLY COOL project for Cal Poly Pomona. I was more than honored to be a part of this... These photos are to be used as part of an upcoming campaign for the Asian American/Pacific Islander Center, where they seek to spread the word about breaking through the "model minority myth." (To learn about the Model Minority Myth, here is a great resource.)

This campaign is being used to try and BREAK the SILENCE about the stereotypes...trying to encourage people to stand up, break free and USE THEIR VOICE!  Encouraging people to express their individuality instead of contributing to the myths that continue to plague our society.

The models used for this shoot were all student volunteers. It was amazing to work with such an energetic group. I lost count of how many participants there actually were, since there would be a handful of students at a time before some rushed off for their next class and a handful of others appeared. I am totally grateful to EACH and EVERY ONE of them for taking the time to participate in such a wonderful event. (And extra thanks to SHARON for organizing the whole thing... and hiring me in the first place!) We shot mainly on the campus of Cal Poly Pomona, and then a handful of us headed to the downtown Pomona area to finish up for the day. (And a special THANKS to Sofie for letting me hitch a ride!)

The campaign will take place on campus early next year, followed by a gallery display in April... where MY images will be on display, along with work from a wonderful artist (Grace Alba). (FULL details to come later on THAT part of things.)

In any event, here are my favorite images from the day:

03

02

01

04

05

06

07

Hula-ing for the Greater Good

 couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a very important event:  The American Cancer Society Relay for Life.  This was a 24-hour walk-a-thon, where participating teams were raising much-needed funds to fight cancer and raise awareness of cancer prevention and treatment. The people of Leilua Hula not only put together a team to walk the course, but also participated by providing some wonderful entertainment for the event.  

Last minute practices:
001
Their booth:
002
Christine of Sunshine Sweets donated some of her wonderful cupcakes for the cause (fittingly frosted in purple):
003
004
And now... on with the show:
005
006
007
008
009
010
And some parting shots:

011
012
013
014
,

way to go!!!

,

On Sunday I attended one of my best friend's graduation from California State University of Fullerton, where she had received her B.A. in Criminal Justice. It had been a long journey for her, having to work full-time and often take only one class at a time. But her determination got her through all the tough times, and she accomplished what she set out to do. I couldn't be more proud of her. 

Of course, though I was a guest of the graduation ceremony, there was no way I would attend without bringing along my camera, as well. Though I haven't quite finished editing all the photos of the day (and more will most likely be posted later), here are my favorites so far: 

001
002
004
005
006
007
008
Way to go!!!!!
009
,

Play BALL!

,

Today was the 3rd annual softball game held by a bunch of friends of mine. I was a willing participant, though my body protested. It was a LOT of fun, however (and I have the pictures to prove it). And my team won, too, which made it all the better...   

Of course I had my camera out whenever possible. Here are some favorite shots of the day: 

Our team photo (I'm on the far right, back row): 
005

016

The opposing team:
012

015

014

018

023

Our ump/base coach getting a little TOO much into the game... 
028

Proof that I actually DID play today (and even scored a couple points, thank you very much!)
033

Notice one of the infielders duck as Tony hits the ball...
022

038

045

046

053

052

055

056

061

062

Party Time... Leilua Hula Style!

Leilua Hula hosts birthday parties, and they are a LOT of fun! A couple of weeks ago I got to witness an event firsthand, and it took a lot of willpower for me to NOT join in the dancing... 

The party started with the kids putting together their own leis. 
001
002
003
Next, came the dancing! The kids all lined up... Lorna gave the instructions that went something like this: "When I say 'pineapple,' move your hips to the left. When I say 'hula,' move them to the right. Pineapple, hula, pineapple, hula, pineapple, hula!!!
004
005
After they worked up an appetite, out came the pizza and cake. 
007
As the guests ate their cake, the students of Leilua Hula put on a show for them. 
006
008
009
010
After the wonderful entertainment, it was time for some games. 
011
012
013
Mahalo!!!
014

Leilua Hula

I recently took up hula dancing. Yes, hula dancing! It's always been something I've admired and have been interested in learning how to do. So when some friends invited me to join them for a night at the studio they go to, I couldn't pass it up.

The studio is called Leilua Hula, and is located in Rancho Santa Margarita. Being only about 10 minutes away from where we live, both my husband (Tony) and I went to check it out. We jumped right in the first night, not knowing what to expect. But hey, it's not a spectator sport, right? The class we attended that night was a "hularobics" class. And let me tell you, it can be quite a workout. Well, from that first night, both Tony and I were hooked.

I brought my camera to class one night, and got some photos of the guys' class that follows my own. Here are the boys in action (Tony is there in the white tank top):

01 

03 

02 

04 

05 

06 

07 

10 

11 

A few of the girls were practicing their moves on the sidelines:

08 

09 

12 

And here are a few shots of the studio itself:

15 

14 

13 

While there, I was also able to get some quick shots of Lorna's adorable granddaughter:

B-01 

B-03 

B-02