Have you met Jess? If you have, you have been blessed. She is a gem. Jess walked into my life at about the same time that Charlie did and I have loved every moment I have spent with her since. Jess also has a green heart. She works at The Sustainability Institute in Stellenbosch in South Africa (the PERFECT job for her) and she brought me with her to photograph one of the events on the site. It was the kickoff for a new program called Changes Youth - Sustainability Institute aftercare.
Words from the Institute:
2 ½ years ago saw the beginning, with 18 boys, of the Changes youth group. Only 5 of those had present fathers, 3 being alcoholics. After visiting the local Stellenbosch prison, the boys chose the youth club name - from the famous Tupak song - and to symbolize the changes they would like make in their own lives.
12th April saw the beginning of Changes 4.0 - i.e. 83 mainly farm worker children between the ages of 6 and 16 arriving after school for lunch.Great vegetarian Farm to Fork food, grown by Eric, our organic farmer, or here in the Lynedoch gardens. (Not one child has asked where the meat is, and some have gone for seconds and thirds!) Then on to homework, karate, drama, soccer, gardening, drumming, games and remedial work if necessary.
This is purely voluntary - and there were bitter complaints yesterday when the bus arrived too early to take some children home. They wanted to stay later. There are more children arriving each day to ask to join - the Institute is bursting. Everywhere we look there is a child, just the way it should be.
The end of the day meant cake! The kids loved it and there were smiles all around. If you are interested in making a donation feel free to contact me Sara@SaraAtkinsPhotography.com and I can get contact information for you. We have thought of a few activities that would be great to fund, maybe a beach day for the kids. Many of them have never seen the ocean despite being just about half an hour away from it! Something like this would not cost much and would be wonderful for the kids. No pressure, just something to think about.
I still blush when people compliment my work. I put so much of myself into every image, it is as if each finished photograph is a little piece of my heart. When someone connects with my images in the same way that I do, it makes all of my effort worth it. I love my work and I am amazed that I have been able to make a career out of something that provides me with so much joy. I get to tell stories with my images. I get to show people how beautiful they are.
I am blessed, I know that I am and I am so thankful. I have an amazing life, a wonderful husband and a supportive and loving family. My life as I know it now is filled with love, adventure and opportunity. I am so eager to continue my work that I jump out of bed each morning excited to start my day. So Life, thank you.
Because I am so fortunate, I feel like I have an obligation to give back. While donating to charity is probably greatly appreciated, and going out and picking up garbage or handing out food is a great way to donate ones time, what I really wanted to do is use my photography in a way that can help. If I can put as much passion into my volunteer work as I put into work for my clients I figure I can do a lot more good.
I have always been a lover of furry critters. I have been bringing home stray and injured animals for as long as I can remember. My poor parents have become accustomed to my arriving at their house with a menagerie of animals of all sizes and shapes. I do not discriminate. But, as I have become an adult I have realized that my apartment is just not big enough to bring EVERY animal home with me. What I can do though is to help find other homes that do have space for these critters. And, I think have done that. If you are reading this, chances are you have seen at least one of the blog post's that I have published on the pups from Oakland Animal Services. Well, that last pup has been adopted and not only that, but the director of the shelter took the opportunity to do a write up on little widget...and me. The write up describes the importance of photography in getting their animals adopted. I wanted to help and, I as it turns out... I have.
You can read the article here: http://oaklandanimalservices.org/2010/02/a-photograph-can-change-an-animals-life/
Now, suppose everyone used their passion in a way that gave back to the world around them. How much better would the world be? How do you give back?
That's awesome Sara. It's great you are making a difference. My small way of giving back is cleaning all the bugs out of peoples computers. Small, but 1 less spam message in everyone's inbox is a good thing. :)
(02.05.10)Scott, we can all use a few less pieces of spam. Yes, that does indeed make the world a better, more productive place!
Carol, Thank you.
(02.05.10)
Widget is about 9 months old and is some sort of a chow chow mix. 
Widget is a 9 month old Chow Chow mix of some sort. Super-cute and lovable, and a bit of a ham as you can tell from these shots!
And now, the answer to yesterdays owl hunt. No one won the free photo session for finding the owl, maybe next time!
I was close. Or I should see J was close.
(02.04.10)
You might remember a few weeks back when I wrote about our friend Remy. Well, Remy is doing great. He has had his surgery and is currently going through rehab. And the best news of all: He has a family! When Remy is 100% better he will be flying out to New York to be with his new family.
And this our next little sweet heart that is looking for a family. This is Virginia. She is 2-3 years old and is in serious need of a loving family. She arrived at the shelter as a stray on July 30th and has quickly become a volunteer favorite, she has a pretty devoted following. She has so much love to give and while the volunteers at the Oakland Animal Services are great, she needs a forever home. Virginia has been well behaved with all people and kids at the shelter. She is super sweet and affectionate. She understands basic commands, like sit and down. As you can see from this photograph, she is very aware of her surroundings. She may not do so well in a home with with cats, small dogs or other small animals. But, she will probably never get tired of playing with a ball or running on the beach. So, if you are in need of a devoted companion please give little Virginia a thought. And if not, please spread the word!
She looks so pretty! Your photos are just amazing -- all the volunteers love her new pictures!
(11.30.09)What a fun day at the park. I hope this little treasure finds a home soon.
(11.30.09)I am so glad Emily! Hopefully her new photographs will land her in the arms of a loving family!
(11.30.09)Me too Shelly... don't you have room for a pup in your condo? I am sure you do!
(11.30.09)This is the first dog I've ever seen that actually smiles! I'd take her home with me...if you can ship her to Hawaii! Amazing pictures, Sara! You've got a very special gift..
(01.10.10)