You guys, I am exhausted.Every time I get on the internet, there are more things happening in this world that are making me want to set my hair on fire and run screaming into the street. But instead, I take a deep breath, I take a long sip of coffee, and I pick up my phone and call all of my political representatives.So I thought something pretty might be a nice break. This orchid up there was gifted to us by our friends Spike and Kathy when our dear, beloved Memphis died in 2012. Jamie has made it his mission to keep it alive and man, he is doing a bang-up job! I can't keep a SUCCULENT alive for a year (you know, those plants that need NOTHING) and his orchid is going on five years!Now. Back to business. For your internet share of the day:+ I found this podcast that I'm loving called Pod Save America. It's done by a group of guys who worked in the White House (many under Obama) including Jon Favreau, who served as Barack Obama’s head speechwriter from 2005–2013 (!!!). It's pretty enlightening. It would make me happier if women or people of color were in the group of talking heads, but beggars can't be choosers.+ On a lighter note, here is a kitchen remodel that I love.

Man, what a weekend.I shot two concerts, but they were loooong shows (nine bands total), and that guy up there didn't hit the stage until after midnight on Friday. Talk about making a girl feel old!So my weekend was full of smiles, singing, dancing, seeing old friends, and NAPS. But besides a return to my former life, I also had fun just goofing off with the family during the day.And then? Then there was our president. My word... that guy. He just can't stop pissing me off!For your internet shares of the day:+ Here are more photos from the P.O.S. show on Friday.+ Here are my photos from The Current's birthday party on Saturday night.+ Here is information on a march happening on Tuesday afternoon regarding the treatment of muslims and immigrants in our nation. You know, the nation made up of immigrants. Well, not all immigrants. There are those whose people truly born of this land. You know, the ones who our government is trying to screw over with that pipeline.+ And if you live in or outside of Minnesota, you can order these signs. They are the best deal if you can order 20 of them -- so maybe get a group of friends to pitch in? Or sell them around your neighborhoods? They are totally water / weather resistant and can be taken down to carry at your local marches. If you are so inclined. Proceeds go to the ACLU!

\

I shot this image a few weeks back while working on head shots at a local business. I had to capture this woman's waves because, wow, is that a great hair day or WHAT? And such lovely color.But I'm also posting this image today because it reflects the mood of this week, which is a bit sad and defeated. I was supposed to meet up with a friend this week, and she texted and said she just didn't have the energy. And neither did I. Just daily news consumption is taking so much stamina right now.But this weekend I'm shooting some of my favorite musicians, and I think it will be the punch in the gut that I need. I just hope I can stay up late enough! Ha!I don't have a ton of internet shares today because I'm busy in the studio all day photographing clients. But here's one I loved:+ How the world looks to those who are colorblind.

Just another fun shot I captured while at the lake with Magda yesterday. You want to know what's hard? Taking a shot like this with a vizsla tied to one of my arms holding my camera. Let's just say that when a pack like this is approaching, she's not exactly sitting still.My internet shares of the day are getting so, so depressing you guys. But I do think they are extremely important.+ Like this. Steve Bannon scares the shit out of me. But make sure you read to the very end.+ And to oppose that evil troll, let's take a moment to go wedding dress shopping with this writer. Which one is your favorite? I love the mermaid one. 

Yesterday was so rough. I'm still in a bit of shock about it.So I tried to make a true effort to give myself time away from the news today. While I never want to be uninformed, it's getting to the point where keeping up on current events could easily begin to affect my well being (if it hasn't already).Keeping this in mind, I began my work day away from the computer. I needed to organize and clean the studio in a serious way, and just listening to my murder podcast and organizing my gear gave me peace of mind. Then I sat down behind my computer, checked email, and completed a huge project before logging into any news sites, facebook or twitter. That worked well because I then could use my lunch break to call all the politcal representatives about the bullshit that is happening out there. Deep breaths.I then dove back into work, phoned some relatives, and opted for a long walk at the lake with Magda (which is the photo above).While I'm still raging angry about things like refugee immigration, wall building and proposals against protestors on top of all the environmental attacks we had yesterday, I think I'm doing a little better at compartmentalizing it. I highly suggest setting aside time for the internet and news gathering -- and maybe not making it the first thing in the morning. It made this day much better for me.How are you guys out there coping? Any strategies you'd like to share?Ok, internet shares of the day!+ I'll start with something fun before we move into the mess that is our government. I want to try this recipe and it only requires five ingredients and looks wonderful.+ How about these handy photos NASA put up showing how the earth is changing? Depressing, but one more source proving that global warming is real.+ Do you want to feel like you are making a difference from your couch/car/break room? Here are five calls you can make. For those of you living in red states, I know you are in the minority and these calls are hard, but you have the power to take people out of office. Make them afraid. For people in blue states? Keep on keeping on -- your calls are easy. The aides I talk to practically cheer me on.+ Speaking of calls, this little bill is appearing in Minnesota and it makes me angry. You can find out who you can call here.