Fairhaven – Jolene's Life in Focus

Let There Be Light!

May 2, 2011Posted in BellinghamTagged Bellingham Marina, Bellingham Washington, blogging, Dirty Dan Days, Fairhaven, life, musician, performer, photography, red ribbons, tulips11 Comments

Well, what do you know? The sun does come out in the Pacific Northwest! It decided to emerge for an entire weekend. This was nice, considering it was Dirty Dan Days in Fairhaven, where I got several shots of some performers this afternoon and enjoyed the Chuckanut Chowder Cook-off. After leaving Fairhaven, I took a walk by the marina for some additional photos – since I generally don’t have time during the week anymore.

For a while I was trying to do a photo a day. However, this just isn’t realistic for me these days. I’m liking the idea of a post a week – maybe an extra one if I have time. But, I’m not going to stress out over it. Having a photo blog should be fun, not a burden after all.

The Grinch!

December 17, 2010December 17, 2010Posted in BellinghamTagged Bellingham Washington, Christmas, Fairhaven, Jolene's Life in Focus, Nikon, Nikon Coolpix 100, photography, The Grinch4 Comments

I thought this picture was lost for good after my old laptop crashed. But, there it was tonight in my “Best of Nikon” folder! Apparently I’d transferred it over to my new laptop at some point and forgot about it.

I captured the Grinch last Christmas when I was out taking pictures with my Nikon. New to photography, I was taking pictures of literally everything. So, as I wandered through Fairhaven I thought I’d take an artistic shot of these stairs. As I was framing the shot, the Grinch just walked right into it. I didn’t plan it….he just walked into it! I love little surprises and those unplanned moments.

What’s in a Name?

November 10, 2010Posted in BellinghamTagged Fair Trade Haven, Fairhaven, Jolene Hanson Photography, Jolene's Life in Focus, leaves, photo of the day, photography, Vine, What's in a Name?4 Comments

Sometimes I find colors or textures I like, and those things make a good picture, but I don’t necessarily know what to name that picture. Naming also becomes complicated when considering the large number of leaf and vine pictures that I’ve accumulated.

So, what’s in a name? And what would be a good one for this picture?

Camera: Canon 40d
Location: Vacant Fair Trade Haven in Fairhaven; Bellingham, Washington.

A Piece of Dirty Dan

November 3, 2010Posted in BellinghamTagged Autumn, Autumn leaves, Bellingham Washington, Dirty Dan, Dirty Dan Statue, Droid, Fairhaven, Fall, fall leaves, Motorola Droid, photo of the day, photography, Pic of the Day, Picsay Pro, Village Green2 Comments

Yesterday afternoon ended with a London Fog from Tony’s Coffee (always done to perfection) and a stroll through the Village Green in Fairhaven where I stopped to read my new book, The House of God by Samuel Shem. Chapter I of this book made me wonder if medicine is a good field to go into. The jury is still out on both the book and on medicine.

As I left the Green, I noticed the accumulation of autumn leaves around the Dirty Dan statue. Photographing it is way overdone, so I tried to look for a new perspective on it, and decided upon this. Sometimes, the smallest fraction of an object is more interesting than the whole.

Camera: Motorola Droid, 5 mega pixels.
Apps: PicSay Pro; I increased the saturation and played with a new feature called Faux HDR and Instant Film.

Blowing in the Wind

October 22, 2010Posted in BellinghamTagged Autumn, Bellingham Washington, Colophon Cafe, Fairhaven, Jolene Hanson Photography, leaves, photography2 Comments

Fairhaven Area; Bellingham, Washington

Returning from vacation is never easy. I spent yesterday editing about 100 pictures from Ireland, which are now on my Smug Mug Gallery. These 100 were a good representation of about 500 or so that I took.

After I did this, I wandered down to the Colophon Cafe in Fairhaven to have some hot, spiced cider (which was amazing!). I was feeling a bit sad. When I returned from Africa last year, I was ecstatic to be home. Not because I had a bad time – I LOVED Africa. But, I’d had enough and was ready to be in my own bed. Even on my previous trips to Europe, though short, I was still happy to be home. This time was different. I felt very connected to Ireland in a way I haven’t yet experienced with another location. I feel like a piece of me is missing.

As I was leaving the Colophon Cafe, a little boy was kicking through the leaves on the sidewalk. This reminded me of an elderly woman in Dublin who was wandering around outside the National Gallery just swishing through the leaves and watching them scatter in the wind. It was a beautiful image I decided not to photograph.

I’m not sure how to wrap this post up – my thoughts are blowing around like those colorful leaves in the breeze. I guess I’ll keep traveling, keep learning, keep reading, keep meeting new people. I’ll laugh until I cry and wake up feeling exhausted and satisfied. I will push through fear and realize all my dreams.

I will live life more abundantly.

Playing with Shadows

October 7, 2010Posted in BellinghamTagged Bellingham Washington, Canon 40d, Fairhaven, Harris Avenue Cafe, Jolene Hanson, Jolene Hanson Photography, photographyLeave a comment

I have never had a bad experience at Harris Avenue Cafe, and I’ve been going there for years. I’ve taken most of my boyfriends or prospective boyfriends there. In fact, in the seat closest to the door leading to the outside dining area, a man once told me he’d spent more money on meals for me “trying to get somewhere” than any other girl he had ever dated. What could I say but, a girl’s gotta eat?

The day I got these shots I was sitting alone soaking up the sun in one of the two tables by the windows. I had just left the most awkward voicemail for a man I haven’t seen in a few months and I was trying to distract myself – so I started playing with the creamer (which I never use). Then, I noticed the Harris Avenue Cafe shadow on the half wall just inside the entrance.

I don’t mind eating alone, actually. The single life is easier – especially if you can avoid leaving voicemails when your blood sugar is low. Yikes. The Eggs Toulouse (with salmon) made it better, though.

Visit Tony’s Coffee House!

August 20, 2010August 20, 2010Posted in UncategorizedTagged Abbey Garden Tea Room, Bellingham, Canon 40d, coffee house, Fairhaven, Harris Avenue Cafe, Nikon Coolpix 100, photography, Tony's Coffee House, Village Books, Washington2 Comments

I’ve stated often throughout my blog that I love living in Bellingham. Most of my spare time (when not out on a photowalk) is spent in Fairhaven at places like Tony’s Coffee House, Harris Avenue Cafe, Village Books, Abbey Garden Tea Room, and a long list of other favorites.

I’ve noticed that in many of the local coffee houses and eateries, photographers and other artists are able to display their work. Thinking it would be great exposure, I decided to inquire at Harris Avenue Cafe if they would be interested in allowing me to display my work. Tony’s Coffee Shop and Harris Avenue Cafe are under the same owner and business manager. So, I was invited to display my work at Tony’s in September and then at the Cafe in December!

After the initial excitement of being accepted, I started pouring through my photos trying to narrow down a few to actually frame and display. Here are some of the choices I’ve settled upon. You can view my galleries on Smug Mug if you’d like to view additional work.

So, go visit Tony’s Coffee House in September! Aside from my photography being there, they have great coffee and a delicious selection of pastries. Make it one of your next local hang outs!!