Snapshot of

A Lesson in Photography

(photo taken by Charlie from our window!)

I definitely have a love-hate relationship with San Francisco, often colored by the thrill and stress of nursing school, all things that come along with moving, parking, and the weather. Too often I find myself blaming SF for my stress and foul moods. Sure it would be nice to see the sun rise weekly, and it would be pleasant if parking was not a pain. But where else, on a blessed sunny day can you lie on the beach with a view of the golden gate bridge? Where else can you walk outside in whatever outfit you please, even if you forgot one and not feel out of place? Where else can you find the entire San Francisco Opera Orchestra playing for free in your neighborhood park? Nowhere else I'm aware of, and this is why I’m starting to understand that beneath the fog, San Francisco is Freedom.

Then of course when you spend an hour looking for a parking spot just to end up in a two hour zone, you revert to the original assumption, SF sure sucks.

Ha-ha, and it really can change just like that!

my first photo subjects, thrilled

Last night Charlie gave me a brief lesson on photography. We covered the importance of light and how to manipulate how much using Exposure, ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture. With the bits I retained I I decided to document my walk to meet a friend for lunch today.

fly eating plant in our window

My walk rekindled my romance with San Francisco. I relished in the scrolling sidewalks lined with miniature gardens, famously architect-ed homes, and brilliant people ambling about. Color and curiosity were leaking from the cobblestone driveways and sidewalk creases today.

And I included some quotes to celebrate.

decorations on our doorstep

“If you're alive, you can't be bored in San Francisco. If you're not alive, San Francisco will bring you to life.”-William Saroyan

a stroll up Ashbury

"If your going to San Francisco make sure to wear flowers in your hair"- J.B. Phillips


Florence Nightingale at UCSF

moonscape by Charlie from Bolinas Ridge

"The Bay Area is so beautiful, I hesitate to preach about heaven while I'm here. "
~Billy Graham

And I would have to agree :)