Nepotisim-ish

For some reason I'm thinking about photography, and I feel the need to plug two people who are not only amazing people and friends, but talented photographers. Seriously, check 'em out. They amaze me.

First is Emily Johnston. I know Emily because she moved to my hometown from Paris for one year of high school and we became friends and have sort of flirted with communication ever since. She is one of the most original and alive people I've ever met. A fascinating soul (and she's my friend who smuggled my first Cuban cigar to me in a french tampon wrapper. That's a funny story) and so gifted..and newly married! Check her out.

The second is dear old MakeJoeFamous, as we (The Bad Idea Girls) liked to call him. Joe and I went on several dates in summer of '06 but we both knew it was going absolutely nowhere. His talent blows me away, astounds me. His photos from Kristina and Joe's wedding were great and then he shot Rachel and Chris' wedding and I was SOLD. Check him out—just talent, emotion, everything. He also works for XM radio. When we were “dating” we'd ask how each other's day went. “Mine went pretty good,” I'd say. “I sold a few suits and had to yell at my associates to finish the damn shirt wall.” He'd say, “Wow, that does sound busy. I met Janet Jackson.” And I'd immediately hate him.

Anyway, some great photography from some great people.

While I am talking about friends, Stephanie (Schlosser) Chapman has songs recently covered by Tricia Yearwood and Bonnie Raitt. Earlier this year I was in Ingles and heard Bonnie Raitt singing her song and I got so excited I cheered loudly right in the canned foods aisle. Wanna talk about a great songwriter/great person—she's the answer. Love this girl. She's also an old high school friend/guitar buddy, incidentally she's good friends with Emily as well.

And can't forget Katherine McGinn and Andy Farkas, my friends that I am currently housesitting for here in Asheville (and, incidentally, I just realized I've been friends with Katherine for over a decade. She also went to my high school. As did Andy. That's a damn talented school if you ask me). Katherine currently has a gallery exhibit of her printmaking work in Richmond (they are BEAUTIFUL pieces, I saw them) and Andy has a few books out. My favorite of his books, Four Stories, is amazing. The squirrel story is my pick, you can read it and see his wood block prints here. I can't believe those pictures are hand-carved. You know when the people you care about are talented and you are so excited for them? My favorite part is watching other people who don't personally know them discover and appreciate their talents.