Cruising Mexico's Caribbean Coast

Ok, so I discovered on this trip that cruising isn't exactly my style. But I loved the sights, colors and people of Mexico as much as I did on my last visit in 2007. The "Mayan Riviera," including the ruins at Chacchoben, was fantastic and the beautiful blue Caribbean water will keep me coming back, though probably by air next time.

Kodachrome Gypsy Book Club - Best Reads of 2010

At the end of 2010, I realized that I did not keep up my usual reading pace this year. Another casualty of my new job, along with the significant segment of my wardrobe that I cannot currently button. But here are a few noteworthy selections from the past year:

The Help (Stockett) - This fictional account of black housemaids and their white employers takes place in Alabama during 1960s, but seems like it could be a century earlier. The dialogue evokes the black women's voices and manner of speaking--for which the white author has been criticized. Very thought-provoking with interesting insights into race relations, along with a compelling plot and excellent character development.

Little Bee (Cleave) - The story of a Nigerian refugee who comes to Britain and inserts herself into the troubled lives of a married couple she met on a beach in her homeland. Lots of plot twists and turns.

Half-Broke Horses (Walls) - I didn't like it as much as Walls' earlier book, The Glass Castle, but this is another non-fiction account of her unusual but endearing family. Tells the story of her grandmother--a strong-willed woman ahead of her time--coming of age in the American West. Features Walls' signature evocative writing and irresistible characters.

How Did You Get This Number (Crosley) - Another collection of essays by Sloane Crosley (I Was Told There'd Be Cake). These pick up where the last book left off, reflecting on life as a late-20-something, including musings on self-discovery, failed romances, and the transition to adulthood. A delightful travel read (this time in Paris).

Afghanistan

Afghanistan was starkly beautiful--even with my little point-and-shoot camera, I was able to get some stunning shots. Very cool.

Paris!

Ah, Paris. Without question the most sophisticated and stunning city in the world, and I am usually the first to dismiss such cliches. It was the perfect vacation to celebrate our 1-year anniversary and enjoy a much-needed respite from work. Hubby is turning into quite the shutterbug (photo of Winged Victory of Samothrace is his) and definitely gives me a run for my money with his amazing photographic eye. But the gorgeous subject matter made it easy for both of us to get great shots.

Art Deco Tour of Miami Beach

Our trip to Miami Beach was a great opportunity to practice some architectural photography. The city is filled with beautiful, old Art Deco buildings. The horizontal orientation and windows are meant to evoke ocean liners and airplanes.

Kodachrome Gypsy Book Club - Best Reads of 2009

I read a lot, and I love discussing books. Until recently, I thought I would be the perfect candidate for a book club. Wrong. One of my 2009 self-discoveries was that I am, in fact, a book club delinquent. I joined a book club in January and attended about half of the monthly meetings; of the meetings I did attend, I had read the entire book about half of the time. Turns out, I feel smothered by the book club framework. I don't like being forced to read books that don't particularly interest me, and I am very picky. As someone who has low-grade anxiety attacks upon entering Barnes & Noble and realizing that I only have one measly lifetime to read all the books I want to, there's no sense in wasting time on uninspiring books. I still love getting book recommendations, but I guess I am more of a lone wolf where the club comes in. Here are a few of the best books I read this year (none were book club selections):

A Fine Balance (Mistry) - Historical fiction from 1970s India during Indira Gandhi's state of emergency. Tells the tale of two villagers who train as tailors and move to the city to try and improve their lives. Very intense and moving--basic plot is that the little guy can't get a break. Probably one of the best books I've ever read.

I Was Told There'd Be Cake (Crosley) - A series of humorous essays by a 20-something woman living in New York City. I took this on my honeymoon and it was perfect travel reading because you can pick it up whenever you have a moment and get a good chuckle.

White Tiger (Adiga) - Another work of Indian fiction, set in modern-day India. A compelling story of a driver who kills his master that touches upon many of the tensions in Indian society--old vs. new, rural vs. urban, rich vs. poor, east vs. west. Reminded me of Wright's Native Son because you really do sympathize with the protagonist, despite being fully aware of his heinous crime.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Barbery) - Originally published in French, this is one of the most unusual books I've ever read. It is a philosophical social satire that plays on the reader's sense of what people "should" be. Definitely got me thinking.

Under the Banner of Heaven (Krakauer) - Non-fiction account of radical breakaway Mormon sects in the American West. Also provides a lot of background on mainstream Mormon faith. Excellent writing and chilling subject matter.

Holiday Portraits

Portraiture is by far my favorite photographic genre. In my college photography class, the professor said that my portraits were often too close-up. But I like the intimacy of a tight portrait, especially those with vivid facial expressions and engagement with the camera. I broke out the ol' Rebel during my family's Christmas Eve party (inspired by my cousin experimenting with his new Nikon digital SLR) and captured some great moments.