Aidyn Honor Schwerin

The Santa Fe New Year's baby is a month old.
Congratulations to Michael and Darcy! And, to Aidyn, Happy Birthday!
Firsts, new experiences which lead to new perceptions, are an amazing time of growth. But, the first pregnancy, the first child, is understandably a change unlike most others. I have had the privilege of documenting Michael and Darcy's journey into parenthood in a series of interviews and images. Here is a short sample of a beautiful time in life:

Remembering the Holidays

This blog space is meant to be a place of sharing. My goal is to share inspiring and meaningful stories that I am documenting for others or give tips, inspiration and resources for documenting your own stories. But, from time to time you might find that I reflect on my own experience.

A little background, my family is full of storytellers. However, they're usually all speaking at once, loudly. I suggested this past holiday that after Christmas dinner we sit in the living room by the fireplace and listen to one another's memory of Peyton Eggnog, a concoction that became a seasonal tradition led by my grandfather. Initially, they balked and protested. But, eventually, we sat to reminisce.

An entertaining hour passed easily. I think focusing our attention on one, potentially defamatory, but nonetheless, shared family story, we were able to celebrate a great spirit in a husband, father and grandfather, Bradley Peyton, and remember the many enjoyable Christmas's that we used to spend together.

I've edited the hour down to an eight minute clip. However, it still might be too much information...

Many thanks to my family for participating and amusing me...always!

I hope you had a fabulous holiday with your family! The new year is in full swing. It's going to be a great 2008!

Expecting

Darcy is one of the most gorgeous, authentic, exuberant women I know here in Santa Fe. I'm honored to have the opportunity to be working with her and her husband Michael to document the emotion, process and experience of becoming a parent. Here is a small segment from the upcoming piece. The baby will be here in the New Year! Stay tuned!

Design with Nature Web Site LIVE!

I have had the fortune to work with an incredibly talented and inspired landscape architect in Santa Fe for the last couple of years as a photographer and graphic/ web designer. Donna Bone and the Design with Nature team produce natural masterpieces. A garden emerges – in what was once usually an empty space – from a feeling, an intuition, a client's desires, a knowledge of NM soil's and plant selection, and an architectural influence. These spaces, collages of color and texture, enrich and deepen the human experience. Join with me in celebrating the launch of the new Design with Nature ltd co web site!

Listening is an Act of Love

On December 3, Amy Goodman of Democracy Now interviewed David Isay, founder of StoryCorps – Democracy Now:StoryCorps about the largest oral history project in the United States and the recent publication of the book, Listening is an Act of Love. Since 2003, 30,000 people have shared their stories, typically originating from family members entering a StoryCorps booth and interviewing one another. Diverse tales emerge that allow a deeper understanding of those we think we know. Each CD is archived in the American Folklife Museum and a collection of the stories have been published in this new book. If you don't know of the StoryCorps project, investigate, be inspired and consider sharing your story or interviewing a loved one. If you need tips on questions to ask, the StoryCorps web site is a fabulous resource.

Hunter Family Photos

I don't think there is a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon then walking around in Santa Fe with Mella, Jonathan and Sasha!

Peace Talks Radio 2007

Every month, Peace Talks Radio airs a new episode and theme on peacemaking and conflict resolution that's relevant to daily life. The segments come in the form of personal stories from individuals, who have chosen the path of outreach and activism. What each offer is an example and an awareness that at school, in the workplace, in personal relationships and in community, we have the opportunity to engage in nonviolent communication. On Friday, December 7th, Peace Talks hosted their annual fund raising appreciation party and celebrated their year of work. Check it out!

Please consider visiting the Good Radio Shows web site and finding out if a local station in your town airs the segment, if not, request a scheduling!