this was a good week

This was a great week!  Here's why:

•  Alex has been having a blast at rock-and-roll music camp, and I got back 8 rolls of film featuring portraits of people who will be added to my Thrive Portrait Project.  Get ready to be blown away by these wise women in the coming weeks, friends.

•  The gorgeous Jeanine took a walk down memory lane through her diaries.  So interesting (especially since I never, ever re-read my diary entries.  I think I'm scared to!).  What wonderful thoughts.

•  Speaking of diaries, while I'm sure I've shared this before, I'm moved to share it again -- because these diary entries make me want to try drawing and sketching in my journal again.

•  And when I do, I need to remember:  quantity over quality.

•  These animations are so weird.  And so awesome.

•  This week alone, I watched Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (a fun little movie) and read the memoir that inspired it.  So I'm particularly moved by Steve McCurry's latest portraits of the undaunted humankind of Kabul, Afghanistan.  One day, I hope they see peace.  And when that happens, I hope I can visit.

•  Photographs of Martin Luther King -- in colour.  I know that as a photographer, I'm supposed to prefer black-and-white film, but never, man.  Never.

•  And finally, for today's soundtrack: last week, dozens of members of the Broadway community got together and recorded this cover of Burt Bacharach's classic, What the World Needs Now is Love.   Now hear me out:  I am usually of the camp that this is one of the cheesiest songs ever written and recorded.  However, there is something so lovely and sweet about this recording, especially during this time when it feels like hate is taking over the world (or at the very least, American politics).  I admit it, I actually got a bit teary listening to it.  So give it a listen.  (And if you're so inclined, buy a copy:  100% of the proceeds benefits the LGBT Center of Central Florida.) 

Click here or on the image below to listen.

A chorus of Broadway celebrities raised their voices in song in response to the June 12 Orlando shooting massacre, the worst in U.S. history. Sara Bareilles, Carole King, Nathan Lane, Audra McDonald, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Sarah Jessica Parker and dozens more gathered June 15 at Avatar Studios to sing a benefit single of “What the World Needs Now is Love.” Playbill was on hand to capture the moment for an accompanying music video of the song, which is produced by Seth Rudetsky, James Wesley and Van Dean of Broadway Records. Click here for the digital download of the single. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the LGBT Center of Central Florida.

Have a great weekend, friends.