Amy Jo 8/5/12 Amy Jo 8/5/12

The food

Eating here today. Noodles noodles noodles. It's all I eat. I love the food here, it's out of control how much we love it.

It makes me think of the old restaurant Rooster DNB I used to work at. So many good memories, and they made me love food.

Amy Jo 8/3/12 Amy Jo 8/3/12

Kham Puem

Meet Kham Puem. Her name means Golden Bell. I met this sweet, gentle Elephant a few days ago while I was shooting at a Elephant Rehabilitation Facility here in Chiang Mai.

Kham Puem is blind. She was rescued from an illegal logging company (which is illegal in Thailand). Often, out of anger, the owners would blind the elephants to make them more dependent and subservient. I am so grateful for the Lek, the owner of this center, and her drive to rescue elephants from these horrible situations. They have Elephants that have been in land mines, stabbed and beat for street shows, and even very, very injured from forced breeding. It is so sad, and I honestly can hardly think of it with out getting choked up, or angry. Tomorrow I get to photograph Lek (the wonderful lady who started it all) and her elephants. Her relationship with them is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. There are few things I love more then an animal and human relationship. Unspoken love and trust.

Amy Jo 8/2/12 Amy Jo 8/2/12

Chiang Mai

We eat street food more then I ever thought I would. Its better then most restaurants and I cant get enough. This country knows how to cook. And give a good massage. The workshop has been busy, and exciting. Learning things from the best of the best is not a bad bet, and doing it in Thailand has upped the ante. Andrea Bruce is my instructor, and she blows my mind with her kindness, professionalism, focus and drive to create beautiful images that tell a story. I would load more pictures but the internet I have doesn't want me to apparently. I will do my best to update with more details, but I just feel exhausted.

Amy Jo 7/24/12 Amy Jo 7/24/12

Thailand here I come, and Foundry

I am headed to Thailand tonight with my sweet husband! Finally! After a spout of sickness for us both, we finally feel ready to leave. Which is good, considering the following. One of my dreams is coming true next week. I get to participate in the world renowned Foundry Photography Workshop. It is for professionals and aspiring photo journalist alike. I have been waiting for this, for a very long time.

Please check out this incredible workshop here. And it's ok to be jealous, it really is.

www.foundryphotoworkshop.org

I will be updating about my experience here on my blog. Expect great things.