Just Malaika's Imagination

This video is from Malaika's birthday party last September 2nd. It was a lot of fun to work, given the number of kids I knew (former SMGC students) who attended but don't get to see anymore.

Lilly, I think, was shocked to see Teri and I, and disoriented by our presence at LASG (I can't remember, but she said some "funny" and "curious" things about the gym switch, and why we left). I seem to recall her expressing some irk and ire, as though holding me accountable to SMGC's closing.




When we were at SMGC, at the end of her class, Malaika used to always ask me to make her a paper airplane. It was kind of a ritual, like when I used to come in and share my breakfast with Anna.

Madison's comment about the haunted maze in the video's closing credits can be better referenced and contextualized by clicking here. I should revisit that updated video, and prefix it with this clip of Madison, talking about it.

It took me 8 months to get around to doing this video. It just kind of happened accidentally while sitting in front of my computer, Friday morning, perusing my music library files as well as going through video files, looking for pictures to send to those who appear in them. Less than 24 hours later and....whalah! Video made, wrapped, printed!

I miss these kids and am grateful for being able to preserve some of the memories!

Malaika's currently been fencing, and loving it!

Is this the part where you let go?

Teri was a great find for SMGC and a great loss for LASG. She stayed on for as long as she did because of her love of teaching the kids.





For anyone who could use a great photographer who happens to also be a caring person who will bond to you like a family friend, you can get a hold of Teri through her website or her blog.

Good luck, Teri!

Happy Belated Birthday, Coach Teri!

Monday was Teri's birthday, and I know she wanted to try and stop by the gym on Monday to see Anna and Malaika, and how they've progressed. Well, she wasn't able to make it. I had meant to film Anna and Malaika give her a birthday greeting, but forgot.

Fortunately I saw them again this week, as Malaika's baby sister, Nikita, has her class Friday morning, as well as their mom, Stacey.

Happy Birthday to a great teacher, excellent professional photographer, and wonderful human being!

Her website and blog.

Working out the Rust

For Teri:

First time in years.