A Legacy To Live Up To

How would you describe a man who creates a legacy for an entire family for generations and generations to come? A man that gave immensely yet still felt he didn't deserve praise. A man who served his country, family, community, friends, and strangers tirelessly and willingly. When this man gave his heart, he gave it fully. If needed he would give anything to anyone in need.

You may not know this man by name or even what he looks like, but you'll know his work when you see it. You may have never given him a thought or had the chance to, but he has thought about you. You may have not had the chance to touch his life, but he has certainly touched yours.

You may be wondering who this amazing man is and why you don't know him. This man is Donald Ball and he is my Grandfather. You may be wondering how he could have touched your life, well I'll tell you. He served his country during World War II in the Navy. During the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's he worked with big machinery helping to save the California beaches and the homes built on the ocean in Southern California from severe storms and mud slides. He helped build the Los Angeles freeway systems, the California Aqueducts, and Disneyland. He was dedicated to his work, but first and foremost he was dedicated to his family. He had three daughters and one son, thirteen grandchildren, and many many great grand children all of whom will love him for eternity.

My Grandpa was the greatest man in the world. When I needed the love of a father he stepped up to the challenge. For as long as I can remember he's been a constant in my life. He loved unconditionally and without question. He displayed more Christ-like attributes than any one I know in the world (other than Christ himself).

March 2, he was reunited with the love of his life. His journey on this earth has ended and his new journey has began. I am still not quite sure what I'm going to do without him. I won't be able to take the 2 hour drive to Ventura and spend the weekend with him anymore. I won't get a birthday card in the mail this year, I won't be able to hear his voice, and I won't be able to give him a hug anymore.

This man was more than just a Grandfather to me. He was my best friend, a father, and an example to live righteously.

Today was his funeral and we laid him to rest with Navy Guard Honors. Here are a few photos.









I took this photo on Thanksgiving 2010. I am going to miss him every day of my life, but I will always know he is with me.

And I almost forgot to mention, my Grandpa was so amazing he will be in an upcoming issue of Hot Rod magazine. How many manage that in their 80's?

Now Is Now The Past

So in case you are wondering how to take pictures that look like they were taken in the year 1900, well you need to get a really old camera. For example my brother-in-law gave me a Yashica-Mat which is a twin lense and it's from 1957. Ok, so the camera doesn't have to be THAT old but it still gives the desired effect. I will be honest though, it's WAY different from any camera I've ever used. The display screen shows everything backwards so it's hard level everything by hand, it's all manual, there's no flash, but you get to control the shutter speed, you don't have to wait for the camera to take the picture, and it looks pretty darn awesome. (And ladies it's a great conversation starter...if ya know what I mean.)



This is one of the firsts I took and it's REALLY out of focus. LOL!




This one I love even though it's really out of focus but there is just something so beautiful about it.




This is the last photo I took with the Yashica-Mat, as you can tell I mostly figured out the focus.

I love the feel this photograph gives.



And this is what happens when you let the store clerk load your film and then he accidentally takes the first picture...of the ceiling. haha!



This has only been my first roll of film and I'm hooked. Having to think about every single detail, the composition, focus, and light is going to make me a much better photographer. The challenges this camera will bring are going to be much needed blessings. : )

The Beauty Of A Day

I travel to Ventura quite often because the greatest man in the world live there. My Grandpa. Recently he was diagnosed with lung cancer, so my family has been going there even more. Yesterday on my way back to Bakersfield my Mom and I stopped by the Ventura Pier to watch the sunset. It was exquisite.

A Child's Smile Is A Wonderful Sight.

I had a photo shoot with my beautiful cousins yesterday and they wanted to get some shots of the kiddos playing so we went to a local park next to the Kern River and had some fun! Thanks for such a great time Ryan and Kim!!







Little Leah, I guess, is planning on being a thug for life. She is great!













And this is what you get when not everyone is paying attention!
And mind you there was no one behind me or anything. Who knows why they were looking like that...haha!
Please click to enlarge and enjoy!

A Tree's Soul

Coming home from picking up one of the greatest cousins, we stopped in Frazier Park, Ca, to take photos for a while. With still just a little bit of snow on the ground, blue sky, and nice bright sun, the scenery was absolutely magical.

Practice brings passion.

So in October, in my pursuit to gain more experience and also have a lot of fun I had my first photo shoot with some of my cousins and their children. I only had my new camera about a week and a half but had been using it as much as I could to ensure I could do the best I could. Here are a few of the shots of my beautiful cousins.

























For being my first ever photo shoot it certainly went very well, I love the shots I got, and the best part was my cousins LOVE the photos they got as well. I love capturing memories and moments.

The View Is Great.

Olivas Adobe, Oxnard, Ca - Ok, so this isn't the best composed picture and doesn't have a definite subject but I love the action! It's amazing what a sudden gust of wind can do for a photo!



Salt Lake City LDS Temple - Even if you're not LDS, you must admit that this is one gorgeous building.



Calico Ghost Town, Ca - I absolutely love history and when that history is something I can photograph I always take the opportunity. Now I know California doesn't have a long history like a lot of places in this wonderful world, but does have some history and the mines in Calico are definitely part of that history.



Lake Isabella, Ca. This is about an hour from my house. Last New Years I went camping at the lake and snapped this great shot.



Cayucus, Ca - Cayucus Cemetery. This is one of my very most favorites. It is a headstone to one Paul Madonna whom I do not know but he certainly had some great taste because this angel is a beauty, and it's even over a hundred years old.



This is another from my little adventure on the last day of last year that I forgot to post with the others and it's also one of my favorites. Hart Park, Bakersfield, Ca.