Saturday, February 6, 2010

New Locks, New Keys, New realization?

Sunday, 4  people broke into the management office where I live, and stole all the resident keys...horrible feeling to know that someone has the key to your place and could show up at any time... 

Finally, on Thursday the owners of my building decided they would pay to get new locks for those who wanted it.  (Those who wanted it?  Wouldn't everyone?) Really don't know why it took them so long to make the decision...isn't it a no brainer?! Anyway, I am happy to report that the locksmith came today! 

I am telling this story for 2 reasons.  First, I just don't understand people and have made the realization that I wont EVER understand.  In this case with the locks,  it took WAY too much time for any action to have taken place from the owners.  It wasn't just about taking care of the people who live here, there was also the business aspect of it.  This is your business, your assets and you are not going to do what it takes to fix issues before they turn into a bigger issue?  This one hits a little too close to home for me.   

2nd reason... I am always amazed how people are amazed by me.  Yeah, there is my photography but I am talking about me...me being me.  I haven't done anything special.  Most of the things I do, I would do for most anyone.  I am just being myself.  Apparently, a lot of people are not use to being treated like they should be treated, NICELY! This is something that has come up a lot in the past 7 months and I don't think I will ever get used to the comments.  I am flattered that you think I am so nice, but really...you are that amazed to be treated nicely?  Here is a prime example of what I am talking about: 

Locksmith came to the door, "Hi, I am here to change your locks."
Me: "HI!  Great!  Come in!  I am so excited to see you and have this done."
LS smiles: "Yeah, I heard what happened. Horrible.  At least now you can have some peace of mind."
Me: "Exactly.  Would you like some water, tea, juice, coffee?"
I thought his eyes were going to bug out of his head!
LS:  "Wow..really? Coffee would be great!" 

So, I proceeded to the kitchen to make some coffee.

LS: "Ohh, no, no.  I thought it was already made.  You don't have to do that.  Please, don't do that."
Me: "Hu? No, its fine.  I will have some with you."
LS:  "Well...alright."

I smile: "Its fine.  I am happy to do it.  I just wish I could offer you more."
  Coffee is done, I bring it to him.

LS: "Thank you...you know, you are really nice.  You just don't see that much..."  He just kind of looked at me for a minute.  I didn't say anything.  "I can tell you are a kind person.  Its more than the coffee...Its all over your face, your eyes.  I'm sorry.  I don't mean to make you uncomfortable.  You know, its been a really long morning.  Thank you.  I am happy to have met you."

I wasn't uncomfortable at all...maybe he was trying to read my expression and interpreted as such.  He came across sincere.  I wanted to hug him but I didn't.  He finished the job and thanked me again for the coffee.

Mind blowing.      

Thanks for reading, 

Danielle Hall

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

CUTENESS!



I just cant get over this picture.  2 of my favorite things...penguins and little kids!  Just look at her face!  AHH!  I LOVE IT!

And yes, I did say penguins.  It all started with my first grade teacher, Mrs. Stephenson.  I loved how she talked about them and next you know I was obsessed!  

Every year for Christmas I would get some kind of penguin stuff animal.  My dad even got creative and created a shadow box of a winter wonderland carved out of styrofoam for my tiny porcelain penguins to live! Another year I received a 2 foot, plastic penguin statue!  I never named him but always knew it had to be a he!

What's your favorite animal?

Thanks for reading!

Danielle Hall

January! WOW!

Wow, 2010 has kicked off to a great start shooting with Pottery barn, SF Weekly and Comino Medical Group!  Not to mention the personal shoots sprinkled in between.  

I am definitely excited to see what else the year has in store!  Images coming soon.  Stay tuned!

Thanks for reading, 

Danielle Hall

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Tour de Blue Bottle


Since I have moved to San Francisco I have become a little bit of a coffee snob!  Ohhhhh Blue bottle coffee!  It definitly ranks in my top 5 so I was thrilled to learn that a new friend of mine owns three unique Blue Bottle Coffee shops here in the city!

They are Lambretta-themed named after the Lambretta models: Special Xtra (or SX), Cento and Vega.  Owned by Kirk Harper and John Quintos.  If you have an appreciation for honest to goodness, great, made-to-order individual drip coffee and espresso drinks you should check out these locations.  (see below for links and addresses!)

Great people, great coffee!  



Special Xtra is at 46 Minna St.
and Vega is at 1246 Folsom St.



Thanks for reading!

Danielle Hall

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

She got JOKES!


Ok...so those of you who know me, know that if something is corny I would probably think its HILARIOUS! When your around kids, funny things happen!  Little Bonnie had me cracking up just over her laugh!  Here are a few cute kid jokes I thought were pretty fun to share:

-What kind of dance do you do on a trampoline? 
          ...Hip-Hop!

-Why is 6 afraid of 7?  
          ...because 7 ate 9!

-Where does a turtle go when its raining? 
          ...A shell-ter!

-What do you call a sleeping bull?  
          ...A bulldozer!

-What time is it when 10 elephants are chasing you?  
          ...10 after 1!

-What was the pirate movie rated?  
           ...aRRRgh!

-How can you make seven even? 
          ...remove the "s"!

-Why did the cookie go to the doctor?  
          ...Because it was feeling crummy!

Do you have any kid jokes to share?  Please do!

Thanks for reading!

Danielle Hall

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Bad Day?

...look at something that makes you smile.


Thanks Tony,

Danielle Hall

(Thanks for reading!)

Sunday, January 17, 2010

My work up at Gallery 645



Whether it was your first or second time, BIG thanks to everyone who came out to Gallery645 to see my work!  It was great to reconnect and have a beverage with you.  If you missed the opening reception, don't worry!  The show will be up until January 31rst and if you see something you really like, WELL!  The images are for sale!  There are a lot of great pieces up so I recommend you stop by so you don't miss out!  

Also, its always so flattering to meet fans of my work.  Wow!  Thank you for your kind words and continued support.  I cant say it enough...I really appreciate you!

Thanks for reading!  

xoxo, 

Danielle