I'm back from a week of visiting friends and filming in the Pacific Northwest for my short documentary project, Indie Kindred. Here are some random notes from the trip:

I had the best oatmeal in my entire life at Canteen with Jolie.

I hoped that Hula would just let the stories come, let me catch them, and she did.

My filming approach, at least for now, is less about planning and more about being present.

Filming drains me in a particular way, as if tapping into all my faculties and deepest listening to conjure up something elemental. This may or may not change--only time will tell.

Having friends who take you to places with great light can carry the day.

One night at Liz's kitchen table I thought about Instagram-ing, but I was afraid it would look like something it wasn't. Like you would never ever guess how totally real and gritty and normal, just-us, just-life it was. I loved that about it, I just couldn't capture it.

Liz and I found this and it made me laugh SO HARD.

Telling stories, eating good food and laughing was so good for my heart and soul. One thing that doesn't always come out online is how truly funny and hilarious these friends are.

It was hard to let it all sink in--sometimes I would think, It's just too good, but then I'd think, Maybe there's no such thing.

I don't have many words right now--this is my quiet week--but I wanted to at least check in to say: I'm happy, and I'm home.

Creativity Handbook

Random Notes from a Trip