11.01.12 - All Saints Day

I stopped by Rachael's place yesterday on a dreary Halloween afternoon. The threat of an approaching storm loomed off the coast. The weather seemed to match the mood of our collective memory of hearing the news, 2 years ago, that our dear friend had been in a car accident. It was dark and cool and the fog dripped from the trees as I approached her door on her 'crash-aversary' as she calls it. I couldn't help but feel the atmosphere's weight evoke these memories. I don't think Rachael felt that way when she kept it light and popped some vampire teeth in for a Halloween photo opp.

Sure that afternoon felt heavy with memory, but with little DJ and Maggie bouncing off of everything in their costumes, that 2 year old memory was tough to focus on. The kiddos reminded all of us there of the joy of a life we get to live.

The weather became a fun, spooky Halloween accessory to our afternoon while the kids played all around us as Rachael trained with her new Physical Therapist.

Meet George! He is the newest addition to the team and Rachael is stoked to have him. Rachael says," Switching to George has been great! I feel like he is very knowledgable and our workouts are much more dynamic".

The memory was on all of our minds, but as I watched Rachael workout with George it was obvious that she is focusing on her future rather than dwelling on the past. I remembered a great quote from the Predator, "I ain't got time to bleed." While Rachael remembers how she came to where she is today, she is more focused on where she can go tomorrow, and is working hard to get there.

"My heart is heavy but my hopes are still high, I am not a quitter... 2 years down... 2 years. Went by pretty fast. But then again it seems like so long ago that I was running around... Slow progress. But Progress.” -Rachael Short.

www.rachaelshortphotography.com www.galleryexposed.com www.rachaelsrecovery.com **************PO Box 6445, Carmel Ca 93921 831.238.0127 ...BE THE LIGHT**************

07.06.12- Printing Platinum

Guess who is printing her photography again?!?! Another first in her recovery process.

Last week Rachael cruised down to Kim and Gina Weston's place in the Carmel Highlands to make some platinum prints from some of her recent photo captures.

The platinum process is pretty amazing. Unlike the silver print process that black and white photographers typically use, platinum lies directly on the paper surface, while silver lies in a gelatin or albumen emulsion that coats the paper. Kim Weston coats each piece of paper with a hand made chemistry before laying the large negative over the platinum coated paper. After exposing the paper to UV rays for a few minutes the images are developed and then washed. And magic (aka science) we have an amazing one of a kind print.

With Rachael's full time job of physical therapy, it is difficult to find time to make her art. She may have taken a break from printing her imagery but Rachael has never stopped being a photographer. She has been learning new and innovative ways to capture life through her eyes and now with the help of the Weston's she is excited to share the finished products with her community soon. Rachael continues to aspire by pursuing her art and finding ways to share it with others.

Huge thanks to the Weston's for taking the time to guide Rachael through this process.

The 6x6 Platinum Prints will be shown at gallery EXPOSED this fall. There are 7 new platinum prints. Limited Editions of 3. ***Platinum prints are the most durable of all photographic processes. The platinum group metals are very stable against chemical reactions that might degrade the print—even more stable than gold.

05.04.12 - 30 Years Young

I really do think about posting more on this blog, but then the weeks turn into months and I don't. Sorry.

Uhhh where to start... I'm turning 30 years young this week... 6 months ago I had a personal trainer move in with me... I spend my days in a greenhouse rehabbing, and I still like chocolate. I have a crazy neighbor who is trying to steal my cats! The iphone is now my best friend. It's my camera, I can take photos on my own, and download apps. Follow me on instagram @rachshort.

I am getting stronger, moving more, feeling better. Slowly, like the tortoise, I will beat the hare. The continued support from my family, friends, and community is crazy! I would be nothing without you. The Relay for Rachael in the Big Sur marathon was a great success. Thank you to team Big Sur and team Townies for running and raising money. Next years will be bigger and better! Let me know if you want to run :)

I look forward to more change and strength, hot days and nights with friends. I continue my recovery with hope, stubborness, and perserverance. Really, I have no other choice. Quitting isn't an option. Until the next time...

Rachael Short www.rachaelshortphotography.com www.galleryexposed.com www.rachaelsrecovery.com PO Box 6445, Carmel Ca 93921 831.238.0127 ...BE THE LIGHT

3.20.12 - Relay for Rachael

It is time for the Second annual Relay for Rachael everyone!!! ON April 29th 2012 we run and cheer for Rachael's runners.

There will be two team competing against each other running in the Big Sur International Marathon Relay. More than beating the other team to the finish line the main goal raise awareness and as much money as possible for their dear friend Rachael Short. Next to cheering us along, the best way you can support our cause, is to donate. All contributions are welcome, at an individual or team level.

You can pledge your support through this website using PayPal, or if you would prefer to write a check, here are the details:

http://www.relayforrachael.com/

Rachael Short Special Needs Trust

PO Box 6445
Carmel, CA 93921

**Please note "Relay" as the memo

Over a year into this journey, Rachael has made huge strides towards recovery. Constant rehabilitation with her live-in Physical Therapist consumes the majority of her days, with her free time spent focusing on how she can positively contribute to her community. Rachael focuses all of her energy on making a full recovery, which requires an immense amount of resources. Supporting her in this endeavor is our goal and is what motivates us to put one foot in front of the other.

Donations of any denomination are welcome, and at this time, all donations will be received as in-kind gifts.

http://www.relayforrachael.com/