I realized I haven't blogged since I was looking for lowriders.

Well... the short version is something worked out, I have a photo series and documentary and a Master of Science in Journalism.

These are a few photos of building lowriders and cruising lowriders.

For half of graduation day, May 11, it was acceptable to call me Master Helen.

Now the real work begins. I need work. Not for the money (I do need money, because student loans), but I'm saying I need work to feel productive and happy.

I had a freelance assignment yesterday. It was kids doing arts and crafts, organized by Santa Monica's Kiwanis Club and Kiwanis International. It was cool to go out and spend some time with people who are creating and happy while you're working. I'm sunburnt now, though.

I've applied to jobs all over the country.

I'm just as excited to work at a larger newspaper or organization as a smaller one. I think all communities deserve quality journalism and people who are excited about finding the news in their neighborhoods. If you don't come from that place, you make yourself familiar and become part of the community so they know you're dedicated to being more than an outsider covering a community. 

I think it's exciting to move to new places. I grew up moving around because my dad was always researching something on sabbatical. These opportunities to move to new cities and countries gave me an idea of how different (and same) the world's neighborhoods could be... I was lucky.

Any time there's an opportunity to move, I'll take it. I tried to move away for college - twice. Four colleges is a lot of credits and transcripts to track down.

I loved Pittsburgh. I loved New York City. I love Los Angeles and L.A. County. I'm ready to jump into the next opportunity. 

If life takes me to Texas or North Carolina or keeps me here, I'm ready for a new adventure. I was ready to pack my stuff and move to the Mississippi Delta because I was so excited about Report for America that only needed one photographer and that was the location.

I'm ready, life.