Mackenzie Rollins Photos

.24 hour shift.

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:34:55 -0800

A window in Chennai, India over the course of 24 hours.

.self-portrait, a la india.

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:33:21 -0800

Chennai, India.

.i feel alone.

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:31:28 -0800

.mustafa.

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:30:27 -0800

I ride public transporation for four hours daily, to and from work in Chennai, India.

.front row.

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:29:10 -0800

Chennai, India.

.back seat.

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:28:16 -0800

Chennai, India.

The most unique place for public transporation. No schedules. No marked stops. Blaring music. Timeless faces.

.we, orphans, sleep together.

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:26:16 -0800

.communal void.

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:33:56 -0800

Chennai, India.

.among the shadows.

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:18:29 -0800

.semblance.

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 04:52:35 -0800

.look.

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 07:54:39 -0800

seattle, washington.

.interim.

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 02:09:34 -0800

.inside my head today, in a photograph.

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 06:19:49 -0800

.jolie.

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:45:23 -0800

Frankfurt, Germany.

.starry night.

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:25:22 -0800

Christkindchesmarkt.Germany.

.undisturbed.

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 20:14:31 -0800

.i work the hungarian railways.

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 23:36:04 -0800

Sarbogard, Hungary.

.mrs.chun.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:46:23 -0800

Meet Trudy Chun. Missionary. Wife (of Russell, next image). Mother. Writer. She's classy. Off-beat. A culinary genius. Creative. Simple. Passionate.

Mikepercs, Hungary.

.mr. chun.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:41:09 -0800

Meet Russell Chun. Missionary in Hungary. Huband. Father. Servant.

Russell works with at-risk kids of all backgrounds. orphans. gypsies. troubled teens.

Following this photograph are pictures of a few of the faces in whom he invests deeply.

.i am an orphan.1.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:37:36 -0800

I took portraits of a few kids in a Miskolc, Hungary orphanage. This boy is one of ten from the same family who live within the orphanage walls. They are wards of the state. No chance for release. Parentless. Beautiful, beautiful kids.

.i am an orphan.2.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:35:34 -0800

Miskolc, Hungary.

.i am an orphan.3.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:34:06 -0800

Miskolc, Hungary.

.i am an orphan.4.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:32:30 -0800

Miskolc, Hungary.

.i am an orphan.5.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:30:27 -0800

Miskolc, Hungary.

.i work with at-risk teenagers.2.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:26:28 -0800

Mikepercs, Hungary.

.i am an at-risk teenager.5.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:25:02 -0800

Mikepercs, Hungary.

.i am an at-risk teenager.4.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:23:05 -0800

Mikepercs, Hungary.

.i am an at-risk teenager.3.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:21:39 -0800

Mikepercs, Hungary.

.i am an at-risk teenager.2.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:20:00 -0800

Mikepercs, Hungary.

.i am an at-risk teenager.1.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:18:12 -0800

Mikepercs, Hungary.

.gypsy.4.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:13:39 -0800

I shot a series of faces of gypsies in Hungary. Gypsies: rough around the edges. unkept (mostly). framed by bold colors. unruly. intense. emotional. off-colored.

I wanted to capture their uniqueness in the photos. Clean-cut, "perfect" portraits were simply not fitting for this people group.

.gypsy.3.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:09:21 -0800

.gypsy.2.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:07:59 -0800

.gypsy.1.

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 13:06:31 -0800

.the marginalized.

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:40:08 -0800

I'm working on a portrait series for a friend who works with at-risk kids in Hungary. Of those he works with, mentally ill orphans.

.all aboard.

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 19:11:26 -0800

Ominous skies hung above as I exited the station to board train # 823. Freezing wind crept inside.

It was one of those moments in which part of you wants to stay bundled inside, accompanied by a comforting cup of coffee; the other half wants to bust through the doors impulsively and excitedly to brave the cold. Hmm, if only I'd had a travel mug.

Sarbogard, Hungary.

.puzzling.

Thu, 8 Nov 2007 16:20:38 -0800

Babies cannot walk. Shoes are for walking. Therefore, shoes + babies = impossibility.

I almost got lost in the baby shoe aisle. Odd.

.lavish.

Thu, 8 Nov 2007 07:14:23 -0800

Babies are amazing in the way that they spread joy to others, in a way unmatched by any other demographic.

How can someone so petite exude such immeasurable joy?

Ah, what a blessing are children.

.expectant.

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 14:59:12 -0800

.look up.

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 23:03:02 -0800

Mostar, Bosnia.

.aglow.

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 22:55:01 -0800

Sarajevo glows with warm lights on All Saints Day. The glowing areas are quite noticeable because of the many mass graveyards which fill the city. Families filled gravesides with lit candles and flowers throughout the day. At nightfall, evidence of the many gestures of love can be seen behind locked gates.

.vacancies.

Mon, 5 Nov 2007 15:43:37 -0800

Empty stools fill the chilly pre-school classroom. Salmonella has trickled through the area from chicken commonly used in the childrens' soup. Most refuse the soup and eat only stale bread.

Consequently, rotten teeth fill the mouths of these children as a result of malnourishment

Republica Srpska, Bosnia.

.how to react?.

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:32:26 -0800

Dancing clowns caused varied responses in the faces of their pre-school audience. Some, stoic. Others, teary-eyed. Smiles slowly crept on the faces of many.

Republica Srpska, Bosnia.

.filler.

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:16:21 -0800

11 a.m. lunch time. Menu ~~choices~~ choice: soup and one slice of bread, as filler. One cup per child.

Republica Srpska, Bosnia.

.for little learners.

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:22:16 -0800

Kindergarden classroom. Republica Srpska, Bosnia.

.i bartend.

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:16:25 -0800

...in Republica Srpska, Bosnia.

.to teach.

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 19:29:17 -0800

...with the bare essentials is something so foreign to us as westerners. Classrooms are full of gadgets of all shapes and sizes.

This is not so in Bosnia.

Teachers in the Republica Srpska are to expand minds with the most limited of resources.

As I watched, I stopped to think about which is the more effective teaching method: over-stimulation or over-simplification. It seems to me that creativity must be born more out of the latter. Is having less actually better in classrooms? Where's the fine line?

.around the fringes.

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:46:12 -0800

The schools in The Republica Srpska are in horrendous condition. Many, lacking consistent electricity and hot water.

The hallways, cold. Classrooms full of students, lifeless. The most color was found on this, a kindergarden bulletin board.

The fabric details tell stories of a culture rich in tradition, which died a bit with the war.

.leaf an impression.

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:23:22 -0800

Republica Srpska, Bosnia.

.observant.

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 19:58:12 -0800

Most common pastime for Bosnian men: smoke and stare. From cafe windows everywhere, lurking eyes watch those who pass.

I think it's a fun game to stare back.

.from bosnia, with love.

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 07:33:15 -0800

.character.

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 22:03:44 -0800

Bosnians have far greater limits than other countries' citizens in matters of travel. Every Bosnian car is marked BiH for checks at the border.

In addition to that which is mandatory, feel free to add your own personal ~~eagle~~ touch, if you'd like.

.quite a pair.

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 19:58:46 -0800

Bosnia is full of widows who lost their brave counterparts in war. They have joined together and are faithful travel companions.

These two giggled the entirety of our ride from Brela to Sarajevo.

What a blessing are friends.

.self-portrait, per request of a friend.

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:36:14 -0800

A teacher of mine always made us do self-portraits. I always thought they were quite awkward. Fun, but in an awkward sort of way.

I matched this bathroom and thought I'd embrace the fun awkwardness once more.

.for dad.

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:31:32 -0800

Dad, sailboats will always remind me of you. Always.

With the passing of each sailboat came a thought of you, followed by a slight grin. Let's sail together some time.

I love you.

.no makeup needed.

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:26:05 -0800

Brela, Croatia is natually stunning.

.identical.

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:22:24 -0800

So many hotel porches look exactly the same. No personality. No color.

Function over form, yet again. Hurrah for practicality.

.be seated.

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:21:26 -0800

Brela, Croatia is full of simple seats which provide far from simple views.

How is it that the same moment can be breathtaking and life-giving?

.night of power.14.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 23:31:33 -0800

Night of Power. 26th night of Ramadan. Followers of Islam try to earn extra favor with Allah by praying all night.

The Muslim women pray on carpets outside of the mosque, because of the high volume of worshipers present. The perimeters of the mosque were filled with devout worshipers, hoping for mercy from Allah.

"We know he sees our heart on this night, and we want to please him so that he will look favorably upon us. I don't usually wear this head wrap and dress this way, but this is a special night to him. I can't risk not praying all night tonight. It just isn't a good idea to do so." Ermina

.night of power.13.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 23:22:27 -0800

Night of Power.

Sarajevo, Bosnia.

.night of power.12.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 23:11:28 -0800

Girls gathered to chat before the calls to prayer began.

"We know it is going to be a long night. We have to get our energy out so we can focus on pleasing Allah in every way that we can tonight." Alma

.night of power.11.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 23:03:19 -0800

Obedient worshipers, waiting for next instruction by Imam.

.merjam.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:56:38 -0800

Beautiful Merjam.

.night of power.10.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:54:40 -0800

"When we bow to Allah, with our faces and hands down, he knows the sincerity of our worship." Tarik

.night of power.9.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:47:49 -0800

.night of power.8.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:45:36 -0800

Oldest mosque in Sarajevo.

.night of power.7.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:42:36 -0800

.night of power.6.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:40:04 -0800

Male worshipers stand separate of the women.

.night of power.5.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:36:46 -0800

The pulse of worship.

.night of power.4.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:34:55 -0800

Faces of Islam.

.night of power.3.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:33:00 -0800

In response to the question of do you love or fear Allah more:

"It is a balancing act. We can't risk loving him too much, because He will not be pleased with that attitude. We must fear him. We live somewhere in the middle of love and fear. What if we loved him too much, but it isn't what he wanted from us?"

.night of power.2.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:29:19 -0800

"When we are face down, we are of one spirit with one another. We are fully acknowledging Allah's power by showing our fear of him."

Sead. 24 year-old follower of Islam.

.night of power.1.

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 22:23:20 -0800

Followers of Islam celebrated the Night of Power on the 26th night of Ramadan. It is their belief that this is a special night to gain points and mercy of Allah. That, for a better chance of having sins forgiven, one must pray all night this particular evening.

The mosques were filled with worshiping men and women, pulsing and chanting prayers to Allah.

.today's forecast: showers.

Mon, 8 Oct 2007 17:52:35 -0800

People in Sarajevo are always prepared for rain. Always.

.well past their prime.

Sun, 7 Oct 2007 22:29:58 -0800

Mt. Igman. Bosnia.

Chair lifts remain from the '84 Olympic games. The stadium and surrounding areas are pock-marked and in ruins due to heavy fighting through the war. The skies and trees whistle, as if sharing stories of the terror they witnessed for so many years.

Bundled skiiers will never again fill these seats.

.be still.

Sun, 7 Oct 2007 12:07:07 -0800

.under pressure.

Fri, 5 Oct 2007 22:04:38 -0800

Aida. Bosniak. 14 years old.

"It is hard being my age. Sometimes I feel so old, sometimes so young. I am supposed to act old and look for a boyfriend and think about jobs and marriage. But I feel like a kid inside. Like I have so much to learn, like there's a whole world of things I don't know about. But how am I to learn those things? It is impossible to get out of this country. And besides, I could never leave my family like that. Never."

Many girls here share this sentiment. Pressure to grow up at a young age. A desire to "get out" of their deeply interwoven families, with nowhere to go. They were robbed of their childhood because of the war. Their life has always been heavy and full of more responsibility than most their age. The desire and need to be thin, to fit in, to find a boy to love them, to "grow up" is suffocating. Many end up in menial jobs and poor marriages.

This is Bosnia.

.crustache.

Fri, 5 Oct 2007 20:56:15 -0800

If you come to Sarajevo, I will treat you to burek (the national dish). It is a pastry, filled with your choice of meat, potato, cheese or spinach. You could even be a little crazy and try all four.

Despite its snail-like form, it tastes much better than escargo.

You will be left with the inevitable crustache, as yogurt accompanies this delectable dish.

.courtney.

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 22:25:52 -0800

Best friend. It's simply impossible to fit her into words.

.take a bow.

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 21:03:09 -0800

Muslim worship.

.pass it on.

Mon, 1 Oct 2007 21:12:54 -0800

Islam is passed from generation to generation in Bosnia. Bosnian nationality often includes being Muslim. The main mosque in Bascarsija is filled during Ramadan of fathers teaching sons how to pray.

The details of this mosque are stunning. In the shadows, deterrants against tired and curious pigeons can be seen.

Sacred ground, across many generations.

.despite the filth.

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 16:48:56 -0800

Divine love penetrates all layers of filth.

.mirha.

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 19:02:23 -0800

Mirha. 22. Bosnian.

Lives on coffee and cigarettes to survive her 14 hour, 7 day a week bakery job.

"Cigarettes are my only friend. They never hurt me and I go to them when I'm alone."

This is the life of unmarried, working Bosnian women.

.joy ride.

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:07:35 -0800

Kids in Bosnia love to ride bikes. Shadows such as these fill sunny days.

.learned behavior.

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:44:47 -0800

Selma and Belma. Sisters. Bosniacs. Young, but with very serious facial expressions, even while playing.

Children in this generation do not know how to play. Their parents grew up during the war and were not taught to play. Childhood was robbed of them. Survival was all they knew. I've found that, having not learned how to play, they don't know how to play with their own children (the current generation of children in Bosnia.) Have you thought about play as having to be learned? These little girls, while "playing," remain quite serious, as they know no differently. Imagination, carefree adventures, and childlike joy is absent in this country. How do you restore this pertinent part of a person's formative years?

.yes, that's right.

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 21:39:20 -0800

Tram stop. Sniper Alley. Sarajevo.

.and again.

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 12:29:59 -0800

I repeat yesterday's sentiments.

.irreplaceable.

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:37:11 -0800

My best friends have this special way of making me feel like they are right next to me, walking beside me each day.

In reality, we're scattered across the globe. What a beautiful thing is friendship.

.drive-thru.

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:16:28 -0800

Recycling bin, Bosnia-style, tucked near one of the busiest roads in town. Toss from your car window, if you'd prefer.

There are no drive-thru restaurants in Sarajevo, only trash bins.

Drive-thru, with a potent twist.

.inevitable.

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:46:16 -0800

If you aren't doing everything you can to fight being indoctrinated by our self-absorbed culture (and world), you will be.

.awkward.

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 23:17:20 -0800

Salsa Club, Sarajevo.

I was relieved to see that the awkward line of non-dancers exists in this country, too. I thought maybe it was only an American phenomenon. Dancing is something of which I'm deathly afraid. It was quite fun to watch the Sarajevans enjoy it so.

Awkward for me; fun for them. Works quite nicely with camera in hand.

.subtle reminders.

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:21:16 -0800

Of war. This toy resembles the reality of lives lost on this very street, in more ways than one. It was sitting on this pile of dirt, on the fringes of a former war trench. On the same road, the Bosnian defense building rests in shambles. Serb forces threw grenades at this spot and shredded lives to pieces.

Broken people fill Bosnia. Broken because of losing a spouse. a leg. both legs. a child. Often times, they lost one from many of these categories.

I found this decapitated toy as a reminder, although far from subtle.

.juxtaposition.

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:10:11 -0800

The same split-second which sees many deaths is also filled with new life.

.untapped.

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:51:58 -0800

Bosnia is to lumber as Africa is to diamonds.

Similarly, BiH is lacking the resources to efficiently export this natural resource.

Consequently, lumber fills the country's borders.

.nocturnal.

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 22:48:53 -0800

Night life in Sarajevo: full of alcohol, clouds of smoke, and twenty-somethings dressed to the nines.

Even during Ramadan, clubs are full of the aforementioned items.

Being single here is more uncommon than not. Guys are always looking for a girlfriend. Girls find their significance in relationships. Clubs foster an environment for the two to unite.

Until that happens, cigarettes and alcoholl serve as quite the companion for the lonely.

.selma.

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 09:32:05 -0800

Selma. Age 2. Youngest of two children. Mother is 9 months pregnant; new baby will come any day.

Selma: A mouthful of rotten teeth, due to adults stuffing her with chocolate to hush up. Usually wears urine-stained pants, as she's not yet potty trained but they are required to learn early here. Mother hits her with a switch or stings her with poison ivy and nettle for her to learn, and quickly.

Her father has worked various construction jobs in Sarajevo to try and support the family. He is about to move to Tajikistan for work, as jobs are impossible for him to find here. Who knows when he will be back.

Survival.

.snatch.

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 21:39:49 -0800

Theft is common on public transporation in Sarajevo. Groups of men are notorious for targeting unsuspecting women, especially when the trams are full. One in the group always has his eyes on the woman; the others look for police or railway attendants, while scheming a worthy exit plan.

This reality is compounded by the fact that, between the two, women are the ones to stand. Men often stare or grunt for a woman to get the point that they want to sit. Thus, standing women are common and make for easy targets of these so-called groups of friends.

It always makes me think of the value of good friends.

Who influences you?

.timber, tossed.

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 22:09:35 -0800

Many Bosnians own wood stoves, used for cooking and heating. Because the houses are large, with at least three levels, much wood is needed to heat all occupants. Thus, large deliveries of wood occur regularly.

How it happens: Truck backs into driveway. Honks. Screams are given for all bodies to get out of the way. Children scramble, but stay close enough, of course, to get a good view of the excitement. Driver pushes button. Trailer quickly soars upward. Segments of tree trunks dash to and fro. Customer signs form and pays.

How it ends: Customer pauses as he/she realizes they have a butchered forest scattered across their property. No, the logs aren't cut into cute little pieces as in America. Customer then has to chop with axe.

Welcome to heating in Bosnia.

.distinguished drapery.

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:44:50 -0800

From the exterior, this home is pock-marked and in desperate need of attendance.

From the inside, homemade curtains gleam in the intruding sunlight.

Bosnian women take much pride in the appearance of their homes. Daily vacuuming. Daily dusting. The insides are immaculate.

Intricate laces fill the windows of homes as I pass.

The most extraordinary of things are often found inside the oh-so-ordinary.

.echoes, part 2.

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:56:53 -0800

Kosevo Hospital, Sarajevo.

Click on image for details.

.echoes.

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:14:03 -0800

Kosevo Hospital in Sarajevo witnessed more horror than any other location during the war. In 1992 alone, 22,549 wounded persons were treated within these walls. That is 1,879 people per month; 69 people per day. The worst day was June 8th, when 332 people came in. And through this time, water and electricity were rare.

Quiet waiting areas are a positive step for the country. "To us, quiet halls mean peace, and peace for us is very nice," said Dr. Gavrananovic, an orthopedic surgeon who nearly lived in the hospital for the three years of war. He performed over 50,000 amputations.

Echoes in empty hallways are cherished by the staff, who have truly seen it all.

.communion.

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:54:54 -0800

Despite deep nationalist tensions which pervade the culture of Bosnia, people are forced to come together on public transporation. Each stop produces a whirl of Orthodox Serbs, Muslim Bosniacs, and Roman Catholic Croats.

.fizz.

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:36:58 -0800

Kiseljak is a small town in central Bosnia. The Fojnicka river in Vrelo Park is source of this wonderful spring water.

It received a five drop water rating, by Mineral Waters of the World. Five out of five. That's pretty intense. Am I making you curious about how your water rates? Check here.

Hurrah for hydration!

.is silence golden?.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 22:29:31 -0800

I often wonder if being hard-of-hearing in Sarajevo is a blessing in disguise. If and when loud noises befall those who survived the war, they become jumpy and nervous. A car backfire. A bb gun. Air horns. With a hearing aid, you could turn the noise off for a time.

Deafening pain.

.labeled.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 22:18:18 -0800

.because of their past.

.minimalization.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 22:13:07 -0800

You need very few details to identify an older Bosnian man.

.practical.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 22:07:48 -0800

Washers are not used much in Sarajevo. Clothes lines are. Simple solutions.

.bird of prey.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 22:00:33 -0800

magpie. rampant in sarajevo. feed mainly off of wild fruit found everywhere here. very loud birds. cock-a-doodle-don't.

.good morning sarajevo.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:47:04 -0800

The view from my window, in the rain.

Sarajevo is called, by some, the new Jerusalem. Between every 50 meters in the city stands a mosque, a synagogue or a cathedral. Pictured, a nearby mosque. The call to prayer echoes, among others, on the hilltops surrounding our neighborhood.

.blurred vision.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:41:18 -0800

Unceasing rain has embraced Sarajevo for the past few days. School has started and kids must trudge long distances up- and downhill to beat the morning bell. As the rain continues to fall, kids will remain faceless.

.self-imposed prison?.

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:30:22 -0800

.globalization.

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:00:23 -0800

.for jason.

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 09:58:57 -0800

Cevapi is the national dish of Bosnia, and is very popular all over the Balkans. Made from twice minced meat kebabs, it is served on flatbread, often with onions and kajmak. The best cevapi in Bosnia is found in Bascarsija. And within the rust-roofed streest of Bascarsija, the best is found here, at Zeljo.

Among other reasons to come to Sarajevo, cevapi tops the list. Worth every calorie, good.

.red light.

Sat, 8 Sep 2007 20:52:29 -0800

Sarajevo, Bosnia.

.urban life.

Fri, 7 Sep 2007 18:39:26 -0800

Downtown Sarajevo is filled with stark contrasts in lifestyle. Among those: bright-eyed adolescents in the most fashionable garb, and hopeless alcoholics who cling to building corners for shelter. Two very different demographics. Two manifestations of the effects of war.

Adolescents want to have lots of "stuff" because they grew up with virtually nothing during war. Imported clothes are especially valued. They feel they missed out for so long on having "things," and are now making up for lost time. And the older men? Many are insomniacs, addicted to pain killers and alcohol. Anything to numb the pain.

Different lifestyles. Different coping mechanisms. One war.

.mobile.

Fri, 7 Sep 2007 00:06:15 -0800

Age is no obstacle to Bosnians completing daily tasks. Similar to other places in Europe, people walk and use public transportation regularly. Among others, the oldest generation endured war. This has given them perspective on that which is and is not important, and a car is low on that list.

There are more significant things to worry about, and they know this. They are thankful to have the freedom to walk distances, no matter how far, without fear of grenades or gunfire.

So for what I may see as troublesome, an elderly man clinging to his cane and walking ever so slowly, he sees as a blessing. A blessing to have two legs to walk. Two eyes to see. Two ears to enjoy sounds - and thankfully, sounds of peace and not war. Learned appreciation.

Sarajevo, Bosnia.

.watch your step.

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 20:32:49 -0800

In Bosnia, and especially in Sarajevo, concrete equals safe walking. Concrete indicates that the area was demined and has been developed. You learn to look for and trust tire tracks and footprints as safe places to stroll.

People do not walk in fields or on mountains here, unless the land is clearly marked as being demined. One in three villages are currently affected by mines. There are 14,000 micro locations currently needing clearance by the National Mine Action Strategy. It is expensive to demine and will require an additional ten million dollars to clear the country. For more information, go here.

Watch your step is not taken lightly in Bosnia.

.facades.

Tue, 4 Sep 2007 21:29:23 -0800

Buildings in Sarajevo will always bear witness to to bloodshed. Despite attempts to cover mine explosions on building facades, one can see where exposions fell. Cement is often applied to fill holes by grenades. This building, because of severe damage, was filled by a mixture of bricks and cement. As you can see, irreperable damage remains.

People in Bosnia worry about two types of facades: that of their person and that of their property, because of damage in war. Much time is spent improving and perfecting both. In America, we worry so much about the same, but for different reasons.

There's something tragic about cultural obsessions with appearance, no matter what may be the apparent cause, for the true problems lie far below these surfaces.

Vogosca, Bosnia.

.locks of love.

Mon, 3 Sep 2007 17:04:16 -0800

Public declarations of love in Pecs, Hungary. For years, the government tried to stop the fastening of locks on downtown corners, by lovers showing their commitment to one another. Today, the locks are entwined in the city's tradition and lovers' are welcome to contribute.

.telltale toothbrushes.

Mon, 3 Sep 2007 16:17:24 -0800

You can tell so much about a household from their toothbrush collection. You learn how many people reside within the walls, by the number of brushes. Ages of those people, by sizes and styles of brush (soft, medium, hard?). Tiny brushes equal tiny people. Soft brushes equal dentures.

The Milosovic family, comprised of multiple generations, now lives together. They survived Serbian attacks on Croatia in 1991 and 1995. The parents of the family have no retirement, as they fled during the war and lost the few extra years of work needed for retirement eligibility. The youngest generation, now in their mid 20's, work to support this household. This is love.

Vukovar, Croatia.

.would you like fries with that?.

Sun, 2 Sep 2007 13:20:47 -0800

Frosty's Diner, famous for homemade french fries. Denton, Tx. 2006.

.samantha.

Sun, 2 Sep 2007 13:14:04 -0800

future ballerina.

.parched palette?.

Sat, 1 Sep 2007 18:21:55 -0800

A street corner in Szekszard, Hungary. Nestled within is a water well, now dry. For centuries, it quenched the thirst of those passing by.

A tiny glimpse of life long ago. The simple life.

.inquiring minds.

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 21:50:53 -0800

Childrens' insatiable curiousity leads to much appreciation of the simplest of things. A cricket became the centerpiece of attention for hours.

I find this quality of kids quite remarkable. Oh, the adventure life would be if we kept this perspective.

Vajta, Hungary.

.outer beauty is fleeting.

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 05:56:09 -0800

I explored a sunflower farm in Cece, Hungary today. The flowers had passed their prime and remain only for seed harvesting. Pale petals, supported by downturned and filthy stems grew for miles. It was breathtaking.

.acrylic architecture.

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 19:22:21 -0800

vajta, hungary. coffee shop mural, in the works.

.close-knit.

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:54:08 -0800

Meet the Joneses. From America. Now call Sarajevo home.

For foreigners in Sarajevo, family is deeply connected. The ties that bind, well, bind more tightly in this dark place. Even though "outsiders," they are deeply touched by the devastating effects of war. They see the multitude of widows, fatherless children, orphans. They hear the stories of those who lived in underground cellars for four years, to survive. And it is their decision to stay here, to hold tightly to one another, and to love those who endured war.

Being intertwined is both a choice and a means of survival for the Joneses. They desperately need eachother's support to persevere in this place.

.sarajevo square dance.

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 22:51:54 -0800

.my idea of square dancing. i suppose it's more like square standing.

sometimes you have to look up to find that which is extraordinary.

.leading lady.

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:29:38 -0800

i've recently been introduced to the idea of daddy-daughter date night. you should hear the way the little girls speak of their fathers after this special time of "just the two of us." to the mall. or dinner. or a long bike-ride in the park. location is unimportant. quality time is everything.

so many girls are left wanting. these date nights would make a big difference.

.creative worship.

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 16:43:54 -0800

church in pecs, hungary. former pre-school. traces of imaginatinative minds fill its walls and serve as a beautiful reminder of god's workmanship.

.whispers.

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 21:43:52 -0800

i wish each grain and groove could share with me the conversations held and stories exchanged on this bench.

.be seated.

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:42:36 -0800

in vajta, hungary at calvary chapel.

.choo choo.

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:55:09 -0800

I found a small opening to catch the locomotive switch at the border of Hungary and Croatia. Did you know locomotive engines are switched at every border? (Not the case inside the EU, of course, so this will change soon.)

.elegant aging.

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 02:33:17 -0800

i love to read. old books don't necessarily read better, but they're beautiful to me.

i want to have a library, filled with literature old and new. some day...

.excess.

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:39:54 -0800

As in any major city, homeless people roam the streets of downtown Sarajevo. Often, they are drunk and hiding in shelter provided by nature. I watch for tips of cigarettes in these shadows to find them.

This man, drunk and spastic. His mannerisms were those characteristic of cerebral palsy, especially in his restless hands.

.nathanael.

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 21:38:55 -0800

meet nathanael. laid-back. gentle. carefree. he reminds me of an eighty year-old man, contented by long life and full of surprising wrinkles.

i learn much about contentedness from this little man.

.steamed.

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 08:37:45 -0800

throughout the streets of bascarsija (the turkish area downtown) are tiny cafes. small. humid. teeming with steem that does none other than smother. it penetrates the fibers of your favorite old tee, which leaves you smelling like an overcooked burek (sausage-filled pastry). if only we tasted as scrumptious.

.minaret.

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 13:56:48 -0800

in downtown sarajevo. underexposed, intentionally. the only fitting way to capture the heaviness surrounding the walls of the mosque. this heaviness is ever-present and almost feels as if it will suffocate you.

.everything is illuminated.

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 23:33:07 -0800

not just a good movie.

i'm always stunned at how little light is needed to reveal something stunning. i find this to be true in the smallest of details. especially in the smallest of details. this often causes me to wander and linger in odd places, like the corner of a famous pub in sarajevo. time disappears in those moments. gosh i love those moments.

.ferry flame.

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:40:29 -0800

.roma.

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:29:27 -0800

age 4. lives in abandoned warehouse with many other gypsy families.

works the streets of sarajevo for food and money, as instructed by father.

.refined taste.

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:54:08 -0800

jack, 7 months. already has a knack for pointing out good german beer. can we say, good genes?

.logical leisure.

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 19:48:44 -0800

bosnian men love to play chess. especially in public.

.beer steins.

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 22:32:39 -0800

european pubs are special. i love the details lurking in their dark corners. the sarajevo brewery is full of such details.

.coffee grounds.

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:06:09 -0800

scattered around sarajevo are evidences of daily rest from hard labor.

.and the stairs came alive.

Thu, 9 Aug 2007 22:02:01 -0800

.best friends.

Thu, 9 Aug 2007 21:46:01 -0800

our last night together.

.two humps.

Thu, 9 Aug 2007 21:43:07 -0800

camels are awkward creatures.

.goodbye.

Wed, 8 Aug 2007 22:56:33 -0800

leaving the u.s. army base in sarajevo.

.take a walk with me, please.

Wed, 8 Aug 2007 22:53:12 -0800