Conversations

My thoughts are with you everyday. I think of what you would be doing, what you would be feeling - what you would say if you could speak to my heart. If I could make your heart smile - if only for a instant. If only I could lift your spirit like a balloon released to the sky.

I know I can make a difference in and extraordinary manner. See my vision, and I to see yours.


HELP Me make a difference for patients of Leukemia and their families. Please help sponsor this cause that not only will make difference for others, but it has given me clarity and guidance. It has also heed my calling in life.

Your generous support is greatly appreciated.

Be Well,


Tanya

Safety Harbor Pier Engagement Session

Safety Harbor Pier, Safety Harbor, FL 

Some people find it strange that I don't know what the latest "pop-culture" fad is, I don't know what movies are out, nor TV shows.  I ditched my TV 2 years ago and have never been happier about that. However, TV is commonly used to "numb the brain" and well I have other methods. One of which is usually taking a drive, finding somewhere to write or draw. 

For years I have convinced myself the easiest way for me to create is when chaos or disfunction greets me.  I escape sadness, fear, tragedy and even self-doubt when I create.  But on my canvas, no fear exists.
Not to sound cliche, but through expressions of love I have learned new crafts, created like never before.  I have taken a lot of time recently to create; to create  many things, including, paintings, music, art and inspiration to name a few. Though the financial stress is starting to kick in, I am staying true to my beliefs that everything in this world happens for a reason. It is how we deal with it that is truly key.  I always say, "sometimes doors don't open easily, you just need the strength to open them."  I believe in this statement.

I was shouded with a dark veil yesterday, and I knew I had to regroup my thoughts because I had a photo shoot later in the day and alway want to be at my best when I am with clients, no matter who they are.  Even though, I knew this one would understand. It was an engagement session, and was very special to me.  

After being a little later than planned, we finally met at he Safety Harbor Pier at about 7:30.  I have always loved this place.  I would go there to capture the clouds grand showing above the Tampa Bay when Chris would be at work, as it was very close by.  It was delightful that this engagement session brought me here.  We takled about a few props and one I had requested was their Bible(s), as this is an important factor in their personal lives as well as their lives together as one.  I do feel it is important to show the smallest details of an image, even if it may seem insignificant to some.  I asked if they had a special verse they share, and before I could finish my sentence, Rachel shared "Revelations 3:8", which reads, "I know thy works: behold have set before thee an open door, an no man can shut it: for thou has a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name."  

While reading this verse I was snapping the place of the first kiss shared and the ring promising to forever share their love, I felt their love.  It is always fun doing engagement sessions, but some really stand out as this one.

It was truly an honor to witness this testimony of love.
I brace this day with mind and doors open.  I greet the inspiration that shows itself to me.

 Enjoy the moments in life.  It is not the destination, but the journey that matters. 

Exclusive Interview with Kat Katz of Agoraphobic Nosebleed

© Photo courtesy of Samantha Marble

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for taking part in this conversation with me. I believe there is great value in sharing interests, thoughts and visions with others, no matter how minute the details may seem. Those minor details could provide someone with the inspiration to do something creative themselves.

I strive to write interesting articles, ones that capture something, a moment, a movement or a spark within the reader. I find most interviews to be informative, yet they lack personality and humanity. I feel engaging in a conversation rather than a question and answer session to be more intriguing, at least to me. My interviews may not always be “brutal” or “metal”, but they will always be different.

WSP:   I will start by letting you know, I will ask not one question about Scott.

KK:     Haha. I don’t mind when people ask, it’s just that I usually can’t give them the answers they’re looking for because I’m not around when Scott is writing, recording, and programing.

WSP:   So what have you been up to since your recent split with Salome?

KK:      The Despise You/Agoraphobic Nosebleed split just came out, so I’m very excited about that. Also, I just recorded guest vocals for the Batillus song “Cast,” which will be on their split with Mutilation Rites. It comes out on Shinebox Recordings in July, and it’ll be a 7”. Otherwise, I’m working on forming another project. When it’s more solidified, I’ll let folks know what’s going on.

WSP:   I see you are doing some guest vocals for Batillus, how did this come about?

KK:       I met the Batillus guys when Salome did the Beard Destroyer Tour with Hull in 2009. On tour, Greg (the guitarist of Batillus) told me I should join Fade on vocals sometime. I didn’t perform with them on that tour, but not too long after, I learned “The Division” (on their new album Furnace), and started to regularly perform guest vocals. They’re one of the best doom bands around, and it’s an honor that they let me sing with them.  

WSP:     Do you have plans of doing regular guest vocals?

KK:        As long as they want me to do guest vocals, I’ll continue to perform with them.

WSP:    Do you plan on writing any songs with them?

KK:        I think the only way I’d contribute to the song writing process is if Fade wanted my input on lyrics and arrangements. I did help with the arrangements for “Cast.”

WSP:    How does your writing process flow?

KK:        I don’t usually write lyrics before I receive a song. I find that my lyrics and arrangements are much more cohesive after I’ve meditated on a track for a while and had an opportunity to experience what comes up for me emotionally and mentally. The actual writing process can materialize in different ways. Sometimes, when I listen to a song, a line or stanza will arise. Other times, I’ll just have a word or two, or an image in my head that I’ll try to communicate. I’ll then take that line, word, or image and develop it.

WSP:    How do you prepare yourself for writing sessions?

KK:        I’ll practice yoga, and then I’ll read or listen to something that inspires me. However, sometimes I don’t need anything at all to prepare. My energy will just be in the right place, and the words will come.

WSP:    Do you write your lyrics in a journal, a book or just random notebooks?

               Right handed or left handed?

               How long have you been writing?

KK:        I used to write my lyrics in a journal, but ever since I bought a laptop, that’s what I’ve been using. However, recently, a friend gave me a beautiful journal, and I plan to start writing in it. I’m right handed, and I’ve been writing poetry since I was 13. My family was going through some difficult times, and it was a great outlet for me. When I was a teenager, expressing my emotions and thoughts through creative outlets was one of the only things that kept me sane. Now, it’s my spiritual practice that keeps me balanced and feeling positive/energetic.

WSP:       When did you start singing/screaming?

KK:           I started vocal lessons when I was 10. I only did them for a short time, maybe less than a year. I started practicing screaming vocals at 15.

WSP:       What or who inspired you to start screaming vocals?

KK:          Acid Bath. I loved Dax’s and Sammy’s screams, still do.

WSP:     What female vocalists do you recommend listening to?

KK:          I don’t like labeling women who play music as female vocalists, female guitarists, etc. I’ve heard the argument over and over again that there is a difference between male and female vocalists in metal, and I simply disagree. If the vocalist is screaming or shouting, most of the time you won’t be able to tell if the person is male or female. I don’t want to promote one gender over the other. I want to promote equality in every form, and I hope to help make others aware that there are people out there who don’t care about gender, race, or religion, and just want to witness talent and authenticity. That being said, my favorite vocalists are JR Hayes from Pig Destroyer, Mike from Yob, Alan from Khanate, Runhild from Thorr’s Hammer, and Dax Riggs, when he was singing/screaming for Acid Bath.

WSP:      Do you think your writing and painting ever come together at some point?

KK:         They have in the past. My writing is included in a couple of my paintings. The combination of words and images is extremely powerful, but can easily kill the painting if one isn’t careful.

WSP:     What inspires you to paint?

KK:         My passion, human rights. In the past, relationships, and past issues/traumas inspired me. Also, there are many artists who inspire me: Francis Bacon, Gustav Klimt, Alphonse Mucha, Egon Schiele, Zdzislaw Beksinski, David Choe, and Audrey Kawasaki, to name a couple.  

WSP:     What do you listen to when you are painting? Writing? Relaxing?

KK:         I went through a phase when I was painting where I listened to Pig Destroyer’s “Natasha” on repeat, haha. I also love painting to Electric Wizards Dopethrone, and Woven Hand albums. I tend to write in silence. When I’m relaxing I’ll listen to just about anything. However, Dead Can Dance has been a regular choice of mine.  

WSP:     What is in your ipod/MP3 player?

KK:         Yob, Crowbar, Mastodon, Neurosis, Buzzoven, Inerds, Cloud Rat, Dead Can Dance, Ralph Stanley, Hank Williams Senior, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Bach, Rachmaninoff, Krishna Das…

WSP:     Where do you like to eat in DC?

KK:         I actually don’t go into the city often, but outside DC, in Arlington, there is an amazing Sushi restaurant called Matuba. There is also a famous Chinese Restaurant called Peking Gourmet Inn, located in Falls Church. Both are incredible.  

WSP:     What is there to do in DC that some people might not know?

KK:         I’m not sure that I could provide a recommendation for something unique to do, but I recommend that people visit the Hirshhorn museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Library of Congress. There are also some great Jazz clubs worth visiting (although usually fairly expensive).

WSP:     Where do you like to travel?

KK:         I love New Orleans (I have family there), New York, Massachusetts (especially Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard), Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, and I haven’t been over seas much, but I would love to travel Europe, Japan, and India.

WSP:     Where is the most interesting place you have ever been?

KK:         Last Christmas I went to Guatemala. I really loved it there. It was very beautiful and the people were very kind. It’s awesome to visit another country and experience another culture.  

WSP:     Tell me about your favorite place in nature.

KK:         My favorite place is the Difficult Run Trail in Great Falls, VA. It’s not long, about three miles; it’s surrounded by woods, and follows the Potomac River. I have one spot in particular that I like to go to. There is a series of long flat rocks that takes you to the center of the river. I practice meditation and yogic breathing on one of those rocks. I’ve been going to Great Falls since I was a kid. It’s always been a place of repose when I’ve felt depressed, upset, or insecure. I think it’s important to connect with nature when you can. I often go hiking when time allows.

WSP:     Where do you enjoy writing the most?

KK:         Outside. However, I do usually write in my room. Boring, I know, but fewer distractions.

WSP:     I understand you are a yoga teacher, is this correct?

KK:        Yes, I became a yoga teacher at 19. I have a 500hr certification in Kripalu Yoga, and I’m about to receive another 500hr certification in Pranakriya Yoga (although some of the hours cross over). I taught for about five years, but then took a break to become a Massage Therapist. Because I’m currently in college, I’m not teaching classes (only teaching close friends), but I hope to do so in the future.

WSP:     Do you feel yoga helps you with your breathing while doing vocals?

KK:          Definitely. Yoga allows me to hold notes longer, keep my throat relaxed, and maintain a better tone.  

WSP:      Aren’t you also going to school right now, what are you majoring in?

KK:          I’m at Northern Virginia Community College, and I’m planning on transferring to a four-year college in a year or so. I’m thinking of majoring in either biology or psychology, with a minor in either human rights (some schools offer this) or political science. I’m then hoping to go to school to get my doctorate in Physical Therapy.

WSP:      Where do you see yourself in five years?

KK:          I see myself continuing to sing for metal bands and doing some touring, hopefully over seas at some point. I also see myself continuing my wonderful and supportive relationship, as well as working as a PT, and possibly joining doctors without borders, traveling overseas to help others in need.

WSP:      Do you have any projects you are working on? (Painting/Writing/Music)

KK:          I’m currently working on guest vocals for a Eustachian track. Art wise, because I’m busy, I’ve had difficulty finding the time. But, until the day I die, I will be in love with painting, and it will always be a medium of expression that I’ll come back to. Also, shortly, ANb will be working on a full length.

WSP:      Last question, for the record; how tall are you? (I am short...)

KK:          I thought I was 5’1 up until recently when a Nurse measured me at 5’. I shrunk?

WSP:      Well, I do believe I have exhausted all the questions I had at this time. But I would like to talk to you more and continue to share inspiration and with these communications, you push me to be stronger and louder.

Do you have any final words you wanted to share with the world?

KK:           I consider one of the most important aspects about being on this earth, which people fail to realize, is that we are all connected. On the deepest level, spirit, we are all the same. If one person suffers, we all suffer. If people could even in a small way be kinder, more compassionate, and empathetic towards others, the world would be much improved. I am repeatedly witnessing humanity’s inhumanity because of differences like race and religion. These kinds of things fail to matter because they don’t communicate who we truly are at the deepest level of self. If even just one person does something to help another, it betters us all, and I feel that it is truly a worthwhile action.

WSP:     Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions and look forward to learning more about you.

Cheers,

Tanya 

Real talk with Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza

It has frustrated me over the last few years to hear people refer to different types of "core" as their own category, I get it with hardcore, however, I lose interest when I hear kids talking about Mathcore, dancecore, screamcore and so on.  It is all 'metal' whether or not you are a fan of a particular band within the genre or not, it is all still metal to me. I do believe that personality makes a big difference in many things in life and music being one of them. I was introduced to the music of Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza early last year when my son asked me to take him to the show.  I listened to Danza II and agreed to take him. I first saw these guys at the Orpheum in Ybor City.  It was packed!
The initial conversation was with the drummer, Mike Bradley. We spoke about drums and his love for other types of music, influences, etc.  I then spoke with Jessie Freeland, the vocalist, whose conversation surprised me.  His first question was how my son was doing in school.  Our conversation lasted for almost an hour sitting on the curb outside the venue. One of the questions that I had was about his job outside of touring, when he is home and he shared with me his work with troubled youth. The conversation was more than interesting!
Moving on,  I asked about talking to the other guys in the band, but they had a rough tour and were asleep in the van. I kept in touch with Mike and Jessie and was anxious to see them again on the return to Orlando.

We adventured to Orlando for a riveting performance at Club H20, where they played with Oceano, Blind Witness and a few others and must say they killed it once again! So needless to say, when I got the notification Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza was heading back out on the road and St. Pete dates were secured, I made sure I would be there. Excited to see the guys again, we confirmed an interview to accompany the live shots I would be taking.  I met up with Josh Travis and Jessie Freeland before the show and spoke with him for quite awhile and agreed to continue the conversation after they played and we would get some 'promo' shots too.

We did just that, I spoke with Jessie for almost an hour and a half again while we waited for the rest of the guys to reunite at the van.  I know I promised an interview to be posted, however, I truly feel that the conversation that I had with Jessie and with Josh was more on a personal level and is not to be shared with the world. I have always been intrigued by the thought process of the human brain and the way people think and what makes them tick. The "interview" or conversation with these guys was truly more of a conversation between friends.  While there are a lot of great times on the road touring, it is not always the most glamorous or as interesting as people may think. These guys are real, genuine guys who have passionate hearts and truly want to make something of themselves and make a positive difference.  Josh is an incredible musician, who plays multiple instruments, not just that badass 7 string guitar, but he is also a writer and truly deserves to be recognized for his talent as well as the rest of the guys too. 

If you haven't heard of Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza before, you should check them out.  Josh Travis is a beast on the guitar!  Their musical tastes are broad and are the most down to earth people I feel I have ever truly had the chance to hang with.  They are not rock stars, but my friends. 

O'shy's Irish Tap House - Truly a Community Business, written by Tanya Galloway

Bellair resident, Jennifer Landry hails from Chicago, Illinois who is no stranger to authentic Irish Pubs. Jennifer has always paid close attention to her surroundings when visiting pubs, taverns and restaurants and even coffee houses, keeping notes of things that she liked and things she did not. With her heritage being Irish and Czechoslovakian, she feel that she truly has something different to offer and always wanted a place to call her own.

The opening of O'Shy's Irish Tap House in Largo, Florida didn't just appear at the end of some rainbow, but through hard work and her dedication to having a place where people could just 'come and hang out', 'like a coffee shop but with beer'.  For a first time business owner, opening a business can be quite a difficult task. Well, she wasn't going to make any mistakes doing so and her voice was well heard by local city officials who not only listened to her but made changes in the way of the assistance for business owners.  Now her dreams of her place to call her own, is no longer an idea or a dream, but a reality put into motion. With the politics out of the way, she was now able to focus on opening the doors not only to the new business, but to her dreams as well. Being a single parent, Jennifer was concerned of how she was going to be able to build the place she wanted.  While renovations commenced, much needed items were being donated by other local businesses and people within the community that had heard her story and wanted to pitch in.  Her boyfriend Eddie and longtime friends, Marty and Josh and many others were close at hand, putting countless hours into painting, building and plumbing to helping this amazing woman open the doors to her dreams and to her new business, O'Shy's Irish Tap House, which is named after her daughter, Shyan. 

O'Shy's Tap House not only offers 46 different beers on tap from around the world, but many bottled beers and fine wines as well as specialty beer drinks that are dazzled with chocolate and raspberries too.  

Jennifer opened O'Shy's Tap House officially on March 5th, 2011 with a packed house, making new friends. She also shares plans for a "Fighting Irish" wall, which will honor Irish police offers, fire fighters and first responders from her hometown of Chicago and her home in Florida.  She says she isn't done yet!  She wants to open additional businesses in the area such as a Pizzeria and an upscale liquor bar and promises her son the pizzeria would be named after him.    

O'Shy's will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day in a more unique fashion.  Of course, there will be beer and live music, but they will also be offering Shephard's Pie, green snow and some other special surprises!  Guess you will have to stop in and see what they are! 

O'Shy's Irish Tap House is located at 80 Clearwater-Largo Road South in Largo, Florida on the southeast corner of Clwr-Largo Road and West Bay Drive.  Hours are from 11am until 2am. 

Cash is King at O'Shy's (ATM inside)

Outside patio 

For more information give Jennifer a call at 727-588-4444. 

O'Shy's Irish Tap House Online  or Add O'Shy's on Facebook!

Photos by Tanya Galloway of Wandering Star Photography

Keeping Pools Safe for Loved Ones of All Ages

Far too often when we think of pool safety we think of small children.  Keeping your loved ones safe around the pool includes your precious family pets, disabled family members as well as anyone you are caring for that may suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's Disease.
Here's the problem, individual's who suffer from Alzheimer's have difficulty judging distance and determining color and contrast.  In terms of perception, they may see the pool, but only see the bottom and not be able to judge the distance and that is actually water.  When it cannot be determined in the mind that it is not a hard surface, they continue to walk therefore falling into the pool causing possible head injuries or even worse, death.  


By installing a pool safety fence which creates a barrier around the swimming pool and a self-closing, self-latching gate, you are reducing the chances of an accidental drowning. You can also help reduce the tragedy of accidental drowning by adding layers of protection, such as an door alarm or gate alarm. 

Help keep your loved ones safe around the pool.  For more information on pool safety fences please visit Pool Guard Safety Fences.  

Hey Butt Heads!

I like to find little hidden tranquil places to create, to write and to plan.

As I sat in one of these favorite little spots along the coast, I gazed down to admire the shells and driftwood that had washed ashore.  While I was checking out the cracked oyster shells, the hungry little crabs burrow their way through the moist sand, I noticed an ungodly sight. Within a five foot radius, gently resting on branches, shells, driftwood and other natural wonder were nothing but cigarette butts. Oddly enough, I was writing plans for a community clean up event I am organizing.  So, I immediately packed my belongings and headed for my car, where I happen to keep a trash bag and gloves.  I charged onward to the shore with a mission; Mission Butt Head!


When I reached the head of the shore, to my disgust this is what I found.  

Not only is this very unpleasant to look at, but consider the damage it is doing to the Earth. If you don't think flicking your cigarette butt is a big deal, think about this. The core of most cigarette filters -- the part that looks like white cotton, is actually a form of plastic called cellulose acetate. By itself, cellulose acetate degrades very slowly in our environment. Depending on the conditions of the area the cigarette butt is discarded in, it can take 18 months to 10 years for a cigarette filter to decompose. But that isn't the worst of it. Used cigarette filters are full of toxins known as tar, and those chemicals leach into the ground and waterways, damaging living organisms that contact them. And, most filters are discarded with bits of tobacco still attached to them as well, further polluting our environment with nicotine. So the fish that you eat, could potentially be contaminated by nicotine and other harmful chemicals that are found in cigarette filters. 


The cigarette filters were not the only things that I found tainting this beautiful hide-a-way, other items included, plastic bottles, cigar filters, candy wrappers, napkins, pieces of tires, beer cans, condom wrappers and the one thing I did find nestled in the grass was a fortune.  

It is such a splendid feeling when you run across those little signs letting you know you are on the right path in life. 

I pressed on, filling an entire trash bag of things that could have been recycled and some that should have just been thrown in the proper trash recepticle. This wasn't a very large area either, it was a span of approximately ten feet by about forty yards.  If we all just do our part, we are reducing some very negative effects we are causing on this Earth.

Community clean-up's are held regularly in most communities.  If you choose not to participate in these types of events, at least do your part. Most communities also offer recycling programs as well. Here are some helpful resources on recycling. 


The City of Largo offers a plethora of options, one of which includes curb side recycling. All you have to do is put your recyclables in the container and put it out with your trash - they pick it up.  The bins are free and they will even deliver them at no charge. 
www.largorecycles.com 

1-800-RECYCLING.com  offers a ton of information about recycling programs around the world and different ways you can make a difference by going green! 


St. Pete also offers many recycling options for residents too.  http://www.stpete.org/sanitation/earth_friendly_recycling/


Hillsborough County also offers these programs, which you can check out at www.hillsboroughcountyrecyles.org.

Remember:  Don't just throw it away, recycle!

The Eagle Has Landed - Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park got it's name back in 1939 when a New York City developer by the name of Clinton Washburn and LIFE magazine bought the island.  They held a contest where newlywed couples could submit essays for a chance to win a two week, 'Sunny Florida Beach Bungalow Honeymoon". The 50 beach bungalows were made out of palm fronds and the winners were flown in and off the island for their honeymoon.

Honeymoon Isle, Beach Bungalow "Lover's Nook"

Today, Honeymoon Island State Park visitors can enjoy mangrove swamps, sunny beaches, picnics as well as a lovely stretch of lush nature trails.  It is virtually impossible to appreciate mother natures beauty until you meander through Honeymoon Island State Parks appropriately named, Osprey Trail. You will find a variety of plants, animals as well as over 20 active osprey nests.

As you walk through the trail, you can hear these beautiful creatures warding off the other birds trying to steal their catch of the day. Honeymoon Island State Park is also home to two adult American Bald Eagles, which have a nest at the north end of the trail, which is also home to two eaglets.  

The Eagle's nest is protected with a perimeter, however an Eagle watching area has been created to watch this amazing bird in action.  

The trails are lined with the most surreal, Tim Burton like trees, cacti and wildflowers.  

Honeymoon Island State Park is located at the tip of the Dunedin Causeway.  The entrance fee is $8.00, but well worth it.  The Caladesi Island Ferry is also located at Honeymoon Island.