It is a not so well known - or to some of my friends, it is very well known, that I am deeply in love with Rumi.

I know, he has been dead for more than 700 years, but face it, a more passionate man is uncommon at best.

Another little known fact is that I have a new camera and enjoy setting some pretty crazy goals for myself. This week I actually completed a couple of said goals (these are mostly topics on my 43things.com goal list) and in clearing those goals away, it made space for some completely new ones.

This latest goal is one of my favorites yet to date.

Ah-hem. Here goes nothing.

My goal is to photograph 43 People Reading Rumi in Bakersfield.  I figure in bringing this goal to light, I will be working on several things at the same time.

One, I will be completely "out there" with something I love. I mean, it is more than a little odd to ask people, "Hey, can I take your photo?" (I just finished that goal of taking photos of 43 people around town and many of those were taken secretly!). The nature of this goal means I need to make the request for a photo AND THEN I have to say, "Oh, by the way, please read Rumi while I snap your photo."

So far, though, I have taken photos of three people and all three... well, take a look at them... and know I didn't pose any of them, I just snapped away while they read.

Here is Coryn, reading away while at Dagny's. She is obviously enthralled and I think that person behind her is secretly wishing I had asked to be in some snaps, too...

Diana was minding her own business when I wandered into Barnes and Noble's poetry section last night. I was planning on reviewing some books for my Amazon Reviewing Goal, but I sneaked up to her with a Mary Oliver book (Thirst) and was immediately inspired to share Rumi.....

I've met Courtney several times through her brother, Michael Pawloski. I didn't realize I would soon have her falling in love with Rumi as well. She was so inspired she held hands with both Diana and that cute guy sitting next to her as she read Rumi... aloud no less. Can you say, photographer had tears in her eyes she was so happy?!

So - would you like to be photographed reading Rumi? I would love to photograph people in unusual spots... although Dagny's and Barnes and Noble worked well, it would be fun to shoot all over the place here in town, too.

If you are interested - just respond to this blog....

Oodles of smiles over here. You will LOVE Rumi if you don't already!