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sincerely,
- Jen Castle Photography
Galco's and the "Freedom of Choice"
Where do I begin . . . well, on Thursday Joe and I were supposed to head down to Catalina Island for the day, which I had decided would be my blog for the week. However, things did not roll out according to plan. Our dog, Hoshi, became sick the night before and we had to take him into emergency care. He's ok now but obviously we had to cancel our plans for that next morning and our family was forced to leave without us. We were a little bummed but decided to make the most of it.
For years now, I have been hearing about Galco's soda pop stop but have never taken the time to check it out for myself, which is silly because it's only fifteen minutes away from our house. Now that our day was wide open, I suggested to Joe that we go, make a blog out of it and see what all the hype was about.
Galco's, I've been told, is the true "King of Pop." One critic described it as "a carbonated rain forest. There are many species of soda, beer, and wine, all living together in a delicately balanced ballet," and upon entering Galco's one immediately notices a quote beaming from above, in bold red letters- "The Freedom of Choice." Boy they aren't kidding! This store has more soda then I have ever seen in my life and not just soda but beer and candy as well. I suddenly felt like Julie Andrews in "The Sound of Music," atop of the hills of Switzerland. I felt like a kid again. I was so excited at first, that I forgot to take pictures . . .
and then I remembered . . .
How bout this oldie but goodie? Anyone remember this blast from the past? It's a blast alright, of caffine! What were our parents thinking when they allowed us to drink this stuff. Actually, maybe I'd get more done if I drank it today.
Galco's has every flavor you can think of with a colorful combination of ingredients. Some are chock-full of different dies and artificial flavors, while others are all natural, right down to the sugar cane.
This was one of my favorites. Put Obama's face on a 4 pack of American purity?
Yes we can!
This one is for C.C.
Now toward the end of our shopping adventure, I decided to introduce myself to John, the owner. John showed us around even further and gave us a quick lesson on the store, how he started collecting soda, the history of some of the bottles, and what his favorites store items were. I mean this store is not just a pop stop, it's also a museum and John didn't hesitate for a second in showing us around.
Established in 1857, Galco's was founded on the American dream. It began as a mini mart and today, is known as the largest collection of soda in the Country. John began collecting his sodas when Pepsi-Cola came to him and demanded that he sell their product at a higher rate so that they could then make the percentage that they needed, "why would I sell pepsi for more when my customers can go to the neighboring Ralphs and get it for less," John exclaimed, "and even if I sold it for more I still wouldn't be making enough profit from it." It just wasn't worth it to John but Pepsi knew John would have to concede because the facts are the facts- he was a small mom and pop and needed to have one of the most popular colas present in his shop. Or did he? Long story short, John rebelled and ordered everything but pepsi. To this day, you won't find a single pepsi-cola product in his store and he's made it his goal to help other mom and pops by showcasing their soda within his own mom and pop. I guess that makes Galco's a mom and pop stop as well.
John continued our tour by educating us about the history of bottles. Take these for example-
Did you know that in the late 1800's the U.S. began utilizing a series of bright colbalt blue bottles that also incorporated texture? The bottles contained a series of raised bumps and ridges on the outside of them. The purpose being that should a person mistakenly grab a bottle in the dark, they would know that it was poison, due to the texture on the outside of the of the bottle. This company decided to pay tribute to that bit of history and began designing their soda bottles in the same manner.
Joe and I couldn't get enough. We were throwing one of each into our boxes,
and then we noticed the beer aisle.
So many beers we had never heard of. We didn't know where to begin. So we decided to go for the Costa Rican beer "Imperial," in honor of our upcoming trip.
John also pointed out this colorful number to us, said it was the best Sangria he's ever had.
All in all, we had such a fabulous time picking out beverages and Joe and I are both happy with our final choices. We're still enjoying them. We've had a few people over since we purchased and have found that the sodas and beer make excellent conversation starters. We will definitely return, probably immediately after this stash runs out.
And thank you John for helping to maintain this country's biggest asset- The Freedom of Choice.
For years now, I have been hearing about Galco's soda pop stop but have never taken the time to check it out for myself, which is silly because it's only fifteen minutes away from our house. Now that our day was wide open, I suggested to Joe that we go, make a blog out of it and see what all the hype was about.
Galco's, I've been told, is the true "King of Pop." One critic described it as "a carbonated rain forest. There are many species of soda, beer, and wine, all living together in a delicately balanced ballet," and upon entering Galco's one immediately notices a quote beaming from above, in bold red letters- "The Freedom of Choice." Boy they aren't kidding! This store has more soda then I have ever seen in my life and not just soda but beer and candy as well. I suddenly felt like Julie Andrews in "The Sound of Music," atop of the hills of Switzerland. I felt like a kid again. I was so excited at first, that I forgot to take pictures . . .
and then I remembered . . .
How bout this oldie but goodie? Anyone remember this blast from the past? It's a blast alright, of caffine! What were our parents thinking when they allowed us to drink this stuff. Actually, maybe I'd get more done if I drank it today.
Galco's has every flavor you can think of with a colorful combination of ingredients. Some are chock-full of different dies and artificial flavors, while others are all natural, right down to the sugar cane.
This was one of my favorites. Put Obama's face on a 4 pack of American purity?
Yes we can!
This one is for C.C.Now toward the end of our shopping adventure, I decided to introduce myself to John, the owner. John showed us around even further and gave us a quick lesson on the store, how he started collecting soda, the history of some of the bottles, and what his favorites store items were. I mean this store is not just a pop stop, it's also a museum and John didn't hesitate for a second in showing us around.
Established in 1857, Galco's was founded on the American dream. It began as a mini mart and today, is known as the largest collection of soda in the Country. John began collecting his sodas when Pepsi-Cola came to him and demanded that he sell their product at a higher rate so that they could then make the percentage that they needed, "why would I sell pepsi for more when my customers can go to the neighboring Ralphs and get it for less," John exclaimed, "and even if I sold it for more I still wouldn't be making enough profit from it." It just wasn't worth it to John but Pepsi knew John would have to concede because the facts are the facts- he was a small mom and pop and needed to have one of the most popular colas present in his shop. Or did he? Long story short, John rebelled and ordered everything but pepsi. To this day, you won't find a single pepsi-cola product in his store and he's made it his goal to help other mom and pops by showcasing their soda within his own mom and pop. I guess that makes Galco's a mom and pop stop as well.
John continued our tour by educating us about the history of bottles. Take these for example-
Did you know that in the late 1800's the U.S. began utilizing a series of bright colbalt blue bottles that also incorporated texture? The bottles contained a series of raised bumps and ridges on the outside of them. The purpose being that should a person mistakenly grab a bottle in the dark, they would know that it was poison, due to the texture on the outside of the of the bottle. This company decided to pay tribute to that bit of history and began designing their soda bottles in the same manner.
Joe and I couldn't get enough. We were throwing one of each into our boxes,
and then we noticed the beer aisle.
So many beers we had never heard of. We didn't know where to begin. So we decided to go for the Costa Rican beer "Imperial," in honor of our upcoming trip.John also pointed out this colorful number to us, said it was the best Sangria he's ever had.
All in all, we had such a fabulous time picking out beverages and Joe and I are both happy with our final choices. We're still enjoying them. We've had a few people over since we purchased and have found that the sodas and beer make excellent conversation starters. We will definitely return, probably immediately after this stash runs out.And thank you John for helping to maintain this country's biggest asset- The Freedom of Choice.
The Miles Donahey Duet
I met Becca about a year ago while documenting a wedding in New Orleans. Instantly, we connected. She's vivacious, quirky, fun and adorable. I knew she was a good friend of the bride and I could easily see why. A few months later, I received a phone call from her- she had seen the photography from the New Orleans wedding and wanted to talk about hiring me for her own wedding. She was so excited and forthcoming with the compliments . . . I was honored.
Since then I've now, not only documented her wedding, (which was a blast) but have recently had the opportunity to document her profession as well.
Meet the Miles Donahey Duet.
This Classical, Folk, and Jazz Duo consists of Becca Donahey and Jeff Miles, both of whom have extensive credentials within the field of music. Becca (vocals) has trained with a number of Metropolitan Opera greats throughout her career as well as moved to New Orleans for a few years in order to perform the jazz circuit. While Jeff (guitar,piano) has been playing since the age of ten, performing for over 20 years and currently teaches courses in the Los Feliz area. Jeff and Becca decided to join ranks in 2007 and have been working successfully ever since. They are not only a talented duo but a charismatic one. We had a lot of fun during this shoot.
For more information on this dynamic duo or just to listen to samples of their sound,
I recommend you to click the link below.
www.gigmasters.com
Since then I've now, not only documented her wedding, (which was a blast) but have recently had the opportunity to document her profession as well.
Meet the Miles Donahey Duet.
This Classical, Folk, and Jazz Duo consists of Becca Donahey and Jeff Miles, both of whom have extensive credentials within the field of music. Becca (vocals) has trained with a number of Metropolitan Opera greats throughout her career as well as moved to New Orleans for a few years in order to perform the jazz circuit. While Jeff (guitar,piano) has been playing since the age of ten, performing for over 20 years and currently teaches courses in the Los Feliz area. Jeff and Becca decided to join ranks in 2007 and have been working successfully ever since. They are not only a talented duo but a charismatic one. We had a lot of fun during this shoot.For more information on this dynamic duo or just to listen to samples of their sound,I recommend you to click the link below.
www.gigmasters.com
A Day at Universal Studios
She came, she conquered, she kicked some ass! My baby cousin Robbie, AKA my god child, decided that this trip out, she wanted to go to Universal Studios and this time, she wasn't messing around. She was now tall enough for the big kid rides. I was tall enough as well but someone had to document the adventure right? (my back is still thanking me). So here they are, all the way from Arizona- mi familia.
No more discounted rate equals no more kiddie rides . . . YES!
Between you and me, this was pretty funny to look at zoomed in.
Yes, she's running a little low here on the energy scale so we did what any good parents would do in this situation . . .
We gave her sugar.
And just like that, she was all beter.
And so it ends, Metrolink style- why pay for parking if you don't have to?A great day of bonding with my cuz.
xoxoxo Rob!
Yosemite.
I'll never forget my first impression of Yosemite . . . I was still in High school- ignorant, awkward, rebellious, and had just begun my third semester photography class. Our instructor, Mrs. Phillips, was one of the few teachers I listened to back then, simply because I adored the subject of photography! Makes sense right? Well, I remember walking in one day and watching her as she patiently stood in the back corner of our classroom and studied our reactions to a print that was slowly being passed around the room. “Write down, in a few sentences,” she stated, “your first impression of this piece.” Well, because I felt like this was a waste of our time, taking us away from my favorite part of the class- the dark room, I decided to grab a marker and sloppily write “PRETTY,” in order to quickly complete the assignment. When the print finally came my way I grabbed it, laid it on the table, and inspected the back of it- “Yosemite Valley Clearing Storm, 1942, Ansel Adams.” I then flipped it over, making the conscience decision to take it in for the first time. It was then that I realized that I had so much more to say. "Pretty," just didn't cover it.
That sentiment has never changed. I was awe-struck by that photo then and I'm awe-struck every time I revisit Yosemite, this trip was no exception.
So lets talk about this trip- Joe and I were invited through friends of ours, to come and camp with them on the Wawona side of Yosemite. After we had immediately agreed to go, I realized that this was going to be my third time within the 761,266 acre park and I couldn't wait.
DAY 1- Our Arrival.
This is the first sight one gets to see when coming out of the main tunnel. I often compare the feeling to the first time Dorothy steps out of her house and realizes she's not in Kansas anymore. It's surreal.
Joe and I, taking a moment to reflect. Our tent was just to the right of this photograph. The view was spectacular and there's nothing like the sound of water to lull you to sleep.
Day 2- Beach trip.
What? but Yosemite doesn't have a beach. Oh yes it does. Joe had discovered this sandy paradise on our first day in and we wasted no time getting to know it. Once there, we were surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls, and trees as we laid out in nothing but our bathing suits soaking up the sun's vitamin D, lying upon warm sand and beneath blue skies. Again, surreal.
The only thing missing from this is a Corona!
And when we were't starring at the view, we played Backgammon.
Day 3- The Camp.
There's nothing like a hot political debate between sips of wine in paper cups.
The debate became too heated for Hoshi, he quickly decided to stay out of it.
And I always love a good campfire. Always a great way to end the day . . . that and a bit of silly-time with the Kerosene lamp!
So there it is, in all its glory- "PRETTY." Honestly, I'll never find the perfect words for Yosemite. I'm ok with that. I think it's ok to be speechless at times. For now, my adjectives can be found within my lens.
"Everybody needs beauty as well
as bread, places to play in and
pray in, where nature may heal
and give strength to body and
soul alike."
- John Muir
Baby!
Well here it is- I was going to shoot fireworks for my 4th of July Blog but I was in Santa Monica for the 4th and they decided to cancel them. I was a little bummed. It was the first time I had ever celebrated the 4th minus the fireworks but I quickly recovered. You'll have to too. I have no fireworks for you this monday morning, instead I have baby!
You see, for our daytime 4th activities we all lounged around on the sand, in the sun, and occasionally frolicked in the waves. When I say we, I mean everyone else . . . I obsessed over a baby. My friend recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and I could not take my lens off of him- Everyone, meet Aiden.
Better than fireworks right? Happy 4th everybody.
You see, for our daytime 4th activities we all lounged around on the sand, in the sun, and occasionally frolicked in the waves. When I say we, I mean everyone else . . . I obsessed over a baby. My friend recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and I could not take my lens off of him- Everyone, meet Aiden.
Better than fireworks right? Happy 4th everybody.
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