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About

My name is Roland Allen. I'm a Californian with a couple of cameras and a few thoughts. I live in Orange County, which is in southern California, halfway in between Los Angeles and San Diego.
When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.               ~Ansel Adams

I've spent my life in "the Academy" - having been a college and university admissions officer at Westmont College, Colby College, MIT and Stanford University; and as director of college counseling at several well regarded independent schools.

I care deeply about people, their God-given dignity and their innate human rights. 

Your beliefs will be the light by which you see, but they will not be what you see and they will not be a substitute for seeing. 
 ~Flannery O’Connor 

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Remembering Harriet

My younger sister passed away early Thursday morning following a long illness. My heart is broken. I will miss her terribly.  I used to say that Harriet never met a stranger. She found something to talk about with everyone. Harriet LOVED people, and they loved her in return. She also loved celebrating Mardi Gras. And, she loved introducing me as her Big Brother.  My brother and I are happy that so many people are sending us photos and memories of our sister. We look forward to continuing to celebrating her. John 11: 25 Jesus said to her,   “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.  26 And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she answered, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”  

Staying Safe

  I love a good adventure.  The emphasis is on good .  I started in Ventura and drove up California Highway 33 this past Monday. Potrero John Creek Trail was the destination.  Potrero John Creek is in the Sespe Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest.  Highway 33/Maricopa Highway is a stunning drive that quickly rises from the Pacific Ocean to over 3000 feet elevation.  Soon after leaving Ventura, the road goes through Casitas Springs, which is the home of Johnny Cash.  Cellular phone service dropped out even before I had properly left Ojai, the last town before heading up the mountain.  The trail is rocky and remote. I was not prepared for either. I was the only person on the trail. In fact, there was no one around, and car traffic was extremely sparse. I made a game-time call to venture slightly down the trail, but not to go too deep, given that I had no way to reach help should anything go wrong.