It’s hard to believe that 9 years ago, our country was shocked to its core. I remember getting to work that morning, just like any other morning. I turned on my computer, and turned on the radio, expecting to hear a song to get me going. Instead, I heard the radio announcers, and they didn’t sound like their normal, cheery selves…attack, Twin Towers, smoke…what?! I turned up the radio a bit louder, and didn’t know if what I was hearing was for real. Surely this couldn’t be real…could it? I quickly opened the internet, but it was a bit slow in connecting. I called my mom, she had just heard the same thing. This was not just like any other morning.
I remember thinking of some of my high school friends who lived in New York, one of them was working on Wall Street at the time. How were they doing? How must their families feel at this moment? Luckily, my friends were accounted for. The rest of that day felt odd. How could it not? Several of my co-workers and I went to lunch near the office, to a place with tv’s. The mood was somber, you could feel it, you could see it in everyone’s eyes. Shock, disbelief, uncertainty. After lunch, I was encouraged to go fill up with gas, you know, just in case. So I took the advice. The gas station I filled up at regularly was only a few blocks from the office. There was a line of cars just to get into the station. At that moment, I felt a sense of panic. So many questions swirled through my head. Being in my apartment later that evening, I sat on the couch watching the news, terrified. Over the next several days and weeks, I was glued to the news and to the findings from that day, that one day that changed our lives and changed our world.
One year later, I got up early to go running on September 11, 2002. The sky was clear, the air was crisp. I had a good run that morning. I remember feeling thankful, so thankful to be able to get outside, to run freely, to not be afraid of planes flying overhead. Just like any other morning.
For all those who lost their lives that day, for all those who fought to save lives that day, for all those who miss someone they lost that day, my heart goes out to you. Thank you to all who fight for our freedom every day.
It’s August! And you know what that means…time for the Indiana State Fair! Each year they have a photography contest, where hundreds of photographers of all ages with all levels of experience, submit their work for others to see. Each year, I browse the photography entries and promise myself that ‘next year’ I’ll have the courage to enter the contest. Well, I did it! So wish me luck! And if you happen to go to the Fair this year, take a look through all of the amazing work – not only photography, but arts and crafts of all kinds – that fills the Home and Family Arts building. Antiques, painting, fibers, sewing, cakes, and more! So inspirational! There is so much talent here in the State of Indiana! I can’t wait to go soak up some inspiration and see all the beautiful work that fills the halls…and enjoy some fair food too, of course!
Two years ago, one of my best friends lost her very best friend…her mom. I’ve known Ashley for several years, after meeting her thanks to mutual friends, we just clicked. Maybe it was because we’re both Pisces, or because we both have dark hair, or that we both love being near water. Her fun-loving, positive spirit was contagious. She had just recovered from a horrible bout with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and was regaining strength every day. Her family and friends had helped her make it through the sickness, the pain, the nightmare. And then a few years later, she called me…that dreaded phone call…it was back. The cancer was back. My heart sank. She was losing hope. I couldn’t let that happen. So her other friends and I visited her in the hospital. Although she barely remembers us being there, staying behind the plastic wall that protected her from all the outside germs, we smiled at her through tears. We knew, we just knew, she was going to beat this thing! She had to. After all, her mom had made her hospital room the most vibrant, beautiful, calming room ever…photos, swatches of color, hand-made paper designs hanging from the ceiling. And she did it, she made it through for a second time. I’m so happy to say that she has celebrated over 5 years of being cancer free. Her mom’s story is a bit different though. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, fought a tough battle while keeping hopeful, and she passed away two years ago. Ashley had learned her positive, courageous spirit from her mom, who loved life and adventure. She lived life to the fullest, and shared it with her family, her friends, and those who would quickly become her friends after just meeting her. Her family held a celebration of life, complete with family photos on tables, flowers, her journals of travels to India while she was fighting the battle of her life. Under a tent and rainy skies, we celebrated her love for life. For that’s what she would have wanted. The family asked those who attended to write letters to her…in my letter, I promised I would be there for Ashley no matter what. And I had the honor of doing just that a few days ago. After all, she’s kind of like a sister to me, along with our friend, Audrey. A small impromptu gathering was planned to honor Ashley’s mom, in the very place where we had all gathered 2 years ago. But on this day, no rain drops fell. Only dappled, sparkling, beautiful sunlight streamed through the tall trees in the garden – her garden – the very garden that she had helped maintain, as her daughter and friends shared stories and remembered her radiant and colorful spirit. The flowers in the garden couldn’t have been more beautiful and perfect. Dear Ashley’s mom, you are loved and missed!
The owners of this beautiful property were some of Ashley’s mom’s dear friends. In addition to the beautiful gardens, they had two of the cutest and sweetest dogs…Rudy was not camera shy at all!
Despite the tough times my friend’s family has endured, they have grown in strength, love, and hope – together. Much love to you all.
I hope everyone had a Happy and Safe 4th of July! We were lucky enough to enjoy 2 amazing fireworks displays over the weekend while visiting with family and friends. I captured a few images on the 4th and also took a little creative freedom with some of them, in honor of the holiday spirit! Although I love fireworks, I really like the ones that don’t look like fireworks at all…see what you think!
Over the weekend, we visited with some family. Despite the soaring temperatures and high humidity, we hung out in my Grandma’s backyard in her beautiful garden after dinner and dessert. It was great to spend time with family on such a sun-kissed day. I’m truly blessed with a warm, happy, and loving family. Of course I had my camera with me, sooo…I took a few pictures. Here are some of my favorites!
