• Candid Portraits,  Family,  Travel

    I’m back

    November 25, 2024
    My dad, who will be 96 in January

    I arrived home Sunday afternoon about 2:30 pm. We had mechanical problems on the flight out to Phoenix on Wednesday and needed to return to the gate. That delayed us by an hour and a half. The trip back was smooth except for turbulence coming into Denver.

    I enjoyed my visit with my dad, my sister and brother-in-law. I ate more sweets than I have in a while and have no one to blame but me. I felt my pants had shrunk by the time I got back on the plane. But my wise father suggested it was due to altitude changes, having nothing to due with eating two pieces of my sisters Lemon Meringue pie, or a piece of chocolate cream pie, or two sugar cookies each with a quarter inch of frosting, not to mention the turkey, ham, beef brisket or any of the other trimmings …..

    Today is a rest day. I like this photo of my dad as he has that mischievous look.

    Read More
  • Candid Portraits,  Family,  Portraits

    Thursday’s Lunch

    November 1, 2024
    Christine

    Yesterday morning began with overcast skies, a heavy fog and a light mist. I was able to take a few images of some of the weather conditions but my favorite image of the day was yet to come. My oldest daughter and I had scheduled to meet for lunch a couple weeks ago. By the time we met for lunch the clouds had begun to break up and sunlight would peak in and out. We were able to have a table near a window and talk about our enjoyment of the fall season. After lunch we enjoyed a latte, rather than a dessert, and continued our conversation. I could not help but notice the diffused light from the window as it accentuated how beautiful a woman she is. So, I asked if I could take her photo and now proudly share it with you.

    Read More
  • Family,  leaves,  quotes

    Presence of the Divine

    November 17, 2023
    Frost on leaves last week

    Meister Eckhart said that nothing in the universe resembles God so much as silence, so if you think about silence in that sense, then to come into silence is to come into the presence of the Divine.

    John O’Donohue

    I head back to Colorado tomorrow and have enjoyed my time with family. We have had overcast skies and a couple of light rains while down here. Right now I am sitting on their huge patio and enjoying one another’s presence, while quail and cactus wrens offer their songs. Will finished the day with ice cream from Handel’s.

    Read More
  • clouds,  Family,  gratitude,  musings,  prayer,  quotes,  writing/reading

    Thanks Mom…

    August 19, 2023

    Perfect does not mean perfect actions in a perfect world, but appropriate actions in an imperfect one.

    R.H. Blyth

    Two years ago today my mother died in her sleep after a couple weeks in hospice. So, of course I’m thinking about her today, as are my sisters and dad. There are moments of sadness but there are those good memories mixed in. I must say I am grateful for the foundation she laid for the person I have become, although I’m far from being perfect. Hopefully I live with appropriate actions and words, seeds she planted. Thanks mom!! I miss you!!

    Read More
  • Family

    Congratulations Daryian!!!!

    July 13, 2023
    Daryian and I

    I was excited and proud when I heard that my oldest grandson, Daryian, was now a manager of his own PF Changs restaurant in Denver. However, I am going to confess that I also stepped into my fears and imagination as a grandpa. My first fear was for his safety in the big city. Next came the fear the store would fail, or they’d work him too long and hard, causing burnout, or having to handle difficult employees, or having a demanding manager above him. Then my imagination went the other way where the restaurant would be successful. He’d then permanently move to Denver, getting caught up in the success, venture into alcohol, drugs, and loose women. I wouldn’t be there to protect and guide him in any of this, as if I could. After a few deep breaths and some quiet time with prayer, meditation and my journaling, I was able to laugh at myself. What I learned from this is that as a grandparent it’s difficult to allow grandchildren the experiences and all the lessons they need in life to become healthy adults. We have no capacity to control another’s life or to interfere in their lives. I do wish him all the success he deserves. I couldn’t be a prouder grandpa! Congratulations Daryian!!!!

    Read More
  • clouds,  Family,  landscape,  sunrises

    Awesomeness!

    December 31, 2021

    Rather than pick a favorite image(s) from this past year I decided to post one that sums up what my year behind the camera has been like and what my inner eye saw. I spent a lot of mornings and evenings at local natural areas as a positive way to start my day. I also made sure to spend ample time on the eastern plains and those wide open space, embracing the experience and quiet of nature. For me this image encapsulates what my year in photography was like: clouds, sunrises, sunsets, nature, silence, solitude, bird songs mixed with the wind. It also reminds me how small a part I am in this universe but yet an integral part of it. Awesomeness!

    The past year also included upheaval in our world. The pandemic continues to disrupt our lives. Climate change evidence abounds. Yet, I am not giving up hope for this world. I feel there is something each of us can do to bring about positive change in the world. Seems I pray with this creator of the universe more often, and that’s a good thing.

    At home, I’ve made changes to my condo with new carpet and vinyl flooring and a splash of new paint. Well two coats. My parents moved into assisted living in May. Soon after mom went into hospice and died on August 19th. It’s been a tough year for my 92 year old father. He lost a spouse of 72 years, tested positive for Covid-19 a week later, then his whole facility went into lockdown for the next couple of weeks. Not to break a family tradition my sisters, brother-in-law and myself spent the week prior to Thanksgiving with dad. It was good for him and for us! My youngest granddaughter married in September so we officially welcomed Brandon to the family!

    Not sure this is a New Years resolution but in this coming year I wish to cherish life, all of nature and respect it, love at greater depths my neighbor and all of creation, myself, God and hope in the healing of this broken world. For me that’s really not asking much, is doable and begins with me. I’m hoping, wishing, praying your coming year is full of good health, dark chocolate, laughter, joy, milk chocolate (if dark is not available), wonderful family time, the making of new experiences and whatever you can add to this list. Happy New Year!

    Read More
  • Family,  lifestyles

    Saying Goodbye

    August 6, 2021

    I’m in Phoenix. They put my mother in hospice on Wednesday so my sister and I flew down on Thursday. She is hardly eating and drinking. Getting weaker, sleeping a lot. In moments of awareness she tells us she loves us. All four of us kids are with her and dad. This image is my dad holding her hand. We are each saying our goodbyes.

    Read More