'Ordinary People'

It is amazing to me how well we think we know someone, only to find out that is not really the case at all. Recently, I came in contact with someone who I was completely drawn to and soon found out about a past that I could not even dream of. It is the stuff that movies are made of and books are written about. Granted, it has made for a very good story but has also left me a little shocked and empathetic and wondering about the choices that we make. the people those choices effect and how we change and cope as a result. Attitude and perspective are so very important. That is one of the lessons that I am learning through all of this.
I've also recently been further reminded that everyone has their story. Everyone has a past - some more interesting than others. Everyone has their stuff that they deal with, their fears, their dreams and their hangups. Through smiles can be severe pain. I need to remember this.

Thanksgiving was just a few days ago - and it was pretty wonderful. I spent part of the morning biking along the NCR trail with the sun peaking through the trees, the wind nipping and the stream gushing. The house smelled of pure deliciousness and my Thanksgiving one year ago in London felt very far away. I tried very hard this year to tell people that I am thankful for them and to share with those that I got to spend the day with exactly why I feel that way. It was a great exercise and one that I hope to keep up.


"I've always like the time best before dawn because theres no one around to remind me who I'm supposed to be so it's easier to remember who I am."

thankful

I am so very thankful.

For the constant and unwavering love and support from my family and friends - both new and old.
For multiple open doors and warm beds to sleep in.
For the education and experiences that I have had that cannot be replaced.
For my health and the health of those near and dear to me.
For my compassion (although this doesn't always make life easy, it is who I am and am meant to be)
For my nieces and nephews that make my heart swell and who love me unconditionally.
For the ability to choose and the lessons learned.
For the country that I live in and the freedoms we are granted.
For my parents - all of them - who made and shaped me in more ways than I can count.
For simple pleasures that take my breath away.
For being able to smile so often and mean it.
For keeping things in perspective and the opportunity to give of my time.
For music.
For ways to stay connected to those across town and all over the world.
For "my" truck.
For the future.
For my grandparents and their rich heritage, traditions and values.
For the journey that I am on.

Happy thanksgiving!

Veterans Day

Veterans Day came and went. I want to start off by saying that all vets should have off that day! Its not fair that people that have sacrificed for their country need to go to work to earn a living on this day of honor and remembrance.
I got to thinking about those in my family that have served - and how highly I regard them. My paternal grandfather that I didn't get to know all that well was a Marine (I need to read his biography to learn more about his experiences but I did hear that he showed up on college campus in his uniform and made my grandma swoon. He also wrote her a letter almost everyday while he was away since postage was free!) My maternal grandfather was in the Army and served in WW II. I have a comfy, grey, ARMY t-shirt of his that is one of my absolute favorites. Every time I hear I am Proud to be an American and I'll Be Home for Christmas, I well up and think of him. Granddad Keefe and Uncle Bud were in the Navy. How I love and respect these two men and could listen to them talk for hours. I feel blessed to have them in my life. It was my stepdad that I spent part of Veterans Day with and unfortunately couldn't voice the words that I wanted to say. How? How can you be such an amazing person after being through all that you did? How did you do all of this at the age of 18? How does one cope with what you and so many had to once you returned from Vietnam? 
I've heard him tell some stories about losing his best friend within days of being on the other side of the world. I think that I have an idea of the pain that he deals with on a regular basis due to his time there, but I also know that he does a really good job of smiling through it and that in reality, I cannot imagine what he endues each and every day. Three purple hearts and countless lives saved and lost...
 I am proud of the man that he is and sorry for what he - and so many others had to go through. He was able to spend the weekend celebrating, story telling and being honored as he so deserves in Philadelphia for an annual Marine birthday gathering. My heart swells thinking of the reception that he received and the bond that these men share. God bless all of the men and women who have served and are serving. We are forever indebted.

Photo Class - finally!

I took an introductory photo class this past weekend thanks to Groupon and Stephanie who came across the offer and thought of me. I realized how much there is to learn...so much math really that comes into play, lighting that is so key and things to do in a pinch. It completely inspired me and made me want to be that much better of a photographer. It is a whole different language and world really and I very much want to be a part of it and nurture it and keep taking damn good photos. There is equipment to invest in and lots of practice in the mean time. So much of it really comes down to having a good eye and capturing the right moments - and again, the whole lighting thing! I would love to take more courses and need to spend some quality time with my camera figuring out how to make all of the various setting happen - changing the ISO, aperture, exposure and white balance to make my photos the best that they can be. 

The class ended with the instructor saying: A photograph is how you can leave an impression on the world or change someones life. You have a personal responsibility when picking up a camera. 

I left there ready to conquer the world with my camera in hand - or get serious about making photography my career or at the very least a bigger part of my life.