A Whole New World...Of Summer Days and Spinning Silks...

Vibrant Colored Silks… streams of liquid gold and silver flowing thru the heavy summer breeze…

Intricate and beautiful dancers…floating thru routines to music that emanates and surrounds them as the sun slowly sets and paints colorful murals thru the clouds in the skies…

Gentle rustling breezes float through the tall vibrant green grasses surrounding the field they dance in…

Small flashes of blinking light dancing sporadically in intermittent patterns-resembling Christmas lights which magically appear as fireflies explore the edges of evening…

Long summer rays dancing off the leaves, the blades, the fabric, making the blonde hair shine like liquid gold, red hair blaze with a fiery glory, and the brunette hair shine with strands of copper fire and bronze…

 The air is heavy with sweet perfume of honeysuckle and freshly cut grass. There are sabers and rifles, but no weapons, Fabric Flying thru the air, but no magic carpets…A foreign language, yet still they speak English- Angle Toss, Pull Toss, Push Toss, J- Toss, Pull Hit, and Thumb flip…

These are all the impressions which invade my senses and fill my mind as I sit on Tuesday evenings, watching my youngest daughter entering a Whole New World…a world of downbeats and dancing, of drum majors and sectionals. Some of the elements are familiar; after all, she has been raised in a world of music, orchestras, choirs, singing, and dancing. But this new world of marching music- of grace and precision is an unknown.  I am as proud as I am amazed- at the effort and beauty they put into each phrase. I love watching them come together as they work to push themselves- to further their endurance and grace. They dance on weak ankles; they toss flags from hands filled with blisters, all to display the strength and beauty of a hummingbird in a hurricane.

As the marching band works tirelessly on their musicality and form, their precision and formations, I watch the girls of the guard embracing these qualities and working toward making the aural presentation of the band into a visual translation. They will work hard in the coming days of summer until they perfect their creation. They will spend hours in the heat of the summer days- to spin magic that will capture us and whisk us away to another reality, and I know that I am proud to have a small part in encouraging them and capturing that magic as I follow them around with my camera.  So in the coming weeks, I will lose myself for a few hours every day in spinning silks, rich, vibrant colors, and the smells of summer- while I know that it is all rapidly racing toward the night they will step onto the foreign soil of the football field and weave a tale of music and majesty where the work of the long summer days will culminate in the jubilation of a job well done.

Daddy’s girl…My Favorite Spot

I am a Daddy’s girl, and have been since before birth! I even rushed my entrance into this world when Daddy came home to my Mama, 2 weeks before her due date and said *I have orders to Vietnam*.  Apparently,  I wasn’t *About * to let him leave for a year away in a war zone without at least a hello and a kiss Goodbye- so I was born 24 hours later!  After his year overseas, which included earning a purple heart along with a short stay in a hospital in Yokuska, Japan- a result of  a bullet bouncing around in a helicopter “till it hit something” (His leg), several months of surgery and recovery- and an adventurous trip with my Mama to Japan to visit- we were reunited. As an aside, can I just say that the Japanese LOVE blonde haired, blue eyed babies, almost as much as my Daddy did~ I got spoiled ROTTEN!

Those were busy days- In the Marines (Semper Fi!), you had overseas tours, and stateside tours- which included 6 month cruises with the Navy;  So even *home time* included a lot of time away. When Daddy left for his second tour in Vietnam, I was about 3 and I was already my Daddy’s biggest fan- he was my Hero. When he left, I was given a framed black and white picture of him, with a slight grin, dressed in a flight suit, in front of an OV-10 (a plane). I carried it everywhere- proudly showing it to anyone who would stop long enough to look. I would point to the handsome Black haired, Brown eyed pilot and say *That’s My Daddy!* with the glowing, limitless pride of a little girl.  Just over a year later, when he returned from overseas- I was still proudly sharing my *Daddy* with anyone who would look, and this handsome stranger with a booming deep bass voice was just that- a stranger…And sadly- I know it broke his heart- because in my childish mind- I had carried my Daddy with me every day. I had to get to know this tall, imposing, striking stranger. The turning point for him was one night when I was doing something I wasn’t supposed to (I know- me- the little angel—in TROUBLE?? LOL!), and he looked at me and calmly said *Miki, No*. I looked at him, my eyes widening to the point that they were two bottomless wells of blue as I put my hands behind my back, covering my bottom, shaking my hand over and over as I softly repeated *No, no, no, no*- as I backed into a corner, still shaking my head- and just stopped in that corner- looking up at him in complete fear.  Even to this day, when my Daddy tells that story, a shadow fleetingly flashes across his face- and I can see that it took a little piece of his heart away when that happened. But for us, it was the beginning of a *face t0 face* relationship…again.

When Daddy would walk in the house…first, he kissed Mama, and scooped me up~ and after kisses and hugs, Daddy would change clothes and then sit in his favorite chair…and it was only a matter of seconds before I was claiming my throne - right in his lap!  Sitting there, snuggled into his arm, leaning on his chest, was my favorite place to be! My Daddy’s lap was a place where I knew I was loved, secure, safe, and surrounded not only by his strong arms, but by the knowledge that sitting there, nestled in his arms~ I was in a place of complete love, protection, tenderness and strength. Thru the years, he was encouraging, proud, understanding, a great listener~ I knew that he respected me and I adored and respected him. And although he didn’t always agree with every choice I made as I got older and started making those major life decisions without him- He made it very clear that as long as I was willing to live with the consequences of my decisions, he would be there to support them. From the Grade School thru the teenage chaos years, and the times I tried every ounce of patience he had, he could be stern, and even a little scary- but I knew I could still seek sanctuary, redemption and unconditional love by curling up in Daddy’s Lap, and snuggling in his arms…and for both of us, during those few moments, all the frustrations of life would slip away.

Once I left home, those opportunities to shut out the world by sitting in my favorite seat became scarce- and more precious. When I came home for my first visit after getting married and stationed overseas…the first picture my Mama took was of me…Beaming with a smile that came from the tips of my toes…as I plopped down in Daddy’s recliner, right after HE sat in it! Even tho I was a grown woman, Daddy’s lap was still a perfect fit!  And bless his heart…he even was smiling when I would settle on his lap, tummy rounded with the granddaughters he was preparing to spoil, and he was comforting, funny, loving and encouraging. I have been blessed with a lifetime of love and laughter in Daddy’s lap.

But as I have grown, and watched my girls’ grow up; I think the biggest blessing in my life is that I still have him. Daddy’s Birthday is June 19, so every few years, his birthday and Father’s Day are one and the same. This happens to be one of those years. I am keenly aware of so many friends and loved ones who have lost their Dad’s, their advisors, their confidants, their comforters, their Rocks…a piece of the foundation of their life is broken- the foundation is there- but part of the strength that they built their life on is missing…and I cannot imagine that. And I don’t want to.  So for now, I will be taking this June 19 and Celebrating my favorite spot, and the man I admire the most. The man who taught me to love God and fear him (and yes, that him applies both to God *and* Daddy!), but most of all- to work hard and love those around me with my whole heart, holding nothing back. I am blessed to still be able to hear his deep resonant voice, and feel the love as his arms engulf me.  I will wish a Happy Birthday on this Father’s Day to the most amazing man I have ever known, my hero, my rock, My Daddy. I love you.

Goodblogs

For almost 2 months (just after the last post here in June)- I started writing for a site called Goodblogs. I loved the writing, the community, the inspiration, the encouragement- and honestly- the money. For each blog that was voted up, I received $20. I was extremely blessed that from the very beginning, every post I shared was voted to the top page. I cannot share these in any form to make money- but wanted to share a *Version* of each article with you so you could get an idea of my writing and of the randomness that occupied my mind this summer! So the coming blogs will be edited versions of my Goodblog posts- I am also hoping that by posting these- it will start encouraging me to start writing again. So for those who read the originals- I love you and am grateful for your support- For those who are new to my blog- I hope you enjoy these! :)
Michelle

Photography

I recently was given the opportunity and honor of shooting the Senior Portraits for a young lady who was graduating with Brianna. They have known each other since the 3rd grade. Her family has been thru some rough times as well, and so when she asked if I was up to doing a photo shoot with her, I couldn't say no. I packed up the camera bag, got my water and my cane and charged the battery. The morning dawned- sunny, cool and bright...but by the time we met to shoot at 2 pm...the clouds had moved in, and I was truly afraid we were going to get rained on. 
In addition- the first of our selected locations was the L&N station...which was hit hard by the storms/tornadoes the end of April, and most of the area was closed off for construction and repair. But we took advantage of the beautiful grillwork on the staircase and the stained glass windows and  took a few shots. Then we headed down into World's Fair Park to see what we could get. The clouds actually provided us some great shots, as we didn't have to worry as much about shadows and glare, but it was the most walking I had done in almost a year!! She brought a couple changes of clothes, and I sat and rested when she changed.
We shot for almost 5 hours. I could barely move when we were done- but I wanted to be sure we got some good shots...When I came home to edit- I was thrilled!! I am going to post this now, as I am putting together a slide show of Blaze's Senior Pics, as soon as it is ready, I will attach it!
But the best part of the day was that this sweet, lovely young woman has about 60 images that she can proudly choose from and share to celebrate with those she loves. And we spent a lovely day doing something I had forgotten that I missed!
Photo slide show to come!

The Magical Cinderella Dress

She see's the Dress for the First time!

She LOVES the Dress!

She looks like an angel!

Charlies' Angels Pose!

She was in Heaven, and felt like a Princess!

They looked SO sweet together...Thank you to her Fairy Godmothers!

Once upon a time...In another life, another world- a story like this one would begin this way. For the past 15 years, I have been raising my girls - mainly on my own- and as they have heard me say *many* times, "I am doing my best". But my best has included years of going without, struggling to pay the bills, going without hot water, empty pantries, recycled clothes, shoes, toys, etc. We have been blessed with angels who have made sure the girls had Christmas, but I have also been heartbroken when one of my girls needed something (Calculators that averaged $90 each), supplies for a class, fees for a test or activity, and I knew there was no money. Fee waivers have helped...but they have heard the words *We can't right now* or *I'll figure it out somehow, we don't have the money* so many times they want to Scream! And I have begged, borrowed, and sold almost everything of value that I could find a buyer for.


But we have been blessed- my girls appreciate the little things. When a friend told Brianna that she was going to give her an Ice Tea Maker for Graduation, after she had been hounding me about one for 2 weeks...she ran squealing across the room and jumped in our friends' lap...saying Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! :) They say its the little things....


Well, at the beginning of the year, the Prom magazines started coming in. With 3 daughters, We have figured that by the time they graduate, We will have done Prom 5 years in a row...And before you ask...all 3 girls have COMPLETELY different body builds...and aren't even CLOSE to the same size! When the first book was opened, this amazing dress jumped out...yes, even *I* say amazing...the colors, the style, everything about it screamed Brianna's name- and I heard- *this is IT Mama- I have to have this dress*...I replied that I would work on it- and we would see...Then, I looked at the price- and we sat down to talk. There was no way, in any life, that we could afford that dress. All was not lost tho, as I spent years making and designing dresses! I looked at the structure of the dress and realized the design was simple...the hard part was going to be painting the fabric-- but I could do that! So I started getting the supplies, and lined up the fabric, and all was well.
Prom was set for April 16th. On March 25th, I went to the ER, not breathing well, and feeling cruddy (See the Blog from April)- I was admitted- *for a few days*...2 weeks later, I wasn't out, and was starting to panic about the dress. So, with just over a week left until Brianna's Prom (And getting surprised with another Prom she was attending with a friend a week earlier) I sent out a plea- Could someone pick up fabric for me, so I could paint and begin working on the dress while I was in the hospital...(Don't ask me how I thought I was going to get it sewed together in the hospital...)
Can I just stop and say that Facebook is a wonderful thing?? In less than 30 minutes- I had 3 messages- all asking how much the dress I was going to copy was. My response- *Too much*. They persisted. So I responded with the total. (It was as much as I paid for my wedding dress) But instead of the conversation being dropped like a hot Potato- The responses were: I can chip in $100, and another that said *I can pay Half* by a dear friend- who said- my husband is also kicking in $100! (The total of the dress was $500.) She said she had 4 boys and this might be the only chance she had to do a prom dress! Lori- the friend who came up with half, put the word out with some other angels, and before I knew it- they had jewelry, and the dress was being drop shipped to a local store. Lori picked me up from the house the day I got home from the hospital, and we went and picked up the Cinderella dress.
One detail I didn't mention, was that the weekend that I got out of the hospital, and we were picking up the dress- Brianna was up on her official Visit at Princeton- they flew her up for an official visit, and she was flying in with less than an hour to get ready for the first Prom! But when she walked in the door, she had no idea what she was wearing- as usual- the only answer I gave her when she asked (repeatedly) about the dress, was that I had taken care of it!
We hung the dress at the top of the stairs, and when I heard the car drop her off- I stood at the top of the stairs- to block the dress for just a moment...then, I let her see...Thank you Lori, Kathy, and the anonymous angels for the joy that you brought to my girl! This dress is a dream come true for her- and neither of us will EVER forget the miracle of love and generosity that helped make this dress happen!! I love you all! Above are a few pictures from that amazing day!! Please Enjoy!

An Unplanned Absence!

This will be the most Medical/Technical blog I have ever written. But this is a glimpse into my life of the last 13 years.


I have felt under the weather for a while-short of breath- all the time- spent most of February just going thru the motions, trying to get into my Primary Dr, and trying to convince my new Pulmonologist that something was *Not* right...My lung function was going down, but he basically said I was on *all the meds he knew to put me on*. So I kept going home. As the cough got worse, and I was waking up in the middle of the night more and more often in the night out of breath- gasping - but so exhausted from fighting for air...and the coughing started taking over. I finally gave in, and went in to the Emergency Room...knowing that my record was...2- 2 times out of 35+ in the past 10 years that I have gone in to an ER and have NOT been admitted. But I went in...and one Epinephrine Shot, One Bag of Magnesium, 3 breathing Treatments, 2 heart tests, and one LARGE bag of Potassium later...I was being sent upstairs...admitted...keeping my *record* intact. 
After several days of breathing treatments, pain meds, cough meds, (more meds than I could keep track of)...an Old battle resumed-- one that brings an anger out in me that I almost don't recognize- I am usually a very cooperative and pleasant patient...until this ONE diagnosis is suggested. A theory started getting floated about 12 years ago that many asthmatics had actually been Misdiagnosed- and instead of Asthma (a Breathing disorder)- they simply had *Vocal Chord Dysfunction*....I have been an asthmatic for almost 30 years. I have been checked several times by ENT's for Vocal Chord Dysfunction- and there was None. Yet a pair of Dr's at a particular Pulmonary practice here in town were trying to make a name for themselves by filling a study with names of *Misdiagnosed* asthmatics- and tried to add me to the list- needless to say- our relationship didn't last long- I got second and third opinions and for once in my life told them where they could stick it!! I then took my records, and never looked back. But because of that study (and the fact they were part of a prominent practice here in town)- Every now and then, when I have been coughing for weeks, and have those raw, swollen vocal chords you get that are so painful you can barely swallow on them, much less talk on or breathe easily thru~ Someone will listen to my throat and ask the question- have you ever been screened for VCD?? I say- Yes, I've been screened and confirmed I don't have it. 
So this past week-- I was Going to have a Bronchoscopy to look at my throat, then that was cancelled, then they scheduled it to look at my Lungs, then cancelled it....then put it back on the schedule. Dr Jennifer Copley and Dr Shannon Byrd, knew Something wasn't right- and cared enough to find out.
Good thing they did. The results of the Bronch (Nickname I will use for now) were: Excessive drainage from my sinuses into my lungs- on *2* antihistimines (her exact words were- "YUK"!) Then she actually got down INTO the lungs and I could hear *Well I Never....* (Not what you want your Dr to say!! lol!) and then She started Dictating...Yeast (Fungus) in both upper lobes of the lungs; Severe, acute bronchitis; and then she explained (as I felt my lower lungs fill up with fluid), that they were doing a *Wash* of my lower lobes. (They had already done a *Nasal Swab* which had showed NO active MRSA (I have had it in my lungs since 2007- with many flares and pneumonias), so none of us were worried at all about that. They took the *wash*, and the fluids- and sent them off to be cultured. Dr Shannon Byrd (Second Favorite Dr cause she DID the tests and followed up with me as results and answers came in) She came in the first night and explained everything I have said so far. Then the next afternoon- she stopped by (I was expecting to hear- well, we know what's going on- and can treat you at home- so lets get you out of here!) instead, she said, we are already seeing Staph growing in your lower lobes. I asked- could this be another MRSA flare? Apparently noone had shared that info with her- and she said- YES, that's exactly what we think it is- but were waiting to see what it responded to. I told her what my traditional antibiotic was for that- and she started it immediately. She came in the next day and said- its confirmed- Not only do you have MRSA, but we discovered extensive scarring on the vocal chords from all of your intubations. (I still don't know what that means for my future singing....) So for now- lots of meds- Lots of Breathing Treatments, Vocal Rest (yeah, I know- the hardest thing I could be asked to do) and MOST importantly...to protect myself from being exposed to anything. I am NOT contagious- she kept repeating that- it is so far down in my lungs- but not in my upper airway- so that I cannot share it...but that it is IMPERATIVE that I rest, and keep from being exposed to anything (especially respiratory bugs)...because my lungs and immune system are not strong enough to fight it off...
I just want to say Thank you- to Ashley, Holly, Danielle, Dr Mozingo, Dr Jennifer Copley and Dr Shannon Byrd-- For caring for me, about me, for being there for me and helping me survive another scary, painful and frustrating hospitalization.
So that is where I have been for the past 3+ weeks...and for the next 6 weeks...we are looking at the busiest, most crazy, wonderful, *People Packed* time of our life...as Brianna's Graduation Looms...and the train is FULL Speed Ahead!! I missed you all....<3 M

Wishful Thinking...

This is the time of the year that I start craving the beach. The bright sunshine, the cool air off the water...the sugar white beaches of *home*~Northwest Florida...the blue skies, soft music, and the amazing joy that fills my heart when I drive south of Crestview and start seeing water at every turn. It energizes me...I am awake with the light of the sun...and up long into the night enjoying the moon on the water or visiting with friends. It renews me, My spirits are lifted, and somehow, I am closer to the *me* I remember, somehow the battles of health and spirit are washed away with the tides, and I am brought back to the *me* I loved...The Me I was *proud* to be...I am not sure if one has anything to do with the other- whether it is the beaches, water, sunsets/rises that are my touchstone, if the friends I have there are part of what puts me back in touch with myself, or if being there allows me to let go of all of the baggage I have acquired since I left 16 years ago. What I do know, is - when I am there- I am home- My heart feels a peace I never feel anywhere else.  I grew up there- my Mammoo and G'pa Bob lived there, and my Great Aunt and Uncle lived in FWB for 40 years. I have been going for visits and trips and holidays there, my entire life. I have been to and lived in some incredible locations...I live in a beautiful place now- that my girls feel is home. But I am biding my time, waiting until they are all old enough so I can go home. Navarre Beach is calling me home. 

Yes, I remember the tourists, the mugginess, the heat, the distance you had to travel for anything major...and its only gotten more crowded. But its ok...because the thing I have struggled most with the past 7+ years is loneliness. I don't say much about it on Facebook- I don't want to complain, I don't want to be negative, or to say that I don't have friends here- I have some Great friends- but everyone's lives are so busy, it is so easy to be isolated in the middle of a crowd- and even easier when you have been basically homebound for over 3 years. I do not have anyone outside my home that I have daily personal contact with, no one that I can just pick up and go over and hang out- or work on projects with. I miss that. I have a group of the girls' friends, who come over regularly~ and they keep me sane- they talk to me, hang out with me, and even sit with me when I am sick. But their lives are pretty busy, so its not something I can plan on-They have enough pressures in their own lives, without needing to deal with the drama in mine. So I bottle things up...God and I talk all the time- but it helps to have the physical presence of a Friend, especially when you are struggling and don't have the words to truly get to the heart of what you are dealing with. Especially when one of the biggest problems that you have is that you feel completely, incredibly, constantly alone. And for some reason, from the time I feel that first breeze off the Sound wash over my face, I breathe easier, and I feel like I can pick up the phone, or stop by to see an old friend- Or meet for a *long breakfast/lunch/drinks/dinner* (yes, we have had days like that!) where everyone gets to vent- and where you get nothing truly accomplished- but you leave with your heart and spirits lighter and your burdens lifted, even if just for a little while.

So the song says *I am homesick, for a place I've never been before*~but I have been there-and it makes me miss it all the more! I would love to go down there right now, and wash away all of my cares away, as I watch the waves crash up on the shore. In the coming weeks we have plays, college visits, proms, birthdays and graduation. But soon, maybe soon, I'll be able to take a long weekend and go down for what I call a *sanity check*...but it won't be long enough until I am home. 2 hours from family, and minutes away from my beach, that I love and miss so much.  But that move won't be this year- so until the last girl walks across that stage, it is simply wishful thinking...

Out on Okaloosa Island...

Seaside at SanDestin, Oct '10

My precious Navarre Beach!

<3 Love, M

Pictures and Poses of 2010

I have been going back to first loves this past year...one of them was photography. I was blessed with the opportunity to shadow a friend and local photographer on some shoots that Brianna and Elizabeth were involved with.  But in addition to that...I just kept the camera around, out...and just kept shooting- all year. Many images are of the beautiful creation I have been blessed to be surrounded by~The mountain colors, the tranquil colorful beaches, sunrises and sunsets...and snow. Then there were the people....friends, children, my girls, moments in our lives where words just failed us. I know there will be many more of those ahead of me in this coming year, but even without the emotion of a Graduation, there were plenty of times where the joy, awe, energy or sheer silence spoke its own quiet melody.

These are some simple glimpses thru the eye of my heart, as I looked back on this past year- the experiences, the memories, and the moments of reflection that will serve to direct the course of the year to come. I hope you find something, some moment in these images, that speaks to you~ if only for a brief moment. This is not by any means an inclusive look at our year, just a glimpse at some highlights, special moments, and some of my favorite captures. Here are some of the Pictures and Poses of 2010.(AND I figured out how to add the Music!)

 Enjoy, and please, feel free to share your thoughts...This is my first effort at taking images and making a *Movie* out of it so all thoughts are welcome~or just let me know you were here!

Miki's best friend...

All of my life, I have had a pet- at the minimum, a dog- for a short time, a few crazy cats...then back to the dogs. My earliest pet story started about 2 weeks before I was born. My Daddy had a friend he thought was the greatest guy in the world. His name was Rumsey Sylvester Bogus~but everyone called him R.S. Mama was about 8 months pregnant with me when Daddy came home and announced that his first child was going to be named after his friend.  My Mama went out the next day, bought a poodle and registered him under the name Rumsey Sylvester. When my dad came home, Mama looked at him and said *There can only be 1 Rumsey in the family*. From the time I was first told that story as a little girl, I was grateful to that dog for saving me from that name!

My first dog as an *adult*- I was 19 at the time- was a Samoyed we got when we were stationed in England. He was born in Wales, and he was the most beautiful Dog in the world...Inside and out. He was my first baby. He went everywhere with me. He had the best spirit of any dog I have ever known. He was my baby, my constant companion, the keeper of my secrets, and the best cuddler in the world for the 14 1/2 years that I had him. I still miss him- and its been 11 years since I lost him. My *baby Bear*...

The *nest* in my house is emptying fast. Victoria is almost finished with her second year of college, and Brianna has a full ride to Stanford. Even if she gets in to one of the East Coast Ivy League schools that are interviewing her, she will be out the door at the end of the summer. That leaves me and Elizabeth. I have wanted another companion for a while, but all my health crises have kept me from being in a position to bring a puppy into the family and truly give it the training and care it needs. But the optimist in me says life is going to be on the upswing, and it is time to find my new best friend. This will be an ongoing and interesting journey. I hope I really am up to the task of taking on the care he will need. I'll keep you informed as more details come forward. 

But I am ready...(I think!)

2010 Memories 1080p

Many folks have asked what we have been doing with this *photography thing*~Here is a glimpse of a year in the life of a photographer, models and photoshoots! This shows his versatility...Enjoy it and now you can see how much fun we have had this year~Both Brianna *and* Elizabeth! Look up Jim Walker Photography on Facebook- or email him at the address I added to the Old City Photoshoot Post!  Enjoy- and let us know what you think! :)

OldCity_Peyton_Elizabeth_1080p.mp4

This is a GREAT example of Jim Walker's Photography! This was the Old City Photo Shoot with Elizabeth and Peyton. They had a wonderful time- and this gives you a taste of what he can do- even with freezing weather! If you are interested in contacting him for pictures, of your kids, family, events, pets, or Seniors~Here is his Info:

A Knoxville, TN based photographer. Website: http://www.jimwalkerphoto.com/   Email: jiminknox@gmail.com  

Check him out!

2011 Party_BehindTheScenes.mp4

These were some behind the scenes shots by an up and coming photographer, who is only 14 and was the *second shooter* at the Photo shoot...she did a great job- and Jim put together this glimpse of the *behind the scenes* work at the party! Enjoy them! Jim is a wonderful photographer!

2011 Runway Model Slideshow.mp4

These are some more images from the January 22 photoshoot- This was the Runway portion- the girls had an incredible time, and Jim captured the fun they were having, and both the internal and external beauty of these sweet girls! Enjoy the photos- and if you are interested in getting pictures made- Contact Jim Walker- His Blog/photo journey is linked to my page!

2011 Rock Star Slideshow.mp4

This is the slideshow of the *teaser* images from the *Rockstar* Photo Shoot that Elizabeth and Brianna did with Jim Walker Photography January 22 at the End of the year/2011 Kickoff party. The girls had a great time- and Jim once again made the fashion shoot SO much fun- while capturing some Wonderful images! Thank you Jim- And if you are looking for someone to do your next family pics or Senior portraits- Just let me know and I'll give you Jim's Info! He makes it the experience of a lifetime...just watch the slideshow and see!

The Rollercoaster Ride

Life has been an incredible ride this past week. Brianna turned 18, has had interviews with Cornell, Duke, Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth~and the appointments keep coming. She already has a full ride- a FULL Scholarship to Stanford University! On top of that- we found out this week that she has been selected as the Valdectorian at Hardin Valley Academy! (I am putting this in print here- since she told me I can't post it on Facebook till she has time to talk to the girl who is the runner up and make sure that her feelings aren't hurt- but *I* am going to BURST!! I am SO proud of her!)

Saturday was a day of reflection, and remembrance. 20 years ago, we lost a crew, Spirit 03 during Desert Storm. A Spectre gunship went down, losing everyone on board. I realized that even 20 years later...we still miss them. They gave everything they had- for us, for their friends, their brothers in arms, and for their country.  On January 30th, at 10:35 EST, we paused and remembered the valor of the crew of Spirit 03. They chose to sacrifice their safety to protect the men engaged in battle below them. They willingly laid down their lives- and we prayed for their families. I was reminded of this verse: 

****Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall ...I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"---Isaiah 6:8

Sunday was an incredible spiritual elevator for me- I got to sing again-which I have missed, and my heart was filled with an indescribable joy. That night I got to do my first solo in ages and then watch/listen to Victoria sing, showing all the progress she is making in college- her voice was soaring- she has come so far, and has such presence and joy as she sings. And then I got to watch the reaction as my baby girl sang her first major solo in Church- Elizabeth sounded beautiful, and chose a song with a needed message. God is going to do so much thru that girl!

Then began a week filled with major progress in Physical Therapy- I am walking with a cane, and although it is amazingly painful, and is aggravating the first hip I had replaced- I am working on my stride and gait and balance. At the same time, we are trying to balance strengthening with stamina...and healing. 

I was also blessed that I got to see an old friend after almost 15 years. We were stationed together in FL and NM, but had lost touch during the divorce and reconnected thru Facebook. She came into town for business, and we went out to a WONDERFUL dinner and a great night of catching up! It was such a great thing...a touchstone for me, reminding me of who I used to be. I needed it...more than I could ever say.

Then, my Aunt fell last night and we watch the power of a prayer chain in action- She fell and hit her head- the first report we had was "she is bleeding into her brain and has broken her shoulder and is headed to the ICU in Jackson." We put out the requests and within minutes, had friends (and strangers to them) all over the country praying for her- and the EMT's said that somewhere between Luverne and Jackson, a miracle happened. She needed 8 stitches- they didn't need the ICU, her upper arm was badly broken but everything stayed in place- so both the neurosurgeon and the ortho said they wouldn't be making any money off of her- and she was sent home- a walking miracle, this morning!

It has been a week of reflection...and of emotional ups and downs. But thru it all- a line from a movie-*Find The Joy In Your Life*- keeps running thru my head. It is going to be my goal as I begin a new week.

Photography and Prayers...

This is the beginning of the beginning of the blog...

Why *In Between Poses*? It is a song I love, and talks about those little moments in life- the ones not captured by the camera...which in my house are rare- but do occur. It also interweaves my love of music into this...as many of my trains of thought are inspired by song...

So I try to think how to begin this...I had a glimpse of what my life was like before the last 12 months of surgeries, recoveries...(Rinse, lather and repeat...). Saturday was a Day of work for V, and a day of work, followed by a photo shoot/party for B, and the E had the joy of spending the day with me- making sure we had everything lined up for the evening- munchies, makeup, hair products, accessories, we raided every closet in our house and those of a few friends to put everything together for the day. But also knew that he needed help to set up for this show.

This was the most special photo shoot of the year- Runway/Rockstar was the theme. The girls did 3 Runway outfits, posing, prancing and living the life of a model (quick changes and all) for a day...The second half of the shoot was where they dress up, Rockstar style, and gave ALL they have, lip synching to their favorite song...the whole time- Jim Walker- a wonderful photographer and friend, is snapping away, getting images as if they were putting on a real concert! Real lights, real stage...great opportunities- for their portfolio and for His! :) They ended the night munching, dancing, enjoying a great evening! We came home and collapsed...

 Bright and early...it was time to rise and shine...and give God the Glory!  We had a special installation service for a new pastor that the girls and I were blessed to be a part of. The music was healing and uplifting for my tired body and spirit~and the spirit was infectious!

There were tangible, visual, verbal and aural reminders of God's spirit and power all morning.

Then, came time for the sermon- a guest preacher for the installation. He talked about moving west years before when it was still a new concept to put a cross up at a place where a car tragedy/death had occurred. He talked about now, as you drive down the road, you can see places where a life was changed forever. Flowers are placed...remembrances left.

It occurred to me, that although I have had almost a single minded focus on survival for the past 12 years...I may have spent a little too much time revisiting, remembering those *Crosses*...places where my life was forever changed...and I have lost my vision for the path ahead...as I started thinking over the weekend (After I came up from a 4 hour nap!), I realized I needed to start trying to refocus *My mind* and my spirit on the path ahead...for 12 years now and more--I have kept repeating one phrase over and over as I have miraculously survived one major medical crisis after another...*God isn't done with me yet*.

But I seem to have forgotten the most important question- 

*What IS God's plan for me? And WHY am I still here?* 

It's time to start my journey for some answers...are you going to walk it with me?