Life

About a year ago on Valentine's Day, my Dad got me this photo book: "Life: The Classic Collection."  He thought it would help inspire me on my photographic journey, and boy has it ever.  The photographs in this book are iconic.  And I say photographs because that's what they are.  They aren't "pics" or "photos," these are PHOTOGRAPHS.  These photographs are so awe inspiring not only because they capture some of the most traumatic and meaningful times in history, but because of the art, timing, and skill that each photographer illustrates in each photograph.  When I see these photographs, I realize how far I have to go and how much determination I need.  It's a great kick in the pants as well.  AND one of the great details about the classic collection, is that it comes with 25 removable photographs, that you can frame and put around your house, which I will do as soon as I get frames.

Many of these photographs are very recognizable.  We've grown up seeing them in magazines and highlighted on television.  They are timeless.  One of the most famous photographs is the classic Times Square Kiss by Life photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt.

Everyone knows this photograph, and it's one of my favorites.  I really didn't know much about the photograph however.  I knew that it was taken on V-J day in Times Square.  I knew that the couple was anonymous for a long time.  I knew that they didn't know each other.  But that was about it, until today when I ran across this article.  On June 23, 2010 Edith Shain (the Nurse) died at age 91.  Apparently she didn't contact Life until the '70s, and the identity of the sailor is still unknown.  According to the photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt, he was in Times Square trying to get some shots, when he saw the sailor going around kissing any woman he could find.  Eisenstaedt saw the nurse, and focused on her hoping that the sailor would kiss her, so he was ready when it happened.  According to the sliberstudios.tv article, Shain spent the last half of her life educating others on the events of World War II.  When interviewed about the spontaneity of the kiss, Shain said this, "This guy grabbed me and we kissed, and then I turned one way and he turned the other. There was no way to know who he was, but I didn’t mind because he was someone who had fought for me.”  She also said, "As for the picture it says so many things — hope, love, peace and tomorrow. The end of the war was a wonderful experience, and that photo represents all those feelings.”

I love how passionate the kiss is, how taken surprise the nurse seems, the ladies in the background giggling, and how it is framed as a snap shot.  You feel the passion and absolute joy of V-J day.  And as Edith Shain says, you experience the hope, love, peace and tomorrow.  This photograph represents something we all hope for, not only as photographers, but for our lives...to experience absolute joy and (especially so close to the 4th of July)  the end to wars.

Rural Retreat

Ever since I was little I've felt comforted in rural areas.  My family use to go on a retreat every summer at Oak Hill Academy, and they had a beautiful barn on campus.  I would get up early in the mornings and go watch them feed the cattle, help brush the horses, hang out in the barn, and do a little horseback riding.  I absolutely loved it.  When I moved in high school, I moved to a more rural area and would always find my escape in nature.  So when Speed Racer told me we were moving to Knoxville, I was a little hesitant.  I had seen downtown Knoxville once in high school and swore I would never live here.  Careful what you say, right?  But when Speed Racer took me to see the house, I was immediately at peace.  Where we live in Knoxville, is surrounded by rural farms, holding out against the sprawl of the city.  There's even a cattle farm just down the street.  Early in the morning on the weekends, Speed Racer and I will climb on our bikes and head into the heart of this rural area, and it's especially beautiful in the morning light.  So today, I thought I would go out and try to capture a little of that.

How Did I get Here? La Fin

Speed Racer has been in Norway this week, and I am embarrassed to say that I miss him.  I spend 24 hours a day with the man, you think I would want a break for a week.  But no, as soon as he left, I missed him.  Speed Racer and I started dating when I was 16 years old and he was 17 (all though we dated off and on, I might add).  The story of how we "officially" met has been told to many of our friends and family, and at our wedding.  But it's a fantastic one so here it goes. When I met Speed Racer I had just moved in the middle of high school.  I hated my new high school and town, everyone knew I was the new girl.  Speed Racer and I had Anatomy and Physiology together, and I sat at the end of the table we shared.  The teacher had lowered the lights for us to watch a movie and I took this as a prime opportunity to lay my head down and let the tears, that I had been holding in all morning, gently slide down my cheeks.  When I looked up, someone had placed a single blue M&M in front of me.  I turned and saw Speed Racer give a gentle wave and a killer smile.

I was ridiculously in love.  Head over heels, in love with this red headed, green eyed, car loving guy.  I think I may have mentioned to my Mom when I was 17 that I wanted to marry him.  She may have had a mini-heart attack but she survived.  But the fates had a different idea at the time.  Speed Racer and I broke up, then got back together, then broke up again.  At this point we were in college, and that last break up was a harsh one.  For the next year and a half or so, we dated other people (while living in the same dorm...can you say ouch?), but we kept trying to talk, and then our talks would turn into fights, but we couldn't stop.  At times one of us would be sick, and the other would always show up to take care of the person.  We had countless emails, trips to the ER, long night walks, and longing hugs.  Each time we would hug, the longing I felt was unbearable.  It felt right.

The Spring of my Sophomore year, Speed Racer came to help me on an outdoor art project.  We stayed up late into the night working on it.  As we finished up we sat talking for awhile, and that's when he declared his love for me.  I just stared.  This couldn't be happening.  I had a boyfriend at the time, and due to Speed Racer and I'd lack of communication (communication is hard, we're still working on it), I misunderstood what he was saying exactly...that he wanted this to be forever.  I told him that this was it, it wouldn't work out...we couldn't be together.

And I had never felt so alone.  I was devastated, this couldn't be the way it was suppose to work out.

We were back home that summer.  It hadn't worked out with said Boyfriend, and I longed to talk to Speed Racer, I just didn't know how.

Throughout our relationship (whether together or apart) we had shared Pablo Neruda poems, one of my favorites being  "I do not love you except because I love you." Late one night, Speed Racer posted a poem online about us.  I knew instantly is was about us, about our love, about how he imagined our little red headed children...and before I knew what I was doing, I sent him a message saying I loved the poem.  Then I quickly got offline...because I am a chicken.  My cell phone rang.  "Hello?" I said, trying to play it cool.  "So you like the poem, huh?" Speed Racer teased on the other line.  "I loved it, " I smiled and my heart melted.

We had a date.  We went to a different town to get seafood and Speed Racer sneakily paid, so it was official.  On our way back we took the Parkway through the mountains and through an intense thunderstorm.  But as we headed to higher ground, we came out on top of the clouds...on top of the world.  We pulled over and sat for hours on the edge of an ocean of clouds, with small mountain top islands.  It was our own little heaven.  We talked and sat just barely touching.  And that is when I knew, that no matter what had happened or what would happen, we would be together forever, and I would love this man forever.

So that is how I got here, with the help of friends, family, and the man I love.  I would not have been able  to do it without Speed Racer there to support me, tease me out of crying, his ability to make me laugh, and undying love.  From here on out, it's an adventure.  The adventure will still have it's ups and downs, and it won't be easy.  Perhaps in 50 years I can write an epic "How Did I get Here?" but until then I will have to take it day by day, and savor every moment.

Morning Portrait

My lovely friend Ms. Holly is in town this week and staying with me while Speed Racer is in NORWAY...that's right I said Norway.  But more on that later.  So Ms. Holly was a good sport and let me take some lovely pictures of her this morning, we went out and had a good time.  And here are the results!

The Boys Are Back in Town

So that title isn't completely accurate, the boys were back in town and have now left again, is a little better.  While I was catching up on girl talk and celebrating Father's Day, Speed Racer was out having a "Boys Only" weekend.  There was canoeing, there were guns, there was mockery, and there was laughter...sounded like an overall good time.  Wish I could have stuck around a little bit longer before they kicked me out, I love being one of the guys, but alas, they needed to talk man talk.  But here are some pictures I snapped before I left. Obviously you know Speed Racer...

Mr. B...

The Preacher...

Gumby...

And hiding back there is Mr. Hokie.

After a crazy weekend, we high tailed it back to Knoxville.  But before Mr. B left the next morning we got a chance to show him Norris.

All in all it was a fabulous weekend!  It was great to see so many old friends, both Speed Racer and I miss them a lot.

Father's Day

My Dad is a Giver, he is one of the most giving people I know.  As I have grown up he has constantly battled to balance family, work, and everything in between, like most father's do, but it was never a question who came first.  When I was growing up, my Father was always there to laugh with me, hold me when I was upset, to give advice, to tickle me out of a bad mood, to hold my hand through a migraine, and to walk me down the aisle. My Dad is a Provider.  During college, I would undoubtedly find a $20 bill in my pocket, or bag on my way back to school.  Whenever someone in my family mentions something they like, it inevitably finds it's way to them on their birthday or Christmas.   Beyond providing for me, giving me food and shelter, my Dad gave me his undivided attention and his unconditional love.  There was never a doubt in my mind that when I called at 3:30 AM to cry about breaking up with my boyfriend in college (who was actually Speed Racer, but as you see everything worked out) that Dad would pick up the phone and listen.  He was there through countless ER visits, boyfriends, travels, track meets, bad grades, and migraines.

My Dad is also a teacher.  He taught me how to tie my shoes, he taught me to spell, he taught me to drive and to drive a manual, he taught me public speaking, he taught me to believe in the Deep Magic,  but most of all he taught me how to love others.  My Dad gives beyond himself to his family, friends, and church members.  And I have striven to be like him.  He gave me the tools to build a home, to nurture a marriage, to raise our future children, and to love those around me.  He taught me that love matters most of all.

But above all my Dad is MY Dad.  I could not ask for a more loving, devoted, giving, teaching Father.  I am reminded, especially now that I live farther away, each time that I see his wonderful smile or hear his hearty laugh...how truly blessed I am.  Happy Father's Day Daddy.

(Photos provided by Fred Bowman, Emily McAlpine, Barbara Heckman, and some unknown family member...most likely my Mom)

Friday Escape

Today I'm going back to the land that I love.   The land where I fell in love with Speed Racer, and where magical things can happen.  To dramatic of a start?  It's true though, that's how I feel about this place.  Speed Racer and I are going back for a fun filled weekend of canoeing, hiking, camping, girl talk (for me), meeting up with old friends, and celebrating my Father's Birthday and Father's Day!  It's going to be a packed weekend, but much needed.  We're literally about to get on the road, so have a fabulous weekend fair readers, and get out and enjoy the sun.

32 going on Forever

(Photo by Barbara Heckman) Today is my parents 32nd Wedding Anniversary!  After just celebrating my 1st anniversary, I find it hard to imagine celebrating 32 but I also now understand how quickly it can fly by.

When I was little, I was very sensitive to people fighting in our house (overly sensitive).  Any time someone was having an argument, even if it wasn't that heated, I would go to my room and hide in the closet and cry. Even if it didn't involve me.  I still hate to argue at all.  I remember one evening my parents had an argument, and I proceeded to my closet in the usual fashion.  I have no idea what it was about.  But as I sat there crying, the door to my closet creeped open and both my parents faces were silhouetted by the light from my room.  They both pulled me out into their arms and comforted me.  "What's wrong sweetie?" My Mother asked.  I swallowed down the hot tears as I got the courage to ask a question I was deeply afraid of.  "Are you going to get a divorce?"  Both their faces were shocked.  I had obviously learned that word at school because it was never said in our house.  I explained that I had heard at school that other kid's parents had fought and then they had gotten a divorce.  They both held me tighter.  My Dad said, "No sweetie, your Mother and I love each other very much.  Even when we fight.  We're going to be together for a very very long time."  The seriousness and meaning behind that statement reassured me, and I have never forgotten it.

I'm not going to get into whether divorce is wrong or right.  I think at times divorce can be a necessary procedure, and can end up being the best things for families.  But divorce was never an option for my parents from the start.  Their marriage I'm sure has not always been easy, they have had wonderful days and very hard days, but they put their hearts and their hard work into their marriage, every day.  My Father was the minister at Speed Racer and I's wedding, and I remember him saying,"Some people say that once you get married the work is done, but that's not so.  It's like saying you're done building once you've gotten a building permit.  Building a marriage is only as good as what you put into it...when you have bad days, remember this day, and the love you share at this moment."

My Grandmother also used to say, "Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."

It seems that my parents treated each day as their wedding day and honeymoon, each day was special.  And they have never forgotten to make a life together.  Their 32 years together is a testament to their devotion, and something we can all strive for.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad, thank you for setting such a great example of marriage these past 32 years, I hope you have many more happy years together.

Kitty Post

Yesterday I received and email from our vet's office saying that this month is Sookie and Brisco's 1st Birthday.  We adopted them in late September (for my birthday) so we haven't officially had them for a year.  But of course the email coerced me into going through adorable kitten pictures from the past year.  And now I am going to share them with you!  I don't know about where you are, but it's pretty gloomy here, so everyone needs an adorable kitten moment.  Enjoy, and feel free to awww out loud.

Sookie was (still is) so tiny!

Must...get...blue...mousey.

There you have it, adorable kitty post.  I never thought I would be one of those people who would blog about their pets, but it's happened.  I've crossed that line and I'm not ashamed.  Happy Birthday Month to Sookie and Briscoe.

Momma and Me

My Mother and I are incredibly similar.  We both wrinkle our noses in the same way when we laugh, we both have uncontrollable laughter once you get us going, we have the same shaped lips, we have the same hands, we have the same lanky legs, we both cry at silly things, we both are stubborn, we both get so involved in projects we forget to eat or do anything else, we both love the mountains and the outdoors, and we are both strong.  We each grew up tom boys, with my Mom she played in the creek behind her house, and took trips to the mountains; while for me I tried to keep up with my brothers and race the other girls.  I think it took both of us awhile to grow into our more feminine sides, although Mom swears I went through a prissy streak. I'm not quite sure what she's talking about.

We are different in many ways as well.  I got my Father's coloring: tanning skin and light hair, I have a nose we're not sure who it came from, and I have a streak of rebelliousness that is just pure me.  That streak caused me years of apologizing to my mother for being thirteen.  Thirteen is just never a good year.  My Mother has a beautiful singing voice that is the closest to what heaven sounds like that I can imagine.  It's one of my favorite sounds in the entire world.  I just have an ok voice, I can carry a tune...mostly.  But for all our differences, we always take comfort in our similarities.

My sophomore year of college I found these pictures of my Mother and decided to take some comparison shots.  I had them framed and they still sit in my Mother's living room.  My Aunt saw them one day and could not tell the difference between us.

It's rare for us to go more than a week without talking, but I still miss her.  Now that I'm older and living on my own, I think of her more often.  I'll be in the middle of a project and think, "How did Mom do this? How did Mom figure this out?  Why can't I do this if Mom did it?"  And I don't even have kids yet to ask those sorts of questions.

My Mom was a stay at home Mom, and it was a full-time job.  My Father was equally hardworking so they both had full-time jobs and got a lot done.  But being around Mom so much when I was little was a huge influence, and that influence affects me today.  If my Father was busy, then my Mother would do the handy jobs, and vice versa.  They were partners in every aspect of our lives.   Speed Racer and I both work from home, and that has been a challenge in itself.  But we also view it as a partnership, and I know that things are easier because we can do them together.  It was the same for my parents.  I know that my Mother would not have be the same person without my Father.

Even though I find as I get older that I am more and more like my Mother, I also worry that I won't be enough like her.  What if I don't learn her patients?  What if I don't show love through everything like she does?  What if I can't make custom Halloween costumes?  And although I know she is reading this right now and rolling her eyes, it's true...I worry about these things.  I know that I will find my way, that I will do things differently than she did, but my Mother has been the best mother possible.  I can only hope, that I become more like her each day.