At some point, someone decided that a headless horseman would be much scarier than a headless bird (since a headless bird is more funny than dangerous). Since they couldn't figure out how to carve a bird with a fake face, they decided to use a pumpkin instead.

I took this photo of my nephew at the graveside service. Braeden B&W I thought I would see how it looked in b&w. I increased the contrast and the result is so completely different than the original color version. It's amazing how B&W can change the impact of a photo.

“I’m slowing down”
She would say in an apologetic tone
As if her life-speed were an inconvenience
For those around her: Children, grand children, great grand children
As if we were inconvenienced by the
Ever closer end of her earth journey

“I’m getting slower everyday”
Was she asking us to slow down?
To match her speed?
While we have the choice, the option of fast versus slow?
Full speed ahead for us
Or was she trying to tell us what we could
Look forward to at the end of our journeys?

When I am your age Gramma,
I hope I will be able to match your speed
Your love
Your commitment to family
And God
Your attitude
Your servanthood
When I am your age Gramma,
I hope I will be able to slow down
To enjoy my last days on earth
To prepare for my passage to the
New earth, the new life
Life in Heaven, with the
Patient, compassionate master
Who has led you on your journey

It’s okay to slow down. Save your energy Gramma.
You will need it for that final leg of your journey
Your path is one you must take at your speed
God’s speed
When you see his face
You will run, faster than you have ever run
And jump, higher than you have ever jumped
Into his arms
Hands clasped behind his neck
Like a child holding onto a father
His arms will encircle you
Fingers laced to hold you
As he swings you like a
Father swinging a child

Good bye Gramma, Great Gramma, Mom, Mother, Friend

Welcome home, my child,
My Good and faithful servant
I’ve been waiting for you.

Welcome home Nema.

I've posted this photo here before, but thought it would be okay to post again.

I printed the photo 16x20 so that I would have it for Gramma's birthday (she turns 100 Sept. 21), and for her funeral (which might be sooner than we think - she's not doing well right now).

Here's the photoGramma's Prayers

I guess I could also enter this in the simplicity challenge. Gramma is a simple woman: few possessions, few complaints, and a simple, but amazingly strong love for God and family.

I was on the golf course getting ready to tee off. My caddie is also my 11yo nephew. We had a great, I played well, and my caddie learned a lesson. After the round he said, "I'm easily distracted."

Me and my shadow  

Dragonfly 1
Dragonfly Couple
Dragonfly Amigo

(*I have no idea what serendipitous means - I just like the word.)

Last week, at the elementary school, we had our end-of-year water party.

The local fire department brought by the Firetruck to spray anyone within range, which turned out to be really far.

The most fun, for me and the kids, was the Water Slide. We set up two blue tarps, covered them with water, and let the kids go at it.

Slip Sliding Away.

Then, this last weekend, I traveled to MeadowCreek Golf Course in New Meadows, Idaho. In the morning, the course was covered in water.

By the afternoon, the weather couldn't have been any more perfect.

As a school counselor, I love taking photos of my kids. Outside my office are hundreds of photos of faces and smiles and eyes and groups and poses. I've been reluctant to post any photos online, but I think these are acceptably anonymous.

Eye Lines
Chorus Line
Starting Line

If Gramma makes it to September 21, 2007, she'll be 100 years old. Last time I saw her, I couldn't believe how small and frail she had become. When she dies, it will be a loss I cannot put into words.

This is anticipated loss because for the first time, I'm not sure she'll live to see her 100th birthday. She's been ready to go home for years and I think God might finally be ready to call her home. Her prayers might be answered soon.

Gramma's Prayers

I don't know when I first noticed the tree, but at some point I started thinking, "That's an interesting tree. I should stop and take some pics." Unfortunately, I always found an excuse to NOT stop.

Too busy, wrong light, too much traffic, wrong weather, etc.

The last trip I made, I stopped.

Although I like some of the photos (there are more in my images), none of them turned out like I had envisioned. The photos I took just aren't quite right. Any suggestions?

Lonely Tree
Lonely Tree Detail

Every day, doors open to new vistas

What is that?
A window,
   A light,
     A Pourt Whole

Where does it go?
Where do I lead?

I look at the ordinary
and I'm rewarded with
abstract  beauty

Personally, I know it's spring when it time for some spring cleaning, just a little trim to get ready for summer growth.

CSI SUB Atrium 2

I've read some of the recent discussions in the forums. You hereby have permission to offer comments: positive or negative equally received (although possibly not equally appreciated).