The Anticipation of Things To Come

It's December 30. 2010 will be over in the blink of an eye. As I compose this post, people all over the world are mentally compiling a list of their New Year's resolutions. Lose weight. Save money. Go back to school. Pay bills on time.  It is never a tradition of mine to make resolutions because the hustle and bustle of life ensures that by March, I don't even remember what they are!

Even still, I am excited and giddy about the things that a new year holds. The fresh white coating of snow we were blessed with this week brought the anticipation of things to come.  My role as a parent will see milestones called graduation, 1st day of college and 1st day of middle school!  As an Educator, I will begin the pursuit of yet another advanced degree and continue to influence the effectiveness of teachers and the lives of students.  As a Photographer, I will continue to be mentored by the best and travel the world capturing the memories and experiences of those who value life and love as much as I do!

I thank God in advance for life, health, strength, a sound mind and a family support system that is OUT OF THIS WORLD!  I salute you 2010! I have learned, loved, and grown but it is time to move on. I am embracing all that 2011 will bring, both the good & not so good, because either way I live another day to fulfil my divine purpose.

Happy New Year! May it be a BLESSED road for all of you!

   

Novembers Gone but I'm Still Giving Thanks

My Granddaddy Lonnie

This morning I went through the motions of rolling out of bed, showering and standing in the closet for 10 minutes to find something to wear. I finally grabbed a skirt and sweater that was still wrapped in the plastic from the dry cleaners because it meant no ironing to do!  I took my boots out of the shoebox and they clearly needed a shining. I grabbed the shining kit and proceeded to put a thin layer of black polish all over each boot in an even circular motion.  I stopped mid-stroke and I felt the familiar half-smile created by one of those joyful memories that nostalgia often brings.  My half-smile quickly dissipated into two big tears which seemed to fall in slow motion to their chosen place on my lap.  My grandaddy taught me to shine shoes when I was about 8 years old during his Saturday night ritual to ensure that when the doors of the church opened on Sunday morning, his call and response to push the pastor along would be matched by a laundered suit, a crip white shirt, a big knot in his tie and those shiny shoes!

Those two tears that found their way onto my lap were laced in sadness because my son and daughter will never know Granddaddy like I know Granddaddy.  The tears also represented thankfulness for my parents, my brother and my sister, who often have "Granddaddy" moments and stories that preserve his memory so well!  I wish I had had my Canon about 15 years earlier because now that I am in the business of preserving memories for others, it has become clearer to me just how important memories are.

I am observing another day of Thanksgiving on this Thursday. I am thankful for:

• the memories of love and lessons from my past
• the memories that my family and friends are creating daily
• the opportunity and growing ability to capture memories for others
• and for shined boots! 

These Boots Were Made For Walking!

This goes out to all the loved one's who are no longer with us, but who leave a legacy of love, laughter and perseverance. Happy Thursday!