Sunday, October 08, 2006

A crazy, difficult, joyful week





Welcome my friends to blog #1!

It's a crazy week to begin this, but I am filled with emotion and may as well let it spill a bit.
This week marks six years since my husband, Leo, died suddenly of a heart attack at age 41. This time of year is always tough, but I was determined not to go into a tailspin. Then a friend of mine died in a motorcycle accident. Toby was 46 and one of the dearest, most earnest Christians I knew. Working through his death, spending time with caring, mutual friends and his widow really helped me process my own grief a step further. Grieving really never seems to stop; it goes away for a season, and then washes over you like an unexpected wave. Then I also spent two days with my folks and my youngest son, Leo, at Roche Harbor. I needed nurturing, and I received it. I'm usually a pretty tough cookie, so I think it was a shock for my parents to see how much I needed them.

Back to reality on Saturday! I photographed at StoneyRidge Farm for the first time ever - I love this family! Debbie and Derrick Gavette took this farm from a dilapidated potato farm to a thriving tourist business in Everson, Washington. They have pumpkins, scarecrows, hay rides, farm animals, caramel apple pie, and on and on... all worth a visit at least once every October. I'll be photographing every Saturday there from noon to 2 p.m.

Later I met with two of my favorite client families for slide shows. Geneva will be interning with me this year for her graduation project! I've known her family since we were in a 4H club together about 10 years ago. They always make me feel like I am somebody special. Brittany comes from one of the funniest families I've ever worked with - their mirth and mutual love are obvious and overflowing.

Finally, I ended the night at the 6th annual KAFE Leisure Suit Convention - a crazy 70's dance. I went with two widow buddies. It was amusing, but quite a stretch for me. It would be more fun with somebody to dance with...

Until next week!
Karen