Fruitcake, yay or nay

 Fruitcake, yay or nay.

I love Fruitcake. My mother made it every year for Thanksgiving and the holidays. That's if we didn't eat it all at Thanksgiving! Mom would even go as far as hiding a loaf in the back of the refrigerator or freezer. That way, we would be sure to have a loaf for Christmas or New Year's. I remember she would begin making the loaves months in advance. One year at Christmas, Mom gave me an I O U for a fruitcake. She knew how much I loved it. She wanted to make me one for my next birthday. My birthday is in August, but Mom passed the very next July. Our 1st family Thanksgiving without Mom was difficult, to say the least. Unless you've experienced a holiday without a loved one for the 1st time, there are no words that can describe the emptiness. Her chair at the table, empty. We would grieve all over again at  first holidays without her. Oddly, my sister went to the frig to look for something, and behold, she found one of Mom's fruitcakes. It was the very last loaf she made. Hidden, just as she would do. Fast forward, a couple of years ago, my stepmother gave me a "Mother's " dessert plate. Every year on December 31st, my mother's birthday, I use the plate to serve fruitcake. It's my way of celebrating Mom. I still have the fruitcake I O U on my refrigerator. Enjoy your family and loved ones while they are still here. Celebrate their lives and cherish the memories if they have passed. God bless.

Time or Faith

 Time or Faith

Faith is believing in the unseen. Time is the in-between.   Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Some of us have such wonderful relationships with friends & family members, that even when we don't see them on a daily basis, we can pick up right where we left off. As if time stands still. The same can be with your higher power. God will never leave or forsake you. You can pickup where you left off, any day, anytime. Christmas is a special time of year. We reach out or send Christmas cards to loved ones, family and friends. Some we see on a daily basis, and some not so much. Perhaps only that one time a year. No matter the time period, you can always reach out or be there. This Christmas was Xtra special for me. A reconnection with an old friend through social media I havent seen in over 20 years. I picked up the phone and called her. I also spoke with my daughter overseas, and my Dad over 1300 miles away. But to top it off was hearing a sweet little voice at the other end of line saying " Merry Christmas Grandma Michele" . I don't get to see her because of the miles and time between us, but she has faith knowing there's a Grandmother that loves her will receive her message. Don't loose heart, never let time be a barrier, and keep the faith!

Finding Purpose

 Ever wonder what your real purpose here on earth is? Finding it is not always easy, in fact, you may need to be patient and wait a lot of years before it's actually revealed to you. So how do you find your place in life? I've always said, "just keep doing what you do best or love to do and one day it will come to you" I've been on the Production team for a year now happily serving on camera duties. I decided to take a break and try something different. I wanted to serve in different areas and meet new people. But after a couple weeks I found I was missing what I love most.  I was shown loud and clear where I needed to be. With me I can't live joyfully without some sort of camera in hand. It drives my creativity and design. We have all been created unique. It's the masterplan. God created you with a gift or many gifts. It's up to us what we do with those gifts. I believe one day we'll be held accountable for how we use those gifts. Don't go about it halfheartedly. You'll be cheating yourself. Not that it's about yourself, but rather how you can use your gift to please God. Inspire and encourage others. Do what you love and serve well. One day you'll want to hear those words, "Well Done". What is it you have a passion for in life? What do you do well? Write them down and reflect about what you love best. Get started! Make the most of your talents!

Loving Life

 Love your life, love where you live,

Take things in stride, learn to forgive,

Love the Lord, with all your might,

In Him find strength, where all is bright,

Love your life, love where you live,

Be humble, but brave, make time to give,

Reflect, but, never forget, 

live free, giving thanks to thee,

serve, and serve well, use your gifts, 

Love your life, love where you live,

It's not a place or a home,

It's knowing, in your heart,

you're never alone. 

Time

time, 

what is time? 

If you could snap your fingers and go to any given time like magic, where would it be? A place, a moment, a memory, a split second, minutes, hours, a day, a month, a year, a century? It's the in between that you can never get back. So why do we turn back the clocks in the Fall or forward in the Spring? You cannot change time. Enjoy the moments of your seasons here on earth....time?...where we're headed, there is no time.....

under pastel skies

 under pastel skies

I take in clear delight,

believing in the promises during morning & evening light,

we won't always be here together on earth,

so take it for what it's really worth,

being mired in the difficulties of life,

but for the gift of eternity

ensuring you'll will be alright.

believe in the future, as far as you can see,

there is a promise land for you & me...... words by michele

Lasting impression

 As we grow older, our priorities change. While I reach another milestone I reflect on my own journey. We cannot change the past, but we can adjust our sails for the future. Our paths cross and connect with people we meet every day. We leave an everlasting impression with as little as a glance. Stopping briefly at a traffic light, I make a connection with a toddler in her car seat. We both wave and tip our sippy cups acknowledging each other to begin our morning. As we part ways I wonder what she's thinking, how will she spend her day, what will she grow up to be? Did I make a difference in her morning?  Her Father was busy, heavily engaged in his portable devices the whole time and never noticed our encounter. Every minute in the day is valuable. How will you spend your time today? What impression will you leave with someone?

Christmas Memories

 2020 has been a very different year for everyone with Covid. Its the little things that have brought or kept family & friends together. While technology is wonderful, it is really those physical feelings that make a difference. 

On Christmas day I called my Dad wishing him a great holiday. After catching up, I asked him if he still had any of Mom's Christmas decorations up in the attic. He tried his best convincing me Mom had sold most of them before she passed & that after all these years they had pretty much cleaned the attic out. I was disappointed but we remeninced about previous Christmas years decorating with Mom. We laughed about how we would complain about so many boxes we had to bring down from the attic every season. Dad said he sent a box & it should be arriving any day now. I told him I felt bad about not traveling this year but he insisted it was better to stay safe.

The next morning, the dog & I awoke up by such a clatter. What, Santa, a day late? It was not even 0700. I rose to see what was the matter & I could see the mail truck parked outside. Sure enough, the box Dad sent was inside my entry. Hurray! More presents as the Christmas spirit continues.

Everything was wrapped carefully and packed delicately. The first package I unwrapped was a familiar old vintage box. I recognized it right away. I could not hold back the tears and out loud awes. I was overcome by fond memories of Mom & I once again while flooded with tears. Those moments of decorating the tree with Mom had become surreal as I held the vintage ornaments in my hands. It was the most perfect gift. 

Another package was wrapped individually. It was hand written with love and a message of "found in the attic& since you live near disney" Oh my goodness, it was a vintage glass Mickey Mouse ornament. It may have even been the one I brought back from Disney on my senior class trip 40 years ago. 

Every gift Dad & my step Mom sent me were very thoughtful and I'm forever grateful. The memories being cherished with every sparkle and glistening. 

We may not be able to spend the holidays with everyone but we can enjoy the gifts and the thoughtfulness behind them. 

For now, I'll be grateful for the things I do have.

You cannot cancel Christmas as it lives in your heart not under the tree.

Merry Christmas & warm wishes for the New year! 

  

Two hour tour

 I am blessed to live near the beach these days. It is said a cold front is upon us so I decided it was a perfect opportunity to put my toes in the sand. The day was sunny and cloudless. A mere 90 with a slight breeze & zero humidity at the end of November. The seagulls appeared happy & celebrating the end of hurricane season. I too was relieved with the change and start of a new season. The Osprey hovered and made dives for their dinner, while sandpipers were at a frenzy with incoming tides. I walked a two hour tour while the ocean sifted long stretches of shells. It never gets old wading in the shallows searching for treasures. No matter what age you are or how many shells you already have. Each time you walk the beaches is a new memory, a new page in your journey or a renewed feeling of being refreshed. I filled the pockets of my shorts with the treasures I chose and thought to myself; "it is well with my soul". It was the perfect way to wrap up a Thanksgiving weekend. After 2 Thanksgiving gatherings with family, friends & neighbors, I had much to be grateful for this year. 

Share the Love

We are all living in a non perfect world. Yet, the world continues to turn. It's challenging to stay focused on the positive while everyone has their own opinion or agenda.
Why can't everyone just get along? Why do we have to be so divided? I don't look at someone as if they are white, black, red or whatever race they may be. That someone is a son or daughter to somebody. Or they are a sister or brother, Mother, Father or possibly your own next to kin and don't even know it. It's a human being. Plain and simple. And whether a good human being or not, is not up to me to judge. I'll leave that to a higher power. I do know I try to treat others with love and respect. To me, everyone matters. Everyone should matter to each of us. Why is that so hard for some people to do? If we say black lives matter, the White people say what about us. If we say all lives matter, some think we're not focusing on the troubles & violence of the blacks that has been happening for years. I think if we look real hard, it's not just blacks that matter in today's world. What about babies being killed, teenage girls being sold or killed, blacks killing blacks in big cities, white cops now being killed everywhere, native Americans still being pushed off their land while their own women & children end up missing, bombings and shooters, the list goes on and on. We don't have to love everyone, but respect everyone. What a wonderful world it would be if we all did just that. It is true actions speak louder than words. But two wrongs don't make it right. Hate doesn't fix hate. Burning and stealing won't fix it. So set the bar, be an example for your children and grandchildren. Be an example to your friends and family. Non of us are perfect. We are all a working progress. But we all need to start somewhere. Give without expectations.
To love is to be loved. If you want love, show love. Give love & you'll receive love.
Share the Love ~

Perfection, Inside the photographer's mind.

Every picture tells a story, or a few images can direct the story. As a photographer, I can adjust the color and lighting but it is not like a painting where I can just put things where I want without the use of photoshop. I'm not a big believer in photoshop. I like to take photos that are real or actual. I also like to challenge myself with lighting and composition. This morning's walk along the beach was no different than most. I'm always looking for that money shot or what makes an image extroadrinary. I was greeted by an ibis fishing for breakfast. I thought my image would be far more attractive if the white ibis was surrounded by white sea foam. It's always a photographer's challenge to capture white on white and I accepted that challenge! After a couple of those shots, my mind begins to switch gears. I'm thinking, wouldn't it be cool to capture the ibis as a silhouette in the sunrise. So rather than waiting on the ibis to walk a little, I move to center the ibis in the sunlight. Now I have my subject right where I want. Only it keeps moving. Sometimes I can see it clearly and other moments I can't because the ocean and foam are different with each incoming wave. As I try to keep up with the ibis, a seagull photo bombs the bottom of my view finder. Ok, that's cool, I like the seagull's shadow in the sand. But could you fly a little higher next time? The sun is changing and getting brighter with each second. Like a clock ticking. In a couple minutes the sun will be too bright for anything. I don't have much time. No pressure, haha! So I wait for another seagull. Usually there's lots. But this morning, not so much! Go figure. Where's a seagull when you need one? Finally, I spot one coming up the beach. Each second feels like forever. I waited patiently, panning up the beach side, but it flies too high. Mean while the ibis is still fishing back and forth. I am amazed it is still with me. With one eye I am trying to keep view of the ibis in line with the sun and the other eye anticipating another seagull in sight. And you're probably reading all this thinking, man, this is for the birds! An elderly woman slowly walks by and I have to pause. Breathe. Yes, it's the beach. We are just out of a 2 month quarantine and I am not the only one out viewing God's masterpiece of the morning! I can still see the beautiful sun rays pouring through the clouds. Like angels upon us. The ibis is in my view finder. But the sun is getter more brighter and I have a white blob on the top of my image. I can't zoom in or I would loose the ibis in the foreground. The whole idea is to have both birds in the shot to be unique.  If I could just get a seagull to fly straight through where the glare spot is, I would be golden! My opportunity arrives coming from the north. A large seagull is in view. Perfect! The seagull is like a stealth, slowly it begins to hover. Much to my surprise, it hovers right in front of the sun where I needed! Amazing! CLICK! So in my next shot in a matter of seconds, my timing is right! I lower my camera with a huge smile of accomplishment on my face. I know this moment will never happen again! Oh the excitement of a photographer's life! All in a days work! Happy shooting!

Celebrate Life

I would like to share my version of Celebrate Life blog with you.  Being a photographer is not always just fun capturing nature and weddings. It also involves capturing people. An image, or expression of a split second that can last a lifetime. A reminder of what once was or whom was. It can be heart wrenching if I photograph a person and soon after they pass. That's the hardest part for me as an artist.  It may be a birthday celebration, anniversary, event or even our finest local young musicians. I'm also responsible for capturing the very last photo of my Mother and dear Grandmother together. Both passed within 30 days of each other about a week after I took the photo. It is also up to me, emotionally, to turn that negative into a positive. It's not an easy choice and I still struggle with some of those ever lasting smiles.
I have to choose joy that I was able to capture that person, their expression or lasting impression as my gift to others. I don't seek the thank you's, I feel it's my purpose here on earth. I know I was given a gift as an artist, but it's mostly to promote and give back to others. So today I say out loud Rest In Peace. All is not lost as they are home.

Divine Love

Everyone desires a divine love. A love that never disappoints. But we use the word love freely. We love our family, we love our children, we love our spouse.  We love our jobs, and special places. We even love the cars we drive. But what is true love? Love in the acts of kindness? Giving gifts of love? Or is it the feelings of attraction in being close and intimate? Perhaps it's an unconditional love while never expecting anything in return.  It's a love we can't live without. A love that is free and fulfilling. God's love is the only love that never falters and never fails. Take comfort in your faith and know that God truly loves you, now and forever.

As one door closes

We've all heard the phrase, "when one door closes, another one opens" The question is, do you have the faith to walk through one? Or which door is right? Only you'll never know if you don't take that opportunity right in front of you. As we step into 2020 I wish you the very best. There are no goodbye's, just another time and another place.

Trust your instincts and walk through those upcoming doors. May you find peace and happiness in the New Year! 

Purple Aurora
On Nov 21 2019, I decided to have a camp fire. It was a mild evening shortly after 7pm. It was one week before Thanksgiving. A time when I miss my Mother the most. Family gatherings just aren't the same without her. Though sometimes I feel she is right here with me. That evening was no different. At 7:21 I started taking photos of the campfire. The cold season was already upon and I wasn't certain how many more nights like these were left. The next twelve minutes left me in a mysterious awe of wonder. It was like having my own personal Aurora in my back yard. I really have no explanation for the images I took. Only I have my own conclusions. I know what I saw, and I know what I felt. Did I mention Mom's favorite color was purple? The images are not edited. I took several in those twelve minutes and the shadows left like they came.

Gems in the rough

As a young teenager I was intrigued by rocks and minerals. I had a great collection and a black light. Shortly after moving to NC my Mother called to let me know of a mineral mine close by. I never knew where it was and never seem to have the time to research where it actually was. Soon after my Mom passed. I was offered an opportunity to show my photography in a little town named Hiddenite. I had no idea what that little town was all about. On my way to the location of my debut I saw a sign that said Hiddenite Emerald Mine. Holy cow! This must have been the place my Mother told me about! I decided I needed to stop on the way back to at least inquire about setting up a time to actually dig for rocks and minerals. They had a table outside where you could buy rocks and minerals. I wanted to buy a pretty blue stone but a voice in my head told me it wasn't necessary. After inquiring about days and hours of operation, I left. I knew I would be back one day.
My week ahead as a flight attendant was a busy time. Some days would start out with five flights in the first day. After each flight it was our job to make certain the cabin was clean and all seatbelts were crossed and ready for the next flight. Oddly enough I came to a row where one seat already had the safetybelt crossed. On top was a gift left for me. It was a blue heart shaped stone. I cried, it immediately touched my soul. No wonder I didn't to buy any stones the other day. Much to my surprise, it was also the anniversary of my Mother's passing.
A few more years past before making time to get back to Hiddenite. Actually 10 years.
 I didn't know what to expect. When I arrived I met two women getting out of their car. I asked them if they had ever done this sort of thing before and they said no. I introduced myself and told them my story of how I came about coming to dig rocks. They found my story inspiring and invited me to join them. We started the day digging but we really didn't know what we were finding. I found some quartz right away. On the way back to the entrance I came upon some erosion with small emeralds and jasper. Even though I was content with my findings we all agreed we would try our luck buying a bucket and sluicing. The mine has a variety of buckets to choose from. I happen to pick a bucket that had Emeralds and other Hidden gems. Did you know an Emerald doesn't have to be green? One in particular was a heart shaped Emerald. It was the perfect way to end a day decicated to my Mom.

Sign Above

It was a super hot day walking the streets in Santiago Spain with my daughter. We decided to visit the Cathedral. What a wonderful spiritual experience that is breathtaking! I was the typical tourist with my camera stopping to snap photos every now & then. We crossed the street and all of a sudden a sign appeared before us.
I looked at my daughter & she looked at me. We were both speechless. She knew the story my Mother always told when I was born. If I were born a boy I would have been named Michelena. I instantly took a photo of the street sign before us. We knew right away my Mothers presence was with us. It truly was a sign from above.

Act of Commitment

Spring has arrived and we jump in, arms wide open and anxious to begin the To Do list. There's a whole bunch of stuff we're committed to! Some yard work, planting, gardening, celebrations, weddings, graduations and more. You may even end up finding excuses because there's only so much one can handle. 

The same goes for relationships, there's that word again...Commitment! There is no partial or only 50%, it has to be a minimum of 100% when it comes to your partner in life.  But then how do you know for certain just how committed is the other person? How well do you really know your partner?  My only advice there is trust. But these days, you might want to do your homework first before committing to a serious relationship and marriage.  It is a known fact that 55% of your friends can be fake. Take the time to ask the appropriate questions to be certain you are both on the right path. The last thing you want to find out is that your married partner is not the person you think they are. One cannot just say they are committed, it is an act that speaks louder. We live in the times with so much technology and social media at the touch of a click.  And sometimes you have to stop and be still,  put away those devices then ask yourself does it interfere with those commitments?  As like our walk with Jesus, we committ our lives to Him and try to live our lives accordingly the best we can.  Always learning. Without judgement, unconditionally with love just as He did when he died on that cross for us. I hope this Easter you will take time to reflect your journey and ask yourself, am I really committed? Are you walking the life you really want? Are you committed to your list of things & places to do and go? Are you committed to your partner in life? Are you committed to the Lord? What does commitment mean to you? Have a Blessed Easter.

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Take flight into the New Year

When December 31 comes around most people will be out celebrating, singing "Auld Lang Syne" bidding farewell to the old year by the stroke of midnight. The title of the tune translates to "times gone by" and is about remembering friends from the past and not letting them be forgotten. What does this song mean? Should old acquaintence be forgot? Or does it mean that if we happened to forget them, we should remember them? Some have lost loved ones, family & friends, and we carry them forever in our hearts.
It's also a time where we reflect on the year gone by, what did we accomplish? Did I treat everyone like I would want to be treated? Did I make resolutions or make my goals and wishes come true? And what will I do better for the coming year? Better myself or by help others?
We all know there will be changes in the coming year, nothing stays the same. We evolve forward, out with the old, in with the new motto. Maybe a new house, new job, new exercise program or new relationship. Or maybe just a new perspective on life in general without the material things.
For me I don't ever forget where I came from, the people I have come in contact with or that have crossed my path. Nothing happens by chance or by accident. I am grateful for all of you and the lessons life has taught me. But know for certain, next year will bring about a more improved version of you. For whatever reasons, as you surround yourself with friends old and new tonight, sing on!

Greatest Gifts are never seen...

Gifts come in all sizes and shapes. It can be extravagant or a lovely gesture. Some of the greatest gifts are never seen and felt by the heart. November is a wonderful time of year to be Thankful for the gifts in our lives. It may be your children and family, or your job, food and a roof over your head. Or maybe you're thankful for the gift of life itself. Sometimes gifts are left for loved ones and neighbors yet to be surprised and found just at the right moment. Have you ever just left a gift or treasure for someone to find to make them smile and feel special? Sometimes we pick four leaf clovers, flowers and sea shells to bring home to give to others. Or maybe you go shopping and find just the right item that reminds you of that special someone. What about the gift of love? Or just doing something nice for one another as a token or gift of appreciation. In these materialistic days, it can be hard for some people to appreciate a precious gift that cannot be valued in monetary terms. However, when you reflect on the sacrifice that God made, the redemption, salvation and hope that He gave us, it should be a source of inspiration and wonder. There is no way in which we, as humans could justly repay The Lord for his un fathomable love. Yet, we Can open our lives to Him so that through the love of  God and the grace of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit will enable us to do His work and to spread His love amongst all we come into contact with. Give Thanks this Thanksgiving but also be loving and Giving to others.
May the grace of The Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  2 Corinthians 13:14