Mary E Lawler Photography

Photo Show of Brandi

2012-01-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

Here's a slideshow of my last photo session with Brandi B. A reminder of The Light that has inspired me to capture the essence of people's character.

"BRANDI B"

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Etta you will be missed.....

2012-01-21T18:26:00.000-08:00

"At last, my love has come along

my lonely days are over

and life is like a song

oh, yeah, at last

the skies above are blue

My heart was wrapped up in clovers

The night I looked at you

I found a dream that I could speak to

A dream that I could call my own

I found a thrill I could rest my cheek to

A thrill that I have never known

Oh yeah, when you smile, you smile

Oh, and then the spell was cast

and here we are in heaven

for you are mine

At last"

WINTER RADIANCY

2011-12-26T18:30:00.000-08:00

Radiancy is the best I can describe the euthusiam that Brandi gave me on this photo shoot. She is a poet who is working on a special project and publishing. She also needed a refreshing shoot with updated pictures and I needed to add to my collection and portfolio. The collaboration was perfect. Despite the snowy day, it wasn't as cold as we both expected. Brandi shined perfectly and tolerated my creative ideas without complaint. She and I worked well together and I believe that she certainly could model as well as be a writer. LOOK OUT FOR HER......SHE'S BOUND TO RADIATE LIGHT!

LONG SHARP|CURIS

2011-11-07T19:07:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I photographed along with fellow photographer, Bob Julius, a fine art opening featuring screen print artist Walter Knabe. The exhibit was held at Long Sharp Curis Modern and Contemporary Fine Art. The gallery is a great mark for Downtown Metro Detroit, which is making a resurgence of creativity that promises to bring vitality to the city. Knabe, a international artist, demonstrated his screenprint skills was well received by guests.

It's A New Day!

2011-11-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful and so elated that my birthday is coming in a few weeks. It's not so much that it is the day I was born on because I really never celebrate my birthday. But it's that I am feeling super blessed that I've got to share the feeling. After so much adversity, I feel so faithful and confident to have been able to press forward (God willing) to overcome obstacles that I could not have imagined facing in my youth.
If you are elated and blessed....please contact me to share a photo session...walking in Fabulous Light!

Fall Shoots are Available!

2011-10-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

2012 SENIOR SESSION~FALL SHOOTS

2011-10-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

Take advantage of the Fall Senior Sessions before the Leaves disappear....request bookings at:
mel.photoworks@gmail.com

Circles

2011-10-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was challenged by my Michigan Photography Group to look at the environment differently. To find shapes that I normally would not see. This past week we looked for circles. I was surprised to find so many in my neighborhood and around the city. Here's a slideshow of some I captured.....

"CIRCLES by Mary Lawler"

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FRIENDSHIP

2011-09-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

We met through a mutual friend and worked together at Local 24. While driving home late from work one night, Charlotte asked her mother if she could be dropped off a friend’s house. Doris, who was tired and it was one o’clock in the morning, retorted with a firm “No”! After a brief debate about it, Doris asked Charlotte to just be quiet about it. She had to take me and Cherry home, then drive Charlotte home as well as herself. We started out on 696 and after driving west for an unusual long time, we discovered that we were well on our way to Toledo.

Doris said, “Toledo!” “How the hell did we manage to get on the highway to Toledo?” Charlotte said in her supercilious voice, “You took the wrong turn”. “Why didn’t you say something?” Charlotte said, “You said to be quiet about it”. This sent Doris in a tizzy, nervous, sleepy, and a ways to go to the next exit. She chewed Charlotte out from left to right. Upset that Charlotte knew we were heading out of state and refused to direct us back home.

We finally made it back to the city, all of us exhausted on a road trip that was NOT planned. Many years later, I can still laugh at that moment with my friend Doris. I recently found her again after losing contact from so long ago. Last weekend, I told her that story again and I want to make sure she tells it to Charlotte too, so that we can etch that memory in our heart.

This is just one of my fond memories of my friend Doris…..

Gabby Turns Three!

2011-09-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

Recently, I captured what if feels to be Three again! Gabby had a wonderful pool party with lots of fun and friends in tow. She smiled the entire time of her party and I was able to capture all of it!

From Gabby's own words....."Easy Breezy"!

One Moment of Love

2011-08-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

The minute I heard my first love story,
I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was.
Lovers don't finally meet somewhere, they're in each other all along.
~From Essential Rumi

My recent photo session was very pleasurable to say the least. David is originally from St. Louis and Pia from Cinncinnati and they settled in Metro Detroit. From the moment I met them I could see their genuine love for each other. They also had a very down to earth spirit and I felt like I've known them all along. There wasn't any pretense here...nothing but pure love.

David, a perfect gentleman, helped his wife with each step she took. I understand why Pia's heart would melt, being called his "Queen"! They both were a breath of fresh air for me.

END OF SUMMER GOAL

2011-08-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

I plan to ENJOY the remainder of the summer. I pray that it is filled with joyous, relaxing moments. Life's experiences happens so quickly, and I want a little of it to stand still, so I decided to set a Summer Goal for myself...
1. I plan to give FB a little break (I am totally addicted) and read more.
2. I plan to do more walking, Mama could Use the exercise.
3. I want to try a least 5-10 new recipes from the "Kazillion" cook books I've accumulated over the years.
4. I definitely plan to relax on a small week-end get-a-way.
5. PRAY more! I will consult God in everything I do!

I hope you enjoy the summer too!

CHICAGO RETREAT

2011-07-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed this summer thus far and believe that it is absolutely imperative that everyone deserves a retreats. Although, not very far, Chicago is a very bright, upbeat, urban escape. There is always fun things to do and see. It's not hard to plan day and evening events as the city is bursting with activity. My favorite thing to do there is shop and eat, sight see, and eat, ride the rail, and eat, people watch and you guessed it....EAT!

I would like to thank Lee Bey for giving me some insights on the city and navigation tips, and my friend Tamarra Jackson for sharing the best places to eat!

Ciphers Cooking With Maia

2011-07-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

I am a F*O*O*D*I*E by nature...because who doesn't love eating and I am a cook by heart. Or at least the head cook in my home. So when I found out that Maia Crown, a REAL Sous Chef was offering cooking lessons, I jumped in my apron (literally) to get in on some of this action.

I signed up and learned how to use fresh vegatables from local "FARMERS MARKETS" which supports Detroit's sustainability, economy, and it's "going green"! I enjoyed learning how to eliminate butter (which is hard in my case) and use herb base olive oil. Also, I learned a new technique, Poulet, a technique for frying foods. In our case, it was fish. Everything was so delicious and tastful that I tried what I learned at home the very next day.

Summer Photo Session|Plymouth MI

2011-06-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

I had the absolute pleasure to nework with a photo session via Detroit Exposure and Ann Gordon! Take a peek at two TERRIFIC Teens that I shot!

PROM=JOSH+IMAN

2011-05-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

PROM

Promise for a bright
Rising future and
Opportunity for growth and
Maturity that I look forward to

Congratulations Joshua...It was my pleasure to capture your Prom moments!

SENIORS....

2011-05-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

It's not too late to take Natural Light Photos! If you haven't had a chance to take Senior Photos or if you want a more personal Graduation photo with cap and gown, or even a Prom Photo, contact me at: mel.photoworks@gmail.com.

CAPTURING ART IN DETROIT

2011-04-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

A once controversial artist, Tyree Guyton has made yet another statement by implementing a "shoe" project on a street near downtown Detroit. I decided to take a few shots before it is dismantled.

Cold Sweat

2011-04-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

If you are like me then you will agree that this winter has been SUPA longggggggggggg. I had cabin fever and this weekend was the first time the weather hit the "EIGHTIES"! People were out everywhere. Lined up to go to the park, shopping, and just cruising. I myself, had to get this "shooting" fever out of me. I was so hot...I broke out into a Cold Sweat!

COFFEE MOMENTS

2011-03-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite relaxation moments is to curl up with my hot cup of coffee, a book or browsing the net to look at fabulous pictures. I remember that it wasn’t too long ago that those moments came far and were very brief. I had work and a small child, then it was work and a teenager, his school and my school, then work and caring for my aging parents…now it’s still WORK and but in my spare time, it’s JUST ME and God and my hot cup of Joe!

Never Stop Seeing the Light!

2011-03-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Photography has opened a whole new world for me. Viewing my environment with a different perspective allows me time to reflect on the familiar and challenges my idea of what is aesthetically beautiful. I love the joy I receive when I browse pictures from others as well as what I’ve captured. They bring me to a restful state, one which I can meditate on what’s good about life. I recently, attended a photography workshop and discovered that with this visual art, you’ll never stop learning. There are so many things to see and learning techniques from others (experienced and non-experienced) gives you an opportunity to hone in on your skills and improve them and the reward of seeing with someone else’s eye.

Here is a sample of my work to verify what I mean.

Model: EGYPT

WINTER BLUES

2011-03-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

Will spring hurry up and come?

Cotton Candy On A Rainy Day

Don't look now

I'm fading away

Into the gray of my mornings

Or the blues of every night

Is it that my nails

keep breaking

Or maybe the corn

on my secind little piggy

Things keep popping out

on my face or of my life

It seems no matter how

I try I become more difficult

to hold

I am not an easy woman

to want

They have asked

the psychiatrists . . . psychologists . . .

politicians and social workers

What this decade will be

known for

There is no doubt . . . it is

loneliness

Written by Nikki Giovanni

TWENTY ONE

2011-02-22T14:31:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 22, 1990, Thursday at 2:30pm, God gave my ex and I a son. It was a easy pregnancy I guess since it was my first. My due date was Valentine’s day but baby decided to wait. I had morning sickness for the whole nine months but drinking milk seemed to soothe the urge most of the time.

The day of my delivery, my son struggled to breathe because the umbilical cord was in a knot. “There’s nothing we can do about that but give you oxygen to breath for him”, the doctor said. I tried hard not to panic, I never dreamt of losing him. My ex was by my side the entire time. I was really blessed that he was. Nine hours later and born naturally without drugs, our son was here.

The doctors and nurses cheered so loud, I thought we all were going to be thrown out. I didn’t know why at first until the cord was shown to me tied tight, which meant he came just in time before all circulation was lost to his brain. They said, “He’s a miracle from God”! So David and I had already decided to give him his first name but the second name was thought of right on the spot… “Andwele”, that says in Tanzanika, “God brought me here”!

CAPTURING YOU IN YOUR BEST LIGHT!

2011-02-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

SPRING is not very far, as evident by all this melting SNOW. If you are interested in SENIOR PHOTOS, PROM PHOTOS, BIRTHDAY PHOTOS, or even just CELEBRATING A FABULOUS YOU, please email me for pictures.

My photography style is casual and relaxed using NATURAL LIGHT. Please expect to have fun and enjoy your session JUST BEING YOU!
There will be no boring Background with a photographer prompting you to pose stiffly.

Email me at: adeeba66@yahoo.com
or
mel.photoworks@gmail.com

Looking forward to seeing you in YOUR BEST LIGHT!

SIMPLE MOMENTS

2011-01-31T14:24:00.000-08:00

Recently, I’ve developed “Cabin Fever” because it’s winter and bitter cold here in Michigan. I can only tolerate the snow for a good twenty minutes and only if the sun is shining. Then and only then will I shoot outside.

So to keep from losing my sanity I relish moments that made me happy. This weekend as I was dressing I pulled out an old ring I bought many years ago. I remembered when I first saw it…the feeling of “I got to own this”! So here are a couple of shots of it. Now you can rest that I am back on track….at least until I find a way to CAPTURE YOU!

Happy Blogging

2011-01-18T08:38:00.001-08:00

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PHOTO EDIT 101

2011-01-05T14:53:00.000-08:00

There is nothing NEW under the SUN! But I just didn't want my presence to be vacated too long. I want to be true to my efforts to journal frequently for the NEW YEAR. What precedence I set now should be consistently carried throughout the year.

Happy New Year 2011!

TWO PHOTO EDITS...WHICH ONE DO YOU LIKE?

and just me and my Nikon

JENNA

2010-12-17T11:45:00.000-08:00

I am just revisiting a shoot I did for Jenna just before the S*N*O*W*! She was so fabulous and fun to work with. She really kept me on my p's and q''s.

NATURAL WINTER LIGHT

2010-12-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

Winter is closing in on me. I am looking forward to working with winter light but I will miss summer capturing. I love fresh flowers. The conservatory is my favorite place to find beautiful flowers. Here are some of my finds that I didn’t post this summer! ENJOY!

Power To Change: I am Thankful!

2010-11-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I recently had a moment...ok... a few moments that lasted several days where I felt that the world was against me. But I discovered something that I already knew, that I needed to consult the Master to help me sort my feelings. I needed to pray that God reveal to me my errors and faults and show me WHY I was feeling this way.

It wasn't that the world/people were necessarily against me, but it was the enemy who preys on me feeling low. So you know, God has already shown me that I can be smarter that the devil. All I had to do was simply rely on Him for answers. He has always been my Strength, my Support, my Inspiration and my Guide.

So I did what I should have done first...PRAY! Prayer really changes things...most of all it changed how I was feeling and you know something else? I am Thankful!

PLEASE BE SAFE AND THANKFUL THIS SEASON!

“If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice.” — Meister Eckhart

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?” — William A. Ward

Simple Things Makes Me Happy!

2010-11-17T14:41:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I had this insatiable desire to shoot some fall nature shots before “fall” was over. I hummed a made up melody as I prepared for this small venture. I packed my bag with my Nikon and lens. I charged all of my batteries and made sure they were packed well into their slots.

I ate a good breakfast of homemade blueberry pancakes and turkey sausage. I brewed my usual … Starbucks coffee and ran my hot, soapy tub bath.

Call for my son to keep me company and I was off for what seemed like a mini-retreat.

It sure felt like it by the time it was over. Here are just a few of my captures.

Love's gift cannot be given, it waits to be accepted.
~Rabindranath Tagore (2)

A bit of fragrance clings to the hand that gives flowers.

~Chinese Proverb

Jenna

2010-10-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

Oh her eyes, her eyes

Make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair
Falls perfectly without her trying
~Bruno Mars

Jenna, a senior, took some Amazing photos with me prior to her homecoming dance. She smiled and posed without prompting. She even laughed at her mom and my kooky jokes! We went to a local park and then ended at the neighborhood church.

I found Jenna to be very easy to work with because she is naturally funny and fun to be around. She likes animals (we have that in common), video games, and funny movies. She has some very caring and wonderful friends…I met some of them, and she volunteers with her churches’ youth group.

For Fall 2010....

2010-10-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

A lifetime without Love is of no account
Love is the Water of Life
Drink it down with heart and soul!

~Rumi

That’s right folks, FALL is here! For me it is such a wonderful time to remember love and loved ones. It also is a time to REMEMBER things that you wanted to do but couldn’t. So for my last minute Seniors I am offering a Special to take “On-Location” pictures using NATURAL LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY. I will be booking sessions through the end of November. Shoot me an email and leave your call back number and we can discuss the rates.

Also, this special is extended to 2011 SENIORS too! In case you would like to get an early start.

mel.photoworks@gmail.com

These are some beautiful shots that I recently took at Belle Isle, Detroit, MI

Detroit's Future

2010-10-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I took the opportunity to shoot Detroit's Riverfront. It's been maybe three-five years ago that the Mayor and City Council decided to revise our Riverfront, hence making it attractive to the community as well as tourist. It has now a Trail for walking and cycling, a Waterfall, and even a Carnival equipped rides for the family. I hope you enjoy the shots!

First Official Day of Fall

2010-09-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm, Stop! Let me think about it! It certainly is the most prettiest time of the year. (not my favorite, summer is) I love the colors of leaves, the Indian Summer days, the tasty foods (pies, apples, pumpkins, cider). Best of all I get to wear scarfs, corduroy, and boots without being stared at!

mmmm I'm still absorbing this...

He Named Me!

2010-09-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am so truly happy today. Did you know that we can choose to be happy about life? Even our trials too! The revalation is that my photography in conjuction with God's awesome grace, has led me to believe that in EVERYTHING I must give thanks. To that I might add...A P P R E C I A T I O N!

God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.

2010 Detroit Jazz Festival

2010-09-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

For many years I have always looked forward to Detroit's Jazz Fest. Held each Labor Day weekend. I was only able to attend two days as I was so sick with "what I don't know what"; headcold, sinus slash allergy fever. But never-the-less I had the opportunity to hear some of my favorites like Take Six and Ledisi. I even managed to get a few shots of each of the entertainers. Even more than that I captured some of Detroit's own local interests...It's people! Faithful people who live in the community and support our city's events wholeheartedly.
Thanks for stopping by... Enjoy!

Take Six...My son thought they were a "cool" group from my generation (his own words)

Ledisi... "In the Morning", will you still love me in the morning?

Authentic Detroiters strolling the event....

Many people loved this guy. He was colorful and had unique style while rolling skating. "Chicken Man"

Car Needs A Battery...."Hey!" Go Shop At The Mall!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

Finally after five years...I needed a battery. So while I waited for the new one to be installed...I windowed shopped at the mall! Well that's about it except it was A PERFECT DAY TO SKIP WORK!

~~~~Just a Little Shoe Fetish

2010-08-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

I love colors and every since High School (I won't tell how long ago that was *-*) I've had a shoe fetish going on. Actually, I attribute this insanity to my ex (boyfriend at the time), he loved seeing me in High Heels. Especially when we went out to "paint the town". This really hasn't left me except I don't always wear heels because of the activities I am involved in. But when I do...I have a hugh variety to choose from!

Bare with me now....

My Dragon is a "Foot Cleaner" held at the front door...

Summer Summer Time

2010-08-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was Detroit's annual African World Festival, held each year in Hart Plaza. The event sponsored by The African American Museum showcases ethnic vendors that sell traditional and non-traditional clothing, art, jewelry, incense, and other gift items. It is held usually the third weekend of every August and has a musical line-up of performers and entertainers locally as well as from all over the country. It is fun and I usually attend for the food, people watching and to see various musical events. As always, I typically find a few interesting people to shoot....like DJ Lynda who has mix tapes that are unique and different from what you usually hear spinning. Her accomplist helps to "pump up" the crowd. I even spotted "Fast Freddie" a local dancer and entertainer from the eighties who starred in Detroit's local teen dance show, "The Scene". So thanks for checkin me out and Enjoy Detroit!

Just A Little of Detroit

2010-08-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Again! My photography blog is aimed at allowing "The Light" to shine. By composing and capturing what I see as aesthetically beautiful. To give you an example of what I am talking about...I've posted some pictures of buildings located in the Downtown area of Metropolitan Detroit. Many have wrongfully criticized our city because of its past. The negative images of decaying building because of business flight. The not so friendly coverage from the media, crime and other negativty.

I choose to show what's so lovely about a city that once was lost...but is making it's climb back towards becoming an even more beautiful and prosperous Detroit!

Coffee, Cafes, and Cultural Diversity

2010-08-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I took a "Small Field Trip" in a section of my city known as Mexican Town. I found this quaint coffee house, decorated with local artists, photography, drawings and paintings. I have a very good friend who lives in Harrisburgh, PA, who loves to share photos of his "foodie" excursions. So I decided to show off areas in Detroit...that might not be so popular...yet!

Remembering Mom

2010-07-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

I lost my mother Ruth Martha Goldsby-Lawler this past February and although it's been difficult, I have been coping with God's grace. The other day I came home only to find that one of my dresser drawers had completely caved in for the upteenth time. Exhausted with my "ghetto" repairs I decided this time I should make room in my spare bedroom to store linen. But the moment I entered the room I was greeted with clothes and personal articles of Mom. This is where I had stashed her things because it was too painful to sort six months ago. So I thought to myself maybe it's time to clean and sort her items so that I can donate some. As I rifled through her belongings, I suddenly remembered how she looked in that blouse, that dress, those shoes. I held her soft sweaters close to my face hoping to find a breath of her sweet perfume. I cried to God for help to deal with this. I remembered how I held her in her final days and at that moment my heart ached for her. I remembered her voice as she spoke the words "I love you!" I begged God to tell her spirit that I longed for her because she was my "Beloved". I prayed at that moment to let her know that I would never forget her.

The clothes and belongings didn't get sorted or donated that day...because I am simply not ready. I am not sure what is a "normal" way to deal with this...I suppose others who have lost loved ones may discard of things right away. But I recognize and understand that the task must be done but I am comforted by simply remembering Mom a little longer.

Mom and Dad before I came! :)

WEEKEND SHOOT

2010-07-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hello! These are a few shots from this past weekend. The gentleman is my son, sometimes willing sometimes not, Mom's model. The young lady is "TIANA"! Or should I call her "Lady T" who gave me some VERY professional candid smiles and poses. I met her at the park with her Dad and family and she brighten my day.

Have a Good Week!

DETROIT VIEW

2010-07-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

There isn't a particular situation in which I MUST blog about. But I am grateful for my life today. The weather is HOT but I am not complaining. I have health, my right mind, joy, happiness, and my home is peaceful. So today I simply am blogging about celebrating all things that are going well and because some tend to focus on the disparity our city faces, I choose rather to focus on what's good and positive.

California Pizza

2010-06-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday, I had lunch at California Pizza. For the first time I tried "Fish Tacos". I had seen Fish Tacos on many restaurant menus but never felt the urge to try them. The sound of Fish in my taco just didn't grab me. As a matter of fact, it sounded just disgusting. But being brave and trusting the advise of our waiter, I was very surprised that they were very delicious! Ahhhhhh, see trying new foods can only enhance you by adding to your repertoire food vocabulary. Also, you can impress your friends by allowing them to think you are absolutely diversed in culinary arts.

PS Chocolate Fudge Brownie with Real Haagen Daazs Vanilla and Tiramisu with Baileys was for dessert. Of course I can't leave out having coffee with this!

Photo Walk A Round

2010-06-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I went on my first "Photo Walk-A-Around" in my city. My new photographer friends and I are members of a local photography group and decided to shoot together as an outing. This was really inspirational and fun for me. I had not been out shooting in a while and this was just perfect to get my feet wet again. Here's a few shots from the walk.

My Graduation!

2010-05-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

For His Mercy is good and endureth forever! This past weekend I graduated. Although, I don't like to talk about myself, I am so very happy and grateful, thanks be to the most Merciful God who allowed the opportunity to happen for me. I want to share something I learned from http://www.rossoscarknightphotography.net/ Ross Oscar Knight when he spoke about his humble beginnings in photography: "Be careful of who you share your dreams with". Why? Because if the people in your midst don't share the same hopes, dreams, and aspirations as you do, then they will attack your faith and effort to even pursue what might be your blessings from God. I went through my business administration program without complaint, just the faith that somehow God would sustain me. Once again, I am so grateful for what God has blessed me with this year!

Love is the scent in the air!

2010-05-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

It's my new summer fragrance! Soft and Light...Chance by Chanel

A Walk Into The Light!

2010-04-03T16:05:00.001-07:00

Hello! Welcome to what I call the beginning of a new journey. Not just for me but all who will join me on a quest for a new walk guided by old "Light"! Hopefully, my photography will inspire you in a delightful way as I have been guided from the Light above.