Hope Springs

Aunt Ruth believes that life is more delicious when shared.  I just hung up the phone with her and learned that Connie and she are baking cookies to box and deliver to friends.  


Last week, I was really tired and a bit woe-is-me-ish when I decided to channel for what has become my inner Aunt Ruth.  Instead of throwing a pity party which always has one guest, the hostess (that's me), I decided to fire up the oven, grab the sautee pan, and make a casserole, cupcakes, and even appetizers to give to a close friend whose family illness and 3 jobs hasn't  allowed her much time for meal preparation.


I felt so Aunt Ruth.  Humming as I cooked and smiling with each whiff of food, I forgot my cares.  As you can see from the laughing ladies at one of Aunt Ruth's parties, she has that effect on people.


Magic?  Try it and let us know...

Worth Repeating

In the last 48 hours, I watched as over 700 photographers became a part of a movement to donate some of their work in order to raise money through auction to aid Japan.  The posts repeated this refrain, "Thank you for the opportunity to help."  Aline Smithson, creator of www.lenscratch.blogspot.com and Crista Dix at Wallspace Gallery and others worked tirelessly to offer us the chance to make a difference. (see http://lifesupportjapan.blospot.com)


I am reminded of the day I asked Aunt Ruth how she stayed determined during a life of joy and tremendous loss.  She said, "My faith helps me, but I accept that life isn't easy.  You must have a will to live, and that will comes from loving people."


Indeed.

2.5 months till 92....but who's counting?

There were three of us photographers working at The Ninetieth birthday party 2 years ago this May.  These are some of the moments captured by the talented, Sarah Balch.  I'm in the orange jacket with the black-and-white film camera doing the final shots for loving aunt ruth.  Three photographers are required when the hostess invites 165 guests!  I've said this before, but I don't even know that many people except in a virtual way on Facebook!

With Aunt Ruth's 92nd birthday approaching, I am reminded that this project began with a party and ended with a party, but loving Aunt Ruth will never end.  When I asked Aunt Ruth if I could photograph her for a long-term endeavor, she said, "Sure, I'll have a tea party, so you can meet some of my friends."  

She continues to teach me the importance of her daily mantra which I am in the mood to repeat.  "I accept that life is not easy.  You must have a will to live, and that will comes from loving people.  Aunt Ruth has friends of all ages, ethnicities, abilities,and sizes.   She does love them all.  Tea parties, Seders, Cocktail Parties, Hanukah, Birthday Parties, and...the will to live comes from loving and sharing that love.  She does.  She does.

I'm trying...