Reflections for the New Year

I saw a lot of heartache in 2011. I saw so many friends operating under tremendous weight – divorce, death, surgeries, lay offs. But, I’ve also seen friends experience wonderful change – birth, fresh starts, new-found confidence, healing, love, and success. My year was somewhere in the middle of all of that – neither weighty nor wonderful. But that’s so 2011.

I’m excited for what’s ahead in 2012. I sense some great things are going to happen. Sure, there will be difficulty and pain. There always is for us mere humans. But, a new year always brings new hope and I’m extremely hopeful.

I’ve been thinking about my favorite verse over the last few days. I always hold it in my heart because of its promise. It’s especially relevant at the start of a new year.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

I learned a long time ago that my plans aren’t always His plans. I also learned, though, that His plans for me are so much better…and bigger. I can’t wait to see how they unfold in 2012.

I pray that your new year will bring you your dreams.

It Starts with an Idea

I sat across from Jennifer as she told me her story. We had met briefly a month earlier and she wanted to be part of a project I was working on. After a few exchanged emails, we finally settled down in her dining room. I turned the camera on and the interview began.

When I decided I wanted to do a project celebrating the role of women in the military, I admit that I wasn’t sure how I was going to pull it off. I still have moments of “Good Lord, what did I get myself into.” I wake up in the morning wondering how in the world am I going to do this all by myself. Then I find myself sitting across from women who are eager to share their stories and who are grateful that someone has asked. It’s then that those moments of doubt are replaced with “Oh, okay. I get it. This is what I need to do” moments. Logistically and financially, I still have doubts but I know it will happen because these women deserve it.

The project is titled “She Served Proudly.” It began as a simple interview/photo project focusing on women veterans from all branches and all the major conflicts since World War II. The women and their stories have been so compelling that an audio interview alone wasn’t enough. The women should be filmed. So I’m now capturing our interviews on video. There is a plan for a website detailing the progress of the project with the goal being a book.

I want to be a storyteller with my photography and shine a light on people who don’t always have the chance to be seen and heard. This is my first major foray into that role and it’s exciting, scary, stressful, and quite humbling.

I want to include you in the progress of “She Served Proudly.” While the website is in progress, you may keep track of the project through my Facebook page and my photography website blog. I hope you enjoy the journey with me and the women veterans as they share their stories.

My Favorite Things – 2011 Edition

It’s that time of year again when people compile their lists of favorites. I must admit I’m a sucker for all those TV shows that countdown everything from the most hated people in the country to the best viral videos. But my list is a bit more personal as it should be. Just a note – some of these items may not have released in 2011 but they came to my attention this year.

Enjoy!

Favorite TV Shows
Criminal Minds
Downton Abbey
Any Human Heart

Favorite Movies
Bridesmaids
The Help
Lemonade
One Day in September

Favorite Books
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
The Great Typo Hunt by Jeff Deck and Benjamin D. Herson
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

Favorite Music
Build a Rocket Boys by Elbow
The Seldom Seen Kid Live at Abbey Road by Elbow
One eskimO by One eskimO
The Goat Rodeo Sessions by Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile, Stuart Duncan
Anar by Marketa Irglova
The Bomb Shelter Sessions by Vintage Trouble

Favorite Moments
Thanksgiving with the entire family
Finally seeing Joshua Bell in concert
Seeing Elbow in concert with my brother
Starting a new photo/film/interview project

Goals for 2012
Continue to learn about film making
Complete the photo/film/interview project

I Walked Among the Brave Today

11.11.11 Veteran’s Day

I walked among the brave today. Young and old. Male and female. From World War II to Afghanistan. I shook the hands of young men and wished for them safety. I spoke with women who had been at the forefront of change and served proudly. I witnessed old soldiers saluting and offering gratitude to young soldiers for their service. I held back tears as I heard the cadence of a military band. I thought of my father. He was a 20-year Army man who, even after retiring, was proud to wear his uniform at every opportunity. I was humbled knowing that each of these people – every single one of them – put themselves on the line to ensure my freedom.

I walked among the brave today. And I’m better because of it.