The new year always brings new resolutions, hopes, and goals. It also causes reflection. Sometimes most often when laying in bed trying to fall asleep! I began this last year tiptoeing into a dream I had only quietly nurtured within my family since high school. My goal as I began this new adventure was simply to have fun, be myself, and try to touch some one's life with a memory through my photography. I didn't realize how much people and their pictures would touch me instead. Each session has taught me something about myself. Some more than others.
  One such picture is of a man, playing his guitar, at a music festival in late June, that benefits a music program for a small school. But there was a deeper hidden story I had no idea I had exposed. And it touched my heart in a way that left me speechless. Yes... Me. Okay, I cried. When I posted pictures from Wheatstock I was so happy so many people enjoyed them and surprised and excited when numerous new profiles popped up sporting one of my photographs. Then I got a message...which I saved and often reread to remind me why I love to capture a moment in time for someone. John, I hope you won't mind.

                                           It was titled "Something extra about that picture."
        He wrote:  I thought you might find this interesting and a little extra special about this photo. The bracelet that I am wearing was given to me by a friend who's best friend died in Iraq. The bracelet is made from the material from his camouflage uniform. His name was Sgt. Gary Livermore. I received this in April of this year.

It still gives me goosebumps. It still encourages me to follow my dream.
 I hope I've encouraged you to follow your dream.