I have 3 totally different photos for today…

The first is my church.

I grew up going to church with my mother, Aunt Jane, and grandfather.  When I left home though, I never found a church that had that same warm feeling as the one in which I grew up, so I just quit going.  30 years later, my daughter led me to this church, which I now call home.  I can think when I’m there.  I shut off the rest of the world and think quiet thoughts and try to pull some positive energy to myself.  It’s warm in there, just like in my old church, and I feel safe and comforted.

Today I did a lot of thinking about my mother and her current struggles, being 83 years old and taking care of her two older sisters, both of whom need constant care. My mother has a beautiful voice and it’s what I remember most of going to church when I was young, her standing beside me in the pew singing.  Today I thought of how nice it would be to have her beside me again instead of living out the rest of her burdened life two hours away from me.

I’m going to work on getting her here and helping her in any way I can.  Sitting in church today, quietly and thoughtfully, gave me some ideas…

The second photo is a 2-photo collage of photographer Andy Tennille.  I went to hear him speak today and it was wonderful.  He photographs bands mostly, and has been featured in Rolling Stone magazine as well as a host of other magazines.  He’s also Tom Petty’s personal photographer.  He gave an inspirational and down-to-earth talk today, and I’m glad that I met him.

The third photo is Tony, my boyfriend of many years.  He’s my partner and soul mate on this life’s journey, and I’m glad he’s around.