The Unfathomable strikes in Oklahoma

The images from Oklahoma of the rampant destruction from the tornado yesterday sadden me for the cyclone's many victims and their terror and loss. The day starts bright and ends in darkness in its own predictable way here in Sleepy Hollow- yet for many in Oklahoma, all those routines have been shattered and their resilience will be tested for years to come. My heart breaks for them.

photo credit- Nick Oxford for the New York Times

The right person won

Congratulations Candace Glover! And thank you for all the exquisite performances that you gave this season on American Idol. 

Every time I heard you sing I was moved by the beauty of your voice and your ability to interpret a song.  I look forward to seeing (and hearing) what you do next!!

By the Pool (with Catrina)

One summer, between my sophomore and junior year, I visited my college friend, Catrina, who lived in a gracious old suburb of St. Louis. I brought my camera along as Catrina was a great model and we spent the week creating a series of images.

At her parent's home, there was also a swimming pool with enough privacy that Catrina was happy to pose naked. I am no stranger to the lure of a periodical- so changing this single element allowed me to explore how we are perceived by what we consume.

Me vs.the Weeds

I am taking a break from staging an emergency intervention. The flower bed near the office door has strawberries plants popping out and setting blooms. Unfortunately, they are being engulfed by a prolific and non-descript ground cover that I find of no interest whatsoever.  In order to do this chore once and not twice, requires combing the dirt and pulling out every piece of this weed and it's roots that you can find.  I'd much rather have the berries take off than this uninvited guest take over. We are prepping our garden to be on our neighborhood tour this coming weekend- and today feels as good as any to tackle this chore. (plus a good opportunity to daydream as I work.)

Mom's Day 10591

Just in case you were wondering, my family did not bestow upon me the above pendant this year for Mother's Day. I don't need another trinket, another accessory or anything else poetically packaged from a store.
But, to set the record straight- what I did want-
1. A meal (not cooked by me) enjoyed together
2. The feeling of their lips on my cheek and the press of their embrace
3. The words "I love you Mom"

I got all three from my 3. Wishing you the same contentment (however fleeting) to anyone who takes the time to mother-whether it be children, another adult, an animal, a cause, or a classroom of kids. I am going to enjoy this day of recognition and remember to give thanks for my spouse, our offspring, our hearth and our home. And I wish you all the same.