Finding Beauty

I took my camera with me today when I had stuff to do at UNM. I figured I'd have time to kill, plus I could stop and shoot a few pictures running between each location. The computer/internet was down, so I wasn't able to do everything I wanted. Nothing was going my way, but I was pleased to get some beautiful images.

Never Give Up

El Jay I had planned an adventure at the park, but it rained.  At first he wanted to stay home, but we went after all. He wanted to have a photo shoot. He made it clear that he was in charge and got to call the shots. However, the play equipment was really wet still. He kept slipping. I kept telling him that we didn't have to do this, but he insisted on doing it. He refused to quit. He said, "Mom, never give up. OK? This is something I have to do."

That is such an awesome message from a 10-year old. I've struggled a lot lately. I've had a lot of decisions to make. I've considered taking a break from school, but I know if I do it will be hard to go back and finish. However, I am going to remember his advise and Never Give Up!

Counting Blessings

I shot this an hour ago and stumbled upon the quote shortly after.

Today is National Lollypop Day.

Utah or Bust

I imagine that a year from now, I will live in Utah. My dad keeps asking me to move there, to help him. I keep saying that I will move to Utah after I graduate.

EL Jay and I just made a trip to Utah. To see dad and to shoot a wedding. These are a few of the pictures I took. It was a nice trip. Wayne and I even had a few good conversations. He was very patient with El Jay.

Honestly? I do not want to move to Utah. EVER. I do not want to live with my dad and my brother.  I do not need the stress. Yet, I know I will. After I graduate, I'll move to Utah and begin saving $$$$, so I can get a place of my own for Logan and me. Maybe after a year, I'll have enough to move somewhere I really wan to be. Hopefully. However, life never happens according to my plans. A lot can happen in the next year and something greater than I am will place me where He wants me to be. Which seems rather unfair.

This hook, somehow, portrays how I feel about this future move. Not sure I can put the reason into words. It is wonderful to know that I have a place to go and live rent free while I get back on my feet. I will not be homeless. Living at my dad's house..... will mean giving up some of my independence. It will mean walking on egg shells around both men. It won't be easy. It will take a lot of effort to make it work, but I can do it.... when the time comes.

Photo Identification!

I was just in Utah visiting with dad and we identified this image of his grandparents on their wedding day. How cool is that? I know my dad was thrilled. He--Joseph Smith Gardner--definitely has that Gardner look. I think he may look a little like Jeddy--or is it the other way around?

Joseph Smith Gardner, who I am told was called Jody, died on June 13, 1901 which was his 41st birthday (just a few weeks after my grandfather was born.) I  had only seen pictures of him with a beard. Was he really 24 in this image?

 

Joseph Smith Gardner & Ariadne Tranquilla Huffacre Gardner

October 2, 1884