Golden Girl

Poised and perfectly polite ~ the epitome of her name.

My oldest daughter loves to ice skate. Our local icehouse – Crystal Ice House – once was the practice ice for an Olympic medalist in training. A star rose from this ice.

She has earned bronze in Sochi, and twice captured gold in the U.S. Championships.

But her name bears more resemblance to her character than to her medal count. I am not best friends with her. We’ve not had coffee together. I don’t anticipate that we ever will. (Though, for the record, if asked, I would gladly accept! She seems, by all accounts, to be a woman who wears the pressures of fame with grace and has a smile and countenance that makes you feel as though you actually are friends … or maybe that is just me wishing.)

But one October Monday, after a weekend of performing, she carried herself with grace and treated dozens of children with genuine kindness and a heart of gold.

Yes, Gracie Gold lived up to her name ~

~ at least during those several hours she spent with our children. As a busy working and homeschooling mom, I know the pressures of being “on.” It might not be in front of a camera, but I know how it feels to constantly be under pressure to keep up a good attitude, get your work done, get other people’s work done, and smile through it all. I think we all do ~ most of us just do it under the scrutiny of our little ones, our husbands or our co-workers, and not under the lights and cameras of the news media!

So, after a long weekend performing with Skate America, having already endured the stress that comes with the spotlight and the news media and the photographers, that Gold took time out to smile with adoring fans really impressed me.

My girls were in the front of the line for a picture with Gracie Gold. Here I must give a shout-out to Kim over at Gametime SportsPhotos because she let me use my Nikon to take my own photos even though she was the official photographer. Gold smiled and signed a skating book for my youngest and a poster for my oldest. But before the on-ice portion, she was without a line, and we went back. Both of my girls had their skates signed by Gold – and my youngest asked if Gold would sign her Bitty Baby skates, too! Gold chatted with us about how cute that was ~ but I was impressed that she entertained my five-year-old’s whimsy.

Oldest daughter having her boot signed by Gracie Gold.

Youngest daughter's skate as well as Bitty Baby's skate!

While my ten-year-old was excited about the photographs and autographs, she was most excited about the fact that she was on the same ice as Gracie Gold.  Gold spent several minutes with three different groups of skaters ~ talking with them as well as skating along with them.

My oldest (in pink) sharing the ice with Gold.

Gold giving my oldest a few pointers.

She also watched the Special Olympics Theatre on Ice program and spent some time spinning inside their circle before warmly receiving a group hug from the crew.

Gold ~ finishing a spin in the circle formed by the Special Olympics Theater On Ice Team.

Gold welcoming a group hug from the SO team.

Her smile never faded and her heart of gold never tarnished.

It makes my heart happy that, on this day, Gold was gracious and kind. Her soft-spoken manner makes me want to believe that this is indicative of her nature. I try not to idolize people (and try to teach my children the same thing) – it puts undue pressure on these mere mortals. But, if for this one day, my daughter recognized the immense talent that was in front of her, I am so thankful that her delicate heart saw it in Gracie Gold.

Gold, surrounded by fans, smiling and modeling poised grace.

Thunder Press Magazine ~ bikers, mustangs and veterans

I had a busy summer working on some motorcycle projects. It took me a bit by surprise, actually. Sometimes God works in unique ways, though, and for some reason I fell into this bike world. I admit, I was a little unsteady at first, but, over time, I found my footing. And, I kind of like it. These Harley-Davidson people are a good bunch.

Over the last several years I have been given some remarkable opportunities. I think God knew that, had He presented them to me ten years ago, I might not have risen to the challenge. But I have grown, and, as I have grown, I have learned far more important lessons than I ever would have imagined:

1.     Sometimes you need to step outside the box – sometimes far beyond the edges – in order to achieve the things you never knew you wanted.

2.     Motorcycles are fun to photograph – you won’t find me riding one, but I’ll stop and take its picture if the fancy strikes.

3.     Motorcycle riders are not as scary as I once had thought;) They are sometimes rough around the edges and leather-clad, but under the beards and metal, there is a tremendous heart, sincere kindness and steadfast loyalty. I really appreciate that.

4.     Some of the nicest people I know are motorcycle riders.

5.     I’m passionate about those who serve our country; almost all of the bikers I know also are passionate about veterans – or are veterans themselves. I am proud to be able to call them friends.

As a writer and photographer, I am honored to take pictures and cover stories that are inspirational. So, when a couple of my “passions” intertwined, I jumped at the chance to cover it for a national motorcycle magazine.

My article – Steel Ponies Meet Real Ponies – can be found in the November issue of Thunder Press Magazine – page 8, if you are curious;)

Thunder Press ~ November Issue; page 8

Two hundred and fifty bikers rode to support the veterans at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center and to help fund the riding programs available to veterans free of charge. It was a fun day with a lot of leather, a lot of chrome, a lot of bandanas and a lot of passion for our country.

Thanking the veterans in attendance, Local 786 Teamster and ride organizer Eddie Rizzo said, “Vets, we are all out here for you. While we are playing and raising our kids, [you are fighting for us.]”

I had to let that sink in for a little bit. Several years ago, I met a man who changed the way I truly saw veterans. He opened my eyes to the sacrifices. And, with a unexpected invitation, he opened the door for me to meet so many others who continued to show me that the most potent wounds of war are those that are invisible. I’ve never been so viscerally impacted by a chance encounter than I was on that night. I will never forget the faces of the men who shared their stories with me. And I never will have the words to thank them ~ though I never will stop trying.

These men and women volunteer to do the hard things, so that I can do the things I love. They have put their lives in the line of danger – for me – and they are forever changed because of it.

That freedom is the agent that binds the veteran, the horse and the biker.

U.S. Army veteran Mitchell Reno said, “Motorcycles and mustangs are the symbol of American freedom, really.”

Freedom is not free.

I’ve written quite a bit about mustangs and the deep connection veterans feel when they work with them. You can read my most recent article with Wild Heart Mustang Magazine here. Motorcycles provide a similar adrenaline rush.

Twenty, ten, maybe not even five years ago would I have thought to look for myself here, but I am so proud to have found myself in a place where I can write about the men and women who serve and the men and women who support those who serve.

I encourage you to thank a veteran today – every day – any time you have the opportunity. Thank someone who supports our veterans. If it feels uncomfortable, look at lesson number one ~ step outside your box. You never know what is waiting for you just outside the perimeter.

(captions are as they appear in Thunder Press Magazine, November Issue, page 9)

Nearly 250 motorcycles filled the rustic Maxon Road on the way to BraveHearts Therapeutic and Educational Riding Center

Isabella Rizzo, 9, hold onto BraveHearts horse, Hank, while DC1 (SW) Mary Apper United States Navy finds respite from the crowd.

U.S. Army veteran Mitchell Reno thanks the riders who, though the Mustang Run, helped raise funds so that he and other veterans can get the assistance they need to overcome the visible and invisible wounds of war.

#AutumnDrive ~ a small community opens its doors to friends, family, strangers -- and you!

Nestled deep in rural Woodstock, amidst the vibrant fall leaves, in-and-out of rustic barns and across a nine-square-mile section of country, locals and visitors find a host of unique products, produce and activities with a fall flare.

I can’t believe how many wonderful community members we have in Woodstock – neighbors who will open their homes, their barns, their property and their farms to strangers and friends alike.

Robert Blue of Blue Eagle Pottery organizes the event every year. Now in its 29^th year, 23 neighbors are participating, and there is a little bit of everything. Blue told me that what makes the drive so special is the variety of activities, products and experiences offered. He explained that farmers sell their produce, artist sell their creative work, crafters sell their projects, antique enthusiasts sell and showcase their antiques, the list goes on.

My kids enjoyed feeding donkeys … for nearly an hour at 5 Lazy K Ranch.

These chickens at the same stop were such fun!

There was incredible kettle corn fresh from the kettle. 

I loved the autumn colors and the produce found at Lisk Family Farms.

There was this beautiful lady ~ and her natural soaps. Visit her here. Isn't she the cutest?

Candles from Mad Soyentist: 

This incredible artist painted a horse portrait on pallets. You can visit Diana at AestheticArtWorks.

Of course, my friends at 5 Lazy K Ranch had this fun photo op!

Convinced? 

Come visit the Autumn Drive ~ www.autumndrive.net  Today and tomorrow (Oct 15 and 16) from 9-5, rain or shine!

Read my article in The Woodstock Independent: Celebrate Fall at the 29th Annual Autumn Drive

Come. I promise, you will not be disappointed!

Happy Fall!

#WWPW2016 ~ World Wide Photo Walk 2016 ~ on The Historic Woodstock Square with photographer Ken Farver

The Woodstock Farmers Market on a delightfully drizzly Saturday morning.

It was a little cold, a little rainy, and a little overcast on Saturday October 1. But our Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk 2016 fearless leader Ken wouldn’t let a little rain spoil our fun.

Photographer Ken Farver headed up our walk on the historic Woodstock Square. It is a place that I am familiar with, but this walk reminded me that sometimes you cannot see the beauty that hides in your midst. Sometimes you need someone else to open your eyes to the extraordinary that lies within your ordinary.

Ken did just that.

We first headed out to wander around the Woodstock Famers Market. This market has been ranked at the top in all categories – both locally and nationally – in the American Farmland Trust’s summer-long Farmers Market Celebration. I could take photos here on any given Saturday (or Tuesday for that matter), but walking around with a handful of other photographers and some fancy cameras can inspire the artist in anyone – and suddenly my little town had become that much more magical as I saw it through the eyes of others.

With cameras at the ready, we shot gingerroot, we shot pumpkins, we shot tons of fall produce, we shot mushrooms, we shot transactions between customers and we shot honey bottles.

And then, the drizzle became a little more intense.

Ken quickly (and wisely) suggested that we head into the historic Woodstock Opera House for some photo ops. I performed there for many years – as a child, I danced there; as a college student and beyond I danced, acted and sang on that stage. Now, I take my children there to appreciate the local talent and whet their appetite for musical theater. 

One thing I never have done, however, is taken my big camera inside. How lucky was I, then, that we found the stage being prepared for the next show? I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic and choose a monochrome look for these images. Thank you, Ken, for this rare photographic opportunity!

He also took us to Ethereal Confections to photograph the interesting lighting and the chocolatiers at work. Not only was it an artistic opportunity, but it also gave us a chance to explore our technical aptitude as we took pictures of lights and trays of elegant chocolate treats. We ended our walk with a group lunch at the Public House ~ where Ken enjoyed a bowl of pumpkin soup, complete with whipped cream, cinnamon and a graham cracker garnish.

Flanked by a posse of paparazzi, some fancy cameras and a fearless leader, I felt much more comfortable nudging my lens into these beautiful scenes (that I am guilty of taking for granted) on our Square than I might have on my own.

Thank you, Ken, for this opportunity. Thank you to the market organizers and vendors, the Opera House staff, Ethereal Confections and the Public House for your graciousness on this walk.

Go out and photograph your world!

Blue Loom's produce display.

Hand-spun, hand-dyed yarn.

One of the photogs from the walk ... hiding amidst the shrubbery.

Autumn flowers.

Rain droplets on the railings sending our crew inside for a bit.

I love the ambiance this sign provides inside Ethereal Confections.

Delicious specialty chocolates waiting to be served and smelling incredible!

I absolutely loved having the opportunity to take photographs from the balcony!

The beautiful Woodstock Opera House on the main floor.

Production Manager Joe McCormick adjusting the lighting on the sign for the upcoming Woodstock Musical Theater Production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.

Ken working his photographic magic capturing the Elvira the opera ghost's seat!

Ken's delicious pumpkin soup at the Public House on the Historic Woodstock Square.