Happy 241st Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps, and Happy Veterans Day to all Veterans

Today is the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Tomorrow is a day to honor all of those brave men and women who answered the call of service.

For several years now, I’ve written heavily about veterans – and, more extensively, about Marines. Through them, I have seen what it means to run into danger instead of running away from it. I have witnessed their determination to heal. I have felt the strength that drives them to move forward and to support their fellow veterans and active-duty brothers and sisters as well.

Because of my job, I have had the opportunity to interview some remarkable men and women. I feel incredibly blessed that so many entrust powerful parts of their stories to me and allow me to share those stories with others.

What we owe to our veterans is vast. One of the most important things that I have learned is that some of the most marked wounds of war are those that are left unseen. They have put their lives in harm’s way. They have gone into battlegrounds we can’t even fabricate in our minds. They have received receptions that no one should have to endure. I’ve seen men and women laugh and smile, and I’ve seen them weep. I’ve watched as they tell their stories and remain stalwart, and I’ve been present as they suffer brokenness with dignity.

And yet, they stand proud. They stand tall. They stand together. United under the American Flag.

The garrison flag which sits atop an 80-foot flagpole at Woodstock Harley-Davidson dealership.

I am proud to say that this enormous flag soars above my hometown. It welcomes visitors as they come up a major roadway. It pulls people in off the streets and leads them to a black granite monument surrounded by a sea of bricks.

The monument – honoring veterans both living and deceased – resides on the property of Woodstock Harley-Davidson, proudly designed by Vietnam veteran and U.S. Marine Cpl Timothy J. Crabb. Last Saturday, Woodstock Harley-Davidson honored veterans in a special way, centered around Gold Star families, POWs and MIAs.

U.S. Marine SSGT Derek Wolford tolls the bell at the reading of each name in the Gold Star Section.

The U.S. Military Color Guard takes particular care to ensure that this immense flag does not touch the ground as they raise it for the ceremony.

A dear group of motorcycle friends gathered at this celebration to remember two lost Marine comrades. (I happened to be at the memorial site during a brick installation and captured one of these two men’s bricks being placed.)  Their heartbreak was palpable, but their drive to press on – a value no doubt instilled by the Marine Corps – was that much stronger.

I fortuitously was taking pictures at the exact moment this brick -- a friend of some friends and a Marine I had the pleasure of talking with mere months before he died -- was installed.

Marine brothers remembering two friends who have passed away. Their bricks are a tangible reminder that the two remain with their group always.

It was as somber a celebration as it was full of accolades. But one thing was certain: veterans were appreciated that day. Read about the event by clicking this link: Hundreds Attend Salute to Veterans.

Coming off of a contentious election, with friends on both sides, I am so thankful for these men and women who serve their President – no matter who he or she is at the time – and honor the vows they made to their country so that we can have the right to cast our ballots with anonymity, so that we can raise our children in a country in which we can be proud to live, so that we can have the freedoms that are protected by our constitution. From those of us who are not on the front lines, from those of us who try to do our jobs at home so that you can more easily do yours, from those of us who don’t have all of the words to say exactly what we mean, a very sincere and heartfelt, "Thank you."

I encourage everyone to thank a veteran – today, and any day. I’m not a veteran. I’m not a motorcycle rider. But when I interview veterans, they always are willing to explain what I don’t understand, and they are always thankful to hear those five words, “Thank you for your service.”

*And, if you are a Marine – Happy 241^st!

Thank you, veterans ... and Happy 241st birthday, United States Marine Corp!

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!