My neighbors are special people. Five years ago they decided
to keep an open space in my town from going condo, and they
purchased a horse stable.

I've yet to conquer my fear of horseback riding, and
as soon as the weather warms, will take a few lessons.
There is something about those magnificent animals
that gets my mind off anything human!

Read about the Gary and Colleen Saucier and the
business they've nurtured in the second publication
of Southington Magazine.

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It's always in the least likely places that I'm inspired. A recent project
photographing residents in nursing home was one such experience.
I'd been to Assisted Living facilities before but this one was different.
Skyview Center Nursing Home was comfortable and the people
working there smiled - alot. I got the feeling of being cared for
myself when Sue Brooks, Director, led me around introducing
each person we encountered.

There were two photographers involved - myself and Mark Acme.
Sue and Skyview staff members curated our images which culminated
in an art show reception.

The 'Stories Through Photography' project was a unique opportunity.
Sometimes people don't want their photograph taken, especially if
they aren't feeling their best. The portraits are a glimpse at a population
that is elderly but not without vanity. Seeing that was a moment
of grace for me. I was privleged to work alongside an angel, Sue.
A genuinly warm person, her caring is felt by all.

'Stories Through Photography' on view Nov. 10 - Wallingford, CT.

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Take a book, blanket and lunch and visit Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton, CT.
There's no time like the present to relax and be inspired by the great outdoors.

A photo exhibit 'Legacy Landscapes' is on view through Oct. 9.
For more information visit:
Weir Farm National Historic Site

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Two images of mine were part of juried group art exhibit that opened
Aug. 19: 'Nature Nourishes' Artspace Hartford, CT.

The signature piece consisted of a huge antique table and chairs that were
'dressed' in moss. Beautiful china settings were placed at each seat where
the food looked like weeds. The collaborative installation by artists
Lori Robeau and Karen Talbot signify what appears to be one thing
is actually another. The wild plants are in fact edible nourishments.

Groups shows are a wonderful opportunity for artists of different mediums to interpret
a theme. From a social standpoint every one benefits from seeing one thought
expressed by many.

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Another week of Guest Editor, this time for W. Hartford, CT Patch.
It was sad to cover a suicide symposium for the law enforcement sector.
Four Connecticut officers took their lives this year and the organizer,
Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement (CABLE), addressed
PTSD effects and that effort, I hope will enlighten those who choose a
profession that helps everyone, realize it's ok to protect themselves.

I had the pleasure of interviewing an 18-year officer as he said good-bye
to his partner of nine years,K-9 officer Kora, a beautiful female shepherd.
The happy part of the story is Kora remains the officer's pet so their relationship
while different, is intact.

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This week had personal and professional accomplishments.
A twenty year wedding anniversary doesn't happen
everyday so I thought I'd mention it. I'm impressed!

I completed a 2nd assignment as local editor on AOL media site for
Canton-CT Patch.

I learned that people still are interested in having news
broadcasted on platforms such as Patch, even after the same
news was published in traditional means such as newspaper.

It's all about being in the moment, and sharing that with others.
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This week has been busy filling in for my local editor on AOL media site,
Southington Patch.

During the week I saw stories about animal rescue, an outpouring of support
for two brothers whose parents died from a domestic violence murder-suicide,
debate over a bonding appropriation for school overhauls, and music on the
town green.

What is most telling about unrelated events is they each share a commonality -
every one event can be broken down to one person and one story. It’s been great
to see people come together to assist others, research impact of a town budget
or simply enjoy life.

What you can do today can improve all your tomorrows’ - Ralph Marston Author
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A collection of garden photography will be on view at:
Kellogg Environmental Center Derby, CT
Opening reception June 25th 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Photographs will be on display through July 23rd.
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Completed photography workshop: www.look3.org
What a interesting few days - shooting, critiquing and digesting
as much photography related news, imagery as possible.
The World Press Photo 11 exhibit was truly heart wrenching.

Journalists, while not soldiers with guns, are soldiers of information.
They put themselves in harms way in order to tell stories of
inhumanity beyond comprehension.

Whether photographers ourselves or not, we all share one thing in
common - this planet. All men, women and children have a right to
life and the basic necessities - food and water to survive.

Take a look at war stories and those issues within our own county -
poverty, joblessness, homelessness, illness, etc and see more truthfully
about life.