A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words –– and

Meditation (and centering prayers) weren't completely new to me. Decades back I was greatly influence by Jane Hamilton-Merritt's book, A Meditator's Diary. It tells of her life as an American photojournalist who found her way into studying at Thai temples at a time when foreign women were not welcomed in the monasteries. I was a religion major at the time of my reading. Her accounts introduced many practices and insights to me. More than anything, I started to learn that I could - and dare say should - carve my own path. (Still learning!) Through the years I continued to practice some religious rituals alongside mindfulness and meditation. They can co-exist wonderfully. Many share similar lessons. Surely, they honor the value of silence, awareness, and introspection; forgiveness and compassion, as well. Variations of the "Golden Rule" are ubiquitous around the globe. Infusing my day with mindfulness and meditations practices has been life-changing for me. 

Only recently did I learn that Jane Hamilton-Merritt, also an avid animal rights advocate, had also been twice nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for her work on behalf of the Hmong people's struggle for freedom and survival in Laos from 1942 through 1992. (Her documenting book is linked here.) They had been American allies during the Vietnam War, and received essentially no US support afterwards. Apparently, I had picked up a very good person's book that day in the basement stacks of Wheaton College (Mass.) long ago. It's fascinating, but no longer quite so surprising, how one moment, or one small action, can change a person's life. Thank you, Jane, for your influence. 

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So, why the long post for just one photo, and not a whole exhibit? This was a watershed moment for me, and I am grateful for all the people and organizations mentioned above. To me, you are in the photo. 

In many of our best moments there is no "I and thou," only us. One of my best moments was seeing the framed photo rest on the gallery's bench as it awaited installation at the end of May. You all were sitting on that bench in the photo - a wonderfully magical moment. My husband and true life and work partner, Alan Kennedy, was with me in every aspect of that photo. First, much to many people's surprise, he had saved that barn from collapse. There would be no barn without Alan. Second, he supports me all week, all year long in my ventures and in our love. I couldn't ask for a better human to live and love through life together. I am grateful for your love, Alan, for our love. 

My brother, George, my sister-in-law, Sheila, and our extended family member Kathy, joined us at the opening reception. They define the goodness of family. I felt supported and loved. I know my Maine family and Brooklyn (and beyond) family were very supportive as well. The Brooklyn and Long Island cousins and families are no strangers to art accolades, having rightfully earned many of their own. 

Our nuclear family didn't grow up emphasizing the practices of art. Yet, I'm grateful my parents instilled an appreciation of museums. My sister, Suzie, has developed quite a painting practice. (Mike, too!)  I always thought of her as naturally talented. I appreciated Suzie and Mike's online support and wish we didn't live so far apart. They were with us in spirit. 

Alan's sister, Toni, also provides year round support and interest. Toni, like Alan, is another exquisite writer. She steadily offers keen interest in our work. I wish I were as attentive to others' creations as she is to mine. It's a gift having Toni, her love and talents in our lives. 

Though several Marshfield, life, Seeing Goodness, and Pause Breathe Reflect friends contacted me near the opening reception's day, a couple of moments warrant mentioning. Two friends texted just as the reception opened. One is a wonderful Pause Breathe Reflect and Seeing Goodness friend, Corvett. (Others texted that day; I don't want to leave anyone out.) Corvett's message and timing were impeccable. I hope to not forget it. She brought you all to the gallery. Within the minute I received a text from Chris Brown of Humming Rock Gifts. Again, she and Mike brought my closest Marshfield friends into focus that day. 

Yet, Chris had done something else. She had introduced me to her college BFF long ago, Nancy. Oh, when friends' friends become friends! Nancy offered assistance before during and after the reception. Nancy was a wonderful "right friend, right place, right time" magical friend. She brought joy, and, as the daughter of a photographer (R.I.P.), she brought a level of appreciation of the works on exhibit. She is gracious and honest, embodying much of what we're trying to realize in our mindfulness practices. I am still so grateful she shared this - and another recent day - with us. 

And finally meeting PBR and Seeing Goodness' Deborah Margoluis in person the next day was the icing on this cake! Happy belated birthday, Deb! I was so grateful to meet you, and to spend time with you and your friend. What an exhilarating treat!


Again this list is long for just one piece. I offer it because you are who I see when I see this photograph. I also see and feel the wonderful miraculous silence and peace the image evokes. We are part of nature. Inextricably intertwined, in nature and with one another. I dedicate part of this (and hopefully a small part of the proceeds) to all who work to protect our people, planet, and natural resources. It is vital. 

In addition to moving our photography studio to a new location, I plan to continue Mind Body Stress Reduction teacher training at Brown University this summer. At times, I continue to see and hear the insightful, lovely voices of Lynn and Colleen when I view this work. I also send love to those who continue to practice together in our unofficial ongoing Tuesday night cohort, including regular attendees Amy, Erin. Meg, Corvett and occasional others. You've greatly enriched my life. 

One thing I heard repeatedly about many of the works on exhibit is that seeing the works in print, framed, and probably matted, made a huge difference in the viewer's experience. Try as I do, I cannot present the same experience to you online that I can in print. For that I'm deeply grateful to my very talented photo printer, Sean Goss at Goss Photo. Sean and his sister Tara are second generation in the industry. They know it well and are extremely patient with me! Beyond that, they are talented and knowledgeable! Thank you! 🧡

Perhaps even more patient are Dave Petty and his staff at the Frame Center in Hanover, MA. I learn from Sean and Dave and their staffs every time I work with them. Mark S at the Frame Center deserves a Fast Lane Pass into heaven for his patient work with me. Scott B also taught me a lot last month. As did Jade. I am so lucky to have all of these professionals nearby. Shop local! Their works and services are so much better than anything I could get online! Digital files don't cut it for me. Frame! I used to do my own fine art printing. No longer. Sean and Tara do it so much better. Have professionals print and frame your work.

After all, we're continuing to learn that we're all in this together. :-)  
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Additionally, neighbors and friends Patty, Betty and family, Agnes, Karen, Steve, Liz,  Michael, Nancy x 2,Jeanne x 2, Sandy and others (especially on Facebook) who supported me before the exhibit.

Several PBR & SG friends did as well, including:  Lisa T, Sharon, Beth, Kimberly, Deb, Rick, Teea, Judith, Munirah, Marcia, Karen H, Sara, Cinthia, Myia, Andrea, Zatuilla, Annie, Daneen, Billie, Ellen LaShawnda, Shawna, Lisa H, Elizabeth, Corvett, and others (whose texts I haven't recovered, yet) who reached out before the exhibit. I send you my love and gratitude.

Artist and photog friends are amazing! You helped get me there in one piece when I wasn't quite feeling up to snuff. Thank you. And a big thanks always to Libby, Peg B, Mary D (x2), Mary E. H., Ed, Paul, Monique, Jackie, Stephen, Therese, Marti, Connie, Tish, and the inimitable Linda W You all rock big time! 💛🧡💛

Thanks to all who reached out after the exhibit. This is my answer to your questions. How was it? Magical. Yet, the magic came from all of you - and from meeting some of the other photographers at the exhibit. That's a separate post. 

Thank YOU so much! 

And please let me know how I can support your ventures as well. 


And that barn door? It is just a barn door. Or a photo of a barn door in awe inspiring light. It also can be a reminder to take a moment for yourself to just be. It can be a reminder to become more aware of the goodness that arises within you - us - when we dare to sit in silence  or nature - either by ourselves, or with what we consider sacred and divine, or with a group of wonderful friends. Friends  I've learned, they can very much be sacred and divine. Thank you. 💛🧡💛