Sunshine Photography

Firstly, I wish to apologize for my silence and absence over the last year plus. I have been handed physical challenges and I have always been a private person who deals with personal issues better by retreat within to deep mental evaluation. Basically, I do not like burdening others with my crap.

But ..I have reached a point where silence and retreat may no longer be the most advantageous route for my physical and mental well being..

Basically, I have at least two major surgeries this year, possibly three , and of course, there are serious risks involved.

As they say "We ain't gettin' any younger."

Secondly, before I get into this lengthy dissertation (yet still somehow withholding a great deal of juicy stuff lol) that will lead to my current, very rare phenomenon, I would like to thank you all.

If I never have this chance again...

I want to thank each and every One of you.
I want to thank those who have been my friends,
My Comrades in arms, My sounding board, my party buddies.
My photographic family. From my first experience, instructor, co-creator, to my past employees ,labs,framers, and thousands of friends, ,
Without you the vision and beauty dies.
All of my clients...
My inspirations, My muses, Who have enriched my world with their beauty, It has been the greatest honor of my life to Capture the moments that were important to you and
Create a legacy of those moments for your future generations. I pray you remember me fondly.

My family,
My children, Especially my daughters who challenge me daily.
with their intellect ,insight ,and eye rolls.
My son, who taught me patience and pain, I miss you more than life.
My brother who inspired my love of rock muck at birth.
Every musician friend, thank you for the food that feeds my soul.
Every biker friend, thank you for the best memories.
Every Facebook friend and Follower
Thank you for the love and support.

Now, the story..

Part 1.

Many of you that know me are aware that early in my photography journey I was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of eye cancer in my left( non-focousing) eye.

I was one of the first to have an experimental radioactive plaque surgery at Will's Eye Hospital in Philadelphia to stop the growth of the tumor on the back of the retnia, saving my eye, and my life.

I was told I was one of approximately 5 million to have this type of malignant melanoma and only 15% had survived.

I always said " Having eye cancer was God's way of opening my eyes to the beauty and gifts around me."
When I was being taken to surgery I made Him a promise.
At the time ,
my daughter's father had just taken his life 6 weeks before her 6th birthday, I was preparing to marry my second husband at that time, I was carrying a 4.0 and preparing to graduate with my second college degree as well as working.
But , in my early twenties , I was still "trying to be a rockstar".
So fearing the worst, I bargained as many do.
If He allowed me to live, allowed me to care for my child, , I would use this gift He had given me to see a bit differently to benefit those around me in any way possible.

I am saddened to share the news of the passing of my best friend and confidante .On March 8th my rescue Mastiff Samson, the gentle 200 pound giant, left us at just 5 1/2 years old due to a ruptured spleen.
He was my protective North Star. My family and best friend. RIP my dear boy.

I have spent the last last 3 hours trying to see and acknowledge all you wonderful friends who have taken the time to wish me a Happy Birthday but if it was more then 7 hours ago, I can't seem to retrieve those no matter how many times I keep going back through all the previous, 2 by 2..it keeps crashing ..UGH!@!!!&*;@!!

RIP NDN Don
I have lost a very dear friend. A once in a lifetime man. I can write no words worthy, sing enough praises ,shed enough endless tears.
He was my favorite photographic muse,
A mentor, a smile, the greatest time and always an honest voice of consultation.
He looked like a killer and said "Tuttles".

Save me a ride.