Beginning on the Solstice

The world is a big place full of adventure and new frontiers. Where better to begin my journey with you than on the summer solstice. A time where we experience maximum daylight marking seasonal change.

I capture images from my experiences telling stories of people in places displaying a genuine spirit. One of my favorite experiences came from a small corner grocery/hardware/bike business off a former-railroad now-bike trail affectionately referred to as, Ritz's Feed Store and Oasis. 

This was a small town in the Midwest with traditional values of hard work and helping your neighbors and, as the saying goes, "where all the kids are above average."  A gentle, warm place filled with hope and laughter boasting more than its share of savory characters with nicknames like Speedy, Buck and Smiley. While the pace was slow, the characters were always full of colorful stories.

While I've always loved the act of creating, I began to tell stories visually, through the lens, or brush or pen but always with intention and purpose. Stop settling for things that did not bring me joy and instead focus on seeing the joy from what’s right in front of me.

A few years back, my young daughter and I pioneered our way out west to see the next chapter of our lives. We cast fate to the wind leaving behind the familiar and blazed a trail landing at the foot of America's mountain, Pikes Peak, a stunningly beautiful place brimming with artists and craftsmen. I resonated with the place immediately. Here in the expressive stage of life, I listen to all forms of wisdom. I share the lessons I've learned along the way as I capture the stories of those I meet. It's my way of serving, by honoring others and giving back.

I hope you'll enjoy coming along on my journey.