Fire From The Sky

What a treat!  I wish I had time to put an album together ... but for now, this will do.  It's my favorite photo of the night just because it's different.

She Named Him ...

And his name was Hobo. And sadly, now she will have to say goodbye. I don't know if Hobo will keep his name with his new family, but it certainly got him FAR! Of all the pups, he will be the first to "hop a plane" (trains are too slow) and travel out of state. I chuckled at this note about the word "hobo" on thesaurus.com:

a hobo is a migratory worker who likes to travel,
a tramp travels without working,
and a bum does not travel or work

I'm glad his namesake carries a work ethic and some culture! ANYWAY ... tonight was a chance to spend a little time with him at the softball game before he goes to the East Coast at the end of the week. He made friends with a toddler, never jumped once, and every time she cried he ran to check on her. What a sweetheart!

Tuesday Night Tango

Or should I say Tangle? I'm pretty sure the other guy didn't want to dance. I think we did everything but dance (this photo came pretty close)!

The Puppies Are Free Again!

We held 4 puppies for a family who has not been able to get to Tulsa ... so the pups did not go to the vet for their first check up and shots, and are still available for adoption free of charge to friends/family/blog buddies. Please send an email if you're interested! To see details of which dogs are available, visit the "puppy page" on this site (link also located to the right).

Naughty!

I caught Chunk making a hole in my green velvet chair. Good thing it's one I bought at a second hand shop to try my hand at upholstry! I've recently heard about "tethering" pups to you when they're in the house while training. I'm thinking that might be a good idea ... at least with just one (not with ALL of the pups - that's a cartoon waiting to happen)!

Now I know the pups aren't being naughty ... they're just doing what they do.  My job? Give the command, substitute something chewable, and keep moving.  One thing they love?  Helping "recycle" plastic bottles.  They chew and mash and I bring a bag full of flattened plastic to the recycling center.  Perfect!  Not to mention it makes for cheap toys.

The Cutest Hidey Hole

The concrete basket (left by former homeowners, along with a concrete basset hound) has now become a favorite napping spot of the pups. Of all the places I've found the pups enjoying, this is the one of the cutest!

We're FREE through June 8 - Adopt a Puppy in the Tulsa Area.

We're ready for our forever homes, and I can go home with you today! We're all on the Puppy Page if you want to know more about us. The lady of the house says she gets email on her phone (I think it's that cool little thing she carries with her that we can't touch). So email her to stop by today or tomorrow (Tulsa, OK area).

The Joy of Puppies

Thinking back to our quick journey, it's amazing to think that 8 weeks have passed so quickly! This photo is from the halfway point (a month ago). We've had a lot of laughter with these pups! Now that they are finding homes, it's hard not to cry to think of them being split up ... but if they have good homes, they'll be happy pups ... just like their daddy, Hank! (Hank is the only dog I've adopted as a puppy instead of full grown.)

I Do Well By Water

What a way to spend an afternoon!  Sometimes I have so much on my plate that I have to choose between many things that are needed or good or for good causes.  There are times I can get completely burned out by those things.  But this was different!  When a friend contacted me about an urgent need for a photographer at their event, and it meant spending the afternoon on the lake in a boat, I decided to throw my burn-out schedule to the wind and do something completely different.  COUNT ME IN! 

But it wasn't just a "good thing" for a friend and a charity, it was soul-soothing and nostalgic, too.  The motion of the water, the wind in my face, the smell of everything lakish, and the sun baked serenity ... it all had those good-moment-memory feelings from times on the lake with family.  I was sore (between the muscles I forgot I needed to balance - AND shoot photos! - as well as the pink skin that had several coats of sunscreen which didn't seem to do much) but happy at the end of the day. 

A phrase that kept bobbing through my head was something I heard a minister say when retelling a story of how God provided a new location for her ... "You do well by water."  I've always resonated with that statement and kind of taken it as my own.  I do well by water.  I do well by trees.  I do well by nature.  And it makes me long for the prairies and woods and lakes to explore as I did when I was a child.

One Last Kiss

Before departing on a Father/Daughter trip, Miss J stopped by for one last kiss ... knowing the puppies are about to be publicized for adoption. (If interested, click on the puppy page - link also on the right hand side of the page.)

Ribbon Tug-O-War

... And Little Tuffi (Lilly) is at the helm as always. They are 7 weeks old now! Adoptions start in a week.
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She'll Miss Those Pups

It's hard to believe they are 6 weeks old ... and seem HUGE now! We've set 8 weeks as the date when they'll be ready for homes (but could probably be fine right now). We'll miss the cuteness and having little buddies. But they will make darling little companions and future big, cozy companions for their new families! I think some (Chunk and Creek, especially) are bigger than Hank was when when we adopted him, and he was named "Hank The Tank" for a reason!

Last Day of School!

She went in as a 4th Grader and came out as a 5th Grader!
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Lynn Luckey - A Tribute to Spirit

Though she bore the name, I believe the rest of us are the ones who are luckey to have known her.  Here's to Lynn, a woman of strength and stamina.

I think the rest of the world moved too slow for Lynn.  While we muddle along in this one life we're given, I think she ran circles around us and lived twice!  Maybe that's why she was ready to move on before the rest of us?  Of course, I don't believe she was any more ready to move on than her world was ready to let her go, but it's one of the thoughts that comes at a time like this when one tries to make sense of another's passing.

It seems supremely unfair.  I was there for round one with breast cancer.  It seemed like it had been beat.  I admired her courage and tenacity.  Women like Lynn are the ones with fighting spirit who find a way to conquer everything ... including cancer.  So when I recently heard of her new battle, I wanted to believe she would beat it again even though things looked grim.  I wanted to believe for her sake ... for the sake of her husband and son ... for the sake of their business and the people in it ... for the sake of her friends and family.  This kind of loss is never fair, for it removes a life before the years seem to balance the passing.

As the tears come, it's hard to know what to share first. Even though our paths crossed for only a few short years, so many stories have brought laughter ... but it's more difficult to laugh when one's heart is hurting. 

I am indebted to Lynn for two things.  First, for taking a chance on me when I faced my most difficult life situation.  And second, for coining the word, "Disgusta!" 

But I need to rewind the clock a little more to share its meaning.  I had started working for Lloyd and Lynn when they needed a graphic designer part time.  I was coming from the nonprofit world and ready to simply help.  Initially, I was entertaining three job offers and chose one in the nonprofit world that would begin the next month, but I wanted to help them in the meantime.  That's when Lloyd, Lynn and SDS entered my heart.  I honestly didn't want to leave them, but had already committed to another job.  I decided I would truly use my initial time at the other job to evaluate if it was a good fit compared to SDS - fully expecting to return to them.  Miraculously, I got a call from the nonprofit profuse with apologies ... the position I was to take that had resulted from a termination had been reviewed by the Board of that nonprofit who felt like she deserved another chance.  No position?  No problem!  And thus I happily began helping the Luckey family at Southland Distribution and Sales.

They weren't sure they had enough for me to do as a graphic designer, and of course I was willing to help with whatever was needed, but little did they know that they were hiring someone with ideas who would generate ways to connect and expand.  We grew.  I loved it even at that point.  It was the one place in my life that I truly held as "mine."  That's an even longer story that I won't go into!

It wasn't long before my life had a crisis ... as the situation unfolded and skeletons in the closet were unearthed, I found myself suddenly facing life as a single mother with some extreme circumstances to weather.  That's where Lloyd and Lynn took a chance on me.  Even though the small company was growing, it's always difficult financially to bring an employee from part time to full time with benefits.  But they did ... and beyond.  They accomodated my daunting schedule as I transitioned my children into our new life, prepared and sold a house, met with lawyers and counselors, and started to get my feet on the ground while getting a grasp on my own tragic reality.  Lynn was there as I voiced my complaints about life, but also there as an example of how one can conquer anything if you'll just keep moving.

And keep moving I did ... literally!  Though the time I spent there was measured in years, it seems so quick to look back on it now.  I had no desire to stay in the city of my heartache, but I didn't want to run away or cause even more change for my children until I felt like my feet were back on the ground and I could make a move without depending on others.  SDS helped me do that.  They were the big bright spot that shined light into my dark days.  At times they felt like the ONLY bright spot!

I know I'm going on and on ... and I know no one may ever read this (or at least this far!) ... but I guess it's important for me to express the significant role SDS and Lynn and Lloyd played in my life.  I can't express how vital those days were to me, or how difficult.  They had to put up with some unpredictable things.  And I had to make some difficult decisions.  And the decision to move was the most difficult of all.  But the one thing that trumped a career (for me) had come into the picture ... love.

And this is another debt I owe ... but not to Lynn directly, this one I owe to Lloyd!  In preparing our second article for a trade magazine (by this time I had worked myself into a more broad marketing capacity), we didn't meet the deadline.  I kept trying to write and rewrite but it just wasn't what Lloyd wanted to say.  So week after week, I was calling the editor to apologize, and he was gracious every time.  That's how I got to know the man who revived my heart!  Fourteen months later, the article was finally done.  And I had made a friend who became my best friend ... and then my love, "Mr. Editor."

So, in 2006, I did finally move away from what Lynn referred to in her going away card as "Disgusta," Georgia.  Though I deeply LOVE everyone at SDS and a few others who supported me through hard times, I have to admit that "Disgusta" has been a well-used word that has brought laughter with it.  I wish I had thought of that word!

But this has turned into a post about me.  It's so easy to talk about what happened to me in light of Lynn's presence in it.  Forgive me.  I wish I could say I attacked life like Lynn did.  I was slower in my thoughts and actions than she was (faster than Lloyd, but slower than her)!  She and Lloyd had such different approaches, and I think that's what made things work ... they balanced each other out. 

Lynn is truly a force to be reconed with.  When she is ready to move, she is ready to MOVE.  And I mean that in every sense of the word.  I'll never forget coming to the office one Monday morning to find that most everything had been packed up except computers and phones.  We (SDS) had been planning a move, and it had been taking longer than anticipated.  Determined to do what she could to help the process along, she spent the weekend packing.  Of course, nothing is ever that easy.  It was at least a week, maybe two, before we actually moved to our new office and warehouse.  Tammy, Melinda and I were probably nearly unpacked again before we moved.  Every phone call or request seemed to have us digging through the unlabeled boxes to find what we needed.

I'm trying to remember what prompted the spa/makeover day ... but I think it's the only time I've experienced such an endeavor in an office environment!  Lynn brought in her beauty supplies and went to town on us ... cremes, lotions, makeup, and even the hot wax for our hands.  I guess we needed some sprucing up! 

My daughter still talks about Lynn ... especially when she had her Mustang convertible!  I recently had cause to go car shopping, and THAT is what little Miss M wanted.  I don't know if Miss M remembers going shopping with "Miss Lynn" but I certainly do.  They had an outing with Lynn's niece that involved shopping (which is also near and dear to my daughter's heart), and though it was not an earth-shattering moment in the course of history, I wanted to cry inside (and probably did at home later) knowing that someone did something special for my daughter when I couldn't.

Lynn could be tough.  I remember her being the one to call a spade a spade and "get into it" with people when push came to shove!  But it wasn't a toughness from a selfish point ... she was always very realistic and it just plain made sense.  And just as tough as she could be, she was generous.  She shouldered a cause and took it on.  Whatever it took to make it happen, she would see to it that it did. 

I have photos of our sons together on Halloween and memories of driving around the neighborhood in a golf cart while the kids ran door to door.  Somehow she knew things like that would be important for my kids and gave me an opportunity to make it happen. 

Lynn, I know I have been away for a few years, and I am so sad to know that I won't be seeing you on this side of life ... but you have made a difference in my life, and I'll be forever grateful.

Waiting on Laundry

I have finally found a few moments to pull out the camera today. Yesterday? EXHAUSTED. I didn't even bring my camera to a big event (which is unheard of). I didn't even think I'd pull it out for weekly puppy pictures. But I'm glad I finally did. Waiting on laundry has its merits - especially when it means I can capture a moment like this.

The pups are 5 weeks old now. They can't climb the stairs (well - don't know they can climb the stairs) but they can climb the couch! Daisy used to be able to find her retreat here.

My cousins visited earlier and fell in love with the pups. It made me realize how quickly time is passing. Yes, we will need to find homes for the pups, but I almost don't want to think about it! I will definitely miss the cuteness.

Girlie Treatment, Puppy Style!

I missed getting a photo of Miss M's friend, Lauren, while she was here enjoying puppies after her birthday party but here is some of her handiwork! After rollerskating, playing with puppies, swinging, doing hair and makeup ... two puppies also got the girlie treatment! Here is Juliette (named for two very tiny heart-shaped white markings on her chest) in a ruffled pink halter top borrowed from one of the build-a-bears.

Weaning

Some of the most hilarious moments have come watching Daisy and the pups when they're nursing. If one happens to get it's mouth on the goodness, they all come running. Even now, when they are pretty much weaned, they still flock when they hear the sound.

I wish I had a video camera handy to share one moment in particular. After their nap, the pups found mama Daisy while she was resting. They latched on and she got up to leave. All but two dropped off and Daisy walked off. Usually that was enough, but the pups are getting bigger. Their feet can touch the ground ... and this time the tenacious two ran along side sucking with all their might while they still had the chance.

Let's just say I'm glad I'm not a dog!

Toys Are A Big Deal ...

But the big black dog (who is not so scared of the pups now) is an even bigger deal than the toys! Now that's some fun playtime! Hank still has to keep his eye on them, though. If they sneak up on him, it creates quite a moment ... He flies out of the room, regains composure, and cautiously re-enters the room to play again.

King of the Backpack ...

... or the pillow.
... or the blanket.

That's been the new fun games the pups have discovered, King of ANYTHING! It's a climb to the top and a proclamation. I wish I had a video camera of the first one I witnessed. It was a solitary triumph over the pillow. And as soon as the thrill of victory emerged with a miniature bark, the abrupt movement would shake the unsteadly little legs.

One bark. Slip and roll down the pillow.
Climb and conquer.
One bark. Two barks. Slip and roll down the pillow.

Preciousness at my feet ...

I have to say, even though the morning is full of dog-related duties, sitting down for a cup of coffee and having companionship like this is pretty special!

"I cleaned my plate!"

Each weekend is a new milestone. They are 3 weeks old and ready to begin weaning. Some have some little chompers starting to break through, so I'm sure Mama Daisy will be happy to have them eating puppy food! The first feeding was rather hilarious. I was expecting more tentativeness and surprise, but ... well? ... WOW! They dived right in and had a free-for-all!

Puppy Love

This is what we're seeing a lot of at our house (along with the steam cleaner). The puppy world has been more fun than expected and I don't even mind cleaning up after them so much ... at least not yet. I'm sure as weaning begins, that will change the whole ballgame!

Open Eyes!

They are becoming little explorers now ... Oh, the adventures we've had just by week 2! If there's time, I'll share some more CUTE pics. In the meantime, I'll log the places we have found the explorers curled up and sleeping (following an escape from their "pool"):

Bedposts
Behind Doors
In Storage Bins (under the bed)
Inside a Large Stuffed Horse (There's a story there!)

Egyptian Princess (and "Moses")

It's costume time. Her favorite Bible character? The princess who rescues Moses from the river.
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One Week Later ... GASP ... 10 DOGS!

Yes, I do know how this happens. But my mind still staggers at the numbers (especially when there are times I wish we had ZERO dogs)! But they are absolutely adorable. And I believe they just might be the best hunters ever. With the Coonhound-Labrador mix, they can track AND retrieve!

Eternal Words ...

Remember when I said I hoped to share photos from a wedding on New Year's Eve? Well ... they are FINALLY done and in the bride's hands. I know. I know. That's a horrible timeline! I thought I scheduled surgery with plenty of time to finish but it turns out that there was more to life in that week than I had anticipated! And it turns out that the fabulous new computer arriving as a Christmas gift which could handle all the photos wasn't SHIPPED in 24 hours, it started the build process. So, I didn't have a computer to use until after the surgery. Add a couple of serious complications along the way that kept me horizontal, and the timeline exploded!

I'm rambling. It's my public apology.

Weddings are always so beautiful ... and challenging! It is such an important day, and one I tend to shy away from as a photographer because there are more moments than a camera can capture. Maybe one day there will truly be an invisible suit I can wear so that absolutely everything I shoot will just be an unaware moment in time as life unfolds into a new eternity.

Last of the Vanna Hands ...

It's furlough day ... My one opportunity out of the month to have a day for whatever I need to do. Last month, I had my nails done (a generous "girls' day" gift). This month, I will have my nails undone! As pretty as they are, it's more upkeep than I have time or money to do. Plus, I'll be anxious to utilize my nails for all their useful purposes again! So here is my tribute to the beauty on my fingers with my best Vanna pose. (Maybe I should have worn makeup! Oh well.)
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Missing Reality

There are struggles. There are mistakes. There are memories. There are treasures. I miss all this when we are not all together. And I miss it when we are together. Somehow reality never quite seems to match my desires ... at least not yet. And at the same time, I deeply desire reality whether it be painful or joyful. Maybe I just need to know how to embrace it better without trying to change it!

"I help my brother clean his room."

A borrowed scanner and a slightly damaged memory has me wanting to make sure I don't lose those things that make me laugh. Today's gem? This wonderful commentary from my daughter. A couple of years ago, she brought home a worksheet with quotes from classmates about how they can be helpers. Her quote? "I help my brother clean his room." The wonderful illustration with "ewe boxcers" completely cracks me up!

First day of dangly earrings!

Have 6 weeks already passed? She has been waiting for this day when she can wear fun earrings!
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