I was surprised when she made the request. "You're going to make me a scrapbook, just like you made for Matthew, right?" It was in the form of a question, but said more in the form of a statement. I had been thinking that I needed to do it, but to be honest, I don't know if I would have if she didn't ask. I haven't been doing much scrapbooking over the last three years.

As I began to formulate the book in my head, I asked her a few questions about the format. That's when she told me that she wanted one with words, like I used to make, not just one with pictures, like I've been making lately. "You know, with stories". It meant a lot to me that it meant so much to her which is why my desk is such a mess.

And why I've been so absence. And why I haven't taken many pictures with anything other than my phone. It's been fun, combing through her school stuff, reading notes and papers she brought home. I wouldn't rather spend my time on anything else.

Light in the Darkness

For this weeks 52 Photos Project, the theme is Light in the Darkness.

I saw this as I drove into the office earlier this week. The sun was just rising and the building around the corner was picking up the light. I checked my rear view mirror, there was no one in sight at that hour so I picked up my phone and snapped.

Photo Heart Connection|May 2012

From the moment I saw this pink bike at the beach I knew I had to capture it. I didn't even care if the owner was around as I walked up close and saw to my delight, the rusted frame and bent basket, all the imperfections that come with age. Some might wonder why the owner didn't buff out the rust from the frame, replace the worn basket. But to others it would lose its value, it's uniqueness, it's richness. It once was young, but now it's not, kind of like what happens to us and that doesn't make it any less beautiful.

This is my photo heart connection. To learn how to participate in the monthly challenge or to see other photo heart connections, click on the link below.

Last Day

It was her last day of school yesterday. More importantly, her last day of high school. I thought I would cry, but I didn't.

I was just so excited for her and so excited for me. Changes are ahead whether we want them or not. I'm not too crazy about the ones that mean letting go, but I am looking forward what this means for us.

And I am so very grateful that I was here to see it, to be a part of it and to let her go. Besides, I let her take my car, so I knew she would be back. Plus I have her allowance and she doesn't have a job...yet.

The Old Man and the Sea

He walked with a slow shuffle, board in hand, up to the water. Even the thick neoprene wet suit couldn't hide the fact that this surfer was long past his prime. I watched from my blanket on the sand curious about him. From the weathered skin and straightforward trudge forward, it was apparent he wasn't a novice and I wanted to know if the water could give him back the bounce that was now gone.

He didn't stay long in the water. I could be wrong because I got distracted by a bird lady but I never saw him stand up on the board try as he may. So I wondered. Has he just battled an illness or injury? Is time just cruel? Regardless, it was obvious he feels the call of the sea.

If the story I gave him is correct, he has felt it from his days of his youth when he ruled these waters. Back then others would stop and stare at his exuberance and command of the waves. Now those days are long gone. Even if he couldn't stand on the board today, he may be able to do it tomorrow, if even for a second so he'll be back. Because he loves the ride more than he hates being old.

Pink

This week's 52 Photos Project theme is "Pink". I had a few things in mind for the photo but the moment I saw this bike chained to a rack I knew this was my shot. It stood out in the crowd of bikes, the perfect shade of pink, highlighted with enough rust to make a girl happy.

Good thing it was chained up or I might have been tempted to take it on a joy ride.

Imagine Light

Almost every day since the beginning of the year, I take a picture of the light. Yesterday as I started my commute was no different. Every time I think, I've had my fill, I go out into the golden hour and I am drawn into it's beauty.

It never fails to make me think of heaven, of Jesus, of what it must be like to be face to face with the Light of the World. I can see why we would fall to our knees in awesome wonder.

Because if the sun brings with it such light and beauty.

Imagine what the Son will be like.