The Birthday Greeter

 One thing I love about the Guatemalan culture is the openness and hugs. This sweet lady lives in a nursing home in Monjas, Guatemala. Fortunately, I have visited her a couple of times. I know she will be the first to hug me and announce that it is her birthday. Then she will take me by the arm and talk to me in Spanish - of which I will only be able to pick out a few words. Then she will go to all my other friends on my mission team and make them feel just a welcome. Blessings like this are truly a gift from God. I don't know if she knows how much impact she has on us. But just seeing the joy she has in greeting her "friends" not strangers, and enjoying every day being her birthday is something beautiful.

My Angel Kinlee

 I have had the fortune to have children introduced into my life and family that are not biologically related. Steps,  halves, wholes do not mean anything to me. I have told my nieces and nephews that if they marry someone with a child, that child becomes MY niece or nephew - no matter what happens to their relationship. You can't have "ex" nieces and nephews.

Our family gained a wonderful addition when my nephew Jason married Erica. Kinlee became ours. Ours to hug, to spoil, to love, to tease, and for me - to photograph. And she is such a willing model.
I am so proud of this little girl.  - Love Aunt Becky

John Henry - The puppy not the legend

So when Animal Care Specialist Trent told me he was bringing in "John Henry" I did not expect this sweet, soft, calm puppy that posed and posed for me.The story of John Henry is told in a classic folk song, which exists in many versions, and has been the subject of numerous stories, plays, books and novels. I expected a big black lab, or pit bull. either way, this puppy is waiting for  his forever home at Needy Paws Animal Shelter in Clarksville, Arkansas

Bae - Adorable and Adoptable

Bae is such a sweetheart!  I think she would love to snuggle on the couch with you for a few hours at a time! She is available for adoption at Needy Paws Animal Shelter in Clarksville Arkansas.

I love being able to photograph these precious babes from the shelter.

The Hat Model - Guatemala

 Every year, as part of a mission trip in Guatemala, I am honored to visit the residents at Asilo Refugio Dulce in Monjas Guatemala.
This year I had to opportunity to photograph all the residents and take them printed photos. They were excited to see themselves and have a print.
This gentleman was hanging out behind the building. When we told him we wanted a photo, he wanted to do several.  There is no telling what all he has seen. What he has lived through. I know he lived through a civil war in his country. He has seen poverty, and riches. He has lost family. And yet he still finds joy.

Lizzie - Adorable and Adoptable

Meet Lizzie, one of my best models this week. She climbed up on the bench just like she knew what she was doing. Then after her session, she rolled over and proudly displayed her fresh surgery scar - letting me know she is spayed and ready to go to her new home! She is available for adoption at Needy Paws Animal Shelter in Clarksville Arkansas.