Real love is real life...it is not just words to a song...

I interrupt this blog with an apology for taking so long...But surely you are still honeymooning!!! (the honeymoon lasts a good year right!!!)  So with that said...I begin where I left off

Storyteller...that seems to be something that has been a theme perhaps for me as of late...I love stories...listening to...telling them...and when I take pictures they sometimes a story in themselves without saying a word.    So when I was asked to take photos for a special person in my life...Michelle Petrie...I was honored to share in her story...this new chapter of her life...I think one of her joy chapters and definitely a LOVE chapter...

 

Michelle...the daughter of my cousin Vonnie...Vonnie the one instrumental in setting me up with my husband...Michelle the granddaughter of my mom's sister Betty...Yes we are family by blood...but I have been blessed to connect with Michelle on a complete different level...through music...through faith...our connection "underground" but connected all the same.   I have had the privilege of getting to listen to some of her songs in progress...she taking some of my words and putting music and voice to them...music a part of her story...

  

She an amazing talent who has experienced some things in her life...moments that sometimes break one...but moments she captured through writing and singing of...storytelling...I feel God has been with her through this journey and though we connected initially through perhaps some sad chapters in our life...in time spent recently...it was as though the girl could not stop smiling.   What was this difference?    God brought a man called Jake into Michelle's life...and so on February 20, 2016, I was given the honor of capturing moments of real love and real life in the marriage of Michelle Petrie to Jake Seaton...and so at the Tapestry House in LaPorte, Colorado...I got to share in this real life...real love story...and a brick left behind as a memory of this day...

Michelle and Jake set up by special friends...husband and wife themselves...one performing the ceremony...and the other Maid of Honor...I loved of her talking of praying for Michelle...of in her prayers..."consider Jacob Seaton"...and of Jake's story of talking of their first meeting...and so I share one of the components of any wedding story...the kiss...but I love how these friends just seemed to reflect the joy that this couple seems to ooze...

Michelle  asking if I would take pictures for her wedding...though honored...I do not think of myself a professional photographer...when asked by the coordinator if I was the photographer and I paused and thought well I guess I am (though I am thankful for the help of two amazing photographers Tonya and Jeff Rylant who helped me tell this story...sharing their gifts) but I see myself as one who loves just capturing moments of life...and due to equipment malfunction...not sure that the correct word as my camera fell off the bed...NO I did not knock it off purposely...but a whole other story in the fact that I was blessed in getting a new lens that made this experience even more fun...so I share a few of those moments...that grabbed my heart...a part of the story of Jake and Michelle...

A favorite song and a beautiful wedding song...Bless the Lord Oh my soul...oh my soul...




One that I loved and I seemed to keep playing with it until finally I ended up with this one...but also kept many different versions of this...Michelle saying she actually has a picture of her smelling the flowers as a little girl...and I pray that you always take that time to stop and smell the flowers...she just seemed to glow...

          
Michelle getting ready and a kiss on the cheek from two of her women in her life...her mom and her mom's mom...G-Betty...

Then I hope you don't mind me showing your tears Michelle...but a touching part that many did not get to experience...Michelle surrounded by many of the women in her life praying for her...and then her G-Betty prayed over her...and just an amazing touching moment...I think the room did not have any without a tear...Michelle and Jake many prayers over you...God is with you...This picture part of your story...of the real life...of the real love of those who love you and support you...

These moments...yes that is where a beauty deeper than the eye can see...the beauty of love...passed down through generations...and I think of beauty and just Michelle and I in the room when her dad walked in...he looked at her with such love and with a crack in his voice said, "you're beautiful"...and yes Randy she did glow...

And then a kiss on the forehead...a hard job for a dad to do...give his little girl away...

Moments...and before the wedding these two pull up with the flowers...Michelle's sister-in-law Kallie...chauffeuring one of my favorite peeps...my Aunt Betty...but lovingly called "G-Betty" by her grands...

And amongst the flowers delivered was Kelly's flowers...Kelly receiving his own place at the ceremony.   Kelly, my cousin, Michelle's uncle in which is part of her story...one of her songs...one who we lost too soon but his love could be felt there...as we know he would have been there with that cool smile of his...

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In equal opportunity in sharing Michelle's tears...I add one that Tonya captured of the groom...some of my favorite moments are watching the look on the face of the groom as the woman he loves walks down the aisle...this one still brings a tear to my eye...The love shown here is one that penetrates the soul...a moment to hold in your heart forever Michelle...

Probably one that just made me laugh...and the bride and groom as well...the grandmother's...when excused from their photo responsibilities proceed to walk off...right in front of the bride and groom...one of my favorite pics and one that is held extra special as Jake and his family have since had to say goodbye to such a special woman in their life...my Aunt Betty to such a special friend...But how can you not feel the joy...the love...the story it tells...

And so through some technical difficulties and procrastination on my part...I have some additional pics that just seem to be my faves...I know I have several to pick through...but I add a few of them...and for the sake of finishing this blog...I do not add so many other stories of this day but for now...

Following the wedding...everyone gathered together and while Jeff and Tonya took the view from above...I had the lower view...in it I caught Michelle's parents looking up...another favorite for some reason...It really doesn't seem that long ago...that I was standing beside Vonnie on her wedding day and Tim standing beside Randy...and you wonder where the time goes...

 

Which brings me back to the bride and groom and my favorite pic...one so intimate as I stood in the background during the communion portion of their vows...and the love and intensity of this moment took my breath away...not sure I captured it completely but this view...the picture of a thousand words...the look in Michelle's eyes and Jake solid beside her...An amazing love...with Faith as their Foundation...

Another look in black and white... 

 

And so here is to you Jake and Michelle...I can't wait for more chapters of your story...but thank you for allowing me to be a part of this chapter...

 

I wonder what songs will come in the future...I caught Michelle singing this song off of my phone...an original written by Michelle and accompanied here by Tabitha Joy Campbell...Michelle's song Real Love is Real Life...a song honoring her grandparents who were not able to make it...but also a song Jake wanted her to sing and the words of this song have always captured me...and I think the thing in this video is if you watch Jake...he does not take his eyes off of Michelle...I think of how Jake has shared his smile and Michelle has shared her song...may you continue smiling and singing through the stories that await you..  I am excited to hear the songs that will come (I think Michelle will be singing soon in LaPorte...and I believe is continuing to work on her recordings).  But for now...listen to this one...

I found a little carving that I gave the couple...Love......when each thinks they are the lucky one....and I really feel that each of these two think they are the lucky one...May God continue to bless this union to such an awesome couple!

Love and God bless!
lyp  



Summer's Over...

And just like that...in the blink of an eye...summer has came and gone.   As the shepherd and I walked to pick up a school girl the other day...Oppy says...Summer is over...and just like that our life much like the seasons we begin another...change...ready or not...it comes...

Today I got an amazing call.   You know one of those calls that you know that the Good LORD directed just for you.   One in which I took it standing out in the beautiful sunlight of an amazing fall day...A call that though part of it was hard...someone you love calls to let you know that they are beginning Hospice...but it was a call I will cherish forever.  We talked of the little things really being the big blessings...of family bonds...of what an awesome God we love...of writing our stories...of old souls...of purpose...mine...hers...of love...of life and death...how one when told they have something such as cancer...lives with the thought we don't have much longer...when really none of us really know...and as we spoke I watched a dragonfly dance...and it was a reminder to hold on to times as these...to listen...

Yesterday I had the song People get ready there's a train a coming...and I come across this song...and it makes me think more of our conversation today...of one who is ready to go...but perhaps it not her time just yet...I always wonder...what is it that is unfinished...PURPOSE comes to mind again.   I think of losing some of my people...Dad and Grandma...slowly with time for conversations...Mom and Jay without much notice...The thing of life is...we don't know when our season will end and winter will come...but it comes...

 

 

I had found this verse while going to search for this song...

 

"But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33

 

And as I wrote this I was given thoughts...perhaps words out loud Katie...but thoughts all the same...

 

Seek...Oh little child...why do you make it so difficult?   Why must you go kicking and screaming instead of with skipping and awaited anticipation knowing the best is yet to come...the Best ultimately being our heavenly Home.  This Jesus of Nazareth--He came for me...for me and sinners just like me...He abounding in Grace--filling me with a Love beyond compare.

 

Our conversation had went of those that we have loved and lost...of those we love that are near and dear to us...of generations before and generations after...and I come across a picture from a recent time at the ranch...a reminder of all of the seasons all in one...the color of fall...the green of life of spring and summer...and then those trees that have died...all aware that winter is coming.   I think of how sometimes though we have not left this earth...we can live as though not living...and I think let me be color and light even while dying...let me choose life while I live...

 

 

When writing the other day...as sometimes happens I get a collection of words...some words I never use...

 

Solace companionships filters and relays a Light that permeates my very existence deep within the soul that can't always be seen from the exterior but it is there all the same.  Unpronounced as if a small flicker of an ember awaiting to catch a fire that the glow will ultimately give Light to another...but for now it simmers...

 

And the word here...Solace...where did that come from but when I look it up it says "comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness"...and I think how it fit today...a prayer for not only this woman I love who seems to have a Peace (the Philippians 4:7 kind of peace...the kind that passeth all understanding...the kind that keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus kind of peace)...for others who seek comfort and consolation...for others whose paths I crossed today hoping to give a little light to them as they gave to me...

 

So in thinking of summer being over...I know there is much I could talk of...but today I give thanks for this life...for those in my life that I am so blessed to have there...Thanks...and thank you Aunt Vi...you have and continue to touch my heart and soul...

 

lyp

 

 

 



Going Home...Hallelujah...love you Paul

And this morning at my kitchen table...awakened by thunder...and I am taken back to July of 1989 of hearing a loud crash of thunder and lightning filling the sky and the phone call from my brother...my dad was gone...though I already knew.    I look at the word gone...and think of the wording...I hear some refer as passed...and I ponder...but he was gone from the pain and suffering that held him down.

Now here it is July 2016 and I get a text from my BFSB...that would be Sheryl Chisman Saine...telling me..."Hi HP!   I just wanted to let you know that my dad passed away this morning.   We were planning on bringing him home today but God took him home!."

I knowing that I could not call at that time and be of any support and so there a verse...

"Therefore you may now have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice...and your joy no one will take away from you.   John 16:22

And we talk of our parents rejoicing together...and I think of Paul...

 

There are those that are a part of your life and then there are those who impact your life and you are forever changed just because you knew them.   Paul was one of those people to me.   I had shared that once in Sunday School...Paul said you may be the only Bible some people ever read...he talked of how at work....he a cement truck driver...that some would give him a hard time of his faith...though he really not one to preach...you knew that he believed in Jesus.   But he talked of how some of those same ones when faced with hard times...would want to know about his Jesus...I steal a picture of Emily's...Shane and I talking of this being one of my memories of Paul...

Paul was laughter and fun...I remember stock car races...one of our favorite memories...he and Fred Hardman racing the Chevy against the Ford on the 4th of July...and it was mentioned at his memorial...but I had thought I wonder if cars in Heaven...cause I bet Paul is ripping it up...

On my way to the memorial...going to what used to be home...Hanover...where I grew up...but on the way I get behind a cement truck and have to follow it...I smile thinking of it being a concrete truck as I on my way to join others who are celebrating the life of one truck driver....when I get up to pass it...yes Transit Mix and thinking I will take donuts as my desert...because one couldn't think of Dunkin Donuts and Paul not come to mind (and when I get to the service...a table loaded with Dunkin Donuts)...and there waiting on the light...another Transit Mix truck and so me running late (yes Randy I did listen closely about the whole margin thing...one to pray on).    But as I headed out Hanover road...I taken back and can remember my mom saying well you probably won't drive slow so drive careful.   Sometimes going faster than one should...but I wondered how many times Paul opened up on that old road...

And I get there with a few minutes to spare...hugs to some and then there is Carol.   A second mom to me...she our cook at school...and I will never forget the hug and how she held on so tightly to me as I to her and I could feel her heart...her loss...her love.   This woman who has lost an amazing part of her life tells me Paul loved you.   As I think of this I think...yes I knew that.   There are some in your life...you really never knew...but yes I knew Paul loved me and I loved him.

I find my Sheryl and am thankful that we had talked over the phone and shared some tears there...me thinking I need to be comforting them and yet my tears flowed as well...and sometimes maybe it is just letting others know that you feel their loss...you really feel it!!!

And I am told your brother is here.   I knew they had discussed coming...and with Shane and Jo...you never know what they might do.   They left a little after 4 a.m. to come.   Traveling over the mountain...Shane with a bundle of his own Paul memories and stories.   Of Dad and Paul pouring concrete when Paul would get some "free".    Paul just one of the "good ole boys" meant with pure respect...and I think of another verse I had received some time back of Paul...but came across it again...and find a pic of it I had sent to Sheryl...

I see it is written and Paul suffered...and I believe much like my dad...he suffered until he thought his family was in a place...and that we could let go because we didn't want to see them in the pain they endured...and I think of these two men who are a part of who I am...

During the memorial first Sheryl's family spoke...Kendra holding a sweet little one who brought joy to his great grandpa and I think of Kendra probably being near that age she with her parents came to visit my dad in the hospital and Kendra hopping on the elevator...by herself...scaring us all...she not one worry and I see the woman she has become...a wife and mother and still seems pretty fearless as she took care of things helping out...of Kelsey giving her thank you.    I heard stories of the special bond she and Paul shared with their cars...she just has that gentleness...I think of her mom...Randy speaking and playing piano...a man that Sheryl talked of reminding her of her dad...us laughing of how I had told her she needed someone to loosen her up for fun...and yes Randy you did. 

Then Sheryl got up to speak and we had already shared this conversation but Paul had suffered for a while.   He kept getting chances to "go home" but then would not be able to.   The family had helped move Paul and Carol not too long ago from their Hanover home on Chisman Lane not far from where he grew up...a place where I had spent many a fun times...a place always welcome...I know a hard move for them to make.   But then Sheryl said on Tuesday...they were told Paul is doing better he will get to go home on Friday.    Carol told Paul the news that he would go home on Friday...and they said he lifted his arm and said Hallelujah...

And yes Paul did go "Home" on Friday...and one ponders...did he know the home they were meaning or did he know the Home he was thinking.    Knowing Paul and his faith...that he knew Jesus was waiting for him...because he believed Jesus paid the price for him to live forever...I choose to believe Paul knew which Home...he had fought the good fight...

The gymnasium filled with friends from past...from present...family...as I walked in a woman helped me carry in my stuff...and she a friend of Yvonne's...I remember her last name...Yoder so I look and I see Cynthia Yoder...and she says she knew of me from facebook...hmmmm...glad she still spoke to me!

One of the deep breath moments was when the fire department gave honor to this honorary firemen...and with quite ceremony two firefighters carried the axes and then the flag and the presentation of the flag so honoring...the ringing of the bell...and then the hard one...the last call...and perhaps it is not only the loss of one but it triggers memories of others we have lost...but I was told that we remember them with the love...not the dark and the loss.   And so I think on that...

 

As I am writing...Third Day sings Nothing Compares to the Greatness of knowing You Lord...and a dove flashes by my window...and a peace fills my soul!  

I think back of the memorial...listening to Brenda's words read by Tony...Tony sharing his own words...Tony...And when I see him to give a hug...I call him Burt and he calls me Doris...and more memories come...and then Emily...I have got to know her as a grown woman via the social media...and love her...have loved watching her children grow...and some of her stories...I feel I have lived them somewhat...her Gunner makes me think of my Lance and speaking of there was one pic that I love of the guy...well he happens to be one of those that my camera wants to follow...but he riding down the hall the John Deere that his mom had received from Grandpa Paul and Grandma Carol...and I think of Emily sharing:

"Trying to explain death to small children is difficult. After telling Tressie and Gunner that Great Grandpa had gone to Heaven, three-year-old Gunner became inquisitive. I explained to him that if he loves Jesus and has Jesus in his heart, one day he'll get to to Heaven and see Great Papa again. "Well I love Jesus and I want Jesus in my heart" was his response. If you want to see Grandpa again someday, that would be the greatest gift to him, if you'd love Jesus and have Jesus in your heart."

And though I have so many stories I just add a few pictures of the day...and remember a man who touched my life my heart and I am happy he is Home and we will see you again...my love and prayers to these special women...

 

I think of Paul the Grandpa...I am sure one he loved as much as husband and dad...

 



And I wonder how I missed Emily and Tony and Randy...a little off of my game ;)  but I loved getting to see my favorite brother and his bride...they no matter how long I see them...fill my heart with love...

 





And another long time friend...Mary Spencer...another part of my story...her daughter Nancy and Sheryl share the same birthday...making them much older than I! :)

 

 

As I walk through the halls of a school that seems familiar but far from the little school house I attended many years ago...there is a sign that seems very fitting of Paul Chisman...

 

 

 

I always like to look at what things are put together to represent a life...some beautiful momentums...the one probably catching me most the worn Holy Bible's...and love notes to Carol...and Carol  and those who love...may you continue to get those love notes...when you see a sunrise...a butterfly...a sunset...or just a cool breeze gently kissing you on the cheek...know that Paul is HOME...I think of the song that played at the end...click here... Far Side Banks of Jordan

 

 

 

And before I left Hanover...I journeyed down the road to see my uncle...who had been there but I hadn't got to talk to...and we talked of Paul...of other things...he and his dog...I know missing a friend...

Each of us grieving and giving respect to a special man each in our own way...seeing many faces from long ago...and I say see you later my friend...see you later!





 

And so you suppose there is a Chisman Lane in Heaven...Paul meeting up with those who have gone Home before him...and we will see you on the other side! 

I include the rest of Emily's pics of the handout for Paul...very beautiful...and I add another song from the day...

 

 

lyp

Moments of kindness...

And so yesterday I got a copy of an e-mail from my daughter...a proud mama moment she said...and I went on to read that the Firecracker would be presented with a "Kindness award".     I took it that it was voted on by the other kids...but it was a surprise to be presented at the assembly today.   Her mom snuck to the assembly and said Izzy caught sight of her...turns out Izzy was told by a friend that she must be getting it because the parents show up...and I think about the parents showing up and how proud of my daughter I am...and wishing that another could be there and feel a part of him was there...

And though I missed getting to go watch...her mom caught a picture...and I think how she just keeps growing up on us...almost ready for the 2nd grade...and I wonder where the time does go.

But it was one of those moments that I must say a proud Ahma moment not only of my granddaughter but for her parents and all those that have shown this thing called...Kindness...one of those fruits...one never knows how our little ones are when they are not under our watch.  I know she not perfect...though I still think a special gift to be chosen for a kindness award...just makes your heart smile. I think of how she  makes me think of her mom...but then I see things of her dad.    How I know he would be proud of her receiving such an award...as we all are.    I love that they acknowledge kindness...and I look at my rocks that have the fruits of the spirit...and think something we could all work on...

There is a song by Tim McGraw and think that seemed to come to mind Humble and Kind...even if no one is keeping track...

Humble and Kind (you have to click on the link)

But for now...just wanted to stop and say we love that Izzy Bell...and how she just brings special joy to us all.  So good job Izzy Bell...Ahma is proud of you...

lya

Hope...an anchor to the soul

Lately I have been reading different chapters of Scripture...and taking them verse by verse.    Today I read Hebrews 6:19...

"This hope we have is an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast,

and which enters the Presence behind the veil."

In my Bible by this verse is written Linda and Kelly...Linda being Linda Lyons...one of my first to feel like I got a sunset and a verse to go with it.    Kelly being my cousin Kelly Hollis...And so I include Linda's sunset...and think of those who have gone on before us to be with our Lord...

Hope being an anchor to the soul...and I wrote earlier...sure and steadfast and I think does our soul need an anchor?  Isn't our soul supposed to soar?   And then later after I left my kitchen table...to my place of  reflection...the shower!!!   And I ask...what is it that we allow to anchor our souls?  fear... hate...greed...jealousy...to name a few...

And with that I think HOPE...it is more an anchor like a hot air balloon...that allows us to be anchored yet still soar...and as I wrote this the song Crave was playing by King and Country...

After I had pondered this...I seen my cousin Kim had posted a picture on facebook...

And so without stealing I include her (Kimberly Adams the TequilaFairy) picture...I love this one and I tell her that I think taking pictures allows us to focus on what is good or beautiful in something and we can crop out that which takes away from the beauty that surrounds us.   And she replies...It's the wistfulness of peace and calm...

And I think....HOPE...anchoring our soul in our faith...that there is Something bigger that one day there will be some Place better...behind the veil...and this thing Hope...anchors our souls...

Here is to HOPE...

lyp

And another...

Today Ash Wednesday...I never really knew of Ash Wednesday until 5 years ago...though Ash Wednesday does not come now that I don't stop and think of Jay...I always think anyone reading this knows immediately who Jay is.    Jay Sheridan...loving referred to as my favorite son-in-law...a person whose life and death touched many...And one would like to think of Jay's loss of his life in the line of duty...doing the job he loved...was an unusual occurrence...though just today officer's killed in the line of duty...a few days ago...a Colorado officer had his life taken...and I look up ashes in the Bible...and I find this verse...a prayer for those who mourn...

To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,

Isaiah 61:3

My heart goes out to those who have lost...as I know the depth of pain of losing those we love...and it has seemed part of my story...to keep Jay's memory with us...today as I headed from the north to home...I stopped by the cemetery to drop off some flowers and a LOVE balloon...and after my walking through the snow...and I think how Jay would be laughing at me...how a siren goes off as a Limon police car drives by as I am out there as if to say I share with you...and as I look back when getting ready to leave...I snapped a pic on my phone...and this verse just seemed to go with it...with the day...

And I talk to Izzy before I got there and she talks of preparing her Valentine's for school...she so full of life and love...reflections of her daddy and her mom...and I stop and think how I wish she would have got more time with her dad...but she has no doubt that her daddy loved her...that is a precious gift in and of itself...LOVE...it is an unending gift that seems to transcend and stay with us...


I think of the verse...the foundation of faith...For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life...And I come back to Ash Wednesday the beginning of lent...a time to reflect on the life of Christ...40 days (excluding Sundays) until Easter...I read those who observe lent...use it for reflection...I have seen something on choosing a photo a day to reflect...I may try to do it just to reflect...

I think back of Jay and reflecting on his life as well...stopping to give thanks that I knew him...thanks that he was the daddy of my precious granddaughter...and as I look at another picture taken...I think of something that Heather left..."You have left my life...but you will never leave my heart."

And so on this Ash Wednesday I stop and reflect on my faith...but I also think of one who will also never leave our hearts.   Jay bird...we LOVE you...and thank you for your service!

lya