The Great Horned Owl

Life is full of surprises, and sometimes something wonderful happens when least expected. For example, I've parked my car in the driveway thousands of times, same old same old, ho hum. That is until a Great Horned Owl swooped within five feet of my car, and landed in my neighbors tree! Grabbing my point and shoot, I was very happy not to frighten the owl, when the flash went off in the dark.

Thinking of you Mom on Mother's Day

This past September, my mother was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Although Florida was home for more than thirty years, she wanted to spend her final days with her family in New England. She left behind her closest friends, the bridge clubs she belonged to, and the home she loved. Weak, and confined to a wheel chair, my sisters, brother and I arranged a flight and accompanied her to New England in November 2008. Mom's care facility, Maple View Manor in Rocky Hill, CT the ideal choice. Lisa is the facilities Recreation Director and mom looked forward to seeing her everyday. In addition, Lisa was a strong advocate for our mother's health care, and I admire her for her courage, under the circumstances. Mom, always a strong-minded woman, was determined to share Thanksgiving and Christmas with the entire extended family, outside of the facility despite her waning health, and she found the strength to do it. Not long after the holidays, mom's health deteriorated, she grew weaker by the day. Always a strong advocate of equal rights, she lived to see President Obama take the Oath of Office. She died four days later, her children by her side, never alone, her journey on this great earth ended. Mom you are greatly missed, and never forgotten. Your loving daughter, Pat

The Woman Behind The Camera

My niece recently wrote an art profile about me entitled "The Woman Behind the Camera" for her English assignment. Steph got an A for her efforts and I got this awesome blog introduction. Steph says it best, so I'll share some of my favorite insights from her profile.

"She stands about 5'4, with reddish-brown hair. She's a very quirky woman, always capable of making me laugh, even if that's not her intention. She is a true inspiration to anyone who’s thinking about turning their passion into their career, or even to anyone who’s too scared to even think about taking that kind of jump. She’s a person that took a chance, went into it with her whole heart, and is living proof that your dreams can come true. Of course, hard work and determination are definitely a must. Pat is quick to say that it wasn’t an easy walk in the park to get to where she is right now, but she also says all the hard work is definitely worth it today. She is definitely a role model for me every time I see her capturing a special moment on camera and smiling every step of the way."

Thank you Stephanie! 

(Stephanie deserves an A+ for her insightful profile! :)

...and many thanks to all for visiting my wedding blog.
PAT LORDAN