From the age of two, I traveled with my parents to Europe to visit family and have been drawn to foreign lands since that time. My travels enabled me to learn so much about people and other cultures, but my own land taught me about myself and was the place where my heart truly awakened. Animals have been my constant companions for as long as I can remember. Some of the wild ones that I have had the privilege to raise and care for, will always remain etched in my memory.
My gardens are a constant source of inspiration, as well as my wanderings in nearby Como Lake Park, a mystical place of deep inspiration and wisdom for me. It is there I have often found peace in secret, forgotten places. Cayuga Creek runs through this land and eventually into the mighty Niagara River of Niagara Falls, a major power spot on this planet.
Keyna, a rescued Chow Chow mix was with us from Earth Day 2012 until February 22, 2017. She taught me about perseverance, as well as having patience and compassion until her ideal home became available and I knew it was time for her to move on. Sometimes the most challenging animal companions are our greatest teachers. Keyna was the last of three sisters I rescued from a high kill shelter in Brownsville, Texas. Each sister has blessed her caretakers in countless ways. Synchronicity abounded as they traveled their journey to Western New York where they now live, each in different homes. Their long journey was a test of faith involving the collaboration of countless people who help save the lives of rescue animals on a daily basis. Our rescue pit bulls Dawson and Luci Lu, as well as our rescue cats, have also taught me in a myriad of ways.
I happen to be very fond of the insect kingdom and often found photographing my little friends. Our natural suburban gardens are a sanctuary for all kinds of orbweaver spiders, grasshoppers, fireflies, crickets, bees and butterflies among the many songbirds and other wildlife that visit. I am convinced that the healing of our attitude toward insects is the secret to saving this planet and ultimately ourselves. Nature spirits and spirit guides have been known to occasionally appear in my photos, sometimes subtly and other times with greater audacity...
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