Archive for October, 2010
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A Good Man Gets His Own Day: A My Town Monday Post
A while back, I wrote about a woman in my town who, by mayoral proclamation, had her own day. My blogging friend, Kim Ayres, posted this comment:
“October 25th is Kim Ayres Day! Well, in our house at least, as it’s my birthday, but I’m trying to spread the word globally…”
Well, today IS October 25, and I have proclaimed it International Kim Ayres Day. I have written about Kim before:
Kim is an extraordinary fellow. His writing is honest and clear, and his photographic images touch my being….. Some months ago, I wrote this about photography:
“When I look at a photograph, I feel like I have a glimpse into how the photographer sees the world. That’s what I like about photographic images—it’s not the “prettiness” of a view—it’s the quality of the light, the slant of the sun, the place where the shadow meets the light.
And once in a while, I come across someone who sees the quiet spaces, the places where my heart stops to linger and to rest. A person who sees the extraordinary beauty in ordinary objects, and who appreciates the sacredness of it all.”
When I look at Kim’s photographs, I can feel myself joining the Universe in taking a collective breath, as I absorb the beauty of this place. I see the expressions on the faces of those folks: family, friends and others, whom he has honored in print. It’s these images and the words he crafts to go along with them that let me know I am part of a whole—members of an extended family who live on this place called Planet Earth.
Take the time to explore Kim’s website, and while you’re there, wish him a happy birthday. Tell him I sent you. After all, it is about time that this man has his own day. And I’m not the only one who thinks this is so. Take a look at what these fine folks have to say (or will say) about our pal, Kim Ayres:
Mary
Savannah Marsh Mama
Eryl
Mapstew
Pat
AtM
Angry Parsnip
Brave Astronaut
Charlie
*****************
Check out My Town Monday to see what my fellow MTM Marauders have to say about their towns.
Wordless Wednesday: Autumn in My Valley
Birds in the Valley: A My Town Monday Post
Each time I hike through my Valley, I notice the amazing diversity of wildlife. Each time, I see something new, and see the old in a different light. We see many birdwatchers in my town, with amazing binoculars and cameras. Many of them stop in our Gallery to let us know what they’ve seen. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park has many programs and guides to inform people what’s available in the Park. Here’s a look at some of the birds in my Valley.
As always, feel free to leave me a comment, or a stone, (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by.
Check out My Town Monday to see what other folks have to say about the places they call home.
With Gratitude
Home is Where the Heart Is: A My Town Monday Post
We’ve been on the road, retrieving #2 daughter from camp in the beautiful Green Mountains of VT. When I’m on the road, I realize just how vast and diverse this planet is. If home is where the heart is, then I’ve left a piece of myself in many places along the road. Take a look.
As always, please feel free to leave me a comment, or a stone (o), to lt me know that you were here. Take a look at places where my fellow MTM Marauders have left their hearts, at My Town Monday.
Changing Perspectives
“Change your perspective, and the most ordinary things take on inexpressible beauty.” ~~ Karen Maezen Miller
Ronda’s Day: A My Town Monday Post
There are thousands of small towns all over the world, each with its own personality and personalities. There are folks that are the “glue” of a community; they hold the stories that are the tapestry of the town close to their hearts and share them freely. There are folks who won’t talk to other folks and those whose grandparent’s great uncle on their mother’s side tripped someone else’s 3rd cousin once removed 53 years ago. There are folks who “tell it like it is” and who don’t tolerate the pettiness of such things. They love their communities dearly and work tirelessly to keep things moving forward while honoring the past.
That can be a tough balance, and a challenge, too. In the Village of Peninsula, Ohio, population 602, there is a woman who has been around for a long time. She knows the people and their families, their stories and their struggles. She has celebrated weddings and births and deaths; she has welcomed new businesses, and said good bye to old ones. Ronda Russell has been on the corner of Main and Locust Streets for a quite a few years now. She has seen a lot from her front porch. Ronda has been a supporter of her community and has been tireless in her efforts. The nice thing is that her work was recently recognized by a mayoral proclamation. Mayor Dick Fisher proclaimed October 2, 2010, as Ronda Russell Day. We were privileged to be in on the surprise and at the celebration, as Mayor Fisher read the Proclamation aloud. Here are a few photos of the day.
If you’re in the Village of Peninsula, stop at Ronda’s Downtown Emporium, at the corner of Main and Locust. Ronda may be on the porch or back in her office. Check out the cool antiques and collectibles in the store, give Emma the dalmatian a pat on the head, and tell Ronda I sent you. And don’t forget to congratulate her. After all, not everyone has a day named in her honor.
As always, feel free to leave me a comment, or a stone (o), to let me know that you’ve stopped by.
If you think my town is cool, and it is, wander on over to My Town Monday, where other folks will tell you about the places they call home.
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