PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/25/11

How much do I love this quilt? This is a treasure among all treasures. This was in the trunk that Grammama had in her garage and then my mom got it. Within it was this quilt created by my great great Grandmother Beeson. So many questions about it...where did the fabric come from, how long did it take her, who used it? To me, it is a piece of artwork passed on through generations. I'm wondering if she thought that her great great granddaughter would someday have this and be so glad to possess this treasure? Now, I want to find out more about Great Grandmother Beeson and make sure that she was the one who created this beautiful family heirloom.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 5/29/11

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND: It is a time to remember those who have fought for all of us, past and present. I learned yesterday that Memorial Day began during the Civil War. It is a time for us to reflect, remember and appreciate. I always think of Grandad Dell on this day and the sacrifice and (and my grandmother and even my mom) made during that time. This picture is quite poignant...a newly married couple, ready to take on the world and a mom getting ready to send her son off to war. Nana's boys all were in WWII and miraculously, they all came home alive. I really think that my grandfather saw the most and really was in the trenches (literally). He never talked much about it and I think it was just too painful. My grandmother struggles with talking about it and I think she knew of things that happened that were too horrendous to discuss. I am thankful for these photos and found some more photos of Grandad Dell while he was at war while cleaning out Grammama's house so I will look forward to getting to make copies and learn more and continue to tell the stories to my kids...we don't want to ever forget.

Grandpa's 100th Birthday...today

Today, May 3, would have been Grandpa's 100th birthday. Dad wrote a tribute/ memory/journal entry today and then sent it to us. It was such a well written and special text to read and I appreciate seeing my dads feelings reflect memories of his dad. While Grandpa and I didn't have a close relationship, I do know that he loved us, he was a good dad and was an important person in the direction of my dads life...and that, in itself is cause for pause and memory reflection. This particular photo is an alltime favorite and I love that he was just sitting his his little boy in the sunshine at the farm with their dog alongside. So...Grandpa...I love you, and miss you and remember many things...and I smile when I do that.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 3/26/11

The book is now sent to the printers. After literally several years, this labor of love and gift of story telling is now one step closer to being shared with many people. The writing within this story is brilliant and so professionally done with a special touch of caring and love. What started out as a vision in my dad's mind came together through many hours of research, interviews, writing, rewrites and even more rewrites along with editing, tweaking and perfecting this story of a small area of Colorado that was filled with so many stories. What I think is so perfect is that these stories are true and this was life in this small 9 mile stretch during a time where life was not always easy, but where life was enjoyed, lived and had a story. I have always believed that everything and everyone has a story and they need to be told. By doing this, my dad has told something that was is so important and endearing.

What I think I loved most about having a small part within this project is when my dad and I went down to the Denver Public LIbrary and we went through the journal of a lady who spent summers in this area. She kept an immaculate journal filled with stories of the happenings at that time as well as a photographic journal of life as it was at that very moment. While many of the photos and stories were not pertinent to this project, I found it amazing that life had been told through her eyes and we were lucky to be able to have access to it.

Another favorite memory is the time we spent pouring through the photos...looking for the right ones to tell the story as well as taking photos of places we thought we would want to include. A final highlight was this past June when Nick, Dad and I went up to the cabin on a rainy Friday afternoon, drove around the area and then, the next morning, (again, a very rainy day) packed up and headed down to the "Rhubarb Festival" in Pine, Colorado. It is where townpeople and people from the area gathered to celebrate and eat all the pancakes they could eat. We got a chance to drive around Pine Grove and see glimpses of the past and how, although so much time had passed, these buildings were still standing and the spirit of those who lived here so many years ago still were part of the community today.

So, as I close this post, I just have to say how proud I am of my dad...to document such an interesting story that gets to be shared now and always. My mom has been a tremendous support and between the two of them, they have created ReVista Publishing...an continuing legacy that represents the strength and inspiration of two very amazing people, who just happen to be my parents.

On a selfish side point, I am actually beyond thrilled to have my name published in this book as "Designed by" and under acknowledgments...it is something I am very proud of, and the artwork that is on the cover and within the book is just amazing, and I am so proud of Todd and his talent to be represented in this special book.