I’m very much looking forward to 2019. I’m excited to see what is in store for me, my family and friends and the rest of the world. I am naturally optimistic, so I believe it will be a wonderful year full of blessings, despite any challenges.
The last photo taken of my father in Summer 2017
I am ready to say farewell to 2018. It was a unique year in my life. As New Years 2018 began, my father was days away from leaving this earth. He was already on hospice care and we were waiting for the inevitable to occur. He had been suffering from Parkinson’s and dementia for over 10 years with the last 2 years being particularly difficult. No matter how challenging it was for my mother and myself, we were determined to keep him home if possible. Ideally, we wanted him to pass away at home and never go to a nursing home. In this way, our prayers were being answered.
On Monday, January 8, the very day my father passed, my mother had a Dr. appointment and learned she needed surgery that Thursday. On the plus side, her surgery went well, and she was home in a couple of days. I went from helping to care for my dad to becoming a full time care-giver for my mom. On the challenging side of 2018, my dear mother had health issues all year and went to the hospital 4 more times and had 2 more surgeries. I have been very busy all year caring for her and being a personal assistant of sorts.
![]()
The trail Caesar and I walk on almost every day
I have been a lot more involved with my family in general this year. I really do believe it takes a village to raise children and get them through their teenage years. Right now, I am a villager trying to do my share. I speak to my sister several times a week on the phone and I see my brother several times a week in person. Even though we all have very different views of life, I am confident that everyone’s heart is in the right place.
I had fewer photography sessions in 2018 than any year since 1997 and I had fewer blogs than in any other year before. However my blog is now 10 years old and has crossed the million views mark. I have also had way less time to enjoy social media. I’ve had to take care of things right in front of me.
![]()
Even the most challenging and unusual year has its bountiful blessings and I also had my share in this department. I’ve now had my dog, Caesar for over 2 years and he continues to bless my life daily. We walk almost 2 hours every single day. My mom is doing better as we enter 2019 so I look forward to her getting stronger.
Maria Muldaur
I did get to go to New Orleans this past June to shoot the album cover for Maria Muldaur’s now Grammy nominated album, “Don’t You Feel My Leg, The Music of Blu Lu Barker.’ I LOVE Maria forever and this is our third album cover together. While there I met a talented musician and an all-around great guy, Josef Crosby of The Pigeon Kings band. Check out their music. Phenomenal!
Josef Crosby
In August I had the dream come true of photographing the Metal Band, Thor!, when they made an appearance in Dallas. The photos made it into their Metal Christmas CD that came out this October. There is simply no one nicer than the guys in Thor!
Thor!
Gary Allen
So good-bye 2018, all in all I can't complain. I've had a blessed life filled with adventure and dreams come true! Whatever the future holds will be a wonderful mystery, but I do believe every individuals attitude makes their life pleasant or unbearable.
Here's a toast to 2019 and all the potential for joy that it holds!
