Memories

When all is said and done, and everyone goes their separate ways we are left with memories.   Photos fade or get lost and details may slip into the creases of our minds never to be found, but it is really all that we have.   We may think of memories as intangible, but they are as tangible as anything else that we have… and we need to hold onto them for they are worth more than all the money on the planet.

Shining Star

Every family has a shining star, someone that stands out and works to keep the family together.   My family has been lucky to have been blessed with more than one of these stars, and My Great-Aunt Frances Anderson was one of these that shown as bright as the stars in all the sky.   She was responsible for so many wonderful gatherings that united immediate and extended family.   She was there with my grandmother and me during a dark period in both of our lives, and accepted me no matter who I was. On more than one occasion taught me that people will love me no matter what… or how different I am.   My family lost this wonderful person last night, but we each gained another guardian angel. While our hearts grieve for her no longer being here with us, for the games of Phase 10 that will never occur… or the songs sung. We know that she will be in our hearts, in the smiles that we see, and in the love we have for one another.   Though she will be missed, we will always feel the love she gave us and we will always love her.

Frances Anderson

1932-2011

Brandon

Frances Eley Anderson, 79, died Monday, May 16, 2011 at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital. Funeral services are 2:00pm Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at Bethel Baptist Church in Brandon with interment in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 12:00-2:00pm Wednesday at the church.

Mrs. Anderson was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church and the Red Hatters of Pearl, as well as a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, J.W. "Andy" Anderson, Jr.; son, Dale Anderson (Libby); grandchildren, Jennifer Layton O'Neal (David) and Walter Dale Anderson, Jr.; great-grandson, Thomas Maguire; brother, Henry Hawthorne; and sisters, Louise Wixson, Sarah Haskins, Annette Creel, Betty Dulworth, Clara Reid and Margaret Hawthorne. (from: clarionleger.com obits)

Journey

 As I look at life so dear,

I know the journey is clear.

For the journey I’m on is like no other,

so I know I must go further.

Do not weep for me my loved ones true,

for I will always be with you.

Although you could not go with me,

now my heart is filled with glee.

But in your hearts I will dwell,

and that will do you well.

And I will see you from above,

not unlike a passing dove.

I hope to see you smile,

as you go another mile.

But to you it may seem odd,

that I am now with my God. 

Gothic Tone

The Lamar building in downtown is one of the more interesting buildings in downtown Jackson.   The gargoyles are what make it unique, and add a gothic feel that most buildings in Jackson lack.  

For more monochrome fun, click here....

Oh Look, a tree!

I get made fun of sometimes when I go on my photo taking excursions, or just anytime I have my camera with me.   The running joke is that any tree I see I exclaim “Oh Look, a tree… lemmie get my camera!”  I have grown to embrace this, as it is somewhat true.   I am not sure what exactly it is about trees that fascinate me… but the fascination is there.  And second maybe to clouds, they are a favorite subject of mine to photograph.

Free, Like a Butterfly

Sometimes I wish I was as free as a butterfly,

I wouldn’t know what to do.

Maybe I would glide from flower to flower,

Or bask in the warm sun.

I do not know a reason why,

But sometimes when I am feeling blue.

I wish I had the power,

Away I wish I could run.

Above and beyond without even a try,

To a place that is true.

Above all others I would tower,

Only then my journey done.


Sometimes I wish I was as free as a butterfly,

I wouldn’t know what to do.

Maybe I would glide from flower to flower,

Or bask in the warm sun.

Under the Sea

 

These fascinating creatures are made of iron and blown glass; they were part of a display at Boston-Logan Airport (BOS) and captured my eye and imagination.  I would never have the patience to come up with something quite like this, but it was very beautiful.   It amazes me what people can do when they get the creative urge.   

Many creatures reside under the waves, they can be both terrifying and beautiful… sometimes a strange combination of the two.   It has been a year since the horrific BP Oil Spill, and while we still have a long way to go before disasters like that can be avoided we still need to remember to care for our oceans and our planet in general.   No matter our race, gender, or even our species, we are all on this planet together and we need to take care of each other.

Pearl Flag

I personally created this flag when I noticed that the current flag for my hometown is not flown prominently.   I also wanted to design a flag that was deep in symbolism for the city rather than having a generic city flag with the city seal, this way Pearl, Mississippi can have a flag that rivals that of most cities within the state, one that we can all be proud of.   I submitted this for the consideration of the Mayor and the city Council, about a year ago and but have yet to hear anything.  Below is further explanation of the symbolism behind the flag.

The colors of the flag are Pearl’s traditional Blue and Gold.

The Canton is based on the Bonnie Blue flag that was one of the early flags flown in Mississippi when it was part of West Florida.  The Bonnie Blue Flag was also used as the Canton in the Original, “Magnolia Flag,”  that flew over the State of Mississippi until 1894.  Its inclusion is showing that the City of Pearl has a foothold in the history of the state.  The single gold star on the blue field shows that pearl is definitely a golden point within Mississippi’s history, and Pearl will continue to enrich the state.

I chose the non-traditional stripe pattern Alternating blue, gold, and white to differentiate the flag from both the Mississippi State Flag and the National Flag to show that Pearl is a city making its own future; it does however retain 13-Stripes to honor the original 13 colonies of the Untied States.  The striping is also similar to the blue and gold stripes currently in use on Pearl PD police interceptors.   

Wordless Art

Part of the Wordless Wednesday!

I was 17 and in high school when I did this Mixed Media art project.