We all go about our day working, doing errands, taking care of others, among other things. One activity I do everyday is run. It's satisfying and clears my head. In that time alone, I think about the ordinary, and how lucky we are to experience what we know as "life". As I capture the ordinary "slice" in a picture, it helps me reflect on what makes us human... and maybe not take it quite for granted.

I am an urban soul. Chicago excites and invigorates my whole being. The architecture, the lake, the parks, the people; each has a story to tell, a history, and a future. I can only capture a point in time to savor it with my photos; to enjoy the Chicago I have grown to know and love.

Black & White photos are helping me learn composition

It was the "after school movie" and I was captivated! Every time the Moulin Rouge (1952 version) was shown on TV, I stopped my art project to become part of the scene. I was transported to Paris in the late 1800s, immersed in the bohemian culture of dark places, drinking, and dance. At the time I was a young girl, but I dreamed of being the artist to capture the romance in my drawings. Now, at the age of 60, the bar culture still intrigues me. From the smell of the citrus garnish, to the clinks of glass as drinks are made, I love the spirit and ritual of watching great cocktails being created. It's relaxing. It's invigorating. I am transported once again...

A glimmer of light. An open door. The outside world in sight. 

As I walked through Dachau, the ovens, the gas chamber, the grounds, I saw these images of hope. I imagined, as I often do, what it must have felt like to be a prisoner in the holocaust. To imagine the unimaginable... On this visit, I saw visions of hope where there was none.

Just watch a child and how they embrace and enjoy all the senses to life. The joy in seeing a rabbit in the yard; the wonderful carefree swing on a summer day; the taste of blue frosting licked off the cupcake; or the feel of a new rock found at the beach. Sticky fingers won't stop a child from getting the most out of every minute of every day. In fact, sticky fingers just seem to make everything better.

Throughout life, I have found that I must wear a "mask" at times. At work, I needed to conform to a certain style of communication. At other times, I have had to wear a strong face for others who may have needed my strength. I am now exploring how a simple mask can take on different personalities.