Aging Gracefully

Today I turn 29.  Happy birthday to me! And while it was pointed out to me that I look remarkably similar to a photo of me from ten years ago that my friend had posted to facebook, I truly hope that I age with grace.  Like my grandmother Joan, photographed here.

Recently I posted some photos of my paternal grandmother, Ethel, and I thought I should now give my maternal grandmother Joan her share of the limelight.  Honestly, both hated when I whipped out my camera and took their photos over the holidays and, if they had internet access, would not be too pleased with me posting their portraits on my blog.  But I think they are lovely and should not be so camera shy.  I'm sure you agree.

Joan has a fraternal twin sister, Jane, and they both married men named Robert but who go by Bob.  Not Robert or Rob or Robbie or Bobbie.  Nope, they both found a man named Bob to love when they were young and carefree.  And they both were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversaries with their respective Bobs.  Sadly, after that remarkable milestone -- and after a full, well-lived and well-loved life-- my Grandpa Bob passed away.  Despite mourning Bob's loss as well as the  loss of other loved ones, my Grandma Joan has remained sassy and quite spunky.  And truly quite beautiful. 

And, although I'm posting this technically on a Tuesday, the black and white photos are for my friends at Black and White Wednesday, hosted by the Long Road to China (and back).  I figure you can forgive the timing because it is my birthday after all. 

(Grandma Joan, photographed December 2010)

Over the River and Through the Woods...

As I mentioned here, my dad and I ventured to Eagle River, Wisconsin, to see some of my relatives for Christmas.  In particular, my dad wanted to surprise his mother -- my grandmother Ethel -- with this holiday visit.  Because of various reasons, we hadn't seen her for Christmas in a really, really long time.  Too long of a time, in fact.  But rather than let her know that we would be there for Christmas, we instead simply showed up unannounced at her front door, presents in hand, on Christmas Eve.  (We had checked with my aunt that Grandma would be around, of course.  Didn't want the trip to be a complete waste).  I was just a tinsy-bit concerned that we would surprise Grandma a little too much, but no one keeled over from a shock-induced coronary during our visit, thankfully.  Grandma was tickled pink to see us, and we were happy to see her as well.  We talked and laughed, opened presents and posed for pictures.  Although Grandma as shy before my big camera, I still managed to take some nice portraits during our weekend holiday visit. 

(Grandmother Ethel, photographed December 2010)



Family Portraits (in Wine Country, of Course)

During my recent visit to Portland, Oregon, my sister and I went on a wine-tasting tour, with her husband Nick graciously chauffeuring us from vineyard to vineyard.  

Me, being me, I toted my camera around looking for photo ops while still savoring every glass of pinot noir.  And I found my perfect op while enjoying the view from a terrace of one of the vineyards.  The light was just perfect, I had my new portrait lens on my camera, and I was feeling very shutter-happy so I made Monica and Nick pose for some portraits.

Now, I'm a little nervous to post these photos without letting Monica and Nick see them first.  (So, Monica & Nick, if you don't like these, sorry, but also too late now).  But because Nick was so wonderful as our designated driver, I'm not posting any bad shots of him.  Favor returned, I think.

 (Monica & Nick, photographed November 2010)