If there is a theme tying together these end of year inspirations, it is the idea of sharing memories and of bearing witness. Whether with pen in hand or a camera, I re-learned this year that I am a witness in this world, one who has the privilege of sharing what I see and experience with others. With that thought in mind, I share below just a few of the people, places and things inspiring me as 2010 wraps up. I thank them for being in the world and I thank you for reading this blog.
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Inspired by … Bob
As Verger at Trinity Church in Copley Square for over 40 years, Bob Yearwood has borne witness to much. He has certainly inspired me over the years I have known him with his generosity and goodwill toward all, and that was before we even sat down for a recent interview during which I learned so much more. His full interview is forthcoming in a publication to be announced. Meanwhile, here is a bit of Bob in his own words:
“I believe in being positive about life, and age has nothing to do with it. I say whatever age you are is what you are and work it out best you can. Spend time with your family. Travel. One day it will all be over. In this life, you’re only going to get what you put in. You’re getting nothing else. Enjoy yourself. ”
Most often stationed in the church’s Parish House at the front desk, he asserts, “I know I couldn’t do this job if I wasn’t a people person. Where else do you get to work amongst the people, to make the connections, to hear their stories, to see the families come through over time, see all the weddings and yes, the funerals, too. People I knew as children come back with their children. There is no better job than this job, of being a witness to these lives, to receive the people who enter these doors. Some will be helped and some not, but no matter what all will be greeted as they enter.”
Inspired by … Family
My oldest brother is nearly fifteen years older than I. I’ve learned from my older relatives that he used to carry me around like I was his child. He used to dress my younger brother and I up as twins. Now that our parents are gone, he has in a sense become the family’s memory keeper. And as the memories surface he shares the stories. Recently, he called to share a memory, a memory sparked by a scene of Charlie Brown learning how to dance. “You were like four. Ma found out I was planning to go to the prom. She asked me, ‘ Do you know how to dance?’ When I admitted no, she said, ‘Well, let me show you.’ Back then it was a slow dance. None of that fast cutting up a rug stuff. Right there in the living room she showed me how to dance. And that’s how I danced at the prom.”
Inspired by … Flowers & Technology
While Anulfo just wrote about his love affair with calla lillies, I must admit that I end the year intrigued by an amaryllis. Large red flowers bloom from a single stalk. Yes, I said red. The adjacent picture is in shades of blue because the other thing that has been intriguing me as the year nears its end is technology. I still prefer to leave my photographs untouched, but I am learning that there is fun to be had in manipulating images, especially images of flowers.
Shades of Gold
You know how I love colors. Well as the year wrapped up, yellow completely enthralled me, in all its many shades.
And Finally …
Friends inspired me in every way. To be calm. To be bold. To be focused and on task. To dream. I hope they help me do all those things next year!
Have a Happy New Year! 😉
Did you know that snails have teeth? I didn’t until I started reading The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elizabeth Tova Bailey. The book recounts the author’s interaction, while bedridden, with a relocated woodland snail. The language is quiet, beautiful and colorful.    “While the snail slept I explored the terrarium from my bed … the variety of mosses was so satisfying … Their hues ranged from bright grass greens to deep dark greens and from sharp lemon greens to light blue greens.”
As someone who spends a great deal of time snapping photos of plants, it was very helpful stumbling upon Sarah Simblet’s Botany for the Artist. A beautiful book in and of itself, its contents reminded me to look more closely at the things I photograph and to better understand the different parts that make up a whole. I found 
