My Life Book

The last couple weeks the pages of my life book have been turning so fast, I haven't had much time to digest or share the content. Flipping back to the days following the Metro Animal Services shelter photo shoot, the story reads all about Ben.

My daughter, Courtney, and her husband, Ron, made a very quick road trip to Hillsboro, North Dakota to attend the funeral of Ron's step dad and to provide support for his mom, Judy. They left Thursday morning, February 23rd and drove 21 hours with only a couple stops. Before leaving, they dropped off grandson, Ben. In came the diapers, clothes, extra toys, and food. The child safety gate was put into action and within moments our kitchen, dining room, and TV room became "Benville."

For the next four and a half days, it was all about Ben. He's not much for napping, so I was his captive audience. On the recommendation of my other daughter, Kendall, Ben and I even ventured to the mall to a wonderful play area near Old Country Buffet. Although Ben is only 17-1/2 months old, a little boy, Zac, who was probably three (could talk) took to him like a bee to honey and followed him everywhere he went, until Ben walked out of the play area and ventured down the mall. Not to worry, I was right behind him steering the stroller on one side to corral him. And who did he find, but a princess - a Fife daffodil princess to be exact! She took him under her wing and helped him make a crown which he donned with pride.

Ron and Courtney made it back safely even though it took them two and a half days because of the bad weather. A lot of prayers were being said for them all along the way. Needless to say, Ben was very glad to see his mom and dad. I was too!

The trip, unfortunately, took it's toll on Courtney and the fact she had to go right back to her night shift at Childrens Hospital, when she returend. She spent six hours in the ER at Tacoma General Thursday evening with unusual chest pains. Thank God, the blood tests, CT scan and x-ray didn't show anything unusual and she was able to go home. Because of all that, Courtney has decided to join her sister in an eight-week course called, Body Back. The class starts this coming Tuesday. Kendall talked Courtney into it last night (I'm sure she didn't have to do much convincing after the hospital scare), and then promptly called me and using the guilt techniques I've taught her over the years, talked me into joining them. (I HATE TO DO PLANKS!) Kendall has a headstart on us. She's already been through the last eight-week course. On the other hand, what a wonderful opportunity for the three of us to encourage one another and hold each other accountable regarding diet and exercise for the next couple months.

The pages of my "book" this week were also filled with work on a marketing campaign for the photography business. Friday morning, I taught the last of an eight-week course on Memoir Writing and started a new eight-week course in the afternoon. I love teaching! Well, I love photography too, but until I started teaching again last fall, I'd forgotten the joy it brings me to share information with others, particularly about taking time to "taste life twice" (a quote from a diarist, Anais Nin). The people in my class have been such good teachers for me to. What a privilege to hear the stories from their past.

Today and tomorrow are about photo shoots. Today was a fun experience with two good friends, Tiffany and Luisa, and Tiffany's female Doberman Pinscher, Camee. What a beautiful dog and very attractive young women. My friend and neighbor, Janine, came over to "run" the squeaky toy and get Camee's attention with treats, so I could concentrate on the photos. 

I am blessed. The pages of my life book are full - in a good way - with lots of blank pages yet to be written. www.BonnieKingPhotography.com