Life Through The Eyes Of My Camera Lens

Hello my lovelies!

I had the privilege of photographing a wonderful and beautiful soul last week!  Edwyna turned 88 years old this month and wanted to celebrate her life through photographs.  She wanted to leave a legacy for her children and grandchildren . . . to be able to show them what is possible at the grand age of 88.  How wonderful is that?!?  This woman is SO full of life, love, and laughter!  It was a complete honor to be a part of this legacy in the making.

So . . . what is a legacy?  Merriam-Webster defines it as:  something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.  Based on that definition, a legacy could be anything we leave behind for those that follow us.  I absolutely LOVE that Edwyna shares my passion for pictures, and considers them to be a legacy for her family . . . something they can look back on for many years to come!!  I believe the same thing!!!

It was a chilly morning when I arrived at Edwyna’s house.  She lives on the same property as her son and grandson . . . but in her own beautiful home.  We planned on doing her photographs in her home, which I had never seen before.  I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived.  Edwyna answered the door and was dressed in a formal gown, and the many windows in her home lit up the house beautifully . . . no studio lights needed!  It was perfect!

We started with a few formal photos to get her warmed up and used to me and the camera.  She was a little nervous but her daughter and friends were there to help her relax and make her feel more comfortable.

Once she started to play the piano, she settled in, and just had fun.  The music just flowed through her . . . and her true personality began to show through.  After all, the piano is where Edwyna spends a lot of her time.  She continues to play at her church for worship on a regular basis.

A true blessing was watching both mother and daughter play the piano together.  When Linda asked her mom, “what should we play?”  Edwyna immediately responded with “Jesus Love Me.” and away they went.  It was beautiful.  This wasn’t the typical simple song we all learned as children . . . they truly jammed and let the music speak to their hearts and souls as they played!  We (Edwyna’s friends and I) HAD to clap in response when they finished!

This incredible woman sews, colors, has her own computer and cell phone, bakes for her grandchildren, entertains her friends and family, keeps up on her grass with a battery powered weed-wacker, and still plays basketball.  She is truly amazing!

Though we ‘acted’ as if she was actually sewing and baking, we were really just pretending and going through the motions.  Edwyna made the sound effects to make it more realistic . . . which only made us laugh!  😀  She did, however, truly shoot that basketball and got it through the hoop about 50% of the time.

This was my favorite!  When her daughter, Linda, mentioned she wanted to have a photo of her mom sitting on her car, I truly thought she was joking.  Boy was I wrong!!  LOL!!  Isn’t this just fabulous?!?!?!  Without hesitation, Edwyna went for the step stool and climbed up on the hood of car!  With her daughter and friends around, she really made a show of it!  😀

My hope for myself and for anyone reading this is that we find and keep JOY in our lives.  That we enjoy life to its fullest everyday.  That we will stay active, share our wisdom and love with those around us.  Live knowing that each day we are given is a blessing from God . . . and there is purpose in our lives.  Our lives touch others in ways we may never know or understand.  Even when you think no one is watching . . . someone is.  Let you life be an example and a blessing to others.

Edwyna’s life has been a blessing to her 4 children, her 11 grandchildren, her 8 great grandchildren, her late husband of 63 years, her friends, her church family, countless others, and me.  Be a blessing to those around you, and your legacy will be the life you lived and the love you shared!

Each client that I am blessed to photograph finds a special place in my heart.  Edwyna is no different.  This photo session will be treasured forever!

If you are ready to schedule your photo session, please feel free to contact me anytime!  I’d love to help you start planning or answer any questions you may have!  Until then . . .

Love and Blessings,

Mindy 🙂