The other day I stopped by the 9/11 memorial after I finished with my shoot.  It is such a nice memorial.  Sometimes I feel like an outsider as far as 9/11 goes.  I didn’t live in New York when it happened and I didn’t know anyone personally that died in the attacks.  Then I remember that it’s something that happened to all of us in this country.  I still feel sad and afraid and emotional.  All those feelings came back when I went to the memorial but I’m glad I went.  It’s good to remember. I don’t want to forget.

The memorial has a great feeling of rebuilding and respect.  I  enjoyed stopping into a small gift shop/art museum on my way out.  I was really touched by the art people have made in honor of 9/11.  There was a portrait series of survivors, a documentary playing, and lots of books.  They are planning on opening a large gallery on the memorial this year. I can’t wait to go again and see all the different art about this tragedy.  Seeing people make art out of tragedy for healing and comfort is a beautiful thing.

BirthSmart (a local birth education group) is having an art show representing artwork that touches on the transformation, growth, and beauty that comes with pregnancy and birth.  The show will be March 27 – April 17 at the Planet Earth & 4 Directions Gallery at 524 Colorado Ave.  I submitted four images to this show.  Stop by and take a look! Here is a little statement that goes with the images I am showing.

Since I was a child, I have always thought of birth as the ultimate, beautiful moment in a mother’s life.  Unfortunately,  both of my births have been traumatic experiences.  Even though I spent much effort educating myself and preparing for the natural birth of my dreams, things did not turn out how I wanted. Instead of that beautiful moment when the baby is placed on my chest, my babies have been rushed away to the NICU.  I sometimes wonder if it was my fault; if only I did this or didn’t do that. I guess you could say I have birth baggage.

Several years ago my friend Jenny asked me to photograph her birth.  I wanted to do it but didn’t know what to expect.  I got the call in the middle of the night, gathered together photo gear, and rushed over to the hospital.  I loved being there.   I was honored she would want me there. When I watched her baby Mia be born, I cried, no, I sobbed. It was beautiful.  It was that magic moment I dreamed of when she pulled him up and held him to her chest.  A total miracle.  I’ve since photographed the birth of her daughter Lucy and had the same wonderful experience.  Though my births were hard, my beautiful moments as a mother have come in other ways.  Being a part of Jenny’s births has helped bring the wonder and awe of birth back into my life.

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Last month we took our friends up to the Monument (short for Colorado National Monument).  This spot by the visitors center is a must for out of town visitors. The kids did the activities to become junior rangers and we all went on a leisurely hike.  I can’t believe it is winter.  Despite the little bit of snow, it was so mild and sunny.  Things are pretty brown around town.  I love how the Monument stays colorful all year round. We stopped by The Hot Tomato for pizza making this a perfect day.

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