This is the second Ambrotype portrait I have done and with each I learn a bit more. Not only about the process but about what to expect from my models. It certainly is not easy to hold a position or an expression for many long seconds or to have to wait while the photographer prepares the plates and exposes many until finding success.

So far I have been lucky with patient people…now I have to learn an ounce or two more. My husband’s evil plan of slowing down this Jersey girl by tempting her deeper into these Alternative process….I HOPE, will be a success.

A thank you is a simple but powerful gift which never seems enough until you see the reaction on the face of a soldier returning home after seeing so much horror.

I am not a political person, nor do I follow any organized religion…I let my heart be my guide and it is with my heart that I give thanks to all those who gave so much and are giving so much so I can live and enjoy this amazing life I have free from tyranny.

I will leave you with a poem that I know means much to Soldiers everywhere as it was written by one who witness much, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
— Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 – 1918)

I created a collection of some of my favorite poppy images into a calendar for 2010
Remembrance