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Always enough room for more friends!

Feb 2nd, 2010 by Sally

I’m back!  It’s been forever, but I’m so awed at having seen so many dear friends recently that I feel moved to write again!  For example:

* Nancy S. came to my Taste of Britain Burns celebration.  College sorority sisters in Ohio, we traveled England, Scotland, and Wales together in 1970!  What fun that we’ve both ended up in Atlanta all these years and are now retired! P.S. We hitch-hiked all over–told my mom that many years later.

* Julie W. and Julie M. also showed up at Taste of Britain.  They are still doing the good work in education!  And turns out, they now live just blocks from each other.  Hope you all find ways to connect!

* Sandra C., my beloved hiking buddy from Scotland, and I have chatted by phone and email and long for more days of walking together.

* Dearest friends Patti and Peg, though we only get lunch once a month, I treasure all we’ve shared.

*Dear Ann, Kathy F., Kathy H., Jane P.–prayers surround you every day.  When Rex was sick, folks would say “I’m so worried about you!”  But I replied, “Don’t worry; just pray!” Amen.

* And Kate K., Nancy L., and Barbara N.  from years ago found again via Facebook.  Sometimes I hate it, but when these re-bondings occur I’m so thankful for the new technology!

* Laura M. and Nathan W. (through his mom, Lane)–students from my past refound!  But can 9th grade Laura (circa 1974 really be over 50 and ready to retire?)

* New friends in photography and life–thanks for connecting!  Jan A., Rob W., Krista F., Julie G., Nancy Y., Leslie M. (next door and we finally find each other!)

So the word of the day: Collect ‘em, find ‘em, love ‘em, remember ‘em…THERE IS ALWAYS ENOUGH ROOM FOR MORE FRIENDS!

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Photo of the Day #4: Princess Dreams

Jul 5th, 2009 by Sally

Princess Dreams

Princess Dreams

Princess Dreams, black and white giclee print, 10 x 14″, $75.00

A little girl’s closet is filled with the necessities of being a princess—from dresses to capes to crowns. I took this photo directly into the light of the window, giving the shot it’s dreamy quality. However, the work of a princess is very real to this little young girl.  She’s a red-headed princess with Shirley Temple curls!

This print was selected for the Atlanta Photography Group’s exhibition, In Your Dreams.  The opening reception is Friday, July 17, 7:30, and we’ll be there!  The show runs through August 29 at APG, 75 Bennett St NW # B1, Atlanta, GA 30309-1275
(404) 605-0605.  Call for open times.

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Posted in Fine Art Photography, Photo of the Day, Photography, Sally Ross Photography | No Comments »

Lunch Ministry

Jul 4th, 2009 by Sally

“I’m just not all that religious!”  I worried.

“What do you mean?” asked my dear friend, Kathy, knowing she could find a way to my heart.  

I was thinking about taking an introductory class at Columbia Seminary.  This was a weekend-long Immersion Experience, the first segment of their Spiritual Formation certificate program.  But I wasn’t sure.  I had lunch with my friend, Kathy, a huge proponent and enthusiastic graduate of the program, and Terri, a friend also considering the option.

“Well, you know,” I offered, embarrassed, “I feel very spiritual and I love my church, but I don’t sit around reading the Bible, and I really don’t know much about it!  I don’t do anything that feels real religious.”

“What DO you do?” she probbed.

I laughed, “Well, I eat lunch out a lot!”

“Ah, that’s it!” Kathy offered.  ”You have a lunch ministry!  That’s your passion, your spiritual path, your mission!”  

And she’s right!   I love to meet my girl friends or go out by myself for an hour or more.  The conversation with treasured friends–those from over 30 years ago like Kathy, or brand new ones (Hi, Julie G)–always turns immediately to life: our dreams, our families, our goals and detours, our hopes and feelings, and one bit at a time, our stories.  Together we sort out what makes sense, how our paths connect, and what experiences or resources we may have that support one another.  

Isn’t that what creates a spiritual community?  

  • Sorting out what makes sense in life,
  • Discovering how our paths connect to those in our lives and those who have gone before (even those in that Bible), and
  • Sharing and creating experiences and resources that help each of us become a stronger, more engaged member of a thriving community of life-givers (definition: those who breathe LIFE  and JOY into everyone around them).  

You’ll find that theory of the lunch ministry here in my blog, Soul Food From Sally. I am a Christian, I do attend and participate in a wonderful organized church, and most whole-heartedly I do engage in a life of the spirit and the soul with every person I encounter.  And one of these days I will read the Bible!  

P.S. A word on lunching alone: I can’t recommend it highly enough!  A book, a journal, a magazine and me…time to reflect, to recharge, to be quiet within the white noise.  Embarrassed?  Heavens no!  I AM an independent woman happily engaged in life–I smile at everyone, exude confidence, and interact with those I am called to speak with.  I just love them for who they are; we have fun; and, who knows who I’ll meet!   My goal is to make someone’s day, many times each day.  

Not only do I deserve to be here, but I should be…for some reason!!   Someone up there has put me here to do my ministry-thing (smile).  Try it…and let us know what you think!

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Posted in Care-giver, caregiver, care giver, Independent woman, Living, Self-care, Soul Food, Food for the Soul, Spiritual community | 1 Comment »

Photo of the Day #3: Leaving Orkney

Jul 4th, 2009 by Sally

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Leaving Orkney, 16″ x 5″, $75.00

During a day trip around the isles of Orkney, I couldn’t stop creating images of the place.  This sunset view from the ferry to John ‘O Groats lingers with me still.  You’ll find many photographs from Orkney in my collection.  Its ancient history, glorious summer scenery where land almost always meets water, and generous people make it a wonderful outing if you can get to the northern most eastern tip of Scotland.  Learn more at Visit Orkney.

This is the banner for my other blog, Images of Scotland.  To me, this image exudes soul-soothing tranquility and peace.

This image, and all photographs on Soul Food From Sally are available for purchase at my web site.  All fine art prints are signed, limited edition (#/50) giclee prints using archival inks and Somerset Velvet papers for Epson printer.  Selection of images, papers, and artist’s descriptions are designed to “soothe your soul.”

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Posted in Fine Art Photography, Photo of the Day, Photography, Sally Ross Photography, Scotland, Soul Food, Food for the Soul | No Comments »

Photo of the Day #2: A Flash of Blue, English Lake District

Jul 2nd, 2009 by Sally

Photo of the Day: As we get to know one another, you’ll find that fine art photography has become a passion, a profession, a path to personal expression for me. Most images come from my walking in countries where I’ve been blessed to travel.  I also love writing the descriptions–envisioning you reading them and finding comfort and peace.  I’ll also always include a link where you can learn more about the topic or enhance the feeling in some way.   The central theme of all of my work is to live and to create art that “soothes one’s soul.” I hope you find that here.

You can see much of my work at  www.sallyrossphoto.com

A Flash of Blue

A Flash of Blue, 11 x 16.25 print, $100

I’m always in search of isolated trees that stand tall and speak of the centuries they have known.  This grand dame reached into the emerging storm as if in a defiant, celebratory dance.  I’ve enhanced the blue with a florescent tinge to give her the radiance I think she deserves.  Read a poem that I relate to today, by Mary Oliver, “Where Does the Dance Begin, Where Does It End?”

This image, and all photographs on Soul Food From Sally are available for purchase at my web site.  All fine art prints are signed, limited edition (#/50) giclee prints using archival inks and Somerset Velvet papers for Epson printer.  Selection of images, papers, and artist’s descriptions are designed to “soothe your soul.”

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Posted in England, Fine Art Photography, Photo of the Day, Photography, Sally Ross Photography | 1 Comment »

Blog Updates: Contact Sally Ross, Photos of the Day

Jul 2nd, 2009 by Sally

Hello dear readers, As I create this blog, I find I’m adding new features that I hope you’ll like.  

First, I’ve added a CONTACT SALLY ROSS page (in sidebar to your right) that is an easy way to write a comment to me.  I’ll respond as soon as I can!  

Secondly, I’m going to share PHOTO OF THE DAY posts independently of other texts. That way you can use the SEARCH or CATEGORIES list (sidebar to the right) to find just those photos and, if you like, their descriptions, prices, and locations on my web site.  

I made this decision when 40% of your votes on my Welcome poll suggested that you wanted to see these photos as a major part of this blog.  (See my first Welcome post to vote and watch tallies from others.  New votes continue to be reviewed!)

I hope you’ll add comments, respond to one another’s comments, and begin a long, on-going conversation here that will soothe all our souls!   We deserve it!  

(Note: I’ll monitor and approve all comments to this site so we won’t have to put up with unrelated posts.)

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Posted in Photo of the Day, Photography, Sally Ross Photography | No Comments »

Photo of the Day #1: Shadows, English Lake District

Jul 2nd, 2009 by Sally

Introducing my banner photo

Shadows

One my most “painterly” pieces. I love the movement across the canvas of light, shadow, walls, and clouds. The two trees obviously represent shadows of one another as well. To me, the greatest beauties of Scotland and Northern England are the endless rock walls, hand-crafted without mortar in most cases. They arise from the earth so they don’t offend as fences do. But they give measure and a sense of mystery. I always wonder: who built these walls and how long ago?  Read more about the stone walls of the UK at http://www.britainexpress.com/History/drystone.htm

This image, and all photographs on Soul Food From Sally are available for purchase at my web site.  All fine art prints are signed, limited edition (#/50) giclee prints using archival inks and Somerset Velvet papers for Epson printer.  Selection of images, papers, and artist’s descriptions are designed to “soothe your soul.”

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Posted in England, Photo of the Day, Photography | No Comments »

Living, Dying, Surviving, and Tears

Jun 29th, 2009 by Sally

Living: Today my chemo doctor promoted me.  After 9 years post-diagnosis and surgery for breast cancer, I’m free of Femara, Tamoxifen, and appointments with him.  I wouldn’t miss a yearly mammogram for the world, though!  Nine years a survivor.  My mom, diagnosed in 1967, lived 39 more years, until age 82 in 2006.  Thirty-nine more years would put me at 99.  I can live with that!

Dying: Friends are suffering with incurable diseases: Lou Gehrig’s disease, MS.  How do I face them?  How do I comfort them?   How can I possibly be of use when they get more and more devastating news every day–without hope–and I get more time?

Surviving: Life was incredibly, impossibly rough 9 years ago when I got my diagnosis on my 51st birthday.  Stunned, but determined, my husband and I researched the very early Internet for help, for hope.  We made our decisions and took the next best step.  I never wanted more than that–just the next bit of information.  Any more would–and often did–overwhelm me.

But life wasn’t easy.  Rex too was getting sick–on oxygen from the emphysema that would lead to his double lung transplant in 2005.

The night before my surgery, I took the biggest step of my life.  In my journal I wrote, “God, you have to take care of him now.  I can’t carry us both at once.”   And I gave it up: Rex and all of the people–family, friends, students–who I had allowed to be the focus, the purpose, the self-denying mission of my life.  For the time being, it had to be first and foremost about ME–with the good Lord at my side.  And so it has been — for all the right reasons — ever since.

Tears: As my friend tonight sobbed about her prognosis, she gave me this, “Tears are the rinse cycle of all that’s churning inside you.”  And I pass that on to you tonight….

Blessings and amen.  Sally

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Posted in Breast cancer, Cancer, Care-giver, caregiver, care giver, Living, Photography, Self-care, Survivor | 2 Comments »

Welcome to Soul Food From Sally

Jun 23rd, 2009 by Sally

Why me?  Why this blog?

  • I’m a breast cancer survivor, 9 years now.  My mother survived her own breast cancer for 38 years.
  • My husband suffered from emphysema for six terrible years–on oxygen, down to 14% of one lung, intensive care 8 times in 2004–before a double lung transplant in 2005 saved his life.  (He’s back on the golf course.)
  • Through it all, I’ve learned how to live life calmly, to rejoice in all around me, and to feed my soul every day.
  • I’ve become a singularly independent woman.  I love having lunch (and even dinner) alone in a restaurant, I’ve traveled with husband, friends, and in very important times, on my own, and I live life to the fullest measure I can.
  • People going through pain and suffering from health, life challenges, and confusion find my experiences and support are uplifting and useful during their own passage to recovery and new life.
  • I was not confident as a child or young woman.  It was through trial, hard work, and blessings that my path has led me to a humble, joyful age 60.
  • And finally, as a result of all of this, and completely in awe of all that has transpired, I’ve become a photographer, an artist using my lens to see the world and experience life in new and precious ways that I can savor–and share with you.

I’d like to add a few initial posts–one on each of the topics above–to begin the conversation.  And I do invite your comments, links, and support in this new endeavor.

I foresee the following segments to each blog:

1.  Soul Food From Sally–something free and available that you can do today to feed your soul!

2. Image of the day–from my photography site (www.sallyrossphoto.com) to enliven the day and share more about a special place, time, scene.

3.  Thoughts on life, photography, travel, care-giving and self-care.  Some combination of those as the spirit moves me.

4.  Favorite links to enhance all of the above, and

5. Some extensions of my photography work:

  • Upcoming events,
  • “Where did it go?” (how buyers framed and hung or placed their new photos),
  • Current travels.  (For this one, check out my other blog too: www.photoartandtravelscotland.com)

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Posted in Care-giver, caregiver, care giver, Photography, Self-care, Survivor | 2 Comments »