I had so many thoughts as I was working through these photos.
The first might be the color of them. When I first started working on them I thought… “Oh my gosh I need to color correct all of these. ”
And then I rethought that..
Because this is smoke. This is what the world looked like that day. It’s not fake. As we got closer to our destination, it got worse. It rolls in and sits for a while until the wind shifts. We describe it as “one of those apocalyptic days” and unfortunately as I have traveled along the front range the last 6 weeks, smoke rolls in. The skies turn orange. And ash falls.
It was the first time I asked them to dust ash off of each other. I hope it’s the last.
Truly 2020.
And since I shoot what I see…. and never really deter from that, this is it.
But aside from the smoke, I see something else.
Something that is one in a million.
First off, they are a family that cherishes one another. Look after one another. Truly. It’s incredible.
Secondly, they have a mother that stops people in their tracks. She is one of the most beautiful women I have ever met. Inside and outside. The first time I met her, she was wearing a fur vest, long before fur vests were a thing. With 4 small children in tow. I ADORED her right away. She has a smolder that can’t be duplicated. She is a tough woman that can kill a badger and has a looks that can kill when heels and makeup are applied (but it’s never needed…. ever) Literally. I hugged her within 30 minutes after I met her and I still hug her and her wonderful husband every time I see them. Even now. Which is a socially unacceptable. I don’t care sometimes. And then we wiped the ash off of each other.
And lastly….
They have a love that poems and sonnets are written about. I can attest to it. I have seen it all these years (they had 4 children when I met them and I was there right away when the other two came along) They are able to shut out chaos for minutes at a time and love each other like I have never seen. She holds his pants pockets. He caters to her. They stare at each other when they think we aren’t looking. It’s pretty incredible…. and can make most anyone envious.
I love you guys
I missed you and I’m so glad I got to experience 2020 with you.
The most beautiful family I have ever known!