How it started
On March 21, 2017, my 72-year old mother (and best friend) suffered a stroke. After a neurosurgeon removed a clot that was blocking blood flow to her brain, she had full mobility again and was coherent. Moments later, Mama abruptly lost consciousness. A CT scan showed a second, much larger clot had traveled to her brain. Because of the medications they'd already given her, the doctor was unable to remove this massive clot.
I stayed with her that first night as her brain slowly died. The doctors said Mama couldn't understand or hear but I respectfully disagree. Her eyes were closed yet the right side of her mouth raised when I told her funny stories. Her forehead creased in to a frown when someone said she was dying. And, in the middle of the night, as the nurses took her blood and said her name, she opened her eyes for mere seconds. I told her I was there and she looked right at me before quickly closing her eyes again. I have to believe she knew I was with her.
On the morning of March 23, my siblings and I stepped in to the hall so Dad could be alone with Mom. I don't know what he said but it must have given Mama comfort because it was then, at 10:30 a.m. ET, that she quietly and peacefully passed.
On the day of Mom's funeral, there was a rainbow. And we saw a gorgeous sunset as we drove home. I took a few pictures on my phone because I knew Mama was talking through that sunset. And I continued to see signs of her everywhere -- in the clouds, on the beach, in the park. I started to take pictures every time I sensed her presence.
When it "clicked" (pun intended)
I've always loved photography and my father had a darkroom in the basement when I was a kid. But I never had time to do anything with my photos. Near the end of summer 2017, it hit me. I had all these pictures, and my head was overflowing with stories and memories. So I took a quick online photography course, learned some new skills, and started journaling through my photos combined with short stories.
I hesitantly showed a few photos and stories around and was pleasantly surprised at the responses. In September 2017, I started selling my limited edition landscape prints and stories online.
A second "exposure" (and a second intended pun)
In early 2018, several friends asked if I had postcards or greeting cards featuring local photography. I realized folks wanted to share the beauty of the southeast with others but our community was lacking in gifts unique to the area. So I started making stationery products and was pleasantly surprised at the response to these products at local shows. Shortly thereafter, I received two requests for photo coasters. I first made ceramic tile coasters but I knew I could do better. After many (and I mean MANY) attempts, I perfected a process to create beautiful wooden coasters with a glasslike finish. Since I'm always looking for a new challenge, I then moved on to other home accessories like wine glass charms and wine bottle stoppers. Then I started creating jewelry -- necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
I find great satisfaction in creating these fun little gifts and decided to officially make this a second part of my business a few short months after my first stationery projects. I'm constantly trying out new ideas so you never know what will pop up in my inventory next!
