"Mom! Hollywood needs your studio!"

My son Derrick never ceases to amaze me. But when he finally got a call through to me (after leaving messages on all my electronic devices) I thought he was joking. Or talking about one of his many friends; it seems they all have nick-names. His latest (that I know of) is Hippie. I find that hilarious because when I first started teaching high school art, the kids (and Mrs. Ann Thornhill) often called me "That Hippie Teacher". And what does that have to do with my Portrait of the Month? Everything! Let me explain...

This Peggie's Portrait of the Month Isn't Really a Portrait

Well, technically it is, but it's not the kind I'm accustomed to creating. It isn't in tack sharp focus. It has a bit of 'clutter' in it. I had no part in setting it up. It wasn't commissioned nor purchased. But, it represents many of the reasons I love working for myself! And how connections are made. And how treating people the way you want to be treated is the way to live. And how being in the right place at the right time is useless unless you've done the work to be prepared when those moments present.

Maybe he said "Hollerwood needs your studio!"

Derrick makes great music with Joe Murphy of Trifecta Productions. Until the day I captured this photo, Joe, Derek, Chad, and Josh had just been names Derrick mentioned in conversations. I'd seen them on YouTube and felt an affinity to them, but never imagined that they would spend a whole day in my studio! And then Derrick called to set a whirlwind in motion. And now, should the occasion ever arise, I can interject that I have played hostess to a piece of a Hollywood production. An itty-bitty part. But every large thing is made up of lots of small things. And that is how I'm building my business. Small step by small step. I'm a small town girl from the head of a 'holler'. I'm from a small state much maligned and misrepresented. And none of that has hindered me in the least! If anything, I am better as a result of my experiences. And that is why I love this photo of And that is why I love this photo of Raaime Barker!

Old Friends and New Friends Keep Life Interesting

Raaime has been a family friend since forever. His knowledge of history and political history, plus his ability to weave a story is legendary. My photo of him was taken during a lull in an interview facilitated and recorded by Trifecta Productions. During the filming, as Raamie expounded on many of the truths and untruths of our shared history, I experienced a profound sense of Mountaineer Pride in my Mountaineer Heritage and upbringing! There is much more to this story, but I'm not at liberty to divulge it... Not now. But if you go check out Trifectal Productions, you'll be able to figure it out.

And if you want to see some more behind the scenes photos...

Feel free to look at them on my personal facebook page.

One of the most important women in my life is now a memory.

Alice Andersen Adams came to Logan County, WV before I was born. Long before I was born! She came from Holland, Michigan, with her sister Marian, and along with Fred and Vera Staples of New York, founded Striker Bible Church. Marian later left to be a Missionary Nurse in Peru; the Staples went on to other churches and ministries, but Alice stayed. And hundreds (probably thousands) of grateful people join me now as we celebrate her life of service and mourn her passing.

This photograph is from October, 2009. It is one I treasure now more than ever. How thankful I am that Alice, Marian, and their sister Ann permitted me to photograph them while Alice was still able to be out and about. While she was still able to sit up and enjoy a few minutes of conversation. Before it was too late.

Heaven has gained another Saint. I hope we, her spiritual children and co-workers, can in some small measure join forces and accomplish at least a part of what she did. Thank you, Alice. How we will miss you.

Logan Banner Obituary