Behind the Lens

Walking in Faith

2011-08-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

I captured this image the day after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I do have a good prognosis. The photo seems symbolic to what I'm going through. It gives me serenity. I hope that it is comforting to those who are struggling.

Amazing Wonder

2011-08-17T04:24:00.000-07:00

Sun Dance

2011-08-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

Above the Rim

2011-07-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

Rise and Shine

2011-06-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

Colors

2011-06-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

At Last !

2011-05-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Day Break

2011-04-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

A flock of canadian geese fly over the P& LE Railroad Ohio River Bridge in Bridgewater.

Fishing Village

2011-04-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

I took this photo a few years ago while traveling through Portugal. I wish I could remember the name of the fishing village. It was so beautiful!

Daydreaming !

2011-04-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

My dog Katie always seems so bored I can only imagine what she is daydreaming about.

Full Moon

2011-03-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Ice Storm

2011-02-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011

2011-01-02T05:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! May 2011 bring good health, happiness, love, and numerous blessings to each of you!

Time Out !

2010-11-24T10:14:00.000-08:00

Sandy and Katie in trouble again.

Refelection

2010-11-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

The Power of Prayer

2010-10-22T05:40:00.000-07:00

Fall Sunset

2010-10-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Candle Light

2010-10-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

St.Frances Cabrini Catholic Church

Butterfly

2010-09-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

Blowing Bubbles

2010-08-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

My niece and her friend blowing bubbles. I added a filter to create a different effect.

Fruit

2010-08-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

Turning a Page

2010-08-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

What's done is done and it's time for me to let go, find peace within myself and move forward - focus on the positive and be thankful for what I can do. If I keep looking at the past I will never see the future. So from this point on I plan to post a new photo every week. I can't thank everyone enough for not giving up on me! God bless you all!

Impatiently Waiting

2010-07-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

It’s been a year his month that I have been impatiently waiting to return to my life.The most difficult part is sitting and watching life go by. Yes, I have made some improvements and I am taking an anti viral drug along with weekly IV treatments. I loved running, working, and I lived my life in constant motion, and I loved it. Everything that reflects me as a person has been stripped away.I really struggle at times to hold on to hope.

This should have never happened to me because I did everything I could to stay physically fit and healthy, but it did matter.
I replay all the events the lead up to my medical mishap. Looking back, I should have done my own research before I ever accepted the MS diagnosis.

How do you live after your life is gone? It’s been a very tough year.

On the Right Path

2010-03-19T15:03:00.000-07:00

At last, I have the correct diagnosis and I'm finally getting the proper treatment to take care of the original problem and repair the damage from the wrong medications. In the near future, I'm hoping to be posting a new photo to my blog. Thank you all again for your kind words of support.

Happy New Year !

2010-01-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Your support, prayers and encouragement truly has carried me through this difficult time. I am looking forward to 2010.

Long Journey Home

2009-10-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

I’m still here. I was diagnosed and treated for a disease I do not have. Consequently, that has placed me on a dark and lonely path far from home. Day after day and mile after mile I’m getting closer. With the love of friends and family, I know I’ll make it. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and kind words and support.

Senora, Senora !

2009-08-27T18:03:00.001-07:00

This photo was taken in front of a church in Rome. A sweet old lady sat on the steps, selling prayer cards.

Mount Pilatus, Switzterland

2009-08-19T09:36:00.000-07:00

Since I don't have any recent photos to share, I thought some from my travel archives might be interesting. Mt.Pilatus has a cogwheel train which is the world's steepest with its 48 % gradient passing through five tunnels.
Once we reached the summit, the view was breathtaking. I felt as though I was looking down from heaven. I had forgotten all about my fear of heights once I climbed into a two seater glass cable car for the trip down the 7,000 foot mountain. It was a thrilling unforgettable trip of a life time!

Snail Pace

2009-08-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

Update: Still recovering from Solu medrol treatment. Unfortunately, not as quickly as I had hoped. As with any treatment, there are side effects. I have experienced serveral side effects which seem to be worse than what I was being treated for. I am very anxious to return to work, walk my dog, and take photos. If anyone has first hand experience on this type of treatment, please pass it along.
Thanks to everyone for sending well wishes and positive encouragement.

Living With MS

2009-07-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

I am a photographer. It’s not just a job; it’s who I am. The moment I gripped a camera and covered my first assignment, my life changed in a profound and positive way. After searching for the majority of my adult life for a career that was meaningful to me, I knew this was the path that God had intended.

Unfortunately in September of 2008, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

My first thought was: “Oh no, what does this mean, thousands of people have MS and function normally. I will follow my doctor’s orders and start treatment immediately.” Albeit, that wasn't my deep deep feelings: I was scared, mad and angry. Other than the death of my grandparents, I have never been so low.

Then the heat of summer arrived. Now, I love summer; I live for summer. But, the heat literally paralyzed my body with exhaustion to the point where I could not take a step or lift my head. This, I wasn’t prepared for. I’ve never let fatigue or illness get in the way of my job. But this year, the heat stopped me dead in my tracks.

I’ve been told it’s unprofessional to share my illness. However, I am part of the community in which I work and live. I want to reach out to others who may feel alone. Part of the wonderful experience of my job as a photographer is sharing people’s grief and joy. So I am sharing my grief and joy also.
Recently, I had an episode that placed me immobile. From the severe weakness, I literally collapsed.

Upon high recommendation, I am receiving several consecutive days of intravenious steroid treatment. I am being optimisic that this treatment will restore my life to being active again.
If anyone would like to share information that may be helpful, I’m welcoming it. I joined a support group that will resume in the Fall.

I am going to fight this with everything I have.
It may slow me down but it WILL NOT ROB ME OF MY PASSION !
I'll see you on Friday.

Aiming At Fun

2009-07-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

Logan Williams,gets doused by Kody Oravetz,and Jade Rea,while playing a game during Crocodile Dock vacation Bible school at First Lutheran Church.

2009-07-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

Wild things first baseman Ernie Banks grabs the helmet of Southern Illinois' Jereme Milons instead of the baseball during the game.

Putting The Kick In Kick Ball

2009-07-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Malik Wells, plays kick ball during the LeMoyne Center Camp Challenge.

Canonsburg 4th of July Parade

2009-07-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

Members of The Wonders unicycler club, juggle thier way down Pike Street during the Canonsburg fouth of July parade.

Reserve Unit Bound For Iraq

2009-06-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

U.S.Army Reserve Pfc. Donald Stark hugs his wife,Angela,before boarding a bus with members of his unit bound for Fort Dix,N.J., from the American Legion Post in Washington. The 619th Transportation Company is preparing to deploy to Iraq.

Pfc. Joel Laliberte with his family.

Summer Fun

2009-06-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

Robert Smith, bowls during the Washington Hospital Teen Outreach Summer Program Playground Program. The organization is hosting the program, which runs through July 31. Children may registered by calling 724-222-2311

He Just Keeps Going

2009-06-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ron Beinlich, owner of Triple B Farms of Monongahela, is tending this year's crop in a new self-service orchard where customers can pick their own apples. Read the complete story in the Observer-Reporter.

MS 150 Bike Ride to Lake Erie

2009-06-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank all my family, friends and coworkers who contributed to this cause.

With anticipation and excitement, I waited with hundreds of cyclists for the start of a 2 day journey covering 150 miles. In my mind I was wondering if I could overcome my own personal challenges. It turns out, I'm a much better photographer than a cyclist- MS 150 slideshow

What made this event most extraordinary was the riders. I saw everything from the serious cyclist to the average biker but they all shared a common goal. For some it was more personal, as they wore the names of individuals they were riding for on their shirts. Mile after mile, hill after hill, the riders persevered with such determination to make a difference in the lives of people with MS.

A special thank you to Laurie, Theresa, Lynn !

Photo above is of Mary Lynn Rote from Erie at a rest stop on day one of the ride.

Wild Things vs. Gateway Grizzlies

2009-06-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

Wild Things' pitcher, Sean Heimpel, fires away from the mound against the Gateway Grizzlies at CONSOL Energy Park.

Down The Line

2009-06-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

Nick Cumer returns a winner down the line while playing a match with a friend on the campus of Washington & Jefferson College.

Old Barn

2009-06-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

Vines climb up an old stone barn and into the window at California University.

Busy Bee

2009-05-29T19:00:00.001-07:00

A bee gather pollen at the Zieba family garden full of lupine flowers on Allison Ave. Houston.

A Final Word

2009-05-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Trinity softball coach Linda Redish offers a few words of encouragement for Jordan Shrontz after placing a second-place medal on her following the Hillers' loss to Franklin Regional in the WPIAL Class AAA softball Championship game.

Taking A Shot

2009-05-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Ricky Paterini works on his shot at Richardson Park,Bentleyville.

Opening Night Jitters

2009-05-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Washington's Michael Parker is tagged out at the plate by Erie catcher Nick Maragas in the first inning.

Patiently Waiting

2009-05-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

John Dickerson of Monessen, sits patiently and waits for a nibble, at Ellworth Sportsmen's Club Cokeburg Dam. May 21, 2009

2009-05-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Trinity High School’s Joe Havrilak can’t watch as the Hillers’ WPIAL Class AAA semifinal game against Chartiers Valley comes to an end Tuesday. Chartiers Valley edged Trinity, 4-2. The Hillers can earn a spot in the state tournament by winning the WPIAL’s third-place game next week.

Ride of Their Lives

2009-05-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

Therapeutic horseback riding program aids students with autism.

Chatera Dixon,8, a students at Mon Valley School,a special education center operated by Allegheny Intermediated Unit 3,laughs as she hugs Mae during riding session at Horse 'N Soul Riding Academy in Washington.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

Practice Makers Perfect

2009-05-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

Tiarra Carter-Green,shows her little brother,Cameron how to hula hoop at their home on Ewing Street.

'A Bittersweet Day '

2009-04-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

This image won honors from the Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors in organization's 2009 Photo Excellence Awards. Was awarded second place in the Spot News category for daily newspapers of circulation between 30,000 and 75,000.

The photo,was published September 20,2008 of Justin Prettiman of Buffalo Township, a specialist with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, hugging his daughter, Nicole, 3, before his deployment to Iraq.

Cooling Off

2009-04-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Dontre Palmer, 11, cools off by taking a turn on the waterslide at Lincoln Terrace.

Field of Dandelions

2009-04-25T14:41:00.001-07:00

Emma Malinak walks her dog, Otis, through a field of dandelions at Mingo Creek County Park in Eighty Four.

Coaches Track Meet

2009-04-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Tara Powell, from Burgettstown High School, won first place in the 100 yard hurdles. Holly Mahoney,left, from Trinty High school, took 3rd place during the Coaches Track Meet at Peters Township High School.

Green Pasture

2009-04-17T18:46:00.001-07:00

Fresh air ,blue sky and a green pasture makes great weather for Smokey to horse around at Square Halt Farm on McCarrell Road in Hickory.

Anti-Tax 'Tea Party' Protest

2009-04-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter !

2009-04-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

The best thing about a holiday is spending time with family. My mother shares a kiss with her granddaughter.

Pinwheels for Prevention

2009-04-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

Pinwheels on the lawn of the Washington County Courthouse represent a carefree childhood, according to the county Children and Youth Services agency, which planted a pinwheel "garden" to mark Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Pinwheels for Prevention campaign was begun in conjunction with Prevent Child Abuse America.

Cuts inevitable at Citizens Library

2009-04-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

Earl Flynn reads a newspaper at Citizens Library.

Vacancy

2009-03-24T18:33:00.000-07:00

A bird house in a field along Ridge road in Burgettstown.

Spring at Last

2009-03-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Daffodils spring up along Concord Drive in Washington.

Let it Slide

2009-03-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Triniti Brooks,3,of Houston,enjoys the sliding board at Canonsburg Town Park.

House Fire Kills Ten Dogs

2009-03-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Ten dogs were killed and a woman was injured in a fire at a Donegal Township home, Sunday. An older dachshund, Oscar, suffered burns and smoke inhalation. He was treated at the scene with oxygen administered by firefighters and later taken to a veterinarian.

Barnes- Storming

2009-03-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

Washington's Troy Wilson goes up for a shot against three defenders from Beaver Falls during Saturday's 69-51 victory.

Barn Fire

2009-03-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Firefighters working the scene were eleven goats died in a barn fire on Alamae Lakes Road, South Franklin Township. This is the 5th barn fire in Washington County this year.

Sky Ball

2009-03-06T14:35:00.000-08:00

Walter Holt plays a game of hoops with friends at Dewey Park.

Relay for Life

2009-02-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

Lights illuminate Washington County Courthouse for Purple Light-Up Night, an inaugural American Cancer Society event to honor cancer survivors in connjuction with Relay for Life.

2009-02-20T13:33:00.000-08:00

A barbwire fence along Washington Ave. in Chartiers Township.

Deadly Shooting

2009-02-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

Debra Brown, the aunt to Troy Saunders, stands next to her nephew's memorial at Cabaret West on West Chestnut street in Washington. She spends a quiet moment in disbelief of what happened. Troy was fatally shot and two others wounded outside Cabaret West bar in the West End.

Red Sky

2009-02-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

Red flares light up the night sky at the scene of a fatal accident on Route 519, in Somerset Township.

Melting Meadow

2009-02-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

Icy and snow covers a field on a farm along Carlton Drive in Eighty Four.

Celebration, Steeler Nation !

2009-02-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

James Harrison addresses the faithful, while holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Hines Ward,front, Carey Davis, left, and Nate Washington interact with the crowd during the Steelers victory parade in Pittsburgh.

Chinese New Year

2009-02-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

Grace Romesberg,7,of Berlin, is given a paper hat in the shape of an ox by William Liu of Plum during the Three Rivers Families with Children from China festival. 2009 is the year of the ox.

Big Mac Big Win !

2009-01-30T14:19:00.000-08:00

Canon-McMillan's Nick Catalano ,left, wins the 135 pound bout against Elizabeth Forward's Justin Stonebraker during the WPIAL Class AAA Team Tournament.

Up and In

2009-01-28T17:44:00.000-08:00

Kayla Smith of the Vulcans takes it to the rack as two IUP defenders try unsuccessfully to stop her shot at Hamer Hall.

Keeping The Dream Alive

2009-01-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

Dr.Stephen Sullivan, president of the Ohio State Baptist Convention and a former Friendship Baptist minister speaking at a NAACP's tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Friendship Baptist Church in Washington January 25, 2009

Spring Fever

2009-01-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY students Jonathan John, left, and Adam Miller enjoy an afternoon of hockey on the campus of CAL U.

Circle of Geese

2009-01-20T14:46:00.000-08:00

Geese sit in a circle by a lake along Cherry Valley Road in Burgettstown.

Ahhh, Fresh Snow

2009-01-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

Mr.Rooney, a Scottie and Samantha, an Australian Shepherd play in the snow at Washington Park.

Day of Service

2009-01-18T11:51:00.000-08:00

Washington & Jefferson College students Zac Tamadge, left,and Matt Strehl work at a Humanity site on Ford Street in Washington Saturday in anticipation of the Marthin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Monday, during which 16,000 students across the country are expected to perform volunteer work.

Ice Storm

2009-01-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

Crabapple trees are covered with ice along Ruple Street in Washington.

Happy New Year !

2009-01-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

Let this year be the year I overcome my self doubt, anxiety and fear that I live everyday to it's fullest. When confronted with obstacles, I handle with courage and faith.

I just wanted to thank everyone for logging your comments and e-mails. Wishing you all a happy healthy New Year.

High Power

2008-12-30T12:56:00.000-08:00

A crew for Allegheny Power performs rotuine maintenance work on lines at the corner of McNary Street and East McNutt Street in Houston.

I Got It. No, I Got It !

2008-12-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

Friends Dupree Jenkins, in front, and Eddie Gonzalez, play a game of tag football in the parking lot at Washington High School.

Seasonal Red Sea

2008-12-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

Mary Zuchowski of Richeyville, is tending to a seasonal red sea of poinsettias at Litton's Greenhouses. Mary has worked at the Greenhouses for over half a century in Richeyville.

Cut and Carry

2008-12-21T15:11:00.000-08:00

Mark Kuhn of Washington carries a tree that his son Alex,in background, cut down at Candle Tree Farm near Taylorstown.

"Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa"

2008-12-19T10:11:00.000-08:00

Walt Maddox, an original member of the Marcels, sings "Mona Lisa" during his "Tribute to Nat King Cole" at the Washington County Health Center.

Downhill Racers

2008-12-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

James Hargrove,front, and his friend Dennis Regin, pick up speed as they ride a sled down a hill along Central Avenue in Washington.

Steel Lines

2008-12-08T13:06:00.000-08:00

Jesse Lilly, an employee with Southern Erectors Constructing Inc. of Avella, Pa., is works on the First United Methodist Church of Washington on a office building addition.

Post Season Blues

2008-12-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

California University wide receiver, Marcel Pestano, sits alone on the bench at Adamson Stadium late in the game as the Vulcans lost to Minnesota Duluth in the NACC Divison II semifinals. It was the second year in a row that California came within one win shy of the national championship.

Shiloh

2008-12-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

Meet Mary Gordon and her amazing dog, Shiloh. They will be featured in the December 8th edition of the Observer - Reporter. Make sure to pick up a copy.

Cold Steel

2008-11-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

Construction worker, Ken Downing working on W&J College new Science building.

Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick

2008-11-23T15:08:00.000-08:00

Tom Edison from Washington walks his dog, Inkey, on Jefferson Ave. Inkey loves to carry a stick while he walks.

"First Round One Down"

2008-11-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

Washington & Jefferson College celebrates its 35-29 victory over Christopher Newport in the first round of the NCAA Divison III football playoffs at Cameron Stadium in Washington.

Wide receiver Craig Besong, with football, and teammates Pat Denecke #53 and Adam Zampatti celebrate after one of Besong's touchdowns against Christopher Newport.

Tree Top

2008-11-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

Kevin Staley, an employee with Staley Tree Service from Washington, trims a tree on The Circle in North Franklin Township.

" A Christmas Carol"

2008-11-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

Kevin Milliken, left, plays the keyboard for Jonathan Rohlf while he auditions for Ted and Phyllis Koval, music directors of
"A Christmas Carol " at California University of Pennsylvania.

Perp Walk

2008-11-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

Richard Louis Pruden on his way into the Washington County Courthouse. Prudens charges include attempted homicide for allegedly slashing a man outside a South Strabane Township motel.

Chinese Drangon Dance

2008-11-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

Liz McCracken is the new Dance Director at Washington Arts & Cultural Center. Elizabeth in class with her students practicing a Chinese Dragon Dance at Washington Arts & Cultural Center.

Fall Harvest

2008-11-02T17:58:00.000-08:00

Sam Kraeer, owner of Kraeer Farm, is harvesting feed corn along Davies School Road.

Tibetan Buddhist Monks

2008-10-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Tibetan Buddhist Monks of Gaden Shartse Monastery ,make a stop at Washington & Jefferson College. They are constructing a sand Mandala, Geshe Jampa Norbu,left, and Geshe Kalsang Gyatso at the Olin Art Gallery.