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A photographer and graphic designer, June uses her talents to raise awareness and money to support worthwhile causes. Follow
me on Twitter:
a few BOOK REVIEWS Writer's Digest
Review: Charlotte Observer
Newspaper: "June has found
a positive message for herself in this disease; one that has allowed her
to become a vehicle to strengthen and enlighten others. For that, I
commend her and hope that you will embrace her journey." "This story is a view
into the life of a woman who has the guts and ability to share her
experiences. I admire June’s honesty and courage to tell her story, and
related to much of what she’s written. The book made me smile as well as
shed a tear." "...a vivid,
beautifully written story of your courageous battle - a book of truth,
humor, sorrow and inspiration. I enjoyed it thoroughly and would recommend
it to anyone who has overcome or struggled with adversity and pain.
And I ask you, who among us has not had to wrestle with issues? Good luck
to you." |
April
2011 Some people ask me how I came to choose to support Healthy Child Healthy World (HCHW) and the Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation (ADRLF). Like anything in life, we learn of things through introductions: friends, reading, the internet, etc. I could easily say it is because I am a huge fan of Shonda Rhimes and of Grey's Anatomy. The Callie and Arizona storyline is one of my favorites to follow and I have admired the talents of the actresses who portray them (Sara Ramirez and Jessica Capshaw) before they were on the show, but even more now. While searching the web one ridiculously boring day, I came across these two organizations. Jessica's husband, Christopher Gavigan, was (at that time) CEO of HCHW, and Sara's best friend, Al, passed away from liver cancer. Sara created the ADRLF foundation with other friends in Al's honor. Well, Al passed away one year to the day that one of my very, very best friends, C. Vanessa Baxter, succumbed to pancreatic cancer. Vanessa was an incredible human being. A former TV reporter, and public relations professional, Vanessa was extremely intelligent, fun and funny - just an absolutely wonderful spirit and someone who believed in and encouraged me. I miss her all of the time. All of the time. And it will be in her honor that I support ADRLF. I support HCHW for a different reason. In 1993, I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, an auto immune disease. Since that initial diagnoses, I have developed several other chronic illnesses. Each changed my life in many ways but they do not define me or stop me from dreaming. The diseases have no cure, but it has been indicated that the cause of several of my challenges may be environmental. It is because of this assumption that I support HCHW. I do not want to see my grandchildren (well, I don't have grandchildren yet - but I am that old), or any child, suffer from any disease that can be avoided - possibly. I don't know if any cleaning products or ways in which foods were processed during my youth have contributed to my disease, but they very well could have. As our society learns and grows, and we allow ourselves to become educated, we make different choices...if we can. So, if there is anything I can do to bring awareness, bring change, or bring hope to others...I will do that. So, throughout 2011, I will be conducting special thematic photography sessions - one centered on children playing and appreciating life with a portion of the proceeds supporting HCHW, and then I will conduct a photography session in Al and Vanessa's honor which will serve to appreciate love, life and adventure. We are not promised tomorrow...so why not live for today. Until next time. June
March 2011 Someone, whose insights I usually listen to and appreciate, told me they thought my photography needed to be ‘edgier’. He said, “I know about five photographers in Atlanta, and only one – not even the best one – gets the most work because he is edgy.” I listened to his assessment and started to
think about how that concept fit in my world.
What does it mean to be edgy?
Is it, daring? Provocative?
Trendsetting? One
photographer says edgy is ‘anything that pushes the boundaries of conventional tastes’
another says that being edgy means ‘manipulating a photograph for
shock value or to create an impressionist painting from a
photograph’. I say all of that to say this. The best shot I take of you is the one you didn’t even know I took. Look at your own photos from parties or family gatherings. The photos you will look at are the ones where Uncle Joe has the biggest wide open smile, or Grandma Jane is tearing up from the hug from her grandchildren. Honest. I will choose honesty over edgy any day. And, if that is what you are looking for as well, call me. Let’s capture life together.In the meantime…be well and be happy. December 2010/January2011 What a great time of the year to start new
relationships, repair torn ones, or just let someone know they are
always in your heart. One of the more difficult things to do in
life is to actually tell someone how you feel. To be honest and
heartfelt can be scary. To appear vulnerable or to share your
feelings without hurting someone can be challenging. Many people
struggle with how to voice their love, apology, or concern. Well…let’s start with you. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes…in their life. It’s easy to tell someone what you think they should do, or how they should feel. Instead, how about opening the opportunity to appreciate what they may be feeling…or how they may take it. Instead of saying, “You never go to the doctor and if something happens to you…we have to take care of you! Why would you be so selfish?” How about “We really care about you and want you to be in our lives. Let me go to the doctor with you.” Close your eyes, and act out in your mind how you would want someone to reach out to you. If someone hurt you emotionally, and wanted to make amends, what would that someone need to say to you to make that happen? Instead of saying, “You know you were wrong, but I’m willing to forgive you so we can be friends again.” Maybe you say, “I have missed you so much, and I want to get past this hurt we are both feeling. Can we get together to talk?” You don’t have to write something long. Short and sweet is always best. Try to get someone to think about what you are saying instead of reacting to it (unless it’s going to be a big kiss…nothing wrong with that!) Honest Reflections is an introduction for you to reach out to someone ‘when you just can’t find the words’. We hope you will come to us when you need a little help. And, if you need something a little more customized, email us. We can talk about that as well. Honest Reflections can be found at camerajunkie.com. In the meantime…be well and be happy. |
