Welcome to the USA

I heard about a family that was going to be adopting five children from Guatemala. I asked if I could follow them while they adjusted to their new lives in the U.S. The first time I met the family, they were just returning from Guatemala after the adoption became legal. Family and friends came to Atlanta to welcome them home. Everyone was crying and hugging. For a second I forgot I was there to take pictures. With tears running down my face, I hugged the mother (who I never met)and introduced myself. "Hi, Congratulations. I'm Jackie the photographer." Awkward. But no one noticed because we were all too busy being happy.

Here's a link to the story (that is on-going at this point and a short slideshow)

http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/102608/met_480941.shtml

Strength

One would think only a superhero would have the strength to tackle some of the great pains that life throws at us. But these women don't have special powers, they're human, just like me, but facing a battle no one should have to endure. I don't know how they do it, but I've been truly inspired by their strength and courage.

Sherry, a mother and a wife, recently diagnosed with breast cancer.







And June, a grandmother, raising her granddaughter who is a victim of shaken baby syndrome.







VIEW JUNE AND SEPTEMBER'S SLIDESHOW:

Soldiers Homecoming

At work, I'm known to whine every and now and then. But on days when I get to witness moments like this, I'm reminded of how lucky I am to be doing what I do.

More People Not Like Me

I went to this assignment tonight with an open mind, as I always try to do whenever I am introduced to something that seems to contradict my own beliefs. I'm finding more and more people don't think like me, and that's OK. It's one of the reasons why I enjoy living here- and one of the reasons why I don't.

There's Something Called the Redneck Games?

Yep, there sure is. And we decided to embrace southern culture and head to East Dublin, GA to check it out.

There were lots of confederate flags



and people dancing with beer guts




There were proud people, like the man on the right who just won the watermelon seed spitting contest, and the one on the left who is just proud.




We had the opportunity to witness a redneck wedding. Rumor has it that they met in the mud pit last year.








After the ceremony, the happy couple belly-flopped into the very same mud pit



and so did everybody else









Covered in mud, we took our newly discovered appreciation for rednecks to bonjangles for chicken and biscuits, discussing next year's plan to be there in time for the bobbin'for pigs feet competition.

YEEHAW!

It takes a really long time to get back where we came from

We took a road trip back to the Northeast.



went to a Sox game


and bought souvenirs


drove



saw a lot of my feet,


old friends


and some new


waited for the rain to stop in Annapolis


made a few stops


and drove some more

1 pool is not enough

It's hot here. 92 degrees today- supposedly that's cool for this time of year.

Asha wanted a pool. But likes to use it as a giant water bowl.









I wanted a pool. Our neighbor has a nice one, in ground with a diving board. I used to peek over the fence and dream big. Then I took my $14.00 to Target and bought a whale pool. But it won't stay inflated. Asha likes that one. So I use hers.

Meet Asha

She's a lab/viszla mix, about a year old. Her favorite toy is Mr. Turtle. She enjoys barking up trees at the birds and burying bones in the backyard.