Day 8 of 30 Days of Gratitude albeit a day late

I am grateful that I have this space to share what’s on my mind and that when I set a challenge I can alter the postings as needed.

Yesterday there was no way I could post after a very long and hectic day so I’m keeping my challenge by writing two posts.

Brittani Bo Baker graces the cover of the latest edition of Phenomenal Woman Magazine. (Photo by Shelley M. Shockley)
Brittani Bo Baker graces the cover of the latest edition of Phenomenal Woman Magazine. (Photo by Shelley M. Shockley)

This first post is about Phenomenal Woman Magazine. I have the honor and pleasure of serving as the editor of this publication, and I hope that this post will prompt you to check it out. Click here to check it out. Thanks to this publication I can also count Photographer as a job, so I am able to practice two of my favorite passions.

Gearing up for Portraits of Hope 2014

Day 6 in My 30 Days of Gratitude

I am grateful to have family and friends that join me annually in presenting this great event.

In one short month Cleveland’s Portraits of Hope 2014 will take place at the Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland’s Harbor Light facility. This is the third year we have joined forces with this wonderful organization to be a part of the international Help-Portrait movement.

Ladies on a mission
Grateful to these ladies for restoring my faith in the Help-Portrait Cleveland project. Seat (l-r) Stephanie Briggs and Angela Townsend. Standing (l-r) Bele’ Wondwossen, Keshia Johnson and Angela Tucker.

Photographers, graphic designers, make-up artists and other volunteers have given of their time, equipment and love to bring smiles to the faces of mothers and children in transition.

The bright smiles of youth were captured by Photographer Stephanie Briggs.
The bright smiles of youth were captured by Photographer Stephanie Briggs.

The mission of Help-Portrait is for photographers, make-up artists and others to skills and tools to give back to the community. Please join our efforts. If you are interested please leave your contact information in the comments section.

Volunteers Yalinda and Sharyn assess the day's activities.
Volunteers Yalinda and Sharyn assess the day’s activities.

The photos interspersed in this post are from previous events.

From Where I Stand – Day 5 of my 30 Days of Gratitude

Euclid Creek
From where I stand life is really good!

On this the fifth day of my Gratitude Challenge I am grateful to live in the northeast section of these United States. Many are beginning to set into a fall-winter malaise due to plummeting temps and a lack of sunlight.

I relish wrapping up in wool, layering and cuddling by the fire. This you see is my favorite time of the year and I love it. Nature begins to slow down, unwind and get ready for her annual hibernation.

From Where I Stand

The air is crisp

The sun is bright

Burnt orange, gold and green

Are the colors surrounding me

Damp air and muted sounds

Abound as I cherish the last

of nature’s most beautiful season.

Fall colors
A reason to smile – the golden hue of fall.

Staying on track! Day 4 of 30 Days of Gratitude

Tonight I am mentally and physically drained so I will just share the deep sense of gratitude I have for Election Day. Many before me have lost their lives to ensure that am able to cast a ballot in each eletion.

This is right I take seriously even when the candidate I am supporting doesn’t win.

Thank you to all the men and women who sacrificed so much for this right.

Until we meet again I send peace and blessings,