Many love the world of fantasy and make-believe. It provides an opportunity to escape and to see beyond our normal vision. I am grateful for the medium of photography that allows me to be creative and to show parts of the world in a new, even surreal fashion.

Oregon Coast at Sunset

I have often heard my wife thank God for His beautiful creations. Beautiful creation is not the first description that comes to mind when thinking of turkey vultures. A turkey vulture does not have a beautiful face or a calming name but in flight it is most graceful and smooth. In flight it is truly beautiful. I am thankful to experience some of God’s beauty such as the peaceful flight of this turkey vulture.

I have been blessed with wonderful siblings, two brothers and two sisters. Yesterday was Cindy’s birthday. I am thankful for her love and kindness to me. Happy Birthday Cindy!

My son Alan and I spoke tonight about the gift of sight that many of us enjoy and for the most part take for granted. It is a gift to experience color and brightness and shape. I hope I can always have a grateful heart for the simple pleasures of life.

Bishop Darin Swainston will be released this Sunday after four and a half years as the bishop of the Redrock Single Adult Ward. I am thankful for his profound effect on our sons before and during his tenure as bishop. He has been a kind and faithful stewart, filled with light and hope. One of his most important spiritual gifts is that of optimism. Through that gift, he has blessed me and my family in abundance. Bishop Swainston, I thank you and your dear wife for your dedicated service and for your love.