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I decided to do one of Marlys’s assignments which is to use a photo as a jumping off point for memoir. The photograph that heads this post was taken by Luanne McMillen, my partner of thirty years.

Up until October, 2001, I had been the photographer in the family. I can remember the date of my release from that responsbility because I was on assignment, shooting photos of a local writing conference. On the second day I was forced to ask Luanne to take the pictures. I could no longer hold the camera steady. For the rest of the weekend I directed, and she graciously complied.

Since that time I still see shots that I’d like to have and sometimes she will take them. But for the most part she’s totally replaced me in selection as well as execution. It was she who took the photos at the Printers Row Book Fair. She’s the one who saw something of interest in the details on the building across the way.

Sure, some of them are hokey. But occasionally, make that frequently, she comes up with some stunners. Like the one above. She can even make a weed look great.

She works the same magic with the bouquets that she takes to work. One day it’s a delicate combination of lilies of the valley and grape hyacinth. The next it’s a blowsy cluster of white peonies punctuated with purple iris. 

You can see more of our gardens and Luanne’s handiwork at MSN’s live space.