Love Wins
Sometimes right in the middle of life you find
yourself in a place you never imagined before.
Saturday, March 2, 2013 was a day
a little different from most
of my regular weekend activities.
I had volunteered to run by and take a few pics of
the Mineral Wells Class of 1974 and
a very special lady,
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| a beautiful cake for a beautiful lady |
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| The gathering of the class of '74 was a huge success and thanks to the woman who asked if I would take a picture! Many of you came and went throughout the day and into the evening and you may not be in this picture but know that your presence was appreciated!! |
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| Karen, with a heart filled with gratitude.... |
As I pulled up in front of the American Legion building I was instantly
blown away by the number of cars.....
I grabbed my camera and headed
towards the inside and the first
live auction was in full swing...
The stuff, the people, the electricity in the
room pulled me in quickly.....
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| Yvonne and Dru busy recording the auction results |
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| goodies for the auction.... |
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| Tina Mitchell and Karen Roy Rhyneer |
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| Randy Shank and Pam Moore |
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| and the auction continues..... |
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| Donna Fisher Mitchell |
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| more donations! |
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| such a beautiful quilt and stitched in love..... |
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| posing one more time with the quilt..... |
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| With all our love, from the Class of 1974 |
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| Becky Crowley Foley |
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| The first auction.... |
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| Karen with her son, Shane |
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| The food line continues..... |
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| peppers galore |
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| Wally Bailey |
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| Gail Martin Hall |
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| Yummy food! Wally Bailey was more than willing to stop and pose for a pic! |
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| Morgan, Michaela, Krista & Megan The 2nd young lady is Karen's granddaughter |
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| Karen embracing another friend..... |
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| Vickie Kidwell |
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| many, many items being auctioned off.... |
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| This lady was very excited about winning the bid! |
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| Vanna doesn't have a thing on this young lady that kept the items moving.....! |
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| Amy Thompson, friend of Karen's wins a door prize drawing! |
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| Silent auction items..... |
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| more silent auction items..... |
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| sooo many items.... |
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| Debbie Davis Mann Vicki Kidwell Caren Jo Creighton Haynes |
Thirty Nine years and counting I found myself
trying to turn back the pages of the calendar.....
Faces, so many faces, faces from my past,
and a few that live in my present
but mostly faces I was
pretty sure I
should
know!
Funny thing how that works, some didn't know me either!
The flood of emotions engulfed me as I attempted to make
a pass through a very packed audience.....
What the Class of '74 had
envisioned, planned, worked,
talked, shared, and
dreamed about
was
reality!
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| Skeeter (Sherry Ward) McMinn presents a gift from the class of '74. A mirror that has boot tops placed around the frame...... |
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| Karen listens intently as Skeeter speaks..... |
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| Karen is overwhelmed with gratefulness...... |
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| the guests are encouraged to autograph the boots...... |
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| giving her the mirror..... |
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| Chelese, Karen's daughter signs her name |
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| Chelese and Shane pause for a quick picture..... |
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| more autographs.... |
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| mother and daughter |
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| Chelese was attentive to her mothers needs.... |
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| Mike Walters pauses to leave his signature.... |
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| and gives Karen a hug..... |
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| Karen and Mike have a moment to exchange a few words..... |
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| Becky and Tina stay busy the entire day and evening greeting guests as they come in. |
ALS
....
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
......
Lou Gehrig's disease
........
is a neurological illness that is
brutal and unforgiving
ALS does not affect the senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch)
Karen's keen eye movement, and her ability to think and reason were very much intact. Her smile, laughter, hugs and appreciation were
humbling. Her gentleness, compassion and love that she poured
out all afternoon and into the evening hours was admirable.
No one would have found fault had she only made a brief appearance.
Karen, I think I can safely speak for your classmates, friends
and family in commending you for
your strength, your courage
and
your
steadfastness!
humbling. Her gentleness, compassion and love that she poured
out all afternoon and into the evening hours was admirable.
No one would have found fault had she only made a brief appearance.
Karen, I think I can safely speak for your classmates, friends
and family in commending you for
your strength, your courage
and
your
steadfastness!
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| American Legion Post 75 |
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| lots of yummy baked goods were auctioned off too.... |
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| perfect weather...... |
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| Shane and Karen slip outside for a few minutes.... |
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| Shannon Sweet Bailey and Dawn Hood Phillips |
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| Dan Burns the Drummer making his way in to the crowded building..... |
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| Shirley Sublett |
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| Kathy Crowley Fossen Debbie Marsden Brown |
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| Weldon Grieve (Brenda Grieve Rushton's Daddy) |
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| Keith Boyd |
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| the food! |
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| silent auction |
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| Denise & Cliff Sims |
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| Wayne Hall |
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| Mike Brooks |
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| Gary Hampton |
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| Melanie Tommerlin |
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| Laura Popko Martin '77 Randy Martin's bride |
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| Dana Landers |
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| Elvis was in the building with JoAnn Helterbran Peaden |
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| Karen Roy Rhyneer Karen Blondell Jarrett Shannon Holder Cavness |
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| Rhonda Baker Patterson Mike Walters Dru Purcell Chandler |
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| re-run! |
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| Denise Thomas McDonald |
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| Sylvia Vines McMinn Debbie Eichler |
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| Sylvia & Debbie |
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| Nancy Colwell Strain |
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| first take... |
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| 2nd take and a smiling Russell Whatley '72 |
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| 1st glance |
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| re-take! Kenny Furr married to Brenda Smith '74 |
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Randy Ezell in intense conversation trying to ignore me! |
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| one of the many auction items |
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| Bennie Fossen & Randy Shank |
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| Add caption |
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| Ricky Hill giving Sylvia a hug.... |
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| Add caption |
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| Debbie |
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| Debbie Hobbs Jenkins & husband, |
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| Chelese reading Karen's thank you note.... |
"It's been said many times many ways and today I say it with my heart full of love, thank you, thank you, thank you. I am beyond grateful for all the support and love that surrounds me here today and What a perfect day The Lord has given us to love one another.
God gave me this journey to live and I'm so thankful He gave me all of you to help me along the way. His grace is a beautiful thing.
I appreciate every single thought out detail of this day and all the days leading up to this very moment for the opportunity to be here with all of you. I love each and everyone of you. I can't express this enough.
As I live out God's will for my life I will be at peace because of all the love surrounding me. He has blessed me with the best family and friends I could ever want. All of you are a stepping stone He has provided to me for the strength I need.
Dru & Skeeter have done a terrific job putting this whole thing together. There were so many people involved I can't possibly name each of you one by one but each person here has equal thanks for all you did.
We all know and believe that prayer is a very powerful thing. God is greater than ALS and if it is His will I have a very long life to live here with all of you. Either way thank you all for touching my life. We will all be in heaven together one glorious day.
I love you all and God bless each of you all."
Karen
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| the emotions were intense.... |
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| this picture speaks volumes.... |
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| gratefulness...... Pat Goodwin Hill, Karens sister n law and family |
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| friends listen to Karen's words... |
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| tears...... |
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| sobering moments..... Rikke Long |
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| Debbie Marsden Brown |
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| Karen Hinkle Griggs listens and watches... |
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| such a hero! |
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| .....let the picture speak for itself....... |
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| love poured forth..... |
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| blowing a kiss...... |
Cody Robbins Band
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| Mr. Cody Robbins, himself! |
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| Dan Burns, always in perfect tempo! |
More hugs and smiles and chatting with friends and family.....
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| Shane White |
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| Susan Perrin Filina |
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| Add caption |
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| Randy Martin |
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| JohnLarimore to the left |
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| John Larimore to the right! |
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| Gary Hampton and his lovely wife, Teresa |
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| Terry Meeks |
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| Gary and Teresa stepping out.....! |
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| Karen Hinkle Griggs & her husband |
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| having fun.... |
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| Karen and Dru pose for a picture.... |
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| Dru, Tina, Karen & Skeeter |
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| Karen with her grandson, Ryan Bell |
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| Ryan was a good sport about this! |
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| Karen and her grandaughter, Michaela |
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| pretty smiles for pretty ladies..... |
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| three generations..... |
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| Karen, Chelese and Michaela three generations |
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| hands to hold |
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| Dru, Reagan Lawrence & Susan Perrin Filina |
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| Alonzo Washington |
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| Alonzo was still moving his feet to the beat of the band..... |
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| tickets for the door prize drawings..... |
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| Alonzo stops to visit with Karen |
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| and rides off into the sunset.... |
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| Donna & Randy Mallory with Karen Amy Dillard & Amy Thompson |
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| Amy and Amy give or try to give Karen a kiss! |
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| somebody is about to give up some cash for this item.... |
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| Donna, Randy, Karen, Amy & Amy |
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| told you so! |
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| Sue poses with Donna and the cross she just won! |
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| And Dan leaves the building |
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| Karla Peaden Gaskill, Michel Allen White and Karen |
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| Gary paying for his items.... |
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| look at that million dollar smile! Greg Sublett |
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| Wayne Pearson Mitchell Huffaker |
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| Sherry Parkey Autum Kelley Cemi Jo Parkey |
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| Debbie & Brenda |
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| This was the second auction! |
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| Going once, going twice, SOLD!!! |
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| What is this we have? |
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| Barbara Tucker Pennington & Skeeter |
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| friends |
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| Randy, The Chef! |
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| BBQ and the trimmings |
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| Suzie Saunders Taylor |
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| Karen Hinkle Griggs |
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| Thomas Birt |
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| Add caption |
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| Karen & Co. |
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| Becky Crowley Foley & Sherri Daughtery Damico |
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| Becky Thomas |
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| Yvonne & Brenda |
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| Lisa Ratto Able |
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| Lisa |
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| Lisa |
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| a cross for the auction |
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| embracing friendship |
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| and embracing a little yummy food! |
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| art.... for sale |
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| Thomas Birt |
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| Greg & Shirley Sublett |
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| silent auction |
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| silent auction..... jewelry |
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| more silent auction items |
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| Cinda McConnell Parenti Class of '74 |
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| Denise & Stanley Mears |
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| Karen, Lisa ?, Mike Hill and Karen |
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| Karen and her cousin, Mike Hill share a tender moment..... |
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| here's to the class of '74 a job well done..... |
Karen
Pheobe Gardenhire Thomas
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| caring out some good stuff..... |
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| Karen and Thomas |
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| listening to the band..... |
Snuff Garrett
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| Vicki and Karen |
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| Karen & Dale Brooks |
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| Mike Hill purchasing some really neat stuff! |
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| Stephanie White |
Diversity
1. the state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness. 2. variety; multiformity. 3. a point of difference
Just some of my randomness is going to pop in right here....
I think one of the things that I love about America is the diversity of our people. We are all different, but when we choose to come together and help someone we can lay aside those differences and become a strong, distinct force. The benefits can be enormous. This day was no exception!
Mike Brooks
Big River
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| Cale Isham |
The evening continues with fun, fellowship and good music......
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| "Lean on Me!" Mark Spoon leaning on Chuck |
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| Billy O'Dell friend of Cinda McConnell Parenti |
with 50 Thick.....
50 Thick
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| Shane White |
More friends from the class of '74.....
still smiling at the end of the day!!
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| Susan Allen with her daughter, Michel Allen White |
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| Donna |
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| Laughter is always good......! |
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| Skeeter |
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| Dru and Barb Tucker Pennington |
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| Shaunna |
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| Shaunna & Suzie Saunders |
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| At the end of the evening I turned around just in time to see this group of ladies doing a group high five...... "we did it!" |
successful event. You gave over and beyond
and it is appreciated more
than you can know! Your time, your resources, your words
of encouragement, all of the little gestures
came together to make
a full canvas of color!
please note: It is not our intent to overlook anyone and if we did please let us know and we will be happy to add their name to the list, however
many chose to remain anonymous.
continue on down the page to see the end of this blog....
50 Thick Band
American Legion Post 75
Anna Rae - Mary Kay
Andrea Smeyers - Beauty Boutique Salon
AT&T
Auto Zone
Avon Store - Lisa Clutts
Awesome Blossom
Bargins Home and Gardens
Betty Fox - 2nd Street Salon
Beads By Keisha Henry
Beall's
Beauty Boutique - Kandi Wallis
Bennetts Printing
Big River Band
Black Horse Restaurant
Body Wrap - Stephanie Randall
Brazos Animal Hospital
Brazos Catfish Cafe
Brazos Cinema
Brazos Market & Bisto
Bronze Goddess
Budweiser
Carmens Gifts
Cat's Creations
Charlsee Blocker - Bargain Barn & Salon
Cheryl Larson - Queen Bee
Chic-Fila
Chili's
Clark Gardens
Coco's Tanning & Boutique
Cody Robbins Band
Coles Flowers
Comet Cleaners
Cookie Canvas
Country Club
Cowboy Supply - Danny Mason
Crosses By Anna Nail
CVS
Dairy Mart
Dakotas Hair Salon
Davis City Pharmacy
Debbie Brown
Dee's Diner
Doggone Debbie's Groomer
Dominos
Dos Gypsy's
Double H Tire
Downtown Video
El Paseo
Famous Water
First Financial Bank
Freeze Carpet
Fresh & Fruit Bouquet
Furrs Lumber Company
Fuzzy Tacos
Gingersnaps Photography
Glover Cathy - 2nd St. Salon
Golden Chic - Hudson Oaks
Golden Chic - Mineral Wells
Graford Cafe
Graford Cafe
Harris Dental
Hatchknife BBQ
Hay Station
Hickey Dairy Queen
Images by Teresa
Jeri's Bakery
Jimmy's Cafe
K Nails
Kathy Froehmer - 2nd Street Salon
Katrina's
Keg 1 O'Neals
Kelly Stults - Kelly & Company Hair Salon
Kwik Lube - Mineral Wells
Lake LBJ Yacht Club @Horseshoe Bay
Lauren Deaver - Beauty Bouquet Salon
Learn n Tree Health Store
Leslie Hutton @ Kelly & Company Salon
Linda Harding - Avon
Margaret Terry - Source 1 Real Estate
Mellalucca - Karen Shadden
Merrimac & North
Michael McInroe Construction
Mesquit Pit
Miche Bags - Dannette Jimenez
Mineral Wells Office Supply
Mountaineer Lanes
Mrs. Kitty Cyote
My Fathers Business
O'Riely's
Old School Pizza
Outback Steak House
Palo Pinto Hospital Gift Shop
Paridise Pizza
Penny's Florist
Pet Sense
Pitt Photography
PK Nails
Powell Ford
Premier Designs - Karen Mori
Premier Designs - Hanna Ramsey
Pulido's
R D Beauty Supply
Rada Grimes - Mary Kay
Randi Berackney - Beauty Bouquet Salon
Randy Ezel - Cooked the Meal
Randy & Donna Mallory - Pork for the Benefit
Randy's Auto
Rebecca Patterson - Eye Optical
RebeccaTurner - 2nd Street Salon
Rhonda Hart - Massage Therapy
Rockin S Bar
Roylynn's Hair Salon
Samsill
Sandra Mitchell - Avon
Selina's Restaurant PK
Shane Slimp
Selina's Restaurant PK
Shane Slimp
Sheena Terrell - Mary Kay
Shelby Sapp - Blocker's Bargain Barn & Salon
Shires
Simms Lumber
Singnature Cuts Weatherford
Snuff Garrett Band
Singnature Cuts Weatherford
Snuff Garrett Band
Solaris Hospice
Steels
Stella Dot- Michelle Harvell
Strain Electric
Studio 107
Suddenlink
Supreme Donut Shop
Sutherlands
Sylvia's Massage
Tattered Teddy Bear
Tennelle Kelley - Beauty Bouquet Salon
Texas Butane
Texas Butane
The Bead Barn
Thirty One Melissa Davis
Tommy's
Tonya Gary Mary Kay
Tractor Supply
Trading Post Grocery
Verizon Mineral Wells
Wal-Mart
Wells Expess Cleaners
Witschorke's Antiques
"Love Wins, Love Always Wins"
Morrie Schwartz
"In closing I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the
class of 1974
for allowing me to capture a few memories for you and preserving an
act of love and compassion for a fellow classmate. Truly, together you have achieved a great accomplishment! Karen, my dear lady, you are loved, respected, & you are a friend to many. This day is recorded in the memories of many. Truly you float
equally between the diverse universe of people that your
life touches!
It was my pleasure and honor to photograph you. Your transparency of
humbleness, gratefulness & faith continue
to be your inner beauty that
reflects your outward
beauty!"
Teresa
from the class of '75
"... if you're trying to show off for people at the top forget it. They will look down at you anyhow. And if you're trying to show off for people at the bottom, forget it. They will only envy you. Status will get you nowhere. Only an open heart will allow you to float equally between everyone."
Morrie Schwartz
Summing it all up, fiends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Phillippians 4:8-9 message
Preserving Priceless Moments
for the next generation…
©Images by Teresa
"Above all, I craved to seize the whole essence, in the confines of one single photograph, of some situation that was in the process of unrolling itself before my eyes."
-Henri Cartier-Bresson
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All pictures on this blog were taken by me, unless otherwise stated. Occasionally I may take a photograph of another artists's work and if I have not given credit where credit is due, please let me know! I will be happy to make that correction or remove the picture from my webpage.
Making copies is NOT right and right clicking with your mouse and saving my work to your computer is not right either!
I, as well as other photographers, work hard to make your memories special. Avoid embarrassing moments by calling me first if you are interested in duplicates or using my work elsewhere. Then we can discuss your options.
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Thank you, for your consideration!
Teresa
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