We Are One! Seeing love and beauty in this world is what I try to focus on with my pictures. I try to capture the pure essence of the subject and allow you to see the pure "LOVE" that surrounds each of us each day. We miss these moments most of the time.

As I find myself waking up on the other side of the planet in Beijing, China, I ask myself...."what have I done?".

This is around 6 am, May 2008, when I have just entered this totally unknown world and what would become the GREATEST adventure of my life to date!

I was dropped off within the heart of Beijing, China along with my dog, Ricky at an apartment complex that had a large courtyard areas on each side. There was a large iron gate to entrance of our complex with what appeared to be guards. This would be a site I would see every day as the months went on. Guards every where but none that wore any weapons. They are basically just standing around to watch ALL the people and monitor, I am sure.

Mr. and Mrs. Wang took care of my dog and she loved us! Even though we never spoke a word, we knew! She would leave Ricky treats in the cabinet during the day when she would take him for a walk in the park. The park was part of the original Great Wall within the city. The Wang's even attempted to get me to leave Ricky with them when I left when they took me to eat at the Peking Duck Restaurant by way of their translator. We cried when I left!

Then there was the garbage man that was the very first person to be nice to me and even helped me carry my bags from shopping to my apartment. I had to furnish everything that I had in my apartment so I would come in with arms full that then had to be take from the taxi, through the courtyards and up to my 4th floor apartment. I took photos of him and gave them to him before I left. He gave me his bracelet. It was so amazing that a 3x5 photo in a little plastic red frame could make someone SO happy! The crowd that came to see on the street when I gave it to him almost made me cry. They were all smiling and so happy and he sat so very proud on top of his trash bicycle that he rode around all day picking up trash.

My dog, Ricky had a friend in the park that we went to each day after work. The guy was in his early 20's and made really NOTHING! There were chairs outside and a table and a very small little building that he worked in. Ricky would run through the building or jump into the chairs after greeting him. He always had the biggest smile and a warm heart that was truly felt! He also got a picture in a small red frame. Same reaction!

Language is a very important thing but LOVE and a warm and caring spirit transcends any barrier that we may believe is there. Speaking through love is SO MUCH more important!