My Aunt Trish's 50th Birthday Prom

Last year, my Aunt Trish told me she was thinking about throwing a prom for her 50th birthday in our hometown of Riverton, Wyo.

Trish never attended her high school prom. Years later, something inside of her yearned for that special experience.

So, after mustering up some courage, she made plans to throw a bash. The party would mark a new chapter life, and celebrate her good health after fighting breast cancer.

She rented a small hall, and invited her friends and colleagues from the Middle School where she works. She wrangled my Uncle Rex into a tux. She granted my little cousin Paul the wish of wearing an orange one. And, cousin Kristin, (oh, my goodness!) looked absolutely stunning.

I wouldn't have been able to take these photos if Manuel didn't loan me his camera. (Thank you, M!)



Aunt Trish


Cousin Kristin and Aunt Trish applying makeup


Special 'do for the special night


My little cousin Paul, the ham






Uncle Rex


My uncle rocking the Wyoming coozie
















Regan, the best dance teacher in Riverton.














Aunt Trish and Uncle Rex's first dance.


Cousin Bill and Dawn


Mom and Dad

Boxing Gym

Awhile back, I tried to put together a small photo package for the paper on a South Seattle boxing gym. The club has wide range of boxers— from young boys and girls to professional fighters. I wanted to do the story because the gym is an asset to the neighborhood— a haven where people of all ages can be safe, feel apart of a community and push themselves to new goals.

One young teenager said he learned discipline, and how to shrug off negativity from his peers at school. (Before, that was hard to do.) One single mother said she felt at ease knowing her two young daughters were training while she worked into the evening. Some of the older boxers were fierce, but lended a hand to their younger teammates.

The story ended up falling through near publication. (A bummer.) But, a friend encouraged me to share some of the photos. I think it's been good to revisit them before shelving the project and moving forward.