1000 Beautiful Things

Jay Kelley

2011-03-15T11:56:00.001-07:00

Jay is a freshman in college and is pursuing acting and singing. He is a bright light bursting with shine and promise! I don't doubt that he will make it in such a tough industry. He will soon be auditioning for Simon Cowell's new show " The X-Factor"! Keep an eye out for this very talented young man!

Faith

2009-12-31T09:37:00.000-08:00

During the summer of 2005 I was blessed to be able to travel to South Africa. The trip was sponsored by an organization through my church called ICOM, International Children's Outreach Ministry. It was the one of the greatest experiences of my life. During our trip we visiting schools, orphanages, communities and churches. Attending church was amazing in so many ways. I'm use to worshiping in a large edifice with grand music and miked announcements. In the parking lots of churches I've attended in my country usually have big fancy cars parked in parking lots as far as the eyes can see. In South Africa, it was usual to see people walking from great distances to a small structure(some with dirt floors), just to give thanks for life. I was so humbled. Where cars in a parking lot are common in the US, a bicycle propped up against the place of worship is common in South Africa. What appears to be people with little, is actually people with more than I could ever imagine. They have joy, peace and comfort-they have faith beyond understanding.

During much of the service, the worshiper's prayed and praised in Zulu. Although I couldn't understand what they were saying, i understood what they were communicating. It was the greatest example of intercession that I've ever experienced.

Faith-just 1 of a 1000 beautiful things!

A father holds tight to his little boy
Father I stretch my arms to Thee
Great is Thee faithfulness
I need Thee every hour

Upon this rock I will build My church

This gentleman quietly praises the Lord.

This gentleman praises the Lord with everything he has.

2009-10-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

When I was the Youngest all i had to do was look up. It was so easy and natural. Everything and everyone around was up. You'll be surprised what you learn if you only look up. But it wasn't long before I had to start looking down. That view too taught me much! Being the youngest is one in 1000 beautiful things! I love you DD and Kenny!

2009-08-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like the comfort of having a friend close by...Newman and Basil. Pets, just one in a thousand beautiful things!

2009-08-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

~Columbus Blues Man~
I met this like soul while walking to get some ice cream. He was playing from his soul. I was with some friends and told them to go ahead that I would catch up with them later. I stayed to hear this cat play. Before I took his picture, I put some money in his guitar case. He smiled at me as if he knew I really appreciated his talent. I did. His concert was one that you couldn't buy tickets to. You had to be a likesoul, then you could have a front row seat. Columbus Blues Man, just one in a 1000 beautiful things.

2009-08-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Robert is an independent news paper vendor. He is also homeless. He sold each paper for 1.00$. I bought one and also donated to the the cause. The papers are written and published by the homeless community in Columbus OH. Robert recently won vendor of the month. It didn't surprise me. He was kind, smart and easy going. He explained that the 1.00$ that I spent for the paper will be used to support himself, but that the donations will be used to support the publication of the paper. Robert shared that he used to write poetry and short stories. I encouraged him to continue. He said that he is going to write an article that he hopes will change the negative perception of homeless people in his community and around the country. He was one of the most gentle people I've ever met. Robert is just one in a 1000 beautiful things!!

2009-08-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

Cannon Beach, OR

I shot this with my Nikon 80-200mm 2.8 at 160mm focal length. The mist had begun to lift and this was the perfect time to shoot. It took some adjusting in Light Room. Nikon D200 at 1/600 @f4.5

Portland as I saw it.

2009-08-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

Dawn and I recently went to Portland, OR for our vacation. We chose Portland because Brandis had given birth a few weeks earlier. (You'll meet Elijah later) This was my first time visiting. I'd heard a lot about the city and was very excited to be going. I wanted to check out the city and I wanted to see the new baby boy.

I knew Portland was a funky place. I've seen documentaries on the city. Some of the stories I've heard were about the homeless population and the many runway kids that got stuck out their with no place to go. I did see a lot of that, but the folks I saw on the street seemed to enjoying the freedom without being hassled by locals or the establishment; they just seemed free. I noticed that a lot of the people who were homeless had beautiful dogs. In fact the dogs were even allowed to enter certain stores and even restaurants. The city it self is very liberal.

The city has great eateries, lots of art galleries, strip joints and very cool neighborhoods. It has the feel of a smaller NYC. Brandis said it's more like a small SF. The people I came in contact with really love their city. The place seem to evoke creativity. How cools is that.

Walking around with my camera in
tow, I felt like I was on assignment for a swanky magazine. I tried to capture the essence of the city. I'll let you be the judge of that. I took pictures of street cars, buildings, out side cafes, people and bicycles. Everyone commuted on a bicycle.

Portland also has the best of both worlds. It has the mountains and the ocean. The people there are very friendly. Everyday when I would go out, people said hi, or complemented one of the many t- shirts I wore. I did attempt to take a picture of a young lady that was siting in a doorway. She had a sleeping bag and seemed to getting ready for bed. I approached her in a gentle manner and kindly asked her if I could take her picture. She kindly said "no thank you".

Dawn likes the city so much said she wouldn't mine relocating. Can't do that just yet though.

One of the most interesting things I like about the city is it's personality. The street performers add so much to a city. The "Bucket Drummer" was just one of the many that allowed me to photograph them. The other was the "silver man". This guy stood perched on a pedestal without moving. I thought he was a real statue. But once I tipped him, he began to juggle these balls that he pulled from his stash. I couldn't believe it.

The trip was wonderful. It can certainly be consider a beautiful thing. Please enjoy, and if you see an image that stands out for you, please add a comment.

PEACEB2U
Michael aka, Binkabi Sankofa .

Elijah

2009-08-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

Elijah

your crying voice fills the room
the sweet sound of new life
like a philharmonic symphony
you coo for life's nectar
that comes from your mother's soul
the bond of life has begun
your magic rekindles life within us all
reminding us of God's precious gift
silently we pray for what will become your tomorrow and offering
thanksgiving for today
Elijah our son
a special gift from God
who rekindled life within us all

143 for eternity

Bucket Drummer

2009-07-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

Bucket Drummer in Portland, OG.

The little girl in the left corner of the image had just finished playing the buckets. When she approached him, he stopped playing and offered her his magical sticks. She was still fascinated that this strange man playing buckets picked her to play. It was very cool!!

Kiawa in July

2009-07-06T19:49:00.001-07:00

Flowers in the morning

2007-06-28T04:21:00.000-07:00

I awake to the sound of birds outside my window

the smell of coffee fills the house

my senses come to life

my eyes are blessed to see Morning Glories

I'm content

An Angel from South Africa

2007-06-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful child has come. From a far off land whose rivers are the blood flowing through our veins. She's Boipelo Tshegofatso Masenya, which means blessed; our little girl from South Africa.

Dawn and I have been patiently waiting for this day, thinking that it would never get here. We even had our personal reservations about hosting a child, but those reservation quickly turned to joy and overwhelming fulfillment when we laid eyes on her at the airport. She's so wonderful, loving and happy. I've cried twice just being in her presence. Its like being in the presence of God. She loves us unconditionally as we love her. I can't tell you the last time I felt some warm and touched by such an experience. Although this is my third time hosting, it already feels somewhat more meaningful. Perhaps its because my loving wife is so happy and overjoyed. The two of them bonded instantly. She will not leave Dawn's side. Kinda how Newman follows me around.

When we first got home she told us how she was selected to come to the US. She described feeling so happy that she cried. She said her mother also cried. It was also at that time that I cried too. It just touched me in such a deep place. She wasn't home for half an hour before Dawn pulled me aside and said "I want to adopt her". I think she meant it. I told Dawn that i am so proud of her. She giving every ounce of herself to Boipelo and I can already see how much Dawn is getting back. And the beauty in all of this is that she's not looking for any return. Its truly unconditional.

Dawn gave her a bubble bath after we spent some time talking and giving her some gifts. After taking her bath she put on her new clothe that her momma Dawn bought her(and you know she hooked her up), we went to the mall were we bought a few more things and eat. It was a fun time. While we were at the mall I ran into an old friend that I use to mess around with, I introduced everyone and told her that our little girl was from SA. My old friend look at Dawn and asked her "you from SA too". Dawn nodded her head as to say yes. While laughing, I said "yeah she's from South Charlotte". We all got a big kick out of that.

Once we got home it was bed time. Boipelo put on her PJ's and I read her the story Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. It was our time together and boy did we bond. The story is about loving everyone you come in contact with because you never know who it is your meeting. Its a beautiful story and she loved it. The book is wonderfully illustrated. After reading the book, I read her the sermon on the mount. She'd been fighting sleep all day and I believe it was the sermon that kick started the sleep. The minute I read "blessed are the.............she feel fast asleep.

Just one in a 1000 beautiful things.

Mrs. Alston

2007-03-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Alston, Momma D's neighbor, who I've had the pleasure of meeting on two occasions, is the epitome of grace, strength and independence. I don't know much about her, but I do know that she walks to church every Sunday and she lives alone. Each time I've met her she's departed words of wisdom like only a grandmother can. She encouraged Dawn and I to keep the Lord first in our lives and to always look out for one another. The last time we saw her, she whispered something in Dawn's ear. I'm not sure what it was, but from the way Dawn responded , it must have been a girl thang....

God Bless Our Mature and Seasoned Citizens. Just one of a thousand beautiful things.

Coffee at Momma D's

2007-03-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Dawn and I spent the weekend in Charleston, SC with Momma D, my wonderful mother-in-law. I thoroughly enjoy myself every time we visit. Everyone is always warm and friendly. Momma D is a celebrity in Charleston. I think she's introduced me to more people than I can count. She lovingly introduces me as her SON. That makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

One of the things that I like about not only being in Charleston but waking up in Momma D's house, is my morning cup of coffee. When its cold outside, the fire place is always burning. There's the ever present sound of Christian music and talk coming from the radio placed in the dinning room. I sit in Momma D's chair where she often reads her bible, the morning paper or just relaxes after work. The warm light from the lamp illuminates the small round table that holds it. It's like the table and lamp are working together just to please whoever is sitting in the chair. Starbucks has nothing on Momma D's.

Dawn is usually upstairs catching up with old friends and the latest gossip. Momma D is checking on me, making sure I've got my morning cup of coffee. Just one of a thousand beautiful things. BTW, she gave me this wonder "The Color Purple" mug during our last visit.

My Wife

2007-02-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

Dawn, my wife, my dearest and most trusted friend who I sometimes get mad at and who sometimes gets mad at me. But, how sweet she is when she forgives me and how wonderful she is when I've forgiven her. Each day there's a reason for me to be proud of her. Whatever she decides to do, its good as done. She leaves nothing to chance but has a faith stronger than silence. I love her. Never have I felt so supported and secure. She's so easy to love and to be open with. I once told my friend, that one of the things I like about her most is that she likes me. When I met her, something about her allowed me to just relax and be me. It was if she magically relaxed me, like an opiate-I could just be me. How could I not fall in love with her. I do have an addictive personality. (that's another story)

My family adores her for her down to earth spirit. She loves to laugh, has a touch of bourgeois about her, but keeps it real.

They say when you marry someone you marry their entire family. Well, if that's the case then I married up. I have the best in-laws you could imagine. First my mother in law. I call her Momma D. She's awesome. She has such a giving and warm sense about her. She's stylish and sharp and everyone loves her. Did I mention that she's funny, loves music and having fun. We always talk about current events and the plight of the black community. She was a teacher for 30 years and really knows how to relate to the younger generation. God knew what he was doing when he blessed me with her.

Russ and Joan, my aunt and uncle in law: I adore them. Joan keeps me laughing. Just thinking about her while I'm writing makes me laugh.(LOL). She's the kind of woman who doesn't take herself to seriously. Mind you, don't ever think that you can take advantage of her, that's not what I mean. She's smart, intelligent and so confident in who she is, there's no need to take herself so seriously. She's a lover of life. She enjoys the finer things in life and usually finds them at TJ Maxx.

Now Russ is my man. We sit and talk just the way me and my father use to. He, like my father, is a retired Col. My father passed away many years ago and its been a long time since I've looked up to someone like my father. Not that Russ is old enough to be my father, there's just many similarities between him and my dad. The first time we sat and talked I knew I had a friend for life. Usually when we all get together for a holiday or a special weekend, Russ and I are the only guys, so of course we feel very special. At least I do. He's probably more use to it then I am. Did I mention we love the same genre of movies? He's the man and his family knows it. He gives abundantly.

Last but certainly not least is my girl Brandis, Russ and Joan's daughter, Momma D's niece and Dawn first cousin and the love of Dawn's life. Bran has got it goin' on. Talk about hip, smart, intelligent, soulful spirited and beautiful from the inside to the out, that's Bran. Like the entire family, Bran loves a good conversation whether its about politics or hip hop, she can hold it down. She knows all the spots in the hottest cities and is making her mark in the sports apparel industry. Did I mention that she works for Nike? She loves to laugh, chill with her peeps and take a good nap. I remember when I was dating Dawn and she told me her cousin was coming into town. Dawn needed me to pick her up from the airport and I volunteered. I was being nice to Dawn, you know, trying to get my foot in the door. Little did I know that the door I was opening was to a room bigger than I could have ever imagined. A room filled with love. acceptance, and most of all with family.

2007-02-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

What can I say. I don't have any children of my own, but sometimes I wished I could have brought him home from South Africa. He didn't have parents, but still, like all the South Africans I met, he didn't want my pity nor my tears. He had an internal hope that emanated deep from within him. He probably felt sorry for me....

He stole my heart

2007-02-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

It took him a long time to warm up to me. He just played in the floor on the orphanage. Each time I reached for him, he looked at me with cautious eyes. I didn't blame him, but I still wanted him to trust me. He finally allowed me in and he warmed my heart.

Just one of a thousand beautiful things.

Pride of the Maxwell Family

2007-02-18T18:13:00.000-08:00

Allison has worked hard throughout her academic career. As a little girl barely able to talk, she could count, add and subtract. For fun, her grandfather, my dad, used to let her play with an old 100 pound adding machine. That machine was actually dangerous. It could cut off a finger if you got one caught in the part that actually struck the tape. Nonetheless, Allie knew how to handle that machine, even if she couldn't pick it up. My dad would set for hours with her and play store. She was the cashier and he was always the customer.

Allie will be graduating from Hampton University on Mother's Day. What a gift to he mom and dad, who gladly sacrificed and worked hard so that she could achieve whatever she wanted to achieve. Well, she's done. And by the way, she graduated in three years and is already working on her MBA.The whole family is planing a road trip.

One of a thousand beautiful things.

The love of a dog...

2007-02-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

Matese came to me about six years ago. A coworker of mine owned several huskies that she'd rescued. One day she showed me a picture of Matese and pretty much told me that he was my dog. At first I was adamant that I didn't want a dog. I didn't want the responsibility. I was very sick at the time and was about to undergo a year long regime of medicine that was going to have me physically down and out. I was dreading having to go through this and certainly didn't want to be dealing with a new dog,who happened to be a year old at the time.

Will, I decided that I'd meet Matese ( they called him Miles) but made no promises to take him home. When I arrived at my coworkers home, Matese walked up to me, looked me right in the eye and made it clear that we were meant to be together. I looked at my coworker and said I'd take him. She smiled and said " I told you".

That year was long and hard. The medicine made me sicker than I already was. I was always tired and pretty much stayed in the house. Matese was always right by my side. He knew I didn't feel good, that my energy was low and that I actually needed him. His unconditional love was a great comfort to me and heldped me get through that very difficult year.

Seven years later, I'm married and Matese has a new mom. I think she loves him more than I do. Dawn and Matese are inseparable. Each morning she gets up, the first thing she does is check on Matese. The first thing she does when she get home from work is check on Matese. And the last thing she does before she goes to bed, is check on Matese.

We're lucky to have him in our lives. Here's to one in a thousand beautiful things!

2007-02-17T21:33:00.000-08:00