This one might get a little sappy…

Hope you don’t mind but I want to take a few minutes here to introduce you to and do a salute to my best friend, girl friend, business partner and wife.

Her name is Holly and she makes it possible for me to accomplish the things I do.

You may have noticed in some of the last few weeks posts on my blog, Facebook and twitter that I have been fortunate enough to win some awards for my photography from Professional Photographers of America, American Society of Photographers and our state group Arizona Professional Photographers Association.

holly hanging degree ribbon

Holly is my sponsor at the Ceremony at PPA convention in Nashville receiving the Master Artist Degree.
(Thanks for the image sequence from Robin Swanson Photography)

Holly is the bookkeeper for the business and our personal finances. She makes sure all the bills are paid on time.

Holly is the maintenance engineer for the house. If there’s a dripping faucet she’ll grab a wrench and know which washer to get from the hardware store.

In her life before we met she was a landscape designer and so the area around our home is always looking manicured because she doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty and making sure all is in order. (including cleaning up after the Javalina that have decided our yard is their lavatory)

Holly feeds the hummingbirds and sets out water for the other birds and wildlife that frequent our yard. (Often getting up early to make sure the bowls are thawed from overnight freezing)

She’s takes care that I look spiff and professional taking care of the laundry and not letting me wear the comfy shirts out in public that are, shall we say, ‘Past Their Prime”? (you know we guys don’t notice that stuff)

When I travel for business all is packed and proper because of her attention to detail.

Meals are wonderful. Sometimes she’ll even let me help clean up.

She has been my biggest supporter and cheerleader over the years and should I let any of the accolades go to my head she’ll be the first to make sure my ego is held firmly in check. (think of the ‘head smack’ Agent Gibbs gives to his team on CBS’s NCIS)

holly, myself and ppa president susan michael

They say that behind every successful man there’s a great woman. My great woman is Holly. (look good in red doesn’t she?)

Holly does even more but I think you get the idea… My creativity in making images, service to the photography profession and service to our community is possible because of her.

I can’t tell you how fortunate I am to have someone like Holly in my life and I give thanks every day.

Yours in Creative Photography,       Bob

PS – I’d love to hear about who has helped you and supported you in your endeavors…