In Memory of my Cousin Muriel

I grew up in Chemung County, in the Southern Tier of New York State (light years from NYC). I’ve spent the last 30-plus years in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Periodically, I drive to New York to visit family who still live there and I’ve just returned from such a visit. While driving through the Pocono Mountain region in Eastern Pennsylvania , a realization came to me – after living in southeastern Pennsylvania for more than 30 years, this was the very first time I'd driven to NY during the fall when the leaves are changing color. The colors were absolutely beautiful. I wanted to stop several times to take pictures, but there are very few places along the PA Turnpike I considered safe enough for a photo shoot, so I waited until I reached a turnpike rest stop. I was traveling to attend the memorial service of my cousin who left us much too early (she was only 42 years old). In spite of the sad circumstances, or maybe because of those circumstances, I could not help but be inspired and uplifted by the beautiful scenery. I realized I must stop more often to appreciate the beauty around me. The loss of my cousin made me appreciate the experience more profoundly than I would have under different circumstances. I hope these pictures serve as a reminder to us all – we must stop and appreciate even the smallest miracles in our lives. Life goes by too fast.

(click images to enlarge)