In 2005, I was diagnosed with a condition that threatened to rob me of my vision. Thanks to medical advances and a skilled specialist, I literally and figuratively view the world differently now — drinking it all in and never taking anything for granted. My greatest passion is sharing the world as I see it through the arts of photography and photojournalism.
Aside from that I am a...
Mother, Child, Para-Educator, Artist, Breast Cancer Research Advocate, Nature Lover, Tomboy, Day Dreamer, Friend, Survivor, Nurturer, Idealist, Realist, Poet, Sinner, Humanitarian, Quote Collector, Gypsy at Heart, and Student of Life.
I'm rather quiet—an active listener who tends to attract talkative friends. I love to hear peoples' stories and learn about them and from them...
"Every person is a new door to a different world." ~from Six Degrees of Separation
I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.
~Mandy
TURN ON'S
Real people, who are aware of both their strengths and weaknesses, who are attuned to the world around them and conscientious of others, who will give equal time, consideration, and respect to someone whose viewpoint may differ from their own, who are innately curious, observant, and imaginative, and who understand that we are each just a small part of something much more significant.
Just as a puzzle can't be complete without a missing piece, that piece would be useless without others to connect to...
I am defeated, and know it, if I meet any human being from whom I find myself unable to learn anything. ~George Herbert Palmer
TURN OFF'S
People who complain of boredom...There is so much to see, do, and learn out there that I simply can't relate. Bored people are boring. *yawn*
Self-righteousness, judgement, and elitism...Everyone has value as a human being. You can't get to know someone's heart if you're too busy judging them.
Narcissism (Users and Abusers can fall within this category as well)...I can't abide someone who will disregard others and the world around them simply for their own pleasure or gain. I suspect that eventually, Loneliness will be their only companion.
Betrayal...Whether it be a confidence, abuse of trust, or slander. I am a faithful friend and expect the same from others.
Lack of Accountability...Don't misplace the blame for your own actions. If you screw up, own it. Sure—most of us are victims of circumstance, but each has the ability to overcome and accept responsibility for his or her life. Use the past for understanding—not as a roadblock for your own personal growth.
If each man or woman could understand that every other human life is as full of sorrows, or joys, or base temptations, of heartaches and of remorse as his own . . . how much kinder, how much gentler he would be. ~William Allen White
