North and South, Battle Reenactment, Galena,IL

In the past, when I thought about people participating in any war reenactment the words: weird and  outsiders who have no friends and need somewhere to go and be weird with, came to my mind.

As a school assignment, my best friend had to attend one of these events for extra credit. She asked me to go with her. I decided to get a closer look and went.

How wrong was I!!

After taking some photos we started asking around. Everybody we asked answered our questions. They answered them with such passion and excitement. I have judged them without really knowing them. When they talked about wonderful family like community they have created, it was, in a way, to be envied that they have so many people to share their interest with. They were not weird and strange anymore. They were passionate, determined, and proud to be different.

What an eye opening experience it was for me. I enjoyed it very much and decided to never pass the judgment on anyone enjoying their hobbies.

Girl With The Red Backpack

My sister finally got her dream camera.

This was the first trip I saw her being a fellow “shutterbug.” It was fun to watch her do what I was doing every time we have traveled together.

She had no idea I was taking these photos (at least some of them). She, definitely, had no idea I was taking them because I had this post in mind from the very beginning.

Well, she knows now. Welcome to my world sister 😀

 

Spectacular Fireworks At Disney World

The most breathtaking lights and fireworks show I have ever seen! On the top of that, when the images from “Frozen” came on and “Let It Go” started to play, the magic has reached its peak! Why, you ask? Here is why: the whole park, I mean THE WHOLE park, started to sing loudly like there is no tomorrow. I had tears in my eyes, for it brought back the memories when I went to see the movie, many years ago, with kids I took care of. The moment Elsa started singing this song, all kids (including “mine”) stood up and started to sing and dance. I know many of you is sick of this song at this point, but when you have experienced it the way I was lucky to, it makes it magical and special forever.

To Be A Child Again

French Quarter Parade

My favorite part of Mardi Grass. French Quarter shenanigans. I liked it more than the parade with floats. Mind blowing costumes, fun photo opportunities, and (in my opinion) the real spirit of Mardi Grass.