Pisa "Me and Mama Thomas" This is a favorite photo of me and my maternal Grandmother. She is someone who took care of us daily throughout our infancy. She was a "pioneer" woman who grew her own food, made quilts for everyone and often her clothes.  Very religious, she was a rock and a perfect example of love and forgiveness. While exploring Pisa, I came across a beautiful botanical gardens on a side street. I felt it the perfect location for a person who was so rooted to the earth. This image was shot outside my grandmother's house which is now "willed" to me. It is the place in my life that I am most connected.  A sacred space. I miss her greatly.

  Rome Meeting up with my Sister and Niece in Rome was a dream after a year of planning. This further cemented the idea of this review of my life and them getting to be a part of this project. "Me 1963" This photograph was left near the Spanish Steps. A highly visited area. I was happy to see that 3 days after installing the photograph it remained. Often in public work that is not the case. I have discovered during these days of leaving my photographs that I have been affected by their departure. Perhaps the unknowing...separation...the letting go. Bits of me gone.

Last day in Florence I am so happy to have started this project in Florence.  A city rich with history and importance. "Tim and me 1961" This is one of my favorite photographs. My brother is 4 years older than me. As a child I thought he could do no wrong. I felt protected and his was an image I tried to copy during my childhood years. During adolescence my path took a turn when I took my first art class at 14 years.  It was then that I became my own person.  My brother's and my paths are vastly different now though there will always be that early bond seeing each other twice a year during family gatherings.  

 Wandering Florence It has been wonderful having time in Florence. The history seems to echo the idea of                                my project.  The streets here seem to tell stories.  One area I was attracted to was the Santo Spirito neighborhood. Perhaps it was the more gritty and less polished. This is where I installed, "Papaw Hardy and me" Papaw Hardy was a simple man of few words. This photo was taken in 1962.

The first installation When developing this project it was in preparation for an upcoming trip to Italy and France. I had never visited either so this was a test to wander the streets and find places that spoke to me. Whether the installation sites are more public or private this is part of observing how this project will be received in hopes of comments and dialogue while sharing my past. The beautiful Arno River in Florence, Italy A view toward the famous Ponte Vecchio. During my daily strolls along this river. It became immediately apparent that this was the place of my first installation. Thanks for both public and private comments from those who encountered this photograph.  

 First Phase Preparing for the first phase of installations. Studio view: inserting photographs into the vintage frames and installing hanging mechanisms. This photographs will be placed in locations I encounter along my travels accompanied by an information tag with QR code.  My hope is that this project touches others - generating forgotten memories of their childhoods, loved ones, and a little time for reflection.