If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. – Mother Teresa

Today’s post is for Project 52, a weekly blog project that I am working on with several other talented photographers whom I’ve come to know over the past year.  In this project, we concentrate on light and spend several weeks exploring an overarching theme.  For the next four weeks we are taking a break from exploring classical light themes and instead focusing on the beautiful lights that celebrate the holiday season.

I have always loved the holiday season.  I love that we come together to light up the darkest part of the year.  On Friday evening, after spending much of the day in tears thinking about the mass shooting in Newtown, my family explored some of the holiday lights on display in Seattle.  We visited a street that had been decorated around the theme of Peace, with signs for the word “peace” in various languages displayed on each home.  And I found that wishes for peace were exactly what I needed at that moment.  I wish all of you peace in your heart, peace in your home, and peace in your community.  Additionally, I ask each of you who, like me, are still reeling from Friday’s events to please consider taking a moment to send an email to your elected officials.  You can use this link to look up the names of your elected officials by zip code (note that new officials may take office on January 20th).  Our children deserve a more peaceful world, and we owe it to them to do our best to make that happen.

Please continue along in our creative blog circle to see today’s image by my amazing friend and photographer, Stacey Vukelj.  Word has it that you may get a peek at Uncle Brian – and you should consider getting ahead of the game and leaving her a “happy birthday” wish (it’s later this week).  Click HERE to see Stacey’s latest photo for our holiday edition.