36 Years

On this day, thirty six years ago, the year was 1976 - the year of the U.S. bicentennial celebration. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and friends and family were gathered in a small church in SW Denver to witness the vows of a young couple as they started their journey in life together.

Thirty six years!  A lifetime ago. Sometimes a vivid memory just skirting the memory banks trying to be recalled. The day went so quickly. It seems like we just started and suddenly it was over, - I Do and now you may kiss the bride - that was it.

Since that day, we have had two children (sons). Lived in New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Washington. Grown up together, gone through ups and downs, businesses, moving, jobs, raising a family, friends have come and gone (some have stayed) and yet some part of us is still that young couple standing in front of everyone to say "I Do".  Well we did and we are still, "I Doing".


Happy Anniversary!

The Beauty in the Day

Today was a beautiful day, The sun was warm and shining. I spent the morning with a group of inspiring, creative friends. In the afternoon I enjoyed the beautiful day on a drive to Oak Harbor, passing through some of the most beautiful scenery in our area - Deception Pass Bridge. The bridge was crowded with visitors enjoying the surrounding beauty, hiking down to the water, watching the swirling pools flowing underneath the bridge. After an intimate book signing in Oak Harbor with Betty, we enjoyed a cool delicious ice cream at Mad Hatters in Anacortes. We enjoyed the warmth of the sun on our face as we cooled out insides with delicious flavors.


The beauty in the day is warmth, friendship, beautiful scenery and deliciousness.

The beauty in the day - a reminder that beauty surrounds us. The simplest things create beauty each day.

The beauty in the day - people. A community of inspiring, creative, fun, giving, loving people.

The beauty in the day - Ice Cream. Delicious, swirling flavors tempting and teasing the taste buds.

The beauty in the day - a wonderful day reminding us of wonderful things.

The beauty in the day - SUNSHINE!!!

I Once had Life

I once had life in me. Slowly it drained away. Now all that is left is a shell.

I once had life in me. Vibrant life flowed through me, active and resonating. Now …  I stand in quiet solitude.

I once had life in me. Color filled me with highlights and happiness. Now I am faded and run down.

I once had life in me. I had meaning. I had purpose. For that I am grateful.

The memories are distant. Yet, there is still some beauty showing through this crumbling facade. A glimpse of what I once was.










A special thanks to - Jane Billinghurst.

Where is She?

Where is she? The person I use to be? The woman who had more energy and determination? The other day I was trying to remember her. What did she look like? How did she think? How would she react to life today? How did she manage to push on everyday?  She was a mother, a wife, housekeeper, bookkeeper, laundress, friend, confident, co-worker, sister, daughter, cook, the one that held the family together, a dreamer, a doer and a lover - and that was all in a day's work.

Where is she? The person who was strong and capable? Who would march forward undaunted by fear and failure? If something wouldn't work, she would try something else, her fierce determination would keep her going and exploring for answers. Life could throw her a curve ball and she would either catch it, move out of the way, or throw it back.

Where is she? I looked for her the other day, wondering where she went. Was she hiding? Was she gone forever? I don't know where she is, but I sometimes really miss her.  And most of the time I really need her. 

Whether I find her again, or a part of her, I can be eternally grateful that I at least got to know her.  I appreciate her more now, which is something I should have done when she was here.

Where is she? Maybe she is still here somewhere? Maybe she is changing and maybe I just don't recognize her yet?

My First Publication

I was invited to be a brief part of a brand new magazine. I was asked to select six photographs and write a brief byline.  I felt so honored and delighted to be asked. The magazine is still in production and should be out soon.  For now here is my submitted byline and the six photographs I selected.

In 2005, my husband and I, coasted in to Anacortes thinking we would hang out for a year or two.  At the time, I wasn’t sure how a big city girl would adjust to a small town.


Well adjust I did.  After opening up That Photo Shoppe, I started organizing photography workshops and I became involved with the Skagit Valley Camera Club.

At first I had no real interest in taking up photography. My talent and passion was in organizing workshops. I teamed up with photographers and instructors, Dick Garvey, Vince Streano and Tony Locke and after years of watching, learning and absorbing - I found I was hooked and I got my first camera.


 I am no longer a city girl. I love living in Anacortes. I love the community, the people and the arts.  I am actively involved in the arts, the Anacortes Arts Commission, the Skagit Valley Camera Club and the community in which I live and photograph.




















Karla Locke
Alternative Focus
http://alternativefocus.weebly.com