Gary Gionet

A few photos that sum up my year, some great memories and some not so great, but I love my family and friends who are my life! ©Gary Gionet

My granddaughter, Isabelle, turned 8 today!  Where did the time go.  Stop growing please!  Happy birthday Isabug. Love, Papa ©Gary Gionet

Heavy fog this morning left dew drops on the pine needles.  After a little filtering presto, nature's Christmas lights. ©Gary Gionet

Imagination and courage can lead a child to a whole different world. ©Gary Gionet

 Sammy's look of "Go ahead, make my day." ©Gary Gionet

Samantha's 1st Birthday! She worked so hard at tearing apart the cake and, she hardly ate any of it. ©Gary Gionet

Love this quote! Bearizona, AZ ©Gary Gionet

Enjoyed an afternoon of beautiful weather at the pier in Seal Beach, CA.

Not an extremely profound quote but still a good practice to keep.  This owl photo was taken at Bearizona in Williams, AZ.

Joyce Anne Rudofsky (Gionet) July 27, 1951 - November 2, 2012 My sweet sister, Joyce fought a heroic battle with cancer for 3 years before going home to Heaven.  God used Joyce to touch so many lives.  She gave courage to those fighting similar battles.  She is my hero! Joyce and I shared a passion for photography and, we would never miss an opportunity to photograph the beauty found all around her in Arizona.  I will miss the many late nights we stayed up talking gadgets and photography. I will miss most those incredibly large hugs I would receive upon arriving and leaving her home in Parks, AZ.  I always looked forward to those hugs! I know I will see my Joyce again someday but, until then, I will have a piece of my heart missing because she took it with her to Heaven to hold for me until we meet again. Forever in my heart.  Forever in my mind.  I love you Sis! Note: This is one of my favorite photos of Joyce taken about a year ago at a place she absolutely adored.

In the aftermath of a polarizing election truer words were never spoken. In Pitman Valley, the McHat Inn (1931) sits on  the old Route 66 just 2 miles east of Williams, AZ.  The Inn was later named the Wagon Wheel Lodge.  The Lodge sold gasoline, food and had cabins for rent.  Across the street from the Lodge was the Elmo Dance Hall that, in the 1940's, lent a reputation to the Lodge as a brothel.  The Lodge later became a private residence but now stands abandoned.

Those special moments with loved ones are enough. I am learning it is not about the amount of time you have with someone you love but rather the moments and memories.  This will sustain you in the emptiness.

In memory of my hero, my sister, Joyce Ann Rudofsky who moved to Heaven on Friday, November 2, 2012.  Joyce battled cancer for 3 years but, God decided enough with her pain and brought her home where there is no pain or tears shed. Love you Sis! View a short video tribute to Joyce: Tribute Video

It's been awhile since I did some outdoor portrait work so, my lovely niece spent the afternoon posing for me as I worked out the cobwebs.

On September 21, 2012 the Space Shuttle Endeavour OV-105 made it's final flight to Los Angeles where it will be displayed museum style. Kelly and I had the privillage of witnessing Endeavour's final flight from outside of the Boeing Plant in Huntington Beach, CA.  Endeavour was flown at 1,500 feet by the plant to salute the many Boeing employees who had a hand in making the Shuttle Program such a success.

On Thursday, September 20, 2012 Metro Net Fire Dispatch dedicated our newly remodeled Center.  This was a two year project that I can now check off my To Do list.  After $800,000.00 and eight weeks of relocation, we finally moved back into our new home. Pictured left to right :  Battalion Chief TJ McGovern, Garden Grove FD, Fire Chief Tom Arnold, Costa Mesa FD, Fire Marshal Tom Keller, Garden Grove FD, Manager Gary Gionet, Metro Net Fire Dispatch, City Manager Bob Wingenroth, Anaheim, Councilwoman Gail Eastman, Anaheim, Fire Chief Patrick McIntosh, Huntington Beach FD, Fire Chief Bart Lewis, Fountain Valley FD, Fire Chief Randy Bruegman, Anaheim FD, Assistant Chief Kevin Kitch, Newport Beach FD, Fire Chief Wolfgang Knabe, Fullerton/Brea FD, Deputy Chief Frank Eickhoff, Orange FD

What a double treat we had this month.  A visit from my Cousin Cindy and a visit from my dear Sister Joyce.  We had such a wonderful time visiting with all of our family together.  My bro-in-law Neil made us laugh as usual.  Thank you, Neil for taking such good care of my Sis. Aunt Joyce with her grandnieces Isabelle and Samantha. Love you Sis!  Thank you so much for making the long trip to visit with us.  See you soon!

Earlier this month, I was blessed with a visit from my Cousin Cindy, who lives in Nebraska.  Cindy and I have not seen each other in many years.  Too many years for sure!  It is such a warm feeling to reconnect with family. On this visit, I also had the pleasure of meeting for the first time Cindy's daughter Hannah and her grandson Declan.  What a great family!  I learned that Hannah too loves photography.  I viewed some of Hannah's work and she is very talented.  I look forward to seeing more of her work. Declan is a kick!  He reminds me of my son Kyle when he was that young.  So full of energy and wonder.  We had a great time finishing our visit with a beautiful sunset and bondfire at the beach.

San Diego, CA - A mother's love transcends all levels of creation.  A beautiful thing to see for sure!

It takes so much effort to look your best.  Just ask a flamingo!

I recently had the opportunity to photograph this beautiful young lady who modeled in photos for her military husband who is stationed away from home.  While I always protect a client's privacy, Vanessa gave me permission to share this image for all of the military families who are missing a loved one. Although physically separated prayer is a powerful connection.

Sammy, my little NASCAR fan.  We cheer on for No. 15, Clint Bowyer.

 Granddaughter Sammy on July 4th at our church picnic.

July 4th church picnic with family.  My daughter and granddaughter.

My Granddaughter Samantha taking a little siesta before our Father's Day BBQ.  I am truly blessed to have my children and grandchildren with me today.

Samantha waiting patiently for her turn on stage at the annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, Baby Beautiful contest.

Funny combination of photos from the annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, Baby Beautiful contest.  My wife captioned this photo collage, "No you didn't!"

My CRAZY granddaughter, Isabelle refusing to hold on during her ride on the big people swings ride at the local carnival.  Gave Papa a heart attack!

While enjoying a photo beach day in Orange County, I came across the Virgin Oceanic Super Cataraman testing it's deep water submarine.  The sub is the only "manned" craft able to dive more than 7 miles.  You can read more about this project at http://www.virginoceanic.com/

Easter Blessings To All ~ may you have a wonderful day!

Westminster, CA - My beautiful niece Alisyn came by for her senior photos.  I can't believe this little girl is now a young lady ready to go out into the big world.  I am proud of you Ali for accomplishing this milestone through so much in your life. Love you, ug

Westminster, CA - Okay, now I feel better because this is the Alisyn I remember!

Fontana, CA - Autoclub Speedway for the NASCAR race.  Car No. 15, 5-hour Energy driven by Clint Bowyer waiting on Pit Row.  Threat of rain all morning but we got most of the race in before the downpour.  Congratulations to Tony Stewart who won the race.  Clint had a good day finishing 13th.

Fontana, CA - Autoclub Speedway on NASCAR race day.  Enjoying the closeup view from Pit Row.  At this 2 mile track it is all about the tires when calculating a win.

Williams, AZ - One of the many beautiful birds at Bearizona.

Williams, AZ - A magnificent owl in flight.