Gary Gionet

 It was a good time at Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, CA.

One of my goals in 2013 is to stop and take it all in instead of being a part of the blur. ©Gary Gionet

If you had a challenging 2012, my wish for you is that 2013 brings you new growth. ©Gary Gionet

I spent the last day of 2012 with my lovely wife walking through the beautiful Fullerton Arboretum.  I thought it would be appropriate to post this bright, beautiful flower to project how 2013 will be for our family. Happy New Year to all of our Family and Friends! © 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...

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