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The TED Blog: Telling Stories, Spreading Ideas.

My baby brother and me in Easter bonnets Sunday.

Was just sifting through the photos that have been taken just since the beginning of the year…ok, I have a bit of a reputation for “shoot now..ask later” kind of attitude. In my defense, there are many comments on social media that indicate that being a little trigger happy with the camera can get you awesome results.

It was a surprise when I came across these little gems from our Easter Day celebration. Cannot believe that with the mad rush to Spring Break, I had glossed over them.

Just like years past, we had the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Only this year, my 14-year-old was the “hider” and delighted in watching his 3-year-old nephew “find” all the colorful treasures. His “little brother”, who is 12 now, had a blast trying to collect the eggs that had been hidden with great care just for him. Outfoxing your older brother is sometimes as sweet as a Peep.

As with most of the holidays at the house on the top of the hill, there are generally all manner of “extras” in the play. This year, we hosted a great gathering of all kinds of folks. One mother and daughter pair had spent the morning with the hot glue, dollar store flowers and two great hats which clearly required adornment for the festivities. What resulted was a photo-frenzy during which almost everyone was shot in a bonnet! What fun.

The day was complete when the same pair produced a candy-filled Easter egg pinata. Dado (grandpa) strung the target up by the basketball goal and the cousins commenced to batting the poor egg into bits which revealed a cache of the best Easter candy ever.

We had plenty of fun in our “Easter Bonnets” with all the frills upon it. On reflection, it was the silliness of the photo-ops that started the day off just right, in celebration.

A century of memories

Donated Drums Make the Trip to Haiti

To say that I am proud that my baby brother walks the walk is an understatement. He is currently in Haiti visiting with the people that his church, Epiphany Lutheran in Suwanee, GA, have pledged to support. Through the Haitian Timoun Society, the travelers work to create a future of hope, sustainability and dignity. The work isn’t complicated, just requires a considerable amount of love and dedication.

My brother, a drummer himself since the early 1980’s, was pleased to be able to help set up a drum set donated by the Mullenbach family. Even though I am not privy to be a fly on the wall today on his trip, I imagine that he banged the drums a bit with the band.

Probably couldn’t resist, but that meant that he would have to put the camera down for a few minutes. This trip is different. Previously, Steve had used his professional video editing skills to film and create messages designed to promote the incredible work being done in Haiti. He always had a camera in his hands and looked at Haiti though a lens. This time, he began his trip by looking forward to being a more “hands on” participant.

In any case, the work being done by The Haitian Timoun Foundation is crucial to the future of sustainability. Check out their work and stay tuned for the music that is the real rhythm of Haiti.