2FISHES STUDIO BLOG

April W. Holdridge In the quiet of the sun's embrace, where memories bloom, and shadows trace,  Paw Paw stands tall, a beaco n of gr ace , Guiding us onward in life's endless ra ce.   His hands were ca ll ouse d a nd kin d. He carved wisdom into hearts and minds. He spoke of faith, forgiveness, and love, a tes tam ent to th e h eave n s ab ove.   Blonde jokes danced upon his lips, Laughter echoing through time's eclipse. In his eyes, the twinkle of shared delight, A bond unbreakable, woven tight.   I learned lessons at his knee, roots of resilience, strength, and glee. He taught us to love without restraint, to cherish each moment, and never to simulate.    When the sun sets on this earthly shore, Paw Paw's legacy lives forever. In our hearts, his spirit takes flight, a beacon of love shining bright.   April W. Holdridge  

April W Holdridge Photography, All Rights Reserved Holidays can be challenging, right? I've been thinking about Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Valentine's Day lately. There are times when I wish these holidays didn't exist. They can take a toll on our mental well-being and wallets. As I get older, I feel more emotional during these celebrations. I thought it would be the opposite. I thought I would grow used to them not being here, but with every accomplishment, from the kids to the grandkids, I will start wishing my loved ones could be here to celebrate with us more than ever, causing a flood of memories and emotions. Dealing with the loss of my father to suicide makes these holidays even more challenging for me. It's stressful to pick out gifts and cards for others because it reminds me of my father and his situation. Sometimes, my kids don't fully understand how these holidays affect me. Getting to see them can make a big difference, but sometimes, I don...

How can a pioneer family that started a new life in a new county at the county's birth, spreading roots from county to county across the state, be forgotten?  Records, censuses, and newspaper clippings are plenty. Cemeteries mark a few, but roots still exist and run through. Communities everyone knows, but no one knows.  How many families' existences become beyond recall? Some will be saved, but how many will not be remembered at all.  A name being spoken may be the key to ensuring we are not overlooked by history. For now, the question's answer remains a mystery.  2Fishes Studio, All Rights Reserved

2Fishes Studio, All rights reserved. Alabama Railroad   I didn't know for a long time what it meant to see God at work until I slowed down enough to pay attention. When I think about Jesus working, I used to imagine seeing physical work being done, but that's not how it is. It's happening undercover, and today, I finally understood it. I want to share this with you because today, I witnessed what I believe to be a higher power at work; I was right in the middle of it. I had been feeling really down and stressed because of my bipolar disorder. I didn't want to go to the doctor, leave the house, or deal with all the things that come with leaving the house. But as soon as I left, I didn't encounter any traffic. It felt like a ghost town whenever I tried to pull onto the road. Auburn is incredibly chaotic to drive in, but there wasn't a sight when pulling out of Taco Bell, Dunkin' Donuts, the Doctor's, or Doctor the gas station. I was able to get everything ...

2Fishes Studio, All rights reserved.  How fast do you write your blog? Do you work on it tirelessly, or do you use it as a notepad? I live with Bipolar II disorder with rapid cycling, and let me tell you, finding that balance feels impossible. I think this could apply to anyone, but it's an even more significant challenge for those battling daily mental health issues. It also brings to my mind the topic I've already mentioned: obedience and faith. My realization that I needed to lean more on my faith and obey without questioning led me to finally start these blogs. I'm grateful for the chance to emphasize the purpose of this blog and studio: to bring art, photography, genealogy, history, writing, faith, mental health, and self-care together in one comforting space. It is also a place that holds me accountable and transparent.  I write my blog in two different ways. However, to be more organized and to help with my battles with my mental health, I have been trying to use Goo...