Julie's photo of her with her family made me want to post this.

Post a picture that symbolises a meaningful part of your life. (I can't find the right phrasing for this)



Even though I'm not in the photo, nor I was there at that time, this is a picture of my family, and some of my brother's and my friends.
It's the only picture in more than 2 decades where both my parents are in it.
This picture was taken in the Egyptian prison, about 8 years ago or so, in one of my family's visits to my bother. (the one with the huge beard and tatoo on his arm). This time in my life tought me the most. Those were the toughest years ever, travelling back and forth to Egypt, to take care of my brother, making sure he survives what is considered one of the most cruel prisons in the world.
Fortunatly, we are a very united family, and have many true friends who sacrificed everything to save his life. And it tought me about true friendship, and about strong spirits.

This is why this picture means the world to me. It reminds me how strong we can be if we have the right people around us.



Your turn

Having my father stay here with me for the moment (2 months now)...instills a deeper meaning and significance to all I do......and my daughter gives my life meaning and value, when sometimes I wonder if I have any real meaning or value at all.

There are many photos I could use to personify these things...this is the most recent.
[Edited 6/5/05 15:21pm]

Heavenly said:

Ariel that is a GREAT picture!

many of you know that my work in animal rights means a lot to me, including the great people i meet along the way. this is a picture from a "Shed Your Skin" display we did in uptown Charlotte earlier this year. we had some great success and talked to a lot of people that day.

Heavenly said:

That's a beautiful sentiment. Thanks for sharing.
Here's my support system, last August. It's my parents, my brother and his girlfriend, and my sister and her husband and children. We were in Playa del Carmen to celebrate my parents' 40th anniversary:

Byron said:

Oh Byron! Most beautiful!

IrresistibleB1tch said:

very nice, thanks for sharing. is that you? I don't think I've ever seen you before!

LisasBrush said:

Excellent! I love that shot too!

Heavenly said:

What a profound photo and story...

LisasBrush said:

What a beautiful family...

My Artwork:







My Neice:



and i would post a pic of Chris here, but i dunno if he'd like that or not, but he's an important part of my life as well

SammiJ said:

OMG!!! Look at that juicy baby!!! So precious!!! Great art too!

Thanks, Byron and Muse!

Great artwork, Sammi!

Nice artwork sammi

thanks u guys

LisasBrush said:

no, the guy is a PETA staffer, and the young woman is an art student who designed the cow. they are awesome.

Me, my nephews (Ryan and Joseph), nieces (Shaley and Maya), sister Anna and sisters husband Tim.



Aunt/mother who raised me since I was one years old.


Uncle/dad who helped and committed to raise my sister and I... even after my aunt and uncle divorced. The story is incredible... my uncle sacrificed all to raise my sister and I. I cannot even begin to explain.


My aunt, uncle, sister, brother-in-law and even my husband I am no longer with (we will always be close, even if from afar)... have been my major support all these years. These past few years especially... since the seperation of my marriage, I have gained so much strength and support from my family. While I have made the choice to carefully monitor who is in my direct life, the few that have lived life personally beside me through so much... have been a beautiful nourishing inspiration for my soul.

What little family I have or claim... they are everything to me. I love them ultimately and live to make them proud of my accomplishments as well as feeling proud to be myself.

My life has beautiful purpose.

Freespirit said:

i wish i had a family like that
that's beautiful hun

Ariel, Byron, Chris, Martina and Sammi... so beautiful to see.

Within a family bond, resides a sense of power that is unlike any other. The most powerful sense, I truly believe.

And then there's this group, a heretofore unpublished photo from Amsterdam, after the "Offical" Invasion ended. It was the last night the Americans were in town, and this is the very last photo taken in Amsterdam. Herman, Muse and Carrie all left earlier. Anyway, as to the relevance to this thread -- I said it when I was there: I've met Prince, I've met and talked to Wendy and Lisa, ditto Sheila E. But by far, the BEST part of being a Prince fan has been the many wonderful people I've met through being a Prince fan, i.e., being a member of the Org. This is Fhunkin, me, Dawntreader, Dawn74 and his girlfriend Monica.

Julie -- I especially love the one of your Uncle and Shaley.
That needs to be in a book. It's so beautiful.

IrresistibleB1tch said:

YES! Thanks, Ariel. Good work!

LisasBrush said:

Seeing you with your family... almost made me teary eyed. I feel like I know them all, by knowing you Chris.

LisasBrush said:

And thanks to my inspiration.

Ariel. ~(powerful photo/moment Ariel and may this guide you always)~



Powerful thread indeed.
[Edited 6/5/05 16:21pm]

Byron said:

I swear you just made me cry.

SammiJ said:

SammiJ, thank you. My life has a crazy story... but I will tell you what... even if I had to formulate a family web/support system, having a positive supportive family is always possible.

Challenges always exist... although friends and people we meet through life become and are family just the same.

Beautiful hugs back to you.

oh man, i was at the beach with my niece and she kept giving uncle Tee all this JIBBA JABBA! all i wanted to do was relax 'cause i's been busy busting fools and knocking suckas hullva far into orbit...basically i had to bury my niece in the sand...