Living with Dementia Parent

When my husband Romie and I decided to be his mother’s caregivers — she would live with us and we’d take care of her every need — we never realized how much it would change our lives … lots of ups and downs. And patience. To watch someone you love slowly lose grasp of the little things the rest of us find so simple to do, like feeding yourself, is not easy and almost heart-breaking. Her name is Pacita, but she’s known as Lola to her many grandchildren and their children. This is Lola’s diary…

Because of Romie’s other full-time job, we get to travel often as a family; we visit his relatives in Manila, Philippines almost every single year. It’s more than just a visit, it’s a chance for family back home to spend as much time as they can with Lola and help make her time as memorable and comfortable as possible. However, sometimes her dementia makes it difficult for her to remember a lot of things she used to know by heart, faces are not quickly identified. The one face she always ask for is Romie’s.

The Lola Diaries - living with dementia parent

Take Care of Your Parents in their Old Age

When my husband Romie and I decided to be his mother’s caregivers — she would live with us and we’d take care of her every need — we never realized how much it would change our lives … lots of ups and downs. And patience. To watch someone you love slowly lose grasp of the little things the rest of us find so simple to do, like feeding yourself, is not easy and almost heart-breaking. Her name is Pacita, but she’s known as Lola to her many grandchildren and their children. This is Lola’s diary…

On our last trip back to Thailand I posted this cell phone image and its story from Bangkok, I didn’t realize the impact it would have at the time when I put it on Facebook. I’m still overwhelmed with emotions as I copy the story here: [Get your tissues ready]: My mom (Chitta Nix) was buying drinks at one of the food carts when the vendor and another lady asked her about Romie & Lola … English Translation: “We’ve been watching them the last 10 minutes and in tears to learn that your son-in-law is taking care/feeding his mom. In my 47 years, I’ve never seen anything so sweet. You both are blessed to have him.” (Romie does this every day.)

The post generated 6,500+ views organically. (Wow, that’s a lot for us!)

The Lola Diaries - take care of your parents in their old age

Black and White Boudoir Photography?

Sometimes the simplicity of wearing all black on a white background can give a classic feel, too. Our eyes are not so distracted by many colors but just a few tones and that’s all it needs to make a statement. //Model: Chrystal //Shoot Location: In studio. //Hair & Makeup by Powder Inc.

Bunn Salarzon - beautiful blonde woman in black lingerieBunn Salarzon - gorgeous blonde woman lying in black tulleBunn Salarzon - black and white boudoir photographyBunn Salarzon - stunning blonde woman lying on white bedBunn Salarzon - black and white boudoir photographyBunn Salarzon - ballerina woman in black tutuBunn Salarzon - blonde woman in black leotard and tutu

Posing for Family Pictures: To Be or Not to Be Told How to Pose

The question I get asked often is: “Do you direct your clients in their family pictures?” Yes. I’m usually behind the camera, but I have been in front of a dozen cameras— sometimes all at once(!) with photographers who did not really direct to those who told me exactly everything that they wanted me to do. For me, I was more confident when I was directed and my favorite photos came from that experience. But, I also know when to just observe … For Arlene and Derek’s maternity-family portraits at Seattle’s Discovery Park, they prepared me for their self-proclaimed awkwardness in front of the camera yet they were simply loving and sweet to me. By watching how they are together naturally made these images happen.

Bunn Salarzon - posing for family pictures


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