Thank you so very much for your video on Geoffrey Canada of the Harlem Children Zone. I read that Mr P.H. Polk was your professor. I saw his original work and Mr. Van Der Zee's at Atlanta University's Trevor Arnett Library. I want you to know that you have inspired me to photograph. Someone is giving me a 35mm camera. I always wanted to develop film. I will be reading your recommended writings on photography (Reflections). Thank you for having a meaningful life.
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- Gwen Gilliam 03/02/2010
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"What a great man U R. Your work is ultimate testament that Africans are ONE, and: the artist makes the camera, not the camera the artist. Thank you for embodying Coltrane's AfroBlue in Light & Darkness." Malcolm Cash
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- Malcolm Cash 01/15/2010
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The Lalilbela, Ethiopia rock-hewn Church of Saint Giyorgis is awesome!!! It must be amazing to see in person. The incredible history behind many of the photos is very exciting. Thank you for sharing your wonderful and meaningful experiences through your photography on Facebook (Chester Higgins Fine Art Fan page). You are so blessed to lead such an interesting life that gives so much to others. You and your achievements honor New Brockton in many special ways. Thank you so much!!! Judy of Dothan
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- Judy Bailey Wise 01/05/2010
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Your photographs are totally Spirit-filled. Thank you for your artistry and good heart.
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- Judith Jamieson 12/26/2009
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"I'm so glad that you gave yourself a chance to blossom outside the confines of The New York Times. Saw your most recent book, 'Echo of the Spirit' -- just fabulous!"
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- Sonia Katchian of Chapel Hill 12/21/2009
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Wonderful work! Thank you for what you do.
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- Leah Reeder 11/12/2009
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Over the years, I pull 'Feeling the Spirit' off my shelf, quietly thumb through it, and think.
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- Cheryl Renee Gooch 11/10/2009
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Not a day goes by when I don't either look at or think about your images and their significance to our people. Thank-you!
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- Dana Tomlinson 11/01/2009
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I love, love, love all of the portraits and the way you have thought carefully about the organization of your web site. It is a beautiful journey and speaks to your legacy. Again, the portraits are classic and wonderful contributions.
In the spirit of Roy DeCarava, the contributions of his legacy to all of us; our community, I thank you for all you do.
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- Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe 10/28/2009
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"I have been loving your work since the 70's Black Women book. Thanks for seeing and Being."
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- Harmon Outlaw 10/25/2009
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What a beautiful composition of the Starry Giyorgis Ethiopia 2009 image Chester!
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- Alix du Serech 10/22/2009
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Your work is a powerful inspiration for me to become a better photographer...without a doubt, you are the master! Thanks for sharing.
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- Sam Reynolds 10/19/2009
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Your work is mesmerizing and absolutely breathtaking. Artistically, it brings out the best of places that are already so beautiful.
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- Maki Amare 09/25/2009
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My Lord, My Lord! Chester, your God-given eye and talent are totally amazing!
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- Thelma Austin 09/25/2009
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Your imagery continue to amaze me. Your talent to record how much the Creator has blessed humanity still astounds me.
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- Michelle March 09/25/2009
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After looking at your Giyorgis starry night photo in Ethiopia my one response "". . .then there was light." You have great eye, my brother."
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- Edward Darden 09/23/2009
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Your image of St. Giyorgis starry night is simply stunning. I am so jealous of your travels to remotest Ethiopia. What's more you record it with its true ethereal qualities. Enquan abro aderesen.
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- Gabriel Abraham 09/22/2009
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"Brother Chester, if you knew how long I've loved your work you would surely blush. I remember when my sister purchased, The Black Woman and Drums of Life, and how those images offered a cultural bridge for me to cross. Thank you for continuing to share your gift!"
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- Judy Marie Willis 09/21/2009
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Have your photo, 'Merkut of Khufu' on my office wall. It is strangely spiritual. Thank you.
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- Jim Smith 08/19/2009
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Hello Chester, Many decades have passed since our days as freshmen in residence "F" at Tuskegee. Your life's work is an inspiration for people of color and serves as a beacon for all mankind to search our souls. You have used your gift and talent well. May your Higher Power continue to bless you.
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- Ralph McWhorter 07/15/2009
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I want to convey to you how much your work has moved me. The first time I viewed your website a few weeks ago and every time I have explored your work since, my eyes well with tears. The spirit that is within you connects on such a deep level with your subjects, radiating out of them like the rays of the sun. I know that I have never seen the beauty of the human spirit conveyed in any media more clearly than in your photos.
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- Stephanie Leach 05/22/2009
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Your work is nothing short of amazing. We in Ethiopia are inspired to work hard as you have, to strengthen and expand the glorious history of all black people everywhere. Thank you and God Bless you
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- Selam Asfaw 05/22/2009
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I enjoyed your photos of Ethiopia in the May/June issue Archeology Magazine. It sounds like an interesting place to visit. John
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- John Pye 05/12/2009
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I am the Africana Studies librarian at the University of Pittsburgh and I intend to suggest to our special collections to consider photographs as documents of our history, worthy of scholarly consideration and financial support. I am also a historian with a special research interest in African American Muslims. I have seen your work for many years now and find the photographs to be Africana in visual form. The style, spirit, honesty, nobility, and diversity of our experience shine through the photographs. As the saying goes, "What comes from the heart - touches the heart." I am aware of many excellent articles detailing your work and its importance. In addition, I am an amateur photographer (currently a student at Pittsburgh filmmakers) and you are one of my favorite photographers. Some of the others are the late Teenie Harris of the Pittsburgh Courier, Peter Sanders (UK), and Jeffery Becom. Thanks for your work. Peace and blessing. - Arif Abdullah Jamal
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- Arif Abdullah Jamal 05/01/2009
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I look forward to looking at any work done by Chester Higgins, Jr. The bonus is that I am being introduced to the Omo People. Unashamedly I acknowledge I have much to learn about our people, I welcome the privilege of this exposure. In Sublime Anticipation. Louie
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- Louie 04/18/2009
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WOW. IT IS TOO BAD WE DON'T KNOW MORE ABOUT THE WORLD but I was so fascinated with this collection that I wish I had all of them in a book. Do you think he will write a book? If so, if I can afford it, I will buy one. I wish I had wall space for all of them on my walls. They are some beautiful people and so colorful. I would like to know more about them, I will try to Google them. THANK YOU and I will keep them in my prayers. Marie
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- Marie 04/18/2009
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Your website showcases the depth of your ability to document the spirit of our people. I will continue to refer back to it on future matters. The Omo people face the dam, we all face the concerted efforts of these same forces that have come on the earth to conquer nature everywhere. Appreciate you my Brother. Imani
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- Imani 04/18/2009
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Having met you and Betsy briefly in Lalibela and then in Addis, I am so excited to see the beautiful images from Lalibela and also the ones from Omo. On my trip to Omo, which kind of followed in your footsteps, I met some of the people from your photos and it makes it even more special to see them so wonderfully beautiful here in your portfolio. Thank you for sharing you love for Africa and Africans with us. Maybe our paths will cross again on this amazing continent.
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- Liza Debevec 03/19/2009
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This is indeed a great narrative about the Omo people. I wish you introduce your new friends by names. I sincerely appreciate your creative and spiritually motivated project, a project that has successfully displayed the complex and diverse landscape of humanity in Ethiopia. I am glad that the outside world will now have a chance to frame Ethiopianity beyond the alpines of northern Ethiopia. I look forward to reading and viewing the fruits of your photography in south Ethiopia. Ayele
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- Ayele Bekerie 03/10/2009
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Oh my goodness, I am in awe and just grateful for your presence in this world. The photos of the Omo people are breath-taking and your narrative touched my soul. I've always known that you see more than the camera captures, it's as if you're able to see something the normal eye doesn't see. What a gift!
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- Elwanda Young 03/05/2009
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Thank you for the wonderful pictures of southern Ethiopia and Lalibela. Your pictures tell remarkable stories. To me, the people of Omo and surrounding areas are turning their bodies into an encyclopedia of history, culture, and philosophy. Body art is perhaps the most intimate form of art. By allowing their bodies as an instrument of expression, the people share with the rest of humanity their sense of transparency, openness, beauty and happiness. In Lalibela, the people turn a rocky mountain into a live gallery of religion. Lalibela is magnificent because it is the visual expression of biblical stories and verses. Your stunning pictures are affirmations of our ancestral great sense of spirituality.
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- Ayele Bekerie 03/02/2009
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Omo Spirit,is a captivating piece that compelled me to admire not only the writing skills of Mr. Higgins but also the thoughtful and respectful manner he presented his work. The parallel he drew between himself and his African brothers and sisters he honors in Omo Spirit is fascinating. The content of the article and its style (not to mention the powerful images) are so meaningful to me that I will have to read it again. My heartfelt admiration and gratitude to Mr. Higgins.
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- Tewodros Abebe 03/01/2009
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Your work is stunning and elegant.
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- Necia Harkless 03/01/2009
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I love your work. My friend took me to a black book store in Harlem to try and give me inspiration for my photography class. I spot your Elder Grace, where I could feel the woman's eyes speaking to me like my own grandmother. I brought the book of course and I am doing my project on you Mr. Higgins. You have also given me a great idea on what to do on my final projects. I am a student at Lehman College. My majors are Black Studies and Sociology with minors in Woman Studies and Early Childhood Education. Your work has truly inspired me on so many levels as Jamaican African American Woman. Thank you for reading. I just wanted to say how much a love your work.
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- Michelle-Ann Pearson 11/07/2007
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These Omo Tribes of Ethiopia photos are magnificent! The "painted man" reminds me of a vision I had, years ago, of wizened old men, covered in white "chalk paint", hobbling on knobby sticks, their black eyes blazing red, reflecting the campfire. Isn't Africa the most amazing place? You have captured the soul of the people without holding their souls captive; how beautiful. The fierce beauty of these people is almost unbearable! You you carry such a gift in your hands and eyes and skills; it is humbling to envision you at work. It is a gift enough to simply sit with these beautiful Africans knowing that you and they have seen each other's eyes... May the ancestors smile on you as their emissary of beauty and may you continue to dance with the spirits, in joy.
Blessings. Vicki
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- Vicki Burns 02/06/2009
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Dear administration www.chesterhiggins.com, I am assured, that I shall express the general opinion of all visitors and consequently on behalf of everything, I speak you the hugest thanks for creation and maintenance of such remarkable project!
Thanks!
As very much it would be desirable to hear something about plans for development of the project.
P.S. If our help is necessary - address, we always with pleasure shall help you!
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- poseselpawala 12/16/2008
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Thank you for sharing these wonderful and touching photos of Ehiopia. As a Jewish Christian, my heart was deeply moved by this. What a blessing.
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- Rev K L Maines 12/11/2008
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I've just registered to say your site is very useful and nicely done!
Thank you very much for your work. Cheers!
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- iniliaviply 12/10/2008
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Hello Chester (Ato Negatu) How are you? It has been a while since we met but recently I was on your web site and I was searching for the new book on Ethiopia, 'Stars of Ethiopia,' because I saw the poster image of Lalibela you took in 2007 and I was hoping to see the book out by now. I know you are busy but it would be good to hear from you soon. Mahilet Woldemichael
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- MAHILET 09/04/2008
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We received your extraordinary posters of Beta Saint Giyorgis. We are always in awe of its ambiance as we breeze by the one hanging by our front door. Your work is so interesting and engaging - we want to see even more. Thanks for making this series (and others) available to the world! Jacqui and Ivan Van Sertima
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- Jacqui & Ivan Van Sertima 06/12/2008
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In this world where there is pain and death, love and hate, bondage and freedom, hope and despair, you have traveled to Ethiopia and captured beauty and frozen it in time. A co-worker said, "What a gift to be able to capture the spirit, preserve it and share it with others." Such a gift you have and what a blessing to be able to share this hidden wonder of Lalibela with those who may never see such wonders with the natural eye. I was speechless when I opened your poster of Lalibela. I felt like I was there, standing and seeing the work take place. Feeling the physical pain as the work was being done and the dream being formed into reality. I felt the joy of accomplishment in a country challenged by natural uncertainty you captured the spirit of hope and a peace came over me. Thank you for sharing a part of your travels, a part of your life with me. We shall continue to share about your work and website. We pray that you will be blessed each day knowing that His spirit lives in you and you have family that prays for you and loves you so very much.
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- Karen Cheathem 06/07/2008
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What an extraordinary photo of Beta Giyorgis. It hangs in the window and light shines through the walls and the stars.
It would in any case be a hauntingly beautiful picture of a rock church, rose-reddened half as old as time. But what transforms it beyond beautiful is the night sky above it with the stars piercing it. It's as if you'd given us not only this ancient church but far more ancient universe that gave it birth.
Your photographs are spells. The Vinalhaven bicycle hangs on our refrigerator and chats at us from it. Now your church chants and intones. Before long our white house will be abducted into the speech of art.
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- Dick Eder 05/14/2008
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Stars of St. Giyorgis
The night is that element to make us focus - you have found a strong and willful place on earth and turned it into a jewel for us - I am adorned in it's presence.
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- Christine Douglass 05/14/2008
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These rock-hewn churches are amazing, and something
we know very little about. Thank you for sharing their
history with us. Now I'm fascinated by them. Your
project to document the ancient religions along the
Nile is an important mission. Until we went to Egypt,
we had heard nothing about Nubia which seems incredible.
With your beautiful pictures, you can make us all more
aware of Africa's rich cultural heritage.
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- Candace & Frank Taubner 05/08/2008
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It is always marvelous to see your photographs and I hope that you will publish yet another book! Ethiopia is a glorious country, although I must confess that I have never been there. Your photographs bring things to life and let us see things we would never imagine through your eyes.
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- Christraud Geary 04/29/2008
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I am amazed -- after 30 plus years of friendship -- at your keen eye, sense of wonder, and love for African people. Thanks so much for the beautiful poster of Lalibela. You are truly a warrior for humanity! Only the best, Cheryl
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- Cheryl Polk 04/26/2008
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My elementary grade students and I want to thank you for visiting our class last week to discuss your photographs of the African Burial Ground and answer their questions. They were fascinated by your photographs and delighted that they got to keep their own brochures you made for them. Your attentive and clear answers to their questions (even when they repeated themselves) helped them understand why the Burial Ground was such an important project for you, and why everyone should be interested in it. I think it was really valuable to them to hear your comments about working with human remains, and the connections to African spiritual traditions were illuminating. As a teacher, I really appreciated that you were able to take each question so seriously and respond in a way that built up the students' understanding. Once again, thank you so much for your help! Children's Workshop School, NYC.
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- Miriam Sicherman 03/07/2008
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Hi Mr. Higgins! I just wanted to let you know that I think that your work is absolutly amazing! Its so full of life and expresses so much emotion. As a photographer it was really refreshing to see work like yours compared to the same works seen all the time...
You're amazing!
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- Marisa Ynostroza 02/27/2008
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Yo Chester, I saw a shot of yours of Christa Sanders. I said, that's the best photo I've seen in years." She said it's by Chester Higgins. Well, I'm just here in Ghana and I never heard of Chester Higgins. Now I know. Great site Chester... you're cool!
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- Hector Peterssen 02/17/2008
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Congratulations on your EXCELLENT WEB SITE. IT IS AWESOME!!!
I have enjoyed at least 6 -7 straight hours on your site. I viewed many photos, clicked activated and visited every site that I can possibly view and browsed as much as possible. I just love this site. You are a person of heart! You are multi-blessed and talented man with a God-given destiny and purpose. You are a real, sensitive dedicated man of passion. Your work shows how dedicated, committed, and determined you have been in your lifes quest in capturing the spirit of African American people and others world wide through photography. The photos are great and brought out a lot of mixed emotions in me. I was very moved by the photos of the elderly and children. I love to view old photos as I am an amateur genealogist of my Cape Verdean Family & History. We have lots of family photos from the early 1900s which belonged to my great grandmother.
I am hoping you can understand the joy I experienced and pride I felt as I viewed your website.
As a writer you are powerful in expressing yourself as to what you want to accomplish in your gift of photography and expression.
Thank you for your dedication and sharing your lifes work. I celebrate with you in your journey of photography in capturing each moment as it happens. You are person of heart and spirit and grace. I look forward to frequently visiting your site. Sincerely yours, Isabella
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- Isabelle Livramento 12/02/2007
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