Yesterday was another day filled with the amazing magic that happens around Soulumination, not that any of it was a result of what we are doing, just that things seem to fall into place with such care and compassion. I started my day with a shoot for our wonderful young administrater, Auni and her family. I then proceeded to Children's Hospital to record some moments of Barry Simon's twelfth birthday. In the group that had assembled were two young adults that no one seemed to know but they were fun and attentive and the guy could sing Happy Birthday like a pro. They proceeded to have Barry open a gift, which was a wonderful laptop computer--just what he wanted so badly and needs for his studies. I chatted with the two of them briefly and they just heard about Barry's need and were able to give in this most generous of ways. I hope they will contact me and give permission to post photos that I took of them with the birthday boy. The next gift Barry received again brought tears to my eyes-- local master chef Tom Douglas, who so generously provided savories for our opening at St Mark's, had heard that Barry wants to be a chef and he is going to cook him a private lunch. Truly there is so much good in the world and I thank the givers of the computer and Tom from the bottom of my heart.

My next stop at the hospital was to view the new offices for the Palliative Care unit, which has been my guiding force throughout this work. It is always such a pleasure to be with this great group of people and I only worry that my frantic pace and energy sometimes is a bit much in their calm and thoughtful environment.

From the Palliative Care office my next stop was the ICU to work with a family who are down from Alaska with a most beautiful new baby girl. This little one was surrounded by so much loving family that we could not all fit in the room. The two older brothers and the exchange student that is indeed like a third loving sibling were just so perfect to record as they looked adoringly at their little sister. The parents have that thing flowing from them that is just so palatable, so intensely pure. I guess you call that unconditional love, but it's so powerful to be in a room where the intensity of that love is not to be missed. The wonderful grandparents were in attendance, plus an uncle and his wife and family that just couldn't quit smiling when it was their turn to be near this adored baby. A charming older cousin was there for his turn with the lovely one and I heard that an aunt and her daughter were flying in from Alaska later in the afternoon. I left that room to walk across the hall to meet briefly with the doctor that heads this unit as well as the NICU at UW hospital. What an honor to be able to take time to chat with him. This whole experience was orchestrated by a most charming new social worker. I thank Katie for calling and trusting me to work with such an inspiring family.

I am busy trying to pack for Washington DC and to form the words I will share with the group of photographers who will be hosting the exhibit. Any minute now some long-term clients will arrive in my courtyard to have updated photos of their third daughter. It's a balancing act, as I love my clients so much and need to give them complete attention, plus the pull toward my new art space is so strong as it's just a haven for me in my busy life, not to mention my husband and daughters and friends with whom I so love to spend time.

I started this missive this morning and now it is later afternoon. I feel so thankful for the fact that I do for a living that which is my passion. It was a hard day though, since my long-term client/friend shared with me that she has breast cancer. This lovely woman having to face some of the hardest decisions that life can bring makes me ever more dedicated to the future fundraiser for women's cancer research.

The second couple of the day was a new family to my business, but one that I met at a Children's Hospital fundraiser as they had me scheduled to take photos of their daughter last year only to have to cancel when they found she had a brain tumor that was so deadly that there was no time in their life for photos. They lost their precious daughter, but today I had the honor of working with their new baby son and talking to them about the work of Soulumination and how they wished we had worked together in the hospital. When parents are faced with the loss of a child I often hear that they can't imagine a photo shoot, but those who do invite me in always say they are so thankful. If you share the work of Soulumination with friends or potential families, please remember to emphasize that I am devoted to capturing the beauty and love in each child. I feel I have some ability to transcend the hardest of scenarios to capture lasting images of love.

I close with the entry from a favorite booked, entitled Offerings : THE THINGS THAT MATTER MOST IN OUR LIVES ARE NOT FANTASTIC OR GRAND. THEY ARE THE MOMENTS WHEN WE TOUCH ONE ANOTHER, Jack Kornfield.

Below find the brief job description for the new hire at Soulumination. Please share with anyone you think might be interested in applying. In love and peace, Lynette

Soulumination, a young, Seattle-based non-profit, seeks an individual to
take the administrative reins of its compelling mission in support of
families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. We're looking for a Program Manager to work closely with Soulumination's pro-active Board and creative
founder, whose photographic gifts to these families have attracted national
attention to Soulumination in its first year. Key responsibilities encompass day-to-day systems and records, event planning, public information, volunteer coordination,
fundraising efforts, etc. This is a flexible part-time position offering a focused,
full-hearted challenge. Please send your resume and salary expectations to jobs2006@soulumination.org by May 1, 2006. For more information about Soulumination
please visit www.soulumination.org .

The past few days have been full with so many things that I am a bit dazed. I had the honor of meeting two new Soul families this week. Both families have daughters that are so beautiful they take your breath away. One of the girls has cystic fibrosis and the other has damage from oxygen deprivation. I salute wholeheartedly the love and care and absolute devotion shown in these families. I marvel that time after time I arrive to see something that is so very exemplary in parenting. The ways in which each family rises to the occasion and takes the time to learn about caring for each child is a joy to witness. To be able to celebrate the beauty and grace in each child is something that fills me with a humility for how little effort it takes to do this small kindness while the families rise to great challenges with such powerful intentions and abiding love.

The loss of life in our old neighborhood this week sends chills through me. My heart and care is with the families that are forced to come to terms with the loss of their children at the Rave party slayings on Saturday. We all should remember how small our community is and realize that we are touched by this senselessness in sometimes subtle and sometimes close ways. In this senseless killing, one of our wonderful volunteers for Soulumination lost a young sister. My heart and love is with this young woman as she struggles to help her family through the torrent of press and publicity. About a week ago, I read that old friends of ours lost their lovely daughter, we have not seen this family in years but the loss is so harsh when I realize that this beautiful young woman was the same age as our own Llewelyn.

I wrote about the fact that more and more photographers across the country have taken up projects similar to Soulumination, however my heart aches when I hear that some folks are not being supportive and welcoming to new talent. After over 5 years of working with families I know that we must be kind and supportive to all who come with the heart and talent to do this work. Granted, we all must use the ultimate care to be discreet and not take our own issues into the shoots, but there are so many deserving families who would love photos that capture their children's spirits that there is room enough for everyone to reach out in this loving manner.

I am excited to share Barry's new address so that we can keep mail coming to that charming young man. His birthday is coming up soon so maybe some of you would like to send him birthday wishes. You can mail him, at Barry Simon c/o Ronald McDonald house, 5110 40th Ave NE Seattle 98105 Room #B-11.

Doug and I had a lovely time on Friday with a couple that I met 17 years ago, they were one of the first couples to use me to record their wedding. We have renewed our acquaintance through Soulumination and they have been so incredibly supportive, including asking for donations to Soulumination instead of gifts for their combined birthday celebration recently. She is a teacher in the special education department at a public school and was thoughtful enough to have her students create Valentine's for Barry. The two weddings that I shot this weekend were so full of love and fun that it helps even out some of the emotions. I am so excited that we are coming fully into the wedding season.

My thanks to some special people in my life: Susan for the best hug ever, Lisa for showing me how to accept things with dignity and love, Patty for opening her house to fun art projects time after time, Doug for trying to listen even when its just so overwhelming, Deb for bringing me lunch when she knew I needed a little extra attention, the staff in Palliative care for believing in my abilities, Dick for wanting to detail my automobile even though he knows I am such a mess with my trusty little car and Lori for selflessly creating the start of our first newsletter.

In love and peace, Lynette

This past week has been filled with much reflection and--I am thrilled to say--the sharing by a California photographer who completed her first shoot for her new foundation, Wrapped in Love. Her name is Chelle Haney and she is in Central California and you can see her efforts at www.wrappedinlove.org. Her talent and the love of this beautiful family comes shining through. This type of work with families is spreading and I want to mention a woman in Indiana who is just getting started. Her name is Debby Crevonis and if you know of anyone who would treasure photos of a "Soul" child in Indiana, she can be reached by email at debbysphoto@indyrr.com.

My husband left early this morning to be with his dad on Bainbridge. We spent a quiet Friday night watching Pride and Prejudice and later chatting about the meaning in my life around this project. As he was fading into much needed sleep I told him that in this type of work the thing that keeps me moving forward is simply the fact that I want to do something with meaning and now I have learned that each child, each baby has added to my life in profound ways. Coming close to those so strong and yet so vulnerable gives one a chance to see the essence of humanity. Seeing life that might be beginning and ending in days, the struggles after years of treatment and hearing the gentle soft laughter and tears shared with one mom yesterday (pictured here today), as she described the most recent changes in the medical course for her daughter, makes me stop and shake off the trivial parts of running a foundation. It sets me into the mode that I know is the heart of this work-- honoring the families. Hearing that a young girl with epilepsy says her photos are so beautiful touched me so profoundly that I told Doug I would love this girl and her mom to come to dinner when they are in town so he can share in her unique view of the world. She asks questions in such a manner that I often chuckle to myself at how she made me rethink some of the basics of aging.

A few minutes ago the phone rang; it was Doug saying his only uncle had passed away this morning. He heard the news while on his way to his dad's new place and I am so thankful that he and his siblings here planning on being with my special father-in-law today. I was raised surrounded by loving aunts and uncles, and Doug had just this one set. My love goes to this family in California. Uncle Dick and his wit and humor will be missed indeed.

We are currently looking to hire someone to work alongside me in the project. I would dearly love to hire a woman who has been close to the work since the foundation was formed, but it is hard to come up with enough funds to afford someone full time. We are thinking over the best course of action and are currently asking for resumes from interested individuals. If you or anyone you know might be interested, please email me at lynette@soulumination.org and I can send out the job description.

We have the pieces all ready to ship to Washington, DC, and are thrilled that the lovely Elise and her family may be able to join us on the opening night. Timothy's aunt will be with us and hopefully others we know will be there to welcome the show to the East Coast. I have had calls this past week about 5 possible shoots in the next few weeks. I will be honored to record 3 weddings in the next 2 weekends. I am blessed with recording the richness of life in all its facets. I close with words shared by my friend Lori Sawyer. She knew that I had been struggling with some issues that were managerial and she helped bring my focus back to what really matters. All I really ever wanted to do with this work was show a little kindness in return for the blessings I have experienced through my work in photography. In love and peace, Lynette

Your recent comment about Timothy, and the light and guidance all of these Soul babies bring into your life, reminded me of this quote by Albert Einstein.

Blessings, Lori


Strange is our situation here on earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of humanity . . . For the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow human beings, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received and am still receiving.

~Albert Einstein

Today was one of such sunshine and beauty here in the Northwest. I had the pleasure of spending time with my wise and beloved father-in-law, Tom Johnson, followed by lunch with Soul moms Joan and Sally, whose children are the inspiration for this project. They have a way of making me feel so strong and purposeful, plus they sure can make me laugh. As I was waiting for the ferry home from visiting them on Bainbridge Island, I checked my messages to find that Ann Simpson had called to tell me that Francisco's body was on its way home to Guatemala and that the family was expecting between 2 and 3 thousand people to come welcome him and to join in his memorial services. That young man did indeed have a soul so purely giving that he drew people to him majestically and magnetically.

I had the honor of talking to both Tim and Angela Carter(pictured above) this evening. They shared so many loving moments from Timothy's passing and his memorial. That little boy has inspired people to give to Tay Sachs and has opened hearts to share in such amazing ways. Like my young friend Derek's priest said about him, Timothy's stated also: in the Catholic faith those who pass before the age of sin are indeed considered saints. It moved me so much to think that each family in their own faith offers to me words and ideas that point to the thing I feel so strongly, that the children I meet end up being such guides and ispirations for me. These young ones and their families show me that there is so much to learn, to experience, and most of all to share. Each one lights the way to the next, and each is a gift in my life that is rare and beautiful. Whether they pass through with one visit or we become friends, it seems that the goodness is so evident and pure.

Even though this past week has been one that was very difficult in so many emotional ways, I am so thankful and pleased to welcome our dear friend and last year's intern back to work at Soulumination. With John's sudden departure, Auni Husted has stepped in to quickly fill in as our adminstrator here at Soulumination. She will work with us until June and will help train our new adminstrator as well as work to schedule shows for the Soulumination Collection. This young woman has just been awarded a major scholarship and we could not imagine any student more deserving.

I spent time on Sunday at Children's Hospital and once again witnessed such amazing mothering and talented and caring nursing staff. Since I had spent a bit of time just visiting Francisco, it was very emotional to walk in the door knowing I will never see his smile again, but was quickly reminded that there are so many beautiful young lives that I am honored to encounter and families that are so very worthy and deserving of a little kindness. I salute the mother and son I met and thank them for a couple of hours in which I learned so much and was able to observe and hopefully capture something so very precious. I close with a peaceful heart, Lynette

"Even if it's a little thing, do something for those in need of help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it." Albert Schweitzer

Here is what we're working on now--there will be an exhibit of the Soulumination Collection at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Prior to the opening reception on Thursday, April 6 is a unique reception for photographer's only. If you would like to attend either reception please contact Kelley at kmyers@soulumination.org. And if you're anywhere near Washington, D.C. on April 6, I hope you'll join us for the opening!

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM April 6, 2006 Children's National Medical Center The Gallery/Atrium-First Floor 111 Michigan Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20010 public exhibit of the Soulumination Collection
New Horizons, the arts education and cultural enrichment program at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., presents Soulumination Collection: intimate and powerful photographs by Lynette Huffman Johnson of infants, children, and young adults facing life-threatening conditions. The exhibit will open April 6, 2006 with a special reception at the gallery. Tina Lassiter, Managing Director of New Horizons, and Sarah Mattingly, photographer, will introduce Celebrating a Spirit, a new Children’s National Medical Center initiative that will provide photographic services to the families of CNMC. The Soulumination Collection was made possible by the generous support of New Horizons, the arts education and cultural enrichment program at Children's National Medical Center; Matthew and Sarah Mattingly; Aaron and Cindy Bernstein; Corbis; and the BAS Foundation.

It's sad to think I often write on the day of loss, but forgive me for that, as it really does help with the sorrow. Last night my dear friend Sidni lost her lovely sister-in-law, Mary O'Leary, to ovarian cancer. I wrote a few weeks ago about the time I spent photographing her wonderful family, and I am so thankful for getting to share that time with her. I have thought a lot about women and cancer since Mary's diagnosis and from recording my new friend Camari and my friend Lisa, who are breast cancer survivors. Those of you who follow this blog realize that once we have Soulumination on solid ground financially and administratively, I will help lead a fundraiser to benefit research into cures for these horrific cancers. I have pledged to Sidni that I will make this tragic loss matter. I will be honored to follow the legacy that Mary left in three terrific daughters through the caring and thoughtful ways of their aunt. You will see her pictured today with her husband Dennis.
Sadly, I was just trying to get my footing after the recent losses of Francisco and Sydney when I opened my email moments ago to find that little Timothy, whom I met in Tulsa, also passed away. In looking back to the overnight I had with Timothy and his family, I am so thankful and moved to have had the opportunity to be with them. Angela, Timothy's mom, has a voice of soft Southern charm that has a soothing quality uniquely its own. I am so blessed even in this sorrow, as I will get to meet Timothy's aunt Naomi next month when I visit Washington, DC. She is the person who arranged and paid for my flight to Tulsa and who held the fundraiser for Soulumination and honoring Timothy's life. Timothy was such a beautiful child that I was thrilled that he graced the cover of the Pediatric archive journal. His loss to the effects of Tay Sachs cuts me to the bone and gives me renewed strength at the same time to continue this work with open arms to all the families. Timothy is pictured today in the shot that was used for the journal; I caught this shot early in the morning in Tulsa as he was receiving steroids in mist form to help his breathing. The sun was coming through the curtains and the sight sent me running for my camera.
We welcome with warm hearts a new family to the Soul collection. They are the charming folks who came for a shoot on the day we lost Francisco. Without even seeing the work, they have agreed to let us take their images to the show in Washington, DC. Hopefully I will meet up with Andrew and his mom tomorrow morning to give them the photos while they are at Children's. I had a most amazing chat with Andrew's mom yesterday and the feelings she shared about how the shoot went for them also gives me some solace today. I am posting a shot from their time with me; as you can see, they all have bald heads, one from chemo, one naturally, and the rest shaved in solidarity.

I am thrilled to let you know that little Emily again has clean counts from her last visit to Children's. My thanks to her parents for sharing this news.

I quote Tracy Chapman from a book given to me by my new friend Ann Simpson: "I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives." Please allow me to just list first names of those who in the past couple of weeks who have been angels of the first degree for me: Suzanne, Annie, Sidni, Auni, Dan, Heidi, Linda, Denise, Cory, Michelle, Leslie, Llewelyn, McKenzie, Sarah, Brenna, Diane, Deb, Fred, Lori, Kelley, Bettijean, Mark, Sally, Joan, Mona, Shane, Michael, Alisa, Molly, Naomi, Doug, Otis, Dawnelle, Patty, Lise, Linda, Karen, all of Francisco's nurses, Rebeccah, Colleen, Kurt, Jeremy, Paul, Brig and Scott. All of these wonderful people reach out to me in ways that they may think ordinary, but I assure you they make such a difference to my spirit. Their loving natures and the little things they do add up to their loaning me wings that allow me the ability to move forward and push a little higher in this foundation. In peace and love, Lynette

Francisco, one of the most saintly young souls I have ever met, has passed from this life today. His father arrived from Guatemala on Saturday and I had the pleasure of meeting him on Monday. To see that father and son together after nearly 4 years apart brought such peace and joy to this sorrowful situation. Francisco had a heart of gold, stamina beyond any teen I have ever known, and a presence that filled you with inspiration and a zest for life. His dear smile and gentle ways definitely are characteristics that shine in his father.
I must mention that the Simpson family was the catalyst in bringing Francisco's father to Seattle. They selflessly put aside their grief for their son Hunter and pursued this agenda to honor the friendship between Hunter and Francisco. I am honored to know them as well as Hunter's girlfriend Gwen. My thanks today to Chris Hopson for setting the forces in motion for me to meet someone as dynamic as Francisco.
My hat is off to the nursing staff at Children's who so lovingly cared for Francisco. Each one I met was so devoted and made such an effort to create an atmosphere of caring around this young man. Today I was speaking with Derek's mom and she reminded me so kindly to keep these nurses in my thoughts as they will grieve and miss Francisco so tenderly. Derek roomed with Francisco at various times and his mom relayed how incredibly thoughtful and appropriate Francisco was each time they shared a space together.
I had the ultimate pleasure of photographing two young friends of Francisco's that he met at Camp Good Times. They arrived with their parents and older brother just minutes after I received the news of the death. I am so thankful for the joy this family brought today. Already I am anxious to see the results of this shoot as it's the first family I have worked with that all have bald heads, one from chemo, one naturally and 3 shaved.
For those of you who are interested, services for Francisco will be Friday from 8 to 9 at St Maria's in Rainier Valley. I am heading to the hospital to spend a few quiet moments in his room. In love and peace, Lynette