I've been keeping journals since I was in the 3rd grade and I'm so glad to share some of my most intimate life moments with you here! Here, you'll find inspirational and encouraging stories of me and other broken people like me. We are all jars of clay who have been afflicted in every way, but not crushed...struck down by not destroyed. Here, you do NOT have the right to remain silent, so as you read, grab your favorite snack and drink and leave a comment...share YOUR story. I can't wait to connect with you in this beautiful safe space.
welcome to my
journal!
xoxoxoxoxo,
Sachel
August 10, 2016
MS. VIOLA | 50+ AND FABULOUS | ANCHORAGE BEAUTY PORTRAITS
There’s something so very special about seasoned women. The amazing stories they have, the lessons life have taught them…as a young woman, the more time I spend with them, the more I can’t help but feel like I become a better version of me. Ms. Viola’s spirit is just as a beautiful as her wrinkles…just as bright as her eyes. I am seriously obsessed with her.
Ms. Viola is 81-years old, born and raised in Texas. Before moving to Alaska, I had no idea who she was or that she even existed. But when I finally did meet her, I learned not only did she know who I was, but she knew my family! Her and my grandmother were friends and her daughter and my mother grew up together!! How crazy is that!?! It’s amazing how connected we all are. Isn’t it amazing to know that no matter where we go in the world, we all in some way are connected?
Ms. Viola, in all of her glory was drum major from the 7th grade to the 12th and was even named Miss Lincoln her senior year, the same title my mother would hold decades later. She later went on to become a teacher and impact the lives of hundreds of people, some who she still keeps in contact with today. She even keeps in contact with her high school classmates who are still living. Seriously, how amazing is this woman?!
With one daughter, nine grandchildren and some great-grandchildren, Ms. Viola is leaving one beautiful legacy. She hasn’t been photographed in years and to be the one to help her exist in photographs was such an amazing experience.
It’s amazing the people God will bring into your life. When you’re exactly where you need to be and the right people are in your life, there’s a beautiful kind of magic that happens. Spending time with you Ms. Viola was such a complete honor. You have no idea how grateful I am to have met you. Every time I’m in your presence I learn so much and I am appreciative of you.
Thank you so much Ms. Viola for simply being you. You are definitely one of God’s greatest gifts to this world.
And as if this lady couldn’t melt my heart even more, check out this short video of seeing her portraits for the first time!!
One of my favorite people to talk to is an 82 year old woman ( I am 27). She is a woman of God that still continues to minister to everyone she meets. I am also a teacher and I am sure every wrinkle found on this beautiful woman in your pictures is simply because of the smiles she has given to children over a lifetime. Thank you for sharing!
These are absolutely amazing images!
WOW! These are gorgeous photos and I especially love the one of her hands. God Bless this amazing woman!
These are incredibly beautiful!! I always love your portraits of women!
Thank you Sachel ! This is a priceless treasure to my beautiful mother! I’m so proud to be her daughter! You captured the very essence of her! God Bless you and that sweet angel growing inside! We love you, James and Shaharriet Houchins and children, Ashlyn, Jeremy,Cierra,Landon,Kiana,Jadeja,Senai,Kalise, La’Kaiya and Daughter-in-law Tynesha and granddaughter Skylar!
ABSOULTLY BEAUTIFUL PICTURES AND BEAUTIFUL WOMAN INSIDE AND OUT. A PLEASURE TO HAVE BEEN A STUDENT OF YOURS.