Jeanette McDermott

 This is my delightful friend Diana. Everybody who knows her, loves her. With good reason. She embodies all those good things about a person that just simply bring a joyful smile to your face. Much like her own radiant smile. I snapped this photo of Diana as she finished wheeling home from one of her many community excursions, from which she bicycles to and from. She’s an advocate for city riding (rural too). When she’s not cycling, she’s walking. When she’s not walking, she’s doing yoga. When she’s not doing the downward dog (yoga thing), she’s organizing community campaigns, advocating for social justice, standing vigils for peace, gardening organically, meditating and praying with group, chatting about good reads in her book club … well, you get the idea. Oh, and did I mention she works full time? She and Jim, her equally wonderful husband, are true blessings in my life. I’ve been staying with them lately in the beautiful neighborhood where Tower Grove Park adorns a 4-mile city radius, and the world famous Missouri Botanical Garden (MoBot) is located. Last week I visited the Garden to see a phenomenal orchid exhibit and experience a gorgeous photo display of glorious Mother Nature in Costa Rica. Seeing the photos made me homesick for the jungle and howler monkeys. The nice thing is that MoBot is in easy walking distance from Diana and Jim’s house. Could it possibly be any other way?