Photography keeps me alive

Taking photos is my therapy.

Taking it slow in 2017 because 2016 was a busy, crazy and transitional year for me.  
In 2015 my dad passed away and I decided I needed to be closer to home for my mom and Aunt.  I decided to quit my job and move home.  I had a plan but everything fell apart when I was trying to leave NY behind me because Greg my boyfriend of 25 years said he would die without me - yep I gave in and let him come with me .  Big mistake considering he was having a nervous breakdown full of anxiety, panic attacks and depression.
I am trying to live life as best I can, happy and stress free but the toxic environment he creates makes it hard.
As a photographer i have photographed him as he has his attacks.  It's not easy living with someone who has a mental illness

Pet sitting clients

These are just a few of my pet clients 

Pet Sitting

I got to spend 2 nights with this sweetie in Charlotte, NC

When I pet sitting  I feel like I get to relax and catch up on reading my favorite magazine.  I also get lots of exercise walking but Rocky's woks are short since he is older.

The view from Rocky's home was amazing he is one lucky pup and extra lucky to have his amazing mom.  I want to have her energy when I am 79. 

New home

Met this gorgeous guy today - his story is sad but he is doing fine and going to his new home at end of week

I love getting lost

I put wrong address in when going to see my new client Olive this morning but in true Darlene form I made the best of it and took photos of some abandoned buildings and flowers then called Elizabeth to ask where she really lived lol.
 It was awesome because I love to drive and its a gorgeous day and I was able to take photos - I even rescued a turtle lol

TIME FOR ME

I had a break into dog walking clients so I traveled over to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, NC.  I have always loved it here and now since I moved back to back to Fort Mill, SC and have a flexible schedule I can visit more.
Today I dropped by with just my phone for photos - here are a few photos