Jenny's Ring

Ok, this is what happens after you retire. You start projects that otherwise you would have passed over as superfluous. 

I found and old bench in my basement that was given to me some time ago. In a moment of boredom, I decided to sand it down and give it new life. After sanding it down, I gave the bench it’s new array of color.

As I was painting, I started to think about how the bench could serve as a cool catalyst for a new photo series for my talented photographer wife, Ann Marie. What would happen if I asked people to choose an object to be featured in photographs with them on the bench? An object that could be described as important to them, an object that they would value above many other material things we collect in life. 

I first assigned this challenge to my cousin Jenny. She is a good sport. She is willing to endure my crazy ideas. Jenny was my secretary when I worked as Chief of Police. She is beautiful, brilliant, funny, edgy, and sensitive. Jenny was, and still is, the key person that keeps the Sharon Police Department  functioning on a day to day basis. As strange as it is, I worked for Jenny’s mother thirty years ago when I was a teacher. Susan Little was the secretary of Sharon Middle School. Aunt Susan held the building together with her ever-present humor, intelligence and kindness. I love, and I am indebted to them both.

Ann Marie spent many hours setting up the lighting and background for the shoot, and of course, many additional hours in Lightroom working her talented magic.
Jenny brought a ring to the photo shoot. But not just any ring. The ring was made from a spoon belonging to her great great grandmother. ​

​In 1977 Jenny’s grandparents, Ethyl and Bob Morse passed the ring onto their daughter Susan as a Christmas present. Susan passed it onto her daughter Jenny. Jenny also brought the small note written by Ethel Morse to Susan that Christmas in 1977 to the photo session.

The ring is special in so many ways. The silverware set that the spoon came from is still being used in the Cape vacation home, that is, sans one special spoon. When Jenny goes to the  family vacation home on the cape, it peaks a special emotional remembrance for her.

I love the story of her ring. I love that it is a simple object of love. I love that the ring will be passed on for generations to come. However, it’s equally important  that the ring has created a new moment of family memories, laughter and love.

What would you choose to be featured in the Blue Bench Series?  Let me know and we will feature you on our next shoot.
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John & Ann Marie Ford