TheFATladyBlog

The Wedding -- Jens & Becca Thorsen

Jens and Becca's wedding last month was wonderful. I've never seen a happier or radiant couple ever! The pictures say it all!

Guests came from all over the United States, Denmark, and Africa. The weather was superb. I didn't make the ultimate weight goal, hit a plateau after losing 65 pounds, but I'm approaching that endeavor again with renewed determination. Will keep you posted in the days ahead. In the meantime, share some of my favorite images of the day.

And Unto Us A Baby Blog Is Born Today

The Historic Homes Blogger is a new blog  that offers narrative and pictorial perspectives on historic homes and districts, renovation, and property preservation in Bethlehem and beyond. My co-author of this blog is my broker and dear friend, Connie Glagola. The blog is produced on Internet Crusade software presently in development.

The Brethren's House (1748) housed the single Brethren Choir.

Fat Lady Joins MoveOn Peace VigilIn Bethlehem Supporting Cindy Sheehan

A tiny park in Southside Bethlehem, PA, was the site of a Peace Vigil last night that supported the efforts of Cindy Sheehan, a mother whose son lost his life in Iraq. Cindy is in Crawford, Texas, and she wants to speak with President Bush about the war. So far he has refused. It doesn't seem to work for his political agenda. There is a slide show here with more images of the event in Bethlehem. The Bethlehem event was organized by Diane Petro.

The Fat Lady Takes A Walk In Bethlehem

Musikfest 2005 has arrived in Bethlehem. It's just a two-block walk from domicile or office. The streets are teeming with people, bands from around the world are playing at platzes all around the city center. The city is alive. These photos mark the end of this day.

Dusk greets the city and the crowds swell.

The Red Elvises rock and roll from Moscow to Volksplatz. Many people know who they are. I surrendered my own musical heart to a Dublin troubadour 30 years ago.

The city stands proud.

Lighting a path for musicians and patrons.

Danish Elvis draws his inspiration from the heavens.

"Drink Pilgrim here and if thy heart be innocent . hereto shalt refresh thy spirit." What doth the dry vessel portend?

A quiet corner unscathed by mayhem.

Polish/Irish Mermaid Offers Advice:Just Suit Up And Jump In!

No,  that is not Esther Williams in the pool. That is none other than the Polish/Irish Mermaid from The FAT Lady Blog, enjoying a divine moment of contemplative flotation between laps in State College this weekend. This summer is the first summer in about 15 years (or more) that I have put on a swim suit and ventured into a swimming pool. Every year I have been telling myself, "I'll buy a suit and go swimming next year after I lose weight." For 15 years I have deprived myself of the benefits and joys of swimming. And it was all about weight consciousness and humiliation. When you shed the fear, don the suit, and enter that water, you leave that nonsense behind and make a step in the right direction. If you have a friend or loved one who faces this same dilemma, click the "Permalink" below, copy the URL, and send the link as a measure of encouragement. Click here for more photos of glorious weekend memories taken from the other side of the camera lens. Here's another link with music.

Camera-Shy Fatty Bites The BulletWith Plus Size 'Before' Photos

There are many everyday activities in life that thin people take for granted that are utterly awful to an obese person -- posing for a photo, shopping for clothes, putting on a bathing suit. Up to this point I have opted for cute cartoon graphics, but I think that photographs alone speak the raw truth. I considered various photo treatments and opted for simple, clothed full-figure frontal and side shots. This is not an easy thing to do. I love the camera from the perspective of a photographer, and I generally do my best to avoid the scrutiny of the lens. There are better, "lighter" days ahead. I look forward to the "After" shots!

Get Out And 'Smell The Roses'For Spiritual And Emotional Well Being

...and start right right here with a slide show of Bethlehem's Rose Garden. (Photos by Frances Flynn Thorsen)