Wordless Wednesday: Niki

Many times now I have mentioned my amazing sister-in-law, Niki. But I don't think I've ever told you exactly WHY she's so amazing.

Well first of all, as a New Yorker, she puts up with the nutty inlaws from a much closer distance. I'm afraid she absorbs the brunt of the craziness, for which I am eternally grateful. It's really easy for me to just call Mommy on the phone every other day. Niki's the one driving her to the Waldbaum's and fixing the VCR.

An Italian girl, born in Brooklyn, Niki's no-goodnick father died when she was in high school. Her mother, the fabulous Rose, was a dressmaker and avid ballroom dancer. With few prospects available to her, Niki married straight out of high school, and was a mother by 19. By 20, her jackhole (my new favorite curse word) husband had abandoned her, and she was faced with raising her son, Danny, alone. She did a spectacular job. Working sometimes three jobs at a time, living in a trailor park, and working in a factory, Niki did what she had to do.

At 50, Niki went back to school, and has since earned her Associates Degree with Summa Cum Laude honors. She's presently earning her Bachelor's, all the while working a full time job. Her son, Danny, has grown up to be a man of integrity and kindness. He and Melissa got married a few years ago, and now have a new baby, Matthew. Niki's a grandma!...

She's smart and funny and wise and kind and thoughtful and inspiring and I adore her.

Niki and I are both only children, so neither of us knows what it's like to have a sister. But I think we're both grateful to our husbands for bringing us together, and we're happy to celebrate our sisterhood. It's interesting, our upbringings couldn't be more different, but we're really quite a bit alike.

Niki's latest accomplishment? She's lost 43 pounds! She got all excited the other day when she went clothes shopping, and had officially moved from the fat lady side of the store to the skinny lady side. Pretty soon we'll be able to do that most sisterly of sisterlike things - sharing clothes!

Several years ago, Niki took up photography, and she's proven herself amazingly talented. I think she's particularly gifted with landscapes and nature shots, and has a wonderful ability to capture a moment with a sly sense of humor. Little did you know that you see her photography all the time - she took the gorgeous flower shots that I switch out on my banner!

Okay, I realize that Wordless Wednesday is supposed to be...wordless. So I'll shut up now. 

Here's the wordless part...

Please enjoy a few of my favorite of Niki's photographs. And please leave a comment telling her how GOOD she is. I SO wish she'd take her photography to a professional level. Maybe with your encouragement...

 

Comments

[Michele]

Very very pretty.

Niki; you are an inspiration.

[Erin]

Niki - amazing photos. Truly.
What a fun post to read. I love when life helps you find your People like this. :-)

[VandyJ]

Those pictures are awesome! What an eye for the moment.

[Jan]

Nikki sounds like the kind of woman I'd like to have for a best friend. And her photography is amazing!!

[Meg]

Enjoyed reading about Niki and her accomplishments, and her photos are gorgeous! The "dogs in snow" shots are my favorites. Very eye-catching!

[Mama Badger]

God might not have given her the easiest life, but he made up for it with talent. What beautiful photos. And that's an adorable little boy she's holding! Congrats on grandma-hood.

[The Bug]

Beautiful! Each one is a work of art.

But I might have to hate her because she can do this & so much else too. No, don't tell me that I can do the same thing if I work hard enough. I'd rather sit on my behind & be jealous of her :)

[Sprite's Keeper]

Now that's a mensch!
Gorgeous photos!

[Brenda]

Great photos! Niki should start her own blog to show off those pictures.

[unmitigated me (m.a.w.)]

Definitely needs to go pro. Can I just say I couldn't imagine Gretchen managing a Wordless Wednesday, you know, wordlessly.

[Elizabeth]

Niki, those are some remarkable photos. And I'd say that even if your SIL hadn't prompted me.

[Niki]

Gretchen, you left me speechless and that is not easy to do. Thank you so much! And thank your readers for all their wonderful comments. Wow! Yes, we were lucky that our two crazy husbands brought us together from across the country. I couldn't imagine having a better sister-in-law, I only wish you lived closer, that would be good.

[Keely]

WOW. Those are amazing! Gretchen is right, Niki, you have a natural talent. Maybe you should dabble in a workshop or two :)

[Donna]

I dont know niki very well but the first time i met her you just had to love her...beautiful person inside and out..you niki are an inspiration ! Your photos are breathtaking you really should share your talent with all to enjoy!

[rebecca]

I know Nik personally. She and I have taken several classes together and I agree with every word you say here. She is one of the nicest, nicest people you will ever meet. But then again, I've always been partial to Brooklynites.... something about them, know what I mean ;)

[Gail Zach]

I agree Niki is amazing. I have known her since about 1978 and I saw her raising Danny by herself and she is a fantastic mother and I am sure she is a wonderful grandmother (although she looks soo young).

[Gail Zach]

I think the pictures are great and are at a professional level. I would hope to see her photography published.