march 26, 2016

“It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts.” ~ Robert H. Schuller

Meet Sharon Ruble. We go way back to the days when her band – Reel World String Band – was several years into carving their place in history as stellar musicians and activists. In 1985, I joined a little band called Radio Cafe (later known as Stealin Horses) with an equally tenacious Kiya Heartwood. Our paths crossed with RWSB periodically. We’ve continued to cross paths for more than three decades now. I connected with Sharon almost immediately. Maybe because as bassist and drummer we had a rhythmic understanding. Or maybe it was because we are photographers (she far exceeds me in that department to be sure). Or maybe it’s because we’re both kind of quiet (I am, contrary to popular belief). Whatever the draw, I’ve always felt a bond with Sharon, and admired her kindness and gentle spirit. So, when she asked me to be the official photographer (her words) for the band’s archival donation celebration last week, I was speechless. Sharon retired from the Herald Leader as their photo editor (I’m not entirely sure her official title). She could have had any of the paper’s award winning photographers do the job, but she asked me. I just can’t tell you what an honor it was just to be asked, let alone actually photograph their special night with their many friends and family. I am so grateful to Sharon for her friendship and all the women of RWSB for all they’ve done for women in music in Kentucky and abroad. I must be living right to be in such grand company.

Related Images: