I went to the Bog Wednesday night hoping to get a portrait of Kelly, but she was off. So I drove back there tonight – Maria was at her Belly Dancing Class – got there early, before the crowd, Kelly was at her usual station, behind the bar, surrounded by lifelong friends.

She is often surrounded by lifelong friends, I’ve known my oldest friend for about three years. Kelly is a friend, it is almost impossible to know her without becoming a friend.

I was relieved to see her there, I couldn’t imagine Christmas without a Kelly portrait, and I loved this one, her very radiant and warm self seems to  be written all over her very beautiful face. Merry Christmas, Kelly, and thanks for all the photos,  you are an inspiration and joy to many.

And I was more than a little pleased when you told me how many letters and cards you have been getting this week from the people who love your photos as much as I do, from all over the country.

It’s a good idea, and  I think she was pleased by it: You can write Kelly c/o Kelly Nolan, c/o Foggy Notions, 52 E. Main Street, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816, and wish her a good New Year if you’d like.

Her smile sends a lot of light out into the world. I am so glad I got a photo of her, I could not have rested this weekend.