I spent last weekend in eastern Madera County to attend the Celebration of Life for my friend and colleague, Ethie Weaver Radanovich.

Obviously, it was a very sad occasion -- but it also was a beautiful celebration (as Ethie would have insisted). The turnout was huge, bringing together people from all aspects of Ethie's life.

After several speakers told many stories about Ethie -- sad stories, funny stories, touching stories, romantic stories -- the Celebration closed with a moving and devastating montage of photos of Ethie (including many adorable photos from her childhood in Bartlesville, Oklahoma).

I'll tell you what, that girl knew how to be photographed!