LILLIAN BRUE ROTHFUSS
For Paul, who sees things too... and makes me laugh.
Lillian Brue Rothfuss PHOTOGRAPHER AND EXPLORER
INTRODUCTION BY
Becky Winship Phillips
Lillian and I first met as classmates at Eastern New Mexico University, sharing many painting and figure drawing classes. She and I became very good friends and always had a great time when we were together. When we left school to follow our career paths, we, like so many others, lost track of each other leaving us only with our memories. New jobs, moves across the country, marriages and busy lives all led to being “lost” friends. Then along came Google and Facebook, and slowly we “found” each other again, and our friendship rekindled. I learned that Lillian married and moved to Orlando. She got a job at WOFL Fox35 and became the first on‐air graphic designer at the station. She traveled a lot and her family grew to include two sons. After 13 years, her marriage and employment at WOFL came to an end…both in the same year. New beginnings were on the horizon. She landed the Art Director position at WCPX‐TV6 (now WKMG‐TV in Orlando) where in her own words, “learned a lot about people, the good and the bad. Mostly learned about myself. Became a gratitude junkie. Gratitude has lead to my JOY.” Lillian met and married the love of her life, Paul Rothfuss – an “Adventure Partner.” They recently moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, where they hit the trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Harkening Hill Trail is a favorite. More often then not, they simply explore the cedar forest right behind their home where she has found an abundance of wonder. Recently, Lillian began posting photos of mushrooms on her Facebook wall. Everyday these little gems appeared. All unique. All beautiful and I found myself looking forward to the next days post. So this little book is my gift to you Lillian. You inspired me. Thank you, my friend.
Let the mushroom party begin.
Walking through the Cedar Forest.
A bright spot in the dense woods. ON HARKENING HILL TRAIL
Mushroom sushi.
Flapjacks – ten inches across.
No idea. They came and they left.
Roly Poly photo bomb.
Mother Earth is the ultimate artist.
Everyone get in line.
We only need to look here on Earth for the strange & mysterious.
So perfectly formed.
A fairy condominium. OFF THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Putting the “fun” in fungus.
“Well. Blow my skirt up.”
No two alike.
Inspired.
Tiny little guy looking for attention.
There’s always time for a joke.
Ruffles, not truffles.
Animatronic or Atomic?
The forest “Easy Button.”
Poser. OFF THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Design: Becky Phillips • WinshipPhillips.com Copyright©2014
I first became aware that I was an artist in the 2nd grade when the class was given the assignment to decorate our report card envelopes. Enclosed with the report that showed I made good grades, the teacher commented, “you’re such a little artist and you talk too much!” All the women I draw have my Mother’s face. My Dad says I must have issues. I’m too observant for my own good as there are some things that I just can’t unsee. Seeing everything also creates magic in my life. And Humor. And Joy. It creates an empathy in my life that makes me keenly aware of others’ feelings. So, I’m the saddest‐happiest person at an airport. The drunkest person at a party, even when I’m not drinking. And, the grouchiest person in line at any store as I pick up the impatience of people waiting to get the hell out of there. I think this is why I don’t want to know everyone’s secrets, illnesses and ailments even though total strangers want to share all of those things with me, while I’m standing in line being grouchy as I nod and smile at them. I really want to spread joy and give people something to laugh at. I see people at their potential and wish they would too. I like to plant thought seeds so that people will grow into the better version of themselves on their own. There are three people in my life that I give my safety to – my sons and Paul.