He built me a batting cage when I wanted to be a softball star. He bought me my first camera when I decided I was going to be a photographer. He listens to my crazy dreams, encourages me endlessly and since day one has given me the freedom to be me.

Through cassette tapes and a long ride from Idaho to Oregon when I was 10, he introduced me to the classics, to some of best friends - The Doobie Brothers, James Taylor, Don McLean, Jim Croce, America, and Fleetwood Mac. The older I get the more I need my dad, Jimmy P, to remind what life's really about. I needed him to tell me to trust my heart the day I decided to leave New York as much as I needed him to help me tie my shoe when I was three.  I need him in the middle of the week when I'm feeling restless to remind me to slow down as much as I needed him to drive around my high school parking lot with me a 100 times until I learned how to use a clutch. I need him to encourage my photography business right now as much as I needed him to buy my paintings at my fake store when I was 6. : )

I needed him to be my date to the Eagles at the Hollywood Bowl this year as much I needed to look up at nearly every single one of my softball games for 12 years and see him in the stands. Somewhere caught between endless wiffle ball tournaments, barbies, mustang rides, late nights on the back deck, Medford summers, Idaho to Connecticut, a lot of college football games, breakfast scrambles, Y ball, trips to the bagel man, & thousands of swings in the batting cage, my pop taught me it's about staying true to your word, putting your family first, living in the moment,  not giving up, being passionate about everything you do, listening to your heart, enjoying good Italian food, red wine and classic music.

This Father's Day I was fortunate enough to be dancing with my dad in a barn in Mt. Hood, Oregon at Matty's wedding. As I've grown up and moved away, we've found cool ways to team up and go on adventures. I could talk to my dad for hours and hours....and hours. Just ask my mom ; )   He's the most important person in my life, he's a dreamer and a shaker, in every since of the word - when I think something up, he tells me to go for it and has been there every last step of the way.  I look up to him and love his passion for story telling. He's the most enthusiastic person I talk to and reminds me constantly that while we can't change what happens to us, we always have control over our own attitude.

Thank you dad for traditions as simple and sweet as galamod on Christmas eve or singing God Bless America at the top of our lungs on the Fourth of July - when I think of my life and all its blessings, these are among the first that make my soul smile.

Here's to wearing your heart on your sleeve and telling the people you love how much you really do. Happy Fathers Day 2010