Alex's mom asked me the question, "Can you tell the story that starts here?" "She's always been a strong and confident child," but she has from the age of 13 months worn glasses. Doctors were attempting to correct the little problem that seen in this snapshot - posted with the permission of mom. The glasses always "corrected her crossing - until this summer when the doctors said it was time for more." "So in July she underwent surgery on both eyes. It wasn't easy and no one was certain this would work, but she is a determined tough little cookie.

And then 9 days before her portrait session with Ingram Images she was fitted for her very first pair of contacts. Which is a significant step in the lives of any young woman, but for Alex even more so - because of the long road that she has already traveled.

My Woman as Art project frequently celebrates the difficulties and the long and winding roads that women endure, and yet remain beautiful.

My new friend Alex, at 10, is already a veteran traveler.