On a weekend getaway to Watkins Glen, NY in Sept. 2012, I met an incredible woman named Fran Reisner. It happened that we were staying in the same campground. Her motorhome (affectionately named Beast) was 2 row from our motorhome (affectionately names Waldo). After getting Waldo settled in, Steve (my husband and biggest fan) and I went for a walk around the campground to check things out. As we walked past Fran’s motorhome, I noticed that across the windshield was the name of a website JourneyInFocus.com and I commented to Steve that the motorhome must belong to a photographer. Since photography is a hobby/passion of mine, I filed the name away in the back of my mind and continued our walk. The next morning, the weather was lousy, so I decided to let Steve sleep in. I got muself a cup of coffee and turned on my laptop. After doing all of the important things I do every morning, check my email, play games, you know, the important things, I decided to check out JourneyInFocus.com. What I didn’t know was I was about to become spellbound by a blog. I have never read a blog (much less written one), but that didn’t stop me from reading page after page of the adventure Fran has set out on. In one of her posts, she commented that she wondered if the people that live in some of the most beautiful places in America (at the base of the Grand Tetons, for example) still see the beauty that surrounds then or do they become immune to the sights because they see it every day. Well, this got me thinking, I decided to put my coffee down, pick up my camera and venture out into the foggy morning to see what beauty I might find around me. My timing couldn’t have been better because Fran was outide with her 2 dogs. I decided to go over and introduce myself and tell her how inspiring her story was to me. She saw my camera and asked if I was a photographer. I admitted that I am a “wanna be”. I have taken several classes, practiced for years, even sold a few prints but I’m no pro. I would love someday to be considered a professional, but right now, I’m still an amatuer/hobbyist with a camera and a lot of lenses. I commented on how often I’ve been guilty of not seeing what is beautiful in my own back yard and traveling for hours to go take pictures in other states. I grew up in NH, but don’t have a picture of the Old Man of the Mountain and now he’s gone. Fran was due to leave that morning, but spent almost an hour talking with me. Sometime in that hour, an idea began to form in my mind. A blog about New Hampshire. Not the typical statistical information that can be found on any town’s website, but a photographic journey thru each of New Hampshires 221 towns, 13 cities and 25 unincorporated places. I mentioned the idea to Steve and he thought it was great. Troughout the weekend, I mulled over how I could do it. By the time we left on Sunday afternoon, I had talked myself into it. I haven’t figures it all out yet, but I know I’m going to enjoy Touring NH and I hope you’ll join me.
Touring NH
with Laura Mahoney
Touring NH 
Way to go Laura! You’re off on a journey all your own. You’re starting with a fresh new pallet. Paint what inspires you my new friend. It’s a glorious world! Or in your case 459 beautiful spots in New Hampshire! I’ll be curious to see how many of those you’ve immersed yourself in by next year! I’m sure many will find reason to follow… 🙂
Thank you for being such a great inspiration!! Looking forward to getting together!
I’ve known Fran for over 25 years, and am constantly amazed at her talent and compassion. I am so glad you connected with her. Your life will change because of it. Best of life to you. Kathleen
Thank you Kathleen! My life has already changed for the better just by meeting her!
Congratulations on starting the blog. Laura. I hope you will enjoy the creative process and any feedback you might get. I met Fran when she was staying with a friend in my Colorado neighborhood, and also received a jolt of inspiration from her independence, freedom, and artistry…
It’s amazing how one person can affect the lives of so many people! I know I am going to enjoy the adventure Fran inspired in me!
I too was lucky enough to meet Fran during her travels in Michigan. She has a spark and flare for living and loving life. She has inspired me and helped me to get started on simplifying my life; and opened my eyes to what can be.. outside my tiny yet wonderful world.
If you meet Fran she will grab your heart and soul and take you to a place you only dream of. It is catching!!
Hi Dianne,
What a wonderful world it would be if everyone “had a spark and flare for living and loving life”
Good luck with your tour!!
Thank you, I thinks it’s going to be a lot of fun.
Great article! Fran is a dear friend and, I agree, an inspiration. Good luck with your new venture! It sounds like a great idea!
Thanks you Barry. I’m looking forward all the wonderous things I know are right in my own back yard.
I set out in 1978 to visit every city, town and unincorporated place with a population of at least one. It took a long time but I’ve done it twice. 234 cities and town, and 16 unincorporated places. Some of the remaining few unincorporated places requires some serous hiking or knowing an alum from Dartmouth!
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Thanks for commenting. That is very cool. Yes, some of the unincorporated places are going to be quite a challenge. If I emailed you some questions for an interview, would you be willing to have me do a post about you and your experiences with it?.