Brittany Smythe

Julie is so cool. I simply don't know of a better word to describe her.
As a young girl in the 80s and 90s, even though I didn't get to see her often, there was always a magnetism that drew me to her and an excitement that grew whenever she came to visit. She radiated confidence. She paved her own path. She asked no one for permission. When she shared with me on why she left Rochester, I thought she was so brave. That step to leave and take care of herself resonates with me still.
I know now how much she did for her Portland community. She did a whole lot for her small, NY based family, too. And damn, how much some of these pictures remind me of great Aunt Annie, her mom. I hope you two are enjoying each other's company once again.