Lillian Brue Rothfuss

LILLIAN BRUE ROTHFUSS

For Paul,who sees things too...and makes me laugh.

Lillian Brue RothfussPHOTOGRAPHER AND EXPLORER

INTRODUCTION BYBecky Winship Phillips

Lillian and I first met as classmates at Eastern New MexicoUniversity, sharing many painting and figure drawingclasses. She and I became very good friends and alwayshad a great time when we were together. When we leftschool 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 busylives all led to being “lost” friends. Then along cameGoogle and Facebook, and slowly we “found” each otheragain, and our friendship rekindled.

I learned that Lillian married and moved to Orlando. Shegot a job at WOFL Fox35 and became the first on‐air graphicdesigner at the station. She traveled a lot and her familygrew to include two sons. After 13 years, her marriageand employment at WOFL came to an end…both in thesame year.

New beginnings were on the horizon.

She landed the Art Director position at WCPX‐TV6 (nowWKMG‐TV in Orlando) where in her own words, “learned alot about people, the good and the bad. Mostly learnedabout myself. Became a gratitude junkie. Gratitude haslead 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, theysimply explore the cedar forest right behind their homewhere she has found an abundance of wonder.

Recently, Lillian began posting photos of mushrooms onher Facebook wall. Everyday these little gems appeared. All unique. All beautiful and I found myself looking forwardto 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.

O N H A R K E N I N G H I L L T R A I L

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.

O F F T H E B L U E R I D G E P A R K W A Y

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.

O F F T H E B L U E R I D G E P A R K W A Y

Design: Becky Phillips • WinshipPhillips.com

Copyright©2014

I first became aware that I was an artist inthe 2nd grade when the class was giventhe assignment to decorate our report card envelopes. Enclosed with the report thatshowed I made good grades, the teacher commented, “you’re such a little artist andyou talk too much!”

All the women I draw have my Mother’sface. My Dad says I must have issues.

I’m too observant for my own good asthere are some things that I just can’tunsee. Seeing everything also createsmagic in my life. And Humor. And Joy. Itcreates an empathy in my life that makesme keenly aware of others’ feelings. So, I’mthe saddest‐happiest person at an airport.The drunkest person at a party, even whenI’m not drinking. And, the grouchiest person in line at any store as I pick up theimpatience of people waiting to get thehell out of there. I think this is why I don’twant to know everyone’s secrets, illnessesand ailments even though total strangerswant to share all of those things with me,while I’m standing in line being grouchy asI nod and smile at them.

I really want to spread joy and give peoplesomething to laugh at. I see people at theirpotential and wish they would too. I like toplant thought seeds so that people willgrow into the better version of themselveson their own.

There are three people in my life that Igive my safety to – my sons and Paul.