Another "Tomorrow" Taken

My former sister-in-law passed away late last night after a long, long hard battle with cancer. While we knew her time was near, we didn't think it would be yesterday. We thought she'd have a few more "tomorrows". I write this in a rather numb state of mind. I used to think of the "tomorrows" as if they were leaves on a tree - something you reached up for and picked. Right now I think of them as autumn leaves, fallen to the ground and collected in heaps to discard. Vickie was still very dear to me despite me not being in their family by name anymore. I am focusing on how much better she is now - relieved from the pain, suffering, and lack of quality of life that she was experiencing. I lost two dear friends within 24 hours. Yes, I guess I should be numb right now.

"TOMORROW"

I received word that an old friend and previous co-worker passed away yesterday. She fought breast cancer a few years ago and succeeded then. But, cancer returned and she lost her battle yesterday morn. I haven't seen her in several years but thought of her so often these past few months, not knowing the battle she was living. I have cried and will probably cry more. Besides losing an old friend, it has brought my own mortality to view. We were about the same age. I've lost a few others in my age range over the past few years and it really hits home. Losing them is one thing. Realizing that "tomorrow" could be here today is another. I'm sure my friend thought the way I did until the cancer took over her life - that there's "tomorrow". All the stuff we are going to do "tomorrow". Darlene was robbed of her "tomorrow". We just never know. I grieve for her family and the wonderful wife and mother they have lost. I grieve for all the time she was never given. That's all I can write right now, but perhaps I'll write more "tomorrow"................

9/11

Today is 9/11. I've felt a need to honor our country all day. I've felt a need to pray much longer today. I've felt some of the numbness that overwhelmed everyone on 9/11 seven years ago. I've felt a need to look at our nation's flag and think of all the men and women that help us keep that flag flying. I've thought about how awful and cruel some people are in this world and how I will never, ever understand. Today has just been different. That's a good thing because we do not need to forget. No, we don't need to ever forget.

My Sweet Daughter

Someone said they'd like to see a pic of Kelly since they haven't seen her in a long time. Here's my sweet girl! Can't believe she's 22 now!

Fashion Statement

Had to share this pic taken in Minneapolis. Look at the woman and look at the store window. "Glamorama" is the theme. I smiled to think that fashion, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. I really liked this comparison - that's why I took the pic.

To My Friend, Mary Ann

It does my heart such good to know that true friends are still there, still care, and miss you as much as you miss them when you just can't find time to get together. Just knowing that all is well in a friendship seems like a protective coating, like they are with you even if you are miles apart. You can pick up as if you just saw each other yesterday. And, you know that they'd be there for you in a moments notice. They take you as you are, and love you regardless of your quirks. I'm blessed to have a friend who does this for me. It's wonderful to share our lives to the core and know that the other one is still there, still caring. How precious you are to me.

Minneapolis, MN

Dennis & I went to Minneapolis in August for business but mixed in pleasure. We took in a Twins game.
Here we are at Hiawatha Park (I think that's the name).
We happened upon a protest against Scientology across from one of their buildings. Guy Fawks masks are still being used!
Hell's Kitchen was a great place to eat. Usually a waiting list or line to get in. Some how I got in for breakfast one morn (Dennis was meeting). I think it was the southern accent, honest! Had my first bison sausage here - and had my last bison sausage here. Not my fav.

Bon Appetit, Birdies!

This is my 2nd year to create a chair for auction for a local charity. The Chair Affair has several artists/crafters donate some really creative chairs. I did a bird feeder, titled, "Bon Appetit, Birdies!" for this year. It's mosaic, using found objects and china. Very weatherproof, too. My chair last year sold for $500, so I wish the auction well this year, too!
This is what it looked like when I bought it. Took a lot of sanding, priming, painting, and mosaic work.
The only thing removeable is the feeder bowl, which is a standard size soup/salad bowl. It can easily be replaced or cleaned if needed. It sits neatly in a hole I cut in the seat to prevent it from falling off.
Birds, butterflies, and a bloom!

Getting Started

This is my first personal blog. There are a lot of friends out there who I don't get to see or talk to as much as I wish. Time passes quicker than these friendships. Hopefully this will connect us more often. Hang on while we see where this goes!!!