sharleenstuartShare Six: March 2016: Restore
Posted on March 6, 2017
This is an exciting month for Share Six. The group has now been running for a year and we have had the beautiful opportunity as a blog group to get to know each other so much better. Sadly over the year we saw 2 bloggers leave the group for various reasons and we were sad to see them go, 2 new bloggers joined us. This past month Kim left the group and we were really sorry to see her go. As a result we made a decision to add 4 more new bloggers to the group. We are excited about where this new blog group is going.
In addition we have had the opportunity to share on both Facebook and Instagram images submitted to both pages, as well as highlight various artists and guest feature the artist of choice that month. You can read all about these happenings on the Share Six webpage.
I love this community and am excited to see how 2017 progresses. Keep following and sharing with us. We love to see your art is in our feed.
This month Tori or Roots and Twigs Photography chose the theme RESTORE. Mmm, I am all about restore. Many occasions have called me to restore my body and soul and I typically choose nature, self time and my faith to do that. So here are some images that will show how I restore harmony back into my life.
I always have to chuckle – it is funny to watch Richard and I restore our energy when we travel. Richard rides his bike, goes off kayaking or paddle boarding, even flying a kite. Me – I want to be left alone with my chair and my book or my tanning blanket, my book and my suntan oil. He exhausts me just watching him restore.
I am a people person, but when I need to restore I need solitude. I need to huddle on my office couch with music playing softly in the background, a book in my hands and Simba in my lap. Alternatively, I need to get out and walk in the wetlands, or in the Japanese Gardens. I need to connect with the peace and beauty of nature. Of course, in an idle world speedwalkers are not on my nature meander .
I have learned over many years that restoration of my soul is essential.
When my day starts out blurry, and if I can, I will head to the wetlands or the Japanese Gardens to meander in the quiet of the day. Restoration for me is being in nature, alone with the quiet. The Japanese Garden is perfect for this if one allows oneself to find the balance in the settings. The wetland is beautiful if one can ignore the speed walkers or walk in the heat of the day.
My faith has been a strong part of my life from a teenager and I know that I have leaned on my faith during challenging times in my life. During the 17 surgeries that my son had my faith was my rock and my cornerstone, and it is to my faith that I go to restore my troubled mind, especially when I developed shingles as a result of one of the surgeries. My favorite verse in the Bible is “Be Still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. Being still is an important part of my life. Over the years I have learned how to carve out those me times.
The beauty of a sunset restores my soul. I love watching the sunset on the closing of the day. And as it closes I hope and pray that I let the troubles of the day go and focus on the starting of a new day. Sunrises are always a joy to me however, they are much harder to find that inner peace. I am not a morning person and getting up to watch the sunrise is more about a desire to get photo’s than to find inner beauty and solitude.
We travel a lot of short weekends away. Spending time on the beach and hearing the waves restores my soul. There is some kind of trance like reaction to the sound of the waves. I recall a friend doing a lesson on relaxing and restoring and she had an instrument that had tiny beads in that made a sound very similar to the waves action on a beach.
Ahh this little man restores my soul. He is our street rescue cat. He came to live with us just on 2 years ago, and he is my shadow. It does not matter where I am, he is there. Unlike our other cat, Moonshine, Simba is a cuddler. The first day we brought him home, he leaned up against my chest and found his way into my heart. We often share my office couch together and throughout my bed bound surgery recovery period he was my constant companion. He can be a bit mean to the other cat though so don’t let that innocent looking face fool you. He seems to have developed a perimeter around me that indicates that this is his turf and Moonshine is not to enter in it. Despite that I do love this little man.
Books and I are favorite friends, until you have to move them all to do flooring. I love my books, we are old friends. I love the smell of a book. I love to hold a book in my hands. Reading is just another way of finding peace and restoring the balance in my day. I very rarely go to sleep before reading for an hour.
Thank you for joining me for this month’s Share Six. This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my friend Katherine of Cobert Photography and see what she has for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their page as well.
You can also find me on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Google+ and Viewbug.
Now it is your turn. Don’t forget to like us on facebook at Share Six and come and share your images on the theme Restore throughout the month of March. A new theme will come out on April 6.
Remember you can follow us on Instagram at @sharesix and tag your images #sharesix_restore.
You can also find the Share Six webpage at http://www.sharesix.wordpress.com
We look forward to seeing your images on the theme restore
Tell Me a Story: March 2016
Posted on February 28, 2017
Tell me a Story is live once again and on this particular day I attempted to walk the entire route of the wetlands. First stop is the rookery and the Woodstorks have moved back in again and taken over. Late winter is mating season and the Woodstorks are doing their mating dance and building nests. And yes, one or two little ones have already been spotted. Their mating dance is interesting to watch. Like the Great Blue Heron they have an interesting process to their dance. Below are some of the images taken while this was happening.
I was watching these two Woodstork when just below them another pair started their dance.
Bills go up
Then to the side. Their dance is intriguing. They are not the most coordinated birds.
Then Woodstorks went back to picking at their nest. This process was repeated a couple of times.
They continue to work at the nest until they are happy with it and ready to lay eggs.
Of course, they have to do this before any eggs are laid. Woodstork doing the tango. New chicks on their way.
Finally the female will settle down onto the nest.
While I was watching these two I noticed that a pair of Woodstork had flown from the rookery to the wooden railing of the pathway. These birds almost seem prehistoric to me.
The Woodstork did not seem too worried about the people around him although he kept his eyes wide open.
I love the texture of the skin on their neck.
In keeping with my bird foot fettish – these are the feet of a Woodstork
I am looking at you with that big camera in my face.
Another foot image. Look at the long nails the Woodstork has. Can I say I am envious
Lastly there was something about this image that just captured me. I loved those skinny legs with the light in the background.
Thank you for joining me for this month’s Tell me a Story. This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my fellow blogger LUPJi Photography | North Virginia Event Photographer and see what he have for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their pages.
You can also find me on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Google+ and Viewbug.
30 Minutes in the Life: March 2017
Posted on February 27, 2017
My blog is going to be a little different this month. Instead of 30 minutes of photo’s I am re-editing old photo’s and doing 30 minutes of thoughts.
When we moved to the USA from South Africa in 2001, we moved as a 4 member family. While there were a number of South Africans living here we had no family. Richard thought he had a cousin in a remote part of the US but that was it. One of the things I knew to do, since this was the second big move we had made, was to get connected to a local church and a local woman’s group. My parents had always been involved in the local church and I saw the beautiful lasting friendships that my mother had with the women in her church.
For the 3 years that followed, I did not work and so I did just that. I attended a Tuesday morning study group and got to know different ladies, and made some new friends. Then in 2004 my work authorization came through and before I knew it Richard found me a half day job at the local newspaper. Well that interfered with my Tuesday morning group and so I decided I would switch out for an evening group. No problem. So along I went. On this one particular night, the group that I had been sitting in did not arrive. So I figured that I would watch the video and duck out. While I was sitting at the table waiting this lady came along and said “Why don’t you come and join our group” Of course, you have to be inside my head – I don’t know you, I plan to leave straight after the video, in fact I do not know anyone at your table, I speak funny……and on and on my mind was going. I kindly thanked her and said I would sit at my table and if no one arrived I would join them. Meantime I am thinking…I’m outta here.
The lady’s name was Beverly and she is the dark haired lady in the image below. Just as I was about to sneak out, she came over and re-iterated the welcome at their table. Caught now, the sneaking out was not an option, and this began the beautiful journey of love, and friendship with these amazing ladies.
Each group has a facilitator that directs the conversation and watches out for gossip and asks the questions and encourages and loves on all the ladies in the group. Little did I know this evening how much those ladies would all come to mean to me, and little did I know that one of those ladies would touch my life in such a profound way, that makes me want to get on my knees each day and thank my Lord for the beautiful blessing in my life. This is my friend Midge.
How do you begin to share how much a person means to you. She reached out to a woman so much younger than herself, and formed a bond that I believe will have lasting repercussions in my life. She helped me to grow into the person I am today. First of all she showed me love – love of a friend, love of a mother, love out of the very depth of her heart. She grew in me a love for her that I feel cements our lives. No matter how far apart we are I know that my love for her will remain.
She was my go to person when I struggled with things. I can think of 2 people other than my mother, whom I could go to when I struggled. Whether it was family issues, work issues, friend issues, or any other issues. I knew that when I went to her, it was a safe place. It was a place where I could open my heart and voice my fears, It was a place where tears were cleansing and I knew that there was no judgment. Midge had learned the art of listening. Very rarely would she tell me what to do. She just let me talk, let me pour out my heart. And in her wisdom, she would re-direct my thoughts to scripture. What does Mark say or what does James say, or even Paul. Or she would head into the old testament.
She was my mentor in life. I loved how she came alongside me and encouraged me to walk alongside her as a group facilitator. And when she felt it was time for her to step down, she encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and do for others what she had done for me. Never did she leave my side. I loved the years that we were in the same group together. Times change, and Midge and many of the ladies that I had been in a group with felt that it was time for them to transition to the morning groups. None of them really wanted to drive at night. The loss was palpable but the friendship remained.
She was my theology discussion partner. I loved talking theology with Midge. We did not always agree, but we always agreed to go and do some research and then come back together and talk about the answers we had found. I loved that I was able to think outside the box and have a safe place to voice those thoughts, to discuss them, and to ponder on them. It was always such a pleasure to go to her home just to sit and talk. There was always a lively discussion and a meeting of the minds.
Midge is a beautiful soul with a heart of gold. I am thankful that the Lord brought her into my life, and that for the longest time she has stayed. Her life pathway is now on a different route. She has moved closer to her daughter, and her granddaughters. I am so happy for her, but I would be lying if I said I am not going to miss her.
Thank goodness for Skype. I look forward to the days when we can “chat” and share our friendship through technology. Along with my family, she has a portion of my heart and always will.
Midge, I love you. You bring joy to my heart, and peace in my soul. Your smile radiates your love. You are a blessing in my life that I had not expected and you mean the world to me. You are a really good example to live by. I hope that I can continue to give back in the same way that you have given to me.
A true friend knows your weaknesses
but shows you your strengths,
feels your fears
but fortifies your faith,
sees your anxieties
but frees your spirit
recognizes your disabilities
but emphasizes your possibilities
~William Arthur Ward
Thank you for joining me for this month’s 30 Minutes in Life. This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my friend and fellow blogger Hayley Hay photogrpahy/Lausanne, Switzerland and see what she has for you this month. I love seeing Hayley’s beautiful photo’s of Switzerland. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their pages.
30 Minutes changed their name to Journey to an Artist. If you want to know more about Journey to an Artist head over to their Facebook page, or to the blog page. There is new and exciting happenings going on with the group Journey to an Artist that you are sure to want to check it out.
You can also find me on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Viewbug and Google+
Artist Inspired: February 2017: Red
Posted on February 14, 2017
This month the theme is red. Of course, it’s the hearts and roses kind of month, but my roses are dead and the hearts are not out and about just yet. Valentines day is the day the blog goes live and my out of office meeting where I would typically capture something like this is only at the end of the month. So I was kind of struggling with what I would do.
I recently started heading up the road about 15 minutes from my home to the Loxahatchee National Park. I had not gone there at sunset before because it is a kind of lonely park. However, a few friends have been heading there and so I decided to go and join them. Truthfully there was about 6 of us, and it was fun to hang out with friends and meet new people. The sunsets always vary and what really attracted me was watching the mumuration of the birds. I believe they are Boat-tailed Grackles that swarm in mass to make these amazing patterns in the sky.
This particular night the birds were not out in mass but the sky fitted the theme of the color red. I had 4 different lens with me – my 28-135mm, my 70-300mm, my lensbaby sweet 35, and the lensbaby double glass.
Enjoy the setting sun!
Starting out the evening, I thought it would be a good sunset but not as good as we got. This friend was sitting watching the sun set and so I got behind him to try and get the silhouette
Slowly as the sun got lower the color of the sky began to change.
Using the 70-300mm I was able to get up much closer to the sun.
Then I began to play with the Lensbaby Double Glass and got this effect.
Next I played with the Lensbaby Sweet 35 and loved this bokeh effect.
Sunsets, like childhood
are viewed with wonder
not just because they are beautiful
but because they are fleeting
~ Richard Paul Evans
Just a reminder that this is a circle blog and I would encourage you to click to continue on reading what they other photographers in this group have for you. Please stop by my friend and fellow photographer Ellie Meachem of Live Life Inspired Photography’s page and read her blog. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their pages.
You can also find me on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Google+ and Viewbug
The Artists Inspired Blog Circle is made up of an exceptionally talented group of photographers from all walks of life, from all over the world. They are wives, mothers, friends, daughters and visual storytellers who draw from their own experiences to create art that is inspiring, unique, beautiful and thought-provoking.
Share Six: February 2017: Shadows
Posted on February 6, 2017
Shadows!! Wow, this topic stumped me. When I go out there is generally me, myself and I, and shadows with people in it is not always possible. I took a walk at Morikami Japanese Gardens the other day thinking I would find these awesome shadows. Well not so much. But here are two that I liked from that walk.
I am not up to walking the whole of the Japanese Gardens but the bamboo garden created some fun shadows.
Sitting in the shadows of this amazing tree always appeals to me and so I waited until this man sat down and then I snapped away.
I walk alot in the wetlands and come across all sorts of birds. I loved the shadows of a Boat Tailed Grackle.
This was taken on a day out with my daughter, who is also a photographer. Her absence and the shadows in the walkway remind me that this time of her being away is temporary and that she will be home within the year. I do miss her though and was blessed to have her home for Christmas.
Shadows can also come in the form of a reflection. This is the husk of a palm tree the I sent floating down the river. I felt like there should be an elf steering his raft down the canal this evening. Something out of Lord of the Rings.
We were visiting Denver and woke up on the 3rd day to a vision of white. I love Richard shadow as he walked through this icy vista. It did not last long before he headed inside and out of the cold. I continued to walk the city.
Thank you for joining me for this month’s Share Six. This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my friend Kathy of KG Ledbetter Photography and see what she has for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their page as well.
You can also find me on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Google+ and Viewbug.
Now it is your turn. Don’t forget to like us on facebook at Share Six and come and share your images on the theme Shadows throughout the month of February. A new theme will come out on March 6.
Remember you can follow us on Instagram at @sharesix and tag your images #sharesix_shadows.
You can also find the Share Six webpage at http://www.sharesix.wordpress.com
We look forward to seeing your images on the theme Shadows
Tell me a Story: January 2017
Posted on January 31, 2017
Two months ago I shared an encounter with a Cormorant. This month I had a noisy encounter with two Egyptian Geese. They were definitely engaged in the activities unlike the Cormorant who just gave me a lazy look. Clearly used to people, and possibly used to being fed, these Egyptian Geese wandered up to the railings, made a few sqawks and then flew up to the top of the wooden railing and proceeded to engage. Below is my encounter with these two.
Egyptian Geese on the move. I am sure that the thought was that people equals food. Not so lucky here.
The Egyptian Goose is a stunning looking bird and it brings back great memories of my childhood and visiting friends. Their mother used to feed the Egyptian Geese every day. At about 4pm in the afternoon she would go out and wait for them to fly in and sure as heck they did. It was always fun to watch.
Tired of being away from the activity, they both flew up on top of the wooden railing to engage with the people who might potentially have foot.
We were up close and personal and I have discovered since I took the Cormorant’s feet that I love getting down low and close so as to be able to photography their feet. Recently a painter thanked me for doing that as he used the Cormorants feet image to finish off his painting.
I must have moved and got it’sattention and then the focus was on me.
I am not sure if it could see itself in my camera lens or if it was just a glint it saw but it really looked me in the face. At the same time the birds were sqwaking loudly. All I know is that geese chase you and would not be adverse to taking a nip.
I’m still watching you.
I think the only thing that is unattractive about the Egyptian Goose is its nose. But there is amazing color in it.
It kind of looks like a bad lipstick day.
I wanted to get it’s feet front on but it did not stop moving.
Of course, these birds have no shame and what does my camera lock onto – oh year, poop. Sorry guys.
Finally my foot fettish is satisfied and besides having stopped for that brief second, the bird was no moving forward towards me with a purpose. Time for me to get out of it’s way.
Thank you for joining me for this month’s Tell me a Story. This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my fellow blogger Kim Sidwell Photography and see what they have for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their pages.
You can also find me on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Viewbug and Google+
30 Minutes in the Life: January 2017
Posted on January 30, 2017
I started blogging with this group of ladies in July 2013. Time goes quickly when you are having fun. I am thankful for each of these ladies and for the encouragement and inspiration they give me each month. It has been a wonderful journey.
For this months blog I decided to go to the local Japanese Gardens to be part of their Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration. The place was crowded and there were different events to watch. I decided to head to the drum event to take some photographs. My intention was to walk in the gardens afterwards but that fell by the wayside very quickly when I realized that there were too many people walking the grounds. I wanted to find those images that were quiet and alone. Perhaps I will go back on Friday.
Here are some of the images I took of the drum group.
Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration
Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration
Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration
Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration
Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration
Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration
Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration
Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration
Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration
Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration
Oshogatsu: A New Years Celebration
Thank you for joining me for this month’s 30 Minutes in Life. This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my friend and fellow blogger Stacey Markel Photography | Maryland Photographer and see what she has for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their pages.
30 Minutes changed their name to Journey to an Artist. If you want to know more about Journey to an Artist head over to their Facebook page, or to the blog page. There is new and exciting happenings going on with the group Journey to an Artist that you are sure to want to check it out.
You can also find me on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Viewbug and Google+
Artists Inspired: January 2017: Gray
Posted on January 14, 2017
Tis months color theme for Artists Inspired is Gray, and we recently had a few gray days down at the beach. I love the color gray. It fits well into my winter colors of black, red & white. I had a look at the meaning of colors and found this particular line that resonated with what I am going to share today. It is a relief from a frenetic world. Composure and calm is what is felt through seeing this color.
I am all about finding peace and quiet. My day job is busy and at times stressful, so I actively seek to find peace. You will find me curled up with a book, walking in the wetlands, or relaxing on the beach. All three settle my chaotic senses and give me calm.
This series of images was taken down at Long Key State Park in the Florida Keys. We will often head down there for a 3 day weekend. This year has been a little harder to get out due to my foot surgery but these of the kind of breaks that we like.
Heading down into the Keys the day is overcast and breezy, but there is always that feel of letting go, as you pass through Miami.
There a beautiful pier belonging to one of the houses that sits adjacent to the state park.
I played around with my Lensbaby Sweet 35 optic very early morning to try and catch this boat bobbing in the water.
As I sat there so the sky lightened and the sun rays radiated down towards the ocean.
Another version of the boat bobbing in the water. The lensbaby sweet 35 blur effect is one of my favorites.
This was a different boat sitting in the water. They had power instead of paddle.
Sitting at the edge of the ocean and just enjoying the view. This makes my worries just disappear.
Life happens at the beach, and this was an early morning exercise walking through the water to get these rocks with the boat. Don’t trip, don’t drop the camera was my mantra.
This is perhaps one of my favorite images that I have shared before. I love the stillness of the ocean and the peace and quiet of the morning.
Of course, there was a tiny breeze and these little weeds certainly felt it.
Gray may be deemed dull and boring, but for me it is peaceful in a busy day. It calms my soul.
The gray area,
the place between black and white –
That’s the place
where Life happens.
~ Justin Timberlake
Just a reminder that this is a circle blog and I would encourage you to click to continue on reading what they other photographers in this group have for you. Please stop by my friend and fellow photographer Ellie Meachem of Live Life Inspired Photography’s page and read her blog. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their pages.
You can also find me on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram and Google+
The Artists Inspired Blog Circle is made up of an exceptionally talented group of photographers from all walks of life, from all over the world. They are wives, mothers, friends, daughters and visual storytellers who draw from their own experiences to create art that is inspiring, unique, beautiful and thought-provoking.
Share Six: January 2017: Music
Posted on January 6, 2017
Hard to believe that it is 2017. The past year just flew by. Katherine of Cobert Photography has chosen Music as the theme for January. Tough one for me. I am not a musician, we have no musical instruments in the house and I have not been to any events recently where music was involved. Unless I photograph Richard setting up his playlists for his phone to play through his new blue tooth speaker. There is nothing musical about that. However, I was reminded of an event we had a couple of years ago when I first started out taking photos. So I pulled them up and went through a re-edit process.
One staff luncheon we were treated to a hour of musical delight. My work colleague and her husband are musicians. Jane does a lot of “Elvis” cruises with a prominent cruise line, and Dave is a quiet soul, whom if you met him, would not make you think that he had this stunning voices that range from Elvis, to Nat King Cole, to Frank Sinatra, to my all time favorite UB40. They also have a ministry of visiting the elderly and singing to them. I love that this brings great joy not only to Dave and Jane but also those that they minister to. Jane mentioned to me at the time that they do not have an opportunity to change their costumes, so they interchange with hats and sunglasses, scarves and such items.
Here is my share on the topic Music. I look forward to seeing yours.
They started off with an all time favorite of mine “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. With the piano music starting out, almost big band in the background, add the smoothness of Dave’s voice and the pure joy on their faces and you know that you are in for a treat.
Then moving on to “Fly me to the Moon”, by Old Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra., and I am reminded of the days when I pulled out my mother’s vinyl LP’s and enjoyed this type of music. I loved the feeling of being brought just a little closer to my folks memories in that moment.
“You’ll never find” by Lou Ralls has Dave’s voice dropping to a crooning and you are drawn into this jazzy style of music with a bit of an upbeat background. Throw in a little bit of Stevie Wonder with this song “You are the sunshine of my life”, and your feet are tapping and your head is nodding, and the audience’s faces have lightened up and their smiles are beaming. Looking at Dave and Jane, you can surely feel that this is what Dave is feeling. Jane is in fact a bundle of sunshine, who will light up a room as she walks into it.
The highlight of the day was when Jane picked up the saxophone and treated us to an amazing rendition of “Moonglow” Wow!! Big Band and sax – what can I say. What a pleasure to listen to. I knew she played the sax but it took my breath away. She was amazing.
One of my all time favorites was and Elvis Presley song. I am really familiar with it sung by UB40. “I can’t help falling in love with you” With the deep voice of Elvis, add the sunglasses and the sparkly jacket and I am there rocking side to side and just loving hearing this beautiful song. I am reminded that my version that I grew up with had a slightly reggae feel to it.
“Take my hand, my whole life to because I can’t help falling in love with you” (Elvis Presley & UB40)
What a coup! Young and old, we were all entranced in the performance, the versatility, and the love that these two amazing people share. It is definitely time to stop by and listen to them again.
Thank you for joining me for this month’s Share Six. This is a circle blog. Please take time to visit my friend Kim of Kim Sidwell Photography and see what she has for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their page as well.
You can also find me on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram and Google+
Now it is your turn. Don’t forget to like us on facebook at Share Six and come and share your images on the theme Music throughout the month of January. A new theme will come out on February 6.
Remember you can follow us on Instagram at @sharesix and tag your images #sharesix_music.
You can also find the Share Six webpage at http://www.sharesix.wordpress.com
We look forward to seeing your images on the theme Music
2017 ….a New Year…
Posted on December 31, 2016
find life experiences
and swallow them whole
travel
meet people
go down some dead ends and
explore dark alleyways
try everything
exhaust yourself
in the glorious pursuit of life
~ Lawrence K. Fish
I stood the other day at the gas station and I heard a song I have not heard for many years. Certainly, I have not heard it played in the USA on New Years Eve. It was Auld Lang Syne.
Find life experiences and swallow them whole.
I was transported back to my childhood, to family and friends, to the gatherings on New Years Eve and the celebrations of life. I remember being woken up from sleep so that we could see the New Year in as a family. Those were good moments and good memories. All of my parent generation have now passed on. We are in a different country and traditions have changed. But I miss those times. I miss seeing my mom put shortbread, and a bottle of whiskey, and some coal at the front door, so that the first person coming into the house would traditionally bring food, cheer and warmth into the house for the coming year.
Travel
As this year closes I reflect that it has been an interesting year. Cameron has now been married to Kathryn for a year, Amy has been in Macedonia for a year, and Richard and I have had to deal with my foot surgery that is taking far longer than I expected to heal. In that we have had good moments, but we also had had struggles. We have faced those struggles head on. This year gave me a greater and deeper appreciation, love and respect for this quiet man in my life, my husband. He stepped up when I needed him to step up. He was supportive and helpful throughout my stuck in bed, unable to move much experience. Cameron also made himself available to do shopping for me and bring me Chinese take out, and I so appreciated it. This surgery put our lives on hold for 6 months. Next year we will face the same thing again. Hopefully once this has all healed life will be back to normal and we will begin to explore again.
Meet many people
This year we got to spend 10 days in Seattle. It was an amazing trip. We met up with my brother Barry and his wife, Enid. Seattle was everything and more. I loved exploring the city. The trip out to the islands was stunning. Heading into the snowy mountains was stunning and cold. Meeting up with my friend’s mother and brother, was a blessing to my soul.
Explore dark alleyways
We traveled by ferry to the Orcas Islands. It was bitterly cold and I endured it. I kept a lookout for whales but apparently they don’t like the cold either. From the Orcas Islands we traveled to Leavensworth. What a quaint little German town, filled with snow, and seriously cold. We wrapped up and we walked the little town. It was delightful. Heading back to Seattle we stopped off a the Snoqualmie Falls. Then back to the city to drop Barry and Enid off and then it was off to the airport for the red eye home. All I can say is that I loved Seattle and I hope that I get back there one day.
Try something new
We also did a relaxing trip to Long Key near Marathon. This was our in-between Seattle and surgery quick get away. For me it was a time to unwind, and enjoy the ocean and to just relax and read a book and enjoy nature. For Richard it was a time to get out in the kayak or off on the paddle board to work off some energy. Cycling played a large role in that as well.
Exhaust yourself
Post surgery the first bit of time away was in December. We were so excited and happy to have Amy come home for Christmas. We have missed her and it was good to catch up on all her news and to just look at her beautiful face and be so proud of her. So to grab a bit of down time and for her to experience a bit of the ocean again, we headed off to Curry Hammock for 2 days. Again for me it was a time to just relax, read a book, enjoy the wildlife, watch the sunsets. Amy and Richard did some kayaking and a fair bit of cycling was done by Richard.
In the glorious pursuit of life!
And now we are back to the end of the year. It seems like the year has flown by even though I spent 8 weeks plus on the bed. I am grateful for all those in my life who have popped in and spent time with me, when I could not go out. I am grateful for my online community who have encouraged and supported me along this year. I will happily say that I really only had one melt down post surgery and I got over it pretty quickly.
As I look to the New Year and 2017, I know that Richard and I face more of the same of what we had this year, but I hope that we will pull through as well as we have done this past year. Amy still has another year in Macedonia, and Cameron and Kathryn has just settled into a new apartment.
As I think of you, I wish you everything of the best for 2017. May your year be filled with love and laughter, good health, prosperity with humility, the opportunities to reach out and touch someone else’s life. strong family ties, good friendships, communities that make you laugh, and encourage you to be more than you think you can be.
May you step out and embrace what the world has to offer, using wisdom and good judgment in all occasions.
…..And I hope you dance …(Lee Ann Womack)
From our family to yours – be blessed in 2017.
Richard
Sharleen
Cameron, Kathryn & Buster
Amy
Moonshine
Simba
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