Relative-ly Speaking

Lately - I've had a serious case of writer's block.

I've always told myself - as it relates to writing here - that I wouldn't do it if it felt forced.


The few times I broke that pact with myself - the end result left me feeling uncomfortable and somewhat out of sync.

I'm feeling out of sync now - but for a reason unrelated to writing.  

This past Memorial Day weekend I attended a funeral service for the best friend of a friend of mine.  Tim passed away at age 53 after a 7 year battle with colon cancer. 

I regret that I never had the chance to have known him - but I will be forever grateful to have met his amazing family.
 
I appeared in their world as a relative stranger - and emerged feeling like a Relative.

In the midst of their intense grief - they welcomed and embraced me as family.  What a gift...

In honor and memory of Tim - I know he'd like that I passed on a short public service announcement:

"Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer.  But here’s the good news, colon cancer is not inevitable.  It’s preventable.  In fact, it’s up to 95% preventable if it’s caught early, through screening."

So get screened...

....be a Smart Ass.   

(Not so) FAQ's #13

What's a girl to do?



Keeping the faith is exhausting.
 

After all this time...

I still don't know how to do this!

I used to think I was a pretty quick study.

But just when I think I'm moving forward...

...I seem to hit the proverbial wall.



I assume it'll get better....

Fear VS Faith

"Fear knocked on the door.


 Faith answered.

  
No one was there."

 "Keepin' the faith"...

...while livin' this life.



 

Mother's Day 2011

On May 6, 2011...










...my son Ryan, daughter-in-law Deb, big sister Eden (age 2 3/4) and extended family and friends welcomed Eva Rose to this world!   Happy Mother's Day Deb!



"Oh!  It's moving!"




We love you, little one!

How Do You Spell Relief?

I spell relief...

N-O-M-O-R-E-B-I-N-L-A-D-E-N

Thanks Navy Seals et al.
 






Question is...who's the next Looney Tune poised to take his place?

Oh well....Make that short-lived relief.

...maybe just a little.

It Sprung!

Spring that is.

Yes - even San Diego appears to have a springtime.

In Minnesota - there's no question when seasons change.

Here - it wasn't as obvious to me...and I almost missed it.

During a recent walk - I really paid attention and saw all the new growth and beautiful flowers.

These are some of the ones I passed on my normal route.







I saw blooms on things...
 

  ...that I didn't know had things that could bloom.











It's hard to tell what this is.

I was tempted to touch it - but decided against it. 




Working at the MN Landscape Arboretum for almost 9 years didn't make me flower savvy.  (I worked in Fund Raising - so I'm not gonna beat myself up over that.) 

I am however - an expert 'appreciator'.

Many of the flowers - and their colors - were... ...breathtaking!

Pictures don't do them justice.

Even the dandelions looked pretty.







 

This flowering tree grows in the corner of my enclosed patio.

 
The blossoms are pretty - & abundant - and also tend to make a mess.

Just ask the pig....

It's also interesting to keep a watchful eye for native insects....

...like big green Bugs.

(Not so) FAQ's #12

Why is it that time limits are assigned to grieving...

...but there seems to be no statute of limitations on harboring anger - or holding grudges?






Maybe anger includes latent grief that never got resolved. 

Maybe if the grieving process was understood and complete - there would be fewer angry people in the world.

"It is in the thorough allowing of the grieving process that true healing occurs". 

...so the healing continues. 

I guess I still need more time.