What lies beneath

"Baby"

Beneath Baby is a long ago project that did not survive weather and forest. Many (many!) years ago, I put a mosaic design on this bench. It was simple flowers done in square tiles - readily available in a variety colors... but I chose a limited palette. I don't know if I failed to seal it properly or if I didn't use 'outdoor' grout, but over the years, the tiles began coming loose. Then, a tree fell on it and knocked most of the remaining tiles loose. I look at it often and I used to tell myself that I would repair it... replace the tiles (which are, thanks to the cats methinks) spread all over the back yard. 

More recently however, I think I'll just try to prevent any further deterioration. And it will be forever know as "Faye's Unfinished Mosaic". You know... like Gaudi, except I won't (hopefully) get run over by a bus. :)

the last two bites

As I was finishing my Monday morning breakfast, I noticed the shapes - curves, triangles and the tines of the fork. I think it works.

Spiderman/woman is back... more on that later.

Swept

I've spent the morning sweeping... deck, garage, cobwebs, hornet's nest. Although the hornet's nest was more 'poke a long stick at it and then run!' than sweep.

Sunny weather is very conducive to getting outdoors and getting stuff done.

Swirling

So many memories are swirling in my mind today. A photo fell out of a drawer; a photo from many years ago. My Dad and my sister were there... and they've been gone for so long. 

Then, I noticed a stick impaled into the front lawn by a thunderstorm and it reminded my of a little tradition my husband and I had when we were at the beach. We'd make a sun dial from beach stuff - shells, pieces of driftwood, etc.; to keep track of when we'd had enough sun.  I have a photo of one somewhere... found one taken in Hawaii:

The little things make good memories.

I got sunshine!

It's a good day. :)

Ain't no sunshine

I miss the sun. And shadows and reflections and warmth. I miss my mom terribly and the dreary weather is only making me more melancholy. I want sunshine. I need light. I'm trying to use watercolors and writing to buoy my spirits, but it isn't working. I need to take my camera into the sunshine and find shadow play to fill my lens. I can't photograph rain; not without sunlight. Puddles and wet leaves only go so far...

I need the sun.

Recognition

Toxic personalities. I've written on the subject before and yet I still allow these people into my life, to create negative places in my thoughts. I have tried to be a friend, to perhaps be a positive example to them. But it always seems to fail. Their toxic words invade my world instead. I really must work to change this about myself... learn to recognize these people and pass them by.

Saying Goodbye

Sweet Puppy Stella

On Saturday, August 10, 2013, we laid my mother to rest. Her wish was to be buried next to her parents, and that is where she rests now.

Although my mom was 91, she was not at all what you might think - not feeble, not restricted in movement, diet or mental capacity. She did sudoku puzzles as fast as she could get them. She and my sister had a great day... doing things they enjoyed. But during the night, she suffered a massive stroke. She passed away eleven days later, but she never regained consciousness. 

I miss her every minute. My world without my mom is going to be a sadder place, but I will continue to try and make her proud to be my mother.