Goodbye 2013

Goodbye 2013.  I did not enjoy you at all so I am burying you in this lovely tomb deep in the bayou where you may rest in peace. Before you are gone forever I want to thank you for all you have taught me, the good and the bad.

The first thing you taught me about is about mental illness.  Mental illness comes in many forms.  Sometimes we cannot see it, as it does not bleed, nor does it does not swell up and turn purple.  Some forms of mental illness can be diagnosed and treated.  Some are simply diagnosed.  Some are never diagnosed and live on, affecting all.

Next you taught me compassion.  You taught me it is good to care for those who are suffering and incapable of helping themselves even though they may never appreciate or have the capacity to appreciate what we’re doing. You taught me to do what you can and then when you think you have nothing left in you, do some more.

Which brings me to the next lesson you taught me.  While taking care of others, make sure you take care of yourself, mentally and physically.  Also careful of what you say when you haven’t taken care of yourself, how you say it and be especially careful of what you say on Facebook.  Those who are not close to you may not understand what or why you’re saying something and unfriend you.  Wait a minute, if they unfriend you that quickly, are they really your friend?

The greatest lesson you taught me is about family.  Family is not always the ones you sat around the dinner table with as a kid.  I think Sarah Dessen says it perfectly.

"What is family? They were the people who claimed you. In good, in bad, in parts or in whole, they were the ones who showed up, who stayed in there, regardless. It wasn't just about blood relations or shared chromosomes, but something wider, bigger."

Family is your spouse standing beside you. Family is your grown children and their spouses who are there for you without question. Family is the little grandchildren with their hugs and smiles.  Family is your boss at work, his wife and your photo buddy.  Family doesn't give up on you. Family are the people who are always there for you, no matter what.  And 2013, for teaching me about family, I thank you the most.

Sometimes grunge just feels right.  Textures used from Photoshop Artistry and Kim Klassen's Inked.  Mouse over for the before.

Linking up with Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday

Devonian Botanic Garden Luminaria

For years I have wanted to see this event.  It was either too cold, no snow or bad highways.  Yesterday was perfect.  A little cold (minus 17 Celsius) but no wind so I spent the evening at the Devonian Botanic Gardens with my two photo buddies.  Both of them being so polite, neither would tell me it might be a tad too cold for this.

First a stop at an Indian restaurant for a fabulous meal.

Ice cold water was served in beautiful hammered copper cups.

We had the most delicious mango milkshake with dinner.

After dinner back to the truck and the drive to Devon.  At the Devonian Botanic Gardens we were greeted with thousands of luminarias leading the way to the Japanese Garden.

Lanterns and luminarias adorned the trees.

During the summer a large pond and bridge are the focal point of the garden.  Seeing this in the winter I sure want to make a trip back in the summer.

Ice sculptures along the paths were plentiful.

Looking back at the end of the trail through the five acres, it was a beautiful sight to see and certainly worth the frozen fingers and camera.

Joinging up with

Enjoying the view

It is so very cold tonight ( -23C/-9F ) and very dark.  Only the elf could be enjoying the view.

Star Angel

This little lady has graced the top of our Christmas tree for the past 37 years. Taken with a Lensbaby composer with star filter.

Grounded by the snow

We've been getting a little snow here lately.

I can see clearly now

I'm following my own advice from yesterday and the world looks a little brighter.

A frame placed in the Christmas tree provided the basic photo but it was a little busy with all the branches and lights, so a "little" processing was needed to remove the distractions.  Filters and textures used are from Photoshop CS6, Photoshop Artistry and Kim Klassen's Dreamit.

Sharing with Kim Klassen's Texture Tuesday

A new today

A new way of looking at each day

Back to Normal

I was going to write this post earlier in the week to celebrate my 60th birthday.  I was going to tell you all how wonderful I was, how wonderful my kids are and how wonderful my grandchildren are.  But a phone call changed everything.  After celebrating my birthday, on Monday, I received a phone call from the nursing home telling me that my mother had passed away.

On Wednesday, our son and his wife welcomed their second child, a healthy little boy into the world. Trips to the hospital, taking care of a three year old and funeral preparations filled the week.  By Friday I was a little worn out and not feeling so wonderful.  I think I probably hit the lowest point of the year.

Saturday was the funeral and I made a decision after dinner that Sunday I would get my life back to normal, whatever normal is.  Photography has become a part of me and a part of my life I've missed during the year, so I'm going to try and get back to a daily for the month of December, using Tracy Clark's, Picture the Holidays 2013 and Kat McNally's Reverb 13 for guidance.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said it right when he said "When it's dark enough, you can see the stars".

For Kim

I’m not sure how I found Kim Klassen’s blog and TextureTuesday but I was amazed by her style of photography and the idea of adding textures to a photo.  Then I found that little link to subscribe to her free textures.  Something free, who could resist. It was on January 15, 2011 that I downloaded my first free textures.  While following along with her and visiting all the blogs linked to Texture Tuesday I was introduced to the use of textures and a new style of photography and art.  I never would have guessed at that time, Kim would have had such an influence over my photography and blogging.  

A few months ago, Kim’s husband was diagnosed with cancer.  Being a Canadian, I know her husband is being very well taken care of in the hospital.  The best of medical care is available to him.  The one thing that is not offered is help and support to the caregiver, Kim.  Being put into the position of the caregiver, the strong one, can stress out the strongest of people.  I’m sure this time has been filled with ups, downs and feelings of being alone.  But she has not been alone.  Many of us think of her daily and pray for her husband’s recovery.

During a course offered by Kim I met an amazing group of ladies “The Groupies” who share and support each other.  When one discovers a new website or course, it’s posted in the Facebook group. Photoshopgrunge.com was one of the interesting links posted recently. The course which many of us Groupies are doing right now, Photoshop Artistry is taking us through a different thought process of using textures. Many artists have contributed to this course with “freebies” and of course Kim was one of the generous artists. Our challenge this week,  was to simply, send some love to Kim.

So Kim, just to let you know many of us are grateful to you for the so many things you have done for so many.  You are always in our thoughts and prayers.  Stay strong, have faith and know that you are not alone.

Textures used Kim Klassen's Cherish and Letgo.  Sharing with Texture Tuesday.

A very short weekend walk.

My weekend walk was a very short one, but it started last weekend when I came down with a very nasty cold.  By Wednesday, the pain from my eye to my jaw was telling me I had a bit of a sinus problem, so I started taking Tylenol for Cold and Sinus.  By Friday afternoon, a couple of tablets were relieving the pain for only an hour.  I picked my husband up after work (we carpool) and asked him to take me to a doctor.  This is very unusual for me, as I’ve been pretty lucky and rarely get sick, so I don’t see doctors often.  The time was now about 5:30 pm and he told me it was highly unlikely I’d be able to see his doctor at the Mediclinic, as the wait times can be 4 – 5 hours.  We knew of one other walk in clinic and decided to try it out.

Walking in the clinic was like walking into a different country.  Alberta has pretty high standards for health care and we have top notch facilities.  I’m not really a snob about furnishings but the interior of this clinic had seen many years of better days.  A few people were sitting in the many rows of chairs that I can’t even date, they were so worn.  I looked at my husband and he looked at me asking me what I wanted to do.  At this point, I was in so much pain I would have seen a vet.

The wait was not long.  Within a half an hour, I was told to go to room #3.  I’m used to being shown to the little room, not being yelled at by the receptionist across the room.  Still in pain, off I went to room #3.  Upon entering the room, I was seriously questioning my decision on staying.  Looking around the room, I thought the doctor must be a real doctor and I didn’t need an examination, only a prescription, so I sat waiting.  The more I sat and waited, the more I thought I should get out my camera, but a little afraid someone would walk in and catch me, so the iPhone worked perfectly. 

The doctor did give me a prescription for antibiotics and by Saturday night I was starting to feel better already.  It’s now Sunday night and I’ve taken nothing else today for pain, as there is no pain.  Will I go back to this clinic?  Not really sure.  The doctor seemed to know what he was doing, but the place is a little frightening. 

Crochet for baby

Hours spent sitting and waiting can be quite boring if you don't have a little project to take along.  During the summer, my little project turned out to be a series of crochet projects for the baby that could easily be tucked in my purse and taken with me at a moment's notice.  I haven't crocheted in years, but sometimes life just brings you back to simple activities to keep your hands and mind busy.

The first project was an afghan for the new baby.  A new take on the traditional granny square. 

Random fact #1 Crochet work has been around since the early 1800's

The second project was a crocheted rattle ball.  Because we were to have two new grandbabies this fall, two balls were needed. 

Random fact # 2 Toy rattles help children improve hand eye coordination by stimulating their senses.

The third was a set of Converse booties.  These were started on the day that Charles was unexpectedly born, a project that was to keep me busy during the mom's parathyroid operation.

Random fact #3 Pinterest is a great source for great crochet patterns.

Since the baby would be a little too young to go out for his first upcoming Halloween, it was decided that he would dress as an owl.

Random fact #4 Owls can rotate their heads and necks as much as 270 degrees

The last, a cuddle cocoon and hat.  Definitely my favorite.

Random fact #5  I am not fond of spiders or snakes

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A time to be Thankful

Canadian Thanksgiving is this weekend and even though blessings are not only bestowed on us this one weekend, but every day of the year, we usually take time to acknowledge what we are thankful for in our lives.  During this past year, I have thought a lot about what I am thankful for in my life.

First, my husband of 37 years who has been my partner, my friend and my rock.  I can’t imagine my life without him.

My children, each special and unique in different way.  They have brought me years of laughter, joy and pride.

My daughter-in-law and son-in law.  Both intelligent, thoughtful and caring people.  They have completed our family.  They bring joy to my heart and knowing that my children will be taken care of long after I’m gone, gives me peace.

The grandchildren.  The special little ones who have come into our lives.  Little beacons of light that light up the dreariest of days.

I’m also thankful for life. To be able to get up every morning and watch the sunrise or see the Northern lights dancing above our house, hearing the coyotes howl, the birds sing or even the crunch of the leaves as the squirrel scurries about.  The friendships with the people I've met over the years and the friendships I've developed over time online with so many wonderful photographers and great women have helped me through some rough patches this year. 

So many things to be thankful for, but I am really not  thankful for this nasty cold that has developed over the weekend.

A Week of Healing and Growing Stronger

It's been a week of healing for Mom and a week of growing stronger for the baby.  The IV tubes have now been removed from Charles and mom is starting to feel a little stronger herself.  This is the little bed Charles has been in since birth.

Today was supposed to be graduation to his big boy bed that is sitting in the corner waiting for him.

But the doctor felt a little more time under the blue lights would be good.  Perhaps tomorrow he'll get to try out his new bed.

Jennifer had a surprise today, with being "released" from the hospital.  It actually meant a move to a family room, just down the hall from NICU, that she can share with her husband.  More blood tests, plenty of rest and a visit with the OB team will follow next week.  The family room also means that the baby's dad, Jennifer's husband now has a bed to sleep in at the hospital.  No more nights in the reclining chair. (Update - After publishing this post Sunday evening, Jennifer was readmitted to the hospital during the night with an infection)

Speaking of baby's dad, this man is amazing.  He's been with the baby for all the doctor rounds, he's been with his wife for her doctor rounds and he's the one doing the round the clock milk deliveries and feedings when Jennifer can't make it. When Jen's been feeling better, he's the one making sure she gets her trips to the NICU.  He's quite comfortable doing diaper changes, feeding and taking care of the baby while taking care of his wife.

If the way he cares for his wife and baby are any indication of the way he takes care of us while serving his county, we can all rest a little easier knowing that men like this are taking care of us.

World, please meet Charles

After months of agonizing side effects of hyperparathyroidism, my daughter was wheeled into surgery yesterday morning.  For those who have followed my dailies on Smugmug or Facebook, you've seen the shots of hospitals and intravenous and heard about the constant kidney stones. You might remember that she was 34 weeks pregnant.  After a couple of hours waiting and waiting, the surgeons informed her husband and I that the surgery had gone well.  They removed 2 of 4 of her parathyroid glands, but the baby's heart rate wasn't recovering as fast as they would like it too, and a C Section was recommended.  At 11:40 yesterday morning, a little baby boy made his entry into the world, weighing 7 lbs 2 ozs.

He was off to the NICU, where against all odds has proven what a strong little guy he is.  Seven hours later, he was moved to a low risk pod in the NICU. His calcium levels are remaining stable, he has developed a voice and all his little parts are perfect.

The little guy will remain in NICU for a while and his mom is now in a comfortable room, recovering from the two surgeries in one day.

So without any further delay, world, I would like to introduce you to our newest grandson, Charles.

Life for Grandma and Grandpa will return to normal, but a wonderful adventure is just starting for a new family.  To make sure our life is not too normal, we're expecting another grandchild in November, our son and his wife are expecting their second child.

Ted and Lois Hole Healing Garden

With a weekend of hospital visits, it was only natural to take a walk around the Robins Pavillion, part of the Lois Hole Hospital for Women.  Lois Hole was a remarkable woman http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lois_Hole and we found a beautiful garden in the hospital, appropriately named The Ted and Lois Healing Garden.

Water features and stained glass great the visitors as they enter the garden

Stained glass "fences" provide shade and privacy

The gardens are colour coordinated of course

And I think my favorite from the garden is the abundance of grasses, giving you a feeling your in the prairies and being able to escape the reality of the hospital.

My daughter now has an appointment with a surgeon at another hospital on Tuesday, so we're remaining very hopeful.

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