My own Shoot Out - Things That Barry Made Me Think Of

NanU recommended this topic, and I couldn't love it more! Barry Fraser was indeed an explorer of life, and it is that attitude I take forward. He was always reflecting on his town, his family, his dog/friend. He was looking forward while examining the past. He was well written and there were posts I could not wait to read. So much so, that I would stay up late, playing whatzit games with Gordon and checking for Barry's posts so that I could read more of his stories. Barry was encouraging of my photography, and I think a little in love with the idea of red hair and freckles (I know that Linda has these same features). When I think of Barry and Linda I can't help but smile.

Take some time today to appreciate your loves, your life, and your good fortune. I know I will

I encourage you to go and see everyone's contributions here or here.

Music Monday and floating brain matter

Please to enjoy:


Random thoughts about various things that have been floating around in my brain all week:

I am surprised by the level of violent thought that can come from an emotionally unstable grandmother one minute and the level of sadness the next.
Having my hair petted by a gorgeous blonde, while she purrs and winks is distracting in a good way. When she is your dear friend, it's more than distracting.
Finding out your newly acquainted friends like Focus on the Family is disappointing at best, but makes me question my ability to pick friends. I have lost friendships over far less, and it's left me wondering if this is worth it. It has also opened my eyes to the reality if my life in comparison to others.
Speaking up for myself feels good, and gets me more of what I want and less anger and resentment.
Life does indeed go on.

Thoughtful Thursday - Two less lights in this world

Take a Moment - Right now, and send a prayer, a good vibe, or healing, helpful and loving energy. My heartfelt hopes for good health to you and everyone.

This is my list for today, so if you are reading, send a positive thought or prayer for these people - they could really use it. Updates are at the end, with gratitude for your help!

Barry - He passed away two days ago. Please send your loving energy to his family. And to see what a shining light he has been, visit his blog.
Audrey - She is on regular chemo and radiation and has had bone in her neck removed.
Jacob - a nearly 2 year old who's family is dealing as best they can with his recent diagnosis of Leigh Syndrome.
Maureen - She passed away a week ago at home. Send love and light to her boys and their families as they navigate lives devoid of the joy she brought to those around her.

Great News:
Hanan - She is getting around and doing too much because she feels so much better than her healing will allow - don't we all operate like this? Send her the energy she needs to keep up with her busy family!
May good health always be your's,

J9

Tableau Tuesday - Lake Don Pedro Edition

Went to the lake with our friends and had lots of fun. Spent time just visiting and not working, and the older kids are old enough to help out. Some photos of the trip:
the dude and The Oldest in a friends' boat:

The Youngest in silhouette:

A fish hook in a tree:

My Friends give a wave:

Execution of a perfect "Spider Monkey" maneuver:

Three Sisters having fun:

A Dragonfly visitor:

Happy Tuesday all!

Music Monday - Earworms ahead - beware!

This is a song The Oldest has been practicing on piano:

He's also been working on this one:


Happy Monday all!

Thoughtful Thursday

Take a Moment - Right now, and send a prayer, a good vibe, or healing, helpful and loving energy. My heartfelt hopes for good health to you and everyone.

This is my list for today, so if you are reading, send a positive thought or prayer for these people - they could really use it. Updates are at the end, with gratitude for your help!

Barry - He's now in Palliative care nearer to his home. My prayers are not just for him, but for his wife Linda to help her deal with navigating all of the medical stuff.
Mel - She passed away a week ago, so this request is really for her family to help them heal.
Audrey - She is on regular chemo and radiation and has had bone in her neck removed.
Jacob - a nearly 2 year old who's family is dealing as best they can with his recent diagnosis of Leigh Syndrome.
Maureen - a dear family friend and my confirmation sponsor. Her lung cancer has metastisized to her liver. She's at home and her care is being managed by Hope Hospice.

Great News:
Rick - He admitted himself for psychiatric observation, and is out. I still need to hear his voice to know he is ok, but he did send an e-mail.

May good health always be your's,

J9

Music Monday - Happy Birthday to The Dude

This is The Dude's Birthday, aka Ron Pedro Day. The reason being that we have always spent the days surrounding the Fourth of July (and our Birthdays) at Lake Don Pedro. The Dude usually makes everyone wait until Midnight and wish him Happy Birthday from 12:00 AM until 11:59 PM.
An Image from one of the years - maybe last year?

This year however we changed weeks as to avoid the crazy drunken people that usually are around for the Fourth.
And because this is also Music Monday, I am including a few of The Dude's long standing favorites, and a new found group.
A favorite from childhood:


A favorite from his teen years:


From our 20's:


From Our 30's:


And the newest interest:


These are some of the soundtrack of his life, and some are the soundtrack of our life together, and The Boy's childhood. My childhood soundtrack was different than this, but it made me realize that all of us have songs we carry in our heads and hearts throughout our lives. I may explore that theme further in the coming weeks.

Happy Monday all!

J9

How I spent my 43rd Birthday

July First marked my 43rd trip around the sun. And yes, I know the picture to the right is misleading. I do still look quite a bit like it - still have curly har, and now have many more freckles than 38 years ago. I don't think I would go back and tell my five-year-old self what to expect as she gets older. I want her to be just as surprised and full of awe and wonder as she can.
I most especially wouldn't tell her how heartbreaking it is to lose someone you love. How difficult it is to let go, and how painful it is to stand at an open grave on your birthday and say your final good-bye while people sing Happy Birthday to the one person in your family who shares your special day.
Some images from My Birthday:
Members of the Color Guard, preparing to present the flag:

What's left of Uncle Paul:

The view is very nice though:

SF PRIDE - I am currently living a week in the past (some NSFW)

At least photographically. SF PRIDE was a week ago, and the parade was wonderful. Perfect weather, beautiful people and a great vibe. Started with 1500 images over the course of the 3 hour parade, and have narrowed it down to less than 200 which I processed.

I've got 4 slide shows below, but really the entire day could be summed up with this image:

There were so many kids all throughout the parade, and it was great to see families enjoying themselves:

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Oh, for those of you who know I adore drag - a seperate slide show of all the drag I caught:

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Some of these images are NSFW - I'm sure of it!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

And the rest of the parade:

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Happy 4th of July folks!

hey

Been busy, really busy.

Have many photos I've been processing and will share.

Yesterday was my birthday and it was a sad day, but I'll explain why later.

As soon as I can pull it together and get a break from the crazy 14 hour days at work (this weekend maybe).

Love to you all,

J9