In Remembrance, There is Life

*Tuesday, July 29- Rocking and Rolling here in sunny CA, as I am sure you have already heard!  Yes, we felt it, and yes, we are fine.  I haven't felt one that large since Northridge which was quite a while ago.  We take earthquakes fairly casually here in So Cal, which is not really a good thing, but they are something we have come to expect.  From all of the news coverage, you would think that we are about to fall into the ocean.  Nope, everyone went back to their daily lives about 37 seconds after the earthquake happened.  Thanks for stopping by!

Angel Daughter Number One has been extremely busy shooting a freelance movie this summer.  Yesterday was her first day off in a long time and she was exhausted.  There is something about the faces of my sleeping children that make me want to hold onto each peace-filled breath.  AD1 did not catch me until I snapped several lovely photos of her, napping in my bed.   I hope she won't mind my sharing this picture, but something about it makes me feel as if all is right with the world.

There is nothing in the world that I love more than watching my Angels enjoy one anothers company.  When they are happy(especially with each other:)), my soul sighs...
Angel Daughter Number Two decided to take AD1's lead by taking a nap in my bed today.  Lucky for me, AD1 didn't get the opportunity to warn AD2 about my paparazzi nap-seeking obsession!
This was her reaction when she heard the familiar click of the shutter.  She is a photographer, and so it didn't take her quite as long to realize that she was being photographed in her sleep.
Mark and I took the girls(all but AD1 who was back on set) to a local art festival in town.  I handed my camera over to AD2 so that she could take some interesting pictures for me.  I have a natural curiosity and fascination with most philosophies and religions.  I am drawn to certain theological icons.  Before I became ill, I volunteered as a Spiritual Care Counselor at our local hospital.  After doing so for three years, I even considered going back to school to receive my masters in Theology.  Unfortunately, that dream had to be placed on hold because of my chronic illness.  I haven't given up on the dream, though, and maybe, if it is something that should be, it will be someday. 
I shot this photo on the way out of the festival.  It was taken looking directly up towards the sky.  This amazing tree had so many twisting and interwoven branches that it reminded me of how intricate all life can be.  Adaptability is a gift which is given to us, but often taken for granted.
Another shot taken by AD2.  I like the way that she can look at something that most of us would dismiss, and see the inherent beauty which exists.
AD 2 took this picture for me as one of our beach neighbors has a garden full of these cute, little mushrooms.  I love all of the colors and textures.  We all need a bit of whimsy is our lives. 

And so, I am ending this day remembering how important it is to live while we still have the chance.  It was a day of laughter and tears.  A day of fresh air, sunshine, and ocean breezes.  A day of love and sadness and lots of remembrance.  It was a day that my brother, Robert, definitely made sure to remind us all that he is still with us and that he wants us to know that:

In remembrance, there is life.

There is a Jewish expression which is used to toast one another during a happy event.  L'chiam-To Life.

My prayer for you, as I put my own head on the pillow tonight is this: L'chiam, my friends. To life!