Sunday, July 27, 2008

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!

16 comments:

Ness said...

Thanks Deb for sharing another piece of AD Life. They are absolutely beautiful girls, inside and out. I needed the reminder this morning that life is good and the One who can make order out of tangled tree limbs is the same One who can help my son today. I'm so glad you're in my life. Love, Ness

couragetocreatewriteandlove said...

your Angels are BEAUTIFUL and GIFTED! Just Like the Momma Angel ;-)

kim-d said...

L'chiam to you, too, Deb--I have always loved that sentiment.

But, right now, I just can't get past the fact that there are actually people WHO LOOK LIKE THAT WHEN THEY'RE NAPPING! Where's the bedhead? Where's the smeared make-up? Where's the drool? They are lovely; absolutely lovely!

As are the pix...

joanne said...

Deb,
thanks...you inspire me more and more each day to take the time and breathe in this beautiful life and all it's wonders. I'm glad you had a serene day...I am sure Robert was with you in those peaceful moments.
L'chiam.

joanne said...

Where in NY are you from? I lived in Rockville, Brooklyn and Hicksville. And just for a strange twist...I dated one of the See's boys when I was in college. They are strange, but the candy is yum ;)

Laura ~Peach~ said...

LOve it!!!!!!! wonderful post as always! I am never disapointed in your thoughts or photos! thank you for sharing! Hugs Laura

Blue said...

One of my favorite spots on the entire earth is tucked in between some gorgeous homes that overlook the ocean up on a cliff. Crescent Bay Point was the place I'd run away to any time I needed to center myself again while growing up in my crazy world. I'd sit and stare at the ocean, sky, and rocks, listen to seagulls and the rare seal down below, and there I'd remember once again who I am, and all the experiences I had had that proved God knew and loved me specifically. That place helped me survive my younger years.

Sometimes I'd walk through the town nearby and window shop. One of my favorite shops currently has a little garden of those adorable glass mushrooms growing out front. I'm starting to think you live somewhere near my old favorite haunt. I was just there a little over a week ago.

Someday it'd be a delight to meet you.

And I agree with kim-d...your angels are simply breathtakingly beautiful. but i'm sure ya'll know that already!

Bogart said...

I love the naps...

Irene Latham said...

Love the sleeping pics.. and the mushrooms. :) Thanks for bringing your light into my day. Thanks also for your support about my father. Tough year. But your posts really help. xxoo

tj said...

...Miss Debra you are a treasure! And how cute is that that your Angel Daughters take naps in your bed... It's almost as if inside they are still little girls who like to sleep in mom & dad's big bed...lol... :o)

...This was a beautiful post, as always. I know your brother is with you and watching over all of you there, he would be so proud of you Debra... I wish this situation with your family and your nieces would come to an end and allow life and the healing to move forward. It saddens me to no end knowing in an incident such as this that your nieces love you and need you in their lives...they've suffered enough loss already.

...As always Debra, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Each of you are incredible people and together you create the very essence of what a true family is about...

...Blessings all...

*I thought of you today with the earthquake and am glad to hear that everyone is alright! :o)

tj said...

...And I second what 'kim-d' said up there, where is the bedhead? The raccoon eyes? Seriously. They both look like a Revlon commercial or something...lol Simply stunning... ;o)

Blue said...

my brother just mentioned the quake to me. glad you're all okay! ♥

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

Just sent you a text message!! You really make me smile.

And you KNOW you loved my post today!!

Hallie :)

Catherine Holman said...

It's great to hear that you and your lovely family are all intact after the earthquake. California seems to be getting more than it's share of bad luck lately.
Hugs,
Cathie

Ness said...

Glad you're OK from the earthquake! Take care.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Glad you are OK. I was on the phone with my sister who was in Santa Barbara at the very moment the earthquake happened. How about that?

Up to my ears in wedding plans, abut just wanted to pop in for a quick hello! I enjoyed seeing your DDs sweetly sleeping, life will return to a certain calm at some point here, too, where I hope to see naps in full force!

I hope that my DD will return to nap here at home someday, I tear up at the thought of how few days I have left with her under my roof! I might have to sneak in for a photo of her sweetly sleeping!:-)

xoxo

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