The Moving Wall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"IN HONOR OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES WHO SERVED IN THE VIETNAM WAR. THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND OF THOSE WHO REMAIN MISSING ARE INSCRIBED IN THE ORDER THEY WERE TAKEN FROM US."

The Moving Wall visited Atlanta this past week and I had the opportunity to see this memorial that has been traveling the country for almost 20 years. It is the half size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial display.  The names of the men are listed who gave their life and of those missing in action.  With the addition of ten names added in 2004, the total is now 58,245 names listed on the Memorial.  This was an emotional visit for me as I looked at names of those men who were the same age as my oldest son is now.  Anyone that has the chance of seeing this display should definitely go, support and remember those who gave their life for our country.

The Scream

 

All those interested in the art world know that this painting is missing in action.  Munch's anquished expression of isolation and fear is one of his most familiar paintings.  How does it come to happen that a painting worth over 59 million gets taken right off the wall during the day in front of visitors, and is able to be walked out by those taking it?  No alarm sounded as witnesses stood watching.  One would think or hope that priceless paintings would be more secure. 

Fun in the sun

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a fun time we had on the lake tubing off the pontoon.  I was being whipped around for what seemed like forever, but loved every minute of it.  I wonder if the speed of how fast I was traveling had anything to do with it!  We also found a cove so that we could jump and dive off the boat into the water.  It was a nice day  spending time  with the kids , a picnic lunch in tow, and feeling the warmth of the sun.  Can't wait till next time!

 

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.      -- Frank A. Clark

Just when I think something can't work, my mind is jarred into thinking that maybe there is another way to make things happen.  It can go a hundred miles an hour with different thoughts in ways to figure matters out.  I recall a memory of the nun who taught me in 7th grade.  She would say "can't... means you don't want to."  That line seems to pop into my thoughts at times even after all these years. Maybe that is why I never seem to give up on what I'm doing.  Why I work to figure it out if only for my satisfaction.  Determination has always been there for me, with or without obstacles in the way.  But it seems that striving harder is what makes the outcome along the way more enjoyable.

Moving out my son - Phase 2...with tears in my eyes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Sunday we moved our son to his apartment at college for his sophomore year.  He called this move phase 2 and worried how I was going to handle once again him going off to school.  Last year was bad enough.  This time it would consist of all his bedroom furniture and leaving an empty room for me at home.   My oldest, who is not afraid to tell me anything that is on his mind, is just like me.      

How is it that this child of mine is old enough to be out on his own when I feel it was only yesterday that he came into the world?  This is not to say that he lacks independence, for this has always been his strong point.  Maybe what I feel is that I am not ready.  Mixes feelings of being proud along with loss is something harder than I ever imagined. 

 

 

The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be.
             Robert Fulghum

Here's an updated picture of Fluffy.  She's getting bigger by the day and loves running around the house.  Except for bite marks on my plants, she's been staying out of trouble lately!  I would say this pampered rabbit has the good life!

 

Solitude

 

 

There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.
            -- Willa Cather, The Song of the Lark, 1915

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes solitude does wonders for my well being.  It opens my spirit and forces me to look inside for external solutions.  On this particular morning, the smoothness of the water and the quiet in the air let me do just that.  I spent a couple of hours alone just gliding thru the stillness while others were tucked away in their dreams.  My surroundings were intoxicating as I waited for the sun to present itself in all it's beauty.  It was a great start to my day and I felt a clearness appear in my thoughts and a calmness in my heart. 
I loved this time alone......but........ why is it that other times solitude can have me run as fast as I can in the opposite direction?

My Birthday Toast

I never feel age...If you have creative work, you don't have age or time.
            -- Louise Nevelson, 1980

And yet another year of celebrating this life that I have.  One that is rich in family love and happiness.  One that awakes me in the morning with a smile on my face and a kick in my step.  I look forward to another year and hope that I continue to be blessed with the positive outlook that I have so easily grown into.  I will continue to keep busy in work that is important to me, and I will make sure that I definitely stop and smell the roses.  :) 

Salem, Virginia

 

My trip back to Salem Virginia was short but sweet.  As I approached closer to the area, the views that I have missed seeing had once again taken my breath away.  This picture was taken on top of McAfee's Knob.  It had been one of my favorites spots on the Appalachian Trail.  It is the tallest mountain in the area surrounding Catawba.  I stayed with my friend in Catawba and felt relaxed and happy.  I had a great time visiting them and have already planned another trip this fall.  There is just something about this place that keeps bringing me back.  :)