Mr. Knightly Speeds By Like A Knight in Shining Armor

I was helping a neighbor bring in her trashcan and recycle bins when I saw my handsome man coming down our street. So, I clicked a quick picture thinking he would stop, but he just sped on by. I also didn't realize that I had it on a slower shutter speed, but I think it turned out really cool!

Today was my "Day in the Life," and I will have that on Flickr by tomorrow. Stay tuned. SO MANY pictures, but it was a blast!

Here is the January Retrospective:

Happy Place by Morning Light

I know I have posted this before on TDS, but I haven't posted without a flash and how I see it when I enter my sanctuary every morning. I know I have commented on how God speaks to me through light, and this is what greeted me this morning. The sun was shining on the wall in that low morning light that I love so well, and God is saying, "Come on in and spend some time with me."

Shave and a Haircut . . . 2 Bits

Yesterday, MJ had a shave and today it is a haircut for both the boys. I told PC that I wanted to put his picture in the photolog so he doesn't think that I am ignoring him and not just putting pictures of MJ on there. The main reason is that it is because he doesn't want to have it taken! (That is why he is grimacing in the picture!)

About title: Shave and a Haircut, and the associated response, "two bits", is a simple (7 or 8 note) musical couplet sometimes used at the end of a musical performance (or, much less often, at the beginning). The seven-note variant is often called the world's shortest complete song, having an introduction (one note), a question (two notes), a response (two more notes), and a conclusion (the final two notes). The generic and oft-used two-note fanfare known colloquially as "TA-DAAAA" is shorter, but arguably not a complete song. (From Wikipedia.com)

First Shave

He turned 15 on Wednesday, and it was time for his first shave. He had some growth that just needed to go!

His dad helped him, and I documented it. :)

Chasing the Sun

We were winding down from our eventful party for ds when I said, "WOW! The sunset looks like it is going to be good, G!" So, we scurried up the hill to get the perfect shot." We missed the sun, took some shots, delivered something to a friend's at the base of the hill, and G said, "Hey, let's go up again. It is really red now!" So, we were rewarded with this scene.

I took a ton of shots at the party, but this is the best shot of the day!

Fly Fishing at Twilight

This was the view from our restaurant tonight. I love living in a town on a river.

I snapped pictures of the university crew team too, but they were too dark. I loved this silhouette of this lone fisherman the best.

January Self-Portrait

I needed to learn how to do the self-timer, and I also have to send a picture to a friend who wants me to write a blurb promoting her seminars. So, I am killing two birds with one stone.



It was a funny day. I broke down in tears at Bible study. Pretty difficult when you are the one leading it, but at least they know that I am real. Very sweet responses. I am just in the right place where I have the freedom to cry when I need to. That is a good feeling even though now I feel a bit silly for doing it.



So, this is me after an emotional day. I decided to do no retouches with make up for the camera or even brush my hair. This is me after a good cry! I am unwinding on the couch and debriefing with my husband. What you don't see is the baked brie cheese in a sourdough round loaf and a steamer from my favorite hot beverage drive-thru. It is so great to decompress this way.

Books for the Shut In

We have been doing this every other Wednesday for about four years now. This particular patron has many health problems that prevent her from going to the library. So, we bring the books to her along with some flowers. She loves this because she used to be a florist. She will read both these bags of books in just two weeks!

BTW, this is oldest ds's 15th birthday today. It was a good way to spend it.

Sunrise the Next Morning

It was a day that I could have chased this sunrise because I was up at 5 a.m. , but I was in a "stay cozy inside" kind of mood. So, I just skipped out to my backyard to grab this shot over houses and through trees.

I love how the sun has been greeting me in the morning and tucking me in at night these last couple of sunny days!

Sunset on a Lovely Monday

I managed to remember to bring my camera when I went to pick up G from work tonight!

Hewlett-Packard is on the old McFadden Ranch. It is a lovely place for great views.

Bald Hill Hike

George and I had a great hike today up to the top of Bald Hill. We both brought our respective cameras and had a picture taking date. I'm trying to work on closer shots, and I still don't have this new camera figured out in this department, but I am having fun trying!

I was POOPED after the hike. It was my first bit of exercise since I got so sick.

The Sunrise of Your Smile

After being gone from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, it was nice to see the three smiles I love the best. Here is one of them.

Since he was small, this song has always been his. I love you MJ!

Sunrise Of Your Smile
by Michael Card

Reject the worldly lie that says,
That life lies always up ahead,
Let power go before control

Becomes a crust around your soul,
Escape the hunger to possess,
And soul-diminishing success,
This world is full of narrow lives,
I pray by grace your smile survives.

Chorus

For I would wander weary miles,
Would welcome ridicule, my child,
To simply see the sunrise of your smile,
To see the light behind your eyes,
The happy thought that makes you fly,
Yes, I would wander weary miles,
To simply see the sunrise of your smile.

Now close your eyes so you can see,
Your own unfinished memories,
Now open them, for time is brief,
And you'll be blest beyond belief,
Now glance above you at the sky,
There's beauty there to blind the eye,
I ask all this then wait awhile,
To see the dawning of your smile.

Chorus

The Dead Dads Club

Christina: There's a Club. The Dead Dads Club and you can't be in it 'til you're in it. Oh yah, you can try and understand. You can sympathize; but until you feel that loss . . .My dad died when I was nine . . .George . . .I'm really sorry you had to join the club.
George: I don't know how to exist in a world where my dad doesn't.
Christina: Yeah, and that never really changes.
Grey's Anatomy, 1/18/2007

All day, I tried out different things with the new camera, wanting to experiment and just snapping this sketch of my dad while I searched throughout the house for subjects. It wasn't until I got an email from my dear friend who wanted to know if missing her dad would get easier (She lost him three years ago this February). All I could think about was this scene from Grey's Anatomy last night and thinking that no one can really understand until they have experienced that particular loss. I think she wrote because she knew that I was already part of the club and had been for a long while.

Christina was so right when she said "that never really changes" when George says he didn't know how to exist in a world where his dad didn't exist. Even as I write this I am crying. Even as I watched it last night I bawled like a little baby. There is something about that bond. Does it every get any easier? I lost him at 25, that was 22 years ago, almost half my life ago.

I wrote my friend back tonight and told her about this scene and tried to do my best to send my encouragement and promise of prayer. I even rewatched that scene on the internet to get the exact words. I found out the writer had lost her father in the same way and wrote about it on the show and dedicated it to his memory. The message boards were flooded with posts from people who belong to the Club.

So, it was a slam dunk what my picture of the day would be about today. It doesn't show off my new D-80 camera, but it shows off my dad. He is infinitely more beautiful than any sunset, and someone I can't wait to see in heaven.

In memory of Charles William Wardrop July 12, 1918 - May 2, 1985 the greatest man I have ever met just because he was my dad.

The B.R.A.T. Diet

I ate the B.R.A.T. diet today:
Bananas
Rice
Applesauce
Toast

These are the leftovers of the banana, applesauce, water.

It also shows that I was on the couch and read much of the day.

I am on the mend!

All Day in my Room with the Flu

I come home and within about an hour of coming in the door, I became violently ill. So, I have been in bed all day. (Thus the unmade bed) This is our new D-80 Nikon Camera, and my dh is on the right giving me coaching for taking it without the flash. Can't wait to get out of my room and try the camera out!

Tuesday, January 16 - Sunset Over Southern California

My plane take off was an hour late. I know it was because I was to see this beautiful sunset through my plane window. It is somewhat symbolic. My mother really is in the "sunset" of her life. This is the closure to a wonderful week with my family of origin. Excited to get home to my family though.

Monday, January 15 - The Golden Globe Awards

My mom's birthday always falls around the Golden Globes. So, my brother, sister-in-law, and I watch it together when I am down there for her birthday. We watched it from 5 - 11, eating the leftovers from the party. We had seen Dreamgirls on Saturday. So, we cheered Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy when they won, and when the movie won for Best Musical. You gotta' see that movie. Jennifer Hudson is PHENOMENAL!

Sunday, January 14 - Mom's 80th Birthday Bash

My brother and I with my mom. She has lived a very good life. She loved the scrapbook. It also doubled as the guest book. So, the guests browsed it before they signed. We had a buffet, cake, Italian cookies, and Champagne (or Sparkling Cider). We also had entertainment. About fifty people showed up to commemorate my mom's life.

Saturday, January 13 - The Sunset View From My Mom's House

She lives on the edge of the Wine Country of Southern California. The picture does not do the sunset justice.

Friday, January 12 - Wine and Cheese Party

Being at my mom's retirement community is like being at a resort. This was one of the many activities that they have for Seniors in assisted-living. There was fun music from the 30's-50's.

Thursday, January 11 - M and Me

My only nephew, M! He couldn't wait for me to come down to Southern Cal and have me try out his basketball game. He played me music from his iPod player ("Pump It" by Black Eyed Peas). We also played paintball, but Level Four continues to elude me!

Let It Snow?

I love the snow. This is the view out my front door. I was printing my boarding pass and looked up to this sight! If I were going to cozy by the fire all day, I would be overjoyed, but my plane is leaving in four hours. I am hoping it doesn't stick on the main road leading to the airport. It is supposed to be worse tomorrow. So, I am glad I am getting out today!

Scrapbook Finished!

This is me putting together the last five pages of my mom's book. I took a break and got my hair cut. So, I made sure my son included my new hair do.

Funny story: I came to the picture of my mom walking in the "swimsuit" competition representing "Miss Tall Chicago" in the national pageant. I wanted to know the date, and I thought that I would call my mom knowing that she probably wouldn't remember.


Me: Mom, do you remember when you were Miss Tall Chicago?


Mom: Call Chicago. No, you called me, and I have your message on my machine.


Me: No mom. TALL not CALL. Maybe you should turn down the volume on your TV. (As she is turning down the volume, I notice my kids are laughing on the couch, and I start laughing too.)


Mom: Now, what is this about me calling Chicago?


Me: No mom, you know you were Miss Tall Chicago back in the late forties or fifties. You know the Tall Girl Club you were part of.


Mom: No, Carol, I was never a CALL GIRL. Where did you get the idea I was a CALL GIRL? Why would I do a thing like that?


Me: (My kids are now uncontrollably laughing, and I am trying my hardest not to laugh.) Oh, never mind. I'll see you tomorrow, mom.


Mom: Ok, I love you.

Me: I love you too. :)

Pampering

I was so engrossed in my scrapbooks, and I almost canceled this appointment because I needed to finish, but I am so glad that I didn't. I hadn't seen B since October!

I met her in May when God told me to go get a manicure, and I said, "Say what?" I said, "Do you want me to go and share with someone?" He said, "YEP." So, I went to get pampered for Jesus. (LOL!)

That day, she told me about her family situation, and I told her I would pray for her. Her face lit up and she said, "Do you know the Bible? I am reading and am in the book of Job. Are you one of those people who believes you have have to believe in God to go to heaven?" This first discussion led to many more over the course of the summer until she told me in the fall that she had made a commitment to Christ.

Well, today she told me that she finished the whole Bible, and that she had some questions. It was a great time, and she told me that she was getting baptized!

I told her I would be posting about her, and she said that would be just fine! She thinks this Project365 is a super thing!

Photographs and Memories

How does one summarize a life in 48 short 7x7 pages?

This has been a wonderful project for me to remember the 80 years of my mom's life.

She spent her first 29 years growing up poor in Chicago. She survived the depression while taking care of her two younger sisters so both parents could work in order to make ends meet. She graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana and was the first to do so in her family. She won Miss Chicago Tall and became a medical technologist. She moved to "God's Country," (Los Angeles) and within two weeks met a "tall, dark and handsome" man while shopping for a car. On their first day he said, "How would you like a 'slightly used' husband?" The rest is history.

The next 29 years were spent with this man, inheriting a 12 year old boy and having two more within three years. Life was full with "Big Chuck" who took her water skiing and fishing and camping and on a ride that she still has not forgotten and was far too short.

The last 22 years have been spent cruising the world, cuddling grandchildren, and caring for people through her church. Alzheimer's and osteoporosis have slowed her down in more recent years, but she has lived a full and rich and lovely life full of warm and wonderful memories.

This is my tribute to her.

Ephipany Book Club

I hosted the "Book Dames" Book Club today because Mary Beth forgot all about opening the clubhouse. This is the pile I am cleaning up after the 2 hours of visiting and discussing Anna Karenina. New members: A middle school literature teacher (now we have two!) and a woman who loves Shakespeare and has read just about everything on the planet. Oh happy day! (As Elizabeth Bennet would say.)

Description of stack from top down:

Calculator - for averaging our rating scores for the book. It was 7.6

Anna Karenina - Constance Garnett Translation (most had the Oprah Peveer translation)

The Well-Educated Mind by Susan Wise-Bauer - Brought out for reference regarding Anna Karenina

Sense and Sensibility - Brought out because we were talking about Austen, and I am going to watch it today while I make my mom's 80th birthday scrapbook

Jane Austen: The Complete Novels - We will read Pride and Prejudice next!

What Jane Austen ATE and Charles Dickens KNEW by Daniel Pool - Recommended as a great reference for reading English literature, packed with background information for things from Fox Hunting to Whist.

My TWEM Novels Notebook - Has the typed out grammar, logic, and rhetoric questions I answered while going through the 31 novels in The Well-Educated Mind. I used it to help myself lead the discussion.

Off to scrapbook and make an Ephipany Treasure Chest Cake!

Tea for Two - Chaos for Four

Three delightful hours to drink in delicious fellowship with Lisa over blackcurrant tea. So peaceful to be upstairs with this safe friend while our kids created quite the opposite atmosphere downstairs:

The Sun as I Sit in My Happy Spot

I wanted to take it right from the perspective of sitting here and not standing because this is what I first spied as I was reading my Bible and praying this morning. Things are so up in the air with this online community, but I feel that God was just peeking in and saying, "I am here, and you can trust Me." He showed up this morning, and considering we have had pouring down rain for the last few days and for days to come, I count this as a miracle!

Joseph was Bowled Over by the Idea

I moved the Nativity Scene off of the coffee table to a side table since we are done with our Advent Wreath (won't be done with the Nativity until after King's Day on the 6th). After doing that, P commented that it really looks better over there. We schemed that for next year we will do it opposite with the Nativity on the side table and the Advent Wreath on the Coffee table. Much more attractive, communal, and good for when we have guests and need space on the coffee table for . . . coffee!

Just as we decided on the new plan for next Christmas, Joseph (as if on cue) fell over, and we laughed because we think he was just so AMAZED at our bright idea that he was bowled over.

We laughed hilariously and guess you just had to be there. We are the Weird W's at Work.

Funeral of a President

Funeral of a great human being. What a moving tribute. Cried all day as I watched and scrapbooked.

Starting Out the New Year with a Dear Friend

Through thick and thin friend of 29 years, T. We love going to her house for New Year's Eve.