Friday, March 01, 2013

Friday-7:30am

On Ruby's birthday there was a bright sundog in the morning.  Cool!  :)
I received a very first letter from Annemarie in the Netherlands and--look!--she enclosed this hand-tangled bookmark...
...that is decorated on both sides! 
Wow! 
Such detail... 
...and patience.  Thanks so much.  This is just amazing, Annemarie!!
And I can't resist showing you this wonderful, silly, fat cat that was on her stationery.  I absolutely love it! 
Remind you of anyone? 
Miss Karma is still sleeping a lot--even with company, so you know she isn't herself.
I have gotten her to eat and drink a bit more by switching things up and putting a small water bowl (old rodent dish) where there has never been one and taking away her tea tin and replacing it with another small bowl she hasn't seen before (old parrot dish).   
Even sick, Karma can't resist something new--LOL! 
A golden morning dawned today. 
Last night Leah and her youngest sister, Ariel, came over to start on the baby shower invitations for their other sister, Michal.  I totally forgot to take any pictures as I'm not quite myself yet, either.
My back has gradually been improving since I got the new little recliner.  I was finally able to wash clothes after two weeks and survived it without going backwards--hurray!  But I wasn't any help with cards last night.  Have done no art or crafts at all yet.  Maybe be able to help next time Leah is back for working on these--which could be tonight.  :)
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Dagan showed up later, too.  He was trying to get my scanner to recognize and communicate with my McLap.  (They're both so stubborn.)  Ariel helped, too, at the end of the night and they finally got them talking!  I think we're almost there.  I can get the pictures into the McLap now--tada!--just having some trouble cropping.  This means soon I can finally start going through the boxes of pictures in my bedroom that have been waiting for--a year? two?  How old is this "new" printer?
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  Warning: then you may start being occasionally tortured with old pictures, stories, and memorabilia--LOL!
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This past week has felt like being in the eye of the storm...that quiet spot in the center of turbulence.  Hard to explain.  Like this dream I just had--of being unmoored and set adrift in a rowboat on a tranquil large pond.  I was in too much physical pain to row--so I laid back in the boat on some pillows to wait for the gentle breeze to gradually ease me back to shore--just listening to the leaves ruffle and the birds sing--the frogs, toads, and crickets chatting--the tiny waves lapping at the side of the boat.  That is what my week has been like.
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Ruby and I knew exactly what we meant to each other.  No regrets or what ifs.  I have felt all week like I can almost feel her soul wrapped in love--and the joy of her being with her mother again who died when she was just a little girl.  I am so happy for her that she went suddenly and serenely as she was getting out of bed.  She didn't want a long drawn out goodbye.
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We mourn and grieve--for ourselves.  
For what we miss.
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After 26 years it will take quite a while for me not to expect to ever look into those eyes and wrap her in my arms again in a big hug--or for the phone to ring, an email, a letter in the mail...or not to think--oh, I've got to tell Ruby this!--knowing how she'd laugh.  But what a gift to have known her and a true blessing that she actually loved me.  You will be missed, my friend!  But I know that you are more than okay.  :)
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Life is short.  
Speak from your heart.
Speak your truth.
You never know when someone won't be around to listen.
Or you won't be around to tell.
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Have a fabulous weekend!
Hug somebody!
Thank you all for your comments and emails and letters.  My life is overflowing with blessings!  :) :)
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"Chance makes a plaything of a man's life."
Lucuis Annaeus Seneca
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"Turn your face to the sun, and the shadows fall behind you."
Maori proverb

23 comments:

Far Side of Fifty said...

You are mucking through..I am certain you will miss her forever. Really good friends are hard to find.
I am a little worried about Miss Karma..poor girl..sending good thoughts your way!
I like your thoughts of being on a boat..just floating and listening to the sounds...peaceful..and at peace. Take good care of you:)

Beth said...

I am praying that you and Karma are both well soon!

TexWisGirl said...

i'm glad you and karma are both hanging in there. yes, we grieve for ourselves.

love the bookmark...

Dana said...

Thinking of you, Rita. *hugs*

Shelly said...

Loved seeing sweet Miss Karma and hoping and praying you both come through these difficult times for the better.

Anonymous said...

What a PERFECT song!!

Francene Stanley said...

Your thoughts on grieving are so right. We feel sorrow for ourselves--selfish really. But one other thing: a lingering guilt. What if we'd done something differently? What if ...? Best to live each day as if it is your last. Bless you.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I look forward to both you and Karma getting better soon. I know how you feel when you lose someone dear to you. And of course, now it is time for Karma to get better, since she is your strength, now.

SandeeNC said...

thinking about you and Karma ♥ waving hi from the hills of North Carolina ♥

TammyVitale said...

Hi Rita - was missing you and so I stopped by to say "hi" - to learn of Ruby's leaving - I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you! And I'm also hoping Karma will pull herself together shortly too - if she's eating, well can't be far behind. Think of you often - and your lovely blog, even if I don't get by that often. Stay warm. Sending much love.

Janie Junebug said...

I love that James Taylor song. Elvis Aaron Schwarz is on his way to my house right now. I shall wrap my arms around him when he arrives.

Love,
Janie

AliceKay said...

That's a beautiful sundog. I believe it's a sign.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. *hugs*

DJan said...

Things are looking up for you, Rita. I do hope we hear Karma is completely well soon. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed! :-)

Deanna said...

That fat cat is cute (both of them). Hoping you and karma both continue to improve. Baby steps indeed.

Serena Lewis said...

I've never heard of the term 'sun-dog' before. Interesting!

Lovely bookmarks! Love the cat on the stationery.

I sure hope you and Karma return to norm soon. You are both in my thoughts a lot.

I have boxes of photos that should really be sorted one day. There never seems to be enough time but I look forward to seeing yours.

I too am glad to hear Ruby passed quickly and calmly. You will always carry her close within your heart.

A lovely song by James Taylor. I don't think I've heard it before.

After a wet week, we're having a very wet weekend too. I'm over the rain and am praying for blue skies but forecasts say it will be around for a few more days yet.

Rest up and I pray you and Karma feel much better very soon.

Love and hugs,
Serena xo



Anonymous said...

So very very sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs.

Queenie Jeannie said...

Big, big hugs!!! It sounds like you are OK, even if you are hurting. It will take a long while, I'm sure, but you are not alone and many, many people love you!!!

Hope Karma is getting better too!

Cindy Lane said...

I believe Sun dogs are a great sign - good things happen when I see them. Must charge your mind with lots of positive energy.

Good to see you guys on the up and up. Thinking of you.

Darla said...

Just stopping by to wave at you and Karma. Glad things are improving for both of you - even if slowly.

That is a beautiful bookmark.

Darla

Flat Creek Farm said...

I am so sorry to read about the loss of your dear friend. Hugs and Blessings to you. I hope peace and good health finds you soon! And I'm still thinking of your Karma too! More hugs.. Tammy p.s. I adore James Taylor and that song is perfect ♥

Dee said...

Dear Rita, this is a loving posting. I am so relieved to learn that you and Karma are both better. And your words about Ruby and your gratitude for her friendship and your belief that she is now with her mother touched me deeply. The video enlightened everything you wrote. Peace.

Anne's tangle blog said...

Hi Rita,
Just a quick note to tell you I received your letter to-day. THANK you for the lovely bookmark!!! Also thank you for mentioning this in your post, I was really surprised to see the pictures.

I want to 'give' you this poem, that I read somwhere some time ago:

Indian Prayer

When I am dead
Cry for me a little
Think of me sometimes
But not to much
Think of me now and again
As I was in life
At some moments it’s pleasant to recall
But not for long
Leave me in peace
And I shall leave you in peace
And while you live
Let your thoughts be with the living

I'll send you a snail mail sometime next week.

Love,

Annemarie

Dave said...

Nice scenery in that music clip Rita - Dave