this day

along a local street, honoring those who have sacrificed their lives in war since September of 2001 to present day. these small gravestones covered just over 2 miles of road, and are only a handful of those who have fallen in battle. the second shot depicts a young man who did not return home to my town. i stood in this spot for a long while thinking about his mother.

i was struck by the words in the first photo. mission accomplished.



at the beginning of the fence along which these beautiful tapestries hung were these words:

"The Peace Ribbon honors victims of the war in Iraq by creating a memorial to the soldiers and Iraqi civilians who have died as a result of the invasion & occupation of Iraq. Help us to create a panel for each life that has been claimed by this war. They will be displayed around the U.S. to remember and honor those who have died. Join us in this tribute by making a panel".

i lingered and read the stories, some with so few words, some full of color, some with none, each filled with a mixture of pain and hope.

us lately

leisurely walks with family in the unusually dry heat of summer that settled in early this year. trips to her favorite park. neighbors stopping to say hello with smiling dogs. hugs and hand holding and dinners out, when we can. jiji finding her place in this family and our hearts... ransom, beating all odds and still with us 8 months later, permanently etched in, like a tattoo, like an artery, like morning and evening light.

life is not without its struggles or its (sometimes quite overwhelming) ups and downs. but when i sit back, looking at this collection of photos, there is only gratefulness inside of me for the gifts i have received in my life.

here, there, everywhere. and a eucalyptus tree.

(pentax k1000, film)

sorry for my absence in visiting all of you. parenthood, kindergarten registration (eeek!), work, life, a lovely visit from my eldest sister, tornadoes racing after family in texas (all safe!), and making time to (what? relax?) all the while revamping my entire eating habits and how i approach food... well. it's been a long and interesting week to say the least. i've barely picked up the camera but thankfully am getting some nice rolls back ;)

thank you for continuing to stop by and say hello. i sometimes feel as though we're still just getting to know one another, and that is a beautiful thing. i am daily inspired by all of you!

here's to a 3 day weekend- ahhhhhh. now if only i can work in some couch time like ransom and jiji~!

my girl, my toes, and a cat in the corner

(pentax k1000,film)