I’ve been going easy on myself the last few weeks as I adjust to some changes, but I’ve still been snapping photos of things that help me remember to live in the moment, not in the past or the future. If you’re dealing with something hard, then this post is especially for you today.
The old: a leaf slowly being returned to the earth. And the new: soft, green moss, one of the earliest signs of spring. I bent down to take this photo, because I wanted to capture the details: the decay of that small leaf and the delicate fronts of the moss cushioning its demise. Sometimes the smallest things, the ones I usually walk by without noticing, are the miracles I need to see.
Dogwood blooms were everywhere earlier this month and their white petals felt like a beacon, beckoning me deeper into the trees to capture them, at least with my camera. And on one such trek, three deer froze as I came too close, and I froze too, wanting that moment to last forever and knowing it wouldn’t. They were so beautiful, and then, with a flick of their white tails, they were gone, and all I had were the dogwood flowers.
This sunset was a little miracle of a moment: the sun’s rays scattered across the sky for barely long enough to snap the photo. And then it was all gone. It’s those moments that remind me to look up, to look around me, especially when my heart is aching and the world feels so complicated and confusing. A beautiful sunset doesn’t give me any answers but it does provide beauty, and sometimes that’s enough to get through another night.
For Mary Catherine (1953-2022)
I know, it kind of comes in waves of questions with no answers, and sadness at how things ended.
Still reeling.
Thank you for this, big sis. Many Hugs and Much Love. ❤️
We might, I’ll planning to be at Mills Norrie in August for a week or so…
Hi AC, I think of you when I read this blog. I’m sorry you lost your sister. Maybe some day we will meet on the road. I may roll around at some point.
I didn’t realize she was your sister. I can’t imagine how hard that is. Sending many virtual hugs until I can give you one in person.
Yes, under difficult circumstances so taking a lot of time to just sit with things (as I’m sure you understand!). Hope all is well with you and the hubby (and the dog, who I love to see on Insta).
Thanks, Betty Lou and Bev, for your kind words. It’s also good to hear from you, a nice surprise in my comments <3
Tricia, I’m so happy you like that sunset shot and thanks for reaching out with your comment. Losses are hard, as you know. Hoping that you and the boys are doing well <3
Ah, thank you, Sue, your words help so much. We need to connect again soon…
Small world, indeed! Glad you got to meet Jack and Lee and hang out with them, both are fonts of knowledge about camping and Altos. And someday, we’ll meet up too!
Thank you, Danielle. Hope all is well with you and Nathan these days.
Thank you, Laura, it’s been a hard thing to lose my first sibling.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Annie
Your words and photos are beautiful and powerful. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Hi Annie,
I just bumped into an Alto friend of yours…Jack Russell, and his wonderful wife Lee at a state campground on Karr Lake in northern NC. It was my first experience meeting a fellow Alto owner, and we had a good time talking about our experiences, and since this is only our third year camping with our F1743, I learned a whole lot more than Jack! You came up in our conversation, and I do look forward to meeting you sometime in the future. Thanks for your writings and pictures, and I read and marvel over every one of them!
Thanks again,
Dan and Jackie Clary
Durham, NC
Beautiful post and photos. Sending hugs your way. ❤️
Take care, Annie. I just sent a meme to my brother that said:
The older I get, the more I regret all the people I’ve lost over the years.
(Maybe being a trail guide wasn’t such a good idea.)
But sometimes, it does feel as if we are sitting on one end of a teeter-totter. All those we’ve lost start to pile up on the other side, shifting our life out of balance. Don’t forget to rely on old friends, meet new people, and indulge in new pastimes to get through the tough times.
Lots of love!! <3 <3 <3
Oh Annie, this is so beautiful and poignant and it both warms my heart has has me stretching over the miles to give you a big long hug. You are not alone and with every sunset and sunrise, new beginnings. One moment at a time as you so eloquently captured in images and prose. All the love in the world to you my dear friend.
Hi Annie:
My sympathy on your loss. As one of my (2) daughters – in- law says “Big Hugs”.
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find much peace.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your photos are especially beautiful, this post, and are full of love. May the hole in your heart be filled with peace.
From the comments and the dedication, I’m guessing you lost your sister. That’s huge. I’m so glad you’re taking good care of yourself and what a perfect set of photos and sentiments for now and forever. Big hugs.
Annie, we too are so deeply sorry to learn of your loss. No words adequate for fear of my mere words sounding like platitudes no matter how well intended. May you experience peace, comfort and even be nurtured by nature with every photo you capture.
Serenity for the moment,
The2Sisters, Betty Lou and Bev in Del
Thank You Annie! This is exactly what I needed this week. You have a special gift in being able to put together words and photos and express deep feelings and the wonder of life around us. Please continue to bless us and know that you are very much appreciated!
Just looked at these images on a bigger screen and they are stunning. Hugs.
Peace and blessings to you. Thanks for reminding us to be still and enjoy the moment.
Gorgeous photos. Very inspiring to use your photography skill to cope and process encompassing difficulties. May peace follow you.
I love, love, love that sunset shot! Hugs to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Annie. I admire your ability to see the beautiful even in heartache. My thoughts are with you and your family. Peace to you and yours.
Oh, Annie—I’m so sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace, sending you a hug.
Thank you for sharing so deeply Annie. You connect with all our souls. Your thoughts, your words, your photographs. We feel them. Take care. Sending hugs.
Hugs to you Annie, as you remember the passing of your dear Sister.
Beautiful, Annie. ❤️
Beautifully written. Peace be with you and your family.
So beautiful. So important. So needed. Thank you Annie.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Mary Catherine. Your photography is beautiful. I take pictures to keep moments too. I understand.
So sorry for your loss, Annie. Your beautiful photos and writings are indeed Sunday Serenity. Thinking of you ❤️
So sorry for whatever heartache has befallen you. You have been an inspiration to me and so many others. I hope you can take solace in knowing how much you are appreciated!❤️