This is a beautiful entry, John. Very descriptive of inner and outer journeys. Thank you for sharing so much about this time of loss, upheaval and change in your life.
Thank you Steve. And a good Remembrance Day to you. I watched the event in Ottawa this morning and took away a new appreciation for the sacrifices made by so many. Grief opens the heart not only to those close to us, but to all people.
Ha ha, looks can be deceiving. Underneath that calm exterior is a very complex character. One consumed by justice and order. He is the first to ask to be fed, but will wait until the others are eating before he will touch his own plate. It seems like nothing would bother him, but this morning he attacked Henry, our eldest cat, by tackling him for doing nothing but being there, revenge for some perceived injustice that would be far outside of Henry's scope to plan or even imagine. Henry's gentle nature finds these events confusing, and makes him wary of Duncan's worst impulses. Duncan's complex character seems to stem from his early days. When we met him at age 2 and a half, he was a troubled youth, sent to the shelter because he was more than his owners could handle. His original name was Nighthawk, and he lives up to this occasionally with brutal displays of power. I try to discipline him with care to not make matters worse and treat him with extra love soon after, to heal his wounded soul. Sometimes it works. Sometimes not. I will say he is better than he used to be and the addition of a female kitten into the household has brought out a more gentle side in him. Cats, eh?
Thank you Diana. If I can get over myself, I would like to do more portraits. I think that's right about grief, but I'm not sure about it being a cost. I wonder if grief isn't a deeper form of relationship and looked at that way, perhaps it is a gift.
Thank you for inviting us to “be with you a spell” here in the digital universe. Navigating such a loss is a journey we all take but too often, alone. I’m glad you are sharing this…even as heartbreaking as it is to read. They say the deeper you love the greater the grief…I think that’s probably true. I admire your terrific strength and send hugs to you. John…you are a terrific writer btw…like next level good. Please write a book on grief. 💗 BTW have you read The Book of Grief and Hamburgers by Stuart Ross…it’s quite wonderful. Looking forward to a visit.💗
Thank you for being here. I must admit it comes as a bit of a surprise that anyone would, but now that you are here, I am most grateful. I will check out Stuart's book. I have quickly come to like grief in a way I never fully appreciated before. I like hamburgers too.
This book is one of the best books on grief I have ever read..in a completely human and accessible way that just about makes you believe that there is a way through…and hamburgers are medicine 💗
Thanks for sharing John - I am impressed by your writing and your ability to capture such heartfelt thoughts about your grief. You demonstrate such courage in getting out - and I am glad that you do - your photographs and the context around them carry such emotion and continue to inspire.
Thank You Andy. And thank you for inviting me to join the Northumberland Photo Club. I enjoyed yesterday's outing and hope to have some pictures to share from it in the coming week or two. I will continue to go through the motions until it no longer feels so forced. Knowing that I want to continue being a photographer helps me to find an anchor while set adrift in each passing day.
I love this; it's so beautifully written. May you find peace and beauty in the everyday.
Thank you J. Paul. That is my mantra. And to you as well my friend.
Thank you!
Thank you, John. Words to carry on.
Thank You Celia
This is a beautiful, moving post and evocation of grief. Thinking of you, John. Hoping you find company and comfort in being with your critters.
This is a beautiful entry, John. Very descriptive of inner and outer journeys. Thank you for sharing so much about this time of loss, upheaval and change in your life.
Thank you Steve. And a good Remembrance Day to you. I watched the event in Ottawa this morning and took away a new appreciation for the sacrifices made by so many. Grief opens the heart not only to those close to us, but to all people.
And a good Remembrance Day to you as well, John. I watched it, too. CBC does a fine job each year.
Indeed, grief does do that.
Duncan lies there looking like a wise feline. What is it about cats that they often appear calm & content? Not bothered by anything?
Ha ha, looks can be deceiving. Underneath that calm exterior is a very complex character. One consumed by justice and order. He is the first to ask to be fed, but will wait until the others are eating before he will touch his own plate. It seems like nothing would bother him, but this morning he attacked Henry, our eldest cat, by tackling him for doing nothing but being there, revenge for some perceived injustice that would be far outside of Henry's scope to plan or even imagine. Henry's gentle nature finds these events confusing, and makes him wary of Duncan's worst impulses. Duncan's complex character seems to stem from his early days. When we met him at age 2 and a half, he was a troubled youth, sent to the shelter because he was more than his owners could handle. His original name was Nighthawk, and he lives up to this occasionally with brutal displays of power. I try to discipline him with care to not make matters worse and treat him with extra love soon after, to heal his wounded soul. Sometimes it works. Sometimes not. I will say he is better than he used to be and the addition of a female kitten into the household has brought out a more gentle side in him. Cats, eh?
I've heard that grief is the price you pay for love... a lot of truth to that. Love the portraits of Rhys and Duncan too.
Thank you Diana. If I can get over myself, I would like to do more portraits. I think that's right about grief, but I'm not sure about it being a cost. I wonder if grief isn't a deeper form of relationship and looked at that way, perhaps it is a gift.
Thank you for inviting us to “be with you a spell” here in the digital universe. Navigating such a loss is a journey we all take but too often, alone. I’m glad you are sharing this…even as heartbreaking as it is to read. They say the deeper you love the greater the grief…I think that’s probably true. I admire your terrific strength and send hugs to you. John…you are a terrific writer btw…like next level good. Please write a book on grief. 💗 BTW have you read The Book of Grief and Hamburgers by Stuart Ross…it’s quite wonderful. Looking forward to a visit.💗
Thank you for being here. I must admit it comes as a bit of a surprise that anyone would, but now that you are here, I am most grateful. I will check out Stuart's book. I have quickly come to like grief in a way I never fully appreciated before. I like hamburgers too.
This book is one of the best books on grief I have ever read..in a completely human and accessible way that just about makes you believe that there is a way through…and hamburgers are medicine 💗
Thanks for sharing John - I am impressed by your writing and your ability to capture such heartfelt thoughts about your grief. You demonstrate such courage in getting out - and I am glad that you do - your photographs and the context around them carry such emotion and continue to inspire.
Very well said Andy, my thoughts as well.
Thank You Andy. And thank you for inviting me to join the Northumberland Photo Club. I enjoyed yesterday's outing and hope to have some pictures to share from it in the coming week or two. I will continue to go through the motions until it no longer feels so forced. Knowing that I want to continue being a photographer helps me to find an anchor while set adrift in each passing day.