Saturday, December 28, 2013

End of The Year

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.
It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing,
and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
 
~ Melodie Beattie



The above photo was taken in November while standing in a spot I find myself in more often than I care to; the gas station filling the tank. We were just returning from visiting mom who has been in a nursing home since November 24th when she broke a hip. In her Alzheimer's state she doesn't realize that the hip broke nor does she know that she had surgery to repair the break. For seven years I've been her memory keeper;  it's taken a huge toll on me even though I've done my best to not allow that to happen. Anyway, what caught my eye on this day was the afternoon lighting and the clouds. This scene isn't particularly photo-worthy, or at least I've never seen it that way.   I'm glad that I had grabbed the iPhone and took a few photos otherwise I would have missed the opportunity to turn an ordinary looking scene into something fun.  You never know when an open field in front of restaurants and stores including Costco might become a favorite photo.


 A few favorite ornaments. The Maui train from my daughter, the cat in memory of Zeus, 1982-1998. The blue glass snowflake is hand-made by a dear friend. (just noticed that it's hanging backwards.)

May 2014 be a spectacular year for everyone!

4 comments:

Penny said...

Hi Gail, I cant read your post as it is in blue on black ground! the old eyes dont like it. I think I gathered that at last your mother is in a nursing home. I hope that has taken a bit of the worry about her from you. Think of you often. Penny

Pam Huggins said...

The gas station view is a beautiful photo. The story behind it is even better- finding beauty where you weren't looking.

I'm so sorry about your Mom. You've taken such good care of her. Alzheimer's is brutal- I can't even imagine what you've been through.

I love the photo of your tree! You have an artist's eye.

All the best to you in the New Year. I'll remember to be grateful.

Sending love and hugs,
Pam

ART*ticulation said...

Very kewl photo you took and great insight. Thank you!!!!

Julie said...

Thank you for reminding us/me that we should remember to be in the moment and not miss opportunities like the one presented by your photograph. I hope 2014 is a good year for you with more quality time for yourself and Stacy. I am glad your Mom's care will not be resting solely on you anymore.xx