April 30, 2011

it matters what you see

i haven't played with textures in a while, so
this friendly poppy is from a week ago, the day before easter i believe.

i can't believe what all has transpired this week.  it has been a week of heartache, courage, and some renewal.

by now, you know of the devastation that has struck alabama, as well as other states in the path of the wednesday storms.  while we are no strangers to the fury that is tornado season, this system of storms hit such populated areas that is was impossible to get out of the path.  heartbreaking stories - stories of courage - stories of survival - stories of the lowest of low (looters) - and stories of generosity.  it will be a while before we dig out of this, but i know we will.

on the same day, my uncle passed away unrelated to the storm and a couple hundred miles away.  it was expected, he was 86.  sitting at the funeral yesterday, we laughed and we cried.  his daughters spoke of his values and his life - memories flooded over me of time spent at their house in the summer.  i will say, the playing of taps on the bugle and the flag presentation ceremony shook me to tears.  my uncle fought in ww2 and the flag was presented to his son who fought in vietnam. 
  
today on my ipod -   heavenly day (patty griffin), rise up (diane birch), hello it's me (todd rundgren), hey leonardo (blessid union of souls), how come (ray lamontagne), hideway (the weepies), hold my hand (hootie & the blowfish), hold on you (jeff bridges), the honey tree (mostar driving club), songbird (eva cassidy)
scribbled by

28 comments:

  1. nicoleMay 1, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    peace be with you friend.

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  2. PoetessWugMay 1, 2011 at 1:49 AM

    I'm sorry for the devastation that Alabama and other states are suffering. It's just terrible...Also, sorry for your loss. Thankfully you had family to sit around and tell his story...and that there was laughter with the tears. A life is summed up like that.

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  3. SkogkjerringMay 1, 2011 at 2:35 AM

    I am so glad you are ok...we have been reading about the horrible tornados over here in the news. I am so sorry about your Uncle but 86 is a good long life! The photo is beautiful...I wish I knew how to do that texture business...but I don´t think I am as interested in learning how to do it as I think I am or I would probably learn it!!
    Have a wonderful Sunday!

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  4. Sarah KnightMay 1, 2011 at 2:38 AM

    My condolences, hopefully things start to get sunnier.

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  5. AnonymousMay 1, 2011 at 3:07 AM

    seems there are many things in the world lately serving as reminders of the delicate threads that weave us all together and to life. i am sorry about your loss, char. sending sunshine and warmth your way.

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  6. AnonymousMay 1, 2011 at 3:20 AM

    take care x x
    p.s. i love the unexpected beauty of your chicago photos - i vote more over-exposed/weird processing adventures!

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  7. RuthMay 1, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    Blessings on you and on your uncle as he passes. What can be more poignant than Taps at a military funeral? The power of music, wow. I'm glad you're all right in such a week. The words that stick with me, from one woman as she stood in the rubble of her home, weeping, "I don't know how to do this."

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  8. Country GirlMay 1, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    Oh, Char. So sorry about the devastation, and now your grandfather. Hugs to you, my friend.

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  9. SherryMay 1, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    Expected deaths like that of your uncle fill us with sadness and we come together to share our grief and our happy stories of a life remembered. Deaths from natural tragedy leave us shocked and vulnerable. Take care of your heart.

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  10. stephanieMay 1, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    What a week, indeed. Take care of yourself. I'm sending good thoughts your way. xoxo

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  11. bethMay 1, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    i'm so sorry to hear about your uncle....and i always believe that funerals with laughter and tears are the best kind.

    and my heart breaks for the areas down south devastated by the storms that showed no mercy.....and the looters. why ?? do you remember them talking about japan and how there were no looters there after the tsunami....but yet here, we always have them :(

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  12. karen - Simply InspiredMay 1, 2011 at 3:59 PM

    grace, blessings and continued fond memories to you and yours...

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  13. Brenda PruittMay 1, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    So much heartbreak going on in the world. Sorry for your loss.
    Brenda

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  14. Erin WallaceMay 1, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    So sorry to hear about the devastation in the south; such a blessing that you are alright. When my grandmother was handed my grandfather's flag, it was such a bittersweet moment. I have that flag now resting proud on my mantle.

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  15. Jill of All TradesMay 1, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    A rough time but the memories and laughter will help to heal the loss of your uncle. My heart goes out to those in the path of the storms. Scary living in tornado alley for sure.

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  16. McGillicuttyMay 1, 2011 at 8:59 PM

    well done with the poppy...poppies are my fav. and yes Taps always gets me too, I don't really think there is anything ever any more sad than hearing it... I do believe it's the overwhelming silence surrounding it that makes us so aware of the meaning. Hugs to you my friend.. this too shall pass.

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  17. GailOMay 1, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    I am so sorry to hear of the death of your uncle Char...yet somehow it is comforting to know that it was of natural causes rather than from the storm. My heart goes out to you, your family, and all those affected by the tornados...

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  18. Cindy May 2, 2011 at 1:31 AM

    Char, it has been horrible down there with the tornados. I am glad you are okay. Prayers to all whom are suffering. I am sorry for the loss of your Uncle. the way you described your feelings made me think of my Dad. A big hug to you. Better days ahead.

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  19. AmyMay 2, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    Oh, Char ... what a week! I'm so sorry. Even though your uncle lived a long life, it's still a goodbye. And those are never easy. I'll be keeping you all the closer in my thoughts and prayers ...

    PS-the playing of Taps gets me every time. Sigh.

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  20. A Box of ChocolatesMay 2, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    sorry to hear of you Uncle passing, expected or not it is never easy. Glad also that you are okay after the terrible storms. It seems the earth is shaking these days, we are still cleaning up after our terrible floods throughout most of Australia in January. Wishing you all the very best

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  21. JaimeMay 2, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Oh Char...you've had quite a week.
    You know, in my attempt to turn away from the news, I didn't even know what was going on in Alabama until you mentioned something in your comment. Those storms were unbelievable. I am so glad to find you here safe and sound.
    I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  22. CoraMay 2, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    Special thoughts for you. Sweet memories, love, and tenderness.
    Prayers for everyone.

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  23. drollgirlMay 2, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    i am so sorry for your loss. i hope he lived a good long life, and that he was ready to go.

    and the song taps will always bring me to tears. always.

    hang in there, girl. hugs to you.

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  24. PunaMay 2, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    I am so glad you are alright.

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  25. UnknownMay 3, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    Char, again I'm glad you're okay and I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle. The playing of taps is one of the most moving experiences of my father's funeral, but I think it's also a celebration of courage and ritual that we as humans so need. Love to you,

    xo Mary Jo

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  26. RachelMay 3, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    My heart is with you and the others - so glad you're okay.

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  27. AnonymousMay 3, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Char, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your uncle. Losing a loved one is always difficult. I can understand why you were moved to tears when you heard taps. Oh! It undoes me too! Every time. Gives me chills too. Those who serve in our military are so precious to me.

    I'm praying for the recovery and healing of Alabama and the other states.

    On your ipod -- I love, love, love Eva Cassidy!

    Hugs, Sharon

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  28. christinaMay 4, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    i am sorry to hear of your uncles passing.
    i send you and your family prayers.
    xo

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i feel as if each comment was between us as we sat and sipped something warm....i love to hear what you're thinking.

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