Death is part of life

Well, I've experienced one of life's biggies - the death of my mom. A comment from my D_I_L led  reminded me that I have so much to be grateful for. One very small thing is finding a beautiful photo of Mom 2 years after my birth which perfectly captures who she is.

And, today is the first day that I've found myself beginning to feel normal since June 4th, and maybe since before that as she spent the last two months of her earth time hospitalized. Being content (maybe happy) is also an important part of life for humans, so I believe. And there are many who carry on research to define what brings happiness and just what is happiness.

One finding is that being grateful is a positive. Another, being outside (though I'm sure there are some definitions on what being outside means).

Another, I'm calling 'doing random acts of kindness'. It's about being giving. But that doesn't quite capture it, either. One report calls it 'doing a kindness' Another, is sincerely saying 'Thank you'

Being present / spending time with friends is another, not always being alone. But what if the solitary life is meaningful for you? Do hermits die young (if they have access to a healthy diet and good medical care?) Do something that takes focus / attention that is satisfying or learn something new. Sleep is one of the body's most effective way to recover from the demands that any stress makes on you. Stress is physical, not emotional. ....

36 Years

When thinking of that day - the number of years just seems impossible. Really, I cannot describe what the passing of such large quantities of time is like. All I can describe are some of the specific events - or routines - and I know there are many that I can't recall - and sometimes I'm recalling my versions which others report are just resemblances of the real thing. I do notice that I seem to feel much the same as I did then. I recognize the woman in that photo more than I do the woman in my mirror (especially the bathroom and dressing ones!) [And, in looking at the image uploaded here - I feel great pleasure with my progress in image manipulation work - AKA "photoshopping". Haha]

Crazy Smart Geese - Observation #2

June 4, 2010 (about 20 minutes later, still on the way home - still from my phone)

well, friend - I would be very very afraid if geese hate you. Be very careful. I'm now working on assumptions that they are smart and have a way of communicating with each other - and of sharing observations. I have a new "smart geese" observation, from my ride home.

I was near the prison (near the Garden - sorta between Spaulding Rehab and the Museum of Science Bridge) - on the road by the Charles there. That's where I was during the worst of the power storm. During the burst of lightening strikes -nearby- the flurry of movement from a few geese caught my eye - and I wondered if maybe one had been hit. When traffic crawled a bit further on - I looked around the park that's there - for geese. First, I saw none (the few had been jumping around under the trees) - then I saw a whole whole lot. they had moved off the grass onto the paved paths - none were now under the trees - and there were so many there now - I'm guessing they had all leaped out of the river onto the land.

Maybe if you started worshiping them as gods?

Crazy Geese - Observation 1

June 4, 2010 (Original Date - sent as email - yes, from my phone)
Just watched 3 geese take advantage of one red light to "jay walk"
across a 3 street-intersection at the Landmark intersection. The intersection was majorly congested as an afternoon Sox game had just let out. They crossed just the same as college kids. Crazy.