One of the lessons I’ve learned from the two recent deaths in my family is the importance of a written card. I received many hand-written cards expressing sympathy and caring, sharing wonderful stories of my father and my sister-in-law, and offers of help to me and my family in so many different ways. I have treasured and kept all these cards. Now the calendar page turns to December with its upcoming holidays, and I’d like to remind people of the joy of receiving a special holiday card in the mail. A unique card with a personal message inside will make someone’s day and brighten their holidays knowing you took the time to think of them and write to them. For the previous nine years and again this year, I am offering a line of holiday cards and desk calendars. You will find the links to this year’s offerings on my blog and through my website. Please browse and enjoy, order if you would like, but most importantly please remember how special it is to receive a wonderful card in the mail from a friend who’s taken the time to remember you.
Holiday cards can be found here: https://lindastaatsphoto.wordpress.com/2013-holiday-card-collection/
Desk calendars can be found here: https://lindastaatsphoto.wordpress.com/2014-desk-calendar-collection/
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Life lessons learned from a death
This past week has been a time of reflection. The sudden and untimely death of my sister-in-law has remained fresh in my mind. I appreciate all the comments and emails, the cards of concern, and the thoughts and prayers; they’ve been helpful and comforting. I’ve struggled with what lessons I can learn from this death and many things have come to mind: (1) live a full life, each and every day, (2) plan for tomorrow, but live today, (3) don’t take anything or anyone for granted, (4) say “I love you” to the people you love, (5) extend a prayer of gratitude each morning for the grace of seeing the sun rise on yet another day. I have a magnet that I have kept on the refrigerator door for the past 15 years. So many days I don’t even notice it, but the words ring so true now: “Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.” – Mary Anne Radmacher
Prairie smoke
There is a revival of interest in native plantings here in Minnesota; people are choosing to replace annuals in their gardens with plants that are native to the area, thereby requiring less maintenance. About eight years ago I was in a prairie area in northeastern Oregon and was mesmerized by an unusual plant. I remember photographing the long feathery plumes that seemed to blow in the breeze. Now I find that Prairie smoke is a native wildflower to Minnesota. It is actually in the rose family, blooming in mid to late spring, and is found in the dry, gravelly prairies. I noticed this plant at a sale of native landscaping plants here in the Twin Cities. With a bit of backlighting, the plumes took on a beautiful glow, accenting their delicateness and their “smokey” appearance.
Alex
One of the very hardest things to do is to say goodbye to a pet, especially one that’s been a part of your life for over 17 years. This past week I had to do that with my cat Alex. We have been through a lot together over the years and he was always there to welcome me with a nudge and a purr. At times he could be quite shy, especially around people he wasn’t familiar with. But once he accepted you he was a great friend who loved to be close to you. He was also my most serious-looking cat, although there was a great glimmer of excitement whenever the catnip came out for a treat. He wasn’t one that liked to pose for photos, so I always felt fortunate when I could get an image that seemed to capture his personality. His friendship and his loving nature we be missed…. Thanks, Alex.
Tinker
This past weekend I had to say goodbye to my 17-year old cat Tinker. He had been battling some minor ailments the past few years and was blind, but he had a heart of gold through it all. The one huge thing I’ve learned from him throughout this time has been patience. He was always willing to give his attention and love no matter how bad he was feeling, and he never complained. Seventeen years ago Tinker picked me when I visited the humane society to find a new four-legged friend. In a wire cage sat this small gray and white cat with huge ears. His paw reached through the wires to touch me as I was passing by. In short time he grew into those ears, eventually weighing over 20 pounds – a big lug of a cat, for sure. He was a welcoming committee of one; he loved to greet people and become their new best friend. His favorite spot was to sit in a splash of sunshine and soak up the warmth. When the sun wasn’t shining (as was often the case in Washington state), he’d curl up next to the gas fireplace insert or the small radiant heater. With all that heat his coat would become so warm and seemingly more soft too. Tinker was usually obliging when I wanted to take his photograph, and for that I’m very thankful as I now have a collection of images that captured him in some of his best moments.
While I was at the veterinary hospital I found a quote that someone had posted from Mary Oliver’s poem “In Blackwater Woods”:”To live in the world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.” Thanks, my friend.
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