Saturday, November 25, 2017

Favorite memories

Long ago and far away
I was sitting in bed this Saturday morning, reading my favorite blogs and thinking about the day, when I realized that I would be writing a post today and had no idea what I might want to write about. Then I began to think about memories I've shared that tell a story of love. This picture was taken a half century ago by my then-husband. That's actually me, with my little son Chris in a Michigan forest in winter. It's a picture I've cherished for many years. It has a feeling of sacred joy, to me, and I vaguely remember being there. We were looking at a bird in a nearby tree.

That wonder and joy still lives inside me, and I begin this season with it rising in my heart. I am thankful for all the little things that give me pleasure, like rising before the sun and making my way to join the ladies for our Saturday walk. Life is good.
Me in front, SG in back
I spent more than a quarter of a century jumping out of airplanes for fun and pleasure, and I met my wonderful partner through skydiving. Although it's now in the past, I'll never forget the fun we had flying our pretty parachutes around after a delightful time playing together in freefall. I cherish those memories and will as long as I live.
Melanie took this picture of us towards the end of our hike
And now, for as long as I can, I'll be spending every Thursday of the summer months hiking in the High Country, grateful for every single day I can do it with my dear senior companions. That's me in front, with Linda, Peggy, Noriko and Bob. In the winter months we still hike, just closer to home, rain or shine. This coming week I'll have to miss it, since I'll be a couple days past my first cataract surgery and will not yet be comfortable spending an entire day outdoors.

I have a pile of books next to my favorite chair, some from the library, some purchased, but all awaiting my attention. Yes, life is good. I hope you are enjoying your weekend, too.
:-)

18 comments:

  1. Huge smiles. Awe and wonder live with me too. And I have decided the label which fits me best is appreciator.
    Have a wonderful weekend - and good luck next week.

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  2. I love that picture of you and Chris - I can see why you cherish it so. Enjoy your weekend and good luck! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  3. I think that's enormously generous of you to share that precious photo of you and Chris. Joy and love just shines from his eyes. Happy memories indeed.

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  4. The photo of you and you son is precious! A great treasure indeed.

    The parachuting photo is your adventurous side shining in the rainbow colors. Gorgeous!

    Your hiking self is the one I am most familiar with. I always enjoy these photos of you and the group in the high country.

    Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

    Good luck with your surgery, Jan!

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  5. We have to look on the brighter side of things and you have done that. It would be hard to keep up with you. I hope you had a good weekend.

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  6. What a wonderful picture to have as a memory. And wonderful that you can still feel the joy in it.

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  7. I love the picture of you and your son.
    Speedy recovery from cataract surgery and I know you will be as active as ever very soon.

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  8. That photo of you and your son is absolutely stunning. You look like a living angel. :)

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  9. I really like that photo of you and Chris, I can see why it is a favorite of yours! I am thinking good thoughts for you this week!

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  10. Wonderful photo of you and your son.

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  11. Love that picture of you and Chris. Such wonder and joy on your faces. Norman Rockwell would have loved painting that.
    Know this coming week is the the big surgery and you will be anxious to get back being active again. Let us know how you are doing.

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  12. So much to be grateful for! I absolutely adore that picture of you and Chris!! Be thinking about you. Hugs! :)

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  13. Wonderful memories, DJan.

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  14. Yes lufe is good when we get past some of the pain we have to endure along the way. All the best with your eyes. Take time to heal. Be patient with the process. Haveca few good movie ready as reading with one eye is tiring.

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  15. LOVE love LOVE the photo of you and your son!! Moments like this are the BEST memories.

    Thinking about you/your surgery recovery! Take care D J

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  16. Good luck tomorrow. I will be thinking of you - and holding you in my heart.

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