Sad day.

It is with great sadness that I type this entry. A loyal friend and member of the family, my dog Basil, has passed away. Imagining a life without him makes it hard to breathe. When I think about Basil's sweet face, one who had been by my side for eleven years, I am indebted to the heavens for letting me have him for as long as I did.

Crazy that a dog can do that to you, right? Or not. They live for us and love us so much, unconditionally.. and that kind of love and loyalty never seems to last as long as we would like.

Photo by Lauren Lallone

Twas a very good year

Looking back on 2009, I'm amazed with just how much happened! Maybe that's a part of getting older though, realizing and appreciating moments both specifically and as a whole. I will remember to look back fondly on this year of years. I am blessed and thankful with healthy and happy family and friends.

With the passing of every year, also comes the sad passing of many greats who have made impacts on our lives in one way or another..

Yes, Virginia

Old friend

My thoughts are with some dear friends who lost their father to cancer last night. I know that words can be hopelessly inadequate, but I'm thinking about you all and sending all the love that my heart holds.

In retrospect

My nephew was born on the same day that my dad died in 1995. Same day, same time frame. I did not know him then, it would be at least 10 years before I would have the boy in my life. I remember the day of my dad's death so vividly as a day of sorrow, a day of confusion, and of great loss.. how would anything ever be okay again? These would be the same emotions and feelings of emptiness I would later feel on Thanksgiving of 2002.

I saw a woman at the gym the other day who looked like my mom. Maybe she didn't in retrospect, but I found myself watching her as she walked away. I wished this stranger would turn around and be my mom.. I fantasized what I would do or say if it was really her. I felt my eyes welling up, something that hasn't happened in a while.

The love you hold never goes away. After all these years I still have moments when my heart aches. Hard to imagine getting used to a broken heart, but you learn to live again every time. I celebrate my nephew's birthday with joy each year, and Thanksgiving remains one of my favorite holidays.

Delta Fair

On Labor Day we went to the Delta Fair in Memphis. One might assume that a fair is a fair is a fair. I did. That is to say, I did before walking through the gates. Immediately I saw a statue of Charlie Chaplin.. but hold the phone.. no, not a statue! It was a woman (or a very little man) decked out head to toe and painted. I'm still so upset with myself for not taking photos of that gem.

Anyway, the fair was amazing.. delicious smells and magical colors, cheesy booths and sketchy rides, a truck pull, a petting zoo, "freak" show, medieval jousting, camel rides (and the ostrich racing and Banana Derby seemed to come straight from one of my favorite classic movies 'Swiss Family Robinson.') Best $8 I've ever spent.. not counting the Funnel Cake which was fried and full of guilty flavor.

Awkward? Yes, please.

For a good daily dose of my vitamin laugh, I check out Awkward Family Photos. In case you don't already, you should too.. and tell your body I said you're welcome.
http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/