Happy Birthday Mommy!!! We hope you're having a beautiful day!
We all love you very, very much.
XO
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Me with Mickey the day we adopted one another at the vets!
Part of a painting...
Another part...
And another...
And another...
Another painting...
About Me
- Suzanne
- I live in Northern California with my hubby, our kitties, our dog and three goldfish. I'm a roseaholic and grow lots and lots. I'm also an artist and paint large canvases of usually...you guessed it, roses. I love gardening, architecture, animals, nature, and life in general. I especially love Mother Earth, digging in the soil, planting something and watching as she encourages it to grow.
Ohno! (aka Shadow) two and a half pounds of pure t-r-o-u-b-l-e!
I love pink roses! Truthfully, I love all roses, but there is something about pink...
Yup, I gave it to myself! Why? Because I'm a dear friend and because I like my own artwork!
I recieved this amazing award from Random Chick. Thank you darling!!!
First time in my life I've been "cool." I like it!
Thank you my darling Bob. Blottie = Blogging Hottie!
You bet I hauled ass to get this up now that my competition has been selected! I'll leave it here at the top for a few days! For those of you who don't know, Bob can be found at www.justbobness.com.
This is a tremendous honor ~ I am humbled. Sincere thanks to Mark, Jo and Helen.
And of course, thanks to all my peeps for making it possible!
From my dear Cielo ~ thank you!
From my dear Bindi ~ Thanks!
Love to both Bindi and Cecile for this one! Thanks!
(Oh, and almost Gig (in best Maxwell Smart voice, "Missed it by that much!")).
A special award from my dear friend Gig. Thanks honey!
Thank you darling Bindi! XO
Love the graphics! Beautiful colors! Thanks Bindi. XOXO
An anenome in my fall garden
My very sleepy Executive Assistant, Mickey
My CEO, CFO and private banker working hard in my office (Sweet Pea, Hopper & Rusty)
Yummy Hydrangeas ~ Endless summer
Newman ~ Our first kitty and the head honcho!
dearest friends, T-Bone and Hopper (Edward Hopper)
Sage ~ one of my feral kitties when he was still at the park
My little half-wine barrel pond for froggies!
Darling Sweet Pea
My favorite photo of Hopper & Rusty
I love hydrangeas!
Mr. T-Bone ~ the best door man in the world...
It's a difficult life here for the wee~ones...
White bowl...
Sweet Pea, as always, elegant...
Yummy...
Picasso ~ one of my feral kitties when he was still at the park
Ahhhh...to relax in the garden. Ha! Probably sat in them twice! Gardening is obviously a verb..
Sweet Pea and T-Bone helping me paint the living room.
Our beautiful Hopper (Edward Hopper)
The Maestro, aka Ghandi, aka "W" (Whopper!)
Mickey and his blanket
I planted a garden around the trash and recycling bins and Mother Nature smiled...
Brothers, Rusty and Sweet Pea ~~ They adore one another...
27 comments:
you mother was and probably still is very beautiful.
Sir O ~ Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And yes, she is.
1pic,
An additional note. I came here with tears in my eyes just to see mom and was so glad yours was the first comment. How beautiful is that? Thank you. You're a very special soul Sir O and I really do adore you. XO
Suzanne,
I just read on onepic's blog what was going on in your life. I am sending you strength, support and love from over the water. May you find the peace and spirituality to help you and your family through this difficult time.
I thought I would post a poem here for you - it's one of my old ones, but I hope it brings you a bit of joy - it's called
The Voice and the Violin
Amid the chaos and the rain,
through the darkness,
more innocence slain.
A whirlpool of mess,
confusion abound, reality gone,
sanity forgotten,
another day, another bomb,
the core is rotten.
But through all this,
the lone voice.
Rising in high crescendo
and falling to a whisper.
The piercing tone echoes
and resonates the passion.
Enamoured musings
caught in a mere moment of pleasure.
Bursting for freedom, aching
to be heard and recognised.
Through the pungent and stark reality,
the repulsive drone of life,
the excessive loss of life.
A resounding failure,
human society, intent on self destruction.
Go further and hit the red button.
But through all this,
the solitary violin,
pushing into higher echelons,
vibrating with excitement
as the instrument plays its piece.
Staccato verses and tender choruses,
the tone rises into ecstasy,
pushing boundaries,
pushing reality, releasing the tension.
But through all this,
the world still turns.
Much love xx
sorry about your dad-in-law, goodbyes never get easier do they?
crying is good you know, it wont hurt anyone, just helps us deal with stuff and move forward.
thanks for your enthusiastic comments, your engagement in all of our blogs/comments/lives.
take care
Suzanne,
I'm so sorry you had to say your goodbyes with your father in law. I hate how much death can hurt, but I always find joy in the memories it envokes. The good times become fresh again, and you area ble to always have a memory to remember. I pray for your strength through your tears. Itnever gets easier. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. And, your mother is beautiful! <3
XOXO, Savannah
Peter ~
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Really. I don't know which is more beautiful, your words or your poem. I felt more composed today, but when I read your comment I cried. I've read it three times since and each time I cry. I even had my hubby read it and he thought it was so supportive and lovely. It's simply all beautiful. Thank you so much for taking the time to not only write, but include your poem (it's beautiful).
You're so thoughtful and talented. I think that is what has amazed me most about blogs. The creativity, sincere kindness, and talent of so many people. I enjoy the people I've met beyond measure, and even those I haven't, but who's blogs I love. It's all good.
Thank you again for your support. It means probably far more than you realize. I will get through this. I know that. Dad hasn't died yet, but he will. I'm just grateful we spoke honestly yesterday, however difficult, and were able to express how valuable we are to one another. Dad wrote a letter to everyone in the family a year ago expressing his gratitude to each and everyone for making his life so beautiful. It was brilliant. As I said to 1Pic, he's a very practical man and he wanted us all to know that we had mattered and made his life worth living. When he dies I know Rob will be heartbroken because he loves his dad very much. I realize I'm afraid of the moment it happens because life will change. And it should. Everyone matters and when they're gone, life is different.
I always plant trees, roses or perennials for the people and animals I love who have died. I'm going to purchase a tree tomorrow for Dad, before he dies, so he knows what he will be! He'll have a good laugh and I'll have a place to go to contemplate life with him. I wanted a mighty Oak, but the yard's too small for that, so he'll have to be a smaller tree...I'm thinking a Dogwood or a small decorative Maple. He'll like that.
I told Dad yesterday "I'll see you in our next life." He replied "But how will you recognize me?" And I said "By your kindness." He cried. Just thinking about it makes me cry. I will miss that man with all my heart. Life is certainly a challenge.
Thank you again for your kind support. You have become a dear friend Peter and I hope we always remain just that. And yes, but through all this, the world still turns. Which always amazes me because one would think that with such a huge loss, the world might stop or at lease pause.
Much love, Suzanne xo
I'm so touched that you found my words comforting, and the poem of course. I go through phases of inspiration, and I'm having a long dry spell at the moment - not sure when it'll be back. I wrote 'The Voice....' back in Japan, I think, when I was having some problems. But recently, I haven't wanted, or felt able, to write anything of any substance whatsoever. I'm at a bit of a loss....
It is so nice to find likeminded people on the web. I really only started my new blog so that my mum and sister could see that I was ok when I go to Russia, but it's become so much more than that - it is like an addiction!
I know you'll get through this, as do you, your family and your good blogger friends. You must remember that we're all here, some of us maybe closer than others, but some are just a few clicks away - and that's the magic of this world; connecting with people who are thousands and thousands of miles away, but to be able to feel close at the same time.
The idea of planting something is wonderful - you can nurture it and watch it grow, just as the memories will never fade away.
I must go - it's early morning and I need to sleep!
Take care,
Pete xx
Kylie,
Thank you. No really. Thank you. Yes crying helps, unfortunately I have eye allergies so crying kills me. I wish I could cry and it would be just a good old fashioned cry, but nope, it just hurts for hours and days. I try not to cry too much in an effort to protect my eyes. Dad dying is hurting in more ways than one.
Thank you for you kind words. They matter. Your friendship matters. The fact you would make an effort, leave a message and care, matters so much to me. You've helped me more than you know. I absolutely love this blogger world. I have met the most kind and generous people. I'm beyond grateful.
And finally, thank you for your kind comments about mine. How could I not support all of you. I find you amazing. Honestly.
Sleep tight...Much love, Suzanne
Thanks for stopping by my blog and saying "Hi!". Happy birthday to your Mom :-) She's very pretty too.
Savannah ~ Hi sweetie. I just deleted a comment to you because it was rather scattered and apparently I didn't end it. I guess I just fell asleep at the computer! Yes, I do that. Rob has to wake me up and get me to bed. I have so much on my plate it's often a stuggle to fit every thing in brilliantly. If you read the original post you'll understand. It was sort of funny!!!
I agree. Death is brutal sweetie and I have a difficult time with it. I know I'm going to lose the most precious people in my life probably in the next decade. I haven't resolved it. I adore the people I love with all my heart, so to see them go breaks it. I don't know how to leave them gracefully. I still miss my grandmother who died in 1991 desperately. And so do my sisters. When someone dies, who is truly loved, they leave behind such agony. Honestly, the memory never fades. Not in my experience. It's a constant drum.
Thank you for including me in your thoughts and prayers. It matters. Really. I've grown to love you very much and care about your welfare. I hope you're okay. I know you've been struggling the past week and it is my sincere hope you have come out on the other side. You are such a dear, honest soul and I'm grateful for you.
Much love, Suzanne
Hi Suzanne,
Just a note to say thank you for all your kind and fun comments on my Blog. 1 pic is bringing a fun group of people together. I know that I will be chatting again with you again soon.
Brian
Suzanne,
Thank you so much for your comment last night! I loved how you talked about it all just being a journey with no shortcut. I agree. My blog disappeared...I went back to read it ...and it was gone. Hmm...maybe it's for some reason or another that I haven't figured out yet. I did write a short blog around your comment...and hope you stop by to read it when you get a chance. Haha, thanks for saying I'm a good food critic...haha! Just for you I will review what I hear is one of the best vegetarian restaurants around town...the funny part is...I don't eat vegetables-BUT my first goal for the new year...is to eat veggies. So it will be perfect!
Your mother is absolutely beautiful and I bet she has the same beautiful soul that you have. I'm so sorry to hear about the difficult time you are going through at the moment. I don't have the greatest time dealing with death...but I can only think...that we come to this world for a reason, when God knows we've completed our work...it's time to go back to Him.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers...
Love,
Me
Suzanne, I actually got a chance to read your other comment. That's funny that you fell asleep at the computer. I'm the same way!
I think what I find to be hardest about death, is that you never really feel like you had a proper goodbye. I love that your father in law was able to provide that for y'all. It reminds me of Tuesdays with Morrie, and his "living funeral". I think that's such a wonderful idea, and a peaceful way to leave things. If that's possible. I had a close family friend pass when I was in fouth grade, we saw him two days before he was killed, and I was so young, I just couldn't understand. I cried myself to sleep every night for months, because I missed him so much. One night, he came to me in my dreams. It was so vivid. He told me he was okay, and that I needed to stop crying for him. We chatted, and finally this light came from the sky, and he said he had to leave, but he wanted me to know he was at peace, and watching out for me. He left me with one last hug, and then he was gone. I woke immediately, and my arms will still wrapped around me. I know he was there and giving me that hug. It's been over ten years, and I still miss him, and my heart aches when I think of him. I can still cry just as hard as the day we lost him. But I'm glad for the good times, and the memories. I don't know how I thought that story might help, but it always brings a little joy to me, when I think about it. I just hope you know you have people all over the world thinking about you and your family and offering support and prayers. You are loved by so many. And I love that you are able to honor those you've lost with a special plant. That's so nice!
I appreciate your concern for me. It really helps to know I'm not alone when I hurt. I've come out stronger and better, like I always do. I am so glad I'm able to find peace from my trials. They really do help mature me. And I just hope it means I will continue to be the better person for it.
Have a wonderful day, Suzanne. I'll be thinking of you and Rob.
XOXO, Savannah
What a beauty she is indeed. Many happy birthday wishes to her!
oxox
Jennifer
Hello Suzanne, hope you had a great Christmas - nie to see the picture of your mother - it's great to have those kinds of memories. When I was in New York the other week I took a trip out to Ellis Island and had quite an emotional experience tracing my Grandfather's passage into America in 1915. Was able to print out a copy of the original ship's manifest recording his personal details and the journey - am framing it for my Dad for christmas. He arrived in November 1915, was enlisted in the US army a year later and shipped back to France where he was shot twice and spent the last few months of the war in a German POW camp. Went back to America for a couple of years and then bought a farm in Leitrim with his Army pension and moved home. My father was very moved by it as he only had sketchy details.
Ossie is fine in the frost - he doesn't stay in one place long enough to get cold. We're both veggies here so no harm comes to any of our animals either...
Haven' seen your e-mail yet - I'll check that inbox.
Take care,
John
Sweetie,
Sorry i havent left an english post to my foreign friends..But it was really a personal comment,about my mother,what she passes to me every day,even if it's right or wrong..Next post i'll do the first part in english,right?
All the best,always!
XOXO from Ludmila.
As I get older, I find that I really cherish these old photos of my mom and dad, my grandparents, etc. Makes me wonder what things were really like for them. If it's like it is for me, well... you know.
I love your blog, am loving getting to know your kitties. You roses and hydrangeas are gorgeous! You must be a "master gardener."
Sandi~
Hi and welcome. I had to write because you made me laugh with the "master gardener" comment! I could easily pass the test, but I've never attempted because I simply don't have the time to do it, nor the time to devote to teaching others. But am I one? YOU BET I AM HONEY!!! And I might add...ALL ORGANIC!!!! The "organic" part is what I'm most proud of. My gardens are beautiful, including all the roses, without a single drop of anything that poisons the earth. I don't even kill snails! I've never gardened any other way and it's certainly worked for me. My philosophy is we're all in this back yard together and we have mutual respect and admiration.
And yes, I cherish the old photos. I collect them infact. I find so many in antique shops and on eBay and snatch them up. I can't believe they're left to just wander the earth, alone. That's why I write so much on the back of each of my photos...it's like a tracking system! If they ever get lost, one of my family members will be found, or my town, my city, my state, etc. It hilarious really. I'm playing it safe in the event one of them decides to wander.
It's been great talking to you. Thanks for your comment and please stop by often and leave one whenever you have time.
XO Suzanne
P.S. Don't even get me started on hydrangeas!
P.P.S. I'm glad you're getting to know my kitties. They're terrific!
Yeah, I could tell from the photos of your yard, that you could easily pass the test. It's so impressive that you do it all organically. You walk your talk, it's evident. Very inspiring.
I love your blog.
Happy birthday to your mom.
Made a reply to your post in my blog ;)
Dear suzanne,
Thank you for another wonderful comment,just love your words!It's very good to know that you realize how much effort i'm doin',yeah,i use slangs too,haha..Don't worry,they came to make our life much easier..I'll post my photo,you'll see!I had a good time with Fabio and my friends,such a shame cause not everybody came yesterday,but it was fine..It has finished at about 2 am,haha..I tried to go to the beach today,but day begun a bit cloudy,but it's doing fine,sun's shinin'!
All the best,always!
XOXO from Ludmila.
P.S:Happy almost new year to you too!
Suzanne,
I am sorry to read about your loss. My family, too, has recently experienced a loss. My mother-in-law was tagically taken from us this summer. She had a MVA on May 10th and sustained serious head trauma with an intracrainial bleed. She underwent surgery, but she never work up from the coma that she slipped in. Two months later my husband and I had to make the decision to turn off life support and 12 agonizing days later, on July 24th, she passed on. The pain is still very fresh. My only words of condolence is that one must surround themselves with those they love to survive and allow the wound to scab over. Unfortunaly, the experience of death is one wound that usually leaves a scar. Please cry on my "shoulder" whenever you need too. I've been told that I am a good listener.
Cecile,
My father-in-law hasn't died yet. He was sent home two days ago with no new med or any adjustment to any he's taking. The doctors have told him they can do nothing. We all just wait. It is so odd to wait for death. I know how difficult it is as his daughter-in-law and can't imagine how hard it is for him. He's a brilliant, thoughtful man...so to just wait seems unfair. How agonizing. At the end of my life, I hope I fall asleep one night and never wake up. Sincerely, that is what I hope.
I'm sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it is to lose people you love. Thank you for your kind suppport and yes, I will cry on your shoulder because you are a good listener! Thank you so very much for caring.
Much love, Suzanne
Skeeter ~
Yes, I actually do read this stuff! Thank you. I've had a lot on my plate the past few days, so please forgive me. She is beautiful, isn't she. I knew you'd appreciate the photo. I'll keep reading your blog and will link as soon as I have a few minutes. It's a pleasure talking to you. All the best and keep up the good work.
XO Suzanne
P.S. More friends than probably want to be mentioned are engineers. I have no idea how I've accummulated them all?!
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