Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Autumn light

Hello, friends. I’m enjoying the fine autumn weather we’ve been experiencing lately in Maryland. Last week was rather warm and this weekend found me turning on the AC again. Just too hot. Since I start back to work next week, I’ve been trying to tie up a few loose ends beforehand and rewarded myself by spending yesterday visiting my niece in Baltimore for lunch at her house. She and her husband have an adorable baby girl who is now 6 1/2 months old.

Seeing babies is always heartwarming, isn’t it?

Well, except when they’re screaming. Which this one was definitely not.

 

DSC_3548 copy 2

How cute is that little face?

 

 

DSC_3554 copy 2

Kim and I took a walk to a nearby park and stopped along the way to look at this interesting and colorful row of homes. We each fooled with our camera settings to get things right.

 

DSC_3528 copy 2

I love all the brick, too.

And the marble steps.

 

 

DSC_3558 copy 2

At the top of Federal Hill.

 

 

DSC_3561 copy 2

View of the harbor from the hill.

 

 

DSC_3597 copy 2

Baby loves loves loves the swing.

I swear, I took 30 or more photos and couldn’t get things right. Either she wasn’t laughing, or she was laughing and just out of focus. I swear my camera has a setting that locks onto the face while they are moving. I need to discover this setting.

 

 

DSC_3604 copy b&w copy 2

My niece, like her mother (my husband’s sister, Helen) is a wonderful cook. For lunch, she served homemade roasted tomato soup and grilled cheese. Ok, this was no ordinary grilled cheese sandwich and I’ve been dreaming of it ever since. She took two slices of rustic bread, sliced on the thin side. She then shmeared each side with homemade pesto, then added slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. On the outside of each piece, she brushed on herbed butter she had made using a collection of different varieties from her patio garden. Then she grilled them to perfection. Oh. My. God. Soooo good.

Sometimes I feel guilty when I feel so happy.

I’m sure this is perfectly normal right now. So I’m not going to sweat it, you know?

 

 

DSC_3622 copy 2

But I miss him.

Yesterday evening, while I was inside working on these photos, the entire room took on a sort of crazy glow. I looked out the windows and realized that the sky was so different-looking with the sunset. It was glowing. My son and his friend were outside setting up things for a campfire party. I went outside to snap these while they were gathering kindling and setting up the camp chairs and thought to myself that it was a perfect evening for a campfire. Good for them!

 

 

DSC_3624 copy 2

I remembered that my husband used to often find me working on my pictures or reading a book or something and he would come in and tell me to come outside. That he wanted to show me something. Here is one such time:

Vignette #1

My husband would often bring me feathers. He would find them during his walks and I would often come home to a feather at my place at the table. When my son asked me to come out to the campfire last night and meet his friends, I walked out the front door and found a beautiful big feather.

And I smiled.

Hope your week is full of smiles. Until next time, my friends ~

123 Signature[5]

86 comments:

Low Tide High Style said...

The sky last night was amazing! My sister and I stood out there and just watched the sky go from golden to fiery orange, then magenta! And your trip to Baltimore sounds like it was wonderful! You'll be amazed at the feathers you will now find, each time my friend Dan sends one my way I just have to smile!

xo Kat

Jamie said...

I'm a firm believer that those who have passed only leave us in the physical sense. I wholeheartedly believe that they are with us often and send signs to let us know. Feathers happen to be one of the most popular signs as are butterflies, dragonflies and pennies. The fact that feathers were something you shared with your husband makes it an even stronger sign. I had about 20 bluebirds line the fence one evening while walking to the barn after a troubling day and missing my grandmother. I equate bluebirds with her, so since I'm pretty sure I'm not a Disney Princess, I'm certain it was her way of saying she was still with me. So look for those feathers, I'm certain you'll find many more

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

What a lovely day you had with your niece and that beautiful baby girl. There are so many different focus settings for the D7000 and it can be quite confusing.
You will always miss your husband. It's been nearly 8 years and I still think of my late husband nearly every day. Life has moved on, I have found love again, but he is still with me.
I'm glad you are smiling :-)

Anonymous said...

The universe and those who have left our lives in a physical way speak to us always. Keep that feather forever. xox

R.M. said...

Please, please do not feel guilty for smiling, or enjoying yourself. That is the gift you are receiving, accept it, embrace it. And keep that feather, and all the other feathers that will be coming your way.

Lee Anna said...

You know... that was him. He's there - watching over you and loving you.

Lee Anna

JC said...

I thought of you last night and here you are posting to us. Looks like you enjoyed your outing and that lunch though simple, sounds so good. I love it when people know how to cook, which I don't.

Love the photo of the waterfront. I've been once when my daughter went to look at J. Hopkins when she was looking at colleges. We stayed at the Royal Harbor Court across the street from the harbor.

Your sunset photos are marvelous, like usual. Nothing like an evening campfire. We do that a lot at our beach place.

Take care and give George and the cats a pet from me,

JC

donna baker said...

Glad to hear you are finding the beautiful in the days Kate.

The JR said...

A great post. Smiling with misty eyes.

Your niece is beautiful. That baby is precious beyond words.

I wish I could come up with food that sounds that good.

Good to hear from you.
R

Mersad said...

Those houses look like ice cream in those metal boxes in the display of an ice cream shop!

Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography

Cloudia said...

Oh thank you for letting us share in your days. You are doing well. These lovely pics tell so. Ugh about Life.







Aloha, Dear

Kerri Farley said...

That Grilled Cheese sounds amazing!
and
Of course your PICs are AMAZING! That sweet baby is adorable!!

I am SURE that feather was a sign from your hubby that you should be happy. Do not feel guilty!!


Tammy said...

Beautiful photos and so glad you spent time with family. Sounds like you are doing the best you can and that is all anyone can do. Perhaps your husband placed that feather there just for you. I believe those we love do visit us after they are gone, whether in dreams or just little signs to let us know they are okay. Hugs my friend!!

Michelle said...

This post made me smile while my eyes suddenly welled with tears. So much emotion....

Jeanette said...

I truly believe that that feather was your husbands way of showing you that he is still and always will be with you. Such a sweet thing. Love the pictures by the way.

Jeanne Walker said...

That baby is beautiful...she takes after her mother! Great photos, Kate! I love the hues in the photos taken at the Manor. One would hope that having George there, along with your son, is comforting but the absence of your husband will be felt for a very long time if not forver! I don't know if the spirits of our loved ones visit us after death, but it did make me smile that you discovered that feather. Clicking on your link, I read your post from 2009. Through this blog, you will be able to look into the past and find so many posts like this one to bring forth your memories of him and your times together. But wait, George Washington stood there on the Manor property. I have not heard this story. Whenver you are at a loss for something to post, do tell the story of how you came to know that! Hope you are looking forward to returning to work...to busy work and friends! I think driving down the drive may be tough for you so I am covering you in prayer that it too will bring a smile on your face as you remember those times. Love ya!

Annette Whipple said...

I'm a bit choked up to think of the blessing of finding a feather...just for you.

Hugs and love!

Sheila said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes, but in a good way. So glad to hear you have family close by.

Missy June said...

I'm so thankful you are finding reasons to smile, even in your loss. Sweet and precious memories along with family to share make life so worthwhile.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Lovely to have you back. Don't ever feel guilty for moments of feeling happy - that is what happebs and that is exactly what he would have wished would happen. Always remember that.
Thanks for posting the picture of Baltimore harbour - it is a few years since I went there but I loved it. Isn't there a large book shop (Borders?) by the side of it?
Good luck with starting work again.

Caroline said...

What a beautiful post...and that feather...yes...that makes my heart happy. Glad you are posting...xoxo

Kelly || Old Blue Silo said...

I am a new follower.. in fact, the first post I came across was announcing your husband's passing. I didn't know what to say. Even though I don't know you personally, I can tell that you are a strong person thought your writing. You are such an inspiration to us all. I look forward to many future posts. Your photography is stunning! Your photos go hand in hand with your words in such a beautiful way.

Stella said...

Glad to read your post eventhough the feather brought a tear to my eye. Love Stella Ann

Anonymous said...

oh....I hope your life is filled with many more beautiful rememberances of your husband.

xo Sarah

Pam said...

Your post made me smile... and tear up ever so slightly. Glad you smile as well.

Country Gal said...

I'm with Pam on this one , made me smile and tear . Beautiful photos . Thanks for sharing ! Have a good week !

thecatalanway said...

Its always good to see you have written another post and this more welcome than ever. I too am so glad you are finding beauty in your days.....and enjoying the wonderful pleasure of food made with love. I am watching a BBC programme about birds in Britain....it is so incredible how they survive with so many odds against them but they do go on building nests, laying eggs, protecting their young, finding things to eat, even migrating thousands of miles amidst danger.....and still they sing! That's life! what else can we do but live it and enjoy what we can. much love k xxx

Deb said...

You seem to be doing well as you find beauty in each day. Finding the feather brought tears to my eyes because I, too, have been blessed with physical reminders that our loved ones watch over us. I hope there are many ahead for you. Hugs, Deb

Ellen said...

It's nice to read a post by you - it seems that you are doing as well as you can with all that has gone on.

I love the effects in the harbor picture - reminds me of a vintage postcard.

Your niece and great niece are both beautiful. So glad you were able to spend some time with them. I love Baltimore - such a pretty city - not too big and not too small.

I'm sure that the feather was a sign from your husband that he is fine and no longer in pain.

Enough random comments. Be well friend.

Connie in Hartwood said...

The sun sets to the rear of our house, and I am usually in the front at sunset time. Last night, and the night before, I noticed the beautiful sky by the pink and gold glow that washed everything in FRONT of our house. It was relaxing and inspiring to stand on the deck and watch the sky change ... until there was only a fiery magenta line toward the horizon beyond our outbuildings.

I always think of found feathers as a message from a loved one ... unless it's a pile of them. Then, it's a sign that some predator had a tasty dinner.

Nellie said...

That is one more beautiful baby, Kate! What fun you had! I was smiling just reading about it.

Then, the story about the feathers - and finding one as you went out the door - brought tears to my eyes. He is watching out for you, you know?

Sending hugs!
Nellie

Devon said...

That sweet baby is beautiful! What a wonderful way to spend the day.

From what you have shared, I believe your husband would love for you to be happy and share your love and joy with your sons and family!

Happiness is a gentle grace we give ourselves.

GailO said...

First of all, what an adorable baby! Those cheeks! and I can certainly relate to the difficulty of catching those fast moving creatures in focus. Yet you managed to get some priceless shots!

It is the little things that will make you happy and the little things that will make you sad in my experience...I'm happy to see that you are finding the happy too:)

xoxo

Gayle said...

This whole piece feels like you are moving though precious moments. I can see that you are not missing them. Moments are to be savored.

Donna S. said...

So good to "hear" from you. I am sure you are right and you will have a lot of different emotions. Remember though, only one person passed on, not two. Live your life as well as you can. Be happy. I'm sure you will miss him always.

CarlaHR said...

Everyone has said what I felt on reading your post. Take each day as it comes and find love and comfort where you can.

beth said...

in our house, what we believe, is that he left that feather for you....and you'll continue to find more feathers...
and then you'll find other things that were "his thing" and they'll continue to make you smile, too......xo

ps...that baby is beyond adorable !!!

Candace said...

Beautiful, Kate...your words, your photos, your memories, a lovely life...both yours and his, forever yours, too.

Devon said...

P.S.
That photo of the harbor from the hill looks so much like and 1960's postcard! Very retro!

Hilary said...

The feather is his way of reminding you how much he loved you. Not that you need the reminder but it's nice to have.

Your grand niece is just adorable

Do they pronounce it Bal-ti-more or Baldmer?

Anonymous said...

I'm catching up on your recent posts and absorbing your wisdom . Your strength is a beautiful thing . Peace and comfort to you .

BB said...

I am SO glad you took that camera. Love these little moments of peace.

Em Parkinson said...

Don't ever feel guilty at feeling happy Kate. I can't believe anyone's partner would want anything else than to know there were happy moments within the inevitable grieving after their death. It's lovely to hear you being positive and still finding beauty in everything. x

Annie said...

so wonderful Kate...

love those photos...

Rain said...

Oh Kate.... Beautiful baby- can feel the love and laughter she brings.....smiles and tears.... and love continuing on.....
Blessings and peace to you,Rain

Andi said...

Keep your eyes open for those "angel signs" - that is what I call them anyway. They are there if you look, stay in the moment, pay attention.

Unknown said...

he is SO with you......smiles!

Christie - Fine Lines said...

Beautiful photos, beautiful memories.

(GBS) NewsFromTheHill said...

The little things make up the big...
Feathers, sunsets, grilled cheese.... They'll let you keep having those smiles!
Grace

Kay said...

I loved your writing here, so peaceful. Your hubby was sure looking down on you .....and sent a feather to boot. !! Can't beat that. Life goes on, doesn't it, but how the heart is empty. xxoo
Kay in Oregon

Kay said...

OH, I meant to comment on the precious baby and her Mommy. They are BEAUTIFUL. Wow...

Willow said...

The feather such a beautiful, touching sign.
Sending love,
Willow

Carolynn Anctil said...

That last shot of the baby made me think of Cindy Lou Who. *grin*

I love that your husband left a feather for you to find. *smile*

Big squishy hug,
Carolynn

Daryl said...

love her little silver shoes

turn the setting dial to Scene .. then you will find the setting you're looking for .. use the preview button

Kelly said...

Everything about this makes me smile.
God blessed you with a wonderful sunset and feather to remind you how much you are loved.

Blessings!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

that feather?...
...and there is your sign... I believe he's telling you all is well.



...and oooh, those little silver shoes...

Meg McCormick said...

The sky *was* glowing, wasn't it? I noticed it from inside my house, too, around dinnertime.

I love Federal Hill, and your niece and that baby are too adorable, the both of them.

Happy to see you back here. I've missed you.

Georgianna said...

Kate, your sunset images are among the most beautiful I've seen. I have a theory about the skies when someone leaves – I have had some very interesting experiences that might defy explanation but I know they are real.

I'm so glad to hear that you are finding comfort and happy moments. And magical feathers.

Wishing you a peaceful evening.

G

Lili said...

Beautiful beautiful! And goosebumps because he sent you a feather. xoxo

Bluebird49 said...

What a beautiful kiddo, and her mom, too---who is a talented cook, sounds like! It made me really hungry to think of that homemade soup and grilled cheese -- and not just the C@mpbell's and Kr@ft in my own cupboards!

There will always be smiles and tears, but I fervently hope there will be many more smiles---and no guilt for either. I know you will find your balance, Kate--it seems you're already headed there, because you missed neither that beautiful sunset, nor the feather!

Reena said...

Your words bring tears to my eyes .... nothing more to say.

Reena said...

Your words bring tears to my eyes .... nothing more to say.

it's me said...

Lovely photos, an incredible sunset, and an amazing feather gift brought a smile and some tears, too.

altar ego said...

I woke up this morning thinking of you. Is that weird? We've never met, but you were in my heart. So I came here to see if you were writing, and just wanted to let you know that I am with you from afar, even though we are so tangentially connected. I am glad you had some time away, and some time with family, and that you are finding comfort in moments and memories and the good things in the present. I wish you grace and peace for the places where you ache, balm for your soul, and love in abundance.

sharon said...

I love sunsets! That time when the sky lights up and the beautiful hues of pink, orange and blue mix together. Aaaahhh...Thanks for the reminder. Your niece's baby is so cute! Love those beautiful blue eyes. The colorful row of houses reminds me of the Painted Ladies in San Francisco. Look them up, they are gorgeous. What a warm memory of your husband. Sometimes we forget those little things like a feather that make us smile and remember the good times. You have a great weekend. Have fun taking pictures of memories to come.

Smalltowngiggles said...

I have so many pictures of sunsets. Never tire of grabbing the camera and running outside to capture one. That baby is beautiful. Such blue eyes.

Mary said...

I have ben absent from the internet for several weeks, so just learned of your husband's death. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I have so appreciated your thoughts and sharing your journey on this blog. Many prayers and thoughts are with you.

Sarah said...

Wonderful to hear from you again, and especially that you are at peace. The photos of the baby and her mother were gorgeous, the sunsets marvelous, and the feather from your husband is what brings joy to your heart and a smile to your lips. Continued peace and comfort energy coming your way.

Jan's camera said...

Hi Kate, I love the images of your niece's baby. Yes, they are so sweet. As for camera settings, I have to admit that I have been taking photos for 30 years and my digital SLR is just a mystery to me. It almost makes me want to go back to my 35mm cameras. Either the photos come out too light, too dark, or not in focus. I have tried autofocus and manual and I get annoyed and go back to my point and shoot. I can't figure out what I am doing wrong. I have a Nikon D3100. I love the images of the sky. This weather is so refreshing isn't?

Debby said...

Your posts have made me smile. I am so glad that you are wise enough to notice the small joys all around you...and to enjoy them. It is a bittersweet time, and you need all those sweet moments to balance your grieving.

mrs mediocrity said...

I hope your week is full of smiles, too. I love that you found that feather. And that you're smiling.
xoxo

new mexico mtn girl - CheyAnne Sexton said...

He is there and was showing you the sky so you would find the feather. What beautiful ways to show you.
I love your photography of the berries with all that glorious bokeh in the last post Kate.
peace for your heart dear woman,
CheyAnne
ps and don't feel guilty, it sounds like he wouldn't like that much ❧

Gail said...

I'm kinda weird but you know that.

I think the feather was from him.

Keep smiling.

bradmaddox said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
bradmaddox said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
bradmaddox said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
hasnain raza said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
bradmaddox said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
hasnain raza said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
muhammad asim said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ayaz said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.