((photo by Elaine A. Russell))

...this weekend flew by waaaaay too quickly. My sleep schedule (once again) is thoroughly messed up... and I find myself sleeping at very odd times... and for short periods. I fear that it will be this way for the rest of my life... and yet... there are blessings to it. I find that when I am awake... I tend to be more aware of the time I have... and what I can do with it. I am actually squeezing more into my time... because it is fleeting... so to speak. And I think that is a good thing over-all.

In other news... my mother seems to be doing better (health-wise) and is planning a small trip to DC with a group of friends. I think it's awesome. Hopefully-- she will be there in time for the blooming of the cherry blossoms.

BAJ's work seems to be a little more steady at the moment... although we have no idea where it will all lead. At least... for now... he still has a job. And for that... we are grateful.

The daughter seems to be doing much better with her OCD... though there are definite set-backs at times. We are working on them (as with anything I suppose) ... on a daily basis... and just taking it one day at a time.

And the son is still working on his divorce. Not sure why things are being held up... but there ya go. In the end... all that matters is that everyone involved is happier, healthier... and that little Sophia gets to spend time with all of her family. At least -- that is my wish.

And ... I have been trying to work on some art. I have had an idea running around in my head for a new line of jewelry... and I am anxious to get working on it. Actually--- I have tons of new ideas for jewelry... that is the thing. I am constantly thinking of jewelry ideas... or photography ideas... they swarm my head all the time... bubbling up... taking over.... filling the void...

...time to get crackin'...

About the photo: I took this around 3am... at a time when I was awake for no particular reason... and so was the daughter... and so we decided to make some tea. Inspired by the light of the stove in an otherwise dark room... I took this photo. The only thing I did... was saturate the color ever so slightly on the burner flames. Everything else is SOOC.