61:365

...today I didn't even get out of bed til 4pm. I have been sick, and I seem to be sleeping (or trying to sleep) more than usual. My hours are totally mixed up and confused... my sleep pattern... erratic at best. I have some pretty vivid dreams... and occasionally they are quite disturbing. So when I woke up, I quickly tried to do some housekeeping... and then I despaired because I thought I had lost what little light was left for me to take a photo for the day.... and then I went outside.

What had appeared to be a totally dull, lifeless, and blah kind of day inside.... was certainly not what was happening in reality outside....

These two photos I took of some items I have hanging on my front patio. The green wire globe is a set of wind chimes that I got several years ago... they make a beautiful tinkling noise in the wind. The globe and wire contraption is an art piece I got off of Craigslist about 3yrs ago. When it twirls, it gives the illusion that the glass globe is moving up and down the wire spirals.... It is an awesome effect.



These are the views from my driveway... looking south. It was just beginning to turn into a stunning sunset, and the clouds were on fire in multiple shades ...turning from pink to burnt orange in a matter of minutes...



And then I drove out to the edge of the housing neighborhoods... and this was our view looking westward....



So for now.... goodnight my friends...Stay warm. Rest well. And try to enjoy the beauty that is around us all... all the time....

33:365

What a busy, busy, day. I managed to get about 3hrs of sleep... and have been going ever since; in spite of having tried to take a nap at one point...

But it's been a good day. AND... it has been an even better one for my son... who bought his very first car today. He weighed all his options... figured out his budget.... made a plan... and went for it. All in a quite logical fashion... course... what he probably fell in love with ... is that it's a 5 speed and has a kick butt stereo and comfy seats. It is a super sexy... fuel miserly... affordable hunk of steel. Seriously. I hope he has as much fun with it; as I did with my first car.



First cars are like that. In fact.... firsts of any kind are awesome... (usually)... if only in the newness of things. I remember all too well the sheer joy in having new found freedom to basically go when I want; where I want... and not having to worry about catching a ride or whatever. And I am sure he will also feel the crunch when it comes to making his payments and buying his own gas and insurance... but that is part of life. At least... for alot of people. And it will make him stronger, and more independent... or more confident in his abilities and self sufficiency. And that is all good.

I feel like my kids are growing up so fast... and flying out on their own.... and all-in-all... doing OK.

Like the photo above... soaring high... and shining so bright.... and I couldn't be happier for them. I know... sappy....but true.

(*all photos by Elaine A. Russell)