365 days of images - - Day 365- Jan 02, 2022 - Linda's Intuitive Images LMH -- The Last Day

The last morning of my 365 days of images was an emotional one.  I walked around Pacific Grove, remembering Phil.  Some very painful things came back, the first seizure, diagnosis and his last days of his life, which brought tears.  There was also a surge of memories of picnics, long walks and just looking into each other's eyes which made it feel better.  The loss is immense but I'm learning to assimilate grief into my life.  I will go forward learning more about myself and reviving the laughter, fun and happiness of my life.

After Phil was diagnosed with brain cancer, the 4 1/2 year journey that began, was rough at best.  In those times we started to walk.  We noticed the small things that surrounded us, the beauty around us soothed our souls.  I started taking images as we walked, it helped both of us.  Then, it began to be a game looking for subject manner to take photos of.  Phil would help spot wildlife, otters and whale blows. We had fun and it gave us a chance to forget what was going on in our lives, even for just a moment. 365 days has just continued that,  it allowed me to remember Phil and give me time to heal. 

There is a self pride that has come with this.  I have never journaled everyday, in fact I've never been this dedicated to a self challenge in my life.  Phil always told me I was amazing and a bad ass.  Today I'm feeling like he was right.  I did it, I got up each day around 5:00 am, I have walked a little over 1500 miles and who the hell knows how many images I have taken.  365 days of images - Wow.  Phil would have loved this.  I told his story from diagnosis on.  Writing it all out was a release, this has been a cathartic experience all the way around.  The best reward is the people who have come forward saying the beauty that I have shared has helped them in some way.  That is a dream come true to me, if I could help one person then all work I have put in is worth it.

  I will take photos and write about what I come up with, seems like that will add some fun to life.  I know Phil would want me to find joy and keep moving forward in life.  I feel like today is a new start.  Phil will always be with me, the joy and love he gave me, helps give me strength.  I'm so very grateful for everyone who helped, loved and supported us during some very difficult times.  I know Phil was moved by the kindness of others.  Thank you from both of us.

To Phil

You are in my heart and will always remain there. This has been a hard transition, we both knew it would be.  It is hard to be without my best friend, husband and soul mate.  Your kindness, and sweet being made life bliss for 23 wonderful years.  I will never get over what you had to go through on your journey with cancer, but your courage and love of life showed me an example of how to proceed.  You were an amazing human being and I have tried to scream it out to the world.  How very lucky we were to have each other.  I'm grateful for every moment I had with you, you were simply the best!  Oh and your prediction of 100,000 views for the blog has been exceeded, I know that would make you laugh - the blog is at 105,621 views as of today! 

365 days of images - - Day 255- Sept. 11, 2021 - Linda's Intuitive Images LMH-- One Minute at a Time - This One's for You Dad

 

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Arthur Brannen

Feb. 05, 1929 - Sept 11, 2021

My father passed away this morning, he was surrounded by family and love.  He was an amazing man, retired Air Force, coached Little League baseball, led boy scouts, called bingo at the church, participated in politics, taught catechism, Air Force Association, Knights of Colombus.....participated in anything he could.

He had a difficult childhood, growing up in the foster care system and spent a large part of it on the streets.  He joined the military when he was 17 and worked hard for everything he achieved.

Married to my mother for 65 years, he loved her dearly.  My heart breaks for her.  She is almost 97 and this will be a huge life change.  

We grew up celebrating his Irish heritage.  He loved his country and he was always willing to help his neighbor.  He knew everyone and he was a big personality.  Boston Red Socks, Bruins and Notre Dame, lover.  

With a beautiful Bostonian accent.  We all loved it and teased him endlessly.

He was strict, could be difficult but he loved fiercely.

He was always there when I needed him....always.

Rest in peace dad, I love and will miss you.

My love to my sister, brother and family for the care they showed dad as his life ended.  They all stepped in and made sure he knew he was loved as he transitioned.  

I took my walk this morning, I spent a large part of it just staring at the ocean, thinking of dad and had little motivation to take photos.  I snapped a few random images, I'm determined to carry out my 365 days of images.  

For  Philly

Oh my gosh I miss you.  

I know you understood my love, feelings and emotions surrounding my dad.  

I sure hope that you, dad and Darin are together having a laugh.

Damn I miss those hugs, I could hear your words and it helped.

365 days of images - - Day 181 - June 29, 2021 - Linda's Intuitive Images LMH -- Half a Year of Taking Daily Images

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I've been working on 365 days of images for a half a year already!  It seemed like a formidable goal and it has been, I'm taking it on one day at a time.  2 -3 hours each morning I walk and watch for good subject matter.  A man asked me one day what I'm taking pictures of, I explained to him, anything that strikes my eye.  I told him that it is that the little girl that exists in me is in charge, I allow her to decide.  I then go through the images from the day, it usually takes me 2 elimination processes before I get to the blog.  The blog usually gets put together right before bed.  I put together a card, the table of contents entry and then post it on Facebook.  It ends up being 4 or 5 hours of my day.  

I know Phil would have been more than pleased with my efforts.  He didn't have a memorial because he passed away during the peak of Covid.  I wanted to do something to give him the remembrance that he deserved.  Each image is a work of love.  It has been a blessing to me too.  It has given me a purpose, somewhere to put the love I have and most of all it has been healing.
 

A sleeping sea otter that was sleeping next to where the Coast Guard was getting their boat ready.  The otter slept through all the goings on.  A couple of gulls with crabs and one with a purple sea urchin.  The one with the urchin seemed to have a fishing hook in its bill.  I tried to get close to help, but he flew away.  

Sea lettuce decorated the beach and rocks near the wharf.

A pelican ducking from a sea gull that was dive bombing it.

Harbor Seals rest on the rocks.

I'm dog sitting this week on the side of the peninsula that has sunsets.....

For Phil

Thinking about our Lake Tahoe trip.

Beautiful!

Bear, snow and salmon all in one weekend.

Missing you and our adventures.

For the blog about Tahoe please click the link below.

Bears, Lake Tahoe and Adventure