Ballard wrote:
One week ago today David, my partner of 23 years, died at home in my arms. This was the end of a 13 year struggle with multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer. He had been on home hospice the last 2 weeks after several hospitalizations starting late July.
I’m exhausted—both emotionally and physically. Eventually I’ll return to photography and other interests, but for now I have no energy or enthusiasm.
Heartfelt condolences Ken and courage at a difficult time like This
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family Laura.
NightOwl Cat wrote:
And I just got off the phone with my step mom. My dad passed away last night, she said it was peacefully. He would not wanted to have lived like he was getting by these last days. Hospice was supposed to come pick him up, but an hour before they arrived, he passed. His wishes were no funeral, no obituary, no services. I'm going to miss all those jokes in my email (good and bad)
Heartfelt condolences to you both Ken B and Laura. A lot of encouraging posts have already been written by people who are better with words then I am, so I will not add much more to all of that. Just remember to look back with a smile, remembering the good times you had and look forward with courage, knowing that new challenges will await and not all of them are heavy on the heart.
Anouk is growing up fast. Next month she will turn 2 already. I have not posted a lot of photos, and already explained the reasons behind that. I think there might be a photo bound to happen when I find a replacement camera.
In th emeantime, without a camera, I found some time to finish a project discussed I mentioned earlier. We once established that this was not an arms thread, but a photography thread instead. As such, I went the extra mile to present this item on photographers terms.
It was the first set of knife scales I ever made, and I learned a lot about woodcraft and working with other materials.
The pictures were taken with Kristinas D800 and the 55mm f3,5 Ai micro Nikkor
The knife scales were made using ancient swamp Kauri wood, some moose antler and buffalo horn. Since I do not have the tools to grind a knife, I bought a handmade blade, forged and finished by Maikhel Eklund from Sweden.
Gorgeous work Buddy. I've become a fan of YouTube and often watch videos of craftsmen doing amazing work. I can imagine you at a workbench working on all the elements of this lovely piece. Alas, I have neither space, the tools NOR the patience for such fine work. But I always love seeing it, so thank you for these photos.
What delight James to be able to apply your skill as a photographer to such a lovely task, a celebration I've no doubt for you and your family. This is the reminder, as it the forthcoming birthday of Buddy's daughter, that life goes on. Congratulations and best wishes to this lovely couple as they embark on their journey... which no doubt began with their courtship and will continue in earnest once they've walked down the aisle. Lovely set of images. Thanks for sharing them with all of us.
I took a relatively short walk this afternoon, one that didn't require I drive to a trailhead. Of course, to do that I had to walk the streets of my hometown, San Anselmo. I try to get a good cardio workout and there are hills around me that allow me to do so. I went up a very steep hill near my home, then down the otherside before going up an even longer and steeper grade. Eventually I reached the top of the hill, which I've visited a few times, both walking and driving. The view is spectacular. In fact, I've posted a photo from this hill and since I didn't have my camera with me, I dug around on my computer to look for some of the images I caught there to see if there was something worth sharing. I re-processed an image I believe I shared before, but please indulge me. Had I been carrying my camera, this is close to what you would have seen from this afternoon... though I decided to convert the image with Silver Efex Pro. It was shot with the 300 f/4.5 ED-IF Ai-s.
And a couple of shots taken yesterday during a visit to wine country... first Sonoma where these were taken, then the Napa Valley. Because of the fires that have been burning just to the north we've been staying away from the region, but it was a lovely day yesterday and Sue had a bit of cabin fever that we know would be cured with a little road trip. These were all shot with the 85 f/1.4 AI-s which was still on the Df after the photo shoot a did with a friend recently.
First a shot into the Plaza at the heart of Sonoma with the town hall in the distance. There weren't a great many people out today but this is where those who were there were hanging out.
Following news of the storm heading toward the Atlantic coast, I'm thinking about George and whether he is in the evacuation zone. If you have the occasion George, would love to hear from you. Because of Sue's mom living on the east coast of Florida I pay much more attention to these things... though I know we have friends in the region as well. But Reagan is in Georgia, Leighton is a bit farther north and you, George seem to be in the path as now projected. Thinking about you.
CGrindahl wrote:
Following news of the storm heading toward the Atlantic coast, I'm thinking about George and whether he is in the evacuation zone. If you have the occasion George, would love to hear from you. Because of Sue's mom living on the east coast of Florida I pay much more attention to these things... though I know we have friends in the region as well. But Reagan is in Georgia, Leighton is a bit farther north and you, George seem to be in the path as now projected. Thinking about you.
Hi Curtis. I am near the Raleigh area so fairly well inland. But still preparing because the track has it coming right this way and will still be packing a punch. Latest I saw was 10+ inches of rain with up to 15 inches forecasted. That is what does the most damage in the eastern part of the state. Flooding due to low, flat terrain.
I am on emergency communications team for my area and are prepared as we can be. Did a test on the generators today and going to make a quick trip up to southern Virginia tomorrow afternoon to double check things at my moms and sisters house and test their generator. They live about 500 yards apart, but in the country and almost always lose power in storms.
I went out at lunch today to pick up a couple things and all the grocery stores are already wiped out of water. I am sure they will restock before it hits later in the week. NC State (where my son is at) closes Wed so he will be heading home to ride it out.
the solitaire wrote:
...It was the first set of knife scales I ever made, and I learned a lot about woodcraft and working with other materials.
The knife scales were made using ancient swamp Kauri wood, some moose antler and buffalo horn. Since I do not have the tools to grind a knife, I bought a handmade blade, forged and finished by Maikhel Eklund from Sweden.
NightOwl Cat wrote:
And I just got off the phone with my step mom. My dad passed away last night, she said it was peacefully. He would not wanted to have lived like he was getting by these last days. Hospice was supposed to come pick him up, but an hour before they arrived, he passed. His wishes were no funeral, no obituary, no services. I'm going to miss all those jokes in my email (good and bad)
My condolences Laura. must be hard to see your dad deteriorate so quickly with no apparent reason.
Good to hear George. Looking at the map projecting the storm's path suggests Leighton will be hit by rain as well, though as you say it comes right toward Raleigh. Definitely good to be prepared. This is hurricane season for you and fire season for us. I wish us all well.
Curtis - thanks! Life does go on, relentlessly. Engagements, marriages, graduations etc, and all those "first" milestones after the loss of the one you shared them with can trigger deepening grief. And at the same time these milestones turn our gaze forward to the future, and creating new memories which can be very healing. A paradox.
CGrindahl wrote:
What delight James to be able to apply your skill as a photographer to such a lovely task, a celebration I've no doubt for you and your family. This is the reminder, as it the forthcoming birthday of Buddy's daughter, that life goes on. Congratulations and best wishes to this lovely couple as they embark on their journey... which no doubt began with their courtship and will continue in earnest once they've walked down the aisle. Lovely set of images. Thanks for sharing them with all of us.
Laura, it’s taken me a couple days to get the words out to you. I lost my father to cancer two January’s ago. Still haven’t really come to terms with his passing. I’m so sorry for your loss. They say time heals all wounds... I believe it does, but they never say how much time. Only thing I can really offer, don’t listen to anyone that makes you feel bad or guilty about how you feel about your loss. Can be so destructive if you do. Took me a while to get through that. Hope you’re doing better than I did.
