Thursday, August 1, 2013

A long lost letter . . .

... a message in a bottle
hard to make out the words
the ink faded from the sun
slightly smeared from salty water
wandering the ocean
waiting to be found
as it makes its way back to shore
to find its journey's end. 

Oh hello my my friends!
I guess my couple of weeks break turned into a real lot.
I feel like I've been floating in the ocean like a message in a bottle
just waiting to come back to shore,
for the right wave to push me back in.

I'm not quite there, but oh I can see land!
I had no idea that I needed this much time. The stress of the last 4 months took more of
a toll than I thought. I've done a lot of sitting on my front porch, and tending to caterpillars,
and watching sunrises, and visiting the beach.

{Pixel Dust textures Vintage Vellum, Qu'il Pleuve, Heartache by number)

This is so very last minute, and I should be packing (more on that in a sec), but I wanted to participate in Bonnie's Photo Art Friday (I almost forgot) especially since it's only once a month now, with today's theme Flower Art. I took a little liberty on this one, technically there are some flowers, but this is the photo as I quickly perused the millions that jumped at me and said make me into art. So...poof...here is my photo art.

While I'm here I shall share some random stuff.....(try to say that fast ten times)

We are on the countdown now for when my girl starts her first year of college, I cried yesterday.

The last of 22 caterpillars are in a j-hang and should pupate before I leave tomorrow. My kids are horrified at the thought of having to take care of another twenty something caterpillars that are almost a week old now while I'm gone. They don't DO caterpillars OR butterflies as in touch or get near to (they can't possibly have my DNA)...I'm trying not to stress over it. I mean I've only been raising them since March so I can send the last generation off to Mexico....no stress here guys! ;)  (the current count of butterflies released will be over 150 when this latest batch emerges)

Oh, and college costs a lot of money...I cried again.

Where am I going you ask? Well, I haven't seen my momma in two years! So, I'm combining a visit with my mom and meeting up with some of the lovely ladies from my collaborative blog Focusing on Life. I leave tomorrow and will be gone ten days...all by myself.

Looks like the weather in Chicago is going to be a little cooler at night (50's-60's) which called for action...I only have one pair of jeans....so I went shopping last night. I smiled because they were on sale AND they weren't two feet too long. And since I had to go up a size....it called for some bling.

I had another birthday....I'm getting closer to that senior discount...rofl!!

  Well, I need to get back on track here, which means packing and such but didn't want to leave without telling you that my boy has been getting better. His leg did get bigger and the MRI did show that he had even more acute blood products in the compartments of his muscles, but has since been slowly and steadily coming down in size. They still have no idea what caused it for sure, it's a mystery. He started back two weeks ago to strength and conditioning on upper body, still waiting for the green light on the lower. I'm hoping it will be soon so he can participate in football practice!! (yes that is a little bit of panic on my face)

I have missed all of you, and as soon as my girl gets settled into her dorm room (send kleenex) and my boy starts back to school, I will be back on a regular basis. If you are even still here reading this...I'm giving you a giant hug...thank you!

Until next time,
Love, Kim

Linking with Photo art Friday, Little Things Thursday, Friday Photo Journal, Random Five Friday













46 comments:

Silvina Soave said...

Una belleza! Hermosa captura, y una textura preciosa!
Un abrazo.

Kim said...

I'm so glad you stopped in to catch us up. You certainly deserve all the down time in the world! I hope you enjoy your trip and don't freeze!

Tamar SB said...

Glad to read an update! Have a wonderful time in Chicago - I love that city!!

Deanna said...

Oh so glad to see you back and hear that all is going very well, except you and your tears....!!! giggle. Can hardly wait to give you a big in-person hug.

Kathryn Dyche said...

So happy to hear from you, you'd been on my mind a lot lately. We all need a break from time to time and I think you were long overdue. I'm amazed you're still standing with all the stress you've been under. Have an amazing time in Chicago, I hope to go there some day as it's only 5 hours from us. The art, museums and food are all supposed to be amazing and of course I want to see the reflective bean! I'm sure it will be great to see your mom and to visit with your friends. Enjoy your 'you time'. Take care my friend and safe travels.

Inspired By June said...

Happy, belated birthday, Kim! I'm glad you took this time for yourself. SO important and most of us don't do it. (guilty!) Thankful, too, to hear your boy is doing better. You'll get through this college transition :) promise. Have a great 10 days, and don't worry about the caterpillars! Most don't have any help at all ;)

tinajo said...

Enjoy Chicago - I´ll go there in about a month! :-)

A Garden of Threads said...

A vacation on your own, how lovely...enjoy. I am glad your son is doing better. By the way the photo is stunning!!!!

Southern Gal said...

I love the way you began this post. Beautiful just like the photo and your heart. I know about the Kleenex, the birthday (50 last week!!) and I wish I knew about the 10 day getaway! I'm glad your son is doing better. Hoping he gets to participate in football (only if that's what you want, too!).

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

Seems life has been a little crazy this summer but you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and you haven't lost your sense of humor. So all good. Valerie

Anonymous said...

What an amazing photo! Love love love how you processed this!

Cherie said...

Absolutely gorgeous!!

SKCPhotos said...

Beautiful floral art. Sounds like you have been busy and got things to look forward too. Wishing you safe travels.

Anonymous said...

Magnificent photo art! Happy trails... :)

Sherri B. said...

Kim, I will always be reading...even if you post once a year. :)

I'm so glad to hear your son is doing better - that's wonderful news. And your trip sounds like so much fun - enjoy!! I know your human kids will take great care of your "butterfly kids".

Oh, and I completely relate to all you're feeling with your daughter going to college - you will get through it! It's a huge adjustment and I cried, too, many times. Watching her evolve into an amazing adult has been a joy, though. Sending you good thoughts - safe travels! :)

Currie Silver said...

yes yes yes I so understand each and every nuance, Kim!! we DO need to take time oftentimes when we don't really realise HOW MUCH time and I am so glad you are off on an adventure.

it is glorious to "catch-up" on your DOings and comings and goings.

enJOY and play and BE.
xoxo

Pat said...

Beautiful image!

Rosie Grey said...

So glad to see you back and with such a great image, too! I can so relate to what you are saying - I've also had a longer than planned break from blogging, and it's really hard to find back into a routine again.
All the best for your and your family! And enjoy your trip!

Robyn said...

Kim,
Have a great trip!

I could not go 2 years without seeing my Mom. 6 months and I start needing face time.

Enjoy your blog friend time too. Inspiration at its best.

Awesome, awesome picture today.

Snap said...

Gorgeous photo. Sending kleenex. Enjoy Chicago and FOL ... wonderful city and lots to do. Enjoy seeing your mom. Have FUN!! You deserve it.

Roxi H said...

Totally awesome photo.
Enjoy your Mama.
It will be nice to have you back from your '2 weeks'.
Have a blessed trip.

Mariane (from Denmark) said...

You don't know me, but I am tossing your a silver line to hang on and to find your soul and peace till you are back again. Thank you SO much for sharing your thoughts about your life and your beautiful "painting" of the butterfly - it is wonderful

Have a safe journey and a super weekend.

Ida said...

What a lovely treat you gave us today Kim. It's so beautiful.
It was good to see you back and to know that you've been taking some "down time" just for yourself. I think we all need that. Wow 2 years without seeing your mom, that would be so hard for me. I'm thankful mine lives next door to me although sometimes I can get annoyed with her (don't tell her I said that). Enjoy your time and make wonderful memories.

Unknown said...

When is your birthday so I can put it on my calendar? HAPPY BIRTHDAY! xo So glad your guy is getting better and I hope you have a funfilled trip...tuck me in your pocket! Love ya girl.

Anonymous said...

Lovely photo art! Life is bitter with the sweet. Enjoy your time away and may your son continue to get well..

Dotti said...

So happy to see you here ... but I'll be even happier to really see you on Thursday! xo

Evelyn S. said...

Glad to hear that a sense of normalcy is returning to your life, Kim! Hope your infant Monarchs do well, too.

Sharon said...

Have a wonderful trip! I can tell you're excited. And just so you don't cry too many tears over your daughter, I'll tell you that I went through the same thing. Then my daughter moved back home. And out. And back. Many times! She's coming to visit for the weekend and I can't wait!

Andrea Dawn said...

So sweet to catch up with you again, Kim. Your image is absolutely spectacular. Praying your trip is beyond your highest hopes.

Miriam said...

I have missed hearing your news but what news you have! I am so happy that your boy is mending and your girl is off to college, yes it is hard , all of it, But you are strong. Your art is beautiful, keep making it and have a wonderful time away.

Mona's Picturesque said...

What a wonderful post Kim! *hugs back* Take care!
I'll be here waiting for you :)

lorik said...

BEautiful artwork - love the complexity- the colours and layers.
Have a wonderful time with your mum:)

Nancy said...

Great work Kim -- give a hug to Deanna for me while in Chicago.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Your photo art is just beautiful Kim. It cannot be otherwise as it can only reflect its maker and her concerns and values.

It is such a milestone - seeing your firstborn off to college. I'm sure all of your fans are willing to offer a virtual shoulder!

May 'flying' off for a few days on your own heal all the little (and big) worry wounds. xo

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

Butterflies are often called "Flying Flowers", so you are well within the context of the prompt ... and beautifully done. I so enjoyed your talking us through your hectic days, your excitment and despair, your concern and joy. You are so human and so openly willing to share it. I loved every minute and appreciate the hug at the end. Have a wonderful trip ...

Andrea @ From The Sol

Anonymous said...

Very artistically.

heyjudephotography said...

So wish I was going to see you, and my other sisters on thursday. Hope you have a great time. Great post. Glad to see you here, even for a brief moment. :)

Pride In Photos Beauty said...

Oh Kim, you are so loved, just as I read through these lovely comments I can feel the love pour out to you. Take heed in this and know we all care.

Comfypjs said...

What a beautiful photo! Enjoy your much needed time away and don't worry about all of us. We will be here when you return :)

Brandi said...

Such a beautiful shot and processing. I'm looking forward to seeing more of those butterflies! And I really hope your son is back to himself in no time! Have a great trip!

Jeanne said...

Such a beautiful photo art piece you have here! So glad that your son is doing better, and hope his progress will continue. Know it is hard to send your daughter off to college, and I well remember that feeling so bereft when my own daughter left home. Will look forward to seeing more of you again, and hope you have a lovely time in Chicago!

diane said...

These shots are stunning!
Happy that your son is doing better. We'll keep cheering him on.

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning Kim, by now you must be in Chicago-so happy to read your "catch up" you have had so much going on-glad your son is on his way to recovery, and how exciting for your daughter- love your photo art-your photos are always so amazing.
I was wondering what you were doing with all those caterpillars and butterflies-

Anita Johnson said...

I too have been busy, and it was nice to visit here for awhile tonight. I was a mess when my oldest went to school, I can (almost) laugh about it now. Hard to see the family change, but I know you wouldn't want it any other way. Glad you are visiting your mom, those visits become more precious each time...

Anita Johnson said...

PS I too have raised Monarchs, but have not seen one caterpillar this entire summer...very sad.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Lovely work of art.

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