My dear friend Jack Sharkey ...

... Just sent me these sweet photos from his local parish in NYC. The alter is gorgeous. His parents names are there blessing this alter. He has been such a huge emotional support to me and has been a HUGE supporter of The New Normal.
I got an e-mail from him one day ... a day that I, truly, needed it ... that said, while on his way to work, he stopped by this local parish in NYC and lit a candle for Silas and me. Generally, it is lit for his parents ... his mother having died due to breast cancer. However, that day, he took the time to go inside and pray for my son and me.
I never knew how beautiful this alter was until today ... months later.
Thank you, Jack. It's absolutely gorgeous. I'm so glad you have this peaceful place to go that reflects the beauty of your parents and your own kind soul.
xoxo
Anna

The Road is long, indeed, long ...

"He's not Heavy, He's my Brother" is a gorgeous song. One of those that has always reminded me of love, family, friends, and life. The level of love and respect I have for those in my life right now fits it to a T. And, I know any one of the people in my close world would carry me on their back to the ends of universe ... and, I would do the same. THAT'S love and respect:


The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another.

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

xoxo
Anna

Happiest of Thanksgivings to all ...

What a wonderful day. We spent the afternoon and evening holed up here in The Mountlake of Terrace with amazing friends and family. We cooked our asses off ... then, added back on the ass by eating our weight in EVERYTHING.
I cannot imagine trying to make a list of the people and the things for which I am appreciative. Too numerous to even fathom.
But, I can say that I am so very thankful to be able to spend a beautiful day with amazing family and friends. Many aren't afforded that opportunity. So, it is not lost on me.
I send extra love to those friends and family of mine that did not get to spend Thanksgiving with their loved ones ... either through physical or spiritual distance. Either way, that's a hard row to hoe. Sending love to those that are there and rallying.
Happy Thanksgiving to all...
xoxo
Anna

Snow's at it again ... and we're lovin' it!

Aside from missing a much needed work day, I'm happy to have this gorgeousness here in the Mountlake of Terrace. It began this morning and slowed down. The dogs played their hearts out and Silas and I went for a beautiful walk in the snow. We attempted to get Willie involved in the play ... Willie, if he had a middle finger, would have thrown it at us. He was NOT thrilled.
So, Tootsie and Otis played and played in the snow.
Note the fabulous pic of Tootsie humping Otis. This is "par for the course" in our back yard. Bless the neighbor's hearts. If any other dog were to do that to him, he would eat their face off. For some reason, when it's her, he just sits there like he's waiting for a bus or something. Bizarre ....
It has been such a beautiful snow ...
xoxo
Anna

Let it snow!!!!!

Woke up this morning to beautiful little snowflakes falling here and there. This progressed to huge fluffy flakes that abounded. Silas said "Man! Snow is so cool, isn't it Mama?"
Indeed it is. Willie, our kitty was swatting at the window trying to get at the flakes. If it picks up again today, I plan on letting him outside with the dogs to see what he does. I MUST find my video camera for that one.
I am knee deep in ashes and soot right now, as I just cleaned out the fireplace ... following which, Don has found every burnable object in the house (it seems) and is tossing the shit in there. The flames, I believe, are shooting out of the top of our chimney for all of the neighbors to marvel at ... or to question a 911 call due to their neighbor's house being on fire. Inside ... well, thank God I have an inhaler.
It's a cozy and beautiful day. Snow. Fire. Beer. And, yes, I will admit to it here and now: football.
xoxo
Anna

Gorgeous ceremony...

"Awe" is a word that has come up in my world quite a bit of late. It certainly did today. Generally, it's a good context. Sometimes, however, it is not.
Elizabeth's service was beautiful, perfect, and EXACTLY what she would have wanted ... save for "A COUPLE" of minor issues.
All in all, it was amazing. The music was gorgeous. The women that spoke were fierce and so, so passionate. The church, packed.
It was wonderful to see the kids so strong. I was at E-Beth's house this morning doing their hair and checking in. They are so, so very strong during the midst of this storm. They had tons of school friends there at the service with them. So, so sweet.
Knowing that E-Beth was there with us, at HER service ... for HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY ... I know, from our many beloved conversations, that she shares these sentiments as well.
Beautiful day. Ruddy (and selfish) speed bump here and there. But, otherwise, the service itself was so, so gorgeous.
xoxo
Anna

With loving memories of Elizabeth ...

Today, those that loved our E-Beth so dearly will attend her service at St Mark's cathedral. It is a beautiful, beautiful space that overlooks all of Seattle and shines bright in the evening for all to see. Reminds me so much of my dear friend. In honor of this day, I share a beautiful poem:

What is Death?
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
that we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without affect,
without the trace of a shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you,
for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just around the corner.

All is well.
~ Henry Scott Holland

I find solace in knowing that she's just around the corner waiting for me. I, so, look forward to that day. May she, K-Dawg, and all of those that we love live it UP up there until we all make it to them.
xoxo
Anna