Celebrate Life Challenge
Saturday in Seattle was expected to be sunny and beautiful, that never happened. A cloudy cool day instead. But i had already planned to go out and try and capture the incredible artwork of Mother Nature. Too often in my nearly 55 years, i have not push myself and i am tired of the missed opportunities.
i had a plan, based on what i had seen from the bus window. My blood sugar was low all day, which limits my strength, but i pushed forward to do as i had planned. Going to Westwood Village, downtown, Alki beach (my longest journey), Alaska Junction and finally home.
And what i captured, brought me to tears. So blessed to celebrate the beauty of spring. Of life. Colors bursting throughout the city. The glory of life alive after a dark wet cold depressing winter.
There were times, may times, where i thought about stopping, catching a bus and returning home. But that is my previous way of thinking. This day, i pushed myself, battling the nasty sidewalks and pathetic drivers who don't care if a wheelchair is at the crosswalk.
When i did finally get home, 7 hours and about 3 miles on using my arms to push my wheelchair, my arms felt like jello. i struggled to pull the wheelchair up the 4 steps to our porch. When i looked at the pictures i captured, tears filled up in my eyes and i gave thanks to Mother Nature for allowing me to be a witness to her creations. And i had no regrets for how sore i was, it was all worth it.
(Before i left the house, and during much of my travels, i was already crying. My emotions overwhelmed, missing my SADDI so much. Alone in my travels through life, i talk to her. Like i did when we were together and it always seemed like she was truly listening. i always felt so safe and comforted.)
Squirrel Friend
Finally!!!
whenever i opened the door to feed them.
They would only come back after i left and closed the door.
But my patience paid off,
now they're comfortable enough to eat with me watching them.
but we're working on it.
Celebrate Life Challenge
Embrace,
Cherish,
Celebrate,
Respect
the Beauty of Life
and those who add something
Special to this Journey.
a memory from April 17, 2009
Awoke early Friday morning with the idea of going out to Sauvie Island with Saddi and doing some photography, but it was quite wet and dark, so decided to wait for Devon to wake up and begin our day. With the loan of our dear friend Helen's car, we were out of the house by 10:00am, ready for what the day had to share with us.
It had to begin with a trip to Walgreen's so we could put Devon's camera memory card on a CD so he could take more pictures. It was nearly over flowing from his trip to New York in January, capturing his artwork, self indulgent portraits and of course many of Saddi. But this was going to take sometime and out tummies were beginning to rumble. We stopped off at McDonald's to get Saddi a hamburger and water, but Devon got the Happy Meal toy. While Saddi nibbled on her burger, Devon and I went into a Asian buffet we had never tried. As they showed us to our table, I nearly fell when slipping on some water left on the floor. The food was okay, we've had better at our favorite buffet, but we were full. After picking up Devon's CD, we were heading out to explore the glorious colors of spring.
Keyword ... ... ... detours. Easily we could have stayed on the main roads, but you get to see so much more on the side roads, even if you think you're getting lost. We witnessed neighborhoods lined with cherry blossom tree's, wild flowers filling yards and much to our surprise, the sun began to peak through the clouds. Traveling down the narrow twisted Germantown road, I was heading over to Sauvie Island without telling Saddi or Devon. If Saddi knew where I was going, she would have started getting overly excited by the idea of seeing horses. But once we crossed the new bridge, unto the island, Saddi perked up and her nose poked out the small opening of the window. Though we were still a couple of miles from a farm where I knew horses would be, Saddi picked up their scent right away. The island was quiet, but the open farm land was bursting with glorious colors shared by the season of spring. Fields of yellow wild flowers. Daffodil's waving in the wind to greet us. And the sweet scent of fresh air coming through the open windows, cleansing out the city smog we normally inhale. I first wanted to show Devon a house that is for sale on the island. Adorable place, but in need of much attention. Tucked off the main road, protected by large fir tree's and enough acreages to feel as though you were in your own natures heaven. Devon loved the house and instantly starting sharing his idea's of how it could become a home. Saddi was just happy to get out of the car and stretch out her legs and use the ladies room. Okay, she pooped in the grass, but she did it like a lady. We continued on our island adventure and it wasn't long before we pulled up to a field with several horses just standing near the road. It took a moment, but soon Saddi let out several happy barks, as if to say 'hello' to the horses. They must of been tired as they weren't impressed. Another field held several sheep, several babies too, enjoying the rich green grass. We came to an area where I have spent many moments with my camera, capturing some of the proudest images I have ever taken. Because it was still wet outside, we left Saddi in the car, but she would be able to see us the entire short time we were there. It is kinda of late in the season to be able to see the eagles up close, as the tree's are starting to fill in and they are nesting further out, in a quieter area. But I was hopeful as Devon and I made our way across the path. Suddenly there was movement in the grass. And then again. I held Devon back, as he hates snakes, I'm not much braver around them either, as my eyes tried to focus in on what it was. I slowly moved my foot and leaping into the air was a tiny frog, almost the same color of the grass. We didn't move and nor did he, so Devon and I got our camera's out and took a few pictures as the frog posed for us. We thanked him for his time and headed back to the car. In the field next to the path were several cows chewing away at the grass. A couple of them seemed interested in Devon, so he walked over to talk to them. In the distance you could hear dogs barking from the nearby shelter, but there seemed to be a louder bark to be heard. As I looked over to Helen's car, Saddi was just sitting there, sweet as my baby girl always is. But then she moved her head to the opening of the window and barked out at us. And again. And again. Okay, we get the hint, you don't want to be left alone. Back in the car, we drove slowly, looking up into the tall tree's hoping for an eagle sighting, but it wasn't meant to be. All we did see from the sky were the many raindrops that began to fall and heavily. A few detours later, we pulled into our driveway and settled into the house.
As I still struggle with my energy level, I sat in the living room to relax. Devon jumped onto the computer to play his Sims game and build his own Sauvie Island and Saddi went to bed. The little girl hadn't had her daily nap, so she was tried. Even too tired to play with Devon or come out for dinner. When she awoke around 9:30 in the evening, she found her dinner waiting for her. After a few bites, as she always does, she came in to check on Devon and I, basically to tell us she is eating. I reminded her to eat well and get a good nights rest, as Saturday will be an even bigger adventure. I'll look forward to sitting down and sharing it with you. Sunday's treat will be a collection of the pictures Devon and I took during our weekend in search of inspiration. Until our next meeting, do me a favor?
seize EVERY moment
Rici
It had to begin with a trip to Walgreen's so we could put Devon's camera memory card on a CD so he could take more pictures. It was nearly over flowing from his trip to New York in January, capturing his artwork, self indulgent portraits and of course many of Saddi. But this was going to take sometime and out tummies were beginning to rumble. We stopped off at McDonald's to get Saddi a hamburger and water, but Devon got the Happy Meal toy. While Saddi nibbled on her burger, Devon and I went into a Asian buffet we had never tried. As they showed us to our table, I nearly fell when slipping on some water left on the floor. The food was okay, we've had better at our favorite buffet, but we were full. After picking up Devon's CD, we were heading out to explore the glorious colors of spring.
Keyword ... ... ... detours. Easily we could have stayed on the main roads, but you get to see so much more on the side roads, even if you think you're getting lost. We witnessed neighborhoods lined with cherry blossom tree's, wild flowers filling yards and much to our surprise, the sun began to peak through the clouds. Traveling down the narrow twisted Germantown road, I was heading over to Sauvie Island without telling Saddi or Devon. If Saddi knew where I was going, she would have started getting overly excited by the idea of seeing horses. But once we crossed the new bridge, unto the island, Saddi perked up and her nose poked out the small opening of the window. Though we were still a couple of miles from a farm where I knew horses would be, Saddi picked up their scent right away. The island was quiet, but the open farm land was bursting with glorious colors shared by the season of spring. Fields of yellow wild flowers. Daffodil's waving in the wind to greet us. And the sweet scent of fresh air coming through the open windows, cleansing out the city smog we normally inhale. I first wanted to show Devon a house that is for sale on the island. Adorable place, but in need of much attention. Tucked off the main road, protected by large fir tree's and enough acreages to feel as though you were in your own natures heaven. Devon loved the house and instantly starting sharing his idea's of how it could become a home. Saddi was just happy to get out of the car and stretch out her legs and use the ladies room. Okay, she pooped in the grass, but she did it like a lady. We continued on our island adventure and it wasn't long before we pulled up to a field with several horses just standing near the road. It took a moment, but soon Saddi let out several happy barks, as if to say 'hello' to the horses. They must of been tired as they weren't impressed. Another field held several sheep, several babies too, enjoying the rich green grass. We came to an area where I have spent many moments with my camera, capturing some of the proudest images I have ever taken. Because it was still wet outside, we left Saddi in the car, but she would be able to see us the entire short time we were there. It is kinda of late in the season to be able to see the eagles up close, as the tree's are starting to fill in and they are nesting further out, in a quieter area. But I was hopeful as Devon and I made our way across the path. Suddenly there was movement in the grass. And then again. I held Devon back, as he hates snakes, I'm not much braver around them either, as my eyes tried to focus in on what it was. I slowly moved my foot and leaping into the air was a tiny frog, almost the same color of the grass. We didn't move and nor did he, so Devon and I got our camera's out and took a few pictures as the frog posed for us. We thanked him for his time and headed back to the car. In the field next to the path were several cows chewing away at the grass. A couple of them seemed interested in Devon, so he walked over to talk to them. In the distance you could hear dogs barking from the nearby shelter, but there seemed to be a louder bark to be heard. As I looked over to Helen's car, Saddi was just sitting there, sweet as my baby girl always is. But then she moved her head to the opening of the window and barked out at us. And again. And again. Okay, we get the hint, you don't want to be left alone. Back in the car, we drove slowly, looking up into the tall tree's hoping for an eagle sighting, but it wasn't meant to be. All we did see from the sky were the many raindrops that began to fall and heavily. A few detours later, we pulled into our driveway and settled into the house.
As I still struggle with my energy level, I sat in the living room to relax. Devon jumped onto the computer to play his Sims game and build his own Sauvie Island and Saddi went to bed. The little girl hadn't had her daily nap, so she was tried. Even too tired to play with Devon or come out for dinner. When she awoke around 9:30 in the evening, she found her dinner waiting for her. After a few bites, as she always does, she came in to check on Devon and I, basically to tell us she is eating. I reminded her to eat well and get a good nights rest, as Saturday will be an even bigger adventure. I'll look forward to sitting down and sharing it with you. Sunday's treat will be a collection of the pictures Devon and I took during our weekend in search of inspiration. Until our next meeting, do me a favor?
seize EVERY moment
Rici
Our Responsibility
Our responsibility as temporary beings on this earth is to be a voice to the voiceless. To stand up for those who are unable to do so themselves. To provide in our presence, a future for others. We cannot believe that it is all about us at this moment in time. Because there will be a time when we are not here and people will ask 'why didn't you do more?'
SAISARunlimited
S A D D I
SADDI, from the beginning, was so smart. Potty training was so easy and when she was sick and had an accident, her guilt was overwhelming. She's hide in a corner while i cleaned it up, my weak stomach struggling, but i always assured her it was okay.
When she'd start barking, wildly, all i had to say was "inside bark" and she would almost whisper her bark. i never taught her that.
SADDI didn't do 'dog tricks', but she knew when to sit (always like a lady). When we had to go for a walk in the rain (which she hated), upon returning home, SADDI would stand just inside the door as i went to get a towel to dry her off.
During our walks, SADDI never tried to jump on people, though she would greet them with her special howl. i always had to tell people it was just her way of saying hi.
When people stopped to praise how beautiful SADDI was, she'd hide behind my legs, acting like a shy child. But when we'd continue in our walk, there was always an extra bounce to her steps feeling the pride that someone had commented on her beauty.
Though she only showed it to Devon and i, especially me, after she'd eat, SADDI would come over to me, stand on the chair i was sitting in, wait for me to lower the newspaper and then let out a large burp. SADDI would walk away smiling, she always thought that was funny.
Bucket List
WoooHooo ... i can check an item off my bucket list today.
i like to think of myself as an activist, but i know i can do more. But since the Bush sr. years, i have always wanted to be pepper sprayed. Like a badge of honor.
Today, while wheeling myself onto the bus, a guy at the backdoor was upset that someone waved to his girlfriend, so he pepper sprayed the back of the bus. It wasn't until the driver had me strapped in that people started freaking out. People were rushing off the crowded bus, coughing and trying not to rub their eyes. And there i was , strapped into the bus, my already weak lungs (from numerous bouts with pneumonia) started being affected and i started to cough. The driver was busy calling for medical treatment for people who took in most of the pepper spray.
Finally i was able to get off the bus, everyone standing outside coughing as we waited for the next bus. This one skater Asian dude and i were having a personal laugh, because before we got onto the first bus, i had commented how nice his cologne was. Now, thanks to the pepper spray, it's clung to our clothing.
Fun times.
S A D D I
i had a long deep sleep last night, filled with dreams of SADDI. Mostly a highlight reel of her greeting me. SADDI would bark and howl, she'd sneeze numerous times, use her back legs to scratch her belly. Jumping up at me until i chased her around the house, where she would always run and jump up on the bed. Where she would received a long hug and several kisses. And then we would go for a walk. (The only time i didn't receive such a greeting is when she could smell a hamburger i brought back for her)
i miss SADDI so much it hurts. Loving her makes me a better person. If there is any justice, when i die, i will receive that greeting from SADDI again.
Shy Squirrel Friends
The new tenants aren't as friendly as previous squirrels,
but we're building our trust.
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