365 Sunsets Project Reborn

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On June 25, 2007 I started a photo project entitled 365 Sunsets Project. In a way it was a delayed reaction to my grief over losing my grandmother a few years before. At it’s inception the project was meant to document the passing of time. As time went on I fell in love with taking photos and it became as much an art project as it was a documentation of time. I quickly found out that a project that is dependent upon the weather cannot actually be a 365 project but if there was a sunset to be seen I ran out in all sorts of weather to take a daily photo. 

When the first year ended I made a half hearted attempt to continue for a second year but fizzled out. Since I’ve been sick time is once again important to me as is the opportunity to express myself creatively. Since I’ve been home from the hospital I’ve taken a few sunset photos with both my camera and my iPhone.  I’m really impressed with some of the photos the iPhone has produced, in particular the December 5 photo from Duffield’s Farm. 

I don’t know if this will be the daily endeavor it once was but I’m again feeling invigorated and passionate about taking photos and am enjoying the purpose it’s providing for me during my recovery. 

Love,

  ~ Carol Anne

November 10, 2010

November 20, 2010

November 26, 2010

December 2, 2010

December 3, 2010

December 5, 2010

December 7, 2010

To view the original 365 Sunsets Project click here.

 

Classic Sunsets Photo — November 28, 2007

Reverb 10 — Community

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Pat's Orchid

 

Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

 

This year I’ve discovered community within my own family. Getting sick opened my eyes to how incredible each and every member of my family is and how important it is to just be there. It’s the showing up that’s important. This is something I didn’t understand until now. In fact it is the single biggest lesson I learned in 2010, perhaps the single biggest lesson I learned in my life. 

I’m so ashamed to tell this story now but it illustrates how little I knew about the importance of showing up and just being there. A few years ago my sister-in-law’s brother Pat died after a lengthy illness. Everyone was at my brother’s house and my mother called to ask if I was going to to there after work. I said no. My brother was sick with a bad cold  and Arlene’s brother had just died. Her whole family and my parents were at their house. I thought the last thing she needs is two more people to entertain I know now that when you’re at your lowest you need to be surrounded by friends and family. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there that night. I didn’t understand how important your presence actually is. If you ever find yourself wondering if you are needed or if you’ll just be in the way know that you are needed and your presence is very much appreciated. 

You can read more about my amazing family here. 

 

Now totally switching gears — the community I’d very much like to be part of in 2011 is the political blogging community. I wold love to add my voice to the multitude of voices already out there. I think I have something to say ‘d like to add to the discourse. I don’t know if that means creating a blog separate from Soapboxville that is solely a political blog or just choosing to write more politically themed blogs right here.

Reverb 10 — Make

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Nanny's Apple Cake

Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)

 
I guess the last thing I made was my mom’s chicken wings on October 10. I’ve been learning to cook and improving my limited cooking skills this year and finally got up the nerve to try mom’s chicken wings. They were pretty good too. I used too much oil so they were a bit greasy but very tasty. I’ll know better for next time. 

I’d love to make my grandmother’s (Nanny) apple cake again. Before I got sick we were planning to make our own Thanksgiving dinner here either right before or right after Thanksgiving. I’d love to carry through with that plan in January and roast my very first turkey.

Write, He Said (Major Surgery & the Road to Recovery) — Encouraging Words

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Hey! Good early morning kids. I hope this morning’s post finds you all well and enjoying your Sunday.

Yesterday’s post was a me feeling sorry for myself wasn’t it? What can I say? I have my days. But as with everything else this too passes. I went this morning for my blood work then the hubs took me to Target to buy multicolored lights for the Christmas Tree and then to Talluto’s and Duffield’s to buy lunch meat and a tomato for lunch. One almost four hour nap later we ran out to Liscio’s Bakery to buy a few slices of tomato pie.

I never did get around to putting the lights on the tree. I did however read some encouraging words. My Aunt Gloria, who I think might actually be my great aunt lives in Florida and has been through quite a few health problems. She’s been sending me cards and writing me letters since I got home from the hospital. In this week’s letter, which I didn’t actually sit down and read until this evening she writes, “Believe me time heals all.” She closes with, “I sure hope you soon see the light at the end of the tunnel, believe me with time it comes. Over time I have learned to enjoy each day.”

Before I sat down to read Aunt Gloria’s letter I received a Facebook message from my cousin Alice. She writes, “Hi Carol Anne – Thinking of you. I read a bit of your blog. I don’t think any of us like to relinquish control. We come to realize that it is all an illusion anyway. When I practice giving up my will, things get alot easier. When I take it back (which I often do), everything goes haywire. This is the basis for the famous 12 step programs. I repeat to myself, “Gods will be done, not mine”. It is a daily practice. The more I practice, the more faith I muster. Praying for you and your family. One day at a time.”

Amazing how God sends what you need when you need it. I’m so grateful for everyone who has taken the time to think of me or offer me a kind or supportive word. Thank you.

Reverb 10 — Let Go

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Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

 
Thankfully I haven’t had to let go of anyone this year. I did have a very real fear that I would have to let go of my father this past June but thankfully he’s okay. There’s a lot that I wish I could tell you I’ve let go of this year but that’s a therapy session in and of itself.