Consolidating yet again

I've already consolidated my TwoTadpoles.wordpress blog here, and now I'm adding the Project 365 one too.  Simplify, simplify...that's going to be my motto from now on.  :)

So here's my photo of the day:

We put up our holiday decorations this weekend.  This is our tree in its new LED glory!

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas Adams

What I'm thankful for

My mother's death taught me something: people can be separated into three groups when a death occurs.

The first group are those who, upon learning of your loved one's death, will immediately send their condolences, either via online methods or a snailmail card, and some even send thoughtful gifts (like the one in the photo above).

Those in the second group will say, "ok, but what about my needs; you haven't answered my question yet." These are people who must believe the world revolves around them.

The third group of people choose to ignore it, refusing to acknowledge your loss in any way. I'm not sure what to make of these folks.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for all my friends (online and IRL) who fall in the first group. Thank you for your good wishes and love; I am grateful to have all of you in my life!

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas Adams

Recent ceramics fun

Tadpole2's Funky Vase:


Tadpole1's Sweetgum plate:

Me, I'm on a jewelry kick - 2 plant-imprint pendants:

Farewell to Mom

As I mentioned in my last post, we were out in Vancouver to visit my mom in September.  We found out from her hematologist during that visit that her myelodysplastic syndrome had morphed into full-blown leukemia and he warned us that she could go anytime.  Since returning home, my mom took a turn for the worse, and passed away on Oct. 23rd.

We weren't able to make it out to see her again, but were glad that we spent quality time with her in September.  We were also glad that she died as peacefully as one could hope given her condition. 


My sister wrote a beautiful tribute to her on her blog, but I'm afraid I don't have the words in me right now.  It's been an exhausting 2 weeks in Vancouver for mom's funeral service and burial, and to take care of various tasks that are necessary after someone's death.  I'm eternally grateful to my sister for being there to help dad through this time; I could never have taken care of everything (or anything) without her. 

There are a million things to catch up on at home too.  We've been away almost the entire autumn so far, and it's amazing how far one can fall behind.  Once I'm caught up, I'll post more vacation photos.

Hoping all of my blogging friends are keeping well!

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas Adams