summer light

I have been wondering where to begin this post. You see, on June 29, 2011 my grandmother Emily Catherine Stewart Mowry passed away. She had been in poor health for over ten years, but the end was abrupt, and I think that part of me really believed she would pull through again. Every day that passes I miss her. We were close, closer than many grandmother-granddaughter relationships. She held me before my mother did when I was born, something she always reminded me of. Sometimes she called me her "fourth daughter." But the bond we shared was different than any of the relationships she had with her daughters, partly because she wasn't responsible for any of the tough parenting, just the wonder, joy, and play. I miss her voice. I miss knowing she will be there when I visit her house. When I fall asleep, I  wake up with the knowledge that she isn't here anymore. But through sadness, I have awareness of all she taught me. Of lessons learned through following her examples. I appreciate certain things because she shared them with me. Books, colors, writing and editing, air-conditioning, beautiful, frivolous clothing, flowers and simple, fresh recipes.  Eating raspberries for breakfast with a silver spoon. Treasuring each glimmering minute of life, whether or not things are as planned. My grandmother may not answer the phone "Hello Pet!" anymore, but she is still here and she always will be.

These pictures are a mish-mash collected over the last few weeks. Each has a story beyond the picture a memory of what I was doing or what was happening when the camera clicked.  When I looked back it was a gift to see all the beauty and joy that surrounds me even through sorrow.

 When he sleeps, I can still see traces of my baby boy.

This year we did sparklers, a tank, and a race car. Two days after the 4th.

Two days after we got back from Texas we went to a beautiful birthday at the Zoo Park. Russ captured Bea's exuberance and delight at being home.

We gave Victoria this dress for her second birthday (before they moved to Kentucky and then Texas) When we visited, Nicole and Victoria gave it to Bea to wear. It makes the distance seem smaller. 

My great-grandparents on Grandmother's side lived in our town after retirement. When my dad was in grad school, we lived in their house. Now I live literally a block directly north of that house. It is sweet to see my children play in the same places I played with my brother and that my mama played with her cousins.

There is a picture of my dad as a little one under an Elephant Ear plant. Likewise, my mom has one of me and I have one of Evie. My Oma took these pictures and they are a new treasure and addition to the collection.

With much encouragement, Evie held his own sparkler!

Root beer floats to end a lovely summer meal. A favorite all around!

Sometimes, the impact of my children's life and beauty overwhelms my heart.
Will they ever know how precious they are?

About 6:30 the light comes through the windows in our dining room and turns everything to gold and made the fruit look like a Dutch still life

This evening was more reminiscent of and Edward Hopper. There is a sense of peace but also quiet loneliness.

Sitting on the porch swing with icy beverages in hand has become a favorite after supper activity. Sometimes we are lucky enough to have musical accompaniment.

One of my favorite pictures of my Grandmother is of her standing in a patch of sunflowers, wearing a sundress and holding one of her babies (I think my youngest aunt). This reminds me a little of that picture.

The last of my cosmos, glorified.

So big these days.

We may have corn yet. Russ has put a tremendous amount of energy and sweat into our little trial garden.

I am so blessed to know both my grandmothers. This is my Oma.
 The things she teaches me grow more precious each day.

my family.

never know when it might rain.