Frost and decay in my canal-side garden. Click photos to view detail.
Hello again and welcome to my woefully-neglected blog! Yes, it's been over two months since my last post. In the interim, I hosted a memorial dinner for David in London; spent three weeks in the US visiting my family (alas, my Mom is seriously ill) and traveled to Stockholm to ring in the new year.
Stockholm is a place I'd never been and where I knew no one. In November, my daughter and I went through boxes of papers at my parents' house and found a letter I'd written at age 13. I described flying on my own to Chicago (where I was met by my parents' friends): "I was afraid to board the plane, but I did it anyway." And that, my friends, is the story of my life. "Feel the fear, but do it anyway." I was anxious about traveling to Stockholm on my own, but I did it anyway. And I'm glad I did, because snow-covered Stockholm is a beautiful city. I crossed many bridges there, which I consider a metaphor for positive changes in 2016.
These last few months I've been trying to adapt to life without David. Obviously, I feel enormous sadness and the tears still flow. But there also are moments when I think of him and our time together and smile and even laugh. In Stockholm, I went to an historic church and lit a candle in David's memory. Throughout these dark months of missing David and worrying about my Mom's health, I have never stopped looking for the light. And I always find it, sometimes in the most unexpected places.
I hope that 2016 shines brightly for you and yours!
Beauty is all around us, if we take time to notice.
Reflections in a table at the stunningly-beautiful Stockholm City Hall. The dinner honouring Nobel Prize laureates is held in this architectural wonder every December.
Back soon, with more photos. Speaking of photos, I started posting images on Instagram. You can find me here.
I never understood the allure of hydrangeas until some were planted outside our library. I walked by the library on my way to work, and I took the opportunity to really look at them, over the seasons.
There is so much more going on than that bunch of whiteness.....
Love your frosty images.
Thank you for being a role model for intrepid travel. It's good to know that others feel trepidation, press forward through it, and are glad they did.
Posted by: Vicki in Michigan | 02 February 2016 at 14:41
Oh so lovely to see you here. I am happy that you had a good trip to Stockholm and are still seeking the light. Your photos of the hydrangeas are just wonderful. Keep searching for the light and do it anyway, even through the fear.
Posted by: Marilyn | 26 January 2016 at 22:51
These photographs are exquisite!
The holidays are so tough with loss and family illnesses going on. Visiting Stockholm was brave. You have made it through a very difficult time and come out the other side and even brought us back a bit of the beauty you saw.
Thinking of you as always and proud of you for getting through these months. Sending you wishes for a brighter new year and happy travels.
xx Helen
Posted by: Dollzandthingz.blogspot.com | 26 January 2016 at 14:33
So good to know you are well. Grief is like the tide, it comes and goes and it brings with it tears, but some times smiles with the memories.
A very serene, prosperous and comforting new year to you. I am here as always and almost where I am ready to open the blog again. The operative word here being almost.
Decided to sell the house, too big for me, McKenzie and Aliah, we don't need much space and someone else will probably enjoy the gardens and the little orchard out back. Haven't decided yet if I will move back to Europe but if a certain person gets elected here the decision will be made for me.
Love your photos as always. Be well dear friend, nice to hear from you.
Allegra
Posted by: Allegra Smith | 26 January 2016 at 01:29
Blessings and much love to you dear one.
Always in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | 24 January 2016 at 13:05
How wonderful it is to see a post from you, Tara! While I may be somewhat presumptuous I feel as I have received a note from a faraway friend. Paris Parfait has indeed been missed.
Mary H.
Ooooh, more pictures and adventures from Sweden please.
Posted by: Mary H. | 22 January 2016 at 22:42
So glad you are back to your blog! I so enjoy seeing your photos and living an international life vicariously through you. I also have a parent that has been in and out of care facilities and hospitals for the last almost 5 years and it is so very hard but like you I look at things more closely looking for fine details in the most unusual of places like the decaying flowers. Being an artist also, I tend to create and explore and am usually able to find solace and joy in it. Peace to you in the new year!
Posted by: Margaret Dukeman | 22 January 2016 at 19:29
The heart sings just a little bit louder when a post from Tara appears. Welcome back, my friend. I will be in longer response off blog a bit later but for now just let me say how much I love those enigmatic leaves and flowers and welcome you "home" to the world of blog!
Posted by: jeanie | 22 January 2016 at 14:02
So glad to see your posts and photos again. I will follow you on Instagram. Have decided to lock the doors on the Egypt flat and move on as well. Do hope this will be a good year for both of us.
Posted by: Jo | 22 January 2016 at 08:10