April 27th – May 3rd
This week, I found it all too easy for my eye to be drawn to shots like these:
Bearing No Leaves
Torn
Broken
Barren
Malformed
Exposed and Empty
Abandoned
Luckily, there is so much more to see when you keep your eyes open.
So many of you have touched me kindly this past week. I thank you so much.
I am allowing myself to feel every emotion that tears through me. Sadness, grief, fear, doubt, and anger, to name a few.
But I wanted you all to know that I can still see, and feel, the joy out there and in here. And you can add hope, faith, love, and joy to the list of emotions I am still allowing myself to feel.
Thanks for being here for me.
Reaching For Me
They Beckon
Contagious Happiness
Let’s Make It Fly
The Scream To Be Tickled
Always True Emotion
No Bare Cupboards Here!
Gifts Left Behind By Rainfall
Absolute Joy
Thinking of Things That Are Good
Check out my Photo Sites:
#1 by Gabriel on May 4, 2008 - 12:33 AM
I’m dedicating this week’s post to you and your family, Lotus. I think we all should.
Could you please remove the first linky? I put the wrong meme in there!
Have a great week. And be strong.
Gabriel’s last blog post..Weekly Winners #13 – Apr/27 to May/03
#2 by Maggie's Mind on May 4, 2008 - 12:39 AM
Beautiful shots, Lotus. Feeling the full range of whatever you feel without holding back is the most healing thing there is. Having two encouraging faces around you is a huge bonus, and it’s got to help, too.
I also totally screwed up on the links. One for me, one for Mishi, but I screwed up. If you can fix it, cool. If not, it’s not the end of the world, I suppose.
Anyway, hang in there. Take your time to experience whatever you need in order to work through this yucky time.
Maggie’s Mind’s last blog post..Weekly Winners Sunday 5/4/08
#3 by tommie on May 4, 2008 - 12:46 AM
after that first series, I was so happy to see the second. I am so glad you are looking at and reaching out to all that is right in your world!
tommie’s last blog post..weekly winners, April 27- May 3, 2008
#4 by Walking With Scissors on May 4, 2008 - 12:48 AM
Good for you, honey.
Walking With Scissors’s last blog post..Feelgood 80s Bangs
#5 by tiff on May 4, 2008 - 12:55 AM
Hugs, Lotus. I love those photos.
Such mixed, raw emotions. It’s good to be real about your feelings. It helps.
#6 by Kelley on May 4, 2008 - 1:25 AM
aww sweetie, wonderful shots.
Kelley’s last blog post..The 10 Commandments
#7 by 'cuz I'm the mommy, that's why on May 4, 2008 - 1:36 AM
So glad you can still see the beautiful and happy things! I love the “contagious happiness” and “absolute joy”! Our little boys have the power to melt their mamas’ hearts with their sweet spirits and huge blue eyes – let his love and joy in life spread to you!
‘cuz I’m the mommy, that’s why’s last blog post..Weekly Winners – First Trip to the Zoo
#8 by Jessica (aka Rose) on May 4, 2008 - 1:41 AM
I am so very very sorry for your loss. Babies should never die, not even when they are teeny tiny.
I’m glad that you are able to see the good that is still around you and that you have sweet chubby arms to hug you while you are sad.
Sending you hugs.
Jessica (aka Rose)’s last blog post..Weekly winners
#9 by Jientje on May 4, 2008 - 2:18 AM
I’m so sorry to hear about your baby!
Just let your emotions flow, it’s the healthy approach to grief and pain I think.
But I’m so glad to see that you still see the beauty and the joy
in everyday life too. Big hug XXX
Jientje’s last blog post..Weekly Winners, St.-Valéry sur Somme
#10 by Kara - down to earth mommy on May 4, 2008 - 2:23 AM
*HUGS* I am so glad you were able to shoot and post the second set of pictures. Keep finding that joy in the life and family that you have.
Kara – down to earth mommy’s last blog post..Just a little stress
#11 by Rebecca on May 4, 2008 - 2:38 AM
Your “boys” (John and Braden) are so great… and great for what’s ailing you. I love the one of you thinking of things that are good. So much is still good, even while so much else is still so bad…
Rebecca’s last blog post..Weekly Winners: April 26-May 3 (kind of)
#12 by mountainmama on May 4, 2008 - 2:38 AM
Letting your heart talk through your camera…wonderful stuff, my love!
mountainmama’s last blog post..Taking a breath before plunging back in…
#13 by Karen on May 4, 2008 - 3:03 AM
Thank-you for your pictures… I needed the reminder that there is beauty to be seen… even amongst the sorrow.
Karen’s last blog post..The King Celebrates Another Birthday!
#14 by Karen of Sillymonkeez on May 4, 2008 - 3:46 AM
Your first group of photos do evoke so many of the emotions you mentioned. Well done.
I simple love the photograph with the kite though. It does remind you of sunnier days, doesn’t it? I am very impressed by the self-portrait also. You are a remarkable woman!
Karen of Sillymonkeez’s last blog post..Alphabet Photos (Letter D)
#15 by Andie Summerkiss on May 4, 2008 - 4:24 AM
Again, I am sorry for your loss. You have been really strong and thank you for hosting this week’s Weekly Winners. I hope it can be something that soothes you. Love and hugs from me.
Andie Summerkiss’s last blog post..Weekly Winners – Urban Shots
#16 by Judith Shakespeare on May 4, 2008 - 4:55 AM
Great shots as always, Lo. I think that my favorite is the one with the kite… And very sorry to hear about your loss, honey.
#17 by Secret Agent Mama on May 4, 2008 - 5:09 AM
This post was very rich; in so many ways. I’m always just an email away. <3
Secret Agent Mama’s last blog post..Weekly Winners XXIV
#18 by frogpondsrock on May 4, 2008 - 5:18 AM
xxx kim xxx
frogpondsrock’s last blog post..weekly winners
#19 by Jeanette on May 4, 2008 - 5:48 AM
Wonderful range of pictures. Thinking of you.
Jeanette’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
#20 by HRH on May 4, 2008 - 6:56 AM
perfect. emotion.
HRH’s last blog post..Out and about…
#21 by Laura on May 4, 2008 - 7:00 AM
Good collection this week.
You really show how photography is an art–happy and sad emotions are all in the eye of the beholder.
Laura’s last blog post..Weekly Winners: Week 14
#22 by Trish on May 4, 2008 - 7:10 AM
Lotus -hugs – grieving through your art is healing …I wish you brighter days ahead.
Trish’s last blog post..Easy Sunday morning
#23 by ~JJ! on May 4, 2008 - 7:34 AM
You are gorgeous.
~JJ!’s last blog post..Haiku I love you
#24 by Taz on May 4, 2008 - 7:58 AM
beautiful pics there hun..
thinking of you..
Taz’s last blog post..27 Weeks Old
#25 by Karen MEG on May 4, 2008 - 8:04 AM
Those pictures say it all, Lotus.
You and your boys are beautiful.
Karen MEG’s last blog post..Weekly Winners #20
#26 by Scylla on May 4, 2008 - 9:10 AM
These are great! It’s a serious nature loving week in the blogosphere.
Scylla’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
#27 by the planet of janet on May 4, 2008 - 9:23 AM
your photos say all of it. i’ve been where you are, and i know …
hugs
the planet of janet’s last blog post..Weekly Winners: April 27-May 3
#28 by Sandy (Momisodes) on May 4, 2008 - 9:25 AM
You and your family are truly beautiful, inside and out. It warmed my heart to see the second set of images. I hope you continue to see more images like these in the days to come.
Sandy (Momisodes)’s last blog post..Weekly Winners: Boston
#29 by Karly on May 4, 2008 - 10:07 AM
These pictures are so full of emotion. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.
Karly’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
#30 by Amy on May 4, 2008 - 10:33 AM
Keep your chin up and stay strong, you have lots of love surronding you Lotus.
Amy’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
#31 by Annie on May 4, 2008 - 11:00 AM
So sorry for everything you are going through…
Many hugs.
Annie’s last blog post..Weekly Winners, 5/4/08
#32 by AMomTwoBoys on May 4, 2008 - 11:14 AM
Gorgeous. All of them.
Mwah!
#33 by Jerinda on May 4, 2008 - 11:23 AM
I love the first one and the toes. I want to tickle them too.
Jerinda’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
#34 by Jenty on May 4, 2008 - 11:27 AM
(((HUGS))) again. Glad to see that you’re seeing the good things in life too.
Jenty’s last blog post..Weekly Winners #16
#35 by Liza's Eyeview on May 4, 2008 - 12:08 PM
Thank you for hosting this Weekly Winners Lotus. It’s always fun looking at your photos and the photos of the participants.
Liza’s Eyeview’s last blog post..Weekly Winner Photos
#36 by Hatchet on May 4, 2008 - 12:10 PM
I’m so sorry for your loss, Lotus.
Hatchet’s last blog post..Weekly Winners V
#37 by Eve on May 4, 2008 - 12:41 PM
No Winners from me this week. It’s difficult just to post with one hand. I can’t spend the time required to crop and edit photos, too. How about a trade? I’ll take your painful emotions for a day if you’ll take my broken hand and bruised ribs. They say a change is as good as a rest.
Eve’s last blog post..Slice of Life Week 7: Sister
#38 by Leslie on May 4, 2008 - 12:41 PM
Lotus, I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve been where you are – last year, about this time. I wish I had something to say that would make you feel better, but I know that there are no magic words that can take away this kind of pain. Sometimes you just have to let it hurt until, one day, it doesn’t feel quite so bad. Please know that I’m thinking of you and your family.
Leslie’s last blog post..There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters
#39 by Rachael on May 4, 2008 - 12:49 PM
This is an amazing mini photo essay. Eloquent and beautiful. It’s so wonderful you can see these little moments of hope & happiness amidst the sad. Who could resist smiling at the picture of Braden in the cupboard?! Not me!
Rachael’s last blog post..If April showers bring May flowers
#40 by punk rock mom on May 4, 2008 - 1:13 PM
i love how you have totally expressed your emotions through pictures. Talent!
punk rock mom’s last blog post..Weekly Weiners
#41 by Wendy on May 4, 2008 - 1:42 PM
Such a range of emotions. I’m glad you can see beauty thru your grief.
Love the fat little baby foot shot.
Wendy’s last blog post..Happy happy joy joy
#42 by merrymishaps on May 4, 2008 - 1:51 PM
Great photos. I love the photo of your boys flying kites!
I’m so sorry about your loss.
#43 by cyndy on May 4, 2008 - 2:41 PM
It’s nice to see you of thinking good things.
I also LOVE the pic of Braden in the cabinet. =)
xoxo
cyndy’s last blog post..Fresh Ink
#44 by A Whole Lot of Nothing on May 4, 2008 - 3:30 PM
SO glad to know you’re taking in the good with the bad. It’s a balance.
LOVE your shots as always!
A Whole Lot of Nothing’s last blog post..Weekly Winner 4.27 – 5.3
#45 by SJ on May 4, 2008 - 4:24 PM
I’m so sorry that you are going through this, but I’m glad to see that you are healing and working through the sadness. Photography will do that! Take care of yourself…
My photos for this week are up.
SJ’s last blog post..Weekly Winners 4/27 through 5/3
#46 by Marylin on May 4, 2008 - 4:51 PM
Beautiful pics from a beautiful person! You keep doing whatever it is that makes you feel better sweety. The hurt will never go away, but it will consume you a little less each day. xx
Marylin’s last blog post..Weekly Winners #19
#47 by lee on May 4, 2008 - 5:42 PM
I read this and thought of you, i hope maybe it will make you smile a little. big hugs.
http://www.guerrillagardening.org/
#48 by StellaDevine on May 4, 2008 - 6:25 PM
I’m so glad you are seeing the beauty in things even through your pain. May your faith guide you through.
StellaDevine’s last blog post..Moving on
#49 by Mad Squirrel on May 4, 2008 - 6:54 PM
I love all your photos. I have been down the path and I know what you are feeling. It was like reliving it through you.
Mad Squirrel’s last blog post..Save the Last……
#50 by Head Gaggler on May 4, 2008 - 7:31 PM
Great shots. I know it must be hard to think happy.
Head Gaggler’s last blog post..A Finalist – Woot!
#51 by Sadie on May 4, 2008 - 7:51 PM
I’m very late in the game today, and my post is screwy because of stupid WP 2.5.1 that won’t edit worth a darn…but it’s finally posted.
And your post was beautifully done today. I’m glad to see you taking it step by step. We’re all thinking of you.
Sadie’s last blog post..Weekly Winners 5/4/08
#52 by imaginary binky on May 4, 2008 - 8:11 PM
I really need to get my hands on that Soap Boy shirt.
Rock on, lady. You = strength.
imaginary binky’s last blog post..Instant karma’s going to get you
#53 by Dawn on May 4, 2008 - 8:19 PM
So you are totally thinking of me in that last shot?
“I am allowing myself to feel every emotion that tears through me. Sadness, grief, fear, doubt, and anger, to name a few.”
Word, girlfriend. This week I finally got sad, after spending weeks in shock and then anger. Sad sucks.
Dawn’s last blog post..I’m never watching “The Toy” again…
#54 by Scylla on May 4, 2008 - 9:05 PM
I keep coming back to the last shot of you, thinking about good things. Your eyes look better, more like they normally do.
I don’t really have any words to say to you to offer condolences, there are none really to say, but you move me, as always, and I think of you.
Scylla’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
#55 by Jeremy (Discovering Dad) on May 4, 2008 - 11:43 PM
I really like “contagious happiness” and I agree completely with the sentiment!
Jeremy (Discovering Dad)’s last blog post..What Moms Really Think About – A Series for Dads (Recap)
#56 by Hydes Like Us on May 5, 2008 - 8:36 AM
Hi Lotus. I like that last picture of you. I can see your hope.
Hydes
Hydes Like Us’s last blog post..Lady Madonna Part I
#57 by justmylife on May 5, 2008 - 12:07 PM
As always, Great Job!!!! Love the pics.
justmylife’s last blog post..Thank the Lord it’s Monday!
#58 by Kim on May 5, 2008 - 1:40 PM
I am a dork.
This made me tear up.
You finding joy in your family, nature, yourself was wonderful to experience through your pictures.
Kim’s last blog post..Sunday Snap Shots
#59 by rachel on May 5, 2008 - 3:00 PM
Awww sugar.
Lots of love.
Beauty even in pain.
rachel’s last blog post..God Saw
#60 by Hockeyman on May 5, 2008 - 9:23 PM
Hey….have you been in my yard again taking pictures of all the weeds and exposed pvc pipes because the lawn mower won the battle? All you missed was the poop!
Hockeyman’s last blog post..Manic Monday
#61 by Sarah on May 5, 2008 - 9:37 PM
Having been through 2 miscarriages, I could relate to all the photos in your first series of photos… and you one word captions really hit home. I was glad to see the second serious – glad you are finding joy in your family— and you little guy has some chubby feet -gotta find joy in that right?!?!?
#62 by Sunshine Mom on May 6, 2008 - 8:48 PM
sorry I’m late linking this week…I’m sorry that you’ve had to go through this and I pray for you.
Sunshine Mom’s last blog post..Weekly Winners(April 27th-May 3rd)
#63 by Shannymar on May 8, 2008 - 1:16 PM
I love your pictures. You look adorable in that last one. Braden, shockingly cute, as USUAL!