Robin&Larry

The Gargoyles And Me

- robin
Photo: Gargoyle:
a grotesque carved human or animal face or figure projecting from the gutter of a building, Typically acting as a spout to carry water clear of a wall.

For many years in Paris, the shops along the Seine and near the Cathedral of Notre Dame, sold these tiny gargoyles. My collection is small and has been hidden away for a long time.

The Cathedral of Notre Dame is known for their many Gargoyles. How amazing is it that I have a collection? They each have such personality.

Photo: Lauren and Larry in Cathedral Of Norte Dame~ 2006

Because of the fire in Paris this week, I have been sorting out many of my photos. The photo above is one of a very few Lauren/Larry shot during the holiday. I need to be taking better shots and sharing them better. This shot is in a FLICKR album. You can scroll the shots below, or click the photo itself to go to my FlickR album.

By The Lake
Flickr album: Paris 2006

I hope that you have a lovely, lovely Easter weekend……I am off to sort more photos!

Love you.

Me

Much Virtue

- robin

I woke last night when storms hit Dallas. I watched Night Line, a long commercial, World News Tonight and some time near 4:30 am, I fell asleep.

Listening to storms is not wonderful. It just wears a body out.

The good news is, The herbs that I planted last week are safe and sound.

Photo: After the storm The empty containers have poppy seedlings in them.

Last night before going to bed, I tucked all of the newly planted herbs under shelves in the garden. The weatherman kept saying that we would be getting huge hail during the storms. I did not want the new plants hurt.

Photo: The dill plant
Photo; Spicy oregano
Photo: English Thyme

All of the plants made it through the storms just fine. Just imagine all the goodies I will cook this summer using the beautiful herbs. Fresh herbs are one of my favorite things in the entire world.

Benjamin Franklin said, “Much virtue in herbs. Little in men.”

Today Is Maundy Thursday. Tonight Larry and I will be at church for a special service.

Love one another. May your heart be filled with the joy of love and forgiveness.

Love you.

Me

P.S. From Yesterday’s Post

- robin

Yesterday was quiet. I hope that your day was ok too. During the day, I remembered a photo or two that had special meaning……that I had forgotten to post yesterday……..here you go……

Photo:by Robin: One November, some years ago,, Jamison showed up in Paris. She was on leave from the Air Force.
On the last day of her being in France,, while leaving church, it started to snow. Jamison. and Larry.
Magical.

Photo by Robin: I took this on a Friday afternoon.. We had crossed the river to listen to jazz musicians.
. I looked back at the Cathedral and the view took my breath away.. It is one of my favorite photos.
{2015?}

The weather here is frightful. Storms are expected this afternoon, with possibility of threatening situations. If you are in the danger zone, be safe….

Love you.

Me

The Cathedral Of Notre Dame~Remembered

- robin

Yesterday the unthinkable happened. The Cathedral Of Notre Dame caught fire and burned extensively.. I got phone calls from old, dear friends, text messages, emails from wonderful people who wanted me to know what was happening. They also shared their hearts and thoughts about the fire.

I loved that part most of all. Kind, sweet thoughts about a place far away. Some of the messages were from people who had never been to the Cathedral. Each and every connection was simply perfect.

Larry and I have the privilege to pray at the Cathedral Of Notre Dame each year. Twenty three years now…..we have many names on our prayer list and we light candles for loved ones and others who need prayer. I cry during the prayers and while lighting the candles of hope. The moments are emotional and filled with faith. Yesterday, I cried, but for a different reason.

Larry and I went through old photos last night. I took photos of the photos, straight from the album.

Photo:: 2018 Going to Cooking class….we passed this way.
Photo: The post cards of the Cathedral change over the years. Larry loves them all.
Photo: 2001 Paris. When we saw this shot, we laughed, asking where it had been taken….
it was at Notre Dame Cathedral. The photo was on film and had double exposure.. We were sitting for prayers.
The chairs behind us are for congregation.
Photo:Lauren and Jami with the Cathedral behind them 2001-2002
Photo: This where we have prayed almost each year for many years.
This is where we light the candles too.
Photo: Me, 2018. Our prayer list was long….the candles were filled with hope.
Photo: Another vintage post card
Photo:: This is he Cross that remains now, after the fire, This is how the alter looked before the fire.

Larry and I have dozens of other photos of the church. These were the most meaningful for me. I loved seeing old moments captured.

I will be starting the prayer list early this year. Please feel free to email me your name or the name of someone whom you are concerned for…..

Today is a brand new day. Please enjoy each moment, as you never know tomorrow might hold.

Love you.

Me

ART Will Absorb The Joy

- robin

Meditation Experience~ Day 17~Grace Is Perfect. Even When My Life isn’t. I know this so well, but why do I expect things to be perfect all the time? My days are filled with constant reminders that life is a joy, Tremendous things can happen, just from a smile, People are generous and kind and just noticing the beauty of the sky, can make the day so much better.

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Photo: Starting a new………

I have finished the first Hawaiian dress and now for the second. No, this is not a typical Hawaiian dress, but it will be my version of one. A classic Batik fabric with a vintage {1972} pattern. It will be full length. I have not chosen a trim for it yet, but maybe I will not put a trim on it….

I have been walking 4 miles each day and I am tired. Just tired. The worst part is, I WANT to move and get things done, but I am just tired.

Larry is in Dallas. The morning is filled with meetings for him. He has a cold today or allergies and feels miserable. Larry never complains. When he does it is bad.

The windows are open and the birds are singing. I am going to cut out number 2 Hawaiian dress.now….I believe that when you are creating and your surrounds are inspirational, the project or ART will absorb the joy of your environment. Life.

Love you,

Me

An Old Platter

- robin

Meditation Experience~ Day 16. Every day my being seeks new ways to expand. LOVE. TRUTH. BEAUTY. With gratitude, these are all evident. My days are filled being thankful, but often I get tied up in the demands of my day. I have promised to make time for myself each day. This means giving up other things, to fortify myself…….

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Photo: The New Platter

On Sunday, Larry and I went to a flea market after church. The sweet neighbors who live across the street had a booth and we had a wonderful visit with them. After our visit, we shopped….and bought the most charming platter. It is marked CHINA and had endless little veins through the white porcelain. The edging is beautiful , blue colors still bright and happy. Sunday dinners might never be the same.

Today I feel overwhelmed by things I must get done. One thing at a time. Right?

Be happy today.

Love you.

Me

Sunday Dinner And Finishing Projects

- robin

Meditation Experience~Day 15~ By living my wholeness, I become complete. Today I realized that….I WAS a person filled with love and gratitude. But not so much anymore. How did I hit this bump in my road? Was it family who pretended to love me? Was it having breast cancer and not dealing with it openly and honestly? Was it ignorant people insulting me and thinking perhaps I would not notice? Finding that old, grateful Robin again, has proven to be difficult. I feel totally jaded.

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Sunday dinner and a movie was perfection. We had pork chops, sweet potato fries, salad and dessert was frozen bananas.

Our movie was Rooster Cogburn. Yes, I am a huge John Wayne fan..have you seen his cookbook? {I love mine so much that it is falling apart!}

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Today I have started laundry, almost finished this blog post, will put the sleeves in the Hawaiian dress and I must finish my Easter Sweater. This poor sweater has been finished for months..and I have avoided putting it together because it looks so difficult. With Easter right around the corner time has run out. I cannot avoid putting together any longer. I will post a picture when…….FINISHED!!!

Have a happy day. I send love and good wishes if you need them. Sometimes, life is a bit difficult but it is nothing we cannot handle.

Love you.

Me

Abundantly Grateful

- robin

Meditation Experience~ Day 11. The more grateful I am, the more my life is supported. Sometimes I feel like I am not grateful at all. I have been so very distracted. Perhaps the knowledge that I am not grateful enough is what I need to work harder?

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Photo: Playing cards with Matilda

I found the picture above, on my phone a few days ago. It makes me smile. How long does a granddaughter love to hang out with her grandparents? Why can’t it last forever? What good thing did I ever do to have this person in my life? Matilda is one of the things in my life that I am abundantly grateful for.

Don’t you adore how this one shot says so much?

Happy Thursday.

Love you.

Me

Sugar Moon

- robin

Meditation Experience~ Day 10~ Gratitude flows in a loving heart. I believe that Larry taught me to be kind and loving. With each different day, we practice kindness and patience. Partners need love and joy. Not anger and discord. Some days are difficult and if we cannot patiently deal with the issues…..gratitude vanishes. Larry, if you are reading this. merci. I love you.

Photo: 7 AM ~ sunrise and the new rose

Yesterday, on Larry’s lunch hour, we went to the garden center and bought a dogwood tree and a rose plant. The dogwood tree was planted in the Zen Garden and the new rose was planted in the entry, neat my sculpture “Pablo”.

The name of the rose is “SUGAR MOON” and I find that creative and……dare I say, sweet? The blooms are white with an undercoat of color that is pink. It is beautiful.

I have honestly not been interested in the garden since since I was sick. Larry, always loves being outside and being busy. This year I will make a better effort to be part of his outdoor experience.

Photo: Dogwood green Isn’t it a joyful color?

I have my sewing machine out, ready to sew, a little painting is finished….and a pile of things that must be delivered to the Salvation Army Donation Center are ready to go. {Larry is in Dallas at meetings this morning}….. It looks like a creative day.

I am thankful for these moments. The ones where I am focused and ready to smile through the day.

Have a wonderful day.

Love you.

Me

Better Late Than Miss A Day Of Journaling

- robin

I am super behind today. Please forgive me.

Meditation Experience~ Day 7 Every thankful moment makes me healthier. I have a problem with anxiety. It started when I was struggling with hyperparathyroidism. {google it?} I was diagnosed with breast cancer and hyperparathyroidism at the same time. It was a nightmare. When I am anxious now, it frightens me because i think that I might be sick again. My check ups are once a year. Meditation and centering myself is best for my cancer and hyperparathyroidism. Being thankful is even better than mediation. Thankful moments are that split second joy that makes you breathe and smile.

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Yesterday we celebrated Lauren’s birthday, even though her birthday is tomorrow. We enjoyed brunch and then went to the Heard Museum in McKinney Texas for a hike, It was perfection. Lauren Josh, Matilda, Jami, Larry and myself hiked. {Jared was working} I have a few shots from the hike on my phone and will post them later.

About Sunday, Dinner and Movie…….Larry and I came home and did a few chores around the cottage, It was a beautiful day. Then…he made one of his famous BOARDS. It is really a cheese plate, only fancier.

Photo: One of Larry’s “Boards”

We snacked in the big bed while we watched Please Don’t Eat The Daisy’s. {in case you do not know, this is my comfort/favorite movie}

Photo: Goat cheese with edible flowers

One of the cheeses had flowers on it and it was delicious. Larry outdid himself.

Today is busy. It has gotten away from me and I might not ever catch up…..Have the lovelist of days. I am thankful for YOU.

Love you.

Me