ME 'N MY SHADOW

EAGLE EYE

I've used the expression "eagle eye" often and like to think that because of my craft I am fairly observant. Until recently I had never seen the eye or beak of an eagle so closely. I know they are a bird of prey (check out that killer beak) but what keen eyes they have. They can see forward and to the side at the same time and can see fish in the water from several hundred feet above. No telephoto lenses needed. They are majestic birds, gorgeous and impressive up close. I am so glad Ben Franklin's wish to make the wild turkey our national symbol never took flight.

LIFELINE

As I sat with my Mom today I saw how bruised her hands and arms are from all the IVs and ports. Her fingers, the outside of her hand and her forearms (which can't be seen here) are all various shades of purple and red. Her slight hands are still full of life and strength as she clutches the tubing which brings her oxygen--her lifeline. Mom's a fighter and she's hanging in there. I wish I could give her back part of the life she has given me.

MUSIC MAKER

It's all about the music we make, the music we hear and the music we feel. It's clear that this musician has a deep affection for his violin. His music is beautiful.

AT PEACE

At first my eye was caught by the sunlight pouring in through the library window. Dressed in his fatigues this solider looked oddly peaceful, yet out of place.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

My very dear friend Pam and I have been friends for 41 years. We grew up together and although she has lived in New Orleans for twenty five years, we still see each other many times during the year. Her parents still live in the town we grew up in. So, whenever she visits them I benefit too! Today was her father's 84th birthday and we all gathered to celebrate. I couldn't resist taking a few photos.

INSIDE LOOKING OUT

Today was the kind of day when you wanted to stay inside and look out...occasionally. Sonia seems quite pensive as she observes the inclement weather. She is just happy that it isn't snow.....yet!

SUNDAY SCRABBLE

After dinner tonight we got out the Scrabble board for another match. Of course, Momma the word smith was playing for blood. I watch her intensity and the relentless way she moves the tiles around on her tray, looking for another point or a better word. She is a fierce competitor. Tonight I realized that my competitive spirit comes from her. At an early age I was taught not to give up, to persevere and to do my best. She taught me to compete, but to be most competitive with myself. It is simply in the genes.

THE HEN

Lately, I have started to feel a lot like a hen sitting on a nest. Tethered to the magical ice machine and perched on the couch my days are filled with a whole lot of sitting. Hens sit on their eggs for about three weeks before the eggs hatch. I admire their patience and have begun to realize that I am in very short supply of that virtue. I'm not trying to hatch any eggs....just an improved knee! I really like the expression, almost resignation that I see in this hen's eyes. I think I recognize it in myself.

MOMMA AT NINETY

This may be what ninety looks like, but my Mom certainly doesn't act her age. Her spirit is so much younger. She is still active and interested in the world around her. In fact in this photo she is reading a blog about the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle which is one of her passions. An avid puzzler, the Sunday Times puzzle is her raison d'etre...well at least one of them. My Mom (when she sees this photo) will hate it. The wrinkles which I see as the roadmap of her life, her badge of courage, she despises. This photo, like her life would be far less interesting without them.