Someplace Still

[Fairweather]

Truthfully, in these times that try the soul--Tom Paine, I'm plagiarizing your sentiment and questioning your pronouns--we need someplace to go where there's stillness.

This AM we had to have Mom at the hospital for an Xray, hopefully the last one for awhile. (Just a peek to make sure she didn't have some sort of esophageal problem. Nothing showed up.) We both came back cranky, so she's been doing find-a-words to relax and I went looking for pictures of still places.

I think this one is quite beautiful.



Do any of you retreat to places like this when you're stressed?

Maybe it's not worth a new thread, but then, this could become another of our catchall threads where we share thoughts of quiet. Lord knows we need them, with the world swirling around us.

[pdb]

Jun 2, 2008 11:42:58 GMT -5 Fairweather said:

Truthfully, in these times that try the soul--Tom Paine, I'm plagiarizing your sentiment and questioning your pronouns--we need someplace to go where there's stillness.

This AM we had to have Mom at the hospital for an Xray, hopefully the last one for awhile. (Just a peek to make sure she didn't have some sort of esophageal problem. Nothing showed up.) We both came back cranky, so she's been doing find-a-words to relax and I went looking for pictures of still places.

I think this one is quite beautiful.



Do any of you retreat to places like this when you're stressed?

Maybe it's not worth a new thread, but then, this could become another of our catchall threads where we share thoughts of quiet. Lord knows we need them, with the world swirling around us.

It is beautiful, Katie; I am so glad to hear your Mom's test went okay; that's the most important thing; my prayers are always with both you and your Mom. You're a wonderful daughter and an example to so many; thank you.

I find pictures of the Russian River when I'm stressed, or I use the many mental photographs in my mind. This is similar; I hope your days is peaceful, my dear friend, and your Mom's, too.

Much love!!

[Fairweather]

Thanks and hugs, Pam!

[moonstone]

Jun 2, 2008 11:42:58 GMT -5 Fairweather said:

Truthfully, in these times that try the soul--Tom Paine, I'm plagiarizing your sentiment and questioning your pronouns--we need someplace to go where there's stillness.

This AM we had to have Mom at the hospital for an Xray, hopefully the last one for awhile. (Just a peek to make sure she didn't have some sort of esophageal problem. Nothing showed up.) We both came back cranky, so she's been doing find-a-words to relax and I went looking for pictures of still places.

I think this one is quite beautiful.



Do any of you retreat to places like this when you're stressed?

Maybe it's not worth a new thread, but then, this could become another of our catchall threads where we share thoughts of quiet. Lord knows we need them, with the world swirling around us.

Katie -- echoing Pam's sentiment, may you have golden days and peaceful dreams, always. Your post at Fairweather was just beautiful.

[Krista]

I visualize I'm sitting on the sidewalk in front of City Lights Bookstore drinking a latte' from Cafe Trieste. This works, too! Last year during my physical, my doc took my blood pressure very soon after I arrived, and it was pretty high. The second time she took it, she told me to think of someplace nice. When I visualized "my place," my blood pressure was normal! She couldn't believe it.

[Laura]

Gorgeous image Katie. When I want to get away, I imagine I am in the only place I want to be. Since I was 17 Pacific Grove in Monterey CA. Beautiful beaches, cypress trees. pink ground cover on the walking path, sea otters feeding, beautiful Victorian homes, a spectacular view from the motel. The smell and sound of the surf. Heaven for me.

[g1]

This is from a park I drive through most days. Peaceful in the daytime, though it can be a bit creepy at twilight

[Fairweather]

Thanks, all--I frankly felt a bit self-indulgent putting up this thread but I love the sharing it's producing--

G1, where exactly is this park? It reminds me so much of our mountains down home!

[Laura]

Oh boy g1..this is awesome. I've got to learn how to embed pictures on this site. I have microsoft does anyone have this and can tell me how to imbed an image. I'd like to share some images.

[pdb]

Jun 2, 2008 14:15:32 GMT -5 Laura said:

Oh boy g1..this is awesome. I've got to learn how to embed pictures on this site. I have microsoft does anyone have this and can tell me how to imbed an image. I'd like to share some images.

I asked the same and thanks to moon, I can embed pics now. First you have to use a web hosting photo uploading site; I use photobucket; you have to have an account, but it's free.

Save your photos to "my pictures" first. Then, go to photobucket and follow the instructions to upload photos --it's very easy; if I can do it, anyone can.

There will be four links under the photo once it is uploaded. The only one that works is the second one, "Direct Link."

Copy that link into you message; highlight the message, then hit the fourth button on the second row here, underneath the S with the line going through it. Your link will have an "img" before and after the highlighted link. Preview first before posting, as sometimes I have had to do it twice; when it shows, hit "post reply."

I hope that helps, friend!!

PEACE!!

[pdb]

Jun 2, 2008 13:59:52 GMT -5 Fairweather said:

Thanks, all--I frankly felt a bit self-indulgent putting up this thread but I love the sharing it's producing--

G1, where exactly is this park? It reminds me so much of our mountains down home!

I, too, am enjoying the photos; thanks, Katie!! Here's a photo of the Russian River; it's my favorite place!!

[Fairweather]

Gorgeous, Pam! Trees, mountains and water--my favorites! And the rainbow is so beautiful too!

[moonstone]

Pam -- That Russian River picture is fabulous. Are you and nan and I still planning that road trip for August?

[moonstone]

g1 -- that park looks like some of the state parks around here with those rock outcroppings. But that might not be as surprising as it sounds given that Wisconsin shares some of the same geological history as Pennsylvania and New York. We even have something in the eastern part of the state called the Niagara escarpment which is the other side of the same big geological fold that created Niagara Falls.

I'm not the embedding whiz Pam makes me out to be. I'm still not sure how to capture images on my PC at work, so I'll wait to post some images until I get home.

By the way, katie. This was an incredible idea. Thank you.

[pdb]

Jun 2, 2008 15:16:22 GMT -5 moonstone said:

Pam -- That Russian River picture is fabulous. Are you and nan and I still planning that road trip for August?

Oh you know we are, moon!!!!!!!!!! I have some great photos at home; I'm at work now and chose this one!!

Where are summer homes are is VERY LIBERAL --I find the best "anti-Bush" things there --some are, well, let's just say you can't take "the kids" into one section behind "the red curtain" in one store --but it's great!!

I am excited to go; I've gone every year since, well, before I was born --LOL!!

For those of you who remember my daughter, Rana, from her few posts at NH, she finally got around to uploading her graduation photos --she only emailed me ONE today, though; so I'll have to wait until I get home to see the good ones. Anyway, here's one photo of Rana; I'm SO proud!! It's not the best; however, you're my "family" and I wanted to share my proud moment; I hope none of you mind!!

[g1]

Jun 2, 2008 13:59:52 GMT -5 Fairweather said:

Thanks, all--I frankly felt a bit self-indulgent putting up this thread but I love the sharing it's producing--

G1, where exactly is this park? It reminds me so much of our mountains down home!

Same mountains, further north.... This is the Thunder Rocks area in Allegany State Park, New York.
www.stateparks.com/allegany.html

More pics at s283.photobucket.com/albums/kk314/gnostix1/. (Follow the link to KinzuaRailroad to see where Leon's ghost train runs down the Allegheny Reservoir, just west of the park.)

Here's an autumn view of Quaker Lake in ASP (The tree, alas, was recently removed)

[moonstone]

Jun 2, 2008 15:24:29 GMT -5 @pdb said:

Jun 2, 2008 15:16:22 GMT -5 moonstone said:

Pam -- That Russian River picture is fabulous. Are you and nan and I still planning that road trip for August?

Oh you know we are, moon!!!!!!!!!! I have some great photos at home; I'm at work now and chose this one!!

Where are summer homes are is VERY LIBERAL --I find the best "anti-Bush" things there --some are, well, let's just say you can't take "the kids" into once section behind "the red curtain" in one store --but it's great!!

I am excited to go; I've gone every year since, well, before I was born --LOL!!

For those of you who remember my daughter, Rana, from her few posts at NH, she finally got around to uploading her graduation photos --she only emailed me ONE today, though; so I'll have to wait until I get home to see the good ones Anyway, here's one photo of Rana; I'm SO proud!! It's not the best; however, you're my "family" and I wanted to share my proud moment; I hope none of you mind!!

How could anyone mind? She's beautiful, and you have every right to be proud. I'm keeping August in mind, Pam. If we're not already at Gitmo by that time, of course.

[pdb]

Thanks, moon!! Gitmo can wait; we're going to the Russian River, friend!!

;D

[Fairweather]

G1, that looks almost exactly like our Fort Loudon State Park, looking across the lake just below the fort. Sorry the tree's gone though. Looks like a very large very old pine--although those tend to have shallow roots and to come down quite readily in severe storms.

[g1]

Jun 2, 2008 15:24:27 GMT -5 moonstone said:

g1 -- that park looks like some of the state parks around here with those rock outcroppings. But that might not be as surprising as it sounds given that Wisconsin shares some of the same geological history as Pennsylvania and New York. We even have something in the eastern part of the state called the Niagara escarpment which is the other side of the same big geological fold that created Niagara Falls.

I'm not the embedding whiz Pam makes me out to be. I'm still not sure how to capture images on my PC at work, so I'll wait to post some images until I get home.

By the way, katie. This was an incredible idea. Thank you.

I didn't know the Niagara escarpment went that far west.. the things you learn hanging out here!

[Laura]

Jun 2, 2008 15:24:29 GMT -5 @pdb said:

Jun 2, 2008 15:16:22 GMT -5 moonstone said:

Pam -- That Russian River picture is fabulous. Are you and nan and I still planning that road trip for August?

Oh you know we are, moon!!!!!!!!!! I have some great photos at home; I'm at work now and chose this one!!

Where are summer homes are is VERY LIBERAL --I find the best "anti-Bush" things there --some are, well, let's just say you can't take "the kids" into one section behind "the red curtain" in one store --but it's great!!

I am excited to go; I've gone every year since, well, before I was born --LOL!!

For those of you who remember my daughter, Rana, from her few posts at NH, she finally got around to uploading her graduation photos --she only emailed me ONE today, though; so I'll have to wait until I get home to see the good ones. Anyway, here's one photo of Rana; I'm SO proud!! It's not the best; however, you're my "family" and I wanted to share my proud moment; I hope none of you mind!!

Oh Pam..thanks so much for sharing this beautiful picture of Rana. You must be so proud. Tell her congratulations for a job well done and please wish her all the luck in her work with the Peace Corp from me. Hugs.

[moonstone]

Jun 2, 2008 15:34:01 GMT -5 g1 said:

Jun 2, 2008 15:24:27 GMT -5 moonstone said:

g1 -- that park looks like some of the state parks around here with those rock outcroppings. But that might not be as surprising as it sounds given that Wisconsin shares some of the same geological history as Pennsylvania and New York. We even have something in the eastern part of the state called the Niagara escarpment which is the other side of the same big geological fold that created Niagara Falls.

I'm not the embedding whiz Pam makes me out to be. I'm still not sure how to capture images on my PC at work, so I'll wait to post some images until I get home.

By the way, katie. This was an incredible idea. Thank you.

I didn't know the Niagara escarpment went that far west.. the things you learn hanging out here!

Here you go. Take a look. The eastern part of Wisconsin is the other side of a big "syncline" that runs through Canada and creates Niagara Falls. It is amazing, for sure.

www.uwgb.edu/DutchS/GEOLWISC/niagesc.htm

[Laura]

Jun 2, 2008 14:59:35 GMT -5 @pdb said:

Jun 2, 2008 13:59:52 GMT -5 Fairweather said:

Thanks, all--I frankly felt a bit self-indulgent putting up this thread but I love the sharing it's producing--

G1, where exactly is this park? It reminds me so much of our mountains down home!

I, too, am enjoying the photos; thanks, Katie!! Here's a photo of the Russian River; it's my favorite place!!

Oh this is gorgeous. Anyone who doesn't feel some tranquility after looking at these exquisite photos is doing something wrong!

[Fairweather]

Although this is a photo taken in autumn, it IS of one of my real-world favorite places on earth. This is the Cable Mill in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It sits in the area of the visitors' center about halfway around the Loop Road (eleven miles, and one way, through the Cove). It was a grist mill, and at set times of year they still grind wheat and corn into flour and meal and sell it here. When Auntie and I were there last week, the wheel was in operation but they weren't grinding. It makes an awesome rumble and there's a thick dust in the air when they are.

Inside the mill building though, there's a little platform on the righthand wall where you can step out and look over the creek and woods. In fall and early winter, when there aren't many tourists around, you can stand there and never hear a sound except the flutter of leaves falling and the water singing over mossy rocks. Another place where my soul can get quiet.

[pdb]

Thank you so much, Laura. Rana leaves August 25th for Dominica; that’s where she has been assigned. I HATE August 25th; however, the Peace Corps doesn’t care –LOL!! August 25th is both my wedding anniversary and the day my ex abducted Rana & Reema and fled to Jordan. I guess I can look at it this way, I only have to mourn one day out of the year!! Hopefully, with Rana’s entry into the Peace Corps, I won’t have to mourn that day at all any longer!! ;D

She will be teaching children on the island; she’s very excited and is now enjoying the summer at home and spending a lot of time with her friends; she certainly deserves it!!

Here’s a link to Dominica; there’s so much history there!!

www.destination360.com/qvr/dom-lh.htm

PS: Moon, nan and I are still hoping you can make the August trip --I know, hubby comes first!!