trimmingthesails

If you forget to compose the shot ...

... or fail to capture a perfectly smiling face looking straight out of the frame, or miss the chance to snap the carefully and artistically placed figures - do not fret. Chances are what you'll be left with is the texture of life as it happened: the blurry shape of a loved one moving just how you remember them, the tilt of a head, the shape of a hand ...

And if you have more than one person in your photo, something of their relationship will shimmer through. Ultimately, when they are no longer there in your life, this will be what you hunger for most: tangible, visible evidence of the connection between you. As the person most often behind the camera in my home, I have so few of these, and I treasure them.

So hand your camera over to someone else. Ask them to snap you with the people you love, doing ordinary things. Do not worry what you look like, because one day it really will not matter. And do not leave it till tomorrow: do it today ...

Thank-you ...

... so very, very much. I have been immensely touched by all of you who have contacted me here, or in other ways, to let me know you were holding us - me and my family - in your thoughts and remembrances. It has been a little overwhelming, even, to experience the warmth and kindness of all of you whom I may have never met in person but whose names and glimpses into your lives I carry within me. In all the turbulent events, the comings and goings of family and friends (little and not-so-little) I have remembered you too and been glad of your steadying and grounding company.

Here, despite the blustery rainstorms and the attempt of the weather gods to bypass summer entirely and catapult us straight into autumn, we are beginning to trim our sails to a new prevailing wind and venture forth from the harbour where we have sought the comforting shelter of each other. I am glad to see you again, and hope you will come and visit as before - as I will you. :) Thank-you so very, very much ...

Now, where did I put that sou'wester ...?

9.15 a.m.

This was Ali's prompt for her class yesterday: at 9.15 a.m. precisely, look around, note what is happening, give as many details as possible, capture that minute.

And I did. It's below. I was about to post it yesterday at noon, but the phone went and I had to leave. And so it's a little late. I have pondered today about whether to post or not, but have decided to share it with you - for it has let me (and perhaps you) glimpse the significance of recording a moment. Even just one.

The rest of the day, after the phone call, unfolded in ways we had not truly anticipated: a rare complication arose right at the end of the operation and although the cardiac team fought long and hard to save my Mum, they were not able to, and she died. There is great sadness here in my home; but in the midst of the tears, I will be forever glad that I was able to capture so clearly a moment in that day ...

Thank-you for being here with me.