Summer has gone and autumn is slowly drawing in. The nights are slightly cooler, the days also.
This was probably the first summer in many years I haven't spent time with my camera searching for fresh photos. This summer all my beach time has been people focused, either with my g-daughter who was visiting from Brasil or my siblings from Australia and England. I did not take my camera to the beach even once.
I realized, around the time of my birthday in late January, that it's time to get serious about writing my story of my childhood. So I've done my best to patch together the dozens of short stories I have written and tried to put them into some semblance of order. I've sent the manuscript to my brother in England to edit for me and that has been returned with much appreciated comments and suggestions.
Sorry to read of your loss. Yes, focus on the wonderful memories you have and what a good idea you writing about your childhood. Someone was telling me I should do similar.
ReplyDeletePhotos are lovely, pretty scenery there.
Hi Margaret,
DeleteI've enjoyed writing about my early days, one memory sparks another. There are plenty of reminders of how different my life is compared to my great-grand-daughter's. I'm glad I grew up when I did! :)
Sorry for your loss. Yes, a lot of memories fall into oblivion every time someone leaves this life behind. It's a good idea to collect and write down some things for your children and grandchildren. Neither I nor my only brother have any descendants, which makes that feel less worth the effort. (I have been sharing quite a lot of old photos and notes from my dad's side of the family on a separate blog, though.)
ReplyDeleteI remember visiting your history blog when you had it linked to your main blog and found it interesting, Monica. Others would too. In a weird way I feel an obligation to leave something for those who come behind to show how it was"back then", how my history shaped me and the possible impact I have had on others. Although I don't try to get all deep and meaningful in my story.
DeleteMy condolences for your loss. Of course it is sad, you've known these women your entire life. Logic has no place in telling you how to grieve.
ReplyDeleteI hope their memories soon begin to bring comfort, not just tears.
Your beach photos are beautiful.
Thank you, mimi. Yes, I have grieved my way and am now looking at my memories with the dear old aunts with happy thankfulness.
DeleteThank you for sharing such a heartfelt reflection. It’s touching to hear about your journey with family this summer and the meaningful moments you’ve experienced. Losing loved ones, especially after such long lives, is never easy, even when it's expected. It sounds like you’ve found a beautiful balance between your grief and your appreciation for the world around you. I’m sure your childhood stories will be a beautiful tribute to those who’ve shaped your life. Wishing you peace and comfort as you continue your writing and reflect on those precious memories.
ReplyDeleteI recently shared a post on building body confidence, especially for kids, and thought you might enjoy it: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2025/05/body-confident-you-body-confident-kid-book-review.html
Coincidentally, and before I read this (just now) I had sent you a snail mail yesterday. I must look at my New Zealand blog because I must have written posts on some of our safaris. Those were Very Good Times and definitely some of my very best adventures in New Zealand. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI was sad for you when I read of your loss. However, as someone who has always been a tower of strength to other people I'm sure that you can keep a bit for yourself too. Your chosen vistas are food for the soul and I'm honoured that you have shown me (and us) so many of them.
ReplyDeleteThat was good old ages your aunts reached, but it's always hard to lose those we love.
ReplyDeleteWe wanted our mother to write of her childhood, one sister even bought her a lovely notebook to write in and some pens, but she never did. A shame really as she grew up in the war years and life was so different then.
I hope you have been okay. Grieving for your loved ones is not easy. Hope you and your camera can get to a beach again soon.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Your photos are really beautiful, Pauline. Thank you so much for sharing, and warm greetings from a 68 year old retiree living in Montreal, Canada.
ReplyDeleteWhen my mother was waiting to leave this life she urged us never to mourn or be sad for her even if we were sad for our loss.
ReplyDeleteI feel looking again at this post and these photos that I have been transported back to Northland and such happy times.