On Monday....there was the most amazing BEAUTIFUL Sunset....Unreal looking, really....and I tried to capture it with my camera....The above picture is looking center, directly across the city at Baldwin Hills and that is La Brea Avenue in the center......
This is the same view from a bit further back....So we see more of the sky and more of what is directly across from me...to the left of Baldwin Hills, we start to see Long Beach. It was so incredibly clear and sparkly....The camera really doesn't do this Sunset justice.....
Because I have this one hundred and eighty degree view that goes from East (above) to West (you will see that further down)...this picture above is Downtown Los Angeles. What is scary is, that as clear as it was, you can still see the smog sitting behind the city.....And in fact, that kind of pollution is what makes a Sunset that looks like this, below.....
It looks totally unreal....And in fact....this camera really didn't capture the truest of the true....It was even more magnificent then this, to my eye.....Here below, another view of this same view.....
This is from further back so you can see more of the sky and the mountain, too.....and as always, beyond that horizon is the Pacific Ocean.....and this picture below....
That little mound left of center way off in the distance is the same Baldwin Hills mentioned in the very first picture....the lights, left of center, La Brea Avenue, again.....I love this picture because of ALL the changes visible in the sky.....I know I've said it before, but when people say to me, 'you must be bored with your view'? How could I possibly be bored with this....it is different every night of every year....This was Monday, January 7th, 2008. A Lovely early January treat.....More To Come......
NOTE: Please forgive me for not visiting a lot of you this last week or so....there has been a lot going on around me concerning three people I love and care about, and am very close to....
One, my dear friend Seemah Wilder, (You have seen her picture here on my blog many times)....lost her husband on New Years Eve...After a long horrific illness, he is finally at rest....
Two, another dear friend has just been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma...in a word, "cancer". She was in the Hospital for over two weeks through New Years, but is home now, though dealing with a lot---including Dialysis three times a week...
And Three, another dear friend is struggling with the inability to truly take care of herself....I am listed everywhere as the "contact" person for her....So it has been and continues to be a very difficult and painful situation, since I have severe limitations as to what I can actually physically do....There are very few people left who can truly help her.....Everyone else, except for just a few people, is dead....Right now she is being held in a psychiatric facility to determine her status regarding her ability to make decisions for her own care because 'protective services' were called in...It is hard to know what the doctors will decide....She is pretty much Bed-Ridden, so she needs 24/7....It is a complicated situation on every level...and, needless to say, heartbreaking. To know that this is where she is at this point in her life, is deeply deeply painful to all of us who know and love her....I am on the phone a lot of the day, talking to whomever....hoping for the best solution to this. There is no really wonderful solution, I'm sorry to say....but, there ARE solutions....and trying to make the best one happen, is a true challenge.
I rarely write about things like this on my blog....but I am overwhelmed with sadness for these three people and in the case of H., trying as best as I can---given my own Health Issues---to 'be there' for her and help to find a solution that no doubt will be a compromise, but one that those of us involved feel will give her the most of what she would like....This was a woman whose life could be a movie....(She lived through the Nazis as a teenager, loosing everything...She lived through the Communists, again, loosing everything)....In the old Hollywood Studio days, her life would have been made into a movie....To see her like she is now.....well, there are no words....So, please understand as best you can, and bear with me....And I thank you for understanding, with all my heart.......
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had this to say:
Naomi, never feel badly about not making it to people's blogs. Real life comes first! I am sorry for your friends' losses and troubles.
Second, I love the clarity in your pictures. The smog took a day off!- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 2:39:00 AM PST
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Three more dear people to pray for and four counting you Oldoldlady of the hills.
There is certaily no lack of people that need to prayed for and I will pray for these.
I think I will make a little list of them and pray for them as I wait for my Dad in the hospital.
Bless you and thank you for what you have done for me...Terry
PS..If you are so busy with these dear ones and you and the hills can't come to your friend's blogs then the friends will come to the hills to just say howdy to you!
Chatty is surely right!- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 3:46:00 AM PST
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All my good thoughts and prayers go out to Seemah. Been there. Done that. It's never easy to lose a beloved spouse.
Although you can't rush around to look after your other friend physically, I know you'll do everything to rally the troops for her. We live in a world where older people are considered fair game for exploitation, and the medical business and the "protective" bureaucrats are usually the worst offenders.
If you can, find out what medication she has been given or took. Many times older peole are in a fog due to tranquillizers, antidepressants, allergy, blood pressure, etc. drugs. Pill piling (prescribing 8 or more drugs to counteract the side effects of the previous drug) is common. If this lady has any money, property (especially real estate) a pension or other income, she is in danger. She needs a good lawyer. There are actually people (elderhawks) who are in the business of using public records to find victims. Judges and law enforcement look the other way at their shenanigans, especially when they know the victim "has nobody". Medical records pass thru so many hands, a brisk trade has developed in referrals.
Sure, she needs help, but the big question is who (?) involved the county in this? It may sound cynical, but ask what financial (or grudge) benefit every person who had anything to do with it will reap.
At this point, it is very important to protect her personal posessions, or pets,
because old people give up and die if the things they hold dear are stripped away. A woman with her background will have items that start the saliva dripping down the canine teeth of greedy ebay-ers and swapmeeters.
Because you are such a wonderful tower of strength and have so much initiative and good sense, you'll be able to do a lot from your nerve center up on the hill. She's very lucky to have you.
It is a blessing that you have the sky and the sunset to draw upon, and the wisdom to go there to replentish your spirit
God bless all of you.- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 3:48:00 AM PST
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Naomi, I love beautiful sunsets and sunrises. TF will call me up when I am out and say, "Hey, take a look at the sunset". We went to Alcapulo a long time ago and I saw the most fabulous sunset that I had ever seen while we were there. Beautiful pictures!!!
So sorry to hear about your friends. It is hard to see someone you love suffer with death and illness. I suppose the older we get, the more we see it. It is all just part of life. Hang on to your hat and just help as much as you can. Don't worry about us, we're living life too....- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 4:25:00 AM PST
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I am sooooo sorry to hear of the losses and illness's of your friends Naomi. Life, as we age is not kind, it would be nice if there were more good help even when there are no definite answers. We come into the world needing 24/7 care, and often leave the same way. It would be nice to think the proper care and love would be there towards the end as it was in the beginning.
Big hugs to you, because I know you care and do all that you can. They are lucky to have you as a friend.- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 4:46:00 AM PST
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That is so sad about your friends. I will be sending healing thoughts your way for them and for you to deal with it.
I can't imagine seeing a sunset that goes on and on with the view you have. I feel comforted that above the city, the sky is empty and can't be developed. If it could be we would develop it.
Well I didn't mean to link to the headless chicken. Woowhoo I'm having an aura as I type (the stars you see with a migraine but I have no migraine). I meant to link about a very strange friendship and I fixed the link, so check it out sometime next time you visit.- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 5:46:00 AM PST
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The pictures are beautiful beyond words! Such beauty gives us hope, somehow...
So sorry to hear about your friends...Know that most of us, although I am speaking for myself, come over for our own selfish amusement because your blog is such a delightful place to visit, no return visits expected nor required (particularly when you are going through such hard times because of dear people to you) Sending positive thoughts to you and your troubled friends...- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 6:15:00 AM PST
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Your view is wonderful and I always enjoying seeing it when I visit your blog. I am sorry to hear about your friends going through these hard times now. I'm sure your being able to talk to them and being able to handle some things from your home is a comfort to them. You spirit is so uplifting and I'm sure they must feel that.
- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 6:27:00 AM PST
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Dear Naomi, first of all, I am very sorry to hear those sad news about three friends you love so much. My positive thoughts are with you.
Second, love those beautiful photos! I think they could bring to you a bit of comfort. Many hugs!- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 6:56:00 AM PST
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Hi Naomi, I figured if anybody has something of substance to say about my latest post, it would be you. Would love you to come over when you have a chance! xx
- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 7:10:00 AM PST
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p.s. I'm running out to a doctor's appointment but will be back to read you, I see there have been some sad events...
- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 7:11:00 AM PST
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Naommi, do not apologize for not visiting, with all you have on your plate right now. I am so sorry about your friends and their problems. They are so lucky to have you as a caring friend.
Your sunset views are wonderful - better than television!! No wonder you don't get bored with them.- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 7:37:00 AM PST
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Naomi I am so sorry you and your friends are going through all this. Bless your heart, it is good you can be there to support them through these trying times. I'll remember you guys in my prayers.
Beautiful pictures...the sky is almost on fire.
Also I tagged you today but it is a very easy meme about what you have in your life that you never imagined at 25 you would...I thought you'd have some good answers to that one.- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 8:11:00 AM PST
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Naomi, I love the fact that you have that wonderful view to bring you joy and peace.
So sorry to hear that your friends are struggling. My thoughts are with you and with them.
May you have the peace and clarity to make the decisions that you need to make.- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 9:59:00 AM PST
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You have a view and a sunset that do inspire you to share. Right? Like most artists.
You should not excuse yourself for caring and loving your friends and "artist family". We, your blogfriends, are just lucky to be allowed into your sphere. That's very overwhelming sometimes. And exciting. As a true Viking, I must say so.
btw. I have not posted anything today, due to the terrible fact my photos from the trip over Rio de la Plate "vanished" - I did work with until about 6 am. So to day, i did work from home - wireless in bed.- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 1:28:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
You should never feel bad about not visiting everyone all the time Naomi! We know you hare a dear and warm hearted friend and all of us understand that you are busy elsewhere from time to time!
I'm sooooo sorry to hear about your friends' losses and struggles dear!
Thanks also for taking us with on this Lovely early January treat - I do understand that you never get bored of this lovely view :-)- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 1:47:00 PM PST
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How could people say that to you?? Bored with the view?? No, Never. I *heart* the view from your place - it is truly amazing...
I am one for sunsets/sunrises. It changes so quickly and to capture them you have to work pretty quickly because it changes so quickly...
I'm so sorry to hear about your friends. Let the blog and blog visiting take a back seat and do what you have to. We'll always be here...- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 1:56:00 PM PST
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Naomi - your pictures are beautiful ! I haven't seen L.A. so pretty since 1960 :) Clear weather really does amazing things... What would it be like if no-one drove - or flew - would we see this ALL the time ?
As for your 3 friends. What you have described is three different tragedies. My heart goes out to them - and to you.
The loss of a spouse, the loss of health, the loss of vitality and needing constant care. Words indeed are not enough for some of the sadnesses people experience as they age.- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 2:04:00 PM PST
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I'm sorry to hear all this is happening to three people you care about. You seem to be doing all you can on your end, and a solution is right around the corner for your third friend. I am praying for all of them.
If only you could share your January sunset with these women.
The pictures are beautiful.- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 3:33:00 PM PST
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I'm so sorry for all the trauma in your life right now. I know you must feel frustrated not being able to do more, but remember, you're doing everything you can. Focus on your friends and how you can be there for them. Your blog friends understand and will patiently await your return if you need to be "quiet" for awhile.
- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 5:48:00 PM PST
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lovely photographs, dear friends, sad times, even knowing there will be other beautiful sunsets down the road to gladden our hearts.
- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 6:15:00 PM PST
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I'm truly sorry about your anguish for your dear friends. The sunset pictures were beautiful. I'm glad that in this time of sorrow nature provides you with some relief for your soul. You deserve it.
- Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 11:40:00 PM PST
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Thank you for sharing the pictures of your wonderful view with us, it is truly inspiring!!
I am so very sorry to hear about the path you are walking at the moment, it is so difficult trying to deal with this kind of thing (and here I am talking about your friend who has been hospitalised) - I have seen similar things happen with many of my parents friends, and fear the day when it may happen to them, as I'm sure you know. So I understand how helpless and frustrated you must feel, but also how strong and determined. I hope things go as best they can, I really do. And strength too to your dear friend Seemah Wilder, I cannot imagine how she must be feeling, and your friend diagnosed with cancer, how awful, I hope she finds strength and hope also.
Hugs to you, I am thinking of you.- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 12:34:00 AM PST
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I am so sad to hear the news about your friends. It is always hard to see people you love struggle against adverdity, whether it be loss or ill health. I send thoughts and prayers for you and your dear friends and I hope for the best possible outcome for your friend.
I loved your photo's (but then you know how much I love them!) and that sunset looks like it would have been truly breathtaking to have actually been there and seen it. I love the sky where it shows through 'your trees' on the hillside. I really think people who say you can get bored with a view like yours are missing out on a piece of their soul. It is spectacular!- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 1:32:00 AM PST
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Naomi, your pictures are beautiful...and so are you...inside...where it matters most. I see it every time you share. Remember that you are not alone..ever. And this is a time when you need to be hugged. And this is mine. Love, Bud
- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 2:26:00 AM PST
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Hi Naomi. I was popping through at Micheles and she directed me here again so I have been able to enjoy your wonderful sunset pictures all over again. So, if I can enjoy your pictures more than once then there is no way you can ever get tired of that ever changing view!
Sending you hugs from the UK.- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 10:49:00 AM PST
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Wow, your sunsets are beautiful metaphors for the situation you then described with three of your friends facing end of life issues. We all get there and it's not easy for so many and for those who love them even harder. I just watched 'Away from Her' which you probably saw and it's so powerful with this confusion and pain in dealing with how our own ends come. No answers but the sunsets say it all
- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 10:58:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
I'm sorry you are having such a hard time right now.
You have wonderful friends and they have you - all are lucky but life does break your heart doesn't it?
Enjoy your sunsets and your friends - I know you are helping them all a great deal - don't be down on yourself - be happy you can give such wonderful support@- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 2:43:00 PM PST
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I would never tire of a view like that either. Simply gorgeous!
I am sorry to hear of the sadness in your life. I have some friends who are very close that have lost a loved one as well. It was an accidental pool drowning of a 2 1/2 year old little girl on New Years Day. The family is in shock and a community of friends doesn't know what to do - yet some still try even though they are making matters worse. Sad.
Michele sent me,
Mike- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 2:50:00 PM PST
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The sunset is lovely Naomi! As pretty as they are it seems that it's hard to get that same look with the camera that the eye sees. I have that problem with some sunset pictures I have posted. The pictures just don't do them justice.
So sorry about your friends. I know that is so hard but you are being a good friend by helping all you can and being there for them. I will keep you all in my prayers.- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 4:17:00 PM PST
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I am so sorry to hear about your friends, know that I will keep them in my thoughts.
Beautiful pictures! With school back in I don't actually make it out of the theatre in time to see some of our amazing sunsets.- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 4:40:00 PM PST
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Tough for them; just as tough for you. Best of luck, Lady.
- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 4:43:00 PM PST
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I'm sorry for what you and your friends are going through.
- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 5:53:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
You're the last person on the planet who needs to apologize for anything, Naomi. I often say that life gets in the way at the most inconvenient times, in the most inconvenient way. That you are there for your friends who are suffering so much speaks volumes about the soul that you are.
Blogs are mere forums for words. The real world, however, is a canvas where actual people live life. Good, bad, pretty or ugly, it all happens out there. Sometimes, we need to be out there more than we need to share here. I feel better knowing you're there for the people who need you most.
I only wish we could be there for you in the same way.- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 6:51:00 PM PST
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Naomi, thank you for the lovely sunsets! I don't know if those colors even make it across the Mississippi River to the DC area, lol. How poignant to have them in juxtaposition with the news of your friends and their challenges. Happy new year from Michele and me :)
- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 6:55:00 PM PST
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The contrast of the majestic skies and the difficulties of people around you made me think of when the same day Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Robert F. Kennedy had to address a crowd in Indianapolis which was unaware of what happened.
I believe his speech to be one of the great extemporaneous speeches of modern history.
Kennedy quoted to a largely black audience the Greek Poet Aeschylus. "Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will.comes through the awful grace of God."
God's grace is not just beauty and light. Sometimes it is awful. But every time we make it through, we are made stronger, like iron forged into steel.
Stay strong and may God be with you in this difficult time. May you may have the Wisdom of Solomon and the strength of Hercules.- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 7:22:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
I suppose Michele sent me here to give you lots of hugs. It is tough on you just a it tough on your friends. They are lucky to have a caring friend like you. I pray for them.
You don't forget to take care of yourself..
{{{{{HUGS}}}}}- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 8:56:00 PM PST
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Naomi, thanks for the visit. That chair in the photo is sold at Brookstone (in most malls). I just go*gled "Brookstone massage chairs" (images) and that chair was among what came up. You'd love it!
Thanks for the names; I laughed out loud! I'd love to hear more. Rue McClanahan also keeps a list of names, I was told.- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 9:17:00 PM PST
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This is my first time to visit (from Michelle's)...
But just to add my two cents....so sorry to hear about your friends. Like many have said, friends and family take priority....be strong and be true to yourself and your friends. Blogging is a great vent but nothing to feel guilty about!
BTW, LOVE the sunsets!- Friday, January 11, 2008 at 9:41:00 PM PST
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Dear Naomi.
I was wondering....To get to your blog, I visit Minerva, and then hop over from her blog to get to Crazie Queen where I find a post that has your blog comment in it and then I hop right over here.
Would you mind if I put your name on my favourite links?
It would take a little less time that way and I will have you right at my fingertips.
Not that it will mean I won't be visiting Minerva or CQ any less!...
from Terry- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 1:11:00 AM PST
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You are such a kind and compassionate person and these three friends are very fortunate to have you in their life, as I am.
Just make sure you take care of YOU in the process of looking out for them.
Slow down and take it easy, Naomi. Your blogging world will always be here waiting for you.
Hugs,
Terri
http://www.islandwriter.net- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 11:31:00 AM PST
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The sunset pics are indeed breathtaking.
I'm so sorry for all the troubles you are facing lately.
Grief and sadness are all around you at the start of 2008, and I hope you've been able to handle it okay.
I know you must have felt incredibly anxious and nearly helpless at times. Like you said, you have your own limitations which then limit your ability to be as hands on and maybe you'd like in trying to help your dear friend.
Both my Gramillo and my FIL died from Multiple Myeloma. My FIL lived for several years after being diganosed because the care and knowledge about this cancer has increased in recent years.
I hope your friend's cancer is able to be managed and controlled. It all depends on how far along the cancer was when diagnosed. I am so sorry for your friend and for you as you are having to see her go through this terrible ordeal.
I pray for all of you that love will be able to soothe and comfort during these truly awful times.
I also pray that into your 2008 there will soon be some rays of sunshine to brighten your days. I know that with aging comes the fact of having to face death of loved ones and illnesses and other unavoidable things, but a person always looks and hopes for good things to happen even in the midst of the bad. I pray you'll find some joy in some small and unexpected ways. You have brought joy to many and you continue to do so, so I pray with all my heart that you will in turn be uplifted and encouraged.- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 6:32:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Such beautiful sunset pictures. And I'm so sorry to hear about your sadness and the sadness of your friends. I'll be keeping you (and them) in my thoughts.
- Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 10:38:00 PM PST
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I am so sorry to hear about your friends and their illnesses and Seelah's loss :(
Thoughts and prayers going out to all of you.- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 2:16:00 AM PST
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Oh, honey, I'm so sorry about your friend. That makes me so sad for you and for her. But thank you for sharing about it, because I know where to focus my thoughts and prayers for you this week.
Also, thank you for sharing your beautiful sunset. Your "view" pictures always make me so happy! :) So see, even when you're down, you're making others happy. :)- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 4:02:00 PM PST
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Such beautiful photos Naomi. You know I was thinking while reading about your friend's and their health problems and all the sorrow and frustration that accompanies it all.......sometimes it makes the sunsets that much more brilliant because of the contrast.
I do believe that there are times when we are given a gift from the cosmos as a way to help take a moment to breathe in the middle of whatever serious stuff we are dealing with.
This past week, I used the term "moment of gladness" which i had found in a book I had read......we seek them out as touchtstones that ground us when all hell is breaking loose all around us.
always take the time to enjoy God's skyline twilight shows. :)- Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 5:44:00 PM PST
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Oh, those may be your most beautiful sunset city photos yet, Naomi. The Color!
And I'm so sorry to hear about your 3 friends. And sorry to hear that you are dealing with all 3 at once. It has to feel like such a burden all at once, and at the same time, so little you can do other than be the stellar friend that you are. Sending good thoughts your way.
~S- Monday, January 14, 2008 at 12:14:00 PM PST
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beautiful sunset! i'm a lover of sunsets for sure.
bless your beautiful heart for being there for your friends and truly caring for them. i will keep you, and them, in my thoughts and prayers.- Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 10:52:00 PM PST
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I'm so sorry for the sadness in your friend's lives. Sometimes things are just so overwhelming, words do no good. You are in my thoughts.
- Friday, January 18, 2008 at 11:25:00 PM PST
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