This time of year

is not an easy time for me. In the past week its been a time of reflection and sadness. My wonderful Mother in Law (who was to be an ex-in-law in the coming months); and was more of a loving mother to me than any in-law would be, she past away 9 days ago. A few days before that it was the 1 yr anniversary of my father's passing, and a few days before that it was my long time best friend's birthday (he died on 9/11).

So, for the past 2 weeks I've been dealing with grief while being the stoic, keeping a brave face while handling memorial rituals. In tidying up yesterday I came across the mother's day gift I had bought for my mother in law and just began balling. It was the cathartic cry I needed to be on the road to healing.

So while I heal I'll give you pretty picture to look at of where I grew up. I'm so in need of hanging out at the beach. I pray the cold temps give way to a few days of hot warm sunshine 'cause when it does I'm taking off from work, grabbing my son and building enough sandcastles to last me a life time.

I'll be back when my spirits improve.