A Personal Moment

Good morning all.

I've been called "Liz Taylor" in these parts.  But, I've since learned to keep my mouth shut regarding the quantity of relationships I've experienced.

And, today, I am free to say I've notched another one. Yep! That's right!  Another relationship gone South for good.  Does it sound like I'm bragging?  Well, I'm not. I'm just a bit overwhelmed with my history of relationships!!

I've experienced 8 serious relationships with those I would have gladly married or did marry (4 of them said yes).  This last one (no..we weren't married whew! makes breaking up a whole lot easier) is the hardest break up for a few reasons.

1. We were together 9 1/2 years, living together 9 years April 1.  That's a long time in any one's book, but the longest I have ever been with someone. I've experienced breaking up many times, and I can truly say that it does feel like "death".  And, it is a death of some sort as dreams, goals, like-mindedness, and partnership are gone just like that; they die. And, that's the crying part.

2.  I'm 55 this Sunday.  Who wants to spend the rest of their life alone?  Okay, I'm 55 not 85; but after so many break ups, I'm thinking I do not want to do this again. So, yes, spend the rest of my life alone.  The argument here is to take it one step (day, hour, minute sometimes) at a time. But, when I start feeling sad, this creeps up on me.

3.  Two years ago, the problems began. I wasted two years hoping, working, striving, and concentrating on change, but, it didn't happen.  In fact, you may use the word escalation and be completely correct.  What stayed my hand was the circumstance. I own the house, and he came here with nothing but his clothes and personal stuff, like fishing rods and such. If it had been reversed, I would have left him 2 years ago. But, it is harder to tell someone else to leave when they have no where else to go.

4. And, last it could have been avoided.  My first born says to me one day, "You have to want something more than the addiction to beat the addiction."  I'm convinced after two years, my partner does not want me, our relationship, nor his family more than the addiction. He is strong willed and beat it for 6 years until one day a couple of years ago. Now, it seems he cannot keep away from it. I know not what else to do for my own peace and the example set for my second born.

So, thanks for letting me spill it all. I'm not usually for baring my soul, but it seems this is a catalyst to emptying myself of some of the pain.  ~kathleen

Art in Nature Photographer - Laurie Ryan

Good morning all.

It was my fortune to run across this fellow Etsian a few weeks ago. We discussed a feeling we had in common and then begin talking trade. She makes the most exquisite note cards from her photographs.  I enjoy using note cards very much, and it was a pleasure doing business with her from beginning to end. I asked her if I may interview her for my blog, and she agreed.  Here are her words:

1.  What is your product? Tell us exactly what you are offering us?

Photographs, they capture the beauty of nature and all her creatures. My images are sold as art work to be framed and hung on the wall for decorations.

2.  When did you begin and what inspired you to this end?

 I think I was born with a camera in my hand LOL but have been using a 35mm camera now for over 30 years went public in 2001

3.  Where do you work most? Out in the field or in the home. Is editing a part of your work?

I take the images out doors in beautiful settings, I market here at home. most of my editing just involves cropping

4.  How is it going?  What is different today from the visions you had when you began.

I think it is going ok, I had to stop doing shows to care for a diabetic dog and that cut my sales pretty bad but success isn't always messured in sales IMHO

5.  Why do you do it?

I love photography always have and I have a strong love to our Mother Earth

Photography is what keeps me going each day, I have a bad back and need to walk everyday and carrying a camera just adds to the fun of walking

You may enjoy note cards, too, as well as or maybe instead beautiful pictures framed around your home.  I'm sure she would enjoy your visits, too.

Thank you, Laurie, and thank you all again for taking the time to read me.~kathleen