Well, that was a hebdomas horribilis: overwhelmed with work responsibilities, including two event-attending evenings that stretched my days to 12 and 14 working hours long, I also chipped a front tooth (thus complicating this week’s time management: how will I find time to fit in a dentist appointment?!). Further, upset at finding my old Golden very sick as I headed to work Thursday morning, I managed to leave my purse behind in the basket of my bike, parked down by our ferry — I didn’t realize this ’til I got into the car on the other side, too late to manage any retrieval, not even sure where I’d misplaced thatfavourite bag. Thank goodness my neighbour came to my rescue, first checking my house for me, then driving down to spot my purse sitting right out in the open, neglected and ready for rescue.
Of course the worst part of the week was the tough decision to let our old girl go, and I thank you all so much for your supportive, sympathetic, and thoughtful comments about that loss. Tears and tears and tears were shed, and I wasn’t sure I had the energy to overcome my sadness and head over to Vancouver. But Pater convinced me Saturday morning that a visit with Nola followed by a night at the opera might be just the distraction we needed and I’m glad I listened. I’ll tell you more about the opera next post, but meanwhile, check out these photos featuring Nola. I love the photo above — when I look at it, my gaze meets the amazing energy of my daughter’s loving gaze being reciprocated by her daughter; this replenishes my spirit so powerfully.
And here is the Tulip CardiganI knit for my little girl — luckily there are still several months’ wear left in it, but she’s growing quickly. My son-in-law jokes about her having my Dad’s ears — luckily, once it grows in, she’ll be able to style her hair to soften their effect. We think she’s very beautiful, ears and all, and I’m sure you all agree! More importantly, she’s full of character, and it’s becoming more obvious by the week. And she’s transforming my weeks from the horribilis kind to the mirabilis.
Hooray for Nola! She looks gorgeous in that sweater. I love her little sly Mona Lisa smile in that one pic.
There’s nothing like a baby to brighten one’s day!
I’m glad my little shout out gave you a smile. You are free to do as you like with it, or nothing at all.
Pseu: It is Mona Lisa-like, isn’t it? Girl’s getting ready for Paris!
Nancy: yes, you did make me smile, you and Nola both — thank you!
That is a beautiful sweater. You are so talented. I am so sorry to hear about your dog. You know how I love my animals. It is so painful. I have had to do this several times with my cats. My heart goes out to you. Just try to remember the love and good life you gave her that she might not have had with someone else. Give Nola extra hugs and maybe that will help.
I can’t get enough of her nose.
I agree with the nose, Nola always looks so content.
I once many years ago left my purse in a tiny French village phone box, I spoke very little French but had to try and persuade a local farmer to drive me back and get it, in the middle of a massive thunderstorm. He thought I was mad, but it was still there!
Stress does terrible things to our memory.
More adorable by the day, if possible! About ears: One of my sons had the most enormous ears that stuck out like open car doors. On a sunny day, sunlight shone through them like large stained glass windows. In his teens he grew into them, and this happens all the time. If it’s simply too much they can be pinned back. (My brother, a surgeon, offered to do it.)
Goodness, what a week. I’m so sorry for your loss. Animals are the magic spirits of our homes, and I feel their absence more than their presence, sometimes! And I just hate it when things get crazy and I do stupid stuff like leave my purse or get a speeding ticket. Luckily, attorney husband can take care of those. He is very sweet, and gives me a stern look followed by a sympathetic gripe about officers of the law.
When I was pregnant with the guys, we had to have our 14 yo black cat, Frances, put to sleep. Irene came with us for the experience, then we all went for ice cream. On the way home, she said, “Can we get another cat? Like Franny?” And I said, “not now honey,” thinking, goodness, I’m having my own litter in the fall!
Gadzooks, I didn’t think about the name until now! But I thought it was a nice echo of how kids can soften the blows. All best.
Thanks, Julianne. It’s tough to get used to the absence, but you’re right that hugging Nola helps.
Thom, Alison: It’s a good nose, isn’t it!
Alison: Yes, there are days when I feel I’d be safer staying at home, when stress plays absolute havoc with memory, habits, etc.,
Duchesse: Love the image of the stained glass ears. My dad’s were, similarly, only noticeable in his childhood photos, so we assume Nola’s will take on appropriate proportions before long.
Dana: Yes, kids do soften blows — or at the very least, they offer perspective.
What a cutie!
that photo of Bronwen and Nola gazing at each other brought tears to my eyes. I just can’t wait to meet her…
The first photo of Nola and Bronwen, so beautiful. And your sweater is also gorgeous, as well as that sly almost knowing smile on the recipient. Sorry you had an epically upsetting week, and so happy that you have those little eyes and that little face to gaze upon.
Thanks, Mardel — I do love that photo!