Lesson 559: Keep Moving Forward

Good evening, Readers.

It's a cold fall evening,

but we are aglow here at the Lamp Post.

We sat together tonight

 and recalled happy memories of our dear Uncle John.

He passed away peacefully at the age of 92 this week.

This image is my favorite capture of Uncle John,

my dad's brother from Cleveland.

Although I love shadow photos,

I cannot claim this one.

This was the cover of the Living Section

of the Cleveland Plain Dealer on November 5, 2008.

I'll forever remember him with is pipe,

taking a puff

then pausing a few seconds in thoughtful reflection

 before he ever expressed himself in words.

I'll miss the most the way he would greet my dad

each year when they would see each other.

"Helloooooo there, Brother!" 

A nature lover at heart,

Uncle John would have approved of the Erie skies on the evening of his passing.

It almost felt like he ordered them up for us.

Rest in peace, Uncle John.

Uncle John's passing happened

minutes before a new baby was born into the family.

As we welcomed baby Henry,

it reminded me how we are always in a state of constant change.

You can't resist it,

so you might as well ride the waves.

Even if you are in a rough spot,

know that the waters always settle down.

We went away to the woods last weekend,

and change was evident there.

The leaves were very different this year.

By mid October, 

the forest is usually bursting with oranges and reds.

A late spring,

and some bad storms with high winds,

took many of the leaves down,

but the green ones are left,

making for an unusual 

but beautiful display of browns and yellow-greens.

Life keeps moving forward.

Always be mindful to stay in the moment.

Don't miss the joys of witnessing a baby

see horses for the first time.

Take time to be present

and observe animals.

We have a lot to learn from them.

Learn to love the black sheep of your family,

and the ass.

If you get a chance to make a drive down to the Farmer's Inn

in Sigel, PA,

please do.

They are closed in the winter,

so call before you go to make sure they are open.

They have a great family restaurant,

gift shops,

and lots for the kids to do.

Hazel loved it, too!

I never thought I'd be ready to love another dog 

just two months after Josie's passing,

but I was wrong.

Josie would want us to keep moving forward.

Hazel spends lots of time sleeping.

riding in the car,

and being loved up by the family.

And when she's not doing those things,

she's up to no good.

Shoes are currently her favorite chew toy.

She likes to wrestle with her sister Opal.

My friend Amy made these blankets for them.

Embroidery is making a come back.

Call me if you need anything embroidered for Christmas

and I'll give you her number.

Today's lesson inspiration came from our Clark and Klein School

art teacher, Melanie Damon.

This clever wall display resonated with me this week.

I hope it does with you, too.

Stop and savor the moments of your weekend.

Eloise