Looking at the sky on Friday ~ Nine Eleven (14)

Usually on Friday I participate in Tisha’s photography meme, “Looking at the sky on Friday” by posting a photo I have taken.  This Friday…being 11 September, I am thinking of what it must have been like to look up at the sky as our nation, and our way of life, was under attack.  Or to be looking out of a window at the top of The World Trade Center, with the building burning up towards you.

If you have an hour or so, I suggest taking the time to watch this powerful film “The Falling Man” which documents the search for the identity of one of the victims of The World Trade Center attack.  Although it was not who they initially thought it was, the painful process eventually did bring closure for more than one family.  Several times I found myself reaching out to touch the screen while I watched it.

In the movie one of the researchers speaks of the reasons to look at these images…accept the witness of these images…and to discuss them.  The sister of the man who is believed to be the “Falling Man” speaks to not only finding out who he is…but who we are as well.

You can find the youtube link by clicking here.

a thank you, a shout out, and a hat tip

Tomorrow I’ll recap the trip to Portland…but today I wanted to send out a personal post of triple thanks.

Thank you for your encouragement.
Thank you for the presents.
Thank you for the recipe.

Earlier this week on my morning walk through the harbor, I came upon a dramatically tragic scene.  David of authorblog has encouraged my photography and taught me the value of always having the camera with me.  There weren’t many people around…and I was the only person with a camera who was not with law enforcement.

Subsequently the local paper used my photographs on line and in print.  I asked that my name not be used…not because I am humble…but I didn’t want to come up on some google search associated with this particular circumstance.  The news guy has expressed interest in using other photographs I may have.

While I was getting ready to put together this post…I found out David had gifted me with his Post Of The Day for “the fathers”.  I am honored for the acknowledgment…and I love meeting the new people who surf over from his site.  I have found many weblogs via his POTD choices as well. 

David  is not only a professional photographer,  published novelist, and rather prolific blogger…he is a very encouraging mentor to many of us out here in the world wide weblog world.  Thank you David.  

I also want to give a shout out to Dana at Amid Life’s Crises.  I have participated in three weblog book drawings recently.  I actually won at Dana’s!!  Not only did she send “UnCommon“  by Tony Dungy…she also included a really cute bookmark…and a READING LIGHT which I absolutely love.  Dana is a strong intelligent woman who is in the midst of some major life choices.  Her battles on behalf of her son and herself are frequently heart tugging…and always thought provoking.  Thank you Dana!

Last but not least…a quick hat tip to Hammer.  His irreverent and edgy posts are a cover for a great father and husband….and what seems to be an amazing man in the kitchen.  I have a dear friend from my past in town this week…so I tried Hammer’s  most recent recipe for “Baked Potato Soup” tonight…and it was a HIT !   I will definitely make it again.  The first time I used one of his recipes was almost exactly a year ago he gave out his Vidalia Onion Dip.  I have made this for parties and potlucks several times to rave reviews. Thanks Hammer.

These are just a few reasons why I am very grateful for the weblog world!

better Nate than Lever

My intention has been to play around with my template ...maybe adding a third column or something....and be proudly displaying some of the badges which I have been graciously bestowed. My intention has yet to come to fruition. I figure I just best get on with it. In addition, I want to call your attention to a couple upcoming events and encourage you to participate as the spirit moves you.

I am a MoFo. Morgen makes me laugh with his Blog postings...and Blogtalk radio show. The pictures he posts make me hot. Mo has a golden heart and is well loved by a vast spectrum of the Blogosphere. I am glad that I could make him smile when he needed the distraction.

The "Nice Matters" award from Barb brought an almost embarrassed chuckle to my mouth. I have often admitted that I really try to be a good person....but I am not always a nice person. You may know I admire Barb greatly for her strength and perseverance...and enjoy her blog for countless reasons.

In the past few months I have stumbled upon posts relating personal experiences of Child Abuse. I have read stories of healing, remembrances of pain, and just the briefest mention of a past experience. These posts are written by blogmates that many of you and I read every day. If anyone ever abused one of my children, there would be swift and effective retribution. My only hope is that I would be able to hold myself in check to make the punishment long, painful, and permanent. In the next couple of weeks I will remind you about this upcoming Blog Event.