First Things First

If you are a regular visitor to my homepage then you are familiar with the fact that I usually have some sort of update on the first of each month.  So much has happened in the last 3+ years, but I've always found the time to write something, to edit some pictures, and basically have a nice update.

However, this month I can't do my usual round of updates.  I'm certainly not in the mood to write.  If you don't already know, my Grandmother is suffering from stomach cancer.  As I write this paragraph it is Sunday January 30th.  She is not well, and I fear that the worse is closing in on her.  But perhaps it isn't the worse, because I suspect that she is suffering pain.  She never complains, but her condition seems to only get worse.

So I've been spending as much time with her in her room.  The want to write is gone right now.  I'm too tired.  I'm forcing myself to write this, because I feel I need to, for my own good, and to explain things.

I'm not even sure that anyone reads the things I write here, but I'm assuming someone does.  As far as updates, the Motel section of has a couple of new sets of pictures.  The other two sections do not get an update this month.  There are also a new feature in the Serials section of American Bliss called Snapshots.  It's a good read.

Afterthoughts : My Grandmother

My Grandmother died on Monday January 31st.  She survived 82 years on this earth, but lost her final battle, that with cancer.

Devastated isn't a strong enough word to describe my feelings at this point.  My Grandma wasn't just my Grandmother, she was my second mother, and my best friend.  I'm losing three people.  I hoped that this day would never come, but I knew that it would.  And recently, I prepared myself for the worse.  When the worse came I made my peace with it.

I had my Grandmother in my life during my whole life.  She literally raised me since the time I was a baby.  As I said before, she was also my best friend.  Our relationship was more of a son and mother.  I found her to be generous to a fault, and very opinionated.  I certainly inherited my own opinionated leanings from her.  She was never afraid of anything, and always faced life with her chin up.  She fought the cancer hard, but it was too much of a fight.

She has shown me what it is to be a good person.  She has taught me so much, and now I will use that knowledge for the rest of my life.

Etcetera : Donations

You ever go to a museum and you see a suggested donation sign that basically asks, "If you enjoyed your experience, we hope you donate a little cash."  Basically that's what I'm asking here.  If you enjoyed what you saw on my site, drop a dollar in the "Tips" jar.  Thanks.