Random thoughts...

*My neighbor has wild red hair. He likes to step outside in his panties. He wears the fruit of the loom type. Hmm... sort of an odd duck, really. I often wonder what his story is. Well, not that often. ;)

*The perfect man: the heart of Pablo Neruda, the hands of Cornoyer, the laughter of Johnny Knoxville, and the ability to bring me to my knees.

*Within my Grandmum’s closet lies an abandoned box. Its edges tattered from yearly hands that would open it eagerly, displaying stacks of old photographs – some of places she had traveled, some of us children, the rest various faces that have long since faded into bits of gray.

They’ve curved and fanned of their own accord, matured well-pocketed with laughter and season. I can make out my Grandmum in one of the photos – she’s holding an toddler with a broad smile and tiny ringlets… I identify the features at once and smile to myself. (I was such a blissful child).

The expressions on our faces lodge themselves to my chest - I recall the day she first pulled it from the box; she called me into the dusty old room that was overwhelming in the scent of lavender. She sat me beside the container and whispered to me, “Hush, my love, I want to show you my favorite granddaughter.”

She held that same photograph in her elderly fingers, kissed me on the forehead, and began to share other photos and stories. My Grandmum held a soft accent and a few strands of hair from her eyes as she told me of family values and the significance of love. We were close and if I were older, I might of known what she meant.

I cannot remember what happened next, but I do recall going with my mum to place flora beside stone at the age of seven – my mother somber, clutching my hand tightly, she prayed quietly for over an hour . And as I sit in that same spot, clutching rosary beads my mum had given me, I begin to weep - the snapshot, uncomfortable and cumbersome by my side.

an Autumn image from the lens of my camera... for you. I wanted to wish you a wonderful weekend, and I wanted to say that I appreciate you, love your friendship, and your warm hearts. xo Cher