My hat is off to this idea!

May we live that long.

It's not Ted's fault Crystal.

Long?



or Short?

Choose your preference or add another of your own.

I prefer The Spoon.

Hello Annie.
I am not from your part of the world. Summer is over but I am sure there is much to do.

Perhaps skydiving is in order for you?
Perfectly senseless and exciting at the same time.
Your kids will call you crazy.
Maybe it will remind you of being a kid yourself?

I was in the archives and came across this thread.

I think we need to have compassion and understanding for all the parents out there with separated houses. Holidays can carry a lot emotions.

Single Parents

Welcome. Cool photo!

1. doesn't mean I cannot be loved
2. doesn't mean I won't be loved

From the moment my child was conceived I have had a bond. I have an ultrasound video of them in the womb. I can see them suckling and moving in that video. I later played it for them to see and understand where they came from.

During the pregnancy, I talked to my child. I felt them move against their mother's tummy and read stories to them.

During labor, I was there for all 46 hours holding their mother's hand and providing comfort and support. I bought a balloon and birthday card from a 24 hour Walgreens just after childbirth. We sang Happy Birthday to them in the wee hours of the morning. I slept on a folding couch for 2 days after to be near them while they remained in the hospital

There was a separation during infancy that left me and my child in emotional torment. I continued to focus on their importance in my life and never wavered in my love or commitment despite numerous challenges.

I feel all the emotions of my child. I feel their pain when they find themselves in difficult circumstances. I give of myself for their success constantly.

My child has grown up and no longer needs my constant attention. The learning from me is ongoing but I no longer teach them. When they go to school, they must choose and take care of themselves. My place now is to guide them. Yet, we are still close. The connection will always remain for me.

My love remains unconditional.

Do these words answer your questions?

Here is the photo I took of the full eclipse. Note that the top of the moon is brighter. That is because the moon passed through the earth's shadow towards the outer edge.

I see that some of you are enjoying these photos. I appreciate being able to present my art and interest together.

Sorry to hear you're missing the view my friends. I am so lucky for no fog in an Francisco tonight. Just occasional high clouds.

You see my profile photo now as most of the shadow is passing over the moon. In about 30 minutes we will have full eclipse.

The eclipse is well under way now. We are into the P1 phase. I see more than half the moon darkened here.

The peak is in about 1 hour 20 minutes (1158 UTC).

Anyone else out there watching?

Lunar eclipse begins in about 30 minutes.
Total eclipse begins at 1158 utc. Lasts only about 5 minutes.
I will be photographing.

Hey (((mikey))). I found another one!





Let's see 928 posts and 18661 views against 483 posts and 10460 views for the under 30 crowd. This thread is outright winning for sure.

I see (((mikey))).

I'm doin' my part to keep hope alive.

Threads away!!

This weekend begins the Qingming festival. It is also known as Tomb Sweeping Day. Other common translations include Chinese Memorial Day and Ancestors' Day.

On Sunday April 5 is the actual day though the celebration takes place on April 4 through April 6, 2015. The dates of this may vary for expatriates as a result of the migrations of the Chinese peoples across Asia and North America.

Families make traditional colorful glutinous (sticky) rice dishes with the color materials coming from tree leaves. There are 5 colors of white, black, red, yellow and purple to give a wonderful appearance.



There is much mystery surrounding the origins of the festival. Various origins are described though some are rooted in the culture of the local communities as opposed to the country of China.

The Chinese name suggests a time for people to go outside and enjoy the greenery of springtime. On Sunday, people will go on family outings and sing, and dance. The date follows the advent of Spring.

For some it is a time to go to their ancestor's tomb on the mountain. They will give some flowers and cut the grass. It's also for the memory of the dead ancestors and to pray to them. Some will burn ceremonial paper to honor their ancestors as well.

The holiday also has a significance for Chinese tea enthusiasts. Tea harvested prior to the holiday is considered more valuable and prized for the subtlety of the flavors.