Holding onto Poplar Bluff

[vaneramos]

Marian, this morning at Poplar Bluff






Brenna


At Poplar Bluff light falls into my eyes and they are full. In August I have watched the setting sun angle across lush grass and thought there could be nothing more beautiful than that glow. But it is rivalled by the silver lustre of March sun across shattered ice packs on the nearby Lake Erie shore.

Mom confided recently that my eldest brother told them they should sell the house and simplify their lives. He didn't grow up there like I did. I understand their endless infatuation with the place. I hope they stay fit enough for many years to keep up with the yard work. I don't see it straining them yet. Why shouldn't they continue working as long as possible at something that makes them happy?

I am a creative person. Work, rest and play blend together. Writing is not much different from looking after a couple acres of lawn and garden the way my parents do.

I have seen accomplished writers retire from their craft. They reach the end of struggling and realize they don't have to anymore.

Maybe the same will happen to me someday. For now I can't imagine ever wanting to stop this expression.

Comments

[rfmcdpei.livejournal.com]

It was wonderful to see Marian and Brenna again, and V. quite enjoyed your daughters, too.

On your main subject, I just write because I want to write.

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

best reason in the world to write.
moving on is something your folks
should decide for themselves. lovely
to see Marian and
Brenna.~paul

[detailbear.livejournal.com]

For now I can't imagine ever wanting to stop this expression.

Nor would we want you to.

I don't comment often, but I do enjoy your observations.

HUGS.

[mylastsigh.livejournal.com]

beautiful images and words

[ubermunkey.livejournal.com]

greatness Van
really lovely images

be well

[noveldevice.livejournal.com]

Brenna is getting so big!

What beautiful photos. :)

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I don't want to write, but from experience I've learned to keep doing it anyway. It pays off in the long run.

It was a pleasure meeting V. He seems like a great guy.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your words, Paul. As I said to my mom, there will come a time when the place becomes too much for them to manage, but they might as well enjoy it as long as they can.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Actually, you're a more faithful commentor than me. I do appreciate the feedback.

Looking forward to seeing you on April 23, if you're still planning to come to the concert. If you want to come down for lunch, you could keep Danny company while I go early to the warmup. I have an extra futon in the living room if you would like to stay over Saturday night.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Bruce. I thought you might like these photos.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

We were having some fun. The girls really get into the picture taking thing sometimes!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yes, she is. A little slower than Marian, but will outgrow her I think. And developing a style all her own!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, it was an awesome morning!

[poetbear.livejournal.com]

sure. and it's their decision.
i especially relate to this picture
of Brenna! ~paul

[detailbear.livejournal.com]

That would be very nice. I'll e-mail closer to the time. It's on my calendars.

[balunbustingbea.livejournal.com]

Beautiful images of your daughters and the stillness of the lake. I remember those days you speak of. Erie did always freeze first. And then in early spring, with ice still on the lake, my Mum and Dad would go to Port Stanely with a bunch of friends and go smelt fishing with big nets. You pictures have just popped those memories back into my head. It was wonderful to meet you and your daughters at dinner on Sunday. Big hugs!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Ah, the smelt! My brothers, uncle and cousins used to love catching them off our beach. It was great meeting you. We must hook up after Easter when my bachelorhood returns!

[balunbustingbea.livejournal.com]

I would like that very much!

[avad.livejournal.com]

inspiring photos:) so wonderful to see someone so young in yoga/meditation posture!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I have to admit, I don't know what it means for Brenna. I don't have the same comfort level with her as I do with Marian to discuss our beliefs. As far as I know Brenna is still a professing Christian in the evangelical sense (Marian has rejected that).

Brenna has incredible flexibility, in fact she is double-jointed, so here she is doing the full lotus position simply because she can. She is also an artist and a ham. I'm not trying to discount the significance, just put it in context.

Marian, on the other hand, is a self-declared seeker.