Memories of Dad and Blog Updates...

I've been cleaning out my garage and the section I used to use for my art studio.  I have been piling stuff on top of my work table and it had gotten way out of hand...

I came across the bin with ALL my Dad's saved letters and cards given to him for birthdays, Father's Day and get well wishes prior to him going into the nursing home.  He saved every one.  It has taken me a couple weeks to go through it with respect.  I tore the covers off some of the cards and put them in my stash for creative inspiration for future paintings...

I cut off stamps and the post marks of some of the older envelopes to save for one of my brothers who collects stamps...I saved all the letters so I can read and determine if a family member would like to have them back for sentimentality of for reference of memories.

I found both my and my youngest daughter's High School announcements.  I found a congratulations card from 1947 when I was born.  I found some cool stuff I plan to keep.

I also found all Dad's ties.  I was going to take it to California for Christmas and do what my son in law suggested and have each of us put on one of Dad's ties and then take a picture...but for some reason, I decided not to...  I also can't part with them... yet.  My oldest daughter suggested I make something from them.  I stored them in my art cupboard for further thought....later.

I found Dad's recorders.  One with a tape in it.  Unfortunately, he had misplaced the power cords....but he had the microphone.  I still have a tape/CD player and plan on listening to them one of these days...maybe when my sister comes to visit in March...

Two of my brothers are working on some tapes my youngest brother ran across just before Dad died.  He had recorded family history questions he posed to both Mom and Dad.  We only listened to Dad''s one night as a family, after Dad died.  I'll see what is on the tapes I found and then give them to my brothers to put on Cd's with the others.

I have a bin of my Dad's journals.  I'll start to read them, but find I get too sad.  It is so apparent he knew he was slipping and was doing his best to record everything...even the most mundane, because I think he struggled so much with routine daily things.

I've made a lot of progress with my Art Studio, whipping it back into shape, taking stock of all my supplies and gathering paintings I have done to upload onto my gallery on the online website.  I have opened a Pay Pal account, but have to call them tomorrow to answer a few questions before I join the online painting website.

I also opened my business account with my business name....but am still deliberating on my decision to use Mystical Journeys as my Art Blog.. with intermittent posts about my thoughts of Dad...or just making a new blog for my art.

I think I am pretty certain, for now, I will keep Mystical Journeys for writing about Dad...and what is going on in my life...and if I feel the need to do an art blog, I will know whether to combine it with this one or do a new one...

Feels Strange...

I feel weird coming to Mystical Journeys and not writing about Dad…maybe I'm trying to move on too quickly…

I kept all the Alzheimer's references, just moved them to the bottom of the blog…not ready to let that go in case it can be a help to someone…

Re-designed the blog…feels very strange…not sure if it feels right….

I miss my Dad.  This will be the first year we won't be visiting him at the nursing home.  We will visit him at the cemetery.  Will take him a Poinsettia…

I have no business being up this late…need to get to bed.

Two Year Blog Anniversary...

I just realized today, June 1st was the anniversary in starting this blog.  It totally escaped me!

My daughter, her husband, the 9 year old and the 6 year old left this morning for their vacation...I am sitting on the couch watching So You Think You Can Dance... The house is quiet and I am winding down from a nice day...

I had lunch with my girlfriend Connie at Chili's.

We dined and talked and hogged the table a good chunk of the afternoon, then went to Kohl's to spend our 30% off coupons.  I got an ochre colored tablecloth and new dish towels... (I have a thing for linens...)

I chatted with my youngest brother E____ on my way home (via my cell phone ear piece)....

And finished up the day with a nice dinner at Bob's Big Boy with my dear friend Pat....we laughed and caught up enjoying each other's company and conversation...

What a nice day....

Tomorrow, I head over to Mom's house....

Big Changes...

No, you did not land on the wrong blog...after almost two years of the original, old blogger layout design.. .long before Template Designer, I have decided to make some changes and do away with my all green background...so please bear with me as I tweak and adjust... 

I am open to any and all feedback from my loyal, supportive and incredible blogging friends.  I notice I have some new friends following me...so thank you so much for doing so.  I will be visiting your blogs as soon as I get this redesign finished...

One question for everyone...Do you think I need a new button to go with the header picture, or will my former button with my Laguna  Beach sunset still work?  Thought I could keep some of the old, with some of the new....Please let me know, I would really appreciate your opinion...

P.S. I have been attempting to adjust the margins to fit my new header photo so it has even borders, but the right side is not cooperating... Will I have to re-size the header photo?

SURVEY: I Would Appreciate Your Opinion...(2nd post today)

What do you prefer when commenting on blogs... Would you rather have a reply back by email or would you rather go back to the post where you left your comment for an answer?

Generally, when one of you leave me a comment after my post, I email back to you, rather than answering in the comment section...unless we are having a discussion...but I noticed lately, I have almost exclusively been emailing back directly. I also have noticed my comments have slacked off...maybe not seeing my comments after every one's comment, gives the impression I don't respond.? Or is everyone just busy?

I am interested in your opinions and input... thanks!