Life and Death

I lost two very important loved ones these last two weeks. My eldest brother died from suicide on April 17th. My beautiful brother who was in so much pain from constant depression and severe anxiety. I'm lucky to have been apart of his life for my 32 years. I will miss him so much but I know he hurt so much and that in death he is now at peace.

Just a few days later one of my very close friends went into a coma following elective surgery and was taken off life support a few days after that. I am heart-broken for those she leaves behind. I have a hole in my heart and soul that will never be filled again. With her death she took part of it.

My friend was a giver. She gave her whole heart. She made everyone feel how special they are. She gave hugs and her laugh was intoxicating. She sent her love to all in any way she could. She loved dark beer. She was insightful. She babysat my son so my husband and I could go out for a few ours for our anniversary. She was always willing to listen to others despite the shit going on in her own.



She had lost her younger sister just 6 weeks earlier and she was there for me for the few days when I told her about my own brother. She told me she'd be there for me, maybe a bit drugged up because of the pain meds, but we would grieve for our siblings together. I told her I loved her and I'd see her after her surgery. I never got to.

My beautiful Sarah, you are a giver and a lover. Forever in my heart and soul.

How do I move on? I take care of my family and hug my son and husband a bit more. I appreciate more my friends and don't take them for granted. I breathe in life as best I can and live it. Each second I have is amazing. It's a very short time I'm alive. I gotta live it.

I take her beautiful girls and give them hugs and memories of their beautiful mother.

Life is not fair. But life just is. The good, the bad, and the in-between. Gut-wrenching and awe-inspiring all in one. That's the risk we take in living is loving. We give pieces of our hearts and soul to those we love and in turn they give is theirs. That's what makes life worth living is the ones we love and love us back. Humanity. We are here for each other and to me that is the most meaningful part of life. We take our memories and live our lives and our loved ones live on in our hearts and minds.

Our memories build a special bridge

When loved one have to part

To help us feel we're with them still

And soothe a grieving heart

They span the years and warm our lives

preserving ties that bind

Our memories build a special bridge

And brings us peace of mind

----Emily Matthews

One Line Movie Reviews (6)

1. The Hobbit (2012): I wanted more of the story but it was still beautifully done!

Rating: A

2. Hope Springs (2012): Fabulous movie focusing on relationships with those we love.

Rating: A-

3. Mamma Mia! (2008): (I've seen this before but have never reviewed it on my blog :)) It's just a fun and happy film focusing on a mother/daughter relationship.

Rating: B+

4. Lincoln (2012): Intriguing behind-the-scenes look at how the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was eventually passed with everyone kicking and screaming, unfortunately.

Rating: B

5. Argo (2012): Amazing rescue but had a dark undertone that still haunts.

Rating: B-

Cat Thursday (3)

Welcome to the weekly meme that celebrates the wonders and sometime hilarity of cats! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of cats! Enjoy! Hosted by Michelle of The True Book Addict.

I have to share one of my most favorite cat videos ever. It always brightens my day! Happy Cat Thursday!

One Line Movie Reviews (5)

1. The Iron Lady (2011): Meryl Streep shines in role but not a fan of the Iron Lady myself.

Rating: C+

2. One For the Money (2012): Cute and forgettable story about a recent divorcee finding love with an old flame while chasing him down bounty hunter style.

Rating: B-

3. Wreck-It Ralph (2012): Bad guy shows he can change his stripes and make his own "good-guy" destiny.

Rating: B+

4. Cave of Forgotten Dreams (2010): Beautiful and thought-provoking documentary on the earliest pre-historic art caves in the world.

Rating: A+

5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): A bit on the creepy side sci-fi movie about finding love with the same person again....and again?

Rating: B-

Cat Thursday (2)

Welcome to the weekly meme that celebrates the wonders and sometime hilarity of cats! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of cats! Enjoy! Hosted by Michelle at the True Book Addict

My theme this week is my cuddly kitty. Most of the time she's a psycho and won't let anyone pet her without biting and just wanting to play very roughly :) But yesterday she plopped on my tummy and just cuddled. It was so adorable, so I snapped a couple of pics.

Shadow being unusually cuddly today :)

The Stepsister Scheme by Jim C. Hines

The Stepsister Scheme is a fun fairy-tale retelling where the princesses take their own power and lives into their own hands and rescue the prince for a change!

Danielle (Cinderella) has been married to Prince Armand for under a year when he goes missing, her stepsister Charlotte tries to murder her and she finds out that her "maid" is actually Sleeping Beauty, a fairy-cursed assassin. They join up with Snow White to rescue Prince Armand and fight their foes in Fairy Land. With the help of Rose's combat skill, Danielle's ability to speak with animals, and Snow's magic they are a deadly force.

The beginning was a bit slow and I didn't quite know where Hines was going to take it. But by the middle I was won-over and ended up loving this fem-fantasy. Retaking their power, each one, is a powerful story. I'm excited to keep reading this amazing series!