In Memoriam of Self

“Everyone goes back to where they felt loved.  In a memory.  In a thought,  In a hug,  In a dream.” - Linda Valentinis

Memories are stories of our lives.  Stories that are not seen by anyone but self.  And the way something is remembered can be very different from someone else who was within the same experience.

So do our memories tell the truth?  Obviously what is true for one may mean something else for someone else.  I don’t think that makes it any less real.

🎨 kellepics on pixabay

If the memories are not written, then when the person dies, those memories die too.  A person’s whole self dies in more ways than just the physical.

For instance, Alzheimers, or other brain disorder, that eats away one’s memories, one’s self-recognition, is a horrible death.  A long drawn-out one too.  You are you within your memories.  Without them, who are you?

📷 rusterche on pixabay

I no longer dwell on the memories that reflect difficult times.  I do like to reflect on good times, good things.  As time goes on and when and if my mind starts to descend into the hell that is dementia, I hope the last few remaining memories are the good ones, in the chance that as I lose myself, a part of the positive will remain in the shell that I become, so I do not feel so very lost. 

me at 17

I remember me now.  Let it be a good thing.       Theresa M

“Everyone goes back to where they felt loved.
In a memory. In a thought.
In a hug. In a dream."

-Linda Valentinis pic.twitter.com/4eAXRjUmiY

— gregorio catarino (@gregcatarino1) April 12, 2024

Cats in Windows

I have always adored seeing cats in windows.  Whether they are my own cats or strangers, I like to wave to them, as if they are there to greet me.  Silly.

📸 my cat Lilly

My favorite memory is of my cat Bon Ami who often sat in the front kitchen window with his paws crossed over one another on the windowsill.  He watched me walk up to the door and came to greet me when I was inside.  Unfortunately I never got a picture of that (in the 1990’s) - we didn’t have the convenience of cell phone cameras then.  But I cherish the picture in my memory.

So for your delight as well as mine, here are some cats in windows.  (I put out a hashtag on the bird site recently and hope to see more there too.)  I will note credit to owners if I know them.  If I don’t and you recognize who gets credit please comment to post.  Enjoy!

       Cats in windows

       pose all around the world.

       They’re cute, they’re sweet,

       They’re nosy, they’re neat.

       Just think of all

       the things they see out there.

       I wish they could tell us what’s

       going on everywhere! 

    

       Theresa M

📸 my Lilly & Merci

📸 my Lilly & Luke

📸 by Stanislav Gerasko

📸 unknown source

📸 unknown source

📸 my Lilly in window

Stars of Wonder

Stars are astonishing indeed.  A twitter friend had posted wondering “if stars whisper secrets, sharing our dreams as they shimmer above.”  To which I replied:

“Stars do share their secrets.  In the quiet of the night as we dream, they guide us back to awakening.  But as we hurry through our day, only fleeting scraps remain.  The stars just want us to know they are our ancestors.  They are waiting for us.  Let us not forget.”

🎨 Larisa-K on pixabay

I feel a deep connection to the stars.  I believe many people do.  This relationship we have is very hard to describe - we feel a kind of hiraeth.  Why else are we so fascinated by their presence?

The next chance you get to see the stars, remember to dream.       Theresa M

Stars do share their secrets. In the quiet of the night, as we dream, they guide us back to awakening. But as we hurry through our day, only fleeting scraps remain. The stars just want us to know, they are our ancestors. They are waiting for us. Let us not forget. ⭐️ 💫 pic.twitter.com/If5ULbsH18

— Theresa M ☘️❣️ (@thetreezz) February 27, 2024