My sister. I love you.

I've opened myself to so much here I suppose because it's anonymous and safe. I'm on vacation but I got a call from my mom late this afternoon. My sister passed away today. My sisters are much older than I am, so in a sense it's more surreal because of that. I didn't grow up with them. I suppose I would say I was closest to her simply because I have so many memories of her. I'm not sure I remember a time that she was truly happy and frankly this isn't completely unexpected. Her life has not been her own for a very long time. I truly believe that she has now found happiness.

If tears could build a stairway
and thoughts a memory lane
I'd walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again
No Farewell words were spoken
No time to say good-bye
You were gone before I knew it
And only God knows why.

My heart's still active in sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know.
But now I know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still has much in store.

Since you'll never be forgotten
I pledge to you today
A hallowed place within my heart
Is where you'll always stay.

God knows why, with chilling touch,
Death gathers those we love so much,
And what now seems so strange and dim,
Will all be clear, when we meet Him.
I Knew you for a Moment
~Unknown

Okay NOW I'm scared...

So the headache.. Blah blah blah.
Of course I know that the blood pressure and things cropping up EVERY doctor's visit isn't boding well. I've known that for a very long time. It's something we joke about because no one thinks of it in real terms. I guess I joke about it, but it's the only way it's ever addressed.
So we're going out of town for a few days tomorrow. I've been printing up Google maps for the destinations of the places we are going. I printed up two maps for the nearest craft stores as my town's recently went out of business. I printed one for Michael's and one for Robert's crafts AND I printed up 40% off coupons for each store but I can't remember why. I can't remember what I need. It sounds stupid but it's never happened like this before. It's also disheartening that I KNOW that I've told everyone in my family but no one knows what I'm talking about. Why am I even here?
Reminds me of some lyrics to one of my favorite Evanescence songs:

Please, please forgive me,
But I won't be home again.
Maybe someday you'll look up,
And, barely conscious, you'll say to no one:
"Isn't something missing?"

I kind of can't wait until someday.

The amazing world created by Phil McDarby

I got an email today from Mr. McDarby who is the artist that created the picture that has become the mascot of my blog. At least the whimsical side of me that is Briar, rarely heard from because I usually blog about political frustration! I had done a search earlier to find his site and more of his amazing work. This is his site:

http://www.philmcdarby.com/

A little known factoid about me: I've actually written some stories that have been published but not in the form they were intended. They read like a poem but were meant to be a picture book. I lack the illustration skills (and persistence) to bring life to the world I see in my mind but Phil McDarby has shown the world I can only paint with words. I appreciate his generosity in allowing me to keep the picture up. Visit his site. His gift is astounding.

Facebook?

So, unlike the Patch, my Facebook page limits my freedom of speech. If you have it and are tired of Teabagger nonsense, here's a link to a group. I didn't name it and I've always said that no party has cornered the market on stupidity. To say that all Republicans are idiots would be stupid and I'm not stupid.

Enjoy:

Republicans Are Idiots And Arguing With Them Is A Waste Of Time

I will say that it broke the short truce I had with my sister who took offense even though I pointed out that I didn't name the group. That was totally predictable. I knew that day was coming. Like always, the story changes, but online conversations are forever. Like I wouldn't save THAT one knowing it was going to happen!! Again, I'm many things but I'm not stupid.

The wisdom of Winston Churchill and me.

"If Hitler invaded Hell, I would make at least a favourable reference to the Devil in the House of Commons."
~Winston Churchill

"When Glenn Beck claims to be a Mormon, a Vatican endorsed Warrior of God, that God speaks to, torturing the gullible night and day on the radio and Fox News, we can rest assured he'll be tortured night and day forever and ever. Because it says so in the book of Revelations."
~Me :)

I am mellowing out. Anyone notice that?