Memorial Day (Plus) by anahata.c
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I've not posted much, but today's Memorial Day in the States and I wanted to pay honor to all who've served.
But I also want to bow to others who've struggled of-late, as it seemed the time to do so.
So bear with a "list"---I hope I haven't left anyone out. (Let me know if I have...)
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First, to all of you who've been in the horrors of combat, or who were ready to go at a moment's call; who signed-up to protect the people and nations you loved, my deepest and everlasting gratitude.
I personally know:
Rod (RodS) and Bill (bmac62), both of whom served in Vietnam.
(Bill hasn't been on RR for awhile.)
And I'll add, among the absent, Lucinda (myrhhluz) who served in the Air Force; and, last but not least, Harry (goodoleboy) who served in WWII: I'll say more about him in a second.
But:
We take for granted the life we have; yet we should always remember those who were willing to walk through hell-and-back so we could have those very lives. A deep bow to all of you: Thank you.
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As for those who've struggled (in no particular order):
Mike (Faemike55) who's been through all kinds of losses and major health problems (incl operations): My deepest wishes for recovery and health. It's been a long, long road, and I don't know how you weathered it all and still were so kind and creative with all of us. My very best to you in everything, Mike. You deserve it.
To Rod (RodS) who I'm pretty sure was cast into a bizarre and macabre black-comedy, directed by some ancient vicious god (w/ a twisted sense of humor), who's had endless challenges thrown at him via home, work, in his health and his sanity: All my hopes that light should dawn at last, that your move should happen quickly (and joyfully), and that the noise and a lot of other *&#!! should stop already. Your work and love here are invaluable: Let it all come back to you as well.
To Steve (eekdog) who's been through several rough years, crazy employers, rough hours (w/ lousy pay), and health issues: For the great light you give here in your work and through your love, you deserve it all back. I wish you all the best, Steve, w/ uplift from your recent, difficult days.
To Ute (UteBigSmile) who's been through one trial after the next, and lived with constant pain and debilitation, and had more procedures than a person should have in 6 lifetimes, all my healing and light to you (and to your helpmate and husband, Rene). Like everyone else, your work here shines and radiates with light: May you get it all back, w/ lasting relief.
To Barb (bakapo) who cares for her mother and knows the 24/7 demands it involves, who does it with a remarkable strength while being w/ her family, friends and loved ones whenever she can...and who brings such kindness here every time she's here (along w/ terrific, creative work), light, uplift and hugs for everything you do. May it come back to you in rushing waves.
To Barb (goldie) who went through covid, and saw lots of people around her get infected (and several pass), who lived in one of the epicenters in the world and still comes here with great wit and magical work and support of everyone: I hope you have nothing but health and strength from now on. (A pox on the virus. Let it cower at your creative and wise feet!)
For Jacomina (dochtersions) who's battled health issues for a long time and still managed to bring so much light here, whose work I adore (and who's a musician who adores Bach---that's big in my world), all my best wishes for health and inner light---you have the latter: May the former come to you in abundance.
For Teri (GrandmaT) who suffered cancer then an accident, plus family loss, and who's given so much light and joy; and who's been absent for several months to heal: My greatest wishes for wholeness and peace and renewed strength. I hope you're getting much better!
For Harry (goodoleboy) who's been absent here for a long time: He's weathered a hailstorm of health assaults most of us would've given-up from; has seen more doctors than any 10 of us would ever bear; who's posted an amazing and devoted gallery; and who---please hear this!---fought in the horrific Japanese portion of WWII---we're all here because of people like Harry: All my bows, gratitude and deepest respect, Harry: You'll always be an inspiration to us all.
Finally, my dear friends who haven't been here in a while, Ana (anaber) and Helle (helanker) whose privacy I will respect, but who've battled numerous struggles, illness and loss, and whose art is such a great gift....you know my blessings are with you always...And Brigitte (blondblurr) who lost her son a while back (Jeff - jif3d), who went through a long journey after, and who I hope has come through it with great renewal. Your art and love are missed by all your friends. I hope you're doing well.
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That's all (deep breath!)
Thank you to all who served to keep others out of harm...and may the rest of you see light and great uplift. Lots of love, thanks and gratitude. Happy holiday everyone, mark
(all photoshop...fuller zoomed)
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Comments (9)
goldie
First off, Mark, I want you to know how much I enjoy what you are able to create with Photoshop manipulations--always interesting and pleasing to the eye with vibrant and lovely palettes. Thank you.
This past year has certainly been a doozy, but it seems that most of us have come out of it fairly intact. Life has its dead ends, cliffs--a multitude of dangers, disappointments, failures, challenges, but, c'est la vie, such is life, and how one is able to navigate, overcome the obstacles of life is what matters and is an indication of the inner strength (or lack thereof) not only of the individual, but also of a society as a whole. Nietzsche's “what does not kill me makes me stronger"--one's resilience--comes to mind Sometimes one simply has to plow on ahead, regardless of how difficult it is or what the odds are, retaining a sense of optimism, hope, no matter how dark, hopeless things seems to be.
On days such as our Memorial Day, it is not only important to remember those who lost their lives in service to their country, but also to reflect on why it was they were willing to give their lives for their country, their fellow man.
P.S.: Your name, Mark, needs to be on that list too--you have had your share of dark , depressing, trying days, but have remained calm, funny and thoughtful throughout it all. Thank you.
UteBigSmile
Happy Memorial Day to you and all my american friends!
(See: wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxembourg_American_Cemetery_and_Memorial)
Hello dear Mark, your name needs to be also on that list, you have had your share of dark, depressing, trying days, but have remained calm, funny and thoughtful throughout it all.
Thank you for being such a loyal friend and remember “What does not kill us makes us stronger"!
bakapo
Thank you, Mark, for thinking of me. Your friendship helps me get through the days in ways you will probably never know. Please, place your name on this list, too. You deserve to be acknowledged as someone who goes above and beyond while struggling with health and family issues, too. Your list here is an example of how much you think of other people.
Your image is beautiful! So many flowers in so many uplifting colors. This art is happy, colorful, hopeful and cheerful. It's a thankful and heartfelt image that makes the viewer feel warm and loved. Thank you for being here and thank you for caring.
Thank you to all who have served this country and made it a country worth fighting for.
donnena
Beautiful image. Reminds me of Poppies!
and such tender and thoughtful acknowledgements of our friends pains and tribulations!
You are a treasure!
Faemike55
Thank you, Mark, for thinking of me. Your art and words, both in comments and stories, are uplifting and a joy to read. Yes, your name should be on this list. For you have suffered greatly in your life, with health issues and loss of family. Oh, by the way, I served in the Navy from 1973 to 1986. I was on the Uss Enterprise CVAN/CVN 65. Our ship participated in the evacuation of Saigon in April of 1974.
Happy Memorial Day to you, kind sir.
RodS Online Now!
Where shall I begin..... I guess right here..
You, Sir, are one of the lights that keep not only this community, but this country, this planet, yes even this universe from falling into complete darkness. You words, your actions, your kindness, and caring are beacons in the dark storms that surround us, and give us that glimmer of hope.... The hope that out there in that darkness there are more like you. And we will prevail. Some how, some day, we will drive the darkness away.
And.... I AM going to - someday - find that " ancient vicious god (w/ a twisted sense of humor)" and kick his sorry ass! 😆 Not only for me, but for everyone he's foisted his gnarly and sick sense of humor on... Where's Diana (Wonder Woman) when you need her??
We did hear from Tara (auntietk) a few months ago.. She and Bill have been keeping a really low profile with this damned COVID mess as they both are in the very high risk category.
I know pretty much everyone on that list, and my thoughts and prayers are with all of them, always.
And yes - as Barb said - you've not been a stranger to challenges and dealing with those dark things life likes to throw at us with increasing frequency and intensity as the years pass by. Yet you always think of others first, and that is clearly reflected in your wonderful words, art and actions.
We could sure use a few billion more like you, Mark. At least a few billion... It is a blessing to have you as a friend.
And it was a privilege and a pleasure to serve.
Love this wonderful, colorful image, by the way!
goodoleboy
Holy Macul, what a response to your heartfelt dedications and descriptions in another set of what look like very colorful flower beds. This reply isn't going to be anywhere as lengthy as the many ones preceding mine. I'm so worn out from my health conditions, life's responsibilities and pandemic fears that all I have left is a big DITTO to all the beautifully written responses above. So, in closing I hope you had a pleasant and thought provoking Memorial Day, my friend. Thank you very much for your heartfelt greetings and the life sling and arrow stories of those you write about.
Wolfenshire
There are so many that deserve recognition for answering the call to serve.I salute you all.
eekdog
each panel of images looks like they could have been flowers, and your cool manips on them stand out Mark. yes thanks to Rod and Bill for their brave service. i faemike also served our country. i'm like you i never enlisted but years ago i thought your did. you sure have a amazing memory and such a kind heart my friend to mention your closer friends here and our struggles. over the years here we have lost lots due to cancer and other health problems. if i had a keen memory like you my friend i would remember them all. but through the years i just forget some awesome artist friends. and many more don't know where the went. you are so descriptive in stories, thoughts and love for us here at rendo. you are one of the kindness people i've ever known. thank you for the mention bro. god bless and take care, dito on Rods words.. sorry i'm late on this.