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moving forward in 2013

moving forward Jan 1 2013
Jan. 01. 2013


All the years past, I've looked forward to a new year coming. This year I had mixed feelings and couldn't understand why. Two days before the arrival of 2013, I realized that I wasn't ready for time to move forward. Had time stopped? Not exactly, but now time would be marked by 2013.

2012 saw the passing of my Mother. How could I move on from 2012 - that last year we had together?

As I was looking for a book to check out from the library, I came across Moly Wizenberg's memoir, "A Homemade Life." She writes of her moving forward and self-discovery after her Father's death.

The quote in the photo above is from her book. It reminded me that I am never without my Mom or Dad close by. Memories shine on and their light follows me wherever I go.

Molly's story is interwoven with the memories that food holds and family recipes. She notes,

"Food is never just food. It's also a way of getting at something else: who we are, who we have been, and who we want to be."

xmas tamales 2012
tamales

Memories of my Mother include watching horror movies together and cooking Mexican food. My Father is remembered by his photography and music.

Every Christmas eve, Mom would make tamales. When we were old enough to help, my sister and I would stay up helping her. Just after midnight, we'd eat our first Tamales and then exchange presents. My Dad would be the one photographing the memories as his favorite records played in the background.

I ended 2012 by making Tamales while listening to Johnny Cash and Freddy Fender in honor of my parents.

road trip

And I begin 2013 with memories shining on and the road untravelled before me. 



joining softly fade away at 52 photos
James Wright's poem is on Molly's blog.

Comments

Linda said…
This is a really beautiful expression captured. Thanks for sharing.
Linda
Prairie Jill said…
Beautiful post - both the images and the thoughts. I absolutely love that first image. Perfect!
Tracey said…
Oh so moving and lovely, Juana. Blessings to you and your new year.
Tracy said…
Such a beautiful way to end a year--in a place of honor and celebration. You images pair so beautifully with the feeling this post inspires, Juana. May you have much to celebrate in 2013 ((HUGS))
Bella Cirovic said…
Oh dear heart, this is a beautiful way to honor your parents. You and I share so many of the same emotions this first holiday season without our mothers.
Hold onto those tender memories and carry them with you always. xo
GalleryJuana said…
Thank you everyone for your tender comments.

Bella, you're right about us being in the same shoes, and it helps to have the memories as beacons to guide us.
Lynn Cohen said…
This is such a beautiful post, both heartfelt and artfully put together! Blessing on you a wonderful daughter! Feel their shine, they are obviously such a deep part of who you are!
Mary said…
Beautiful post as well as photos- wishing you joy for 2013.
GalleryJuana said…
Lynn, thank you for those kind words.
Anonymous said…
Absolutely beautiful...
Cheryl said…
Happy New Year, Juana. I'm playing catch up as I haven't visited you in a while. The last photo on the page is beautiful and one I would have chosen to photograph. I am always looking down the road. Your memories tug at my heart strings.

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