Reflection

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I started this blog, back in February of 2006, right after Robb broke his back. To be honest, a big motivation for writing was my need to set up a little bit of a barrier between myself and everyone who was calling to check up on Robb. Telling the same story over and over again was killing me, as were the 6am phone calls. The blog chronicled the process of adapting to life with a spinal cord injury and paraplegia. It kept an up-beat tone, because Robb and I were so hopeful. It documented the tiny day-to-day triumphs, because we quickly realized that every little victory needed to be savored. (First shower in two weeks? Wonderful. A hospital that allows visits from house cats? Awesome! Visits from friends and family? Oh yeah! Learning to walk again? Oh man, I get teary-eyed just thinking about it.) We also reveled in life's little weirdnesses. Robb and I can always find the humor in any situation, no matter how bleak.

When Robb came home from the hospital, the blog kept track of his slow (oh so slow) but steady improvements. I also allowed myself to discuss my fears, and I talked about all the stupid things I did because I was so distracted and stressed out.

Slowly, slowly, slowly we started trying to find ways to adapt our old life into our new circumstances. We went for the slowest and shortest "hikes" imaginable. And they were glorious!

I learned to slow down a bit, and Robb sped up considerably, especially after he started cycling. And in less-swift mode, we've found more time to look around, and to really appreciate our world. So, if you're sick of all the blog posts about birds and bikes, I don't know what to say. I've really come to value the simplest things in life, and it seems that the blog spends a lot of time on just those subjects.

Comments

lli said…
I can't look at a bird through a viewfinder now without thinking of you. Birds and bikes and art and life- this is a fantastic blog. Cheers!
Anonymous said…
You've come a long way, baby!

Both of you!

From crashing ladders to crashing cars, we have followed your progress and discoveries.

From being a birdbrain to stalking the birds, it's been informative reading.

Keep up the blog postings, and I myself am looking forward to any photos you may have about the latest 2 shows your crews got up and running.

Also, I have not forgotten that I would like a photo of those ultra-groovy cabinets you guys designed at your studio workshop, so that I can shamelessly copy them when I turn my barn into a studio. (please please!)

Annalisa
not sick at all of the bikes and birds - keep 'em coming! I really think you need to make a book from your blog - I totally think you could get published...

and if not, blurb.com can actually slurp the content from your blog and make a book from it for self-publishing, hard-cover with dust jacket and all!! (not that you really need another project in your lives, but I've made blurb books and they come out great!)
Debbie said…
I read your blog everyday, Lisa and you and Robb are an inspiration to me. I love all your pictues and I've learned alot from you. Keep it up.
cath said…
I like the birds and bikes--but ya know, a little knitting now and again would be cool too ;)

thanks for sharing so much with the world!
Anonymous said…
I also read this blog everyday - I had to catch up on all the old ones. I LOVE your stories. I even emailed the one about the swans to several people. I'm not sure why you think people are tired of it but put it right out of your head!! j
Anonymous said…
Not tired of your blog at all. I read every one of them. I've learned so much from you about the environment, strength and courage. You give me hope whenever I have a bad "people day" at work. =) And whenever I see a really cool bird now, I think of you! Thank you for sharing your love of nature, your great attitude, and even your frustrations with the rest of us!

But don't feel like you HAVE to blog either. It's ok to take time off if you want to. Don't make this just another chore for yourself.

Wild Rose (of PBandJ)
Anonymous said…
Not sick! Not sick! It has been wonderful to see your evolution as a nature photographer, apart from anything else. I haven't followed your blog since the beginning, only since the oil spill -- but it's a fixture on my rounds.
Anonymous said…
Ah... My Friends... If your were not close to our hearts for all the various reasons you have touched so many of us... would we continue to read? I think not!

As for the photography.... world class!!! If Ryan doesn't use that picture on today's blog... I will chip in for glasses for him!!!

Blog on, Friends.... in your own time and pace!

Bandaid
Kaaren said…
Love the blog, love the pics and ESPECIALLY love the AQ ignore button which I used 2 years ago. ;)
Marissa Dupont said…
Dude your blog has the best of both worlds: a personal, human story and AMAZING nature photos! It's seriously one of my favorite blogs. If people are complaining about bird photos they can read someone else's blog, it's not like there's a shortage. :D
Anonymous said…
When I allow myself to become rushed and frantic, your blog reminds me to slow down and enjoy a slower pace. And I am in awe of your photographic skill. Your photos bring joy and peace into my busy life. You are a beacon of light to so many of us! Please continue to post, and we will continue to read.

Love you guys!
SandiBox
Future Libraian said…
Robb and Lisa, you two are such an inspiration - a life full of love for one another and also full of optimism and hope. I can't imagine dealing with all the stuff on your plates, yet you do it with such grace and beauty. Thank you for sharing with us all. Post as much as you like. It's unfortunate that some feel it better to belittle others rather than take such a simple action to solve an "annoyance". I say, keep on writing!!
Anonymous said…
Pax--we love you and the bikes and birds, so blog on! I use you as an example of great nature photography (and recently of how to travel in France) when talking to friends on this coast. Keep it up!
Anonymous said…
I will admit that I came to this party late, and that I have not read every post that you have put up on this site, but when I started reading your latest my first thought was "Oh no, she is going to announce that she is stopping the Blog" Then I thought "Nooooooooooooooooo!"

So keep them coming, birds,bikes and all (and you really do take fantastic pictures, take it from someone who is very jealous) and we will keep reading, and commenting!

Thanks!
Anonymous said…
to reiterate what others have said "if others are tired of the content, let them read elsewhere" Your photos are awesome and every post worth reading-
thanks
Syndee said…
I enjoy your blog so much that I've told others to check it out and even started my own (which by no means compares with yours). I check in at least once a week to see what's going on in your lives and to look at your pics.

Your writings are an inspiration, even when times are not going so well. I think this is because, by your sharing your raw emotions, we connect to that honesty and know that there is someone else out there who feels our pains, doubts, and triumphs.

Being recently diagnosed with cancer, I am ever more aware of looking for the positive attitudes of others going through the trials of not-so-pretty life situations and still keeping their eye on the little successes that lead to recovery. I look forward to hearing more about you and Robb and seeing your gorgeous photography and wonderins of the world.
knitica said…
I love that although your blog started out as a news report, tracking Robb's recover and looking to document each new change, it has settled into a quieter chronicle of both of your adjustments into the new shape of your lives. I am always heartened by the strength of your relationship and both of your abilities to continue to adjust and never give up.

But, that said, more knitting. Make Robb start knitting too, if that's what it takes.
Anonymous said…
lol - go get'em tiger!
Anonymous said…
I only read 2 blogs: yours and Ryans. I don't like blather or hype. Never change--we love you just the way you are! BTW-- Were in Nantucket as we speak. A wonderland of Xmas fun, food and festivities. . .and were reading your blog!
Doublesaj n Old Blue

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