Marley lost her first tooth tonight
Another first–a non-holiday milestone that Mike has missed. One of those things that I know he would have loved to celebrate with her. And maybe he is. It’s just not that apparent to me.
Marley is soooo excited. When this happened, I of course was happy for Marley, but my mind also immediately went to “well, here’s another thing that Mike will never get to enjoy.”
Before photos 3934 4th Ave S
Here is a slideshow of my house. We’ve already done some things that make these photos a bit outdated (see captions).
But by 1 Feb 08, this place will be a gem.
And I’ll give anyone who refers the next buyer $1000.00. Even if you’re the buyer.
Thanksgiving weekend
On this weekend, I want to again thank everyone for their love and support. We could not do this alone. We ate Thanksgiving dinner at my mom and stepdad’s house along with my aunt. It was nice and quiet.
Happy Anniversary
Ten years ago, we walked the French Quarter
Hunting for rings on our wedding day
Thinking we would spend full lives
Traveling, carefree, growing old gracefully.
Instead we worked, had babies; hitting our stride only recently (more…)
Heart crush
Sometimes the weight of what has happened hits me like a wrecking ball. It is all I can do to not crumple to the floor and disappear. But it is good that it comes in waves because if the real impact of this horror hit me for a full day, for instance, I don’t know if I could continue to breathe. Even now, my breath is shallow and I’m having a hard time believing that my heart is even beating.
Chris' photo website and condemned house update
It only occurred to me yesterday that I forgot a very important link (to me, anyway), which is my photo website, which for now displays mostly editorial photos. I don’t update it very often, but if you want to check it out, go to christineprichard.com. It should be back online later today (my domain name registration had expired).
Rebuilding the building business easier said than done
Maybe I’m overconfident in my ability to continue the rehab business on my own. I have no doubt that I can get my homebuilders license and learn the on-site details of the work, dealing with subs and all of the other things that Mike did (although I’m sure I’ll not be doing much, if any, of the hands on work that he did other than to pick up/purchase supplies). (more…)
Space Cleansing
It’s been an intense weekend. Many social events, and also a more private happening. A cleansing of the “trauma energy” in the space in my basement where Mike died. (more…)
Jones Valley Urban Farm orchard planting details
Ok, on Saturday, November 17, 2007, Marley, Avery and I will be helping plant a blueberry and fig tree orchard in Mike’s memory from 10 am until noon. All are welcome (kids too) to come and help plant. Bring gloves, but all other tools and refreshments are provided. At the end of the session, all who partipated will make a handprint for a metal casting that will be poured @ Sloss and made into a memorial plaque for the garden. (more…)
Check out "Farewells" in today's Birmingham News
There is an extended obituary written in today’s Birmingham News about Mike. It’s on page 12A. Or follow the “Farewells” link to see the al.com online version.
In the article, Erin, the reporter, refers to the Bare Hands Gallery exhibit, so I though it might be good to add a slideshow of part of Mike’s alter for those who haven’t had the chance to go see it. BTW, the exhibit will be up through November 17. The gallery is open Wed-Sat 11-6 pm.
Spirit in the Sky
Have I talked about Marley and how she communicates with Mike on a daily basis? She says he’s with her most of the time and is proud of the fact that she’s playing piano (he likes to dance to her playing), is watching when she helps the younger kids at school, and how he helps her when she falls.
Here is a picture she drew the other day of what “daddy’s spirit looks like in the sky.”
Life as a ghost
It is so strange going through the day as if nothing has changed.
Bring the kids to school; work on the books; close on a house; bullshit with the real estate agent; answer the phone; meet the HVAC guy; talk to the guys doing demolition work on my houses; listen to the radio; read a snippet of a novel. (more…)
Busy times and a reminder about the an upcoming Mike Prichard memorial activity
Things are getting kind of busy this week.
Mike’s mom returned to New Mexico after being here for a week. We all enjoyed the visit and it was so helpful to have her here. Her husband Frank had been here the week before and also helped greatly with the kids. (more…)
A letter from Mike’s mom Dinny
My dear Michael,
You are a man of so many talents, there was little you couldn’t do–if you didn’t know how you just did it anyway.
Sunday blues
I can already see that Sundays are going to be the worst day of the week; it was most often the day that all of us would be home together, working in the garden, cooking, listening to NPR. Yesterday was just like one of those days, except it was Mike’s mom with us from New Mexico instead of Mike. And that was great–she’s had a great time with the kids and vice versa. Mike and the kids and I have always appreciated and enjoyed her visits. (more…)
Can't stop crying
Why this morning?
Is it because I’m going to close on a house by myself today (we bought nine houses together)?
Because it is All Souls Day and the wall between the worlds is at its thinnest (and why can’t I feel you, Mike?) (more…)
This week's gifts
I am blessed. In the past 7 days:
5-people (including me) brainstormed in my living room and set up a long-term meal and playdate schedule and more (”meals” to include drop off meals and shared meals at my house and at other people’s houses) (more…)
Curses and blessings
I have a really mundane voice mail message from Mike on my cell phone. Every time it pops up into my ear, I am startled and then strangely comforted. I guess I’m pretending that if his voice is so close and so real that everything must really be okay. (more…)
A quick question
How dare the sky be so blue today?
Haunting outing
Went to Art in Avondale Park today. Crisp blue sky, autumn chill in the air. My mom and father-in-law came and helped with the kids, who marched in the parade and did arts and crafts. Ran into many friends and acquaintences. (more…)
dreamthoughts
oh my partner
how i long to laugh and to cry
in your arms
to feel your breath on my skin
to see your smile light up the sky for eternity
or just one more time
On the strength of peanutbutter jars
I’m so mad at Mike that I won’t even write what I’m thinking about him right now. I’ll save it for the ears of those special few (you know who you are) who are kind enough to listen to my rants in person. (more…)
Shattered trust
I’ve always had this fear that something would happen to my children. I have often thought about how devastating it would be if one of them were killed. Same with my parents/other relatives/friends.
(more…)
