Unplanned blog hiatus

[Azaleas, Mount Auburn Cemetery; 4:30pm, 6/6/08]

Things have been a bit hectic, emotionally more than activity-wise. I nearly backed out on the new apartment because I was freaking out about how expensive it's going to be renting on my own, then after emailing and leaving voicemail for the landlords I worried for hours about getting my deposit back and it was exhausting. They finally called me that evening (they'd been buffing the hardwood floors, etc), commiserated with my "cold feet" and the upshot is that they're going to rent it to me for a little less money! So, it's on again and it'll be fine. I can always think about getting a housemate down the road, too, since there are three bedrooms. (I know, it's more than I need, but they've pursued me twice now when I've backed away. Sigh. I'm sure they want a mature, responsible, quiet adult who they don't have to worry about. Much.)

[Japanese maple leaves, Mount Auburn Cemetery; 6/6/08]

On Friday afternoon, my dad and my brother buried my mom's ashes at the church in Ann Arbor. I wasn't there, obviously. I guess my dad felt like he wanted to do it now (I mentioned previously here that there's an astrological anniversary of sorts going on, with Saturn now where it was when my mom passed away in September - it moved ahead and then retrograded back to the same degree, and soon will move off for good). I took the afternoon off and around 3:00, when they were interring her ashes, I went to Mount Auburn Cemetery, which was cool and damp, but lovely and peaceful.

[Dell Pond, at Mount Auburn Cemetery]

And today the heat and humidity moved in. It was around 90 degrees F and we're supposed to have highs thereabouts for the next few days. I installed my room air conditioner, so I'm blogging now from air conditioned comfort. I did spend most of the day not cooped up in here, though, since I've started sorting clothes, among other things, as a start to packing. Much to do...

---

Orange reminds me of my mother. I can't wear it, but it looked great on her, a redhead. I bought a dozen pale orange roses on Friday in her honor.

Comments

[marja-leena]

I'm glad that things worked out for the apartment after all! And you had time to reflect on your mother in such a beautiful place. I love that shade of orange azalea, I have that one but it's a fiery red-orange, kinda clashes with some of the pink colours that are out at the same time, but oh well.

[mb]

(o)

[leslee]

Thanks, Marja-Leena. I'm glad it worked out, too. It is a beautiful place. (And thanks for pointing out that they're azaleas - daylilies wouldn't be out yet - the heat has turned my head to mush.) The azaleas were out in full bloom, loving the recent drizzly weather. Not sure how they'll do in this heat, though.

Thanks, MB.

[Lucy]

Looks like you're meant to have that apartment. Hope things settle soon.

[Lorianne]

I love Mount Auburn: I can't think of a better place to commemorate your mother's burial.

[leslee]

Thanks, Lucy. I think you're right!

Lorianne: Yes, it's beautiful, peaceful, and so close by.

[Mouse]

Decisions are so hard to make, yes?
There should be a person you can employ to make them for you and who will carry the can if they don't work out right!

[mm]

Somehow or other you're meant to have this apartment.

The Saturn symbolism is powerful. In my experience you're never the same after he has paid a visit via a transit.

[beth]

Leslee, I'm sorry I wasn't around to comment on this post - I was with my own dad for what would have been my mom's 84th birthday.

It must have been hard not to be there, and to understand why they chose to do it quite this way, but I'm glad you commemorated her burial in your own way, which looks and sounds very beautiful. We all do emotional things differently; I'm continually finding that out and trying to roll with it as gracefully as possible. Love to you.

[Leslee]

Mouse: Yes, they are. At least last year, K and I were both looking and both loved this place. I would have had a harder time, though, deciding if she hadn't been all for it.

MM: Thanks, it does seem that way. (Saturn is a permanent fixture, alas, being square my Sun. But yes, transiting other important areas can be big.

Beth: Thank you. Your words brought tears to my eyes. I'm afraid my commemoration was more grieving than honoring, but the emotions are what they are, when they are. As you say, you learn and try to roll with things as gracefully as possible.