fields of asphodel

Beautiful, jess, and poignant too. I know your courage and admire your strength.

This is just beautiful, both the photos and the words.
I am so sorry you suffer. Bad things do happen to good people.

thank you both. it is hard to be cheerful all the time, isn't it? life isn't like that (and too bad)!

It *is* hard to be cheerful all the time.
Wonderful projection in the images.
That first one - mmm!

Even as you ache we gain.
Beautiful photos and words Jessie

You are a courageous woman.

Jessi--Very evocative, sad and yet cdommitted to go forward no matter what...Bless you. chris

The first picture is absolutely amazing. Wow. How did you do that? No reflection on the fog from the flash? This is a wonderful piece of work - Each photo is like a page on a wonderful calender.
You are the best jessie.

Beautiful poem and photos Jessie.

thank you, everyone. of course, all these photos look better (to me) in color - but somehow, the writing needed b&w images.

yes, going forward, chris - you're right. no other options, are there? :)

thank you, thank you!

"grieving my losses" Grieving is the labor (pain) of letting go. Letting go births new consciousness. Your poem and photos show this emerging consciousness.

Jessie, your love and creativity touch Lillie and your husband. Your courage and creativity inspire Gather members like me. We hold you in our hearts and minds.

Jessie, I had to look up "fields of Asphodel" to fully understand this wonderful poem. I walk there sometimes too. Your pictures and poem are memorable.

Jessie, Thanks for sharing a little of yourself with others. That alone takes courage. I love the images. They make quite an impression.

wonderful, and the pics are amazing

Jessie, this came from somewhere dark in your soul, and even though we don't want to, sometimes we have to go there to be able to yet again se the light and be happy and smiling. I know that you have so much to live for in your life, but it's ok to visit the dark side once in a while. The pictures that accompany the poem were so remarkable.

jessie,
these photos and words are hauntingly beautiful. i love them! i am sorry for the pain you feel but know that it is but one part of the whole life experience. i can't help but notice how the darkness in your photos create beautiful contrasts with the light and isn't that true in our life experience, as well?

that first photo is fantastic but the last one is my favorite. i've always loved deborah butterfield's horses (that is one of hers, isn't it?) but this photo has enhanced my understanding of her work and at the same time leaves me in awe of you as a photographer. i cannot give this feeling justice through words but it has something to do with that fleshless horse revealing its raw form - it fits perfectly in this natural environment and expresses so well a feeling of sadness and richness, at once. while i love color, the shades of gray here create a mood and a deep focus on the underlying forms. seeing the trees surrounding this sculpture, which i believe was originally made of driftwood and branches, gives me a strong feeling of that connection between all things. we are all one in nature. thank you for this!

wow, thank you everyone for your great and insightful comments.

verie - thank you, you got it!!

alice - i love the fields of asphodel. well, i love all that old greek stuff. somehow, the images that they portray seem very timeless and still in my life today.

stephanie - thank you! yes, i am all abt the images! :)

carol - thank you!

mona - yep. i am hardly ever in that dark frame, yet when the pain gets too bad, it colors my whole world.

marcia - you're right. she is one of my very favorite artists. i LOVE that the wood from the horse (before casting, or whatever they call it) is driftwood. that calls to me, too!! your words here are too true and help me out. thank you, thank you. i LOVE seeing her work.

Well done Jessie. Trying to be up all the time when you're suffering and in pain is not easy, and sometimes it doesn't hurt to let others know how you are feeilng. We all have moments when things really seem to get the best of us, especially the constant, ongoing pain. I hope you have better days...

Incredible photos and filled with such power and pathos. I do not believe I have ever read a piece from you that expressed your pain and suffering and loss. The bright photos and joy of your life with lillie irradiated everything even though I knew you suffer from a debilitating disease. Blessings dear Jessie. Now I have to go look up Asphodel.

Really great article

You are a wonderful photographer and writer. You are also, along with Kevin, the main reason I joined Gather. I also loved your recipe for Summer Pasta. Know that you are in my thoughts today.

jessie,

These pictures and this poetry brings me close to you. I am always pleased with your writings but this one is very special. May sunshine come to you again.

thank you, friends. the pain never eases, but sometimes the mental grip on it is better than at other times. bleah, eh??

still, i appreciate your words and thoughts - definitely a blessing, your friendships!!

thanks!