loneliness / solitude

solo post - L, Nikon

“Language... has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone.” - Paul Tillich

I go in and out of both - pain and glory. I sort of hate to admit that (makes me seem weak), but this year is harder than last year for some reason. Has anyone else with college age children experienced this same feeling - that sophomore year is somewhat harder even than the freshman year. (I guess to relate completely you have to be a single mother of an only child.) The newness has worn off and it's so very real, now, that I am indeed alone. It's time to stop sitting on that wire, looking over the edge in fear, and just take flight.

far from home / left the nest

This was a different sort of Thanksgiving. It was one of the few that I can ever remember not being with my parents and on top of that I wasn't with my daughter either. I guess things are changing. And it's not all bad, just different. This photo was taken during my vacation to Maryland this past week and I was alone when I went on this little photo walk. Is this bird lonely and looking for warmth in this bush or about to spread her wings and fly about in this beautiful park? I had planned to post this photo at some point but when T. sent me her drawing of the empty nest I had to pair the two together today. They belong together for sure. She has been gathering her drawings from the semester to present for her portfolio and she had not shown me this one. / this was a still life set up in my drawing class - it fits our theme doesn't it mom? i may have "left the nest" but home is never far away and unlike birds, i will return. it was nice being at home for several days this past week and i'll be home again soon after finals.