Monday, February 8, 2016

It's probably temporary

I'm doing okay – really, I am. I'm not wallowing in grief or crying my eyes out anymore. But I'm also not taking any pictures because I just don't feel like it. And since a blog post here isn't a blog post unless it has pictures, there's nothing to blog about. It's probably a temporary thing. I don't mean to cause drama or concern, and I can't thank you enough for your comments and emails and calls and cards. I'll be back when there are pictures worth sharing.

64 comments:

  1. I can't help it and hope it doesn't make you sadder but I cried when I read this. I think we all understand the pain you are going through as we've been there. You won't ever forget him but it will get easier... someday.

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  2. Thanks for the update. We do miss you. Please don't worry about us. Please take the time you need. Hugs.

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  3. Thank you for the update. Many of us worry and are glad to hear from you at wherever you are in the journey. Aunt Jean

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  4. Having recently had to hug our last furbaby goodbye, I completely empathize and sympathize with your current state. It takes a long time to adjust to 'new realities', especially the hard ones. There will always be a Hank-shaped hole in your heart...and the scope of how immense that is, speaks to how amazing he was, and how much you loved him. I was in love with Hank, too, and while I never got to feed him watermelon, or tell him how handsome he was, I continue to grieve over him. He was truly loved by many. I am thankful for all the beautiful images of him that you shared with us over the years. We'll all be here when, at some point, you feel inspired to capture a moment. In the meantime, may you feel the thoughts and prayers and hugs that are being sent to you each and every single day.

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    1. Couldn't have said it better.
      I can only imagine that taking photos without Handsome Hank is very painful. Thank you for checking in with us.... You didn't have to.... But it is good to hear from you. Scratches and hugs to all your crew.

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  5. I've been thinking of you every day when I miss your blog. I understand. I'm sorry you're having to go through this. Take the time it takes & we'll be here when you get back.

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  6. Perhaps you could start out getting some shots of Johnny and Smooch. We loved the video you did a while back of feeding Johnny in the freezing cold.
    Hank was a very special equine. Never to be forgotten.

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  7. I was beginning to worry. Thanks for the update and, obviously, take all the time you need. Just would like to know you're ok once in a while. It's amazing how connected we become to people (and animals) we have never met.

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  8. We understand, Carson. Post when you feel you want to again. I hope the winter-woolly donkey trio is giving you lots of snuggles to comfort you, though I'm sure they still miss Handsome Hank too. xxx

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  9. Thanks for checking in. We worry even though you've never met us. Give our love to all the critters. Hope Smooch is staying close (maybe JCC too ; ) ) and taking good care of you. Small bright spot, tomorrow is Mardi Gras. Green, gold and purple!

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  10. Take all the time you need. I understand how you feel having just lost Dusty and two weeks ago my dog Maggie. It's a very sad time and I know why you don't feel like doing anything. In time things will get better but for now do what you need to do to feel better. I loved Hank too, he was one of my favorite horses, even though I never met him. They are all so special and take a piece of our hearts with them when the leave.

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  11. Carson: Take all the time you want and need. You've definitely earned a respite! And your blog should never be a chore. Just know that we all feel for you and will be here waiting for you when you finally decide that you must get behind a lens again to capture a moment with a beloved critter or a gorgeous sunset or a hauntingly beautiful foggy morning or ... whatever! In the meantime, warm hugs to you! Luv, JudyB

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  12. Michelle from Vancouver2/8/16, 11:23 PM

    We're a patient group, we'll wait for as long as it takes Linda. We miss you & the gang.

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  13. It is so hard to laugh and cry at the same time...I know, you know, we all gather here for a morning laugh and your wit (which is amazing) as you find humor in every photo. Take some photos and allow the words to flow without the constraints of making us laugh. Let us grieve with you as we see the beauty in your heaven-on-Earth world through your lens. So many people love you!

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  14. Sunrise, sunset. Donkey eyes, donkey ass. Smoochy kiss, don't miss. Silly Rhymes to make you grin. Snowing here in East TN, Smoky Mountains. We share the same air. Coffee and chocolate chip brioche coming up soon. Days are getting longer too. Keep the home fire blazing. Sending waves of love. Mary Anne

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  15. You don't have to 'wallow' in grief to be grieving. I visit everyday and think about you all.

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  16. I completely understand. I lost two wonderful horses and I shut down, too, for a while after each of their losses.

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  17. Yes, miss you and understand. Thank you for relieving my growing concern.

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  18. sending healing prayers and hugs your way.. we will be here when you come back no matter how long you need.

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  19. Ok...my morning was better...just to see that you are OK. Your photos are a bright spot in my day...look forward to seeing the herd once you are ready. Lisa G in TN

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  20. Take your dear sweet time until the muse moves you again. You have NO obligation towards us!

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  21. Thanks for letting us know. I was contemplating calling 9-11.

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  22. Thanks for the update. I totally get it. Take all the time you like. I'll be here.

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  23. Your readers understand perfectly. I'm sure we're all critter lovers and have been where you are (sadly, more than once). We will be here when you're ready to come back. Hugs from Chaserider and her dogs

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  24. I totally understand.

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  25. We understand. We're grieving Hank's loss, too. I know that you and the 7MSN Family feel the love and comfort that coming to you from all of us.

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  26. Just sending you a big hug Carson..... cuz that's all a person can do in a situation like this.... hang in there.

    hugs, V

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  27. So glad to read your note this morning!
    Who is it that determined that EVERY blog must contain pictures? Your post this morning contained words and, sometimes, words is all one has to give! In reading the comments, you will realize that sometimes, that's all it takes!
    Love & Hugs from Colorado!! Marcia

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  28. Well, hello, you. :-) what s happy surprise to hit "refresh" and see an update. Yes, I keep 7MSN loaded on its own, personal browser page.
    I really understand the complete lack of desire to pick up the camera that grief causes.
    xo

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    1. I do the same...every morning as soon as I am able to here at work.

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  29. Glad you posted today. Like many others I keep your blog on daily blogger list update. Sending hugs and prayers for you and the herd.

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  30. Thanks so much for the note! I wasn't overly worried (close though), but I do miss you and yours!

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  31. You just have to do what feels right for you!!! Hugs
    Wendy in Thailand

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  32. Jenny in MN, now in AZ2/9/16, 7:55 AM

    Sending you a big hug. Take care of yourself and know we all will be here when you can return to share your life with us.

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  33. We are wallowing in your grief also. I will keep you in my prayers. (((((((hugs)))))

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  34. Well, hello! So good to hear from you! Take whatever time you need.
    Hugs and prayers to you and all your brood.

    Linda D.
    Tucson, AZ

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  35. Hey woman...it is understandable not wanting to do certain things that gave you joy before. I think Aunt Jean mentioned other types of losses like me not being able to move there. It's Was a big deal and that adds to it. Just take your time...I am doing the same, loss of a dream home and relationship but not as important ( in my eyes) as our Hank. I also think of you every day but know what a strong woman you are and you'll be back with some shenanigans soon.

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  36. I've been out gallivanting, without internet, and missed this horrible news. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope in times the memories you created can bring you solace.

    Hank has touch our lives and we'll carry him with us, into eternity. thanks for sharing him with us.

    "Touch me...
    and I shall touch another.
    And if any others feel my touch
    It was your touch that took me to eternity
    And if that touch is strong enough
    we will never be the same, ever again.
    Whether we walk together, or apart."

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  37. Hey Linda,
    So glad to see a post from you...Have been praying for you.
    Take the time you need, but not tooo long as your bloggy friends
    love your posts and your wonderful pictures. We see places we might
    never get to see for real and read sweet things from you. Your posts
    are like a breath of fresh air on the planet.
    Love from NC

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  38. Hang in there, Linda. We love and miss you and your wonderful blog, but it can wait. Love on your animals and allow yourself all the time you need to grieve the loss of Hank without feeling guilty about not updating your blog. <3<3

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  39. I always read your blogs everyday. Love seeing you and all your animal friends enjoying the simple life. Hank was a beautiful being and he was lucky to have you take care of him for the rest of his life,just like you were lucky to have him. I have lost several dogs and they are my kids because I never had any, but someone once told me that each new pet you get teaches you something new in life. I truly believe that. You are a very strong woman, but either way it hurts. My heart goes out to you. Thanks for all your awesome pictures and blogging I look forward to them everyday!
    Lisa

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  40. Dearest Linda, you have the right to your feelings or lack of them. You have been through so very many hurts as of late. They all add up and sometimes in order to be able to control the "right now", we have to put normal things on hold. Healing takes time and we all deserve the right to grieve in our own way. Sending much love and light, Oma Linda

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  41. Hi Carson,
    Thank you for reaching out to let us know you are okay. If you can make it back to your blog that would be great. But I also understand that sometimes things get soured by grief. Although I'd miss your stories and your critters I mostly care that you are okay.
    Hugs from Parham, Canada

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  42. You take as much time as you need. Your fans will be waiting. As my friend says, You do you, boo. You do you.

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  43. thank you for letting us know you are ok! I try to put yourself in your shoes.. although I have lost many a pet thru the years, I know that you have to keep up the ranch, something this city girl does not have to do. I visit your blog every morning at work,(I remember when Estorbo the cat from another blog passed, I felt so lost) I hope all is well with your fur babies. always in my thoughts . Alicia ,Austin TX

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  44. I was so happy to see '7MSN' in my blog feed this morning! Thank you for checking in. Was beginning to worry but figured that Ethel or your sister or someone was in contact with you. AS someone said above, it is surprising how connected you can feel to someone you have never met. Take care of yourself and your herd. Your blog-pack will all be waiting for you when you are ready to return.

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  45. Hope you get over this soon! How about posting a "selfie" to remind yourself that things do get better when they get better? Miss your posts!

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  46. Good to see a post. Be patient with your self.

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  47. An American in Tokyo2/9/16, 5:04 PM

    It's good to hear from you! =)
    Take as much time as you need.

    But...if you happen to see any coyotes or unusual animals near your ranch, please take pictures for us (for future use)!!

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  48. Glad to see a post, so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Hank. We're sad & we only knew him from the blog. He was so lucky to be part of your 7MSN family. <3

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  49. I have nothing to say that hasn't been said already. I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you too.

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  50. Carson, it's really tough. I know. We ALMOST had to put down our 11 year old Weimer last week..the snow blizzard kept the vet away..and it has all worked out, the dog is better - for now (bone cancer) but WE were absolutely 'ill' from the experience. I was nauseous and dizzy and my heart was racing..I was sad beyond what I have ever experienced..and now that he is back among us, I am relieved, but still that illness that came on, is taking it's time waning away. Take care of yourself. Grief has many layers..and it CAN affect you physically in negative ways. Hank was so lucky to have you and YOU to have him. Because of his later in life malady, I can see how you would relish every moment - as he got on in years. You gave him everything a horse could want or need...and he had great companions. You are surrounded by hugs...and caring. When it's time, we know you will return..you have so much to share...but take this time- it is your 'given'.

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  51. Thank you for checking in with us. I'm sure most of your blog followers are like I am; we've checked every day to see if you've posted anything. Just know that we care and want you to do whatever you need to do for yourself. Those of us who have suffered huge losses know how hard it is to carry on 'normally'. I just checked your weather forecast and it's supposed to be beautiful. Maybe you and Lucy can take a ride. (((Hugs))).

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  52. Hi Carson! Hope it's as beautiful in New Mexico today as it is in Houston. I was kinda thinking that you've shared so much with us, maybe it's time we shared back with you! Maybe it's time we send YOU some pictures of what's going on in our lives? But there's no way to attach a photo is there?

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    1. I would love that! If there's a way to attach a photo to a comment, I've yet to figure it out. But you could email me pictures and tell me about you. Perhaps I should come out of hiding and ask everybody to do that. Then perhaps, with y'alls permission, we could have a meet-and-greet by blog post. See what you've started? My email is the7msn at gmail dot com.

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    2. Rita, you're a genius. Carson, I hope your computer doesn't explode! :)

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  53. Okey dokey....email sent...(letting you know in case it goes to junk or trash).

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    1. Mine too. Rita B. Thank you for your brilliant idea.

      Fellow Houstonian Julia

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  54. Hugs and back-patting coming your way. Christina

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  55. I sent one too. Hope you don't get overwhelmed.

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  56. It might be to soon for this but the Feds have corrals full of beautiful former mustangs that would love a home with you.

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