This Perfectly Imperfect Life

These are some of the photos I took locally, post Hurricane Sandy, last October and November.  I have so many more, but, despite a year having passed, I'm not at the point where I want to go back through the disc I downloaded them to. And maybe I never will be. I am so, so, so very thankful (every day) we and our families made it through okay. Most of our friends did too, but there were some who weren't as lucky. Love, hugs and prayers to all of us who were in her path, especially those who suffered her terrifying destruction first hand.

These are some of the photos I took locally, post Hurricane Sandy, last October and November.  I have so many more, but, despite a year having passed, I'm not at the point where I want to go back through the disc I downloaded them to. And maybe I never will be. I am so, so, so very thankful (every day) we and our families made it through okay. Most of our friends did too, but there were some who weren't as lucky. Love, hugs and prayers to all of us who were in her path, especially those who suffered her terrifying destruction first hand.

I've made a decision regarding the sharing some of my post Hurricane Sandy photos here publicly: I will wait.  It's too soon.  Especially for those who have lost so much.  And there are certain areas/towns where I haven't taken any photos because I've been too upset upon seeing them to do so. I thank you in advance for your understanding.

I've made a decision regarding the sharing some of my post Hurricane Sandy photos here publicly: I will wait.  It's too soon.  Especially for those who have lost so much.  And there are certain areas/towns where I haven't taken any photos because I've been too upset upon seeing them to do so. I thank you in advance for your understanding.

I have been asked many times how folks can help Sandy's victims and this has been my husband's advice from the get-go.  (He is Commander of a local American Legion Post and a Marine). I've tried to add more specific details to put you in the right direction: To make sure all donations get to those who need it in affected areas, go through *your* local communities! (ie: Church/ Veterans Organization (American Legion, VFW etc)/ food bank/ schools/ library/ EMS-Fire-Police/ Community Organization (Elks, Moose, Knights of Columbus etc). Have them contact their counterparts in affected areas (by contacting local municipalities as some locations for our local organizations have been damaged or lost) regarding specific needs for an area and where donations can be shipped. If you follow me on twitter , I've been re-posting information regarding local communities in our immediate area that have been affected which could help you with specific places to get in touch with as well....

I'm writing to you, dear friends, as the sun sets beyond the hills that shelter and shadow us here at our coastal home. I realize I don't normally post writings here as this is more of a 'show don't tell' blog but, I'm trying to work through what's happened and writing has always been the start for me. Yesterday, for the first time since Hurricane Sandy devastated NJ, things started to feel oddly normal again. "Oddly normal" because around us things are anything but "normal." I'm still dazed and stunned. Numb. But, there's more and I really don't know how to begin explaining to you how I feel. Heartbroken? I'm not sure that covers it honestly. Or does justice to it all. Sadness? I'm definitely sad, but I just cannot, as of yet, find any word or words that begin to express how I feel about what's happened to my beloved home state of NJ. Maybe this will give you an idea: The place where Hubbs and I watched our fi...

I'm writing to you, dear friends, as the sun sets beyond the hills that shelter and shadow us here at our coastal home. Yesterday, for the first time since Hurricane Sandy devastated NJ, things started to feel oddly normal again. Oddly normal because around us things are anything but "normal." I'm still dazed and stunned. Numb. But, there's more (along with being so thankful and appreciative of our blessings, which makes me feel painfully guilty given how much so many have lost) and I really don't know how to begin explaining to you how I feel. Heartbroken? I'm not sure that covers it honestly. Or does justice to it all. Sadness? I'm definitely sad, but I just cannot, as of yet, find any word or words that begin to express how I feel about what's happened to my beloved home state of NJ.  It's more than just another case of marking time,  "Before Sandy" and "After Sandy" as we all tend to do when unimaginable even...

We had a Nor'easter yesterday through last night that brought snow. And by Monday we could reach 70*. I can't figure it all out either! Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

I have never loved my state of New Jersey more than I have since Hurricane Sandy turned us upside down and left so much of the state, especially our coastal & barrier island communities, in ruins.  I've always loved my state, but often we don't know how much until something like this happens. As much as I love my New Jersey, I don't know if I can do this anymore.  2 hurricanes in 14 months.  One worse than the last.  The stress of preparing and going through these storms is too much.  Seeing what's happened is too much.  I've lived near water my whole life, river, bay, ocean.  But, it's not safe.  Not here anyhow.  Like many others, I think we'll be going back inland.  (When, I don't know, but we have to try). We, right here, fared with Sandy better than we did last August with Irene and for that we are incredibly thankful.  (Hopefully I can say the same after the Nor'easter that's supposed to hit tomorrow & Thursday). Liter...

Please send our beloved, ruined state, your prayers, love & positive vibes - we desperately need it, especially our devastated coastal communities and I would be so grateful to y'all! NJ needs all the help we can get. I can't share my Nikon photos with you until we get power back, and, these from my Blackberry only give a hint of the local devastation. It's unlike anything I've ever seen first hand before. And I hope I never see this again. I'm stunned and utterly heartbroken. So grateful we fared well compared with Irene last August, in tears over so so many who've literally lost Everything & are now homeless. Hubbs is already taking applications for vacant apartments and once the power is on, we can send those through & see who management can approve. And we've already got a waiting list in case we get any more vacancies. The tenants who have left the complex to stay with family and friends (who have gas stoves and/or fireplaces) alo...

We are okay, though emotionally/physically a little worse for ware. No structural damage or flooding this time. We, our town for the most part, are very lucky. Our waterfront & harbor were anything but. The coast of NJ has been devastated beyond imagination. Thank you all so much for your caring concern shared with me on my previous post. I can't begin to tell you how much it helped me through. My love and prayers to all affected and devastated by Sandy!!! Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®