https://defeatdespair.com/2026/04/01/from-the-insistence-2/2026-03-20T13:11:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/03/25/always-more-mystery-2/2026-03-25T12:56:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/03/18/spring-emerges-2/2026-03-20T13:01:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/03/11/like-a-fire-2/2026-03-25T11:42:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/03/04/too-important-2/2026-03-20T12:08:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2019/03/04/too-important/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/me-with-waitress-at-the-small-talk-tea-shop-teresas-photo.jpgMe with waitress at the Small Talk Tea Shop - Teresa's photoTeresa snapped me with our lovely waitress at the Small Talk Tea Shop in England. For more on Teresa and this photo, taken in July, 2017, read this post.2026-02-08T13:33:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/02/25/life-is-there-2/2026-02-06T15:57:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/02/18/there-sat-the-world-2/2026-03-20T12:05:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/02/11/generous-beyond-all-reason-2/2026-03-20T11:57:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/02/04/small-places-in-a-large-world-2/2026-03-20T12:59:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2019/02/25/life-is-there/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/hydrangeas-from-gloria-feb-2016-e1551065611601.jpgHydrangeas from Gloria, Feb 2016Gloria sent Jeff these hydrangeas three years ago, in honor of his retirement ceremony on February 26. I later planted them outside, and I hope they will soon be sprouting foliage.2026-01-26T13:30:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2019/02/04/small-places-in-a-large-world/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/garden-at-san-juan-bautista-e1549241024169.jpgGarden at San Juan BautistaBoth a garden and a story: San Juan Bautista, California, June 20032026-01-24T13:07:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/01/28/to-see-wonders-2/2026-02-05T13:48:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/01/21/hints-of-gladness-2/2026-01-26T13:19:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2019/01/21/hints-of-gladness/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/me-in-muir-woods.jpgme in muir woodsJeff took this photo of me exultant amid the beauty of Muir Woods, May 2003.2026-01-01T00:26:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/01/14/excitement-and-peace-2/2026-01-24T12:50:56+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2019/01/14/excitement-and-peace/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/view-from-my-bedroom-window-011319.jpgview from my bedroom window 011319The woods behind our northern Virginia home, as seen from my bedroom window, January 2019.2026-01-01T00:14:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2026/01/07/flowers-always-2/2026-01-26T13:24:28+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2019/01/07/flowers-always/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/collage-of-monet-flowers-1.jpgcollage of monet flowershttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/roses-in-january-2016.jpgroses in january, 2016Jeff brought me these roses in January 2016. Neither of us dreamed he would not live to see another January.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/collage-of-monet-flowers.jpgcollage of monet flowers2025-12-26T14:10:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/12/31/if-you-can-wait-2/2026-02-06T13:05:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/12/24/a-song-for-all-the-years-2/2025-12-25T11:59:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/12/24/a-song-for-all-the-years/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Owen-and-Grady-Christmas-2018.jpgOwen and Grady, Christmas 2018Wishing you a wonder-filled Christmas with a touch of childlike faith. That's Owen and Grady sitting in front of our Christmas tree, December 23, 2018.2025-12-24T11:52:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/12/17/downright-goodness/2025-12-24T11:49:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/12/17/11500/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/All-sorts-of-gifts-December-2010.jpgAll sorts of gifts, December 2010For years I've had a strange quirk of using a different design of wrapping paper for each and every gift under the tree; no two ever wrapped in the same paper. Perhaps I was sending myself a sort of coded message that I would later need. This photo of our Alexandria tree was taken in December 2010.2025-12-03T21:13:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/12/10/while-time-stands-still-2/2026-01-23T14:19:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/12/03/a-never-tiring-affection-3/2025-12-24T16:48:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/02/16/a-never-tiring-affection-4/2025-12-03T21:56:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/11/26/never-far-2/2025-11-16T18:27:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/11/26/never-far/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/tea-table-monticello-shop.jpgTea table, Monticello shopI photographed this tea table in a Monticello shop, June 20142025-11-16T18:05:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/11/19/a-wonderful-thing-2/2025-12-03T21:56:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/11/12/heroes-who-live-among-us-2/2025-12-03T21:55:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/11/12/heroes-who-live-among-us/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/jeff-with-boys-then-and-now.jpgjeff-with-boys-then-and-nowThen and now: Drew and Matt with Jeff, early 1986, and at Jeff’s grave, August 2018.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/jeff-with-boys-then-and-now.jpgJeff with boys then and nowDrew and Matt with Jeff, early 1986, and at Jeff's grave, August 2018.2025-11-05T15:44:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/11/05/the-grand-finale-2/2025-10-29T20:56:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/10/29/a-thing-well-done-2/2025-10-01T12:40:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/10/22/each-must-be-the-last-2/2026-01-23T14:18:29+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/10/15/overheard-by-the-soul-2/2025-10-31T18:10:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/10/08/all-serious-daring-2/2025-12-03T21:53:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/10/01/this-is-enough-2/2025-12-03T21:49:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/09/24/packed-up-but-still-2/2025-10-08T13:06:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/09/17/because-you-once-traversed-2/2025-09-18T14:10:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/09/10/as-it-always-does-2/2025-09-10T11:36:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/09/03/not-alone-2/2025-09-03T00:33:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/09/03/not-alone/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/e2809ctake-it-or-leave-ite2809d-photo-by-maia-habegger-on-unsplash.jpg“Take it or leave it” - photo by Maia Habegger on UnsplashConfused? Worried? Overwhelmed? You are not alone, no matter how isolated you feel. Photo by Maia Habegger on Unsplash2025-09-03T00:29:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/09/01/risk-your-heart/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/al-and-me-with-our-favorite-stuffed-toys-e1756638513174.jpgAl and me with our favorite stuffed toyshttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/a-favorite-photo-of-als-early-pilot-days-e1756638554414.jpgA favorite photo of Al's early pilot daysAl as a young pilot shortly after his solo flight. He is pictured here in the front cockpit of Daddy's Aeronca Champion.2025-12-03T22:03:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/08/27/activity-2/2025-06-29T17:37:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/08/27/activity/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/red-hummingbird.jpgRed hummingbirdThe red-throated males were more territorial, and chased the others away when they approached.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/four-humminbirds.jpgFour humminbirdsNever still: hummingbirds flit to and fro between Carla's two feeders and beyond. August, 20182025-06-29T17:34:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/08/20/you-never-know-2/2025-09-18T11:27:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/08/13/so-much-faster-2/2025-09-18T11:10:55+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/08/06/like-a-handprint-on-my-heart-2/2025-06-29T16:47:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/07/30/smaller-and-less-sneaky-2/2025-06-29T16:37:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/07/30/smaller-and-less-sneaky/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/susan-and-mary-july-2018.jpgSusan and Mary, July 2018All smiles: Susan and Mary enjoy the food and fellowship.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/raynards-birthday-july-28-2018.jpgRaynard's birthday July 28, 2018Do we look sleepy? Considering how much food we had just eaten, we were doing pretty well to be awake. Matt, me, Mary, Raynard and Susan, July 2018, at the Shady Maple2025-06-29T16:34:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/07/23/a-book-of-hope-2/2025-06-26T00:15:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/07/23/a-book-of-hope/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/gate-to-back-yard-gables-guest-house-oxford-june-2017-e1532315154341.jpgGate to back yard, Gables Guest House, Oxford June 2017This little side gate leads to the lovely back lawn of the Gables Guest House, where I spent my first few days in Oxford, England, June 2017.2025-06-26T00:02:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/07/16/like-a-million-suns-2/2025-06-25T23:54:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/07/16/like-a-million-suns/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/the-gift-of-fellowship-071518.jpgThe gift of Fellowship 071518Art, Carol,Amy, Lee, Lynn, Tuck and Renee, shining like a million suns. July, 2018https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/bright-center-of-a-star-cluster-photo-by-nasa-via-unsplash.jpgBright center of a star cluster. Photo by NASA via UnsplashBright center of a star cluster. Photo by NASA via Unsplash2025-06-25T23:37:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/07/09/still-flowers-bloom-2/2025-12-03T21:49:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/07/02/patience-and-perseverance-2/2025-09-18T10:20:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/06/25/perhaps-the-greater-2/2025-06-29T16:31:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/06/18/how-important-you-are-2/2025-07-23T23:26:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/06/11/a-wayside-sacrament-2/2025-06-10T12:11:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/06/18/how-important-you-are/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/shoreditch-london-photo-by-toa-heftiba-on-unsplash.jpgShoreditch, London. Photo by Toa Heftiba on UnsplashThis unusual motto shows up all over this London neighborhood. Shoreditch, London. Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash.2025-06-08T18:56:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/06/04/such-beautiful-lessons-2/2025-09-18T20:30:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/05/03/the-quintessential-optimist/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/me-at-seattle-center-garden-april-2025.jpgMe at Seattle Center garden, April 2025I'm glad an optimist was here first! My friend Suzy took my photograph at the Seattle Center, April 20252025-05-02T21:48:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/04/26/the-thing-that-is-left/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/sunrise-from-my-bathroom-window-march-2025.jpgSunrise from my bathroom window, March 2025Sunrise over the Potomac, as seen from my window, March 20252025-05-02T20:52:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/04/12/nourishment/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/photo-by-vitaly-gariev-via-unsplash.jpgPhoto by Vitaly Gariev via UnsplashPhoto by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash2025-04-21T17:51:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/05/28/though-they-sleep-2/2025-06-04T11:29:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/05/21/count-on-flowers-2/2025-06-04T11:24:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/05/14/the-jangled-soul-can-flee-2/2025-04-07T18:08:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/05/07/nothing-but-the-thread-2/2025-04-07T18:03:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/04/30/to-share-our-pain-2/2025-04-07T17:59:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/04/30/to-share-our-pain/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/photo-by-milada-vigerova-via-unsplash.jpgPhoto by Milada Vigerova via UnsplashPhoto by Milada Vigerova via Unsplash2025-04-07T17:58:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/04/23/conversation-partners-2/2025-04-07T17:35:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/04/23/conversation-partners/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/blackwells-books-oxford-uk-june-2017.jpgBlackwell's books, Oxford UK, June 20172025-04-07T17:33:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/04/16/no-endings-2/2025-04-07T17:08:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/04/09/inverse-correlation-2/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/image.pngimage2025-04-12T01:36:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/04/02/but-one-has-seen-2/2025-04-11T20:22:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/03/29/the-month-of-expectation/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/my-daily-walk-as-it-looked-on-032725.jpgMy daily walk as it looked on 032725I took this photo on my daily walk to the river, March 27, 20252025-04-11T20:29:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/03/22/slow-walking/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/more-about-the-york-wall-july-2023.jpgMore about the York wall July 2023This marker is a few steps from the path pictured above. These informative signs are placed at several points along the wall.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/path-to-the-york-wall-july-2023.jpgPath to the York wall July 2023This path leads to one entry point of the York Wall, great for slow walking. York, England, July 20232025-03-28T15:32:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/03/26/hard-to-imagine-2/2025-04-07T16:37:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/03/26/hard-to-imagine/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/our-yard-in-may-2005.jpgOur yard in May 2005What a difference 12 years can make! Then and now: our York back yard in 2005, the year after we moved to Virginia, and 12 years later, last spring.2025-03-15T11:58:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/03/19/mostly-standing-still-2/2025-03-28T15:33:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/03/15/rejoice-in-spring/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/okame-cherry-tree-031425-crop.jpgOkame cherry tree 031425 - cropI took this one yesterday. The trees and grass aren't in springtime mode yet, but the Okame is!https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/daffodils-spring-2023.jpgDaffodils spring 2023This faithful flowers just broke into bloom yesterday. Here they are on March 1, 2023.2025-03-15T10:26:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/03/08/do-something/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/william_morris_printworks_plaque-via-wc.jpgWilliam_Morris_printworks_plaque via WChttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/strawberry-thief-by-william-morris-public-domain-via-the-victoria-and-albert-museum-wc.jpgStrawberry Thief by William Morris - public domain via the Victoria and Albert Museum, WC"The Strawberry Thief" print by William Morris. The Victoria and Albert Museum, via Wikimedia Commons2025-03-19T14:29:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/03/01/wonderful-silence/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/carl_holsoe_-_solskin_i_stuen-sunshine-in-the-living-room-detail.pngCarl_Holsøe_-_Solskin_i_stuen (Sunshine in the living room) - detailDetail from "Sunshine in the Living Room" by Carl Holsoe. Public domain image from Wikimedia Commons2025-03-26T08:58:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/03/12/bringing-people-together-2/2025-02-24T00:41:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/03/12/bringing-people-together/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/neighbors-yard-may-2015.jpgNeighbor's yard, May 2015Our neighbor's front yard is tiny but welcoming. Alexandria, May 20152025-02-24T00:38:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/03/05/the-fog-of-the-future-2/2025-03-19T14:31:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/03/05/the-fog-of-the-future/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/daffodils-one-week-later-e1520216869249.jpgDaffodils one week laterOne week later, still bright and cheery!https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/tre-cime-di-lavaredo-italy-photo-by-matt-sclarandis-via-unsplash.jpgTre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy, photo by Matt Sclarandis via UnsplashTre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy, photo by Matt Sclarandis via Unsplash2025-02-23T18:03:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/02/08/strenuously-in-search/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/rocky-mountain-national-park-september-2024.jpgRocky Mountain National Park, September 2024It was only a short hike to this lovely spot. Rocky Mountain National Park, September 20242025-02-21T12:46:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/02/15/a-failure-of-seeing/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bare-trees-in-a-winter-sunrise-march-2024.jpgBare trees in a winter sunrise March 2024If you think bare trees are ugly, look again. A winter sunrise from my bedroom window, March 20242025-03-19T14:28:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/02/26/one-day-2/2025-03-01T13:32:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/02/19/neatly-arranged-and-well-provisioned-2/2025-02-05T17:43:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/02/12/hopes-rise-blooming-2/2025-02-21T12:54:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/02/01/paradoxical/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/suzy-at-vandenberg-beach-february-2024.jpgSuzy at Vandenberg beach, February 2024I knew the beauty of Minuteman Beach, but I had also forgotten it. Vandenberg Space Force Base, February 20242025-02-21T12:36:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/02/05/bursting-the-bounds-2/2025-01-31T20:49:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/02/05/bursting-the-bounds/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/the-great-rift-by-nate-rayfield-via-unsplash.jpgThe Great Rift by Nate Rayfield via UnsplashThe Great Rift, also know as The Dark Rift, or The Dark River, is a section of non-luminous clouds within the Milky Way. Rattlesnake Lake, Washington, photo by Nate Rayfield via Unsplash.2025-01-26T17:53:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/01/29/singularly-moved-2/2025-02-01T13:17:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/01/25/winter-heals/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/haanja-upland-seen-from-suur-munamagi-the-highest-peak-in-estonia.-vaido-otsar-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgHaanja Upland seen from Suur Munamägi, the highest peak in Estonia. Vaido Otsar via Wikimedia CommonsHaanja Upland seen from Suur Munamägi, the highest peak in Estonia. Vaido Otsar via Wikimedia Commons2025-02-07T12:00:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/01/18/handles-and-hinges/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cotswolds-doorway-july-2017.jpgCotswolds doorway, July 2017Come on in, but mind the hardware. A lovely Cotswolds doorway, England, July 20172025-01-16T22:31:28+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/01/22/my-state-of-general-wonder-2/2025-01-16T19:43:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/01/22/my-state-of-general-wonder/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/owen-sees-the-flowers-e1516575787262.jpgOwen sees the flowersOwen was filled with wonder at the flowers Aunt Peggy sent. This photo was taken just hours before Jeff died, October 2016.2025-01-16T19:36:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/01/11/life-waiting/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/january-sunrise-2025.jpgJanuary sunrise, 2025A new day, like a new year, brings fresh possibilities. This is the view from my bathroom window a few days ago. It has not been digitally altered in any way; it really is this beautiful. January, 2025.2025-02-01T12:52:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/01/15/snow-helps-2/2025-02-01T12:56:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/01/04/a-powerful-solace/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mountains-3.jpgMountains 3https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mountains-seen-from-the-plane-053024.jpgMountains seen from the plane 053024This was either Alaska or Canada. In the sky, boundaries disappear. May 2024.2025-02-21T12:38:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/01/08/a-poet-in-january-2/2025-03-01T13:48:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2025/01/01/perceptibly-nearer-2/2024-12-31T12:52:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/12/25/of-reflection-2/2024-12-31T12:48:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/12/18/a-little-at-a-time-2/2024-12-31T12:30:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/12/18/a-little-at-a-time/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/matt-susan-me-ornament-shot-nov-2017.jpgMatt Susan & Me ornament shot Nov 2017Look closely-- we're still festive, and still in the picture! Susan, Matt and me are reflected (with cameras in hand) in the ornament. Springfield Mall, Virginia, November 20172024-12-09T00:22:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/12/11/such-an-honest-thing-2/2024-12-17T12:35:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/12/04/knowing-how-to-be-2/2024-12-06T13:45:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/12/04/knowing-how-to-be/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/me-on-the-way-to-herrenchiemsee-nov-1972.jpgMe on the way to HerrenchiemseeSolitude, but not too much: I walk to Herrenchiemsee, November 1972.2024-11-26T12:41:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/11/27/a-tree-in-a-story-2/2024-12-31T12:41:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/11/20/were-a-parade-2/2024-12-03T12:44:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/11/20/were-a-parade/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/favorite-people-at-a-favorite-place-november-2017.jpgFavorite people at a favorite place, November 2017Susan, Amy, Matt and me, warm and cozy at Cracker Barrel, November 20172024-10-30T23:57:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/11/13/the-dog-does-2/2025-02-01T12:50:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/11/09/linger-in-the-beautiful-2/2024-10-30T23:47:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/11/06/always-flowers-2/2024-10-30T23:25:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/11/06/always-flowers/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/blooming-camellia-november-2017.jpgBlooming Camellia, November 2017Just over the fence is our even more neglected woodland.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/our-backyard-garden-november-20171.jpgOur backyard garden, November 2017Even on an overcast autumn afternoon, I find plenty to love in our backyard. November, 20172024-10-30T23:18:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/11/02/now-write-2/2024-12-03T12:28:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/10/30/for-the-whole-day-2/2024-10-12T15:57:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/10/26/permanence-and-change-2/2024-12-03T12:27:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/10/23/a-good-calling-2/2024-10-26T11:37:28+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/10/23/a-good-calling/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/grady-and-owen-halloween-2016.jpgGrady and Owen Halloween 2016Here's one of the better stories to remember from October 2016.2024-10-12T15:46:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/10/19/my-sentiments-2/2024-10-12T15:35:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/10/16/leisured-coziness-2/2024-10-26T11:35:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/10/12/vast-and-awesome-2/2024-10-26T11:13:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/10/12/vast-and-awesome/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/schoolchildren-at-kew-gardens-july-2017.jpgSchoolchildren at Kew Gardens, July 2017Schoolchildren at Kew Gardens, looking even smaller from the Treetop Walkway, July 20172024-10-11T23:28:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/10/09/a-mosaic-2/2024-12-03T12:32:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/10/05/just-before-you-2/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/burford-flowers.jpgBurford flowers2024-10-05T11:54:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/10/05/just-before-you/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/street-flowers-burford-june-2017-e1507166497751.jpgStreet flowers, Burford, June 2017Some of the prettiest flowers I saw in England were not in gardens, but on the streets. Burford, Oxfordshire, June 20172024-10-02T21:39:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/10/02/sealed-inside-2/2024-12-03T12:38:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/09/28/since-i-started-2/2024-10-26T11:37:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/09/28/since-i-started/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/dreams-and-schemes1.jpgDreams and schemesI wish I could tell you my desk looks like this, but only in my dreams! From the Mint & Gold Styled Stock collection at Pixels & Design2024-09-17T12:43:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/09/25/an-enduring-savor-2/2024-09-17T12:35:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/09/21/whoever-you-are-2/2024-12-06T21:22:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/09/18/go-beyond-2/2024-09-05T20:15:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/09/14/thoughts-into-words-2/2024-09-17T12:20:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/09/11/regular-phases-2/2024-09-17T12:18:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/09/07/to-look-forward-3/2024-09-03T11:00:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/09/04/something-possible-2/2024-09-17T12:17:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/08/31/someones-home-2/2024-12-03T12:30:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/08/31/someones-home/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/gables-guest-house-sunroom-june-2017.jpgGables Guest House sunroom, June 2017I enjoyed the sunroom of the Gables Guest House in Oxford, where there was plenty of tea and an abundance of helpful guide books to browse. June, 20172024-08-28T13:24:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/08/28/the-garden-of-the-spirit-2/2024-10-26T11:18:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/08/28/the-garden-of-the-spirit/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/roses-at-kew-gardens-july-2017.jpgRoses at Kew Gardens, July 2017Roses at Kew Gardens, July, 2017 2024-08-19T21:33:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/08/24/the-metaphor-holds-2/2024-09-02T14:23:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/08/24/the-metaphor-holds/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/photo-by-darrell-cassell-via-unsplash.jpgPhoto by Darrell Cassell via UnsplashPhoto by Darrell Cassell via Unsplash2024-08-18T19:13:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/08/21/see-from-a-bike-2/2024-12-31T12:28:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/08/17/sometimes-we-do-2/2024-09-02T14:16:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/08/14/how-ordinary-2/2024-09-02T14:21:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/08/14/how-ordinary/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/richmond-duplex-july-2017.jpgRichmond duplex, July 2017Just a typical home on a quiet residential street in Richmond, near London, July 2017 2024-08-14T10:23:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/01/09/among-these-winters-2/2024-07-31T17:49:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/01/09/among-these-winters/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/photo-by-ray-hennessy-via-unsplash-com.jpgphoto-by-ray-hennessy-via-unsplash-comPhoto by Ray Hennessy via Unsplash.com2024-07-31T17:48:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/08/10/something-you-have-to-learn-2/2024-07-29T17:44:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/08/10/something-you-have-to-learn/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/owen-cheers-for-the-gwinnett-braves-april-20171-e1502339915144.jpgOwen cheers for the Gwinnett Braves, April 2017Never too young to learn: Owen cheers for the Gwinnett Braves, April 2017https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/owen-cheers-for-the-gwinnett-braves-april-2017-e1502339616910.jpgOwen cheers for the Gwinnett Braves, April 20172024-07-29T17:36:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/08/03/to-transform-2/2024-09-02T14:09:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/08/07/a-thousand-tongues-2/2024-09-02T14:02:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/08/03/to-transform/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/the-garden-at-the-kilns-june-2017.jpgThe Garden at the Kilns, June, 2017The garden at the Kilns, where lovely weather and lawn chairs awaited us.2024-07-28T16:01:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/07/31/the-bigger-more-beautiful-picture-2/2024-07-27T18:07:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/07/31/the-bigger-more-beautiful-picture/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/pat-and-me-and-her-family-at-their-reunion-7-14-17.jpgPat and me and their family at their reunion, 7-14-17Pat and me at the family reunion in northern Virginia, July 2017.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/pat-and-me-july-14-2017.jpgPat and me, July 14 2017Pat and me, just before we said goodbye after meeting face to face for the first time, July 2017.2024-07-27T18:05:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/07/27/the-tightrope-2/2024-09-02T13:57:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/05/15/capture-a-moment-3/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/me-with-gw-may-2018.jpgMe with GW, May 2018With a big boost from France, he won the Revolutionary War. The least I could do was give him a sip of my drink. May, 20182024-10-26T11:20:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/05/11/look-up/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo-from-my-walk-april-2023.jpgPhoto from my walk, April 2023I took this photo on an everyday walk in my neighborhood, April 2023.2024-09-02T14:19:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/05/08/the-whole-world-2017-2/2024-05-14T21:25:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/05/04/two-parents-who-love/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mama-and-daddy-wiht-ryan-christmas-1977-cropped.jpgMama and Daddy wiht Ryan Christmas 1977 - croppedMama and Daddy with their first grandchild, Christmas Day 19772024-05-14T21:24:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/05/01/too-much-rain-2/2024-05-07T18:56:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/04/27/the-color-green-2/2024-05-07T13:47:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/04/27/the-color-green/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/disney-tribute-to-butchart-gardens-epcot-aug-03.jpgDisney tribute to Butchart Gardens EPCOT Aug 03The lovely garden of the Canadian Pavilion at EPCOT Center, August 20032024-04-25T10:58:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/04/24/the-imaginary-friend-2/2024-10-26T11:31:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/04/20/you-wont-be-the-same-2/2024-04-20T01:29:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2019/08/12/come-celebrate/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/waikiki-beach-oahu-photo-by-li-yang-on-unsplash.jpgWaikiki Beach, Oahu -- Photo by Li Yang on UnsplashWaikiki Beach, Oahu, beautiful with hidden risks. Photo by Li Yang on Unsplash2024-04-15T13:20:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/04/17/spring-always-finds-a-way-2/2024-04-25T15:10:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/04/13/a-sunny-spirit-3/2024-04-25T15:09:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/04/10/alchemy-in-sorrow-2017-2/2024-04-25T15:02:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/04/06/friendship-refreshes-2/2024-03-31T16:43:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/04/03/ways-of-healing-2/2024-04-13T13:24:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/03/20/true-and-appropriate/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/12-baby-drew-daddy1.jpgJeff with Baby Drew, Spring 1984Dental student Jeff with a 1-month-old Drew, spring 1984. Even the baby's babies are now past this stage.2024-03-23T11:36:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/03/22/true-and-appropriate-2/2024-03-28T22:36:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/03/30/earths-immeasurable-surprise-2/2024-03-22T15:22:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/03/27/dare-2/2024-03-28T22:45:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/03/27/dare/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/me-with-e2809crexe2809d-1958.jpgMe with “Rex” 1958Naïve and loving it: me with my stuffed dog "Rex," somewhere around 19582024-03-22T15:12:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/03/23/the-tiniest-fragments-2/2024-03-28T22:32:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/03/23/the-tiniest-fragments/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/our-cherry-blossoms-03-22-17.jpgOur cherry blossoms 03-22-17Our cherry blossoms as seen from the living room window, March 22, 20172024-03-22T15:01:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/03/16/a-happy-thought-2/2024-03-28T22:38:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/03/13/since-you-dont-know-2/2024-03-10T12:09:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/03/09/a-genuine-man-2/2024-03-28T22:27:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/03/06/a-pretty-good-diet-2/2024-03-28T22:28:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/03/02/to-wander-2/2024-03-28T22:26:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/03/02/to-wander/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grady-in-the-wildwoods-dec-2016.jpggrady-in-the-wildwoods-dec-2016Here's one I actually did take that Christmas Eve, 2016.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grady-explores-the-museum-dec-2017.jpggrady-explores-the-museum-dec-2017Grady took off ahead of us in the museum, too, even before we were outdoors.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/grady-at-fernbank-jan-2016.jpggrady-at-fernbank-jan-2016Grady was far ahead of me when I zoomed in for this shot. Atlanta, December 2016 ERROR! I did NOT take this photo-- I stole it off Megan's Facebook page, but it was an honest mix-up because I put it in the same computer folder. Same place, different day; this was made in January, 2017. SORRY!2024-01-29T12:04:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/02/27/these-wishes-2/2024-03-28T22:23:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/02/23/close-at-hand-2/2024-03-28T22:21:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/02/20/no-small-gift-2/2024-03-28T22:47:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/01/19/when-we-fully-understand-2/2024-01-20T14:08:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2018/12/03/a-never-tiring-affection-2/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/birthday-with-my-friends-11292017.jpgBirthday with my friends 11292017That's us on my birthday at the Puakea home, 2017. Don't you love their funny Christmas sign?https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/my-birthday-surprise-2018-e1543790293617.jpgMy birthday surprise, 2018https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/my-birthday-dinner-2018-e1543789896197.jpgMy birthday dinner, 2018Renee, Mitzie, Troy and Myra at my birthday celebration, 20182024-01-15T19:16:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/02/13/a-willingness-to-wander-2/2024-04-13T13:22:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/02/09/heart-melodies-2/2024-03-28T21:51:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/02/06/the-glimmering-star-2/2024-03-28T22:04:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/02/02/how-else-2/2024-03-31T17:21:56+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/01/30/go-after-it-2/2024-03-28T21:57:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/01/30/go-after-it/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mennonite-sisters-working-after-hurricane-katrina-2005.jpgDR-1603 Hurricane KatrinaMennonite sisters from Maryland go after Hurricane Katrina relief with all sorts of tools. Photo by Marvin Nauman, from the FEMA Photo Library,public domain via Wikimedia Commons2024-01-15T18:48:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/01/26/the-one-who-comes-in-2/2024-01-29T11:38:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/01/23/how-infinitely-rich-2/2024-04-13T13:20:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2017/01/19/when-we-fully-understand/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/owen-with-papa-sept-2016.jpgowen-with-papa-sept-2016Owen with his PaPa, September 14, 20162024-01-15T18:31:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/01/12/something-like-a-star/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/photo-by-greg-rakozy-on-unsplash.jpgPhoto by Greg Rakozy on UnsplashPhoto by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash2025-05-18T10:49:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/01/16/on-gray-days-2/2024-01-25T12:51:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2024/01/02/we-conquer-2/2024-01-15T16:52:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/12/22/strangers-old-and-new/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/books-and-tea-cropped.jpgBooks and tea croppedI created this picture with Microsoft's AI image creator. All I did was ask for a picture with books and tea, and this was one it came up with. Pretty, creepy, or both? You decide.2024-01-15T16:44:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/12/26/much-is-taken-much-abides-2/2024-01-15T16:49:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/12/24/every-year-i-dream-2016-2/2024-01-15T16:48:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/12/19/like-of-each-thing-2016-2/2024-01-15T16:33:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/12/19/like-of-each-thing-2016/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/signature.jpgsignature2023-12-11T00:24:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/12/15/to-the-sender-2/2024-01-15T16:32:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/12/15/to-the-sender/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/soldiers-reading-christmas-cards-from-norman-ok.jpgsoldiers-reading-christmas-cards-from-norman-okSoldiers enjoy Christmas Cards from school children in Norman, Oklahoma, 2012. CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons2023-12-11T00:14:56+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/12/12/the-gift-not-yet-opened-2016-2/2024-01-15T16:31:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/12/12/the-gift-not-yet-opened-2016/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/patricias-christmas-tree-2016.jpgpatricias-christmas-tree-2016Patricia sends her Christmas greetings to us, along with a photo of her glowing tree.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/jenas-miniature-tree.jpgjenas-miniature-treeJena's miniature tree https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/susans-feather-christmas-tree-2016-e1481596842706.jpgsusans-feather-christmas-tree-2016A friend gave Susan this feather tree for her new apartment.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/sues-christmas-tree-2016-e1481596863178.jpgsues-christmas-tree-2016Sue's Christmas tree, 20162023-11-12T17:51:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/12/05/more-present-2/2024-01-15T16:47:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/12/05/more-present/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/at-the-nature-preserve-nov-2016.jpgat-the-nature-preserve-nov-2016One of Jeff's last gifts to Drew and his family was a membership to the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Here they are, on their first visit after Jeff's death. November 20162023-11-12T17:45:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/12/01/no-pessimist-2016/2024-01-15T18:23:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/11/24/love-at-the-board-2016/2024-01-15T16:17:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/11/24/love-at-the-board-2/2023-11-12T17:33:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/11/21/absolutely-positively-certainly-2016/2024-01-15T16:15:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2012/11/27/absolutely-positively-certainly/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/flowers-2007.jpgFlowers 2007Fresh flowers bought for a few dollars at the Kroger markdown bin give us days of enjoyment, and lift my spirits every time I come into the kitchen.2023-11-12T17:12:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/11/21/absolutely-positively-certainly-2/2023-11-12T17:09:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/11/17/open-to-the-day-2016/2024-01-15T16:11:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/11/14/live-faithfully-a-hidden-life-3/2023-11-12T16:37:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/11/10/a-luxury-2/2023-11-19T17:28:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/11/07/through-the-rain-2/2023-11-19T17:22:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/10/06/rearranged/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/christ-church-meadow-july-2023.jpgChrist Church meadow July 2023I walk a different path now, with a beauty all its own. My student lodging at Christ Church, Oxford, was just steps from its lovely meadow. July 20232023-10-28T16:15:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/11/30/odd-but-true-2/2023-10-22T23:50:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/10/24/the-strength-2/2023-10-30T00:05:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/10/17/the-wise-will-know-2/2023-11-06T22:25:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/10/10/the-arabesques-2/2023-10-21T19:13:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/10/03/memory-of-the-heart-2/2023-10-08T20:23:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/09/29/whimsy-and-change-2/2023-08-27T16:57:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/09/29/whimsy-and-change/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/flamingo-display-in-cozumel-mexico-january-2015.jpgflamingo-display-in-cozumel-mexico-january-2015This display of flamingos caught my eye in Cozumel, Mexico, January 2015.2023-08-27T16:55:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/09/26/sufficient-proof-2/2023-10-08T20:21:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/09/22/anything-valuable-2/2023-10-08T20:20:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/09/22/anything-valuable/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/giant_sequoias_in_sequoia_national_park_2013by-tuxyso-own-work-cc-by-sa-3-0-via-wc.jpggiant_sequoias_in_sequoia_national_park_2013by-tuxyso-own-work-cc-by-sa-3-0-via-wcIt's a good thing we didn't have to wait for these trees to grow. Giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park, 2013, by Tuxyso, CC by SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons2023-08-27T16:43:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/09/19/more-often-2/2023-10-08T20:00:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/09/15/september-days-2/2023-10-08T23:38:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/09/12/where-everything-is-free-2/2023-08-27T16:33:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/02/13/altered-with-every-experience/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/sunrise-over-the-potomac-january-25-2023-unretouched.jpegSunrise over the Potomac, January 25, 2023 unretouchedEach morning finds us slightly different than the day before. Sunrise over the Potomac River as seen from my deck, January 20232023-08-27T16:30:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/08/17/a-pathological-nostalgia/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/castillo-de-san-marcos-1960s.jpgCastillo de San Marcos, 1960sEric and me at Castillo de San Marcos, Florida, sometime in the 1960's2023-08-27T16:29:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/08/17/a-pathological-nostalgia-2/2023-08-27T16:28:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/09/08/wonderful-magical-and-more-2/2023-08-27T16:27:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/09/05/it-harbors-beauty-2/2023-10-08T19:38:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/09/01/in-the-woods-2/2023-10-08T19:30:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/09/01/in-the-woods/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/our-little-wonderland-woods-may-2013.jpgOur little wonderland woods May 2013Our own little wonderland, right behind our back fence, as seen in May 2013 2023-08-27T16:15:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/08/29/to-arrest-motion-2/2023-10-08T19:25:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/08/29/to-arrest-motion/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/national-gallery-of-art-june-2014.jpgNational Gallery of Art, June 2014We are surrounded by arrested motion, and we hold the keys to unlock it. National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, June 20142023-07-02T21:27:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/08/25/the-day-will-arrive-2/2023-11-30T21:48:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/08/22/a-friend-knows-2/2023-08-26T12:06:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/08/22/a-friend-knows/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/hibiscus-bloom-july-2016-e1470887941123.jpghibiscus bloom, July 2016Just one of a half-dozen blooms on the hisbiscus, late July 2016.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mandevilla-august-2016.jpgMandevilla, August 2016The mandevilla is blooming profusely again, outgrowing the tomato cage propping it up. August 20162023-07-02T21:13:56+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/08/18/the-quickening-pollen-2/2023-07-02T21:11:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/08/18/the-quickening-pollen/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/bee-a-reader.jpgBee a reader!This artwork was copied from an old book catalog leftover from my days as a librarian. I was unable to find out who the owner of the image might be.2023-07-02T21:09:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/08/15/in-these-fraught-times-2/2023-08-26T12:06:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/08/15/in-these-fraught-times/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2016-presidential-election-symbol.jpg2016 Presidential Election symbolMany USA voters from all parties might need one of these on election day, 2016.2023-07-02T21:01:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/08/11/a-wise-passage-2/2023-08-26T11:57:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/08/08/an-obscure-comfort-2/2023-10-08T19:20:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/08/08/an-obscure-comfort/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/byodo-in-oahu-1994-e1470860079340.jpegByodo-In, Oahu 1994The incomparable Valley of the Temples, Oahu, Hawaii, 19942023-07-02T20:38:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/08/04/the-patient-seamstress-2/2023-08-26T11:58:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/08/01/geniuses-2/2023-08-26T11:48:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/08/01/geniuses/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/owen-says-hello-july-2016.jpgOwen says hello, July 2016Owen tries hard to say hello, July 2, 2016.2023-07-02T20:24:28+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/07/28/just-outside-the-gate-2/2023-08-26T11:46:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/07/28/just-outside-the-gate/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/copy-after-henri-motte-public-domain-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgCopy after Henri Motte. [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsAnonymous drawing based on an oil painting by Henri Motte, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons2023-07-02T20:19:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/07/25/a-clover-any-time-2/2023-08-26T11:43:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/07/21/a-thin-stream-of-fear-2/2023-08-26T17:31:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/07/18/the-stormy-present-2/2023-08-26T11:43:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/07/18/the-stormy-present/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sign-on-wounded-warrior-floor-wrnmmc-may-2013.jpgSign on Wounded Warrior floor, WRNMMC May 2013This poster once hung on the hospital door of a young man wounded in Iraq. It was framed and now hangs on the Wounded Warrior floor at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda. I photographed it in May, 2013, and again in April 2016.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/sign-on-wounded-warrior-floor-wrnmmc-may-2013.jpgSign on Wounded Warrior floor, WRNMMC May 2013This poster once hung on the hospital door of a young man wounded in Iraq. It was framed and now hangs on the Wounded Warrior floor at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda. I photographed it in May, 2013, and again in April 2016.2023-07-02T19:56:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/07/14/company-enough-2/2023-08-26T11:17:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/07/11/like-the-sun-2/2023-08-26T11:15:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/07/11/like-the-sun/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/york-lily.jpgYork lilyhttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/leaning-into-the-sunshine-july-2016.jpgLeaning into the sunshine July 2016https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/first-lily-july-2016.jpgFirst lily July 2016Here's what happens when a flower reaches for the sun. July 20162023-07-02T16:47:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/07/07/more-important-2/2023-08-26T11:11:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/07/07/more-important/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/50b2b-3518.jpgSpear-Cartoon_3518https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/grady-with-the-harvest-e1467073670936.jpgGrady with the harvestGrady proudly displays his home-grown vegetables, June 2016.2023-07-02T16:23:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/07/04/webbed-and-sustained-2/2023-07-02T16:16:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/06/30/a-fountain-of-gladness-2/2023-08-26T11:05:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/06/27/something-worth-more-2/2023-08-26T11:10:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/06/27/something-worth-more/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/picking-fruit-lancaster-county-pa-june-2015.jpgPicking fruit Lancaster County PA June 2015Picking berries in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, June 20152023-06-21T12:05:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/06/23/cares-seem-small-2/2023-08-26T11:13:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/06/20/where-there-is-joy-2/2023-06-13T22:03:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/06/20/where-there-is-joy/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/owen-one-month-old.jpgOwen, one month oldhttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/owen-one-month-old.jpgOwen, one month oldOwen Ramon, one month old, June 2016https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/owen.jpgOwen!Owen Ramon Denton, one of our latest and greatest joys. Four day old, May 20162023-06-13T22:00:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/06/16/our-old-home-life-2/2023-08-26T10:48:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/06/16/our-old-home-life/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/hallway-bar-harbor-maine-june-2012.jpgHallway, Bar Harbor, Maine, June 2012Not the Bagots' hallway, but perhaps not so very different. Bar Harbor, Maine, June 20122023-06-13T21:43:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/06/13/on-foot-2/2023-06-13T22:31:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/05/25/a-magnifying-glass/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/public-domain-image-by-stormseeker-via-unsplash-edit.jpg2023-05-28T12:18:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/06/09/slowing-down-2/2023-08-26T10:53:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/06/09/slowing-down/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/tortoise-crossing.jpgTortoise crossingTake a lesson from the Captiva tortoise, who lives on island time. January 20132023-05-21T19:07:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/06/06/great-acceptances-2/2023-06-13T22:10:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/06/02/the-house-shelters-2/2023-08-26T10:50:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/06/02/the-house-shelters/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/moritz_von_schwind_-early-morning.jpgEarly Morning by Moritz von Schwind - public domain via Wikimedia CommonsEarly Morning by Moritz von Schwind (1858) Public domain via Wikimedia Commonshttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/morning-hour-by-moritz-von-schwind-public-domain-via-wikimedia-commons.jpegMorning Hour by Moritz von Schwind, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsMorning Hour by Moritz von Schwind, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons2023-05-07T17:12:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/05/29/free-and-undivided-2/2023-05-30T19:09:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/05/26/quietly-thrilling-2/2023-05-26T21:18:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/05/23/opening-the-gates-2/2023-05-26T14:35:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/05/19/the-opposite-of-availability-2/2023-05-21T20:22:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/05/16/at-this-time-and-this-place-2/2023-05-21T20:20:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/05/12/like-my-own-heart-2/2023-05-21T20:19:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/05/09/how-beautifully-difficult-2/2023-05-16T16:25:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/05/09/how-beautifully-difficult/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/honey-bs-in-the-forest1.jpgHoney B's in the forestTwins Bailey and Braxton take a stroll together. Photo courtesy of their parents.2023-05-03T23:41:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/05/05/a-very-astonishing-place-2/2023-05-16T16:30:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/05/05/a-very-astonishing-place/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drew-at-seattle-fountain-1993.jpgDrew at Seattle fountain, 1993Drew was thrilled to look at the world from behind a waterfall. Westlake Park Fountain, near Pike Place Market, Seattle, 19932023-04-24T22:49:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/05/02/in-the-noise-and-whip-2/2023-05-21T20:20:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/05/02/in-the-noise-and-whip/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/captiva-beach-wildflowers-january-2013.jpgCaptiva beach wildflowers January 2013Amid chill winds, wildflowers bloom on the untended, rocky shore of Captiva Island, January 2013.2023-04-24T22:34:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/04/28/only-one-thing-to-do-2/2023-05-16T15:49:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/04/28/only-one-thing-to-do/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/fairey-swordfish-by-by-tony-hisgett-birmingham-uk-cc-by-2-0-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgFairey Swordfish by By Tony Hisgett, Birmingham, UK. CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia CommonsThe Little Biplane that Could: obsolete or not, it changed history. Fairey Swordfish by By Tony Hisgett, Birmingham, UK. CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons2023-04-12T19:24:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/04/25/the-trick-is-growing-2/2023-04-27T22:07:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/04/21/water-always-goes-2/2023-04-12T19:00:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/04/18/to-save-the-world-2/2023-04-12T18:53:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/04/18/to-save-the-world/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/saints-peter-and-john-healing-the-lame-man-by-nicholas-poussin-www-metmuseum-org.jpgSaints Peter and John healing the lame man by Nicholas Poussin, www.metmuseum.org"Saints Peter and John healing the lame man" by Nicolas Poussin, 1655. Image shared online by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, www.metmuseum.org 2023-04-12T18:49:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/04/14/like-butterflies-2/2023-04-15T12:02:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/04/14/like-butterflies/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/lending-a-hand-to-the-butterfly-march-2016-e1459534057306.jpgLending a hand to the butterfly March 2016https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/butterfly-e1459533929612.jpgButterflyThis butterfly appeared to be dying, but its beauty was still remarkable. March 20162023-03-28T13:43:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/04/11/such-a-secret-place-2/2023-04-18T19:54:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/04/11/such-a-secret-place/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/drew-at-dachau-august-2005.jpgDrew at Dachau, August 2005A place of countless tears: Drew contemplates Dachau, August 2005.2023-03-28T13:29:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/04/07/with-little-effort-2/2023-04-12T16:22:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/04/07/with-little-effort/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/fruit-plate-august-20151.jpgFruit plate August 2015It's almost as much fun to photograph fruit as it is to eat it! I couldn't resist stopping to snap a picture as I put groceries away, August 2015.2023-03-26T23:42:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/04/04/plotting-2/2023-04-12T16:18:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/03/31/not-so-poor-2/2023-04-12T16:17:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/03/31/not-so-poor/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/hibiscus-august-2015.jpgHibiscus, August 2015I went to Walmart for a quick mundane purchase, and found this marked-down hibiscus plant. It brought beauty to our summer for many weeks, and now it's budding again. August, 20152023-03-19T23:51:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/03/28/tea-being-made-2/2023-04-12T16:15:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/03/28/tea-being-made/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/cherry-blossoms-peak-bloom-day-2016-out-our-bedroom-window.jpgCherry blossoms peak bloom day 2016 out our bedroom windowI took this Friday evening, March 25, 2016-- the view out our bedroom window on peak bloom day. https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/blossoms-through-our-window-april-2013.jpgBlossoms through our window April 2013Well, these are cherry blossoms and not peach, but they must have heard the sounds too... Peeping from our window, April 2013.2023-03-19T23:38:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/03/24/a-sentinel-all-around-2/2023-04-12T16:11:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/03/24/a-sentinel-all-around/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/chimsee-germany-1972.jpgChimsee Germany 1972Daddy took this photo one calm and tranquil morning at Chiemsee, Germany, November 1972.2023-03-19T23:25:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/03/21/a-bridge-with-people-2/2023-03-15T11:58:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/03/21/a-bridge-with-people/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/bridge-path-captiva-jan-2013.jpgBridge path Captiva Jan 2013This bridge on Captiva Island, Florida, led through lush green paths to the sea. January, 20132023-03-15T11:56:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/03/17/begin-transforming-2/2023-03-15T11:52:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/03/17/begin-transforming/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ring-of-kerry-view-by-christian-menz-public-domain-via-wc.jpgRing of Kerry View by Christian Menz, public domain via wcEver been to Ireland? I haven't, but I hope to go someday. This public domain photo of the Ring of Kerry is by Christian Menz, via Wikimedia Commons.2023-03-15T11:32:29+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/03/14/one-surge-at-a-time-2/2023-04-12T16:09:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/03/10/your-vision-2/2023-04-10T22:28:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/03/10/your-vision/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/drew-on-a-yukon-road-june-2000.jpgDrew on a Yukon road, June 2000Let the distant vision enhance the beauty of where you are now. Drew on a road in the Yukon, June 20002023-02-17T13:36:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/03/07/the-world-is-full-2/2023-04-10T22:42:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/03/03/autobiography-journal-scrapbook/2023-04-10T22:18:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/02/25/a-newer-world-2/2023-04-10T22:13:32+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/02/22/when-it-catches-you-2/2023-04-10T22:15:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/02/18/try-to-love-2/2023-02-18T15:30:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/02/15/your-own-2/2023-01-10T19:45:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/02/15/your-own/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/grady-in-the-mirror-june-2014.jpgGrady in the mirror June 2014We start off being kind to ourselves, but what happens later? 10-month-old Grady likes what he sees in the mirror at the beach cottage. Dam Neck, Virginia, June 20142023-01-10T19:20:32+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/02/11/their-life-and-their-limits-2/2023-02-13T22:34:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/02/08/encounter-happiness-2/2023-02-14T17:09:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/02/08/encounter-happiness/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/fire-monkey-jan-2016.jpgFire Monkey Jan 2016The Fire Monkey who runs this blog sends you best wishes for an auspicious year!2023-01-08T16:29:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/02/04/where-snow-is-rare-2/2023-02-09T12:17:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/02/04/where-snow-is-rare/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/us-with-snowman-daddy.jpgUs with Snowman DaddyThis passed as a snowfall in Atlanta, but Al and I were still able to make a Snow-Daddy. A bit rounder, but still recognizable. East Point, Georgia, around 1966..https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/jeff-and-drew-snowball-fight-crater-lake-june-2000.jpgJeff and Drew snowball fight Crater Lake June 2000How often can you have a snowball fight in June? Jeff and Drew took advantage of the strange weather at Crater Lake in June, 2000.2023-01-07T16:38:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/02/01/only-an-adventure-2/2023-01-07T16:22:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/01/28/the-still-ecstasy/2023-02-02T15:05:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/01/25/it-really-is-2/2023-02-09T12:09:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/01/21/walking-around-2/2023-02-02T14:46:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/01/21/walking-around/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/london-shop-window-nov-2005.jpgLondon shop window Nov 2005I caught myself admiring a lovely Wedgwood tea set, London, November 20052023-01-06T12:28:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/01/18/in-spite-of-all-2/2023-01-01T17:57:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/01/18/in-spite-of-all/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mlk-monument-with-cherry-blossoms-apr-2015.jpgMLK monument with cherry blossoms Apr 2015Crowds admire the King Monument during the Cherry Blossom Festival, April, 2015.2023-01-01T17:51:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/01/14/like-enthusiasm-2/2023-02-05T23:07:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/01/14/like-enthusiasm/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/candy-display-june-2015.jpgCandy display June 2015I wish you a candy-colored day of beautiful bling! This image comes to us thanks to a perky Pennsylvania store display, June 20152023-01-01T17:41:55+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/01/11/greatness-in-small-things-2/2023-02-02T14:38:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/01/07/making-life-more-bearable-2/2023-02-02T14:54:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/01/07/making-life-more-bearable/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/art-blooms-april-2015-e1451589968501.jpgArt blooms April 2015Creativity can blossom anywhere, as this artist knows. Washington DC, April 20152023-01-01T17:32:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2023/01/04/between-intention-and-habit-2/2023-01-01T00:49:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/01/04/between-intention-and-habit/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/kelly-in-old-town-april-2015.jpgKelly in Old Town April 2015Kelly shares her enthusiasm for paper with a shopkeeper in Old Town Alexandria, April 20152022-12-31T23:16:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/26/what-is-left/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/al-don-with-planes.jpgAl & Don with planesMike, Al and Don, before they swapped radio-controlled planes for bigger ones. Sometime in the early 1970's, somewhere in the Atlanta area.2022-12-20T14:19:55+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/26/what-is-left-2/2022-12-20T14:17:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/12/31/a-story-2/2023-01-06T17:07:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/12/31/a-story/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/a-fresh-page-2016.jpgA fresh page, 2016You may not have total plot control, but the theme is your choice.2022-12-03T17:38:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/12/28/bloom-indoors-2/2023-01-06T17:05:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/12/28/bloom-indoors/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/indoor-blooms-photo-by-ian-turk-via-compfight.jpgIndoor blooms photo by Ian Turk via compfightHouse plants in the conservatory at Dunster Castle, Somerset. Photo by Ian Turk, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Compfight.com2022-12-03T15:41:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/12/24/the-keeping-place-2/2023-01-06T17:04:28+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/12/24/the-keeping-place/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/grady-explores-the-christmas-tree-dec-2014.jpgGrady explores the Christmas Tree, Dec 2014Grady is never more fun than at Christmas time. Alexandria, December 20142022-12-03T15:18:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/12/21/love-not-money-2/2022-12-03T15:13:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/12/21/love-not-money/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/christmas-tree-2010.jpgChristmas tree 2010It doesn't show the whole tree, but you get the idea. Yorktown, Virginia, 2010https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/daddy-always-started-with-the-star.jpgDaddy always started with the star2022-12-03T15:10:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/12/17/gifts-of-time-and-love-2/2023-02-17T14:13:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/12/17/gifts-of-time-and-love/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sheilas-heirloom-ornament-dec-2014.jpgSheila's heirloom ornament, Dec 2014One of several vintage family treasures Sheila sent me for Christmas, 20142022-12-03T14:59:56+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/12/14/natural-relief-2/2023-01-06T13:17:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/12/14/natural-relief/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/daddy-with-mr-kitty-february-2015.jpgDaddy with Mr. Kitty February 2015Mr. Kitty liked to lie down with Daddy and Mama for an afternoon nap. February 20152022-12-03T14:54:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/12/10/substantive-heroism-2/2023-01-06T13:09:55+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/12/07/the-only-real-difference-2/2023-01-16T12:53:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/12/07/the-only-real-difference/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/out-my-window-nov-2015.jpgout my window Nov 2015This isn't retouched; it really looked like this. Southwest flight 2361, November 20152022-11-27T17:42:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/12/03/break-the-habit-2/2023-01-06T12:50:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/11/26/love-at-the-board-3/2022-12-03T13:59:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/11/23/poetic-memory-2/2023-01-06T13:11:55+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/11/19/the-quiet-of-power-2/2023-01-06T12:47:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/11/19/the-quiet-of-power/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/oxen-at-colonial-williamsburg-october-2005.jpgOxen at Colonial Williamsburg October 2005Quiet and strong, two oxen stroll down Duke of Gloucester Street. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, October 20052022-11-03T21:07:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/11/16/a-fine-autumnal-day-2/2022-12-03T13:43:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/11/12/the-transporting-wonder-2/2022-12-11T21:45:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/11/12/the-transporting-wonder/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/jeff-and-matt-reading1.jpgJeff and Matt readingDespite a devastating diganosis and a grim prognosis, some things remained. Jeff and Matt reading, November 20122022-11-03T20:36:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/11/09/learn-to-look-passionately-2/2022-11-15T13:54:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/11/05/be-one-of-the-rare-few-2/2022-12-03T13:52:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/11/02/power-to-gather-2/2022-10-29T16:24:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/10/22/a-riot-to-the-senses/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/susans-photo-from-nh-oct-2015.jpgSusan's photo from NH, Oct 2015Susan is giving us a quick getaway to New England, where the colors are a joy to behold. Photo sent by Susan, taken in New Hampshire, October 20152022-10-06T22:11:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/10/22/a-riot-to-the-senses-2/2022-11-03T22:19:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/10/29/a-festival-season-2/2022-11-03T22:21:32+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/10/26/to-be-wronged-2/2022-10-06T22:01:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/10/19/thats-when-you-start-2/2022-11-15T14:05:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/10/15/just-too-used-to-it-2/2022-11-03T22:13:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/10/12/in-the-slanted-light-2/2022-11-03T22:06:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/10/08/look-closely-2/2022-10-11T20:03:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/10/05/so-glad-2/2022-10-06T23:39:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/10/05/so-glad/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/october-in-our-neighborhood-2012.jpgOctober in our neighborhood, 2012No matter our moods or circumstances, October brings treasures to warm the heart. Decorations in our neighborhood, October 20122022-09-30T12:44:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/10/01/the-land-comes-alive-2/2022-10-07T16:03:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/09/28/invariably-imagined-2/2022-10-06T22:54:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/09/28/invariably-imagined/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/jeff-matt-at-luxembourg-garden-paris-sept-2005.jpgJeff and Matt at Luxembourg Garden Paris Sept 2005Jeff and Matt enjoy a lovely September day in a gorgeous garden spot. Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, September 20042022-09-14T15:15:55+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/09/24/many-worlds-2/2022-10-07T00:39:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/09/21/our-heart-is-not-always-able/2022-10-11T11:18:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/09/17/the-noise-is-democracy-2/2022-10-11T11:15:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/09/17/the-noise-is-democracy/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/canadian-embassy-and-the-u-s-capitol-july-2015.jpgCanadian embassy and the U. S. Capitol July 2015All that clanging requires diligent maintenance and occasional restoration. The Canadian Embassy and the U. S. Capitol, seen from the Newseum Washingon DC, July 20152022-09-06T18:51:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/09/14/to-produce-some-good-2/2022-10-07T11:11:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/09/05/there-are-no-words-2/2022-10-11T19:53:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/09/03/i-learn-by-going-2/2022-10-07T11:13:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/08/31/important-decision-2/2022-10-11T20:04:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/08/31/important-decision/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ms-ella-me-matt-raynard-and-mary-july-2015.jpgMs. Ella, me, Matt, Raynard and Mary, July 2015Contagious happiness: Carla snapped this photo of Ms. Ella, Raynard and Mary with Matt and me. That's a yummy chocolate cake in the tin on the table in front of me. But I digress... Virginia Beach, July 2015 2022-08-24T14:32:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/08/27/ingenuity-and-resourcefulness-2/2022-08-31T01:20:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/08/24/truly-artistic-2/2022-08-31T01:17:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/08/24/truly-artistic/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/art-by-friedrich-bischoff-1819e280931873-public-domain-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgArt by Friedrich Bischoff (1819–1873) Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSeveral people were the subjects of this artist's attention. By Friedrich Bischoff (1819–1873) Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons2022-08-22T15:42:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/08/20/vitally-appealing-2/2022-08-31T03:43:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/08/20/vitally-appealing/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/matt-at-port-march-08.jpgMatt at PORT March 08Matt greets guests with a smile at the PORT Shelter, March 2008.2022-08-16T19:34:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/08/13/doing-more-2/2022-10-06T22:22:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/08/13/doing-more/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/housework-by-jonas-heiska-public-domain-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgHousework by Jonas Heiska [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsWas her life harder than ours? Easier? Or both? "Housework" by Jonas Heiska [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons 2022-07-10T18:12:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/08/10/a-logic-all-their-own-2/2023-01-06T16:56:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/08/06/we-dont-need-as-much-2/2022-08-31T00:49:29+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/08/06/we-dont-need-as-much/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/marinus-van-reymerswaele-public-domain-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgMarinus van Reymerswaele [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons"Hmm, it says here that we need...just a little bit more than we have." Painting by Marinus van Reymerswaele [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons2022-07-10T17:53:56+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/08/03/ashore-2/2022-10-11T19:56:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/08/03/ashore/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/pigeon-point-beach-in-tobago-march-2010.jpgPigeon Point Beach in Tobago March 2010People at Pigeon Point Beach -- and all over the world -- love to watch the sea. Tobago, March 20102022-06-21T01:20:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/07/30/so-much-your-own-2/2022-06-20T11:28:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/07/27/youd-think-i-knew-2/2022-06-20T01:57:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/07/23/not-actually-alone-2/2022-08-31T00:46:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/07/23/not-actually-alone/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/day-trip-pacific-heights-jan-2004.jpgDay trip Pacific Heights Jan 2004On a day trip into the city, I enjoyed another world entirely. Pacific Heights, San Francisco, January 20042022-06-20T01:36:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/07/20/time-to-relax-2/2022-10-06T22:14:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/07/16/the-great-cure-2/2022-08-31T00:44:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/07/16/the-great-cure/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/by-august-mc3bcller-1836e280931885-auktionshaus-bergmann-public-domain-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgBy August Müller (1836–1885) (Auktionshaus Bergmann) [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsShe must be thinking "Hmmm, I feel better already!" Liebesglück ("The Diary Entry") by August Müller (1836–1885) public domain via Wikimedia Commons 2022-06-20T01:22:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/07/13/dont-lose-sight-2/2022-08-31T00:31:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/07/13/dont-lose-sight/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/walt-and-mickey-disneyland-apr-03.jpgWalt and Mickey Disneyland Apr 03A statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse stand in the park they built together. Disneyland, California, April 20032022-06-20T01:12:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/07/09/come-as-children-2/2022-08-31T00:33:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/07/09/come-as-children/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/grady-returns-from-grannys-garden-may-2015.jpgGrady returns from Granny's garden May 2015...but he soon forgot his disappointment -- too many other things to see!https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/grady-cries-for-the-goats-may-2015.jpgGrady cries for the goats, May 2015Grady was not happy when he couldn't see the goats.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/grady-and-drew-fayetteville-may-2015.jpgGrady and Drew Fayetteville May 2015Outside is Grady's favorite place to be! On the trail back from my Mama and Daddy's garden, Fayetteville, Georgia, May 20152022-06-20T01:06:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/07/06/created-for-the-transcendent-2/2022-07-10T17:19:55+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/07/02/the-experience-of-a-great-people-2/2022-07-10T16:19:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/about/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/wayfarers-chapel1.jpgWayfarer's Chapelhttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/wayfarers-chapel.jpgWayfarer's Chapel2022-09-24T12:55:36+00:00weekly0.6https://defeatdespair.com/2022/06/29/hopeful-signs-2/2022-08-31T00:24:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/06/25/for-a-moment-2/2022-07-10T15:21:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/06/22/foundations-of-ease-2/2022-08-31T00:30:32+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/06/18/on-noticing-2/2022-07-10T16:17:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/06/15/a-tree-has-something-to-say-2/2022-07-10T15:12:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/06/15/a-tree-has-something-to-say/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/morning-view-alexandria-june-2015.jpgMorning View Alexandria June 2015The trees greet us each morning. Alexandria, June 20152022-05-15T16:47:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/05/25/changing-so-fast-2/2022-10-06T22:21:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/06/11/in-familiar-surroundings-2/2022-05-15T16:39:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/06/08/in-the-tiny-corners-2/2022-07-08T21:19:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/06/08/in-the-tiny-corners/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/big-news-for-barney.jpgBig news for BarneySometimes the news is good -- let's celebrate! I photographed this window display in the tiny corner of Mt. Airy, North Carolina, May 2015.2022-05-15T16:33:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/06/04/to-number-our-days-2/2022-07-10T17:34:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/06/01/after-all-2/2022-07-08T21:13:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/06/01/after-all/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/angels-home-game-edison-field-april-2003.jpgAngels home game, Edison Field April 2003Angels home game, Edison Field, April 20032022-05-15T15:50:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/05/28/silence-sings-2/2022-06-03T16:13:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/05/21/flowerbeds-with-edibles-2/2022-07-08T21:12:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/05/18/we-are-all-storytellers-2/2022-06-03T15:03:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/05/14/the-years-teach-us-2/2022-07-10T15:13:32+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/05/11/my-garden-of-thoughts-and-dreams-2/2022-07-10T17:31:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/04/30/poetry-and-fine-sentiment-2/2022-06-03T14:52:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/05/07/the-best-baby-sitters-2/2022-06-03T15:07:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/05/04/by-the-seeds-2/2022-05-17T12:05:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/05/04/by-the-seeds/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/back-of-seed-packet-from-jena-2014.jpgback of seed packet from Jena 2014https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/seeds-from-jena-2014-e1429730162323.jpgSeeds from Jena 2014https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/from-the-seeds-jena-sent-april-20151.jpgFrom the seeds Jena sent, April 2015From Alaska to faraway Virginia, the flowers I enjoy today came from seeds a friend sent to me months ago. Alexandria, April 2015https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/from-the-seeds-jena-sent-april-2015.jpgFrom the seeds Jena sent April 2015From Alaska to faraway Virginia, the flowers I enjoy today came from seeds a friend sent to me months ago. Alexandria, April 20152022-04-29T20:45:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2016/11/07/through-the-rain/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/rainbow-over-summer-ridge-april-2016.jpgrainbow-over-summer-ridge-april-2016I photographed this rainbow on the evening of April 4, 2016.2022-04-07T14:33:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/04/27/deep-roots-2/2022-07-08T21:06:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/04/23/by-the-window-2/2022-05-06T15:35:28+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/04/20/blooming-most-recklessly-2/2022-05-06T15:34:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/04/20/blooming-most-recklessly/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/oscar-pink-dianthus-pre-planting-april-2015.jpgOscar Pink dianthus, pre-planting, April 2015Wish me luck with this lovely dianthus! It's a perennial, so if I don't kill it, you may be seeing it again sometime.2022-04-06T14:29:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/04/02/questions-of-faith-and-love/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/sunlight-morro_gac3bacho-via-wc.jpgFoto tirada em Morro Gaúcho, Arroio do Meio-RS BrasilFoto tirada em Morro Gaúcho, Arroio do Meio-RS Brasil by Anderson Fleck CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons2022-04-06T14:26:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/04/16/questions-of-faith-and-love-2/2022-04-17T14:12:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/04/13/contentment-and-aspiration-2/2022-06-03T14:50:56+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/04/13/contentment-and-aspiration/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/visiting-bird-york-home-april-2015.jpgVisiting bird, York home, April 2015This adorable visitor was content to rest on our deck railing for a few minutes. Yorktown, April 20152022-04-06T14:12:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/04/09/the-most-exciting-play-2/2022-04-10T14:22:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/04/06/the-right-mental-attitude-2/2022-05-06T15:35:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/04/06/the-right-mental-attitude/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/jeff-and-drew-9-9-13.jpgJeff and Drew 9-9-12This photo was taken exactly one week before everything changed. Jeff and Drew were on their way to watch the Nats play the Marlins, 9-9-12.2022-04-02T16:36:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/03/09/filling-the-dark-trees-2/2022-03-21T12:37:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/03/12/silent-devoted-companionship-2/2022-03-21T12:36:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/03/16/much-more-the-same-2/2022-03-21T12:35:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/03/26/to-serve-the-public-2/2022-04-06T13:46:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/03/23/showing-off-2/2022-04-06T13:35:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/03/19/endless-incredible-loot-2/2022-03-21T12:33:29+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/03/30/sweet-remembrancers-2/2022-04-08T18:27:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/04/02/the-power-of-celebration-2/2022-04-06T13:52:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/03/30/sweet-remembrancers/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/keukenhof-pathway.jpgKeukenhof pathway, March 2007Stroll with me down memory lane at Keukenhof, Netherlands, March 2007.2022-03-20T16:14:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/03/23/showing-off/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/birds-in-the-snow-mar-2015.jpgBirds in the snow March 2015The snow didn't fool these birds -- they know it's spring! Alexandria, VA March 20152022-03-17T13:11:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/03/15/faith-shines/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/emilys-last-poem.jpgEmily's last poemhttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/daybreak-march-15-2022-crop.jpgDaybreak March 15 2022 - cropI took this photo of daybreak from my bedroom window, March 15, 20222022-04-10T14:23:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/03/19/endless-incredible-loot/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/loc_main_reading_room_highsmith-via-wc.jpgLOC_Main_Reading_Room_Highsmith via WCMain reading room, the U. S. Library of Congress, Washington DC Photograph by Carol M. Highsmith, public domain via Wikimedia Commons 2022-03-12T13:56:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/03/09/filling-the-dark-trees/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/susans-church-in-the-snow-march-2015.jpgSusan's church in the snow March 2015Susan took this after choir practice; I think it's in New Hampshire. March 2015https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/snow-for-plants.jpgSnow for plantsMy houseplants seem to love snow, and this is an easy way to feed them.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/evening-after-snowfall-alexandria-3-5-15.jpgEvening after Snowfall Alexandria 3-5-15The woods behind our home were transformed by the snow. March 5, 20152022-03-07T00:42:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/03/05/fascinating-to-watch-2/2022-03-07T13:57:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/03/02/dressed-in-snow-2/2022-06-03T14:43:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/03/02/dressed-in-snow/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/low-carb-snow-guy.jpgLow carb snow guyEric & Sherry created this low-carb snow person...https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/carla-on-the-gator-in-the-snow.jpgCarla on the Gator in the snowhttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/carla-in-the-snow.jpgCarla in the snowhttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/erics-home-in-the-snow.jpgEric's home in the snowhttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/honey-b-snow-person.jpgHoney B snow personhttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_88051.jpghttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_88041.jpg...or traffic snow-cop...https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_88031.jpghttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_88021.jpghttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_88001.jpg2022-02-27T17:19:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/03/16/much-more-the-same/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mandarin-pair-c2a9-francis-c-franklin-cc-by-sa-3.jpgMandarin Pair by Francis FranklinThe differences are obvious, but so are the similarities. Mandarin Pair © Francis C. Franklin CC-BY-SA-3.2022-01-28T12:46:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/02/26/an-echo-from-the-past-2/2022-04-06T13:39:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/02/23/complicated-2/2022-01-16T17:33:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/02/23/complicated/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/julia-fractal-from-exper-3drecursions.jpgJulia fractal from exper.3drecursionsThis example of a Julia fractal is from exper.3drecursions.comhttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/fractal-orbit-trap-21-from-the-fractal-generator-at-www-fractalsciencekit-com.jpgFractal Orbit Trap-21 from the Fractal Generator at www.fractalsciencekit.comThough the patterns are repetitive, lives remain complex, intricate and unique. This Orbit Trap-21 fractal is from the Fractal Generator at 2022-01-16T17:32:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/02/19/worthy-of-note-2/2022-03-09T20:43:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/02/02/with-no-mistakes-2/2022-03-07T13:18:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/02/16/music-laughter-grief-and-imagination-2/2022-01-16T17:21:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/02/12/be-the-one-2/2022-03-07T13:28:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/02/09/little-oases-2/2022-01-16T17:11:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/02/05/with-the-readers-eye-2/2022-03-07T13:23:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/02/05/with-the-readers-eye/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/dear-reader-january-2015.jpgDear reader January 2015Ozeki's quote inspired me to stop reading and start writing. January, 20152022-01-11T23:51:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/02/02/worthy-of-note/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/flowers-from-my-walk-sept-2014.jpgFlowers from my walk Sept 2014I picked these clover and liriope blooms on my walk last September, and photographed them so you can see them too!2022-01-10T00:31:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/01/29/part-of-your-life-2/2022-03-07T13:16:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/01/26/be-with-yourself-2/2022-01-28T18:45:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/01/26/be-with-yourself/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/toddler-drew-lying-in-grass-19851.jpgToddler Drew lying in grass, 1985Like father, like son -- Drew at about the same age, enjoying our back yard. Huber Heights, Ohio, sometime in 1985https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/grady-meditation-dec-2014.jpgGrady's quiet time Dec 2014Grady enjoys a self-chosen respite from the Christmas chaos, December 20142021-12-20T00:27:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/01/22/embracing-winter-2/2022-01-28T18:45:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/01/22/embracing-winter/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/drew-at-crater-lake-june-2000.jpgDrew at Crater Lake, June 2000Snow to shovel? Remember, it could be worse! This is Drew at Crater Lake, Oregon, in June (yes, June) 2000.2021-12-19T17:48:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/01/19/to-you-today-2/2022-03-07T13:26:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/01/15/role-models-2/2021-12-19T17:33:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/01/12/reality-freed-2/2022-01-28T11:42:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/01/08/nonetheless-2/2022-03-16T12:00:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/01/05/of-the-soul-2/2022-01-28T11:25:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2015/01/05/of-the-soul/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8049.jpgIMG_8049https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8103.jpgDoubleday gravehttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8098.jpgCivil War veteranhttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8059-e1420420661448.jpgFamily headstonehttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8053.jpgCobeil gravehttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8063.jpgSoldier who died in Iraqhttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8067.jpgIMG_8067A lovely day at Arlington National Cemetery, December 20142021-12-19T17:05:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2022/01/01/join-in-our-chime-2/2022-01-28T11:14:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/12/29/this-place-is-full-2/2021-12-30T15:42:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/12/29/this-place-is-full/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/yorktown-historic-district.jpgYorktown historic districthttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/images-of-riverwalk-landing.jpgImages of Riverwalk LandingImages of Riverwalk Landing (above) and the historic village (below)https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/from-the-carrot-tree-dec-2014.jpgFrom the Carrot Tree, Dec 2014I snapped this photo from our table at the Carrot Tree, December 2014. Join us!2021-12-19T16:25:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/12/25/the-genial-flame-2/2021-12-30T15:38:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/12/22/saving-graces-2/2021-12-23T01:41:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/12/22/saving-graces/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas__rockefeller_plaza_11655103956-by-rob-young-via-wc.jpgChristmas_@_Rockefeller_Plaza_(11655103956) by Rob Young via WCChristmas at Rockefeller Plaza by Rob Young By Rob Young from United Kingdom (Christmas @ Rockefeller Plaza) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons2021-12-17T00:49:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/12/18/softer-and-more-beautiful-2/2021-12-17T00:42:32+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/12/18/softer-and-more-beautiful/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/our-tree-dec-2006.jpgOur tree Dec 2006Our Christmas tree, December 20062021-12-17T00:40:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/12/15/so-much-happiness-2014-version/2021-12-18T01:04:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/14/so-much-happiness-3/2021-12-15T14:54:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/12/11/better-throughout-the-year-2/2021-12-10T13:54:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/12/11/better-throughout-the-year/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/kids-under-christmas-tree-dec-2009-e1418231256377.jpgKids under Christmas tree, Dec 2009Our friends' children under the Christmas tree at Tammy and JJ's home, December 2009.2021-12-10T13:51:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/12/08/charity-that-returned-2/2021-12-18T01:00:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/12/08/charity-that-returned/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/christmas-cards-dec-2-14.jpgChristmas cardsDo you like holiday cards? If so, I'll send you one!2021-12-08T12:45:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/12/04/sanctified-bull-doggedness-2/2022-01-11T04:36:29+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/12/04/sanctified-bull-doggedness/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/browsing-by-yathin-s-krishnappa-cc-by-sa-3-0-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgBrowsing By Yathin S Krishnappa [CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsThis stag was a bit more determined than is peers. Chital Stag in Nagarhole National Park, by Yathin S. Krishnappa [CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons2021-12-04T02:22:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/12/01/different-from-the-sum-of-its-parts-2/2021-12-30T15:39:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/27/first-find-thankfulness-2/2021-12-18T00:46:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/24/the-greatest-time-machines-2/2021-12-18T00:47:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/11/24/the-greatest-time-machines/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/miner-and-children-in-coloma-ca-july-2004.jpgMiner and children in Coloma, CA July 2004An old forty-niner takes school children back to the California Gold Rush. Coloma, California, July 20042021-11-09T20:33:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/20/all-about-us-2/2021-12-18T00:41:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/17/all-the-magic-2/2021-12-18T00:30:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/13/what-we-give-2/2021-11-19T12:58:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/11/13/what-we-give/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/goat-in-germany-august-2005.jpgGoat in Germany, August 2005They're going to get your goat...literally! I photographed this goat in Germany, August 2005.2021-11-09T20:16:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/10/put-a-smile-on-someones-face-2/2021-11-14T11:57:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/11/10/put-a-smile-on-someones-face/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/xhosa-children-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgXhosa-children via wikimedia commonsXhosa children by via Wikimedia commonshttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kari_williams_with_the_nongovernmental_organization_give_a_kid_a_backpack_hugs_hone_creek_school_student_after_giving_him_a_backpack_filled_with_school_supplies_aug-_25_2010-via-wikim.jpgContinuing Promise 2010 The NGO Give a Kid a Backpack brings smiles in 2010. Via Wikimedia Commons Public domain photograph from defenseimagery.mil https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/matt-with-phillip-and-emily-at-camp-baker-2012.jpgMatt with friends at Camp Baker, 2012Matt with friends at Camp Baker, 2012https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/1024px-children_collect_clean_water_at_a_tap-stand_provided_by_ukaid_-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgChildren_collect_clean_water_at_a_tap-stand_provided_by_UKaid_ via wikimedia commonsChildren collect clean water provided by UKAid. Image via Wikimedia Commonshttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/defense-gov_photo_essay_-uso-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgUSO via wikimedia commonsJill Biden and Michelle Obama at a USO celebration, public domain image.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/haiti-earthquake-relief-from-usn-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgHaiti earthquake relief from USN via wikimedia commonsA young victim of the Haiti earthquake gets medical help from the U. S. Navy. Public domain imagehttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/girls_carrying_water_in_india-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgGirls_carrying_water_in_India via wikimedia commonsGirls carrying water in India, via Wikimedia Commonshttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/australian_volunteer_professor_bob_martin_and_agronomist_in_the_fields-_cambodia_2010-_photo-_ausaid_via-wikimedia-commons.jpgAustralian volunteers in CambodiaAustralian AusAID volunteers in Cambodia, 2010, via Wikimedia Commons,https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/crowd_of_smiling_children_in_bangladesh-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgCrowd of smiling children_in_Bangladesh via wikimedia commonsCrowd of smiling children in Bangladesh, via Wikimedia Commonshttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/all_together-_tichina_arnold_zack_brown_kid_rock_kathleen_madigan_kellie_pickler_john_bowman_and_lewis_black-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgUSO celebrities via wikimedia commons2008 USO Holiday Tour in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Celebrities bring music and entertainment to service members and their families stationed overseas. DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley; image in the public domain.2021-11-09T16:31:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/09/illumination-comes-to-our-rescue-2/2021-11-14T11:59:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/08/memories-of-you-2/2021-12-18T00:06:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/07/watch-with-glittering-eyes-2/2021-11-09T16:18:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/06/a-happier-state-of-mind-2/2021-10-31T23:39:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/11/06/a-happier-state-of-mind/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/retired-picnic-at-otford-lookout-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgRetired Picnic at Otford Lookout"Retired picnic at Otford Lookout" by Alex Proimos, Sydney, Australia CC-BY-2.0, via Wikimedia Commons2021-10-31T23:35:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/05/we-come-home-eventually-2/2021-11-07T23:50:32+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/04/wake-up-fresh-2/2021-10-30T19:13:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/11/04/wake-up-fresh/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/al-asleep-with-cat-1969.jpgAl asleep with cat 1969Keillor left out the part about curling up with a beloved cat. Al gets a good2021-10-30T19:12:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/03/always-in-the-midst-2/2021-11-14T12:15:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/11/03/always-in-the-midst/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/thanksgiving-2013-with-matt-drew-carla.jpgThanksgiving 2013 with Matt, Drew, CarlaIt was far from a typical Thanksgiving, but we were happy and grateful. Thanksgiving night, Bethesda, Maryland, 20132021-10-30T18:44:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/01/the-celebration-of-life-2/2021-11-01T20:33:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/11/02/the-joyful-simplicities-2/2021-10-30T18:32:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/11/01/the-celebration-of-life/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/all-five-of-us-sept-2014.jpgAll five of us together, September 2014Lei-anne's husband Jack took this photo of the five of us, together for the first time in years. Russellville, Alabama, September 20142021-10-30T18:17:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/31/full-and-bright-2/2021-11-07T23:36:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/10/31/full-and-bright/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/autumn-grady-october-2014.jpgAutumn Grady October 2014https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/halloween-scene-obx-shop-sept-2013.jpgHalloween decorations at OBX shop Sept 2013I photographed these Halloween decorations at a North Carolina shop. BOO! September 20132021-09-28T15:04:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/30/always-more-2/2021-11-07T23:37:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/29/a-slightly-sour-sweet-2/2021-11-07T23:31:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/28/dressed-for-halloween-2/2021-09-28T14:34:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/27/available-to-all-2/2021-09-22T23:52:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/10/27/available-to-all/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/johann_sperl_kindergarten-via-wikimedia-commons-public-domain.jpgJohann_Sperl_Kindergarten via Wikimedia Commons public domainNo matter who we are or what we do, manners make life better for all. "Kindergarten" by Johann Sperl via Wikimedia Commons; artwork in the public domain.2021-09-22T23:51:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/26/indistinguishable-elements-2/2021-11-07T23:29:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/10/26/indistinguishable-elements/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/larry-august-2009.jpgLarry August 2009Larry grabs a few minutes of quiet after a family gathering in August 2009.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/emerson-graves-june-2012-concord-ma.jpgEmerson family graves, Concord MA June 2012The grave of Ralph Waldo Emerson (center) and family members, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, Massachusetts, June 20122021-09-22T23:44:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/25/the-secret-of-the-sea-2/2021-11-07T23:04:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/10/25/the-secret-of-the-sea/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ashleys-catch-and-release.jpgAshley's catch-and-releasehttps://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/carlos-and-bo-august-2014.jpgCarlos and Bo August 2014My cousin Chris took this photo of his son Carlos with Bo, a female dolphin, at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, Mississippi, August 2014.2021-09-22T23:18:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/24/the-past-is-beautiful-2/2021-11-07T22:34:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/23/wherever-i-went-2/2021-09-21T00:46:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/22/a-lot-of-comfort-2/2021-10-23T14:21:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/21/the-human-story-2/2021-10-23T15:09:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/20/tough-as-nails-2/2021-10-25T12:14:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/10/20/tough-as-nails/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/mom-and-dad-june-2007.jpgMom and Dad June 2007In words and deeds, Mama and Daddy taught us that love is tough as nails. June 20072021-09-20T00:08:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/19/the-right-way-2/2021-11-14T12:14:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/18/how-you-are-talking-2/2021-12-18T00:22:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/10/18/how-you-are-talking/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/photo-by-roger-rc3b6ssing-courtesy-of-deutsche-fotothek-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgphoto by Roger Rössing, courtesy of Deutsche Fotothek via Wikimedia Commonsphoto by Roger Rössing, courtesy of Deutsche Fotothek via Wikimedia Commons2021-09-19T23:42:55+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/17/thoughtful-minds-2/2021-10-24T10:42:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/16/and-yet-be-determined-2/2021-10-24T10:54:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/10/16/and-yet-be-determined/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wwii-monument-d-day-section-mar-2005.jpgWWII Monument DC D-Day troops suffered ten times more casualties than their enemies, but they managed to turn the tide of the war. National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC, March 2005.2021-09-19T23:24:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/15/in-a-fast-moving-world-2/2021-10-24T10:59:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/14/you-learn-to-pay-attention-2/2021-09-19T23:13:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/10/14/you-learn-to-pay-attention/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/american-black-bear-at-yellowstone-np-by-hans-stieglitz.jpgAmerican black bear by Hans StieglitzAmerican black bear at Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, June 2011 Photo by Hans Stieglitz via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-3.02021-09-19T23:08:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/13/know-who-you-are-2/2021-10-24T11:01:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/12/a-running-flame-2/2021-11-07T23:30:28+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/11/courage-cheerfulness-and/2021-10-24T11:07:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/10/courage-undaunted-2/2021-10-24T10:56:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/10/10/courage-undaunted/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/lewis-monument-natchez-trace-sept-2014.jpgLewis Monument Sept 2014This monument marks the burial site of Meriwether Lewis. The ruins of the Grinder house are visible on the ground adjacent to the visitor's center, far right. Natchez Trace Parkway, Lewis County, Tennessee, September 18, 20142021-09-19T15:43:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/09/the-soul-is-healed-2/2021-10-24T11:11:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/08/to-look-ahead-2/2021-09-19T15:31:29+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/10/08/to-look-ahead/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/drew-at-skagway-alaska-june-2000.jpgDrew at Skagway Alaska June 2000Drew ventures forth on the Yukon trail, if only in imagination. Skagway, Alaska, June 20002021-09-19T15:30:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/07/books-break-the-shackles-2/2021-09-19T15:22:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/06/sit-silently-2/2021-10-24T11:13:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/05/delicious-2/2021-11-08T20:48:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/04/these-four-words-2/2021-10-25T12:07:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/03/they-have-the-best-2/2021-09-05T15:40:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/02/be-the-navigator/2021-09-05T15:36:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/10/01/a-kind-of-introduction-2/2021-10-24T11:22:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/30/autumn-has-seized-the-countryside-2/2021-08-27T22:18:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/29/defiance-of-the-contemporary-2/2021-10-24T11:30:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/28/it-is-all-there-2/2021-08-27T21:48:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/27/bright-and-demanding-2/2021-10-23T15:16:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/26/forgetting-where-you-put-it-2/2021-10-24T10:34:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/25/what-counts-2/2021-08-25T15:16:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/24/the-full-value-of-trees-2/2021-10-24T11:06:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/23/a-natural-affinity-2/2021-09-28T13:55:29+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/22/we-more-than-gain-2/2021-10-24T11:17:32+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/21/one-of-those-2/2021-09-28T13:47:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/09/21/one-of-those/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/rockport-maine-sept-2012.jpgRockport, Maine September 2012A perfect September day in Rockport, Maine, 20122021-08-25T13:17:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/20/outdoors-in-2/2021-10-24T11:10:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/09/20/outdoors-in/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pineapple-lily-plant-august-2014.jpgMama's Pineapple Lily, August 2014I brought Mama this Pineapple Lilly as an early birthday gift, August 2014.2021-08-22T23:51:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/19/to-find-the-beautiful-2/2021-08-22T23:45:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/09/19/to-find-the-beautiful/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/gludgey-looks-out-the-window-spring-1993.jpgGludgey looks out the window Spring 1993Gludgey joins Drew, Matt and Jeff looking out from the Coast Starlight. Santa Barbara County, California, April 19932021-08-22T23:42:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/18/i-sit-and-watch-2/2021-08-22T23:39:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/09/18/i-sit-and-watch/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/jeff-at-eye-window-in-sint-maarten-march-20101.jpgJeff at eye window in Sint Maarten, March 2010Trust me: he's really happy to see you! Jeff in Sint Maarten, March 20102021-08-22T23:36:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/17/those-moments-2/2021-08-22T23:22:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/16/there-is-nothing-lacking-2/2021-09-28T13:46:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/15/participate-relentlessly-2/2021-09-28T13:10:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/14/dressing-herself-2/2021-09-28T13:05:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/13/people-together-2/2021-09-28T13:05:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/12/another-turned-page-2/2021-08-22T21:52:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/11/when-we-came-together-2/2021-08-22T21:49:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/10/rest-now-2/2021-11-07T23:42:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/09/10/rest-now/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/jeff-asleep-in-grenada.jpgJeff asleep in GrenadaJeff takes a rare nap on the beach in Grenada, March 2010.2021-08-22T21:44:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/09/if-we-only-knew-2/2021-09-28T13:02:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/08/nowhere-else-to-go-2/2021-08-22T16:07:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/07/no-matter-how-close-2/2021-08-22T16:02:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/09/07/no-matter-how-close/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/indian-running-with-dog-by-paul-manship-corcoran-july-2013.jpgIndian Running with Dog by Paul Manship Corcoran July 2013Indian Running with Dog by Paul Manship Exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery, Washington, DC, July 20132021-08-22T16:00:55+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/06/at-the-mere-sight-2/2021-09-07T00:51:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/05/due-gratitude-and-respect-2/2021-08-22T15:52:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/09/05/due-gratitude-and-respect/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/mow-statue-barnstable-may-2009.jpgMOW statue Barnstable May 2009I photographed this statue of Mercy Otis Warren at the Barnstable County Courthouse Cape Cod, Massachusetts, May 20092021-08-22T15:49:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/04/sought-and-found-2/2021-09-07T12:23:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/03/the-ordinary-things-2/2021-08-22T15:32:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/02/a-moment-just-before-2/2021-08-22T15:28:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/09/02/a-moment-just-before/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/pooh-with-hunny-at-disney-apr-03.jpgPooh with Hunny, Disneyland, Apr 03Just thinking about "hunny" makes Pooh happy! Disneyland, Anaheim, CA, April 20032021-08-22T15:26:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/09/01/where-youre-meant-to-be-2/2021-09-07T00:54:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/09/01/where-youre-meant-to-be/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/mykonos-doorway-may-2008.jpgMykonos doorway May 2008Only one doorway, but its beauty blesses all who see it. Mykonos, Greece, May 2008https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/mykonos-doorway-2-may-2008.jpgMykonos doorway May 2008Only one doorway, but its beauty blesses all who see it. Mykonos, Greece, May 20082021-08-22T15:19:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/31/now-that-i-am-fifty-2/2021-08-15T15:56:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/31/now-that-i-am-fifty/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/london-from-peter-pan-ride-disney-world-aug-03.jpgPeter Pan's Magical Flight, WDW Aug 2003London at night, as seen while flying with my favorite storybook hero, Peter Pan. Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, August 20032021-08-15T15:55:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/30/the-symbol-of-communication-2/2021-10-28T12:04:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/29/more-power-than-will-2/2021-08-15T15:45:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/29/more-power-than-will/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/1932-ford-v8-by-ifcar-own-work-public-domain-via-wikimedia-commons.jpg1932-Ford-V8 By IFCAR (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsEngineers said it couldn't be done, but that didn't stop Henry Ford. Photo by IFCAR, public doman via Wikimedia Commons2021-08-15T15:44:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/28/finished-and-complete-2/2021-08-15T15:40:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/27/the-indispensable-ingredient-2/2021-09-07T00:38:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/27/the-indispensable-ingredient/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/cruise-feast-celebrity-summit-march-2010.jpgCruise feast, Celebrity Summit March 2010Cruising is a continual feast, but I guarantee that some of these people were complaining. Taken on board the Celebrity Summit, March 20102021-08-15T15:32:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/26/incredible-power/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/magnet-message-20121.jpgMagnet message 2012https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/magnet-message-2012.jpgMagnet message 2012I posted these word magnets in our kitchen after Jeff's diagnosis in 2012. They have been there for us to see every day since.2021-08-15T15:25:29+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/26/incredible-power-2/2021-09-07T00:31:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/25/solaced-and-refreshed-2/2021-09-07T00:37:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/24/for-others-2/2021-08-01T23:38:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/23/a-very-common-phenomenon-2/2021-08-01T23:31:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/23/a-very-common-phenomenon/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tony-curtis-licensed-under-public-domain-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgTony Curtis via U. S. Navy, public domain imageTony Curtis talking to a lot of people he doesn't know. Washington DC, February 2007. U.S. Navy image in the public domain, via Wikimedia Commons2021-08-01T23:27:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/22/stored-honey-2/2021-08-01T23:22:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/22/stored-honey/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/bee-on-flower-monticello-july-2014.jpgBee on flower at Monticello, July 2014It's a lot of work to store away a bit of sweetness. Monticello, July 20142021-08-01T23:14:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/21/tickled-silly-2/2021-08-01T23:11:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/20/not-yourself-2/2021-09-28T13:04:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/19/odd-corners-2/2021-09-06T18:27:28+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/18/fuel-for-our-journey-2/2021-08-01T15:51:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/17/not-the-same-thing-2/2021-09-06T18:38:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/17/not-the-same-thing/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/schoolchildren-in-dominica-mar-2010.jpgSchoolchildren in Dominica Mar 2010Today's students, like all of us, will learn more outside the classroom than inside it. I photographed these school children in Dominica, March 2010.2021-08-01T15:44:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/16/wildly-enthusiastic-2/2021-09-07T00:24:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/15/sometimes-to-go-2/2021-08-01T15:34:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/15/sometimes-to-go/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/walking-in-yosemite-3021301378-by-rennett-stowe-licensed-under-creative-commons-attribution-2-0-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgWalking in Yosemite (3021301378) by Rennett Stowe Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons"Walking in Yosemite" by Rennett Stowe; Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons2021-08-01T15:33:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/14/like-an-inheritance-2/2021-09-06T15:59:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/13/to-build-or-to-destroy-2/2021-09-06T16:00:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/11/unfailing-love-2/2021-07-30T16:24:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/11/unfailing-love/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/laguna-beach-july-2004.jpgLaguna Beach, July 2004We are surrounded by evidence of unfailing love. Laguna Beach, July 20042021-07-30T16:23:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/12/this-twenty-minutes-2/2021-07-30T16:23:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/12/this-twenty-minutes/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/common-boat-tailed-grackle-by-cuatrok77-via-wikimedia-commons.jpgCOMMON BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE By cuatrok77 via Wikimedia CommonsIt would be easy for me to postpone work with grackles all around. Common boat-tailed grackle by cuatrok77 via Wikimedia Commons 2021-07-30T16:21:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/10/first-adventure-2/2021-09-06T15:58:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/09/like-a-hand-waving-2/2021-09-06T15:57:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/08/growing-wildly-2/2021-09-06T15:55:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/08/growing-wildly/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/boys-at-museum.jpgBoys at museumDrew and Matt explore a computer encyclopedia at Science World, Vancouver, BC, 19932021-07-30T16:04:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/29/when-everything-is-perfect-2/2021-07-29T00:41:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/07/more-like-rivers-2/2021-09-06T15:46:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/06/stand-ajar-2/2021-07-18T23:48:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/05/along-the-road-2/2021-09-08T11:31:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/04/the-happiness-of-most-2/2021-07-18T23:38:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/03/as-if-i-was-not-afraid-2/2021-09-06T15:43:56+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/03/as-if-i-was-not-afraid/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/a-message-from-matt-april-2014.jpgA message from Matt, April 2014The morning after his open heart surgery, I asked Matt if he was OK and gave me his traditional signal to reassure me. Washington DC, April 20142021-07-18T15:58:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/02/bring-us-back-home-2/2021-09-06T15:42:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/08/02/bring-us-back-home/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/sunroom-june-2005.jpgSunroom June 2005Our sunroom, York County, June 20052021-07-05T00:16:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/08/01/the-first-week-of-august-2/2021-07-05T00:02:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/31/a-lion-inside-2/2021-07-04T23:27:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/31/a-lion-inside/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/roaring-lion-by-winfried-bruenken-amrum.jpgRoaring Lion by Winfried Bruenken (Amrum)"Panthera leoP1040181" by Winfried Bruenken (Amrum) - Own work. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons - 2021-07-04T23:25:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/30/a-giant-reset-button-2/2021-07-30T19:20:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/29/when-everything-is-perfect/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/van-der-neer-moonlit-landscape-with-bridge.jpgVan der Neer - Moonlit Landscape with Bridge"Van der Neer - Moonlit Landscape with Bridge" by Aert van der Neer Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons 2021-07-04T22:02:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/28/to-be-the-caretaker-2/2021-07-04T21:57:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/28/to-be-the-caretaker/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/easy-choice.jpgEasy choiceLife is short! How will you choose to spend it? Photo at left by Aaron Logan, Creative Commons Attribution 2.5; Photo at right by mattbuck, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 2021-07-04T21:56:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/27/like-poignant-land-mines-2/2021-08-04T20:43:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/27/like-poignant-land-mines/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/barbados-plumeria-mar-2010.jpgBarbados Plumeria Mar 2010The sweet scent of these plumeria brought back happy Hawaiian memories. Barbados, March 20102021-07-04T21:51:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/25/what-we-must-give-2/2021-07-30T19:17:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/25/what-we-must-give/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/attention-collage.jpgAttention collageThere are all sorts of ways to give the gift of attention. Photos taken 1996-20142021-07-04T16:05:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/24/why-we-travel-2/2021-11-07T22:36:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/24/why-we-travel/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/thameside-inn-august-2005.jpgOld Thameside Inn Aug 2005The forecast was off, but only the camera noticed. London, August 20052021-07-04T15:57:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/23/our-conscious-choice-2/2021-07-04T15:54:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/22/imagine-a-time-2/2021-07-30T19:14:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/21/the-enemy-of-the-people-2/2021-07-30T19:11:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/21/the-enemy-of-the-people/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/giant-eraser-sculpture-garden-national-gallery-june-2014.jpgGiant eraser, NGA Sculpture Garden June 2014This ginormous eraser is a great reminder that mistakes don't mean failure. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Washington DC, June 20142021-07-04T15:41:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/20/in-the-yard-2/2021-07-30T19:10:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/20/in-the-yard/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/drew-and-kevin-playing-ball-2004.jpgDrew and Kevin playing ballDrew and Kevin make the most of a beautiful July evening. O'Fallon, Illinois, 20042021-07-04T15:28:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/19/constantly-and-visibly-2/2021-07-04T15:25:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/19/constantly-and-visibly/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lilies-at-poquoson-library-june-2014.jpgLillies at the libraryThese beautiful lillies are part of a reading garden at the public library. Poquoson, Virginia, 20142021-07-04T15:23:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/18/i-travel-somewhat-differently-2/2021-07-30T19:08:32+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/18/i-travel-somewhat-differently/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/july-evening-charlottesville-virginia-2014.jpgJuly Evening Charlottesville Virginia 2014Jeff enjoys an evening stroll in Charlottesville, Virginia, July 20142021-06-30T23:45:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/17/museums-formed-from-the-heart-2/2021-07-30T19:06:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/17/museums-formed-from-the-heart/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/national-gallery-rotunda-june-2014.jpgNational Gallery Rotunda June 2014A moment frozen in time at the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, June 20142021-06-30T23:39:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/16/compensating-2/2021-07-30T19:08:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/16/compensating/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/grady-with-papa-march-31-2014-2.jpgGrady with PaPa March 31 2014 (2)Grady thinks his PaPa is a barrel of fun! March 20142021-06-30T23:11:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/15/a-kind-of-artist-2/2021-07-30T19:00:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/15/a-kind-of-artist/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/monticello-gardens-june-2014.jpgMonticello gardens June 2014A summer day in the gardens at Monticello, near Charlottesville, Virginia, June 20142021-06-27T15:51:28+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/14/the-meaning-of-immortality-2/2021-08-01T14:39:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/14/the-meaning-of-immortality/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/alpine-view-august-2005.jpgAlpine view, August 2005Scenes such as this put our troubles into perspective. Bavaria, Germany, August 20052021-06-27T15:47:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/13/a-curious-fact-2/2021-07-30T18:54:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/12/for-almost-everything-2/2021-08-01T14:38:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/12/for-almost-everything/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/repurpose.jpgRepurposeYou can find creative new uses for almost anything online! Even if you plan to donate the old rather than design the new, it's great inspiration.2021-06-27T15:34:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/11/flowers-that-fly-2/2021-07-30T18:00:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/10/no-faster-or-firmer-friendships-2/2021-06-27T15:26:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/09/the-task-of-the-educator-2/2021-08-01T14:37:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/09/the-task-of-the-educator/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/grady-planning-mischief-june-2014.jpgGrady plans mischief, June 2014We should have known he'd pull something. Grady, just minutes before his Houdini-like escape, Virginia Beach, June 20142021-06-27T15:18:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/08/thats-why-i-recommend-it-2/2021-07-30T17:58:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/07/more-enjoyable-2/2021-07-30T18:04:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/07/more-enjoyable/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/matt-with-lees-momba-august-2003.jpgMatt with Lees and Momba August 2003Cameron + Whitney + Momba + Matt = INSTANT PARTY! Fairfield, California, August 20032021-06-20T23:49:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/06/press-forward-2/2021-06-20T23:42:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/06/press-forward/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/monticello-june-2014.jpgMonticello, June 2014At Monticello, as elsewhere, Jefferson never ran out of ideas for improvement. Photographed in June 20142021-06-20T23:40:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/05/this-realm-of-freedom-2/2021-06-20T23:32:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/04/out-of-confusion-2/2021-07-30T17:51:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/03/outwardly-and-inwardly-2/2021-06-20T15:51:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/03/outwardly-and-inwardly/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/porch-at-montalvo-los-gatos-february-2004.jpgMontalvo Arts Center, Saratoga CA Feb 2004Visiting the lovely Montalvo Arts Center with Jeff was a perfect blend of living inwardly and outwardly. Saratoga, California, February 20042021-06-20T15:48:55+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/02/no-beauty-without-pain-2/2021-07-30T17:47:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/07/02/no-beauty-without-pain/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/jeff-matt-drew-in-martinique-june-1998.jpgJeff, Matt, Drew in Martinique June 1998Drew, Matt and Jeff in St. Pierre, Martinique, June 19982021-06-20T15:41:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/07/01/the-past-belongs-2/2021-06-20T15:34:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/30/arise-in-the-morning-2/2021-08-04T20:42:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/29/this-bequest-of-wings-2/2021-06-29T16:09:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/28/always-june-2/2021-06-09T23:36:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/28/always-june/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/gradys-first-june-2014-virginia-beach-boardwalk.jpgGrady enjoys his first June, 2014 at Virginia BeachGrady celebrates his first June with MeMe and PaPa at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, 2014.2021-06-09T23:34:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/27/no-way-to-say-no-2/2021-06-27T17:04:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/27/no-way-to-say-no/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/sunrise-at-lapalma-by-luc-viatour.jpgSunrise at LaPalma by Luc ViatourSunrise over La Palma, Spain. Photo courtesy of Luc Viatour http://www.lucnix.be/2021-06-09T23:27:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/26/an-extra-2/2021-06-09T23:17:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/25/the-light-of-the-past-2/2021-06-09T23:12:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/24/out-there-waiting-2/2021-06-25T19:01:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/23/beautiful-and-terrible-2/2021-06-06T15:44:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/23/beautiful-and-terrible/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/jeff-with-drew-at-key-west-winter-19861.jpgJeff with Drew at Key West winter 1986Jeff with Drew at Key West, Florida, winter 19862021-06-06T15:43:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/22/the-small-daily-differences-2/2021-06-25T18:55:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/22/the-small-daily-differences/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/crab-digging-at-dam-neck-june-2014.jpgCrab digging at Dam Neck, June 2014A few grains at a time, this tiny sand crab dug an impressive hole. Dam Neck, Virginia, June 20142021-06-06T15:38:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/21/hardly-a-waste-2/2021-06-06T15:31:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/19/carried-on-great-winds-2/2021-06-04T13:17:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/19/carried-on-great-winds/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/seagull-in-flight-at-dam-neck-june-2014.jpgSeagull in flight at Dam Neck, June 2014A seagull soars over the Atlantic at Dam Neck, Virginia, June 2014 2021-06-04T13:16:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/18/tranquility-within-2/2021-06-26T12:14:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/17/the-key-to-failure-2/2021-06-04T13:07:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/17/the-key-to-failure/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bikers-at-pro-usa-rally-in-smf-march-20031.jpgBikers at Pro-USA rally in Sacramento March 2003Bikers were among hundreds of veterans and civilians attending a pro-USA rally in Sacramento, California, March 2003.2021-06-04T13:05:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/16/the-little-steps-2/2021-06-22T01:39:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/15/a-form-of-fatigue-2/2021-06-25T19:03:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/20/what-we-become-2/2021-06-04T12:26:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/15/what-we-become/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/fathers-day-collage1.jpgFathers' Day collage1Some of my favorite people are Daddies! 2021-06-04T12:24:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/14/a-vast-university-2/2021-06-22T01:30:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/14/a-vast-university/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/louvre-at-night-december-2005.jpgThe Louvre at night, August 20052021-06-04T12:19:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/13/with-looks-and-money-2/2021-07-30T17:42:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/12/for-the-good-guys-2/2021-06-22T01:28:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/11/a-morning-inside-you-2/2021-06-22T01:25:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/10/to-this-day-2/2021-06-02T19:52:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/10/to-this-day/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/jeff-and-me-in-rome-may-2008.jpgJeff and me at Trevi Fountain May 2008At the Trevi Fountain in Rome, May 2008. We threw our coins, so we hope the legend comes true for us!2021-06-02T19:50:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/09/near-the-waters-edge/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/boy-at-the-beach-at-yorktown-va-march-2014.jpgBoy on the beach at Yorktown, March 2014This young boy was too busy to notice I was taking photos of him as he worked. On the beach at Yorktown, Virginia, March 2014 2021-06-02T14:01:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/09/near-the-waters-edge-2/2021-06-02T14:00:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/08/age-has-no-reality-2/2021-06-27T17:03:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/07/living-forward-2/2021-06-02T13:51:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/02/if-you-removed-the-rocks-2/2021-06-13T12:38:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/03/the-articulate-audible-voice-2/2021-06-13T14:03:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/04/the-ideal-of-calm-2/2021-06-13T14:05:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/05/the-invisible-crop-2/2021-06-22T00:53:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/06/your-great-grandmother-wouldnt-2/2021-05-31T21:56:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/06/your-great-grandmother-wouldnt/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/seattle-produce-stand-april-1993.jpgSeattle produce stand April 1993Gorgeous nourishment from nature's menu at Pike Place Market, Seattle, April 19932021-05-31T21:54:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/05/the-invisible-crop/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/boys-on-horse-at-judys-farm-dayton-1986.jpgBoys on horse at Judy's farm, Dayton 1986Jeff, Matt and Drew at a friend's farm in Dayton, Ohio, Jeff's first Air Force assignment. Late summer, 19862021-05-31T21:47:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/06/03/the-articulate-audible-voice/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/dickens-faire-bookstore-2002.jpgDickens Faire bookstore 2002Booksellers at the Dickens Fair sell "contemporary" Victorian selections. San Francisco, California, December 20022021-05-31T21:40:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/06/01/grace-will-lead-2/2021-06-29T16:01:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/30/perversely-human-2/2021-06-13T12:25:28+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/30/perversely-human/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/visiting-rabbit-051214.jpgRabbit visitor 051414There was nothing that seemed wild about this wild visitor on May 14, 20142021-05-09T13:46:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/29/sunshine-food-and-medicine-2/2021-07-01T19:26:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/28/the-voice-of-the-sea-2/2021-06-13T12:18:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/27/a-wonderful-position-2/2021-06-22T01:29:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/27/a-wonderful-position/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/statues-of-children-in-newnan-ga-0314.jpgStatues of children in Newnan GA 0314These statues in Newnan, Georgia convey the free-spirited confidence of children. March 20142021-05-09T13:22:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/26/the-rest-of-the-mind-2/2021-06-13T12:31:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/31/the-suffering-2/2021-06-13T12:42:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/25/imaginary-walking-2/2021-06-14T11:47:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/24/an-early-rising-hard-working-city-2/2021-06-10T13:25:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/24/an-early-rising-hard-working-city/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/us-with-president-030609-e1620319727841.jpgUs with President 030609https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/u-s-capitol-042714.jpgU. S. Capitol April 2014Despite bad press and perpetual complaints, a lot of good stuff happens here. April 20142021-05-06T16:49:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/23/recognize-each-other-2/2021-05-06T16:35:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/22/mere-living-2/2021-05-06T11:34:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/22/mere-living/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/statue-in-central-park-may-2007.jpgIndian Hunter, Central Park, May 2007Indian Hunter by John Quincy Adams Ward, Central Park, New York City; May 20072021-05-06T11:32:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/21/colorful-beacons-2/2021-06-10T13:21:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/21/colorful-beacons/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/orchid-at-natl-garden-april-2014.jpgOrchid at National Botanic Garden, Washington DC April 2014One of hundreds of beautiful orchids that brought me sunshine on April 26, 2014, in Washington DC2021-05-06T11:13:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/20/utterly-unforeseen-2/2021-06-10T13:16:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/20/utterly-unforeseen/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/jeff-with-monkey-roatan-march-2011.jpgJeff with monkey, Roatan, March 2011A day of merriment and monkey business in Roatan, Honduras, March 20112021-05-06T01:17:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/19/the-duty-to-try-2/2021-06-10T13:11:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/19/the-duty-to-try/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lewis-tribute-at-eagle-and-child-dec-2005.jpgLewis tribute at Eagle and Child, Oxford, Dec 2005This modest tribute to Lewis and Tolkien adorns a wall in the Eagle and Child, the Oxford pub where they met with friends. December, 20052021-05-06T00:58:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/18/true-elegance-2/2021-06-10T13:08:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/18/true-elegance/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/outdoor-walkway-at-ferguson-center-jan-20091.jpgFerguson Center walkway, January 2009This simple, elegant outdoor walkway is part of the Ferguson Center for the Arts. Newport News, Virginia, January 20092021-05-06T00:06:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/17/anyone-who-loves-2/2021-06-10T13:05:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/17/anyone-who-loves/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/drew-with-matt-reading-jan-03.jpgDrew with Matt reading Jan 03Drew, Matt's best friend, has always loved him with words AND deeds. Vacaville, California, 20022021-05-05T23:55:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/16/you-do-not-need-to-know-2/2021-06-10T12:58:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/15/fresh-and-new-and-beautiful-2/2021-05-22T13:08:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/14/enjoy-endure-survive-2/2021-05-05T23:39:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/13/where-there-is-no-danger-2/2021-05-05T23:29:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/13/where-there-is-no-danger/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/air-mail-display-postal-museum-042714.jpgDH-4B on display at the Postal Museum, April 2014This de Havilland DH-4B (the improved version of the DH-4) is on display at the National Postal Museum in Washington, DC. April 20142021-05-05T23:20:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/12/the-strength-of-the-sole-2/2021-05-13T10:53:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/11/at-the-threshold-2/2021-05-13T10:58:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/10/occupied-by-jellyfish-2/2024-10-26T11:43:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/09/forever-free-2/2021-05-05T01:27:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/08/to-west-of-west-2/2021-05-13T10:49:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/07/reasonable-and-right-2/2021-06-22T01:24:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/07/reasonable-and-right/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/marthas-vineyard-camp-meeting-cottages-september-2012.jpgMartha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association cottages, September 2012These historic Martha's Vineyard cottages are compact and charming. September 20122021-04-29T00:01:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/06/a-condition-of-survival-2/2021-05-06T16:28:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/05/to-welcome-and-help-2/2021-04-28T23:52:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/05/05/to-welcome-and-help/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/matt-at-kiwanis-4-16-14.jpgMatt at Kiwanis 4-16-14Matt with Darla and Nathan Hill, President Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg, April 20142021-04-28T23:47:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/04/you-fall-in-love-2/2021-04-28T23:38:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/03/amid-the-trials-2/2021-05-05T20:11:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/02/the-way-you-see-2/2021-04-18T15:33:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/05/01/that-faint-semblance-2/2021-05-05T13:53:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/30/love-and-laughter-2/2021-05-05T13:57:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/04/30/love-and-laughter/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/maxwell-march-2008.jpgMaxwell, March 2008In March 2008 I snapped this photo of Maxwell, a sweet friend who died unexpectedly this year.2021-04-18T14:54:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/29/the-last-best-hope-2/2021-04-29T11:15:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/04/29/the-last-best-hope/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/wwii-and-lincoln-memorials-mar-2005.jpgWWII and Lincoln Memorials, Mar 2005The World War II Memorial, with the Lincoln Memorial in the distance, March 20052021-04-18T14:45:53+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/28/our-consolation-2/2021-04-18T14:34:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/27/in-the-heart-2/2021-04-18T14:15:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/26/failures-were-successes-2/2021-05-05T14:00:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/25/part-of-the-silence/2021-04-12T16:05:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/05/so-great-a-sweetness-2/2021-05-06T00:28:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/29/in-the-spring-2/2021-04-01T00:24:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/30/coaxed-downstairs-2/2021-04-01T10:39:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/31/every-time-you-smile/2021-04-02T14:37:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/24/the-best-way-2/2021-05-05T14:16:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/23/hard-to-plan-2/2021-03-30T14:55:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/22/in-every-picture-2/2021-03-30T14:44:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/04/22/in-every-picture/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/friends-taking-pictures-2004-2008.jpgFriends taking pictures 2004-2008Kathy, LaRhodia, Andy and Robert capture memories through photography. I took these photos at various times during 2004-2008.2021-03-30T14:42:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/21/many-ports-2/2021-03-30T14:39:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/20/the-everyday-struggle-2/2021-05-06T11:57:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/04/this-is-the-power-2/2021-05-06T00:37:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/19/the-singing-of-birds-2/2021-05-06T15:02:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/03/all-now-mysterious-shall-be-bright-2/2021-05-06T00:42:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/18/the-first-spring-day-2/2021-05-05T14:49:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/02/gift-of-love-2/2021-04-02T14:38:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/17/our-noblest-hopes-2/2021-05-05T14:52:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/16/open-arms-2/2021-04-16T11:16:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/15/the-earth-laughs-2/2021-03-30T02:56:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/14/you-know-how-it-is-2/2021-05-05T14:54:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/13/a-curious-paradox-2/2021-05-09T12:53:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/12/very-valuable-2/2021-03-22T11:13:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/04/12/very-valuable/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/daddys-birthday-memorabilia-scanned-april-2014.jpgDaddy's birthday memorabilia scanned April 2014These memories are among the photos and cards saved by Daddy's mother. I re-discovered them on an recent trip home in March, 2014.2021-03-22T11:09:27+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/11/they-will-shine-2/2021-03-22T11:02:29+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/10/most-engaging-2/2021-03-15T00:09:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/09/the-little-pictures-2/2021-05-12T10:59:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/08/the-people-you-meet-2/2021-05-05T16:47:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/07/a-perfect-ratio-2/2021-05-05T16:49:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/06/a-genuine-interest-2/2021-03-07T17:27:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/04/06/a-genuine-interest/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/craft-group-at-dixon-pl-jan-2003-2.jpgCraft group at Dixon PL Jan 2003 (2)An everyday moment, now a treasured memory. Dixon, California, January 20032021-03-07T17:17:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/04/02/the-first-spring-day/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/springtime-gazebo-yorktown-may-2013.jpgSpringtime gazebo, Yorktown, May 2013Let's take an imaginary break at this gazebo in Yorktown, Virginia. I took the photo in May 2013, but we can pretend it's today!2021-03-07T12:58:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/04/01/a-nation-that-does-not-know-2/2021-03-07T12:45:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/04/01/a-nation-that-does-not-know/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/nothing-happened-lexington-va-20041.jpgNothing happenedHistory students, remember this important event! Lexington, Virginia, August 20042021-03-07T12:38:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/27/the-richness-of-the-rain-2/2021-02-20T16:20:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/28/all-ready-2/2021-03-30T00:12:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/26/different-kinds-of-weather-2/2021-03-26T21:48:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/25/a-light-joyousness-2/2021-03-25T16:17:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/24/a-new-kind-of-action-2/2021-03-25T15:56:28+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/23/exercise-your-heart-2/2021-03-25T15:59:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/22/our-highest-business-2/2021-03-25T15:55:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/21/under-the-giving-snow-2/2021-03-25T13:59:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/20/long-distance-friendships-2/2021-03-26T22:45:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/19/the-best-of-now-2/2021-03-30T00:14:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/18/ten-thousand-truths-2/2021-05-05T16:43:29+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/17/what-anyone-wants-to-remember-2/2021-03-25T13:43:56+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/16/intelligence-having-fun-2/2021-03-25T12:45:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/15/courage-is-about-doing-2/2021-03-25T11:51:40+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/03/15/courage-is-about-doing/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/underground-railroad-monument-roanoke-island-sept-2013.jpgUnderground Railroad monument, Roanoke Island, September 2013Courage in the face of great risks can lead to freedom...or survival. Jeff contemplates the Underground Railroad Monument at Roanoke Island, North Carolina, September 2013.https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/erics-photos-from-t-37-formation.jpgEric's photos from T-37 formationEric took this photo from the cockpit of his T-37 while flying in close-trail formation. Too close for comfort!2021-02-16T01:47:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/14/the-art-of-counting-2/2021-03-28T12:31:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/13/one-of-those-march-days-2/2021-03-13T13:06:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/03/20/stronger-than-a-fortified-city-2/2021-02-16T00:52:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/12/personal-charm-2/2021-03-25T11:51:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/03/20/stronger-than-a-fortified-city/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/easter-sunrise-with-maggies-family-at-tidal-basin.jpgEaster sunrise with Maggie's family at Tidal BasinThomas Jefferson's statues stands inside his Memorial, framed by the cherry blossom trees on Easter, sometime around 19782021-02-16T00:43:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/11/try-waking-up-2/2021-03-25T11:43:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/03/11/try-waking-up/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/jeff-with-quote.jpgJeff with quote, Bar Harbor June 2012Jeff didn't see this sign over his head, but I did. Bar Harbor, June 20122021-02-15T23:07:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/08/anticipation-remembrance-and-reality-2/2021-03-24T14:35:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/10/like-one-of-these-2/2021-03-26T20:16:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/09/read-or-learned-or-picked-up-2/2021-03-25T11:31:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/07/some-day-you-will-be-old-enough-2/2021-03-25T13:46:43+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/06/the-seriousness-of-a-child-2/2021-03-09T12:14:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/03/06/new-possibilities/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/jeff-and-the-boys-in-maui-1992.jpgJeff and the boys in Maui, 1992Jeff romps with our sons in Maui, Hawaii, 19922021-02-15T15:02:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/05/my-sunset-sky-2/2021-03-08T01:17:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/04/only-the-beginning-2/2021-03-08T01:18:24+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/03/fling-off-thy-sadness-2/2021-03-07T23:23:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/02/anything-created-2/2021-03-03T02:45:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/24/to-look-forward-2/2021-01-24T23:14:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/03/01/visual-surprise-2/2021-03-25T11:34:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/03/01/visual-surprise/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/grenada-scene-march-2010.jpgGrenada scene March 2010Photographed in early March 2010, sunny Grenada was a sight for sore eyes!2021-01-24T18:03:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/28/when-we-sip-tea-2/2021-03-03T01:57:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/27/as-the-magnet-finds-iron-2/2021-03-25T11:45:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/02/27/as-the-magnet-finds-iron/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/winter-landscape-dec-2004.jpgWinter landscape Dec 2004Inconvenient, even dangerous, but also beautiful; a December 2004 snowstorm.2021-01-24T16:55:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/26/something-wonderful-2/2021-03-03T01:19:54+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/25/filled-with-joy-2/2021-03-03T01:02:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/24/made-for-kids-2/2021-02-24T19:57:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/02/24/the-last-refuge/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/drew-naps-with-pasha.jpgDrew naps with PashaI caught our son dozing with his favorite companion, sometime around 20012021-01-19T00:52:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/23/beauty-without-color-2/2021-01-19T00:48:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/18/serenity-is-contagious-2/2021-01-18T14:15:55+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/21/until-i-write-2/2021-02-22T01:37:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/22/the-true-magic-carpet-2/2021-02-22T13:12:12+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/02/22/the-true-magic-carpet/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/morocco-at-epcot-august-2003.jpgMorocco at Epcot, August 2003With a little help from Disney, Drew and Matt make an imaginary trip to Morocco. EPCOT Center, Orlando, Florida, August 20032021-01-18T02:11:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/20/every-stretch-of-road-2/2021-03-03T00:47:10+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/19/up-and-doing-2/2021-01-17T22:08:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/18/what-grandparents-do-2/2021-01-17T21:32:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/17/on-my-farm-2/2021-01-17T21:25:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/12/embrace-chaos-2/2021-01-17T22:51:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/16/some-kind-of-recreational-activity-2/2021-02-19T17:22:39+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/02/16/some-kind-of-recreational-activity/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/belvedere-in-snow-feb-2014.jpgBelvedere in snow Feb 2014Coffee as recreational activity: Virginia Beach in the snow, January 31,20142021-01-14T00:39:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/15/rivers-are-roads-2/2021-03-03T01:41:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/14/the-last-thing-on-my-mind-2/2021-02-15T14:15:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/02/14/the-fullness-of-peace/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/tree-in-culver-city-ca-20111.jpgTree in Culver City, CA 2011A tree that caught my eye while walking in Culver City, California 20112021-01-11T19:13:59+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/13/it-takes-courage-2/2021-02-15T03:13:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/12/from-a-single-source-2/2021-01-10T02:29:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/11/great-things-2/2021-02-15T01:21:30+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/10/the-sun-a-spark-2/2021-02-11T03:12:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/09/bright-loud-weird-and-delicate-2/2021-02-11T03:11:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/02/09/bright-loud-weird-and-delicate/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/monkey-in-roatan-mar-2011.jpgMonkey in Roatan Mar 2011I photographed this monkey in Roatan, Honduras, in March 2011.2021-01-08T15:16:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/08/restraint-must-enter-2/2021-02-15T01:43:16+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/07/repainting-the-landscape-2/2021-02-11T03:01:26+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/02/07/repainting-the-landscape/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/evergreens-in-the-snow-jan-2010.jpgEvergreens in the snow, Jan 2010Snow accents our neighbors' beautifully hardy evergreens, January 2010.2021-01-06T23:44:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/06/the-history-of-liberty-2/2021-03-03T00:50:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/05/our-neighbors-2/2021-03-03T01:37:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/02/05/our-neighbors/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/typical-dc-traffic-april-2013.jpgTypical DC traffic, April 2013Typical late afternoon traffic in Washington, DC, April 20132021-01-04T15:36:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/04/a-repository-of-possibilities-2/2021-02-11T02:30:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/02/04/a-repository-of-possibilities/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/city-tour-pacific-heights-jan-04.jpgCity tour Pacific Heights Jan 04A City Guides tour of stunning Pacific Heights, January 20042021-01-04T00:32:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/03/sharing-their-experience-2/2021-02-11T02:55:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/02/03/sharing-their-experience/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/mexican-yarn-artist-march-2004.jpgHuichol yarn artist Puerto Vallarta March 2004A Huichol yarn artist in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, March 20042023-02-09T12:18:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/02/to-be-commanded-2/2021-01-01T21:15:20+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/02/01/intended-for-solace-2/2021-02-15T03:15:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/29/see-all-the-good-2/2020-12-29T13:57:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/31/consider-having-fun-2/2021-02-15T02:58:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/30/distance-lends-enchantment-2/2021-02-10T16:12:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/29/a-sunny-spirit-2/2021-02-15T01:25:52+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/28/we-hope-it-2/2021-02-11T02:19:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/27/what-you-now-have-2/2021-03-03T01:03:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/01/27/hope-beyond-measure/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/appomattox-field-2005.jpgAppomattox field 2005Appomattox Court House National Historic Park, Virginia 20052020-12-27T23:30:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/26/blessed-thought-2/2021-01-28T02:32:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/01/26/blessed-thought/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pathway-at-san-juan-bautista-june-2003.jpgPathway at San Juan Bautista, June 2003Sometimes the pathway is beautiful, sometimes not, but I truly believe we need never walk it alone. Mission San Juan Bautista, California, June 20032020-12-27T17:54:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/25/the-beautiful-stillness-2/2020-12-27T17:42:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/24/the-onrush-of-scenery-2/2021-02-10T16:16:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/23/inviting-people-in-2/2021-01-28T02:18:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/01/23/inviting-people-in/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mitzie-with-buddy-12-23-2006.jpgMitzie with Buddy 12-23-2006We're always 'ohana at Mitzie and Robert's home. December 20062020-12-27T15:08:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/22/net-of-wonder-2/2021-02-18T23:35:47+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/21/no-ordinary-people-2/2021-02-11T02:15:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/19/expressing-it-2/2021-01-27T20:30:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/20/pretty-yes-pretty-2/2021-01-29T19:40:32+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/17/places-in-our-hearts-2/2021-01-27T15:49:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/16/beautiful-discovery-2/2021-02-10T15:54:11+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/01/16/beautiful-discovery/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ellis-and-me-july-2013.jpgEllis and me July 2013One of 2013's "perfect pictures:" Ellis and me, together after 35 years! July 20132020-12-26T21:50:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/15/we-need-quiet-2/2020-12-26T21:36:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/14/in-your-house-2/2021-02-10T15:58:36+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/13/never-too-old-to-begin-2/2021-02-10T15:54:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/01/13/every-exit/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/garden-gate-colonial-williamsburg-2005.jpgGarden Gate, Colonial Williamsburg 20052020-12-26T21:24:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/11/nothing-is-2/2021-01-11T18:45:48+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/01/11/nothing-is/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/antoinettes-clock-at-the-corcoran-september-2013.jpgAntoinette's clock at the Corcoran, September 2013This clock came from Queen Marie-Antoinette's private sitting room at the Tuileries Palace, Paris; photographed on display at the Corocoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, September 2013.2020-12-25T02:15:19+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/01/11/free-to-go-very-slow/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/our-female-turtle.jpgOur box turtleOur box turtle pays a visit in June, 20052020-12-25T02:12:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/10/one-spectacle-grander-2/2021-01-17T22:48:58+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/01/10/one-spectacle-grander/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/the-bow-of-the-volendam-alaska-june-2000.jpgThe bow of the Volendam, Alaska, June 2000You can barely see them, but that's Jeff, Matt and Drew at the bow of Holland America's ship, the Volendam, sailing Alaska in June 2000.2020-12-25T01:58:22+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/01/10/lose-sight-of-the-shore/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/diamond-princess-maiden-voyage.jpgDiamond Princess maiden voyage2020-12-25T01:55:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/01/09/another-step-toward-simplicity/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/lily-at-pond.jpgLily at Pond2020-12-24T00:56:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/09/language-of-the-imagination-2/2020-12-24T00:52:05+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/08/in-the-morning-2/2021-01-11T18:20:29+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/01/08/in-the-morning/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/at-a-bb-in-placerville-ca-dec-2002.jpgAt a Placerville B&B December 2002Service with a smile at a bed and breakfast inn, Placerville, CA, December 20022020-12-24T00:42:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/07/service-is-joy-2/2021-01-27T20:38:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/01/07/faithfulness-to-a-small-task/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/point-reyes-lighthouse.jpgPoint Reyes LighthousePoint Reyes Lighthouse, Marin County, California 20042020-12-24T00:34:14+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/01/07/service-is-joy/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/matt-with-mocha-april-2005.jpgMatt with Mocha, April 2005A therapeutic riding assistant helps Matt get ready to ride. Near Williamsburg, Virginia, April 2005.2020-12-24T00:16:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/06/time-and-culture-2/2020-12-23T01:56:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/01/06/time-and-culture/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ft-mchenry-aug-2010.jpgFt. McHenry Aug 2010Reenactors bring the past to life at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, August 20102020-12-23T01:54:38+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/05/your-own-kind-of-music-2/2021-01-27T15:48:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/04/i-challenge-you-to-a-dare-2/2021-01-10T13:57:21+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/03/a-white-quilt-2/2021-01-11T18:32:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/02/actually-see-2/2021-01-06T13:16:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2021/01/01/voices-at-the-door-2/2021-01-10T14:52:46+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2014/01/01/voices-at-the-door/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/doorway-in-mykonos-may-2008.jpgDoorway in Mykonos, December 20082020-12-22T02:03:57+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2012/12/21/as-if-it-cost-a-fortune/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/dancing-at-fezziwigs-2002.jpgDancing at Fezziwig's 2002Dancing at Fezziwig's party, at The Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco 20022020-12-22T01:41:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/31/so-late-so-soon-2/2021-01-01T21:05:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/12/31/so-late-so-soon/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/carla-with-clocks-dec-2002.jpgCarla with clocks Dec 20022020-12-21T01:20:44+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/30/divine-pleasures-2/2020-12-21T00:59:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/12/30/divine-pleasures/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/our-fireplace-in-california-2003.jpgOur fireplace in Calfornia, January 20032020-12-21T00:57:31+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2012/12/29/to-see-takes-time/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/yellow-flower.jpgYellow flower2020-12-21T00:39:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/28/success-is-stumbling-2/2021-01-01T20:55:33+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/27/the-best-remedy-2/2021-01-01T20:51:23+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/12/27/the-best-remedy/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/gull-and-person-dam-neck-april-2010.jpgGull and person, Dam Neck Virginia, April 2010A gull and a person, enjoying solitude at the beach. Dam Neck, Virginia, April 20102020-12-20T22:33:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/26/beautiful-and-joyful-2/2021-01-27T20:37:41+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/12/26/beautiful-and-joyful/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/historic-table-setting-philadelphia-museum-july-2007.jpgHistoric furnishings, Philadelphia museum July 2007Historic furniture on display at Philadelphia Museum of Art, July 2007/2020-12-20T22:19:15+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/25/let-us-remember-2/2021-01-01T20:59:34+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/24/in-the-company-of-children-2/2020-12-27T14:06:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/23/an-act-of-recollection-2/2020-12-08T10:37:03+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/12/23/an-act-of-recollection/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tammys-train-set-december-2009.jpgTammy's train set, December 2009Visiting friends enjoy Tammy's train set, December 2009.2020-12-08T10:33:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/22/the-diamond-frosted-clasp-2/2021-01-01T20:41:08+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/21/deep-in-december-2/2020-12-22T01:37:18+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/20/sensations-more-painful-2/2020-12-26T15:18:09+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/19/all-is-bright-2/2020-12-24T11:18:01+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/18/a-state-of-mind-2/2020-12-20T21:36:25+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/17/home-for-the-holidays-2/2021-01-01T20:59:13+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/12/17/home-for-the-holidays/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/jeff-and-pasha-christmas-2006.jpgJeff and Pasha, Christmas 2006Jeff and Pasha enjoy being home for the holidays, Christmas Eve 2006.2020-12-05T22:38:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2012/12/16/you-have-to-be-a-child/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/jeff-matt-dec-24-02-sfo-2.jpgJeff and Matt Dec 24 2002 SFO Jeff and Matt at FAO Schwarz on Christmas Eve 2002, San Francisco2020-12-05T22:32:45+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/16/the-summer-of-the-soul-2/2020-12-20T21:39:35+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/12/16/the-summer-of-the-soul/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/me-at-christmas-1958.jpgMe at Christmas 1958I think this photo of me was made on Christmas Eve, 1959.2020-12-05T22:22:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/15/renewed-day-by-day-2/2020-12-20T21:15:17+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/13/on-his-darkest-day-2/2021-01-01T20:52:37+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/12/this-is-where-2/2020-12-20T21:13:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/12/12/this-is-where/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/our-home-at-christmas-2006.jpgOur home at Christmas, 2006Come on in - the party will be starting soon! Yorktown, December 20062020-11-21T19:04:00+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/11/share-to-the-full-2/2020-12-20T21:04:42+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/12/11/share-to-the-full/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/gaylord-ice-sculpture-nov-2011.jpgGaylord ICE! National Harbor, November 2011Just one of the amazing ice sculptures on display at Gaylord ICE!, National Harbor, Maryland, November 20112020-11-21T02:51:51+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/10/our-blessings-2/2020-12-20T21:25:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/09/unintentionally-2/2020-12-20T21:20:07+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/08/bless-you-abundantly-2/2020-12-21T02:10:49+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/12/07/despite-overwhelming-odds-2/2020-12-08T10:16:02+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2013/12/07/despite-overwhelming-odds/https://defeatdespair.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/at-the-arizona-memorial-1991.jpgAt the Arizona Memorial, 19912020-11-20T01:45:04+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/11/20/peculiar-and-inexhaustible-influence-2/2020-11-28T13:25:50+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.com/2020/11/19/pleasure-in-the-pathless-woods-2/2020-11-28T14:54:06+00:00monthlyhttps://defeatdespair.comdaily1.02026-03-25T12:56:42+00:00