Prayers for Boston

This is one of the hardest posts I'll ever write. We, the EmCards/ LES Arts team, Lex, myself and Suzie, join with the nation, with the world in praying for all those affected by the events in Boston, Massachusetts yesterday, Monday, April 15, 2013.

Yesterday started out as any other Patriots Day holiday in the city, the population swelled by visitors from across the country and indeed across the world. All there to take in the holiday atmosphere and to support the thousands running the 117th Boston Marathon.

Then, four hours and nine minutes after the start of the race, as runners achieved what was for some, a life's dream of completing the race, the tone of the day changed. Panic, terror, but also an overwhelming sense of humanity. Medical and security personnel who had been there to aid runners, raced themselves to help those in need. As did countless spectators and runners, many of whom carried on running to hospitals to donate blood to help save lives.

Our reaction, along with the rest of the peaceful, law-abiding world, was one of shock, sadness, disbelief and yes, anger at what was unfolding before us. All three of us are parents, who's children are a similar age to eight year old Martin Richard who lost his life yesterday. Our hearts bleed for his family and all others affected; the injured, those fighting for life, ALL those there, their families and friends.

There are countless rumors circulating at this time about many aspects of what happened yesterday. Until they are confirmed as facts, as the investigation moves forward, nothing is certain. Except this...

The tragedy in Boston would have been far worse, had it not been for all the medical and other personnel on duty, for the human response. Many more lives could and would have been lost. To all present yesterday at that moment and who have offered help to the city and state since, we say THANK YOU!

Boston is STRONG, the American spirit is STRONG. We will NOT let this act weaken us. Our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with Boston and will remain with them. God bless

Lex, Em and Suzie
The EmCards/ LES Arts team

A very special place

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by today! This past Saturday I finally made it back to a group of three islands that are such a very special place for me. I adore them so much that I call them "my little piece of heaven". They are three beautiful sandstone gems.

The first and third photos show the different layers in the sandstone. The second is a close up of one of the eroded sandstone bricks that have been used to construct a wall on the main island.

Hugs,

More island pics

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by today! In this post, If you missed my last post, It's been too long , please do check it out! Today I'm sharing a few more pics from previous visits to the island that we're going back to this Saturday. The sandstone is beautiful!

The weather will not be as good, but we can hope!

Hugs,

It's been too long

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by today! The title of today's post refers to two things. One, the time since my last post here and for that I sincerely apologize! Two, since I visited the place I call "my little piece of heaven". Due to poor health in the last year or so, it's been almost two years and that is WAY too long! Thankfully, I'm going back there this Saturday and I CAN'T WAIT!

Where is this place? It's a group of three small sandstone islands in a nearby river estuary that are only accessible at low water. It is possible to stay on the larger one over high water, when you're completely isolated from the world. I've done that once before and will again when the weather warms up!

Today, I'm sharing three photos, by way of introducing you to my special place. I've taken over a thousand images previously and choosing just a few is near impossible, but I hope you enjoy these ones!

This first one was taken on my very first visit...

The second shows the approach to the main island...

The third shows the red rock in beautiful detail...

I hope you'll join me again later this week, when I'll share some more images of my little piece of heaven.

Hugs,

Hike day 6

Hi everyone

Between December 28, 2012 and January 2, 2013 we're sharing something very special with you, both here and on our EmCards blog. Our favorite photos from a charity hike that Em did between those dates in 2010-11. The hike was along Hadrian's Wall in northern England and raised funds for the UK based military charity Help for Heroes. It was, at that time, the coldest winter in more than 30 years and from day three onward, Em and the other 11 hikers faced thigh deep snow. For more information on the route taken, please see this link.

Em's camera failed on the last day, sadly, but here we share some of our other favorites from the rest of the hike. It truly had been the adventure of a lifetime...

Hike day 5

Hi everyone

Between December 28, 2012 and January 2, 2013 we're sharing something very special with you, both here and on our EmCards blog. Our favorite photos from a charity hike that Em did between those dates in 2010-11. The hike was along Hadrian's Wall in northern England and raised funds for the UK based military charity Help for Heroes. It was, at that time, the coldest winter in more than 30 years and from day three onward, Em and the other 11 hikers faced thigh deep snow. For more information on the route taken, please see this link.

Happy New Year from all of us!

Yet more stunning views

And more evidence of the miles hiked!

None of the photos have been edited, except to add the watermark

Hike day 4

Hi everyone

Between December 28, 2012 and January 2, 2013 we're sharing something very special with you, both here and on our EmCards blog. Our favorite photos from a charity hike that Em did between those dates in 2010-11. The hike was along Hadrian's Wall in northern England and raised funds for the UK based military charity Help for Heroes. It was, at that time, the coldest winter in more than 30 years and from day three onward, Em and the other 11 hikers faced thigh deep snow. For more information on the route taken, please see this link.

The team had gotten their first view of the main Wall on Day three. Today, they hiked near it all day

Hiking an average of over 12 miles each day, you can see how far they've come by following the Wall into the distance

The highest point of the Wall that is still standing

"Robin Hood's tree" at the highest point

Stunning views!

The distant lights of Newcastle, which wouldn't be seen close up for another 2 days!