Friday, August 26, 2011

Just Me and My Brother

My brother lives in a redwood forest on a ridge with a spectacular view of the ocean near Santa Cruz, California.
Euphoric.
Peaceful.
Quiet.

Recently we've spent some time together.
Just me and my brother.
A week together without family members.
Time to talk, reminisce, reflect.
My brother is a few years older than I am, and I have always looked up to him as I'm sure many little sisters do.
From my earliest childhood memories he has always been tall, handsome and wise.

A bit of heaven to slow down together and just be.
The Santa Cruz mountains provide Garden of Eden spots.

We both love to walk.

One afternoon he took me to Loch Lomand Reservoir near Felton where we sat on a bench at water's edge, shared a picnic lunch...

...and watched the ducks swim by.
Here and there we could hear the echo of voices from anglers trout fishing, or a row boat gliding by.

But mainly it was just quiet.


And we took the time to visit our father's grave.

Grateful moments that are now etched into my memory.

10 comments:

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

Nedra, you have touched me deeply with this post; I have lost one brother and my only sister in the last three years. That leaves just me and my 18-month older brother and we live on opposite sides of the continent.

Your trip with your brother is so fabulous; memories made during these times will be forever for you and him.

Cardygirl said...

What a special time.

Caro said...

What a precious time together you two were able to have. You will remember it always.

Gina E. said...

I have two older brothers - one is ten years older than me, and I always idolised him when I was growing up. He was always patient and kind with me, even if I broke (accidentally) something that belonged to him. My other brother (8 years older) is completely the opposite - we fought like cat and dog for years, and still don't get on very well! This is a lovely post, and it has made me think of my oldest brother who I haven't seen for a while. Thanks Nedra.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

a beautiful area for sure, so nice to have a great relationship with your big brother and to be able to spend some quality time with him.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Lois Evensen said...

What a beautiful place and time together.

I, too, have a big brother. I had two, but the oldest has died. The other brother and I have enjoyed having a week together now and then when he visits us at sea. No dishes, no house work, no schedules, just time to talk and be together. It's wonderful.

Material Mary said...

What a wonderful thing to re-connect. Relationships are so fragile and need to be replenished.
Mary

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Precious moments to cherish forever. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Cindy said...

I'm so glad you we able to spend a week with your brother. I remember you talking about him and how much you enjoyed visits with him.
I do miss not having a sister but I think my 5 brothers are awesome!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing that story and pictures.
So lovely that you spent that time with your brother and took such wonderful pictures. I have found many amazing photo's of Garden Of Eden and would like to share this set that I found recently on Flickr a college age girl frolicking naked at the Garden of Eden so tasteful.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/myempiricism/7778761560/