Childhood, Family, Favorite Things, Grief, Life, Music, Soul Homework, What I Kept

what i kept – february 2024

Kari

these are the things i kept on my phone in the month of february.

click here to read previous posts.

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i love this for her 🖤

a fellow blogger shared this on her instagram story, which triggered a memory. my grandmother had this same print in her home, and i remember it from my childhood. it transported me back to a time i had completely forgotten about. and now i’m going to manifest that another print will come my way.

that’s me in the middle, looking down to see who’s coming onstage
i can’t remember the source. i think it’s a pema chodron book. 🤣
perspective from the chemotherapy bay
perspective from mountain pose
biscuits perspective
care package from a friend 💕😘
i was attending a friend’s celebration of life on this day. we lost two of our dear friends at the end of january. on the same day.
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i’m teaching myself about astrology and how to read my birth chart.

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here’s the original of the song

i love both versions, but my favorite is the group singing. it reminds me of this quote i just found a few weeks ago:

“my mother always says to me that there is a reason we have a choir. it’s because sometimes you need to take a breath, and the tune continues. so right now, i keep singing, but there might be a time where i can’t, and i might ask you to keep the tune going while i take a breath.”

-diana buttu

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55 thoughts on “what i kept – february 2024”

  1. Yes to the soul needing space.

    Dona Nobis Pacem is another Song Gift From Mah Brain (a comment I left last post). An old song from my childhood. It pops up when I need that inner solitude & space referenced by your quote. Usually doing household tasks. It is so freeing to sing and clean with just the quiet sounds of the house and outside birds.

    The song means “Give Us Peace”.

    Brains know.

    Also I had my astrology chart done when I was peak Woo (late teens?). And holy shirt that stuff is still resonating. I’m not sure if it was astrology getting glimpses into the future or the reader. I think everyone can sometimes get a glimpse. I hope you discover amazing things for yourself!

    Sorry about the losses of your friends. Sending hugs ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I just listened to Dona Nobis Pacem. I have heard this song before. It’s so lovely. My favorite type of gift will always be a song gift.

      Let me tell you, the things I’m discovering about myself and my daughters through birth charts are spot on. It’s so cool.

      Thank you, friend. Both of them were older and had lived long, fulfilling lives. Still, it was hard to say goodbye. ❤️

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  2. I love the story about that print – may your manifestation be successful.

    The Barbara Kingsolver quote resonated so strongly that I took a snap of it for my own phone ;)

    But the best bit about your post this month is two pictures – your Dad in front of the card rack, and your Mum hugging your Dad. Those two won my <3

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I am so so sorry to read that you lost 2 friends on the same day; any loss is tough but that is extra hard. You made something as simple as a bowl of cereal look absolutely beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Damn, Kari. That video of the singing. First it gave me shivers and then it made me cry. The news has been so full of humans being awful, but then we can do that, too. I love us so much ands hate what we do to each other. I appreciate all the invitations to consider perspective. I am so sorry that you’re dealing with so much loss right now. These things you share do show that you love and have been loved, for sure. xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Kari, hope you do (and you WILL) manifest another print because it’s gorgeous (and a classic)! And do you know what? I’ve seen that somewhere throughout my life, but can’t remember exactly where!?!?

    OMG, that photo of you in the line onstage is BRILLIANT! You really stand out because of the way your positioned. I love that you can see the band playing in the pit. Don’t you just love coming across old child photos? Memories light the corners of our minds!

    As you know, I collect Buddha’s, and have since the mid-90s. Great photo!

    That image of your mom and dad just warmed my heart!

    ((((((((((((((((( them ))))))))))))))))))))

    I had my astrological chart done years ago and it was so interesting to see where all the planets were when I was born. I’m a Libra, Virgo rising, and Aries moon (air, earth, and fire). I like that balance.

    Once again, fun and interesting What You Kept post, my friend! Have a faaaaaabulous week! X

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I hope to find another one! If it is meant to be, it will cross my path. I’m glad you’ve seen it too! It’s an actual work of art…Young Girl Reading by Jean Honore Fragonard, maybe you saw it in a museum?

      I love childhood photos! Closer to the source/being. I love that I was more interested in what was coming down the way than in posing.

      I think of you every morning when I light my Buddha candle because I know you have a collection. It always makes me smile.

      I hope you can meet them someday. Your positive reiki energy helped immensely with my dad’s recovery. They would love you and you them. ❤️

      I am also a Virgo rising! You are definitely a good balance!

      Thank you, friend! I hope you have a good week as well! 😘❤️

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  8. I love the choir quote. It shows how we carry one another and don’t have to do it on our own because we can’t. We have to take space to breathe. It’s fun to hear that you’re learning how to read your astrological chart. Would love to hear more. I’m a Virgo rising too.🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    1. YES. ❤️

      I love that we are both Virgo rising signs! I will admit that it is very difficult to learn. I’ve been taking notes, and I had to buy one of the books because I’ll be referencing it often. BUT, what I’m learning is so accurate and fascinating that it’s worth pursuing. It’s lots of fun.

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  11. That Kingsolver quote. Ooof. Kari, you always include tidbits that get right up inside me. <3

    CONSTANCY. Wow. Eye opening for sure.

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your friends. May they walk together in eternal peace.

    Look at how perspective is following you around. xxxooo

    Liked by 1 person

  12. You have so many wonderful things here, Kari! I love the childhood photo of you, as well as the current selfie. I’m so sorry to hear that you lost two friends. I love all the perspectives, the picutre of your parents hugging, the doggie ears, the bowl of cereal, the name carved in the table. So many beautiful moments that you have captured. Thanks for sharing them!

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  15. Your parents are so lovely. That photo of your mom hugging your dad….<3.

    What a wonderful care package you received! I think I know who it’s from just from the photograph on the card.

    Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry that you lost two friends at the end of January. So hard.

    xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I am so sorry about the loss of your friends.

    I really love that photo of you and of your parents. That first quote about loving yourself the way you love your dog and your children really resonates.

    Perspective! I like the theme of this post – so often we get mired down into details and we just need to adjust our perspectives to see what a beautiful world it can be. Sometimes that is harder to do than other times, that’s for sure. You are really leaning into the time you have right now and I can see how much you are treasuring it. xoxoxoxo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Nicole. They were both very special.

      I also love the picture of my mom and dad. I’ve taken some really good ones since my dad got sick. I hope to publish them at some point.

      Leaning in to this…wow, we are on the same wavelength. I feel like I’m fighting it a lot, and my body is suffering. I’m trying to lean in more. But it’s not easy.

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  18. I’m so sorry about the loss of your two friends. That must have come as a shock, on the same day. But the photo of you is beautiful. And that bed that Biscuit is laying upon is just so lovely and welcoming.

    Were you in gymnastics? I’m trying to figure out the group photo where you’re looking towards the stage. I love that you received a care package and are finding ways to embrace life. Your parents are so sweet! XO

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We learned the next day that they had both died on the same day. We used to go to church with both of them. One of them sat in the pew in front of us, and the other behind us. ❤️

      I was part of a baton twirling group! Can you imagine that many girls wanting to twirl batons? LOL, the 1970s…

      I have to admit that this month was difficult for me, but looking back, it appears that I did better than I thought. That is why I am grateful for this blog (and this specific post).

      I’m so grateful for my parents. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  19. There are many things I love about this post. The “Love yourself the way you love your children” quote is powerful. I struggle with self love and this really hit home. Thank you for that. Next, I’m thrilled that you are a Whatchamacallit candy bar lover..lol. It was one of my favorites growing up. Lucky you to have such a caring friend. Next,….wow..I am honored that my Way-Back-Wednesday IG post meant that much to you! I drew in my breath when I saw it on your site. Thank you. I’ll keep my eyes open for you so you can have have a copy in your home too. There are several antique stores I frequent often!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I also struggle with it. That’s why I underlined it. 😂❤️

      Whatchamacalit is one of my favorites, too! I love how we both love it.

      I love that find for you! Definitely keep your eyes open, please. Every time I see an antique store now, I will have to pop in.

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  20. The teacher who taught me something about how to live is one of my first yoga teachers way back when who encouraged us to “keep on meeting the edge.” She meant it in practical terms, like on your mat, but also as a way to approach life. 

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  21. Looking at Valentine’s Day cards reminds me that I went to Walgreen’s yesterday and while I was there, I thought I’d buy some St. Patrick’s Day cards. They only had a handful left! They’ve already moved on to Easter. *heavy sigh*

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  22. I love your pictures. The dog ears/plant especially.

    and so true about the choir. I’ve been so grateful for them lately.

    sending you love but also grateful for the love you’ve kept/shared this month!

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  23. This is a wonderful post in many ways, but all I can think about is finding a Whatchamacallit bar now. Haven’t had one since childhood!

    I’m glad your dad is responding well to the chemotherapy, btw! <3

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That is hilarious because Whatchamacalit bars were my grandmother’s favorite candy bar, and my friend had no idea about this before sending them. I gave some to my mom, and they are healing her in the best way possible. I rarely see them, but I think Farm and Fleet carry them. If I see them in the wild, I get very excited. 🤣

      Thank you, friend. I am too. 🖤

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    1. I take pictures of his ears whenever I get the chance. They make me giggle too. I am glad they made you giggle too.

      Perspective is something I struggle with at times, so I’m glad I chose it as my word for the year. I’m seeing it everywhere, and it feels like a lesson I need to get better at.

      I don’t sing too well, but I’d love to be a part of that choir. Anyone can participate if it happens to be in their town, which I love.

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  25. I hope you find that print and make it yours again.

    I’m so very sorry about the los of your dear friends; this is not an easy road, and reminds us (1) how blessed we are to have good friends and (2) how it feels to have our heart broken, knowing it can mend again.

    The pics of your mom and dad fill my heart. Sending him all the love and well wishes.

    Biscuits 👂❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I hope so, too!

      It really does. The cool thing is that while my dad was in the hospital, our friend was also there. Mike ran into his daughter and wife one time. It felt very universal to get back in touch with them. I love it when things like this happen.

      They fill my heart, too, friend.

      I have a lot of Biscuits ear pictures on my phone. 😂❤️

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