
“The morning steals upon the night, Melting the darkness.” -William Shakespeare
A gorgeous friend of mine writes and talks a lot about joy—seeking it out, the importance of recognizing it, and fighting for it even when it feels ridiculous. She inspires me all the time and this morning I did something purely for the joy of it. I hiked to a park by my house with my camera to capture the sunrise. It felt luxurious and I basked in the beauty of the world for an entire hour alone.
My mother-in-law has entered hospice care within the home of my kind, caring, and incredibly giving sister-in-law. This time in our lives is hard. Watching a woman of immeasurable strength and love fade before all our eyes is beyond difficult. While I don’t know what this next part looks like, I do know that even within these hard moments we can find gratitude and even joy.
- Check out the important work of my friend Jill at Ridiculous Joy









All the photos above were taken with my Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW.
Here’s a bonus iPhone self-portrait:

Glad you could relax and enjoy. Prayers for your mother in law!
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Thank you. Restoring my strength for the days ahead.
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These are truly stunning photos, Bridgette. You take a very good picture. I’ve sometimes thought of investing in a decent camera but wouldn’t have a clue where to start in finding one (I’m not sure I trust the reviews on Amazon). The camera on my small iPhone is okay, but could never produce results as your camera does.
I’m very sorry to hear that your mother-in-law is now receiving hospice care with your sister-in-law. I hope your MIL isn’t in too much pain and distress. It must be a very tough time for all your family. I hope that her latter days are peaceful.
I agree with you about how important gratitude and joy are even when life gets difficult. I keep a gratitude diary each day and it never ceases to amaze me that I find so much to be grateful for even in our troubled world. I took a look at your friend’s Twitter and Instagram links and am now following her. I love her photos. I hope you don’t mind, but I found you on her page at Insta, too, and have sent you a request to follow you, also. My Insta name is Elliest888, so you’ll know it’s me. Please, don’t feel obliged to accept. Some people like to keep their accounts private and I understand that. I like your self-portrait and you do look joyful there. Take care. Xx 🌷🌞🌹
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Thank you so much, Ellie! I lucked out and got a hand-me down camera from my dad. iPhones have come a long way, but my photography skills have definitely increased with the fancier camera.
Thank you for your kindness. We are keeping her as comfortable as we can and loving on her.
I’ve added you on Instagram and thank you for following Jill. She’s an inspiration for sure. Her podcast is amazing.
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How lovely to have inherited your dad’s camera. Thanks for accepting my request on Instagram. As you will see, I’ve only recently set my Insta account up so there’s not much of any interest on there yet. I’ll probably post some more pictures on there when I get time. At the moment, my blogging and reading posts takes up most of my time. At least, I enjoy it anyway. X 🌻
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You are so inspiring, thank you.
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Thank you 😊
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Glad you enjoyed the rising sun may you and your family find strength and peace during these coming days. Take care Bridgette.
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Thank you for your kindness. We are leaning into each other.
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That is the way.🤗
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❤️❤️❤️
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Looks like it’s rather beautiful. Great photography
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Thank you so much.
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Such a rare friend and absolutely riveting photos! Thank you for sharing your relaxing day. Big Hugs 🤗
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I’m sorry to hear about your mother-in-law but glad that you have support for joy in your life. I have let life’s challenges rob me of dreaming, joy, and more.
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Bless you. Gorgeous pictures! Wonderful self portrait! I am so sorry for your pain. When it gets unbearable, write, hike, or photograph the pain out!!! All my best to you, your Mom, and your family.♥️
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Hope all works out for the best Bridgette. It is difficult to watch a relative fade. We are in the midst of a similar situation. Stay well and stay strong. Allan
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Thank you for your kindness Allan and I hope the same for you. ❤️
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Beautiful pictures.
Before they passed away about a year apart, my mom and dad were both on hospice. And even through those last, difficult months of their loves, when my siblings and I cared for them in their own home, there was joy to be had.
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Thank you for sharing that with me. I’ve had some incredible moments with her already and I feel our family getting closer through all this.
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💝
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I love, absolutely love, the vivid colours you’ve captured with your camera.
Sorry to hear about your mother-in-law, and the decline she’s experiencing. I hope you and your family find strength and inspiration during this difficult time.
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Thank you for your kind words and we are staying close by her side and leaning on each other.
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Nice. I’m sorry about your mother-in-law 😦
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Thank you, Greg. She’s a beautiful, strong woman and it’s really been hard.
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Beautiful scenery
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Thanks!
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Beautiful.
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Thank you.
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Too bad about your mother-in-law. I am glad you still find joy. The pictures are amazing. Maybe you should try a career in photography?
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Thank you. It’s been a hard few days. I do love photography, but I have a long way to go before my skill level increases to where I could make it a career. Maybe someday!
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Fantastic pictures. ♥️♥️♥️
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Beautiful photos, Bridgette.
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Thank you so much.
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Nice photos of the of the hills, and the sunset. I’m sorry to hear about your mother in law. Its good that you are finding some time to get outdoors.
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Thank you. It’s hard to make myself leave her side, but I am stronger when I take a walk outside.
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The pictures are a beautiful tribute to finding joy. I’m so sorry about your MIL! Praying that your family finds peace
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Thank you so much. It’s been a very rough few days but we are staying close together.
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I’m so glad to hear that.
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Beautiful photos!
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Thanks!
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