(yep…still a week behind).
woke up early
and got ready for
a long hike with
grandpa tom g.
grandma candee and awesome auntie deb
chose not to join us, which
really meant that
they wanted to spend the
day with madeline.
as much as i wanted to take
her on the hike,
i figured it was a
better idea to let her
stay warm while
hanging out with the ladies.
packed up all of our camera
equipment and headed toward
i had heard of this place
but had never been there.
my dad insists that
it’s one of the most
beautiful places he
has ever seen.
he’s a bit prone to hyperbole,
so we’ll have to see
about that claim.
after a short drive,
we walked up the path to
the lake.
this is what my wide-angle lens saw:
and this is what my
zoom lens saw:
my dad was right.
there are not enough superlatives
to describe the beauty.
i’m gonna just let
the photos,
and a few words
attempt to convey
the total awesomeness
of this place.
walked counter-clockwise
around the lake,
stopping every 5 feet
to take another shot.
i tested my balance
and somehow managed
to stay dry.
kept walking, hoping
to have enough stamina
to make it as
far as the trail
would allow.
made it to the end
of the lake,
at which point we
saw the glacial
river that feeds it.
walked through some trees
and past some flowers
until we got to a spot
that allowed us to
reflect on how
far we’d come.
according to grandpa tom g’s
gps, we hadn’t made it
that far.
damn, we’re getting old.
we kept walking,
getting closer
to the cold wind
of the glaciers,
until we came across
a tea house.
stopped for some tea
and lunch,
giving us a lot of time
to rest our tired legs.
wondered how maddy
was doing,
what she was up to
with the ladies.
figured she was asleep.
we continued up the trail,
getting as close to
the glaciers as possible.
made it to the end
and had to do my
best unabomber impersonation
to keep from losing my hat
and glasses.
admired the landscape
until we got too cold
then headed back
on the same
trail that brought us here,
past the flowers
and the trees,
back to where the river
meets the lake.
headed clockwise
until we reached the beginning.
nice to be with another
photography buff,
someone who doesn’t get
annoyed at all the stopping.
that used to drive
liz
nuts.
she always told me to
put down the damn camera
and enjoy the scenery.
of all the beautiful
places we traveled, i
saw most of them
through the
eye piece of my camera.
funny though…
my response to
liz,
quite literally,
on every
trip we ever took was…
“someday our children are going to want to see photos of their mother. how am i going to explain to them that you didn’t want to take the time to pose for a photo in front of the taj mahal?” (or the parthenon, the coliseum, machu picchu, the himalayas, the swine barn at the mn state fair or countless other places around the world i forced her to pose and smile in front of?).
holy shit.
just thinking of that
sentence made me feel like shit.
i obviously had no idea
just how important
these photos would become.
as i looked at the clouds,
the mountains,
the lake,
and thought of how much
liz
would have loved this
place, i realized how
great it was that i
spent so much time
staring through that
eye piece, taking so
many incredible photos of
her
and the places we visited
together.
photos that madeline will
someday love.
really wish maddy could
have seen this place with me.
realized that she will.
tomorrow.
when we return here
to have dinner at the
to celebrate my anniversary.
after hiking 8+ miles,
our legs were barely
able to get us back in
the car for the ride
back to the banff.
called grandma candee
along the way and learned
that the ladies
were in town, doing
some shopping.
tracked them down,
stole my baby back and
took her to get some
tea while the others
got cleaned up for dinner.
we’re heading to the
at the fairmont banff springs hotel.
the g. family tracked us down
and we headed to our destination.
arrived to find a fancy
hotel with lots
of dead animals on the walls.
can’t believe they let
me walk into a place
like this,
but i guess i met
the dress code
(my “denim was in good repair (no rips or tears)” and i took off my hat so i fullfilled the “no sports wear” requirement, well, except for of course my tennis shoes).
shared a drink with madeline
(no i didn’t)
then we got seated.
in a private dining room.
not sure if this
was out of kindness
for us,
or the other patrons
who would have to
contend with what the wait staff
must have guessed would be a
very loud baby.
i’ll take it either way.
this is where
i have to pause to thank
some people.
there’s a group of ladies
who regularly read my blog.
they call themselves the creeps.
before the g. grandparents
left the mn for the banff,
a creep arrived at their
door to present them
with a “creeptificate” and a
shitload of money
to be spent on a fancy dinner
(or two)
for all of us while on our trip.
so, so awesome.
thank you all.
seriously.
enjoyed an awesome meal
while madeline passed out.
we left the hotel
and encountered some
wildlife in the courtyard
talked to a french dude who
cornered the beast.
he asked,
“do you think i can pet him?”
i told him that it may
not be the best idea.
i walked away,
hoping he took my advice.
didn’t want to see him
get gored.
caught up with the fam
and we all headed back
to the condo.
madeline remained passed out
and i joined her within
minutes of walking in,
exhausted by my life.
a great day and night
with one 4 foot 11 inch
piece missing.
tomorrow may be awful.
maddy in my arms,
i’ll try my best to
make sure it’s not.
Comments 172
Awesome, awesome photos of your fabulous day in a beautiful, peaceful place.
Hats of to the creeps who helped with the $$$ that is such a generous and unselfish thing to do, you seem to bring out the best in people, well you and Miss Maddy that is!
Sending peaceful thoughts
Jacki
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 1:20 am ¶Awesome pictures! Love the wide angle shots.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 1:30 am ¶What absolutely stunning pictures. Great way to spend a Tuesday.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 1:38 am ¶Those are truly awesome pictures Matt!!! Perhaps you & Maddy need to write a write a travel series showcasing tons of your gorgeous pictures.
And wow about the creeps and the fund for a fancy dinner. How sweet was that?! I wish I had known about it ahead of time, but since I didn’t, I’ll just have to treat you & Miss M when you head to this part of the world. Think how cute Madeline would look in a dirndle dress!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 1:48 am ¶What a beautiful place !
Another stranger lurking and admiring the love between a father and his child. I wished my own kids had that kind of love.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 2:08 am ¶So far, the Banff is the most beautiful place I have ever been. I am glad you and Maddy got the chance to be there experiencing it together. Here’s hoping that you and Maddy have a good day together tomorrow, despite the sadness that may flood through.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 2:14 am ¶I can definitely say I don’t have a picture of my mother at a swine barn in MN (or at least that I know of
) Hindsight can be a real fucker, but you do have gorgeous pictures of Liz that Madeline will appreciate.
Unless I’m the one behind the camera I hate stopping every five seconds, otherwise i’m happy just shooting away. Right now I’m having some serious location and lens envy. When I was there it was a long time ago and I just convinced my parents to switch to digital last year so the pictures we have are not nearly as good.
The little lady certainly looks fancied up for the formal dining, and you managed to pull of the unibomber look quite well (just need a little more beard).
Thanks to the Creeps for treating Matt on his vacation!
until next time,
anna.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 2:23 am ¶what a gorgeous place. looks like we’ll have to get to the banff someday. i hope you enjoyed the rest of your vacation.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 3:46 am ¶Matt,
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 4:16 am ¶Fantastic pictures. I am so happy you made the hike and enjoyed your day. You really inspire me to take more pictures. I always carry my camera, but don’t take it out nearly as much as I should. Tonight as I made my way through Tokyo (as a passenger) each time the car stopped I snapped a picture. Thanks for always sharing. You and Madeline are in my heart. Sending you both love from Japan.
Really great pictures, I am sure Maddy will enjoy ALL of your pics in the future. The video yesterday was hilarious - my 3mos daughter does that ALL the time too!!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 4:19 am ¶Are you still in The Banff? Pictures are beautiful! As always, thank you for sharing with us! Maddie is too too adorable!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 4:43 am ¶If it’s not to painful will you tell us about your wedding day. I can’t imagine the pain and loss you must feel daily and esp. on anniv/birthdays. I am so glad you have that precious baby girl though. You have never mentioned (if you did, I didn’t catch it) are you on family leave? Will you at some point have to return to work?
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:02 am ¶Enjoy your vacation and enjoy Madeline. They grow up so fast! -kriss
Such beautiful photos Matt ~ I am in awe…and am now kicking my hubby in the ass to get us to the Banff - we were supposed to be there for our first wedding anniversary 3 years ago, did all the research, etc etc - and don’t even ask how we ended up in RENO instead! JEEZ! Anyway - I’m proud to be considered a creep - a name we didn’t necessarily come up with…some other blog stalker called us creepy for wanting to meet you, and each other, in real life and the name just sort of stuck…and again, I’m proud to be a creep! If I can make your day, the day of AADeb, and the G. Grandparents, along with the Divine Miss M. just a smidgeon brighter - then my day is a bit brighter too.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:24 am ¶Thanks for sharing your life with us Matt -
xoxo ~ darcie
Cheers to the creeps! A good thing to do! I hope dinner was good for you and Maddy and family, Matt! Your pictures are gorgeous. .. . you make me want to go to Banff! (last week I really was thinking “why Banff?”- your post from yesterday, but now I think it is beautiful!)
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:25 am ¶Asalamalaykom Mr. Matt,
I’m here. I’m here because you asked me to be here.
Lake Louise is very special to me. This post was beautiful and quiet and deep– like the lake and like you. Those qualities make everyone for miles around feel the calm, even if the glacier wind blows.
No matter what day it is, you are doing a great job of being you deeply. I admire your strength of character, your discerning eye, and your love for all.
That 4′11″ piece is not missing. By loving her, you are keeping her a part of each day. By sharing the goodness you gained from your marriage, you are allowing her to live on in every other relationship.
Thank you for continuing to focus on the beautiful.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:30 am ¶I’ve read your blog for a while and never commented until now … just have to say - don’t feel like shit for telling Liz what you did about posing for photos. I have family members who were the same way, mostly female, who were either always taking the picture or didn’t want to pose. Now that I’ve lost some of them, I’d give anything to have more photos of them … so despite the haranguing, you did the right thing.
Also, GORGEOUS photos of your hike.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:34 am ¶beautiful pictures from the banff…i was actually sighing as i scrolled down to read the post. i hope that the pictures, or being away, or whatever else up there helped you heal a little bit more. beautiful pic of miss maddy too, of course…thank you for continuing to “share” her with us.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:43 am ¶wow, what great pics. looks absolutely gorgeous there.
glad you got out on that hike and saw some beautiful country. sorry that you didn’t get to spend it with the one person you really wanted to. that just sucks.
cara
ps. glad you enjoyed an “awesome” dinner.
@creeps- i know i’ve written it before, but you really are a stellar group of lady creeps.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:44 am ¶Your pics of the Banff are creeptastically amazing.
A good day indeed.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:51 am ¶Loving the random encounter with the French dude. The photographs are amazing and are filling me with serious envy that all I’ve seen recently is a giant mud pit in my yard. Thinking you need a travel show called Dad and Daughter…ways to travel with a baby without acting like a tool. Most parents act like tools when they travel…
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:52 am ¶Wow…
Those photos are ridiculous!
I often feel bad when I subject my family to the millionth “hey look at the camera” request. Your post reminds me that there is a method behind my madness (swine barn included).
p.s. I’ll be thinking of this post when we head out to the State Fair next week
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:53 am ¶Truly outstanding photos. The scenery is just stunning! Love it!
Continue to have a great time!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:54 am ¶Viva Creeps!!
Beautiful pictures and a beautiful daughter.
(And what beautiful flowers…there’s going to be someone who will always put beautiful flowers in your path, just remember to stop and enjoy them.)
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 5:55 am ¶PS I hate having my photo taken but now realise I need to be in some as well as take them.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:01 am ¶Thanks for pointing that out
You are right, there really aren’t alot of words to describe what you showed us. Those are amazing photos. Kudos to the creeps, that is just so cool. Gotta love nice people!!
Take care,
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:04 am ¶Debbie
Those photos are amazing Matt! I bet that lake is 500 times more gorgeaous in person too!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:05 am ¶The photos are really amazing! My husband tells me the same thing when I complain about the constant picture taking. I’ll stop complaining. So glad you found an awesome place to have a nice dinner!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:14 am ¶Holy shit. I can’t describe the feeling that came over me, sitting at my crappy desk, at my crappy job, as I looked at that first picture of Lake Louise. I think my jaw dropped. Can’t remember.
That was just amazing. I must go there now. I’m literally online starting to look at arrangements now.
I think your visit there was Liz’s real gift to you. To share with you that wonderful place, and show you that there is plenty of beauty left in the world.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:17 am ¶Being in such a beautiful place and taking the time to enjoy the beauty must be (have been) so thereaupeutic (geez, I really am a shitty speller).
I am not a “creep” (well perhaps, but not in the Logelin sense), but would have loved to have contributed to the trip fund! How awesome that they did that for you?!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:18 am ¶Wow I guess I’m officially one of the creeps now! So glad you enjoyed your dinner(s) with the fam.
Matt posted this site once upon a time http://helpmattandmadeline.blogspot.com/, and that’s where I saw the idea for the gift. Wanted to pass that on for anyone else who is interested in future surprises. (Matt, no peeking!)
Awesome pictures as always Matt - such beauty at Lake Louise! Thanks for sharing.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:19 am ¶Matt,
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:21 am ¶The pictures are breath taking. Thank you so much for letting us live vicariously through your traveling. I’m envious of the hike that you took, such a beautiful place. Thank you to the Creeps - that is awesome. If you’re ever in PA we’ll be sure to do the same. :o) Take care and I know that tomorrow will be hard but I hope that you’ll have some tears of happiness remembering the day you married your beautiful wife. Big hugs.
I got chills reading this entry, both from the amazing photography & from the part about your explanation to Liz of how important it was to capture all these moments. Thank God you did that! M will treasure those!
Thank God for you, period. You are awesome! Don’t ever forget that, ok? I mean, if there was an award for man w/ the most internet creeps/stalkers, you’d definitely win…
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:22 am ¶Hey….had to chime in. Amazed at the number of “lurkers” in foreign countries. I read your story in my hometown newspaper, The Mpls Strib. Growing up my parents would take my brother and I on two week car vacations (or backseat slugfests as the case may be). We were fortunate to spend one vacation in Banff. Before moving to Poland I sorted through old pictures so I could scrapbook away (and enjoy a 2-year hiatus from work) and found a picture of my dad, brother and I in identical, ugly sweatshirts standing on a glacier. I laughed my butt off and moved it to the front of my stack of family pictures. You’re right…click away!!! Pictures have a way of bringing back very powerful memories that sometimes get lost in the dusty corners of the brain! Huge hugs to you and Maddy. You rock!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:24 am ¶Omigosh. I am all fucking teary and can’t see the keyboard. This is what some of your blog entries do to a menopausal 47 year old woman. (Um, that would be me…)
These pictures are breathtaking. You really make me want to go there. Thank you for the tour, my legs didn’t get nearly as tired as yours did.
That sentence you would say to Liz should not make you feel like shit. It should make you so very happy that you insisted on taking her picture. Not having those moments to share with Madeline would be tragic.
And creeps…you rock. I wanna join your club!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:26 am ¶What beautiful pictures Matt!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:30 am ¶I’m pretty sure I’ve convinced the husband to plan a trip to the banff. It looks like a place that is totally up our alley! Thank you for sharing your life with us Matt and opening us up to wonderful new places.
I hope your enjoyed the meal us creeps helped provide you and your family. And the photo of Maddy enjoying the dinner was pure awesome.
Continue looking through that eye piece. You kick ass at it.
Cheers from a “creep”
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:30 am ¶Like most days you have brought tears to my eyes. Happy, sad and mad tears. The pictures are amazing. Thank-you for sharing.
So so happy that you were able to have some nice dinners with the fan. Wish we were able to help with that missing piece. That part just fuckin’ sucks.
Shout out to all of my fellow creeps. You guys ROCK!!!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:32 am ¶You take such beautiful pictures! Such a stunning place!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:34 am ¶“One 4 foot 11 inch piece that is missing”…something so beautiful and small is so large when gone. I hope your “little piece” helped fill your arms as you remembered one of the best days of your life with her mama.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:37 am ¶Those are some beautiful pictures!!
And to the Creeps - you are awesome
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:40 am ¶Absolutely beautiful!! I want to go now!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:41 am ¶Really amazing post today. Thanks for sharing …
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:44 am ¶just added banff to the list of places i need to visit.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:47 am ¶As someone who lost her mother at a young age, I want to say how great I think it is for you to be keeping this blog. Although it has been 18 years since my mom passed, I still wonder about her and wish people talked more about her: told more stories. I guess it was too painful for them, but it left me with an even bigger missing piece, because I don’t really remember her on my own. I think you are doing great and I wish you the best. Maddy’s lucky to have such a strong and loving dad.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:52 am ¶Wow!! AMAZING photos!!! What a great way to spend a Tuesday! Can’t wait to see more! They are just stunning!!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:54 am ¶Amazing!!! I am now going to start bugging my husband and telling him that we have to go to Banff! I love the shot of the tea cup.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:54 am ¶Beautiful post and amazing pictures.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:54 am ¶“…until we got to a spot
that allowed us to
reflect on how
far we’d come.”
Matt, when I read this sentence all I could think was, boy, I wonder if he realizes how deep that sentence is? The fact that you and Liz’s dad were able to hike up the mountainside just a mere 20 weeks after your beautiful wife and his wonderful daughter passed away is awesome.
You both deserve a big pat on the back (although, that is really not enough) for knowing that Liz would want you to show your daughter the world…. and being able to do just that. Beautiful post. Thank you.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 6:56 am ¶Gorgeous amazing pics!! Really makes me want to go there. I drive everyone crazy with pic-taking too! How cool that you had a private dining room–now that’s fancy!!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:05 am ¶I know lots of people who go up to Lake Louise and take photos regularly and they have never been as stunning as yours. Truly inspiring Matt.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:06 am ¶Simply breathtaking pictures of the banff Matt!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:07 am ¶I was awestruck by the beauty. I lived in Montana a few years and experienced some of the beauty of the Glacior Nat parks. So so beautiful!
Glad you are having a wonderful time and using that camera and showing not only maddy but the rest of us the beauty through your eyes.
I am smiling at those great creeps for giving you and your family that great gift!
Enjoy!
BEAUTIFUL pictures! Thinking of you.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:13 am ¶What a beautiful day - and I loved how you said “steal my baby back” - too funny! Just know there were thousands of us thinking of you, Madeline and Liz on your day. I’m the photographer in my family and I say the same to my hubby. There was nothing wrong with it and Madeline will always thank you for the wonderful photographs you have of your beautiful wife and her amazing mom.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:15 am ¶Wow, Lake Louise is beautiful.
What a great place to visit. Those pictures are amazing. And, way to go “Creeps” for that wonderful gift! So nice. I live in MN, too–I’d love to contribute. 
Matt/Maddie rock.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:15 am ¶I’m turning into a posting fool!
your hike looks AMAZING. How freaking cold was the water?
Hugs a week late. I am sorry you are facing your third anniversary “alone” remember that you are never alone
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:20 am ¶that place is beautiful and you take some awesome pictures.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:23 am ¶Beautiful shots! I am glad you took all those pictures of Liz-Madeline will be very thankful for them one day.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:25 am ¶What a beautiful place! Your pictures are stunning.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:26 am ¶Matt,
I know that I am reading text on my computer screen, but I can HEAR how much you miss Liz. For Maddy and all that were important to Liz, she will never be gone with someone who loves her like you do.
“How cruely these tiny fingers grip my heart.” Hugh G. White III
God Bless.
p.s. What is banff??
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:31 am ¶The photos of the lake and glaciers may be the most beautiful photos I’ve ever seen. I hope you felt peace holding your baby on your anniversary.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:32 am ¶What gorgeous photos!! A great way to spend a Tuesday.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:35 am ¶Thanks for sharing.
Awesome gift from the creeps! It totally sucks that you are in a situation that warrants this outpouring of kindness from strangers, but it is so rad that it’s coming from so far and wide. You live in one BIG-ASS community, you know that? LOL
I can only imagine how big Maddy’s eyes were when she got to see that beautiful lake! That place looks so amazingly beautiful…your photos are breathtaking! I can’t imagine what it’s like in person…photos usually don’t do a place justice, and I just can’t imagine that place being any more awesome.
Anywhoo…hope you and Maddy were able to have a good celebration, albeit missing a very important piece. Thinking about you today in the AR…
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:35 am ¶I just wanted to say thank you for posting those beautiful photos. For a brief moment, I felt as though I had actually experienced the beauty that you did in person. I will probably never go to such a beautiful place in my lifetime, so I feel grateful for having the opportunity to at least see it via photos.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:37 am ¶Looking forward to more photos and stories of your adventures.
Hugs and kisses to precious Madeline!!!
Your photos are incredible. Thanks so much for sharing your life with all of us. Madeline grows more beautiful each day.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:51 am ¶Great pics Matt. Living in the LA most of my life made me forget what a clear sky looks like.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:53 am ¶It’s official…the Banff is on my list of places I must see – in fact, I’m contemplating canceling our trip to the HI next spring (already been there) and going to the Banff instead. Amazing, amazing pictures. I’m happy to hear you were able to spend Tuesday in such a beautiful place…perhaps it helped out weigh the normal dark cloud that looms over this day.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 7:57 am ¶At times the stories of you and Liz remind me so much of my husband and me. He also loves taking pictures (has the Nikon D70) and I can’t tell you how many times I have rolled my eyes when he insists upon taking yet another picture in front of some amazing place…and sometimes some not so amazing places. I’m making a mental note to not do that so often (my husband says “thank you).
Beautiful pictures and beautiful words, Matt. So glad to see your family was able to enjoy the creeptificate in style!
@ my fellow creeps…you are all amazing!!!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:02 am ¶Hell if I didn’t just google Banff. I’m thinking Family Vacation! I need a better camera first and I’m not sure their scenery looks too peaceful to put up with my kids!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:03 am ¶You take awesome photos. Its so pretty there. Madeline, cute as always.
Love reading updates about Madeline and seeing great photos. Looking forward to the next one.:)
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:08 am ¶Such gorgeous pictures!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:08 am ¶Those photos are amazing. I can only imagine the beauty of seeing that in real life. I hope that you and Maddy had a fabulous trip (well as fabulous as can be expected).
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:12 am ¶Is it wrong to compliment the unabomber pictures–hilarious! I’m sure Madeline had a good time shopping with the girls. You guys did a great job picking the vacation/family gathering–beautiful and breathtaking….just like your Liz.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:13 am ¶wow so beautiful! i have never seen anything quit like it- you totally have me sold on the banff!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:18 am ¶also, how awesome of the creep ladies- you guys rock!
Sounds like a great time…although I don’t think I would have enjoyed the hike. One day at a time, eh? Great post, keep facing just one day at a time. I belive your days will be getting better, but I am an eternal optimist, Pollyanish type! Looks like Banff agrees with Maddie! Blessings from Texas.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:18 am ¶I despise useing the word when it’s not accurate, but those early shots, especially the testing your balance one, are awesome.
Good luck tommorrow, you need to catch up man, I feel like a real tit saying that when tomorrow was a week ago ;0P
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:21 am ¶Matt,
This is one of my favorite posts. Your photos and writing make me smile through the tears.
So glad you and the fam enjoyed dinner on us creeps….we were happy to do it!
Amy from Louisville in the KY
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:23 am ¶Awesome pictures as always! Yet another screensaver today! So glad that you enjoyed the dinner. We creeps really enjoy being creeps sometimes! Love getting our hearts together for you guys!
Your words about Liz made me tear up again at work. She will always love you too.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:46 am ¶AH-Mazing pics! My next GO TO place fo sho!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:47 am ¶Wednesday, August the 13th sucked for me too. I know that the day has come and gone for you also, and I hope and pray that your post of the 13th will not be too sad. I wait with baited breath to read it.
My heart goes out to you and Ms. M. I will continue to pray and send good juju your way.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:59 am ¶smiling through tears again. what a beautiful place and what a spectacular family.
i hope this comes across correctly. you mentioned in one of your earlier posts that you and liz would be out and suddenly liz would meet a stranger, but would soon be friends. this gift of hers continues. i have met such wonderful people through your community. you attract the best of the best on this board of yours. ’strangers’ reaching out to lift up the spirit of another to come together as friends. so glad the creeptificate was put to good use. sending supportive hugs to you today as always and also to my (so fondly called) creeps!
(((hugs)))
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 8:59 am ¶Well, we Creeps hafta do *something* to make up for how fucking obnoxious we are! BWHAHAHAHAHAH!
I can’t believe you had dinner at my #1 Dream Location In The Entire World. That’s kinda freaky.
xoxo
k in the n
p.s. Yay! Yosra’s back!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 9:00 am ¶Breathtaking. I have taken countless photos of Louise and Banff, etc, but they don’t even begin to compare.
Next time you’re in this neck of the woods, I suggest trying the hike around Moraine Lake. I’m sure you know which lake that is. It has graced the back of the Canadian 20 dollar bill for ever.
Awesome with regards to the dinner gift too. You have some amazing creeps, er, friends.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 9:11 am ¶What stunning pics - Lake Louise is absolutely beautiful and you captured it!
I was moved by your statement to Liz and her not wanting to stop for pics….I am the photographer in the family (and I use that term VERY loosely) and I must have thousands of photos on the hard drive, and yet I can count how many I am in on one hand. I need to get better with that.
And good advice about the deer - we recently had relatives from New Zealand at our place and they were floored by the bears that came into the backyard - and they really really wanted to pet them…until they realized just how big they are up close :lol:.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 9:23 am ¶what a gorgeous post and place to spend that time with your family. and what an incredible hike — many thanks for sharing those pics with us.
the kindness of your readers and supporters never ceases to amaze me. how wonderful.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 9:27 am ¶Stunning stunning photography.
What an amazing adventure.
Wishing you the best today (tomorrow), stay strong for Maddy.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 9:33 am ¶What an amazing experience you had on that hike! I’ve lurked for months now and couldn’t “not” post this time! I hope tomorrow isn’t awful and you get through it ok. I’m sure Liz is sending you warm & peaceful thoughts.
Love to Maddy!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 9:47 am ¶The pics speak for themselves. Breathtaking.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 9:50 am ¶Anja
Your pictures are amazing. What a beautiful lake!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 9:55 am ¶Hoping that each day you remember something else that made Liz so special and made you love her so much. That may sound weird, but believe me its from the heart. It helps me, my younger sister died 4 years ago. I found myself making it a point to think of different things each day that remind me of her - it really helps. I think a lot of it is also that I don’t want to ever forget her. It’s a weird fear I have, I don’t think I will but for some reason it scares the hell out of me. Anyway, remembering something different everyday never gets old. Much love to you and Madeline.
Silvana
Ok, Matt, seriously. I’m running out of adjectives here. The other day I described your photos as “lovely”. Today…well, they’re just stunning.
The river that feeds into Lake Louise reminds me so much of the rivers and lakes in Alaska…that blueness that comes from the silt (at least that’s what I was told) of the glaciers.
Awesome little tea house. The flags outside remind me of those little prayer flags you see in Tibet.
Way to go on giving some good sound advice to French dude. I’m betting he didn’t take it and tried to nuzzle up to that stag.
I’m hoping that last Wednesday was a day filled with sweet memories and a peaceful time with Maddy and the folks. You needed that.
@Creeps~You guys are da bomb. What a sweet, perfect gesture for the trip. Also, who came up with “creeptificate”??? I LOVE IT!
@Yosra~So glad you’re here. You’re so encouraging, to more people than you know.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 9:57 am ¶That lake is gorgeous! I’ve never seen a lake with such clear water. But, it looks too damn cold for me.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 10:02 am ¶@ Sarah: I believe it was Becky P that came up with that.
correct me if I’m wrong creeps!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 10:07 am ¶Hi Matt,
Your trip looks amazing! That hotel looks right out of the Shining and I’ve definitely put Banff on my must-travel-to list. I’ve been reading for a while (worked on something with Chrissy at Storked! before) and I think you’re incredibly brave. My parents died at a young age (55 and 63 respectively) so I’m not a stranger to loss, but one thing I could never really do was write about it (despite writing being my background and still an integral part of my job working in publishing). Your blog has helped me say when people ask about my parents “that fucking sucks” (sorry, mom!) vs. just beating around the bush and trying to say something positive. Madeline has a great father and she’s just too precious. Too bad my cutie 7 month old niece isn’t nearby (they’re back east) as they would make a great pair. Not sure if you’d ever consider writing a book (and unfortunately I’m not in acquisitions) but either way your blog is doing a great service and I hope it helps you as well.
Cheers to the creeps and let me know if I can ever help-my husband and I do live about 2 blocks from an amazing record store here!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 10:22 am ¶Those pictures are absolutely gorgeous. What an amazing experience. Madeline is getting so picg and beautiful.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 10:22 am ¶big and beautiful…sorry!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 10:23 am ¶Long time reader, first time commenting…never know quite what to say… you are inspiring. Truly inspiring.
The pics are AMAZING! I’ve never seen anything like that….it’s now on our to-do-list. Thank you!
Sending peaceful thoughts…
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 10:24 am ¶Matt~ First and foremost, thank you for taking all of the pictures of Liz. I have creeped around in your flicker account, and I’m impressed. One day Miss M will thank you as well, you’ve done a perfect job of capturing Liz’s spirit in those photos. She glows, and obviously it wasn’t really a bother to flash her smile when YOU asked her to. Take care, keep doing what you do!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 10:30 am ¶AND, I can’t not mention the LAKE shots. UNBELIEVABLE how gorgeous that place is! Thanks for sharing…
@Sarah: A whole clan ‘o creeps came together to make the Creeptificate possible (as well as a little something for AADeb), and while I think I was responsible for the terminology/collection, an awesome group is responsible for making it happen. My credit is only as far as opening my mailbox - the rest of the creeps and honorary creeps made it successful!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 10:39 am ¶matt, cannot help but bother you again with writing, to thank-you for all the pictures. where you are is probably somewhere I will never be, but just to see you all there, and candee and TOm who mean SO much to me, I feel peaceful knowing you are all there together during this time. my thoughts are with you all so much…
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 10:48 am ¶and yes, I am SO grateful as you said you took the pics of your sweet bride that you did. you are an amazing photographer, and i am constantly amazed. thank-you for sharing with us!!!
praying for peace on you all…
tami
Holy fucking shit, Mateo - those pictures are un-fucking-believable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(I figured someone needed to throw some “F” bombs out……)
Seriously, absolutely breathtakingly beautiful there. I’m envious!!!!!
Thanks as always for sharing your adventures and heart with us.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 10:53 am ¶amazing amazing photos. seriously.
i think the banff tourism industry should be paying you - as i am sure their tourism economy will be flourishing now!
hoping your anniversary wasn’t all bad. you really have quite the awesome family that surrounds you. they are just great!
ps. the creepers ROCK!
awesome guys!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 11:04 am ¶My husband lost his mom when he was very young and has very few photographs to remember her by. Maddy will treasure those pictures forever.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 11:20 am ¶Completely agree with what Yosra said. She rocks.
I can’t wait to get to Lake Louise with my camera. Mine won’t be as amazing as Matt’s… but how can you take a not-so-good photo of that place? Wow….
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 11:40 am ¶Matt, those pictures are gorgeous!
I hope you got through your anniversary okay.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 11:47 am ¶Ladies, “creeps” well done!
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 11:47 am ¶Those pics are gorgeous, but you already know that.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 11:53 am ¶It cracks me up that those ladies call themselves the creeps. lol
I really am going to have to visit that amazing place! Those photos turned out great! Maddy looks so sweet in those pics too!
Keeping you and Maddy in my thoughts.
Posted 20 Aug 2008 at 11:58 am ¶