Coming of Age

The process is beautiful. Nothing good and beautiful happens in an instance. We are happy to watch the flower unfold. So too, we are in process, enjoy the unveiling and adventure of it all!

Sorry to have been absent for so long. I have been in process! :) I have found a great avenue of expression and interaction on Tsu. It's a wonderful community and I find there an inspiring interchange among original content creators - writers, photographers, artists, and gardeners to name a few.  There are other area of interest on Tsu,  as well, but that's what I gravitate towards. (The above is an example of one of my post on Tsu.) I don't know if that kind of connection with others sounds appealing to anyone. If it does, you need an invitation to join. Here is my invitation code for you to use.

https://www.tsu.co/TimeForCoffee 

I will continue to post here periodically, although I hope to see you there, too!

New Digs!

I've been rather out of touch lately, but I don't need to tell you that! It has been a long stretch between the last post and now. Here are a few words to describe this intervening time:  frustration, nervousness, relief, excitement, fatigue, overwhelmed and perseverance.

It's been an even longer time since I left California to start a life in Florida. For four months, almost to the day, Brian and I were homeless. We traveled across the States and arrived in Fort Myers. We unpacked our two suitcases in the first short-term rental which was a small place, about 800 sf., on a lagoon. Unfortunately the timing of our arrival did not allow for the full enjoyment of our temporary locale because of the heat and humidity. Except for short jaunts out and about, I preferred the comforts of air conditioning!  Nevertheless, we were comfortable in our situation.

As is the nature of short-term, our time ran out at our little home on the lagoon so we packed up and moved a half a mile to another, bigger short-term rental. All the while we were waiting for some word, any word, on an offer we put in on a house - just a week after we first arrived. It was a short sale but still no communication after two months. Since we weren't locked into that house, we kept looking. We perused more homes online and actually viewed about half a dozen.

On one particular mid September day we had scheduled to view a few houses with our Realtor. On the morning of our meeting, Brian, the faithful researcher, noticed a new house on the market. We added that one to the list for viewing. Within minutes of stepping in the door, Brian had fallen in love with this obviously VERY recent foreclosure listing. I, not being one to leap, walked through the whole house analyzing. I have to say the view was hard to beat; plus, the house just suited us! I was sold on it and we put in an offer that day.

It was not all smooth sailing from that point. In fact, that started the frustration and the other facets mentioned in the first paragraph. However, all of those ups and downs are a dim memory now that we've been living in our house almost two weeks! There are still a lot of boxes and projects to do but we have our bed to sleep on, a functioning kitchen and, needless to say, a wonderful place to relax, have a cup of coffee (or iced latte) and soak in the warm weather! And it's bug free - I love these "pool cages." :-)

Now being more settled, I feel a greater ability to actually start life here, get plugged in and begin making connections. It will still take time, as the adventure continues to unfold!

Relationship Minefields

We are onto part two of my online dating experience. Part one you can find at "Dear Jane".

Does any part of life actually progress as you thought it might? In my world it's very rare, if this has ever happened! So, the "normal" dating experience was elusive. All in all, a grand adventure! To read more and learn of the ups and downs please see "Catch of the Day" on Laura's Confessions.

Emerging...On the Other Side

The other side of the country that is! Well, it's been a month! When last I wrote, it's true - I was stressed out and in the midst of packing up all our household goods. My stressed out phase didn't last too long actually, but times were busy. Then, we were homeless and on the road.

After we left the keys locked in the house for the new owners to retrieve, we set off on our 11 day trek across the country. We stayed with family and friends part of the time but once we hit Texas it was hotels from then on. Along the way we encountered temperatures up to 113 degrees F, red dust storms that as we approached just looked like an imposing wall, sudden rain storms that would almost instantaneously cut your visibility to 40 feet and loooong dry patches without any decent coffee!

We got a rental 3 days before we arrived and put an offer on a house 4 days after we arrived! Life has been busy and quite an adventure. Only now, as a week has passed, do I stand on the fringes of becoming aware that this isn't a vacation. (Although I have learned that road trips are not my ideal vacation style.) It's all been a little surreal.

At this point we start the long, intangible process of settling in. I'm beginning to find my way around to the necessities like grocery stores, coffee shops and Target, although I can still get turned around. I have to say, it's a good thing I like Brian! I don't know anyone else here except one gal who is in the process of moving away, our real estate agent, our landlord (we met once) and we've had one lengthy conversation with a coffee shop owner. These things take time. There is no formula or checklist. Oh right, it's an adventure! :-)

I hope to keep you posted a little more regularly as life might be returning to some semblance of normalcy. Our rental is on a lagoon so I'll let you know if I see the elusive alligator. I have seen two armadillos - both flat as pancakes. But I hope to get a lot more connected to people rather than the wildlife!

OK, I'm Stressed Out!

There I said it! It's no shame I suppose, but I was so hoping I'd be 'cool' (maybe impervious or just have it all together). No such luck. Packing/moving really undoes me. Thanks to Brian, I have fared better than I did through previous life experiences of a similar nature. He does know me and has taken steps to make it as easy as possible. Bless him!! He is doing the lion's share, as we say, as well as the tiger's, gorilla's, elephant's and not to be forgotten - the hippopotamus'! 

That being said, we are getting down to the nitty-gritty and it's hard to avoid or for Brian to soften the blows of the moving process. Why does this undo me? Who knows. Does it matter?

I can accept that I'm not 'cool'. The problem is that I haven't been as nice to Brian lately as I would like! Here he is being so great and... An apology is in order! I still thought I'd confess to you - I'm stressed and it's hitting me that I'm really moving! Where I know no one, which I have done before a couple of times, but... Most importantly, the reasons for moving haven't changed so I'm not freaking out (big difference). It's just a tough time - the unknown is full of promise but a little unsettling, too.

Not much else to say. I DO love adventures but transitions can be uncomfortable.

No Mystery at the Moment

Often it can be hard to determine just where the time goes. However, for me at this juncture in life, I know exactly where the time is going. People and packing. Those two things at the moment are not leaving a lot of time to write.

Nevertheless, I want to catch you up a bit on what's happening. The final papers for the sale of the house are signed. In two days our wonderful house will belong to another family! I'm sure they will enjoy it as much as we have!! We are able to stay an extra 2 weeks (part of the sale contract) to finish the packing and say our good-byes.

We are making steady progress on selling some of our belongings and packing up the rest. That steady progress is all thanks to Brian! He also knows I can get overwhelmed by all of this, therefore, what I need to deal with is brought in only in small sections. That way I just have this little bit to deal with right in front of me. The garage and the big picture are not something I have to delve into so I can make my steady progress bit by bit. I don't know what I'd do without him! Not planning on finding out!!

The people part has a much sadder tone to it. And yet, I don't look at it as a total cutting off of relationships! I can't deny it will be different but there is skype and actual visits, which I trust will go both ways!

I'm also excited for the new adventures ahead. What kind of house will we find? What communities will we get plugged into? Life in the tropics, who knows what that's like?! Ocean water I can swim in!! Lots and lots of sun, especially for Brian. :) So much more I'm sure with some ups and downs along the way. After all, bumps and twists and turns are part of life, and an adventure! Time will tell.

What's up with you?

Through the Tunnel? Oh, Yeah!!

I've left you hanging a bit since my last post, or perhaps you thought I was hit by that light (which was followed by a train) as it came racing to meet me when I was only half way though the tunnel? No matter what you thought, it's been a while since I wrote and at this moment I'm coming to you from sunny Florida!!

Brian snagged us a couple of great ticket deals and we left for Florida on the 8th of May. He got the tickets about 3 weeks prior to our departure so we had plenty of time to finish working on and staging the house before then...not! Well we thought there was plenty of time but we finished all the little details the day before we left. The house looks amazing if I do say so myself! :-) Not very lived in but amazing and very spacious! Of course, that's the idea - for people to imagine themselves living there and see there is room to spread out. We've done our part of the process. Tomorrow it will be officially listed and able to be viewed online. 

Now we are in Florida relaxing and doing a bit of scouting. The trip was supposed to be all about scouting out the possible new land, but we are so beat from the prior six weeks that it's just as much about relaxing and recuperating. Hanging out by the pool has been tough. Actually, we feel that's an integral part of Florida living, so naturally that part of the trip is really about scouting! After all, the question is - do we like that part of the Florida lifestyle? Hmmmm. So far so good!

No hard and fast decisions at this time. It's a big move so it's not to be taken lightly. I'm rather enjoying the process at the moment! :-)

WOMEN ON THEIR WAY -Destinations of Discovery!

As promised, I'm letting you know that it's time to vote for the contest I entered. It's an opportunity to do some traveling and write about it in Women on their Way - Travel Blog! If you'd like to see my original post about the contest click here. The link below will show you the essay I wrote and give you the chance to vote. While you're voting you can also "like" it so it goes on Facebook, too. :)

If you've already voted for me - a BIG thanks! You can do it again! It appears you can vote daily. :) All votes are appreciated!!

WOMEN ON THEIR WAY -Destinations of Discovery!

Being Adventurous is a Matter of Degree

Brian and I, both, have always thought of ourselves as the adventurous type. At our first B&B here in Merida (we will stay at 3 to make contact with more people), we have had several occasions to talk with our fellow boarders - one Canadian couple and the other couple is American. Due to these conversations, Brian and I have had to reevaluate "adventurous." I had generally looked at this trait as something you were or weren't. No, it's really more of a scale and I don't think we are even close to the extreme end! It's been fascinating to hear their stories, where they've been, how they've traveled and how long ago they started! This is part of why I love travelling and meeting new people - I have my world expanded. Plus, I receive a more accurate perspective of myself! It's always good to keep my ego in check!!

Speaking of my ego, I think I was a bit overstated in my Foodie?! post about how I throw caution to the wind in the food arena! Last night I was faced with peppers, as in possible jalapeno type, on my nachos. I studiously was placing them in a pile to avoid. "Hmmm. Loving new taste sensations, am I?" So I tried them! Not all at once, mind you. :) A small one was meticulously placed on a chip along with all of the other goodies and in it went. Not that hot!! It was good and did enhance it all. I liked it even!! I didn't eat all of them but at least half. It's good to know my limits but be willing to challenge them too, from time to time. Otherwise, I could miss out on many good or even great adventures.

Adventure's Roadmap - The Process Part 2

  The picture that started it all!

La Calle Escondida

I mean doesn't that pool and environment look inviting? I figured it was over budget (which it WAY was) but I couldn't resist looking just for fun and pleasure! Although perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself! (To see The Process - Part 1 click here.

That city which is 20K inland from the gulf coast is Merida, Mexico. Would I be bored there? I decided to take a look. OK, I come to find out that it's a city of almost a million people!! Well, there must be something to do there! I did a bit of research but in typical fashion a big part of the initial phase began with a perusal of the real estate. The picture above was a "hook" shot on the first page of a realtor's site under "featured listings." With one click I was whisked away into Spanish Colonial Architecture as I've never experienced. So many of the renovated homes are colorful, joyful and, in my opinion, works of art. I was hooked! (To see more pictures and a description of the home pictured above click here.)

In several previous posts I revealed my near obsession with the colonial architecture of Merida. I scoured a dozen or so different realty sites - for months! I got to know many properties, and they were easily recognizable to me as they appeared on other sites. Some I fell in love with. After so much time the inevitable SOLD sign would appear on some of MY properties! "Oh no!! All the good places will be gone before we get there!" I'm disappointed to see one of my favorites get sold because I just know it would have been perfect for us.

That sounds silly perhaps but this was part of relaxing and just enjoying the process. I've yet to even set foot in Merida and here I was getting disappointed if a special house was sold. So I let go and enjoyed the pictures, video tours and learning more about the city and it's neighborhoods. Of course to actually start looking for a property in another country was the beginning. Then, there was migration for reasons like cost and environment. I changed locales a few times. However, Merida seemed to fit the bill. This must be the place! Or is it? It finally sank in during the phase of seeing "my" houses sold - this was a process, a journey. No decisions have been made, even yet. There's still more to come!

To see past posts with Spanish Colonial Architecture and my fascination with these gems click on the label entitled such. For The Process - part 3 click here.

What a Process!

I've mentioned that we have a new adventure ahead of us, namely selling the house and looking for our new home. It all started 13+ months ago!

Did we decide to move that long ago? Absolutely not! It began by randomly watching a House Hunters International show - a fractional ownership of a vacation home. I didn't know such a thing existed. I'd heard of timeshares but had no interest in that.  It's important for Brian to travel during the bad weather months, perhaps then get some relief. He can at least be warm, and there comes an emotional renewal with the traveling even if it's not a cure. In any case, we travel. Can we spend less in the long run with fractional ownership than by spending money on hotels and restaurant food? An interesting prospect and I went to work researching.

The Internet is Great for Research!

No such luck finding that kind of ownership in the area we liked to return and visit. Hmmm. Could we buy something out right and then rent it the rest of the time, having it pay for itself? We like the Caribbean, doesn't everyone?! Checked out that for awhile but couldn't seem to make that work either. The prices were just on the edge of possible, but the consistency of rental income was doubtful.

Shifting gears and locations, we found some other areas that were beautiful, more affordable and quite rural. I thought, "Why not? This area is nice, too!" Then, one evening Brian and I "took a walk" via Google maps, and looked up and down the streets. Yup, very rural, no cute little cafes, and seemingly very quiet, too quiet. I'm not so big on the nightlife scene at this point in life but even I think I would be bored there. The beach is wonderful but...

Brian had always talked about this city about 20k inland, though I had never paid much attention. It was inland. I wanted the beach. Maybe I should take a look. After all, it's only 20k away from the beach. What's a half an hour travel?!

The process, thus far, takes us about 5 or 6 months into the past 13+ months. To be continued. :-)

(It did get continued! See Adventure's Roadmap - The Process Part 2)

WOMEN ON THEIR WAY - Local Nation

An opportunity appeared in my email inbox. The subject line for the email read: Share your travel knowledge and enter for a chance to win! I often delete mail like that but I do have some travel knowledge and I was curious - win what? Well it wasn't thousands of dollars - bummer! As I understand it at the moment, I win the points/funds to take two trips to the Sponsor's properties and then I write for their travel blog about my experience. Not a bad deal and I get to say I'm a winner!! :-) Part of the entry is to write a 350 word "essay" (I hardly call a few paragraphs an essay but...) about travel and why I should get this privilege. Below is what I submitted.

"Traveling gives me such an appreciation of so many different things - old and new. Meeting people from other areas or countries, new sights and sounds, the food and photo opportunities are just some of what I love in the adventure of traveling, Sure, an adventure can get a bit messy, like an off-road excursion. Or, an adventure can produce conflicting reactions, for example, when scaling the heights of a mountain and you are awe-struck and unnerved at the same time. This is all metaphorically speaking since I do neither four wheeling nor climbing!
Nonetheless, the travel adventures of trying new foods, activities, customs and taking in the sites stretches me and usually enlarges my world. Life is too short to live in a small place! It's good to get away from the regular routine no matter what kind of routine it is. There is something about unfamiliarity to stimulate creativity, or open up new thought patterns or finally just relax! It's easier to see life in a slightly (or vastly) different way when out of our element.
Whether it's enjoying the shopping and energy of a big city or village life which is designed to slow you down; whether you drink in the sites from a cafe and people watch or plan your day filled with art, history and a 5 star restaurant, it's all about the experience. Travel is about allowing yourself the freedom to let go, be curious, find new passions, be surprised and reflect.
I've had the privilege of traveling to China, and many places throughout the Americas, as well as, living for over 10 years in Europe. My background is in architecture and I love photography. Photos can capture street scenes, people going about their daily lives, imposing and magnificent structures, calm and inviting beaches, any variety of landscape. They are wonderful memories and a glimpse into another world. I also enjoy sharing the world as it expands before me though word pictures because I want others to get a taste of my experience and be encouraged to go find their own travel adventure!"

What do you think? You can actually vote for me if you'd like. The voting period is in March - below is the link! :-)
Women on Their Way

Hold On!

I continue to engage in my sedentary pursuit of foreign real estate browsing. I mentioned Panama and Ecuador before and Mexico is also on the list with Nicaragua trailing in distant fourth. I also talked in my last post about changes on the forefront. Put those two things together and Brian and I have come up with selling the house and moving somewhere warmer and cheaper. (A few places in the States are also in the running!) Surprising? I'm still a little surprised at how quickly and radically our thinking has changed in the last six weeks. Perhaps you ask - why? Boiled down, the financial upset towards the end of the year caused us to drastically rethink the direction we want to move regarding our finances. By the way, the financial upset is resolved, and more positively than we had hoped! Thank God!

No specifics. No decisions. This, too, is a process. During one of my browsing times, I did run across a coffee plantation for sale in Panama :-). It's located in the Chiriqui province. I know I don't know how to pronounce that name correctly, but in my mind it sounds vaguely like "cheery." So when I teased Brian that we could buy a coffee farm, naturally the name of our product would be Carol's Cheery Coffee. Does it get any better than that?!

I doubt that buying a coffee plantation is in our future, :-) but we are open to new possibilities. After all, life is an adventure!

In Times of Jetlag

As I begin writing this, it's about a quarter to eight in the morning. I've already been awake for over 3.5 hours. I saw the time on that clock come and go. Trust me, these are not my typical hours!! The house is cold because the heater isn't programmed to come on yet. I've watched the sky grow bright and the neighborhood slowly come to life. Usually I watch the surrounding area shut down for the night rather than separately share with them a cup of very early morning coffee.

Often Brian is up at these wee hours of the morning but that is because he has yet to be able to go to sleep. Besides being negatively affected by cold weather, this inability to sleep is another aspect of the Gulf War Syndrome for him. I can't imagine. :( Although, thankfully, he has been able to sleep fairly well these past couple of nights.

As I deal with jetlag, these past few mornings have been very quiet and reflective. There certainly is no rush to move into the day since it really hasn't started (except on the east coast or in Europe)! Thoughts, prayers and activities take on a different tone or quality in the early hours for me. I feel settled, peaceful and also the longings for continued adventure, inspiration and growth come more easily to the forefront. Perhaps those feelings could be viewed as the antithesis of being settled and at peace. They don't feel opposite to me. I think it is because I feel settled, safe that I can allow those feelings to surface. I love the mixture; it's exhilarating! The questions or longings don't need closure for me, meaning - what is the adventure? What will happen in the future? I love it all because it's a hunger that keeps me looking, investigating and hopeful. How can I be disappointed in life since I'm actively participating in it?! I do expect tunnels, bumps and sharp curves along the road but...!

Life Roads also Twist and Turn

I talked recently about the roads of the Amalfi coast and how they cling to the hillsides. They slink their way along the curves of the hill, matching undulation for undulation. The cliff on one side and the houses piled up on one another on the other. Sometimes there are tunnels and - blackness, yet, it doesn't last forever and in time you'll burst out into the sunshine.
Yesterday my business partner and I met with our accountant to discuss the steps of closing down our business. The business has been limping along for quite a while now, mainly due to lack of attention on both our parts. It's not that we didn't care about it, but life was so different when we started it. Almost 4 years ago when it started, neither one of us were married and goals were not the same. Did we fail because we are closing it down? I don't think so. It's a neutral action - neither good or bad. It's just that life has changed. Do I understand what all the twists and turns of the business were and what it was all about? No. It wasn't necessarily cheap but do I regret anything? No. My business partner and I were friends first and we still are friends!! So that's a success! :)
Transitions or changes need to happen sometimes and if I hold on to the past there isn't as much room for the future or even the present! A tunnel certainly is a transition from one part to another. I don't know what's on the other side yet but new views and vistas are coming. I can count on it!

So Many Things

So many days of sunshine, wearing my sunglasses, enjoying a breeze when it comes. Where do we go today? Or do we just enjoy our spacious terrace, being apart of this small village? Naturally, there were excursions! We visited 3 different port cities of various sizes, each with their own unique flair. It's amazing to see how they have built these cities. The houses are all on top of each other, stacked up the hillside clinging to the rock. Great photo opts but no shot really does it justice. Due to the weather and a lust for more, we were compelled to try the gelato in each place! Comparison 'shopping' is important. Actually, Rome wins, the place on the Pantheon square. :)

Then, there was the day on the boat, a wonderful day. So many sites to drink in, caves to swim in and, of course, photos to take! This fine day stretched on not because it was something to be endured but rather because it was so glorious in fun, food, laughter, sun and warm water. Did I mention food? The day culminated in a grand feast. It was described as a 3 course meal with local wine. Well, in all honesty I think it was closer to 8 courses. (My heart and stomach want to say it was 16 courses so I've consciously cut that in half to be realistic!) The clean plates for the next course just kept coming (and our wine glasses were not allowed to be empty)! For at LEAST 3 of those clean plates I figured it had to be dessert – but NO!! Something else delectable was placed before us. I don't remember eating so much for a VERY long time. This was like being in the house of an Italian that loves to cook. It was a full-body experience in many ways!! (Sigh)

Twists and Turns

The title says it all when it comes to life on the Amalfi Coast. There are a few places along the coast that allow for a traditional beach setting, but by and large cliffs rise out of the sea. Streets and houses alike cling to the the rocky surfaces providing magnificent views.

Atrani - just one example, more to come!

We had a very full and exhausting travel day on Saturday. Exiting our apartment in Rome we found a taxi right at our doorstep even though we hadn't called for one! Piling in, we headed for the train station eager for our 2.5 hour ride to Salerno. I love train travel in Europe. You can see so much from a relatively comfortable seat – parts you'd never see otherwise, catching glimpses into the lives of those along the way. After arriving in Salerno we easily found the port and the boat we would take to Amalfi. All was going without a hitch! The boat ride was cool and satisfying just knowing I was on the Mediterranean Sea, plus the picturesque towns along the way, nestled between cliffs.

Once in Amalfi we were unable to catch the first bus because it was too crowded. Oh well – sit down and have a gelato!! Those are just the burdens to bear due to travel. :) We caught the next bus, told the bus driver the name of the stop we wanted and settled in for the ride. Certainly a lot of twists and turns on this bus route. The driver was less than helpful. He never called out any stop names, and when we finally pressed the stop button, ran to the front and made him open the door to talk to him, we find out our bus stop was 5 minutes ago!! Well, our hosts found us (no car) and we had a LONG way to walk (UPHILL) to get to our place. We're not sure that any stop we would have gotten off at would have provided an easy way. As I said before the houses cling to the cliffs, streets zig-zag up the hills or stairs are available which constitute 6 stories or so before reaching a street to cross and then more steps!

Traveling is an adventure. This is one of those stories to tell and as time goes by the temperature will be hotter, the way even longer and the uphill road will basically be like rock climbing with our suitcases strapped to our backs. (Actually Brian had both of the suitcases strapped to his back – my hero!!) After resting, we are enjoying the place thoroughly!

Anticipation

There has been a comment that this blog has been rather quiet lately. It's true! This means one of two things, generally speaking. The first - I'm processing something so I don't know what to write yet or it's too overwhelming to try and get it down in black and white. The second - I'm down and don't have the energy to write. April has been more of the first and a bit of the second.
I can tell you this, I'm feeling restless. The fall brought undetermined stirrings; January brought a couple new research directions, and April an acknowledgement of restlessness. All in all, a good progression and I think I need to fasten my seatbelt because it seems a new adventure is about to ensue.
I think the biggest thing I'm learning at the moment is to live in the moment. Brian is much better at this than I am. For some aspects of life, I like knowing the major direction for down the road a couple of years! Then that affects decisions in the present. But if I don't know the plan then I (unnecessarily) handicap myself in present day decision making, i.e. purchases - Do I look for a piece of furniture that we need for this house? Because I don't know if we'll be in this house. Silly I suppose and I put myself in limbo - no one else. I don't know how to live in limbo because I'm not in the present or the future!
I love a good roller coaster. When I'm riding one, I'm never anticipating the curve and drop that's a 100 yards away. Rather, I'm fully experiencing the curve, twist and turn I'm on by being jostled about, holding on and screaming with delight! I've always said I love a good adventure which by nature means I'm never sure what's coming up! Here I go enjoying the anticipation and excitement while living fully in the present!!

Wide-eyed Wonder

OK, seriously it's been a REALLY long time since I blogged! I checked out a new blog to me - Emma's Adventures . It's a child's blog so her mom "helps" her out a bit! Quite delightful though as we try to see life through a child's eyes. I wouldn't want to go back in time if you paid me but there is still something of that era worth holding on to. What wide-eyed wonder and enthusiasm! Total abandonment and focus on whatever they are doing.
Me - I can get so distracted. Sometimes it feels like there are a million things running through my head. Nothing much that is profound or probably of any great substance either. Nonetheless, it flits through and I'm distracted, and if anyone were to ask me what some of that stuff was... Well, at this stage of my life who can remember!!
I think guys can generally be more focused than women. As Brian puts it, it can be like ripping velcro to peel him off something he's really focused on to bring his attention to something else! However, male or female, as adults we could embrace a bit more wide-eyed wonder and enthusiasm. At least I could. There is a lot to jade us in life or even just the mundane to bury us in survival mode. Take time for a cup of coffee with a friend! (A shameless promotion of my favorite beverage!) A beautiful sunset (rarely can I enjoy a sunrise - it's before my coffee!) Or take a bit from Emma - put everything aside and do something creative. She likes to paint. And of course there is the joy of a new pair of shoes!! You get the idea! :-)

A Time of Promise

It's been a few days of gray, rain and relative cold. Now today the sun is out and I feel new promise inside. Sometimes I wonder if I would really catch these stirrings in me if I weren't writing, checking in with myself.
There has been a lot of changes in my life the past couple of years - by-in-large very positive! Let's see, a brief list: I got married, moved, got sick (for a year), marched into menopause, left the church I'd been attending for 5 years (still no settling somewhere else) and started a business (now a bit in limbo). My life's "routine" is difficult to pin down and there are aspects that seem to be in "no man's land" that is to say they are unfinished. I'm in the midst of an adventure where it's logical to imagine both blahness and the feelings of hope and promise exist, especially for a woman going through menopause! :)
Today is a good day as everyday is - I'm just able to see it better and experience it more fully in that way! It's OK to be blah. I like this better, though. I just want to be faithful through it all. The promise is before me and I'm moving forward.