“Reflection…20/20 Vision of the Mind”
This time last year I had just begun my Grand Adventure…my three month road trip in TOW-Wanda. It was really just the beginning of my grief journey. As I look back, I can see how far I’ve come since those lost days. Reflecting also gives me 20/20 vision. I can see where I made some poor decisions. I spent too much money. I got involved in situations I had no business getting involved in, as I was unprepared to handle the repercussions. I lost connections I thought I would always have. I made new connections that I hope will carry through the rest of my life. I cried more tears than I thought humanly possible. I found out how strong this West Virginia gal really is. That strength is solid. I know where it is and how to access it when needed. Something I did not always have in the past. Death is the great equalizer. We are all different but grief will knock every one of us to our knees at some point in life. I am grateful for these life lessons. I guess that is our true purpose in life. To learn that there is strength in our greatest weakness. To learn to love from the deepest crevasse of our souls. To know the compassion of others. To feel. Charles Dickens was right…It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Life is funny that way.
“New Shoes!”
I wrote recently that I have been having trouble with plantar fasciitis. It turns out my older daughter has the same problem. We both break out the sandals as soon as the snow melts and wear then till it’s too cold to feel your toes. This can wreak havoc with your feet when you get no support.
She has a pair of these sandals and when I tried them on, I knew I needed a pair as soon as possible! They are made by abeo. They have two arch supports. The traditional one and one under the ball of your foot to support the metatarsal arch. Oh my…they are divine…pricey but well worth it. I walked all day yesterday and wore them all day today and no more pain.
“Progress!”
I received a text with some photos of the work done in my yard. What a nice couple to do this so I can monitor progress while I’m out of town! Can’t wait to see the finished project!
Snuggled in TOW-Wanda last night with my 7-year-old. We went to her end-of-year party at school and she was whupped. So was Nana! Today is swim meet then delivering furniture to daughter #2.
“In the Moment”
This is my point of reference in the coming weeks. Trying to see myself down the road is overwhelming. Trying to remember where I’ve been is painful. Reminding myself that I only have this moment keeps me centered and focused. I will work and live in this moment and all other moments will take care of themselves. Feeling pretty zen-like at the moment with a load of stuff in the car to be distributed. :-)
“Girls don’t need a camper to go camping!”
I’ve had people tell me they would love to join Sisters on the Fly but they don’t have a trailer. You actually don’t need a trailer to join. And if you do have one, it doesn’t need to be one of those cute vintage numbers you see in their news stories and books. Anyone with a sense of adventure who wants to join are welcome. You could sleep in a tent, or your car, or take a cue from this enterprising lady and set up a portable boudoir! Isn’t this fun?
“Fortune Cookie Wisdom”
OMGosh! This is too funny. I’m sure you have surmised by now that I am a Gemini with a hobby disorder. I get interested in something, go out and buy every supply I could possibly need for a lifetime of doing that particular hobby, only to lose interest once I have actually mastered the skill. It’s the learning that interests me, not the repetitious nature of the hobby itself. As a result, and with the knowledge that I am purging to prepare to sell my house…can you imagine the inner dialog when I read something like this??? lol Back away from the craft aisle and no one gets hurt. I have a glue gun and I’m NOT afraid to use it!!!
“Happy Mother’s Day!”
My older daughter called this week to figure out our Mother’s Day plans. Granddaughter #1 has a swim meet next weekend that I want to see so we’ll celebrate then. Daughter #2 was coming up this weekend but she has a final on Monday so I’ll see her next weekend as well. In the meantime, we can FaceTime. I love that.
Mr. Virgo always bought me flowers for Mother’s Day. And a gushy card. That man knew how to buy a gushy card! I have them all tucked away for safekeeping. Those will have to make the move with me. I usually plant my flower beds on Mother’s Day but this year we are under a winter storm warning! Seriously? I mean, we need the moisture but why can’t it just rain like it should at this time of year? It’s SPRING already! So, I’ll go to church and work on the house. And call those special women in my life.
“Live Music”
Sitting in my favorite little neighborhood restaurant, listening to a little trio playing, familiar faces around the room. I’ll miss this little town. Seems like I just started building a life here. A life on my own, anyway. I’m doing things I’ve never done before…or at least, not for a long time. It’s all good, though. There are a lot of opportunities where I’m headed and I have no fear. I have friends there. I’ll make more. And I can come back and visit whenever I want. This is a beautiful place, a beautiful evening, a beautiful life!
“Rerun of The Pile of Rocks”
This was my most popular post ever. It was read by nearly 64,000 people and shared nearly 1,000 times! I have had several requests to post it again. Thank you all so much for your support!
The Pile of Rocks.
My younger daughter wears her heart on her sleeve, just like I did when I was growing up. She’s the fixer, the tenderhearted one who wants everyone to be happy. It took me many, many years to finally gain the insight I needed to help her. She thinks in analogies like I do so this is how I taught her to take care of herself in her relationships.
“Letting Go”
As I begin the big purge, I look at these things I’ve dragged around with me most of my life. I’ve paid movers three times to tote a lot of it. I’ve boxed and unpacked countless times over the years. It’s exhausting. And totally unnecessary. I am having a garage sale on Saturday (the first of several, I am sure). I am asking my family what they want and giving them responsibility for the care and feeding of those heirlooms I won’t have room for. A daunting task, but I am determined!