“A Simple Life”

I’m back! Here it is, August 4th already…can you believe it? Those three weeks literally flew by. I’ve missed you all even though I did peek in from time to time. And I am rested, refreshed and rearing to go!

I’m still snuggled up in bed, preparing my mind for the onslaught of civilization. I’m listening to the morning call of a whip-poor-will knowing full well in a few hours I’ll be hustling through busy international airports. I’m not looking forward to it…and I LOVE to fly. I want to pour a cup of coffee and go out on the front porch, the familiar stretchy squeak of the screen door spring the only sound louder than the morning birdsong. I want to see old Mama Kitty curled up in the corner, one eye opened slightly in protest over the crude interruption of her peaceful slumber. I want to listen to whip-poor-wills every day for the rest of my life.

“Mr. Bee Potato Chips”

You know those special foods you can only get at “home”? Well, ours are pepperoni rolls, Ruben’s Deli Hot Italian Hoagies, and Mister Bee Potato Chips. My sister/friend Patty in Florida has put in a special request for some Mister Bee’s so off they went in the mail today. While I was at it, I just went ahead and shipped some back to Colorado for the kids…and my brother/friend Greg…and my brother Gary…and, ummmmmmm…ME! :-) I’m going to be somebody’s best friend come Monday!

“The Strathmore House…home of my Great Grandfather, Charles C. Richardson”

Just before my second birthday, my mom’s brother was killed in a plane crash. He was an Air Force pilot and had mechanical difficulties as he was flying an older plane that was about to be retired. He crashed into a farmer’s field in Germany to avoid hitting a populated area. It was devastating to the family and they were never the same. Uncle Sonny has always been alive to me in the stories everyone tells and in the photos I keep.

“Berdine’s Five & Dime”

My grandparents used to bring me into this store when I was a little, little girl. The memories are thick as cobwebs in my neck of the woods today! <3

“West Virginia Sunset”

I had such a wonderful day today! I went to my cousin’s and worked all day on the computer. I had printed out the book then went over it with a fine toothed comb and a red pen over the weekend. I put the corrections in today and sent the finished product to Dropbox. My friend Sue will pick it up and convert it to the software program publishers like and then put it back in Dropbox. I’m sure there will be lots of reading and re-reading in the coming weeks but it felt grand to get this far!

“Cruise In at the Mall”

Gosh, I love small town living! I met up with my cousin and friends Friday night and checked out the car show. That was so fun! One of my friends does square dancing so I bought a couple petticoats from her for Sisters on the Fly events. I was telling them how wonderful being here is. I have PEOPLE here! Everywhere I go there’s someone I know. I’m just thrilled to start planning this next adventure!

“Weenie Roast!”

I went to my cousin’s house yesterday and pulled the last of the Marshmallow Ranch posts off Facebook that I want to include in my book. I spent all day today editing, tweaking, fine tuning and then printed out the book. When I was done, I sat there and looked at what 589 pages and eight years of work looked like. And then I shed a few tears of relief, joy, and pride. Those sheets of paper hold my blood, sweat, and tears. My memories. My heart and soul. I am going to buy a red pen and sit down to read it cover to cover and make any changes I feel it needs. Then I’ll edit the electronic copy and send it in.

“Find yourself, and be that.”

It is amazing how quickly things can change. A few weeks ago, I was convinced I was going to move to the Denver area yet deep inside, my heart just wasn’t in it. I kept feeling I was missing an important opportunity, and I was.

I left WV when I was a fresh-faced 20 year old bride. I moved to England to be with my soldier husband. When that tour was over, the next station was Denver. I hated Colorado then. It was hot and dry and without the lush, green landscape I was used to. I stuck it out because I was at that age when I wanted to be ANYTHING but what my parents were.

Germany Valley, West Virginia

Hibiscus

Seneca Rocks, West Virginia

“Taking Down the Tent”

I just realized what these three weeks off from all the deep thinking posts is all about. I have been camping in my brain too much. :-)

Loving my break. I’m heading back to the farm this afternoon. This is such a gorgeous state. I can’t wait to get TOW-Wanda out here and do some camping!