“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!

“My Morning View of Pendleton County, WV”

My view with coffee this morning. What an amazing place. I’m over in Pendleton County, WV with my cousin and her family. I had a passel of dogs and grandbabies and family and friends in and out all day and it’s just a hoot and a half! There’s never a dull moment here and I love it! <3

“Rain on the Screen”

I spent the night in town at my cousin’s house and I have internet access so I thought I’d leave a line or two. We are in the midst of a polar vortex and it is unseasonably cool here which is perfect for me. Today there are a couple of class picnics I’m going to and I’m really looking forward to them. Unfortunately, it is raining but there are shelters so we should be good. Since Facebook, so many of my classmates have reconnected and it makes my heart sing!

“Writing with a View!”

Just popping in to say hello and PROVE to you all that I am writing my book! I have a goal set before me to have the rough draft sent by the first of next week. 74,000 words at this point. My daughter always said I could talk to a tree!

“Home”

I came in to town to go to the grocery for my aunt so I’m checking in. This is “home”….my heart and soul lives here. Just wanted you all to know I arrived safely! Thank you for all your love, support and encouragement. <3

“Today’s the Day!”

I’m heading out into the wild blue yonder to see my kin in WV. I’m going to fill my well at the source. I’m going to see great old friends and make some new ones. I’m going to sit in the shade underneath a tree and write for hours. I’m going to hug babies and octogenarians. I’m going on a picnic, a party, a concert and out for dinner. I’m unplugging. Three weeks with only intermittent cell service and internet access. My body, mind, and spirit are looking forward to slowing down to the pace called “country”. To sitting by the barn my great-grandpa built. To listening for that elusive whip-poor-will. To sweet tea and pepperoni rolls and Mr. Bee potato chips. To taking a moon bath at the rain barrel after dark. To lightning bugs and peepers. To the sound of a far distant dog’s bark echoing up the holler. To hay bales wrapped in white looking like huge marshmallows in fields so green it hurts your eyes. To ice cream by the Ohio River, watching the river traffic and the lights shimmer on the surface like glass. To fresh coffee and bacon and biscuits with jam. To summer corn and fried green tomatoes.

“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, & to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.”

OMGosh! I forgot to schedule my post last night! I’ll tell you why. I was so busy being happy and basking in the glow of family love. Last night we celebrated! Daughter #1’s 40th birthday was yesterday, son-in-law’s 40th is tomorrow, grandma’s 85th is the 23rd. And, the kid’s 19th anniversary is Tuesday. What a great evening!

“It’s Just Stuff…”

Ok, I’ve had some time to think about it. For those of you who may have missed my post yesterday, my storage unit was broken into and a BOATLOAD of stuff was taken. My entire art/jewelry studio tools and supplies, two huge storage trunks filled with my power tools, my serger, my carpet cleaner…and our golf clubs. All told, maybe $4-5k worth of stuff. The thing that hurt was losing Mr. Virgo’s clubs. That stung. But the rest of it? Let’s look at that.