In my young adult years, I had a hard time being seen for who I was.
I was always identified by where I grew up, whose sister I was or who I hung out with. Although I loved those aspects of myself, I was more.
As years went on, I had to make choices for my happiness. Choices often opposite of what I thought was expected of me. That meant becoming vulnerable to change and criticism.
That shift came with a yearning to experience more of what life had to offer. I began to look outside the walls put in place by others and myself to live a life God wanted me to live.
I began to capture these experiences in my writing. This became a way for me to purge, process and heal.
This blog is that journey and it continues. A journey full of love, tears, pride and lots of laughs.
Thanks for joining me.
Autumn Change
I was hoping this day would be the perfect autumn to enjoy my last few weeks in Columbus before moving to a place that may not display fall the same way. I was anxious. “I want autumn vibes and I want it now”, I thought.
Another Mile Marker with “the Void”
I walked into my local grocery store and was greeted by a display of beautiful flowers. “I don’t recall seeing those here before,” I thought as I shared my admiration of the bouquets with another shopper.
I continued to shop for the few items I needed and remembered one item not on my list. Making my way to get that item, I heard someone say, “There are a lot of Mother’s Day cards this year!” I stopped in my tracks; frozen. A well of emotions made its way from my heart and begged to be released in a surge of tears along with a loud scream. “You better not lose your shit now!!” said my reasonable self.
Hello 2023! I’m so glad to see you.
2022 was too much!
The world experienced war, high prices for food and gas, sickness from COVID and flu variants and many of us found it hard to cope.
I Can’t Stop Thinking of You
During Christmastime, I am into all things Christmas; decorations, music, Christmas movies – old and new, and all the rich delicious food and drink that come with it.
This year, memories of my mom invade my thoughts every day as many of my fondest memories of her surround Christmas and New Year’s Day. Lately, every smell, song, craft, or holiday special reminds me of my mom.
Peach Thang
Before Pinterest was on the scene, my Aunt Vern had a killer recipe for a peach dessert. This delicious treat with peaches, butter, and other stuff didn’t have a fancy name.
One year on summer vacation in Seattle, my cousins and I drove to Portland, Oregon to visit their mom, my Aunt Verna. While there, she made a meal complete with dessert. Feeding you was her love language.
Living with Hope while surrounded by Grief
These last few months have been hard. The lingering winter temperatures with the tease of a spring day messes with my emotions.
Five people I know have passed away and were directly or indirectly connected to me. Of the deceased, three of them were under the age of 60. I also know people living with health concerns that have a less than hopeful prognosis.
Grateful
Have you ever considered what happens when we decide to give thanks to God when we are going through a hard time? Have you ever been aware of what happens when we find something to be thankful for?
My awareness came during sixteen months of darkness.
It began in May of 2016 with my Dad’s diagnosis of stage 4 cancer.
The Capacity to Forgive
In the late 1930’s-1940’s, a young boy was raised by his maternal grandparents in a rural town.
When he was born, the boy’s parents split, moved to separate cities, and started new lives without their son for reasons unknown. The boy was left to be raised alongside his uncles like their brother.
Life was tough. His grandfather was strict, and he had to work in the field tending tobacco and possibly other crops. He went to school, may have gotten in a bit of trouble, but nothing too serious.