It’s been a long time.
I know. Boy, do I know. And I am sorry.
Like Catholic guilt, I have probably thought about and lamented over ignoring this blog about once or twice a week. I feel like this little place on the web, a huge part of who I was/am was let go, like something I inadvertently dropped down a well, and I was panicked I would never be able reach down far enough and find it again. I don’t know why. A combination of things, I suppose. But tenacity and guilt and the desire to write again has brought me back. A resurrection, of sorts.
So much has happened in the 3 or 4 ( or could it be more?) years since I stopped writing. Here is a quick run down of some things in my life that transpired in that time, not in any particular order.
I filtered through some friends. (Blog fodder)
Gained some new ones.
Had the self -love to let those filtered ones go.
Traveled to Italy, Paris and Greece.
Went to the Louvre (crossed off my bucket list)
Went to the top of the Eiffel tower.
Found my 2 biological brothers (100%!) (Part IV coming soon) and the rest of my biological cousins.)
Lost 3 relatives.
Lost my sweet cat, Fletcher.
Gained a new dog, Wrigley, AKA Cuddliest Dog In the World, a Golden Retriever.
Lost Xander 3 weeks ago. (ugh, best dog IN THE WORLD) This one is fresh, folks.
Became a grandma to 2 boys.
Gained a wonderful, sweet Daughter in Law who reminds me of a young ME. (Love you Gabby!)
Lost 40 lbs. (thank you KETO!)
Fulfilled a dream at 50 and opened my first art studio with a business partner. Gained knowledge, insight, confidence and finally the balls to go solo.
Benefited from a therapist.
Weathered a marital rift that healed like a broken bone and now it’s stronger than ever.
Learned how to navigate through water without drowning, and without doing the crawl.
Grew my hair to my waist.
Pushed 3 birdies out of the nest (well, not exactly pushed. But they are on their own now.)
And my kids are GOOD. Such good people whom I love more than my own life, and through all the trials and tribulations of growing up, I think they love me just about as much.
Turned 55 this year and it feels really good. Wisdom and confidence has gone hand in hand for me with aging and I l can’t help but love it.
What has been going on in your life?
Why Jane 