Saudade

Forever a word nerd.

For the Record, I'm Ready for My Exodus!

I'm only months away now from Chapter Two.  I'm beside myself with excitement...and I am incredibly blessed.  Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for His grace, mercy, blessings.

I've been gearing up, preparing myself for the transition from official to freelance.  In addition to the flexibility that freelancing offers -- working as much or as little as I want to -- I will be meeting new faces, traveling in new places, exposed to a whole new world of court reporting.  I've been practicing, reading everything I can get my hands on.  Having joined some professional groups for insight and inspiration, I feel as if I've begun my career all over again.  My passion is alive, fresh.  Exciting. I'm so eager to learn, to travel, to get to know the clientele...working as an independent contractor in new surroundings, a bigger city, meeting professionals and making new friends and business contacts.  I made a trip to Charlotte recently to introduce and market myself to a large and reputable reporting firm there.  It was a delightful visit, very welcoming.  Reporting on a much larger scale than I'm used to.  So much to learn!  And I can't wait.

And so.  Here I stand, squirming, anxiously preparing for my exodus.

I often wonder if the lake will lose its magic, its appeal, once I move there permanently?

A neighbor I met just after having bought the lake house told me something I'll never forget.  After introducing herself to me, welcoming me to the neighborhood/community, her beautiful smile and contagious southern charm hypnotizing me as she sat arranging flowers on that spring day ... I can still hear her words...

"... you know, we've lived here over 15 years now, and every morning I wake up and look out across the lake and the beauty all around me, and I still feel like I'm on vacation...I've just never gotten over that feeling!  Honestly, it feels like you're on perpetual vacation...so relaxing...so beautiful...you'll understand what I'm talking about ... just wait ... I never want to leave this place..."

a look at lakeside in winter...

She's an Alpha

Her name is Phelan, an Alaskan Malamute.

And she's such an ALL ABOUT ME dog.   The Alpha mentality!

But you can't help but love her.

She's the closest thing to a live, gigantic teddy bear that I'll ever have the pleasure of hugging.

Stronger than even SHE knows she is!  Energy out the roof.  Never make the mistake of getting in her way...she wins.   Every.single.time.

And ...

She's my first granddaughter  grand-dog!