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!

It's Christmastime Again

My third and youngest son arrived home from his first semester of college last night.

The UK freshman is

Home for Christmas.

He's matured leaps and bounds.

His curly blonde hair is long and wavy and wild.

She likes it that way.

I'm still getting used to it.

But it's growing on me.

He's worked his butt off to make straight A's.

Finals were finished up yesterday.

We shall see.

He asked for brownies with red chocolate chips.

I sip a glass of red...

as the brownies bake

and the music plays

and my mind wanders

very,

very,

far.

Inescapably.

Empty Nest feels ...

.... no one way to describe how it feels.  I thought I'd be okay with this.  Was actually proud that I was handling his leaving for college pretty well.  All is good.  Just another chapter.

And then it hits me today, the day before he leaves for college.  Tomorrow is move-in day.  And Momma Bird says, "But wait...I need to be sure he's ready...because...what if he isn't ready, God?"  And after wiping the tears, she whispers one more prayer, "Father, if he isn't quite ready, will You help him...fly?  Can you please be the wind beneath his wings, Father, when I'm no longer there to watch over him....Let him fly, let him soar!"

Passion, Love and Madness

Passion, love and madness.

Strange Allure

An undeniable longing.

When it just feels right in your soul.

I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)

... that time of year when upon arriving home from work it's too hot and humid to go outside, to cook, to do anything productive.

I find myself wishing I was lying in the surf at Marco again...or on the lake in my kayak...

But I'm not.  I'm stuck here.

And so I sit inside, coiled up and lazy, and tend to stuff munchies in my face just because I THINK I'm hungry.

So when I do unhealthy things -- whether emotionally or physically unhealthy -- I seek out distractions.  Happy diversions.

Like good jazz.  And good wine.

And I drift...

My mind travels and winds and wanders with every little sip, every little smile.

Jazz is good for the soul.

As is wine.