The Circle of Life is Simple and Complex

Ever notice that people say "Spring is Here!"  They also may say, "So glad winter is over!" and "Autumn is my favorite time of year."  I believe we often relate to the seasons of our lives in the same way.  Spring brings new birth after the dark days of winter.  The autumn of our lives is that time when we are slowing down but still enjoying the effects of summer, that exciting fun time of our lives.

Beautiful garden all around...and no WORK!

I especially enjoyed spring this year.  I have attempted to take a few moments each day to relax on the deck with a tall drink -- watching the dogs roll in the grass and raising their heads to smell the airwaves. It has been many years since I have had a yard allowing me to do this.  I KNOW! What did I ever do to deserve that?  The fruit trees are starting to sprout buds.  The berry bushes are bursting with new growth.  I have no clue what lurks beneath the topsoil but waiting with great anticipation.

Why Is It Taking So Long To Get There?

Many of us have read The Station by Robert J. Hastings at some point in our lives.  I have read it numerous times over the years.  It never gets old or dated.  It is always a fresh message.  It always bears repeating.  It is unadulterated truth.  Read it.  Think about it.  Pass it on.

Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision.  We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent.  We are traveling by train.  Out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hillsides, of city skylines and village halls.

Is It True that Time Heals All Wounds?

Who is the one person in your life you never thought would walk away....and then they did?  How did you handle it?  

That was the question posed to me for this month's writing challenge.  Immediately, a flood of emotions and memories almost overcame me.  

 Does time heal all wounds?  

These scars can be reopened by triggers and often are unexpected.  Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, a memory, a person from the past can all trigger the emotion that is still raw - no matter how much time has passed.  This creates a feeling of hopelessness - knowing there is nothing you can do to change it.

Have You Considered a Cruise to the Bahamas?

Two days before heading to the Bahamas, the ferries leaving our coast were canceled due to bad weather.  It was our only means to get to the airport and I was definitely concerned.  The next day there was a window of escape, and we rushed to the mainland to spend the night at the airport.  

If you have ever been to a conference of any description, you usually have great anticipations of gaining knowledge and having fun.  I have been to a few writers' conferences and thought I knew what to expect.  I was elated when the Seymour Agency's Winter Escape Cruise far exceeded my expectations.  The editors, film producers, publishers, and other representatives promised to make this cruise a significant one.  It did not disappoint.

It was my first cruise and considering I don't tolerate temperatures above 70 degrees very well, I was concerned.  It was confirmed many times that I would need a sweater to handle the AC in the meeting rooms.  What a waste of suitcase space.  I was uncomfortably hot from the moment I landed in Miami until I got home. 

Be What You Want Your Kids to Be

A story worth remembering and thinking about......  

A successful businessman was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.  Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different and called all the young executives in his company together.

He said "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO.  I have decided to choose one of you."  The young executives were shocked as the boss continued.  "I am going to give each one of you a seed today.  This is one very SPECIAL seed.  I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this seed.  I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO."

Jim, one of the executives, went home and excitedly told his wife the story.  Together they got the pot, compost and soil to plant the seed.  Every day, he watered it and watched it closely to see the progress.

Knocking Yourself Out About Mistakes Makes it Worse

How many 'if only' moments do we get?  If only I had not said that.  If only I had not gone there.  If only I had made a better choice.  If only I had called them.  If only I had made the effort to see them one last time.  If only.......

Once we have said it..... it is spoken.
Once we have done it.....it is done.
Can we take back the words, undo the deed?  No.

Nothing Can Stop You - No Matter How Old You Are

 Nothing can stop you - no matter how old you are

How many times have you awakened in the morning and wondered what happened with the past three, four, five, six or seven decades?  Or have you looked into the mirror and felt it was unfair that life passed you by without giving you a chance to pursue the career you always wanted?  As much as some people look forward to retirement, what if you don’t have the income to maintain the lifestyle you have grown accustomed to?  Then there is the backdoor threat of Alzheimer’s.  You may wonder how you are going to stay alert and focused when your days may only be filled with volunteer community work or gardening.  Is your only option being a Walmart greeter?

Moving Twice in One Year -- Are You Insane?

Moving twice in one year is not something I would recommend.  Every move is major but some more major than others!  Although I purged when we moved last year, I was able to take a good look at what I was saving and purged even more this move.  

Christmas concert

It has been a whirlwind experience and took a few days to recover from.  While we were at my daughter's for a week at Christmas we got the call.  "There is an offer on your house and the sooner you can move out, the more it will be worth your while!"  In other words, an offer we couldn't refuse.