These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary to ME!!!

It was actually two days ago, 5/27, that was the anniversary, but since I was not near a computer, I didn't get anything posted on the right day. As I look back, in some ways it seems that it has been much longer than a year. It seems as if I've "known" all of you for a long time. And so much has happened in this year that it is hard to believe that it hasn't been two or three years. Another thing is that I feel so at home here that it seems I've been here forever.

On the other hand are the things that make me realize just how this year has flown. In some ways, the second reason above, so much happening in this year, also makes it seem that time has just evaporated. I've been so busy that I've not had many gaps of time to have to fill in, so it does seem brief.

One year ago ...
  • I was in Kansas City
  • I was a widow just seven months
  • I was two and a half months into remodeling/repairing my home of thirty years to prepare it for sale
  • I had no realistic idea of the work that I was facing
  • Two months earlier I'd been so depressed that I didn't get dressed but a couple times in over two weeks; being back in the house was hard, and I was still struggling against depression
  • My son-in-law, granddaughter and brother were helping me paint the exterior of the house
  • I knew I was going to move to New Mexico, but I had no idea what part
In the last year ...
  • I finished the house and listed it
  • The last few belongings were put into storage, except the personal items that I kept with me
  • I drove myself pulling a UHaul trailer to New Mexico, not an unusual feat, but an extremely humorous, and sometimes challenging, journey
  • I stayed with my step-son for five months before moving into my (future) home
  • I joined a book club
  • I bought my first (alone) home
  • I bought a new truck, made decisions about it alone
  • I arranged for a future showplace for my photography (my first real belief that I might do so)
  • I volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce
  • I started a whole new career in the fine arts field
What I think about who and where I am today ...
  • I've learned a lot about who I am without another person in my life full time
  • I have a nice level of self-confidence
  • I like who I am and where I am physically, emotionally and spiritually
  • I'm ready for more new parts of my life to open professionally, personally and socially
  • I enjoy my time alone as well as the time I spend with others
  • I know who I like to be around and who I don't, and I won't waste my time on the latter
  • My life is beautiful
These are just a few in each category that have crossed my mind. It has been a good year, a hard year with lots of challenges, and I don't think I would change much about it. I have more challenges ahead and I'm welcoming them with an open heart, because that is the only way I will continue to thrive and be happy. I plan to live to be very, very old, and if I go soft and quit experiencing life now, I won't make it. I want to be ornery and spunky when I'm 98. I hope I can still hold my own in a debate and still have the sense to know when to shut up. Oh, wait, I don't do that last one even now, so forget it!

That's all for now. I have so many thought tumbling around in my head that I can't even get them out quickly enough to write them down. I'll be back later or tomorrow with a little bit about my weekend (I have a few pictures, but not many; too busy to take a lot!!), the upcoming week plans, and heaven knows what else! Till then ...

19 comments:

  1. Hey, Jenn! I think you got that in when I accidentally published it before I was done!! But thanks!!

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  2. Yeayyyyyy, Lynilu !!! What a wonderful summary of where you had been and where you are now !!!
    Life is indeed beautiful - you have made it that way with your choices and theactions you take !
    *smiles*

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  3. Oh Lynilu, what a wonderful journey this year has been for you. May this next year be even more beautiful than this year has been! I admire what a strong and courageous woman you are.

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  4. Lynilu, I've said this before and I'll say it again...
    You are so inspiring and I really look up to you! :)
    Happy anniversary!

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  5. Yeah...I did. It's much cooler now! You've come a long way, Baby. And what a ride it's been, eh?

    I can see you being ornery and spunky at 98...not even a stretch!

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  6. Happy Annivesary Lynilu. I am so glad I kept after you about starting a blog. Reading your blog doesn't make it seem like you are that far away.

    Reading all that you have done and gone through in the past year makes me realize that I will get through my stuff and be so much stronger once I reach the other side. Thank you.

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  7. happy blogiversary sweetie! you've accomplished so much this year! here's to many, many more!

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  8. Annie - Yes, and the best thing is simply that I can see it.

    Sassy - Thanks. It is cool that every year is better than the last.

    Jen - What a pleasant surprise to have you back! Thank you much.

    Jenn - LOL! I think a lot of people in my family and circle of not-blog friends would agree about the stretch! Yeah, it's been a ride, a good one.

    Caroline - Yep, me, too. It has been a wonderful addition to my life, and I've gained so many new friends through it. Thanks for bugging me! And yes, you'll make it. You know I've told you that before, but you probably weren't ready to hear it. It helps, also, to see it in writing, doesn't it? You'll be fine, but patience is a good aid to getting there. :)

    Traci - Thanks for the cheers!

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  9. Lynilu Happy Anniversary. You have come so far! I hope I am as blessed as you through out my life. Yep I want to live to be 100+ and spry as can be!

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  10. Happy Anniversary Lynilu! Wow, what a year - good to know that life doesn't slow down, if anything it picks up speed and gets more and more interesting! I look forward to that!

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  11. Wow!

    There's a reason I keep coming back to your blog. To read about your personal growth really is inspiring and keeps things in perspective.

    Carpe Diem!

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  12. Patti - It's all in the karma, girl! You can do it, too! :) I plan to be the naughty old grammy who tells risque jokes to the great-great grandkids!!

    Sandra - I've never feared aging. Not saying I wouldn't like to have the body and energy of a 30 year old, but then i wouldn't trade my current life for it. It honestly does get better. I love my age, whatever it happens to be. I have a feeling that you'll be a bit of a handful, too!

    Annie - thank yu, and a lovely one back to you!!

    Anon - I'm glad you enjoy coming here. But ... who are you??? And you bet ... I carpe diem every chance I get. When my time come to leave this world, I don't want to regret that I didn't (fill in the blank). Nope. Live it. Love it. To the max. :)

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  13. Lynilu, I am pleased to hear that you are stepping on the stones that lead you into the world of art.

    From word to word yes but I feel there is also a place for you in that community in a form of hands on you have yet to consider.

    Please notice what, in the gallery, appeals strongly to you and equally what on the land calls to you. I feel a further motion in your now career will be calling to you.

    Goodlife.

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  14. Hey, Burg! Thanks!

    Robert - Thanks you for your thoughts. I agree with you completely on this. My first step in with the photography; then I have plans of resurrecting my exploration into oil paints, and I'm planning lessons in basics of water color, pastels, charcoals, pen & ink, and drawing. I'm also eager to return to a number of crafts with which I've dabbled in the past.

    I do listen to the gallery. I walk around and just look, listening for that call. I can't tell you how many mediums tug at me! Hopefully I will find time to schmooze with each and find those which are mine.

    Again, thank you. I'm encouraged that you feel what I have thought for a while. Time is mine now to find that space in my heart, and I'm loving it.

    Goodlife, Robert.

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  15. Yay you!!! Happy Anniversary, my friend.

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  16. Happy Aniversary.

    Isn't amazing to look back one year and realize all of your accomplishments both emotional and physical.

    You are a strong and courageous woman. Hats off to you.

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If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!