Archive for the ‘friends’ Category

So we are a week away from being on the road….and lots of thoughts to process. This is different from many of the other moves (22 since we’ve been married – and we’re not even military!). Social media didn’t exist 21 years ago when we left Vermont, so it wasn’t easy to keep track of people. That has changed, and I’m glad of it. Now I can stay in touch with teachers, students, family friends – keep up-to-date with people I may not see again. Plus it’s the longest either of us have lived in any one place (state, that is….). Twenty-one years here and we’ve seen much of the southwest we didn’t the first time around. Still a few places we missed Canyon de Chelly, Acoma Pueblo – have to save something for another trip!

Yes, winter will be hard, but at least this time neither of us has to go out for work. We can hibernate throughout the winter months – but we must buy a natural light lamp to mimic daylight to help with SAD. And there’s nothing to say we can’t hop Amtrak and head west – or south, for that matter – people to visit along the Atlantic coast.

We did have a bit of a good-bye celebration last weekend – teacher friends, students, our second family – lots of laughter and very few tears. The world is so much closer together.

Raquel and her teachers…..

The Utterback crew……

“Little brother” George – the most gentle man….

Always leave the hilarity to my sarcasm twin Michelle….

Strawberry daiquiris….. blurry then and blurry now…..

Usually this time of the year I have my goals all laid out and ready to go. But not this year. I have really slowed down over the past 12 months – some from health, some from depression, and some from just wanting to enjoy every day. That’s a real change for me. I am enjoying each day tremendously, so when everyone was choosing their word for the year and posted it, I thought, “Nah, not going to do it this year. I’m content with the way life is going right now.”

Last night in bed, I was thinking about “content” and realized I have my word – actually two words – right there. Content with accent on the second syllable, and content, with accent on the first. The more I thought, the more I liked it.

So first, content, with accent on the first syllable. I want content in my life. I want to contribute meaningfully to people and causes this year. I want content in what I read and watch this year. I want content in my actions. I want to create content.

Second, I am content (accent on second syllable). I realized that this past month as I saw just how much my mental and emotional health – and consequently my physical health – was improving. My days are taking on a relaxing rhythm – quilting, reading, writing, yoga, being in the moment with hubby. Appreciating that I can do what I wish in retirement, without having to worry about finances too much. I enjoyed my nap this afternoon, the brief snow in Tucson this morning, and the fact I still have 10 hours ahead of me to write and quilt.

Life is content and full of content.

It’s a relatively early Saturday morning, and we are marbling. I’ve learned to leave the color and pattern decisions to hubby, as his skill with those far exceeds mine. We have begun working on a new major fiber piece, after a huge amount of deliberation for design and what-not. I’m documenting the process, but it will be months before I can really show the finished piece and talk about it. I am excited about it, ordered lots of new threads, and hopefully I can get some more pieces of lava before the gem show for embellishment. All in all, a  great way to start the Saturday.

Then last night we attended a wedding of a co-worker and amazing math teacher. What a joyful life! Met up with some teachers I hadn’t seen in a while, and experienced my first orthodox Jewish wedding, The rabbi was amazing, and the ceremony was just beautiful. I was so happy for them. Actually had a chance to dance with hubby and we both realized that the spring that used to be in our steps was extremely rusty. We used to spend hours on the weekends out dancing – last night I couldn’t seem to get the feet to want to follow him. Getting old sucks!

But it was such a wonderful five hours! There was such joy all around. We just had an amazing time, and we kept reminiscing about our 35 years together.

But I need to temper that with news that an internet friend is facing ovarian cancer. Now, I’m the kind of person who has always had a hard time making friends, and so I love the internet because it has allowed me to reach out in an easy manner. We have exchanged art work, commiserated on the political scene, and worked on Art from the Heart together. This shouldn’t be happening to someone in the prime of life. I am really working at sending positive thoughts to her whenever I think of her each day. Positivity is working for me, so I want to see if I can put it out there into the universe and extend its reach. Many blessings, much healing light my friend. You will be back to share your humor and photos and warped sense of humor! You are too precious to leave us too soon.