friends – I Write

Careful …

Just when you think you’ve reached it, your stomach sinks, your dreams change,

Your eyes fill, your color fades.

Be careful.

Take care, remind yourself how far you’ve come.

Don’t let ’em knock you down.

Take a mental health break.

Be good to yourself when you’ve been punched yet again.

Remember, your scars aren’t visible. You hide them most days.

Remind those loved ones who care, that you need them.

It’s okay, be careful.

The last time I experienced so much snow around me was in Boise, ID with my daughter and today, I woke up to this in Seattle! It will probably melt soon it, but it’s a perfect “excuse” to sit in bed and write. It’s either that or go out and create a snow man of sorts. I did put on my very warm socks with the intention of taking some snow pictures later and taking a cold walk. We’ll see.

It’s also a great time for me to process some things. I think I seriously need to divulge because lately, my dreams are weirder than ever. I dreamed about mosquitos taking over a dish I was about to eat. I dreamed about a dog and how it killed an alligator that was in my bedroom and about trying to change a diaper and not being able to do it and last night about plants camouflaging to look like spiders!

So, I decided I needed to socially put this out there in hopes that it’ll alleviate some inner stress, face my struggles and hopefully help others who may be facing hard realities.

One thing. I am a true introvert and I don’t like to have attention drawn to me. So there’s that. And then my kids. First of all, they blow me away with their emotional intelligence. They have been open about their struggles and as a result, they face them head on while also (no doubt) helping those that struggle as they do and I’m encouraged to do the same thing.

So, I’ve been married for 24 years, but my marriage is ending and I’m separated. Even writing it down brings home it’s stark reality. But, strangely, writing about it also brings some peace. This is my very difficult reality and I’m not always together. People around me need to know why.

But, at the same time, I have healthy outlets and meaningful relationships. I also have a great therapist who I can see, if needed. I’m also a believer and so there’s the power of prayer. I have peace. But I still needed to be open with you.

My family, friends, readers. I need you and I value you. You are important in my life.

Thank you for allowing me this platform, this snowy day to truly update you.

~Peace and more peace….

Protected: Oh My Word!

Peace, restore, give

I enjoy people and relationships, but the truth is, I’m an introvert. There’s nothing wrong with me or the people I enjoy, but I must achieve a balance in order to be restored into the better, relaxed version of myself. So, even though it’s hard to carve out, I find a moment to spend some time alone. I think, I breathe, I pray, I veg.

And afterwards, like a small child after a nap, I metamorpho-size into a more relaxed version of myself, and then, I can then give of myself to others.

Our purpose as humans (in my humble, albeit introverted opinion) is to give of ourselves to others. Day by day, we flit by in the lives of others, a small interruption into the daily routines of others and we have a choice. We can be a warm, loving, compassionate person or we can be the opposite, bitchy, critical, angry, or bitter. (among other things).

Though I have bad days, I (try) to choose the former because, I’ve seen what happens afterwards… lines on a face smooth out, the downward pull on the mouth straightens, even at times, lips lift and smile. The light in the eyes (no matter the age) ignite. And these small observances create in me hope and possibility and even a bit of optimism.

Try this, be observant. You can see it happen if you’re looking. Choose to give your best self to others. Let me know how it goes.

~True Peace

My Monday update

Hello all,

I’m not sure exactly what gotten into me, but now, I’ve decided to stretch myself in a several directions.

I’m still a writer and my story is finished, though unpublished and is awaiting a more exciting, satisfying end.
I’ve become (along with and because of my cool hub) a somewhat party “animal”, not in drugs or too much alcohol, but in the number of parties attended in one month. I’m just about ready to crawl under a rock. (but it’s been fun, really)
I, now, not only have a writing blog, a photo blog, but also a business blog as well. Yes, the educator side of me refused to die and is attempting to resurrect itself as an independent early childhood reading tutor.
I’ve also just started to volunteer with Literacy Source . It’s a program to help adult students to read. (Cool!)

I’m soooo excited to have found some places to grow, learn and get to know people.

That’s it and enough for now…

~peace navidad

Blurry vision

I woke up with a bit of blurriness in my right eye that my glasses aren’t helping. Last night, I cheerily exclaimed, “Oh, yes, three’s my limit!” Really, three? When did that change from two? And what happened to my ‘no drinking during the week’ rule? Psh!

I enjoyed every scrumptious bite of salmon and every sip of my Pacific Northwest Pinot Noir at The Palace Kitchen, but of course, the best part of the night was spending time with a great friend and we’re on for next Wednesday as well. 🙂

~Peace friends!

Finding home

There’s plenty of hospitality and friendliness and smiles in Texas, that’s true. The visits with friends and family are welcomed fun and needed. The familiarity of what I once considered home, comforts my soul, like putting on a worn jacket when that first chill of fall makes it’s presence known.

I’m keeping my heart open to the realities of my life. There was a time when I struggled to find a place to call home. I longed to find a place to hang my hat, to grow roots, but no more. I’m not running anymore. I have found my places to be, my places to visit with the people I love and cherish. Home for me is my loved ones. The ones who make my heart sing.