July 21 - Massachusetts

Part 1

Two-for today (pix in the next post; much progress has been made :) ) Short philosophical post first.

I need to vent about an article I read. Without going into detail, the author spent 10 years getting over her issue; hiding & not being in the world. I thought about it. Yes it was indeed a tragedy, but 10 years? To me, that is way too long to rejoin the world.

Everyone suffers losses during their life. It happens to all of us. We all have "baggage" of one sort or another. We all end up a bit damaged; it is what you do with the leftovers that matters.

My Dad passed away when I was half the age I am now. I lost my middle sister ten years ago. Lost almost everything I thought mattered 5 1/2 years ago (that one was rough). Maybe you never recover 100%, but you do "keep on keeping on". You have to!

It is called life and it happens. You make it better, make it your own. Otherwise I think it just... stops. Who wants that? Yes I have lost a great deal. Haven't we all? By the same token I have gained so much. My heart and soul overflow with peace, happiness and contentment right now.


Life changes - that is what it is. Change with it or be lost, I think. I choose not to be lost. I choose to be happy. I choose to continue putting one foot in front of the other :) Still "keep on keepin' on"!

I have sat outside on my little deck on my new patio set in late afternoon for a bit this past week when I could, enjoying the peace and quiet. Last night I read my book for awhile :) Loved it!

The peace inside is indescribeable. It did not take me 10, 5, or even 3 years to get back to me. I have said it before, and will say it again: I did not reinvent myself. I rediscovered me.

As stated before, I believe everything happens for a reason. Happiness where you are and with who you are. At peace with yourself and the world. Yeah. THAT.

July 13 - Massachusetts

Sorry no pix tonight, just an update. Pix in a few days - promise! Been a very busy week and a half for me. Appointments took up most of my time.

The past few days I have been pushing to finish unpacking in the living room. Yes, I know it has taken some time. Bear in mind that everything - EVERY single thing - I unpack has to be washed or cleaned. And has been well-wrapped with packing paper. It has really slowed the process and put me off my rhythm. (That and the mis-marked / unmarked boxes!)

Add to the mix regular housekeeping (cleaning, vacuuming, kitty boxes, laundry, shopping) - well there you have it.

I think I have done pretty well (mostly) on my own. My most awesome brother has assembled a lot of furniture for me and helps me out with "the big stuff" I cannot handle. I have one more box to empty in my living room. Then I can start on my studio. Finally! Yay!!!

Having completed painting my house plaque, I am working on painting the "Dutch boy" statue. Thus far it has required two coats of paint, which needs to dry inside for a minimum of 3 days. The humidity and spotty rain the past two weeks has been a bit of a hindrance. The paint is taking forever to cure, even inside. I am patient, however, and will wait. I do not want to have to repaint them in a few years :) When I finish him, the "Dutch girl" statue awaits.

I figure I should be done with most boxes, unpacking, etc. in a few weeks. The studio should go fairly quickly. I do not think all those boxes are packed with all that darn paper! A lot of it is mostly papers to begin with, of which I can now dispose.

Pix next time, promise!

July 4 - Massachusetts

Happy Fourth of July! Low key this year. Everyone is away, and I am rather enjoying the peace and quiet this year.

Took stock of where I am at in regard to moving in, what is missing, etc. My insurance company has covered a lot of what was ruined. The large items (bed, couch, furniture, TV) and many of the small (bedding, rugs, some of the books). I was frugal buying replacements, and tried to bundle my purchases to incur as few shipping fees as possible.

Still - so much was lost. Antique pieces, furniture passed down from my grandmother and my parents. All these years collecting it. It feels like starting over, and I do not care for that.

The Insurance money did not stretch enough to relace all the missing books. I have been through all of them (twice), made a list, and ordered those I cannot not do without. The rest is on me. I will get there!

I have almost 100 record albums with which I want to part. I called the store last week - yes! There is a brick & mortar store that sells vinyl a few towns over. They are coming this week to look at what I have. I do not expect a lot, but perhaps it will be enough to buy some books!

I am enjoying finally being able to paint. Albeit house plaques and yard statues! I realize the "Dutch" boy and girl statues are a bit cliche, but they really are so darn cute! Mine are desperately in need of restoration. When I am done I hope they look as happy as they do here.

I will post before and after pictures. Mine were originally red - what remained of the paint - and I prefer it over the blue. I am restoring them in their original colors (what is left of them!).

I am on "cat duty" for a few days. My brother is taking a much-needed vacation with some friends.I am taking care of his (spoiled) cat, Samantha. Sammi for short. Did I mention she was spoiled?? I have 3, and by most kitty's standards they are pretty spoiled. I indulge in their toys, and they get fed on their schedule twice a day. Phoebe lets me know when she's hungry and "it's time"!

Sammi is spoiled to a whole 'nother level. My brother buys only the best cat food for her - but her tastes are fickle and do change. Not only the fancy canned twice a day, he also leaves a dish out with dry food at all times.

Not just any dry food. The Supermarket kind will not do! It is the fancy kind. The kind you have to go to a pet store in another town to purchase! Good grief! It makes me glad my kittles eat pretty much anything I put down in front of them :)

With that, I wish everyone a happy Fourth!