Tag Archives: Friends

Navigating October: A Month of Mixed Emotions, Love, Loss, Change & Growth

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A man and woman share a joyful moment on a boat, both wearing sun hats and sunglasses, with the ocean in the background.

Today, October 17th, the day after my birthday, marks the day Jim, my husband, died of metastatic cancer. Fourteen years seems like such a long time ago, yet some days it continues to feel like yesterday.

Since his death, October, is an odd month for me. Jim entered the hospital the day before his birthday and died the day after mine. One week can make such a difference.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2010, I joined the ranks of breast cancer survivors. When I was first diagnosed, I was angry, really angry that something like this could interrupt my life. I successfully navigated the process and came out the other side. To this day, I don’t like pink. I know that there are so many organizations that research and let all of us know so much more about Breast Cancer. It make it more treatable. I still don’t like being reminded that I am a survivor, and I still don’t like pink and everything Pink October. I have moved on.

In 2019, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. I returned to the medical system, and once again the treatment was successful. I am once again cancer-free.

A colorful quilt illustration featuring a woman in a patterned dress with vibrant stripes, standing in front of a stylized sun and rolling landscape.

So, here I am, a tapestry of human experience, like the rest of us. Over the years, my life has become easier; I accept more than I used to, and I am learning to release things more gracefully. I embrace change more easily. And…I continue to grow and change.

With Jim’s death, my life profoundly changed. Within two years, I sold the house, moved into a small RV, and began to roam. My life has always seemed to be dictated by change and growth. Sometimes the change has been positive and lovingly accepted, and other times I arrive kicking and screaming. Change still happens.

Two people standing in a snowy landscape with pine trees in the background on a clear day.

In year 14 of the loss of Jim, I remember him every day. Today I lovingly remember him and hold those memories close. We traveled, slept in the tops of trees, snorkeled with seals and sea lions, hiked to the heights, kayaked different waterways, biked at least once a week, and so much more. Mostly, I remember the everyday moments he and I shared. We were truly partners and best friends. The best of all worlds.

And still, Change Happens. It happens whether I like it or not. It happens whether expected or unexpected. I don’t always know what form or effect it will have on my life. With my arms as wide open as possible, I will continue to attempt to embrace change in my life. Some days it will be baby steps and other days giant ones.

Two people seated on rocks at a scenic viewpoint, wearing sunglasses and casual clothing, with a mountainous landscape in the background.

I will always carry Jim forward with me as I move through my life. My 22 years with him have molded me and changed me and made me more of everything. I am forever grateful for my time with him. I will continue to miss him and embrace the time we shared together.

Today I am thankful for Jim. Today I am thankful for Growth and change.

Today Here I Am.

The Life & Adventures of Woody the Cat: A Feline’s Tail

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A curious gray cat partially hidden behind a glass, staring intently at the camera.

Hi, I am Woody the Cat. I have gotten used to telling my on going story on Janet’s Blog. I am not sure what that is but she says people like to read about me. Well of course they do. I am the Cat.

A long time ago my friend, Mandy and the dog, Rocky left the house. I have no idea where they went. Janet says they will be back. My concept of time is rather limited. It feels like forever since they left.

Janet has been here before. Janet comes, Mandy leaves. Mandy comes back. Janet leaves. It seems like the natural order of things. Sometimes Janet is “coming through” the area and stays for a few days. Before I know it, she is gone again. Where does everyone keep going?

I am an older kitty now. My health is good, well, except for my kidneys. I am on special food now and special treats. Yum! I love treats. Yum! Do you like treats too?

A gray cat with green eyes sitting on a wooden table in a modern kitchen, featuring wooden cabinets, bookshelves, and a spacious layout.

Have you ever heard of fleas? I am not real fond of them. They make me itch and scratch and lick, a lot. I don’t know where they come from but they showed up at my house just before Mandy left. Janet and I have been trying to get on top if this infestation. Mostly Janet is on top of it. I get treated.

The day after Janet found fleas, she spent a day cleaning the house. She took blankets, bedding and everything else she could find, and put them in the washer. The bigger things required a trip to the laundromat. Then the wicked vacuum cleaner came out.

I do like the comb. It feels so good to have my body scritched. It is one of the joys of my life, having someone pet me and love me.

Close-up of a grey cat with green eyes sitting in a living room with wooden cabinets in the background.

I now wear this thing around my neck, called a collar. I have never had one of these before. I am glad that it is gray. It goes so much better with my gray fur. Janet combs my fur at least once a day with this itty bitty comb. She says she is keeping me super clean. I don’t know why she doesn’t just lick me. That is how I clean myself.

At night I curl up next to Janet on the bed. I love being close to a human. I love to be loved and have attention showered upon me. I can never get enough.

I may be older, and I may have lost a little weight, but I still have the best tail, and it is still my grandest feature. Everyone could recognize me by my proud, stand-up tail. It suits me—a proud and stand-up kitty.

I am Woody the Cat.

A gray cat standing on wooden flooring, looking back over its shoulder in a kitchen setting.
An Earlier Picture of My Tail

How Grief Transforms into Gratitude: A Dancer’s Journey

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I am a non-dancing Scottish Country Dancer. I gave up dancing in 2020 due to a heel issue, Haglund’s Deformity. After struggling with it for five years, I gave in and had surgery on the heel this past January.

There will always be a part of me that continues to have the heart of a Scottish Country Dancer. I maintain my membership to the San Diego and the International Branch in Scotland. I have helped out at events. This weekend I went to the San Diego Highland Games to support the local Scottish group, to have fun, and help out at the booth.

The Highland Games are traditional Scottish sporting and cultural festivals that feature heavy athletics, piping, drumming, and Highland dancing. Originating centuries ago in the Scottish Highlands, they serve as a vibrant celebration of Celtic identity and are now held globally

I enjoyed being at the booth, speaking with people who came up to ask questions. Once in a while, a face from the past showed up. Sometimes I remembered them, and sometimes I didn’t, yet it is always fun to greet people, reconnect, and hear their stories. One man told us that he Scottish danced years ago until a heavyset dancer stepped on his foot and broke it. Ouch! (Trust me, that is a rare event)

Yesterday, two men, a father and son, showed up at our booth from the Santa Rosa Branch of the RSCDS. Santa Rosa is north of San Francisco. Ethan was competing in the solo Bag Piping event.

Look at that Blue Kilt

In 2013, I wrote a post about Jim’s kilt, a Modern Morgan plaid. I gifted it to an organization created by a good friend, Ron Wallace. Ron is a gifted dancer, musician, and teacher. This organization was created as a non-profit to help young Scottish musicians and dancers be able to outfit themselves. Instruments cost money. Kilts cost money. Often it takes time for young musicians and dancers to outfit themselves. Jim’s kilt is still helping these young men to perform in the correct attire until they can afford their own.

Here is a link to the 2014 post: Traveling, Dancing & More

Today at the Highland Games, I met the “Baily Boys” a father and son, Bill and Ethan, who dance in Ron’s class in Santa Rosa, California. The son is also a piper, learning his art from Ron among other teachers.

Ron

I have not been in touch with Ron for quite some time. I took the time to ask the Baily Boys for an update on Ron’s phone number and e-mail. This is when I found out that Ethan had worn Jim’s kilt as he was beginning to perform.

Here is what I feel is odd. Jim has been gone for over thirteen years. My life has certainly taken on a new direction. Knowing that Ethan had worn Jim’s kilt brought me to tears, and my heart felt full. It was such a touching moment to learn that Jim’s kilt, like his memory, are living on.

I was surprised that knowing this one fact opened my heart. It felt like I was seeing Jim and this kilt and all those who might have used it since his death. My heart flooded open, and I felt so grateful to know that this nice young man had benefited from a kilt that I gave to this organization. It was an honor to meet him, to know he had shared a little piece of Jim and then shared it with me.

For a moment, it made me wish I could go back in time and stand next to Jim once again as we went to our next ball. Sigh. I wonder if this will ever go away. i wonder if I want it to.

Grief is such an odd thing. It seems to take so many shapes and forms. Sometimes it involves the feeling of loss. Sometimes I see that time in my life as if it was a moment so long ago and yet still so close. And, sometimes, like today, it fills me with so many emotions all at once. Love, remembrance, sadness, tears, longing, joy, a very full heart, being in the moment, and everything else in between.

And, you know, I am glad I can feel all these things. I am glad I can be brought into the moment, where the past and future and even the present seem to fade away. And for that one moment I can truly experience being here now, being in this one moment. I can once again understand and know at a core level what I had with Jim and feel grateful that I had this experience for twenty-one amazing years.

Thank you to Ethan who helped bring this moment forward. Thanks to a Modern Morgan plaid kilt that keeps on giving to me and others. There is magic in that material. Thanks to Ron who helped that kilt find a good home. And…thank you to Jim who keeps on giving my heart a tug, over time. I love him still.

Today I am thankful. I am thankful for a full heartfelt moment. I am thankful for memories that make my heart and spirit so full.

Today I am so……Thankful.

Latest Best Day Ever

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In 1903 the California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, became the official state flower of California. The California poppy is commonly seen blooming in the spring and summer. It flowers along country roads and freeways throughout much of the state. This makes the plant a highly recognizable symbol of California. April 6 of each year is officially designated as California Poppy Day.

I have been asked many questions since I began my full time RV Lifestyle. Where is your favorite place? Are you going back to….? When will you choose where to live? What has been your best day ever.

There are many Best Days Ever. They can big days or little days, big events or little events. Best days ever make my heart sing no matter the size or event.

Last week I had my Latest Best Day Ever. A good friend of mine, Phyllis, and I decided to take a road trip. We drove four hours north to see the poppy fields in bloom at the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve. We drove into the Poppy Preserve in the mid-afternoon on Wednesday.

As I was still in a boot, (post heel surgery) walking and hiking was limited. We walked out on a paved trail. It allowed us to see over the Antelope Valley and enjoy all those beautiful orange flowers. But wait…there were many other flowers as well that helped those California Poppies pop even more.

What flowers grow among the California Poppies?

  • Goldfields: Yellow flowers that often carpet the fields alongside the poppies.
  • Owl Clover: Purplish-pink flowers.
  • Creme Cups: White, cup-shaped flowers.
  • Lupine: Ranging from dwarf to taller purple spikes.
  • Lacy Phacelia: Purple-blue flowers.
  • Coreopsis: Yellow sunflowers.
  • Red Stem Filaree: Small pink-purple flowers.

After spending the night in Lancaster, California we went back to the poppy fields the next morning. We never made it to the reserve. We discovered good dirt roads surrounded with poppy fields and many other kinds of flowers. We never resist a challenge. So, we took Phyllis’s Prius onto the dirt roads. We immersed ourselves in the flowers of the Antelope Valley.

I am a photographer so how could this post not include a video of my most current Best Day Ever. It is 7 minutes long. There is a slight pause between the first and second piece of music. Don’t leave too soon. And you can click on any photo in the blog and it will enlarge the photo. You can get more eye candy that way. Enjoy the Slideshow.

As most know I am a traveler and wanderer. I look for places outside. I look for wildlife to keep my camera busy. I have been stationary for almost six weeks. I have been getting itchy to move. I knew going into this heel surgery that the healing process is long. And I have been good giving myself the time to heal. I know that getting out was good for this wandering woman

I love nature. It always has the ability to surprise me. I knew I would see poppies. I did not realize how absolutely charmed and enthralled I would be among the fields of blossoms. It was so wonderful to spend the day looking at flowers and a few birds. It was breathtakingly beautiful. It made me so happy. It made me decide that this was one of my Latest Best Day Ever.

And a big shout out to Phyllis. It is always so wonderful to have a friend who is willing to go along on a last minute adventure.

Today I am thankful for the big wide open outdoors. There is always something new to find and explore and be in awe over.

Today I am thankful.


Learning to Navigate My World One Foot at a Time

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One week ago I had surgery on my left heel. I am non-weight bearing for three more weeks. I have a good friends and a knee scooter to aid me in moving around on one leg.

I am learning that as I age events like surgery, are more difficult than when I was younger. What the heck, my good leg is complaining about the increased usage. My right hip is asking me what is going on. And my right foot is developing plantar fasciitis. Arrrgh!!!

Then my shoulders speak up and complain that they are sore. I am trying to use good body mechanics. It is not always easy to do when I are temporarily minus a leg.

What are the good parts of this healing journey?

  • I am staying with a friend, Drew in his beautiful home on a canyon. It is a very healing environment. It has a pool in the backyard and a gazebo that overlooks a canyon.
  • I have met some of the local Song Sparrows. Yes, those Birdy Boys keep showing up. I have also seen Crows, hawks, and Humming Birds
  • Drew has been kind giving me access to his home. When he is home he cooks for me. Usually we enjoy a meal a day together. Boy that is something I am not used to.
  • I have discovered more about my Health Care Plan. Did you know that Kaiser offers free ride service to doctors appointments? Well I sure did not know that. I do now.
  • My sisters have been good about calling and checking in. It helps me not feel too alone.
  • I am being forced to sit still. Something else I am not used to.
  • I love my audio-books from the library. I can sit in the back of the house and enjoy the beauty of nature and listen to great stories.
  • And…there are birds in the canyon. I now move around the house with my binoculars and camera. Yesterday I saw a hawk with a giant snake it it’s talons.
  • It is OK to take a nap.
  • When my friend, Phyllis drives me to my appointments I take her out to lunch. We are finding some unique places to eat. Today they even sat us in the private dining room as there was limited access to the restaurant. We were treated royally.
  • During this Healing Holiday i am planning a trip to Turkey and Croatia. It is good to have dreams.

Next Monday I have my first follow-up with my surgeon. The leg will be unwrapped and hopefully I will progress to a boot. Still no weight bearing for 2 more weeks. Sigh. January and February are going by slooooowwwwwly.

As a whole everything is going well. I have not sat this still in a long time. It is good to know it is doable. I am learning how to entertain myself in a whole new way.

Today I am thankful for my Healing World. I have quite the support team, friends, doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturist, myofascial release therapists.

Today I am Thankful.

Finding Care Options After Foot Surgery

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Thursday, today I am having surgery on my left foot. I have a condition called Haglund’s Deformity. It showed up in 2020 although I am sure that it was there for a long time before that. It involves a bone spur at the insertion point of the Achilles tendon.

In March of 2020 I stopped Scottish dancing. Sigh. My heels were swollen and sore to walk on. It was the first time in almost fifty years that I have not danced. I have not danced since. Sigh.

I tried several healing modalities. Chiropractics, Myofascial Release, ART, Massage Therapy and more. I had a hand held ultrasound machine that helped the most. All these techniques gave me temporary relief. The spur on my left Achilles tendon and the tendon itself are getting worse. I have grown weary of the pain and so I gave up and am having surgery.

What do I have to anticipate? A full month of no weight bearing. Physical therapy starts a month later and then I slowly progress back to walking and hopefully less and less pain.

What I really wanted to share with you is the process of figuring out how to make this happen. My RV is too small for a long recovery. My birth family lives in Ohio and New Jersey. They are too far away to rely on. What does a solo person in this world do when a situation like this presents itself. Where is Jim when I need him? Sigh.

In the fall of 2025 I began to look at living options.

  • VRBO and other vacation rentals were expensive. I would still be on my own. What if I needed support?
  • I researched Furnished Finder. Again I would be alone without assistance if I needed it.
  • The third choice I explored was respite care in Continuing Care Facilities. I interviewed and toured three of them. The first one would have been great. However, they had nowhere to park an oversized vehicle. The second interview was at a facility that focused on memory care. It was expensive and did not feel right for what I needed. The third facility was perfect. I would have had my own room. Meals would have been covered along with any activities I wanted to participate in. I would have chosen this except a fourth presented itself.
  • And the final and winning choice…After my week exploring the Continuing Care places I had lunch with Drew. Drew is the husband of a good friend of mine. Therese died almost four years ago. When I am in town I have a meal with Drew to catch up. When I told him of my week of exploring facilities he said; “Why don’t you stay here?” A woman from his church stayed while she was recovering from foot surgery. Other people have stay at this lovely home on a canyon in San Diego. I have house sat for them while they traveled. I decided on this option. He said that if Therese were still here, they would also be inviting me to stay.

Tonight I am settled into my home for the next few months. I have my own bed and bath. I have company. Drew even wants to cook for me. My friends are ready to help out if needed. And…I am not alone.

it is interesting to sort through this whole phase of my life. I like most people that are in relationships figure we will have the other to help us out. If only that were true. As I age I will be faced with this dilemma again. So many of us are young minds in aging bodies. I saw my father go through this. He often couldn’t figure out why he couldn’t walk as far, be as active as he once was. It is hard to create a scenario where our body and mind are at the same age.

This event in my life helps me to understand why people choose to move into 55 and up communities. Some opt for Continuing Care facilities. Others consider a Co-housing situation. When you move into this scenario there is someone to help out. There is someone who will knock on the door and make sure you are OK. Meals will arrive on schedule. You are not alone. It will be interesting to see when I will truly start to look at alternative living situations.

I am a bit anxious but doing OK. Last year it was Hawaii this year surgery. What a difference a year makes. Wish me the best and….

Today I am thankful.

I am thankful for my feet that have carried me this far. I am thankful for a good surgeon so my feet can carry me further. And I am so thankful for Drew who opened his door to this wandering woman.

Exploring the Hidden Gems of California’s Central Coast

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A woman who I worked with posts photos on Facebook. She occasionally asks readers to guess where her office is that day. Maybe I should do something similar and ask my followers where I am today.

A little over a week ago I left San Diego and drove north. I camped along the way. I enjoyed a night at Lake Cachuma, near Santa Barbara. My husband, Jim, liked to say God Bless You any time I said the lake’s name.

After spending the afternoon and evening I continued north to Pismo Beach. This is such a lovely little town on the Pacific Coast. Pismo Beach is a classic beach town and is located about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is known for its wide white sand beaches, the boardwalk, a monarch butterfly grove and cinnamon rolls.

I set up camp at the State Beach. Then, I walked out to the ocean to watch the birds, people, and sunset. I like this little town. It is often on my radar when I am moving north or south along the Pacific Coast.

For the next month I am in Salinas, California. I know you have met Woody the cat in earlier blogs. I am house sitting for him and his companion, Rocky the dog. I am getting my animal fix. I will be here for the next month while their owner travels “Down Under.”

Woody
Rocky

I always look forward to coming here. Why? The Elkhorn Slough is about 20 minutes from the house. My kayak is excited to put in to one of my favorite places. Migration season is here and that means I will see all kinds of shore birds, ducks, pelicans and more. Sea Otters are plentiful. I adore those creatures that look so gentle but can be quite aggressive. And who knows what else will show up on my explorations of the slough.

Monterey and Carmel are close to Salinas as well. There are great cycling trails. I can bike from Monterey to Pacific Grove and beyond. There is the 17-Mile Drive to explore too. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are also near by. I like taking advantage of what is close by when I stay somewhere.

I have one friend coming to visit. I am not sure if she is coming to visit me. She might be visiting because she also wants to get out on the Slough. It will be good to have someone to paddle with and share Wow experiences.

Otter in the Elkhorn Slough

If you can time it right, you are more than welcome to visit. I know my friends Pat and Sandy have been here to kayak the Slough with me and they are always welcome to return for another visit.

After a month in Monterey County I will be heading south once again to have another type of adventure. Stay Tuned.

Today I am thankful for so many things. I am so thankful that I discovered the RV lifestyle. Buying an RV opened up a whole new world to me. I am so thankful for all the friends I have made. I am thankful that these friends trust me with their homes and their animals. I am thankful that they want to come and visit and explore with me wherever I am.

Today I am Thankful.

Kauai and Oahu: A Traveler’s Paradise

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It is incredible how quickly a month can go by. I left Oahu for Kauai on February 1. Where did the time go?

I have seen big waves and surfers. Beach walking was a favorite activity for me. I frequently walked to the beach and then the half mile to Banzai Pipeline. It is interesting to think that it is smooth and glassy where the swells are now during the summer months. What? How can that be?

I really enjoyed my month on Oahu. I had a lovely apartment to stay in. I liked sitting on the porch and feeling the warm Hawaiian trade winds blow through. The rains went from soft, gentle female rains to raging, windy, male downpours. I saw the results of the flooding of the falls of the Waimea River that tore through the sandy beach, creating small, perfect swells that the surfers enjoyed.

And then there were the perfect sunny, blue-sky days with the soft Hawaiian trade winds keeping the temperatures cool. It was as close to perfect as was possible.

I have snorkeled, hiked, and even taken a boat tour to swim with dolphins. And oh, has that camera been busy.

The waves were twenty to twenty-five feet high the first weekend I was on Oahu. Only the bravest of surfers will tackle these waves. By the time the surfer reaches the foot of the wave face, they may be going upwards of 35 mph. Whoa! It is hard to imagine going that fast on a small board. How do you keep your balance? How do you breathe? How does it feel to have that body of water racing behind you? What happens when the wave wins? I will never know. Yet I will seek those waves out because they fascinate me.

Backdoor Shootout Surf Competition

I arrived as the Backdoor Shootout Surf competition was going on. I left the North Shore as the Lexus Pipe-Pro championships were beginning. I enjoyed the spectator part of this sport. I had no idea many people like me enjoyed watching the surfers and cheering them on.

Spending a month in one place has allowed me to relax my pace and not feel like I have to do everything all at once. If it was a rainy day, I could stay home. If I got tired, I could nap. Well, heck, I can do that any time, but I don’t when I am out traveling in Emmylou. I am a girl on the go.

Walking the Beach to the Point, Oahu.

My friend Tina joined me at the end of my time on Oahu. After a month on my own, it was good to have company. Since I had spent a month there, I got to show her some of my favorite spots and explore other places she knew of. I still believe that adventuring on my own is fun. Adventuring with someone else is even better.

Kauai the Magic Isle

Tina continued on to Kauai with me. After five days she left yesterday, and my friend Mary arrives late today. I still have a friend to adventure with and explore. In the meantime, I am snorkeling, enjoying sunsets, and relaxing on the beaches of Kauai. This is a magical isle.

Sometimes the choices I make are OK. Sometimes the choices I make are listed under “The Best Things I Ever Did”. Traveling for a winter to Hawaii is in the later catagory. And I am not even done yet. I still have the Big Island to explore.

Adventure On.

Hawaii Adventure: My Exciting Travel Plans

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I have hinted at big plans a few times in my past posts. I hesitated to mention them because so many of my plans this past year have changed, and I decided to wait and see if these plans would change, too.

I am Hawaii Bound.

I love big waves, and I love to watch surfers on big waves. I just love big waves. I decided to see big waves before they were too physically demanding for me to get to.

Hawaii, Here I Come.

So far, my plans have remained steady. Now that January 2nd is approaching quickly, I decided to finally inform my readers of my plans.

I leave on January 2 to spend a month on the north shore of Oahu. I will be within a short distance of the beaches and big waves. And if you are wondering what I will do, I will watch big waves and take photos of them. There is also a nature reserve near where I am staying, so birdwatching will also be on the list. I plan to explore this island as I have spent little time here.

A friend, Tina, will join me at the end of January. After a few days on Oahu, on February 1 we will travel to Kauai. Kauia has always been a charming and adventurous island. I love the vibes of this island and always feel welcomed when I spend time exploring there. I will be there for two weeks. Tina will be there for the first week. When she leaves, another friend of mine, Zee, will join me for the rest of my stay on Kauai.

And lastly we will explore the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Zee will be with me for most of this visit. There is always so much to see and do on this island. Snorkeling, hiking, and visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has been erupting again recently. I have chosen some interesting and unique places to stay on this island and I am looking forward to each one.

I enjoy traveling alone but having friends join me makes this adventure even more enjoyable. The last few days of my trip I will visit with a good friend who lives in Kona and then all of a sudden it will be March and I will be heading to the mainland. Where did the time go?

Hawaii
Kauai

I don’t like to make plans, and it is hard for me to do so. This trip required a lot of planning. It was a bit overwhelming when I started putting it together, but once I made my housing reservations, each piece of the trip slipped into place. Yet, oh my goodness, it was a lot of work for a non-planner. It was stressful and caused me to lose some sleep. I am ready to go. Well, almost, I am packing.

On the last day of December, EmmyLou goes into storage for two months. This will be the longest I will have left her since 2019. She is getting spiffed up and ready to go indoors. Once a month, she will be plugged in for 24 hours, and her generator will run for an hour. I know I am paying for this service, but she will be ready for me when I return. And….if I give them 24 hours’ notice, they will wash and detail her before I pick her up. What more could I ask for?

I am off on a new adventure. I am excited, nervous and a wee bit apprehensive. The bottom line is, I am going. Once the rig goes into storage I can breathe another sigh of relief. And after two nights with good friends in San Diego celebrating the New Year, I will be on my way.

Aloha!

Finding Joy in Small Successes

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There are moments in my life when I take great pride in my accomplishments and moments when I find joy in this continuing journey. I like feeling proud and accomplished for a job well done. It is good to stretch my knowledge and experience and know I can do more and be more. Feeling accomplished leads to feeling joyful. I attempt to look for those moments, large or small, that offer me the feeling of joy.

I have had a slow leak in the rear tire of my road bike. To deal with it, I pumped it up at the beginning of a ride and hoped it would still be OK after fifteen miles. I have been doing this for a while, and it has worked. Two days ago, I was out riding the Bay, and the tire was too soft after ten miles. Finally, I had to address this situation.

My Bike Feeling Picturesque

Before Jim died, I would have gone to him, and he would fix anything with my bike or car. If I had a flat while cycling, all it took was one phone call, and Jim would arrive to rescue me. Now, I have to think about calling Lyft or fixing that tire on the fly. That sounds easy, but changing a tire, especially a rear one, requires time, patience, and muscle.

Yesterday, I decided to change the tube on that tire. I did not have all the necessary tools; where did that bike tool set go? With the help of one tire tool and a few kitchen tools (the mother of invention), I successfully changed the inner tube and was up for a 15-mile ride around the bay.

Pride, oh yes, I feel proud. Whenever I tackle something independently and succeed, I feel proud of myself. I also know that the correct tools will be present next time, making it easier for me to accomplish this task. This is good pride. This is joy.

Joy has been on my mind often lately. I have been considering what gives me joy every day. What are the little things that make me smile each day? Yesterday, successfully changing that tire was a moment of joy at a well-done task. Pride and Joy.

Yesterday, I was at Starbucks, and one of the baristas came by to give me a free sample of Christmas coffee and bread. It made me smile and feel special. Joy at work.

What has brought me joy as I traveled over the past spring and summer? Friends, oh yes, Friends. My life would be so lonely without the love and support of new and long-time friends. I met people on Vancouver Island this summer who have invited me back to visit and live with them. How cool is that? I have people who have embraced me and made me feel treasured and valued. They have invited me into their homes and driveways, making me feel unique and loved. That is definitely Joy.

Unlimited joy, large and small, has come in the form of a little brown bird, Birdie Boy. When I think of my time in the Northwest, I immediately think of Whidbey Island, Jim and Sandy, Robyn and Tom. They think I am wonderful, and the feeling is mutual.

Mostly, I think of Birdie Boy.

How can a little brown song sparrow infuse me with such joy? How can Birdie Boy still remember me two years later? How can he express such joy at seeing me again? He leads his own life, yet I show up, and his and my world stop. We met on the deck in the spring of this year. He sat atop my computer screen and chitted at me non-stop. We had a lot to catch up on. My heart expands with great and small joy when I think of all my encounters with him. Who knew this little brown bird would be so crucial in my healing from the loss of Jim twelve years ago

I love my camera. I love being out in the wild, taking photos of birds, animals, and just about anything. Nature always cheers me up. My photos can bring me such joy. I love looking through my pictures and picking out my favorite of the day.

Socks…New socks! A few days ago I bought 3 pair of new socks. I love putting them on. I love their colors. Their softness is delightful. New soft cushy socks equals joy.

I must note those moments of accomplishment and joy in my life. When things look a little dark or sad, I find that if I can recall one moment of pleasure in the day I am in or from the past, my mood lightens, and things don’t look as bad. Finding joy, no matter how small, reminds me of life’s magic. It helps me take another step forward and often reminds me that I am not alone.

What are your small or significant moments of joy?

What have you accomplished that has made you feel joyful and proud? Please share in the comments. I would enjoy seeing them in print.

Today, I am Thankful. I am grateful for my friends. I am thankful for the little and big moments of success in a job well done. I am thankful for any wee moments of joy in my life.

Today, I am Thankful.