There was a gorgeous sunrise this morning with snow all around. I heard the plows out early in the community and was able to go for my normal walk with Lady. I did post some pics on FB of the beautiful morning. It's almost all gone now as it warmed up this afternoon with lots of sun.
On 1 February 2016, I arrived in Plymouth for what I thought was my bi-monthly visit with my parents. Well, as many of you know I never left. I can't believe I've been here one year. I never thought I would be here indefinitely, but it is exactly where I need to be. My life has evolved from a single woman with technically no one else to worry about and changed into a full time caregiver with mama bear tendencies that come out in force sometimes. I always joke that there were reasons I never married or had children and some days when I'm dealing with papa those selfish reasons come to mind and I want to run away and hide. I have found when I am tired that my feelings are on overdrive and I am easily hurt. I think I have shed more tears in the past year than I have in the past twenty years.
I won't lie, I do miss my simple life of running two businesses and working two part time jobs. I miss my daily workouts and the people that I exercised with. I miss the Bunco Babes and our fun night out. I miss my favorite mexican restaurant and the opportunity to try the many new restaurants that have opened. I miss the opportunity to come and go as I please. Most of all I miss my BFF and other wonderful friends. Some days I'm not sure if I'm coming or going, but I manage to make it through.
At the same time, I try to remember to count my blessings. I learn something new every day whether it's about myself or others. I created awesome memories and stories with papa and mema and will continue to do so. I have met some wonderful, caring people. I have spent more time with my sister and her family. I have created some awesome meals. I have mentored and coached (pro bono) a few people. I continue to read when I can and completely embraced coffee. I walk with Lady four or five times a day at a good pace and enjoy the quiet time together. I worked really hard at maintaining a positive attitude as it truly changes how my thought process works. I tried to maintain some form of contact with friends - thank goodness for FB. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such supportive friends, even if they are hundreds of miles away.
I do find the irony in that February 1982, I moved to Virginia. Thirty five years ago I left home to start a life as an adult and a rewarding career. So perhaps February is a big change month for me. I know lots of people don't like the month of February because of the winter doldrums, but perhaps looking at it as a month of change might be better.
On a completely random subject (meant to write about this sooner) - did you know that each month full moon has a different name? I don't know why I never knew this before, but I was reading a calendar and noticed it. Any way, I found it interesting so thought I would pass it along.
12 January - Wolf Moon; 10 February - Snow Moon;
12 March - Worm Moon; 11 April - Pink Moon;
10 May - Flower Moon; 9 June - Strawberry Moon;
9 July - Buck Moon; 7 August - Sturgeon Moon;
6 September - Harvest Moon; 5 October - Hunter's Moon;
4 November - Beaver Moon; 3 December - Cold Moon
I do have to say with all the negativity and cruelty circulating, I find myself limiting what I read on FB as I just would rather focus on happier news stories. I have stopped following a few people and groups as although I value different opinions, I don't appreciate bullying.
I am going to leave it here for tonight. I hope you have a good rest of the week. Thanks for being on this journey with me. Take care. Marie
"Life is a journey and it's about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are and loving who and what you are." Kelly McGillis