Surprise Email

As part of this writing community for 5 years now, it's amazing how connected you become with people you may never meet!  Reading their stories, as well as sharing parts of yourself creates this special kind of "bond".  So imagine my surprise when I received an email from Judy from "my reading blog," also the mom of Michelle from "literacy zone" telling me she was stopping through New Mexico for a day and would I like to finally meet!  I was really excited to finally meet Judy because I was so fortunate enough to work with Michelle for quite a few years before retiring.  It was Michelle after all, who brought her mom and I into this wonderful community of writers. We set the day to meet for dinner in Old Town Albuquerque.  Our dinner almost didn't happen however, because I transposed a number when giving Judy my cell number!  But all worked out and not only did I get to meet Judy, but also her charming husband as well!  It was a lovely evening, with lively conversation.  It was a little like having Michelle here . . . I do miss her ;-)  When I texted Michelle that we had set the day to meet, I told her we would send a selfie!  Such a treat meeting these two very special people!

Our "selfie" toasting Michelle!

Flint

Today I was going to share a great recipe I found using spaghetti squash, but I just couldn't get out of my head the travesty that is happening in Flint Michigan.  It makes me so angry to see that something of this magnitude can and has happened in this country.  The lax attitude from the governor of that state in the mist of this crisis is beyond imaginable!  My heart goes out to all the people of Flint, and especially to the parents worrying for their children's lives and what the long term affects may be.  I just hope the people of Flint get the financial help that is needed but even then, who knows the damage that has already occurred.  Clean water,  . . . something we take for granted!  Makes me wonder . . . what the heck do elected officials think!?!

Words That Touch Me!

If you are like me, and are always trying to get in better shape with a good exercise program and healthy eating, the quote below may just get your attention!  I read this and it really hit home!  I felt a connection with these words . . . as well as to my word of the year . . . HARMONY!  That peaceful balance between me, myself and I ;-) . . .

I discovered if I only love and accept myself when I'm
 in great shape,
Then I'm really not loving myself

It's a New Year

#sol16

The start of a new year . . . a time to reflect . . . time to look forward! However, No New Year Resolutions for me . . .why set myself up for failure, right?! I'd rather set my intentions on things that will bring peace and harmony into my life.  So my word this year will be harmony . . .  Here is my short list . . .
Last year . . .
*We really settled in and New Mexico really feels like home.  We made new friends, but will always miss the old ones . . .
Last year . . .
*Marked by 5th anniversary of being cancer free!
Last year . . .
*We discovered and shared so many wonderful places we are/were lucky enough to enjoy with family and friends.
Last year . . .
*I had time to read more books than I have in years!

This year . . .
*I will continue to get my body healthier now that I'm "drug free" from cancer meds
This year . . .
*I want to expand on my yoga practice.
This year . . .
*I want to help and be there for others when needed . . . and just continue to be the best person that I can!

Happy Healthy New Year Everybody!

A "Holiday" Feel Good Story

It's been a few weeks since I've been writing and sharing . . . where does the time go?!?  Now just a few days before Christmas and I have a delightful "spirit of the season" story to share!
A friend and I were going to go to lunch and were unsure of the location of the place.  It came upon us so fast that we missed the turn into the parking lot.  I quickly looked up and told my friend to make a quick left at the corner and come back around to get into the parking lot. Unfortunately neither of us so the "no left turn" sign and very quickly a policeman that was directing traffic waved at us to pull over.  I of course felt terrible because it was me who told her to turn left!  The police officer went through all the usual items when one is pulled over, and told us he didn't have the ticket book to write the ticket so we would have to meet him at the police station in about 1 1/2 hours.  We pulled into the lot for a quick lunch which of course neither of us could enjoy.  My friend was most upset because she had not had a ticket in 40 years!  I decided that I would go out to the officer and plead her case when I looked up and saw the officer.  I waved him over to talk . . . plead her case when he handed my friend her license back.  He told us that he checked her record and saw that she had an excellent driving record and would give her a pass.  The two of us were so grateful we almost jumped up and kissed him!  After he left we decided would buy he and his partner and gift card to the restaurant so they could enjoy lunch on us!  We waved the office over to us once outside and tried to give him the gift cards.  He told us that he could not except the "gift" but to pay it forward to someone in need!  We decided to give it to my friend who works for Catholic Charities . . . he would be able to give the gift cards to a family in need.  Such a nice ending to a not so nice lunch date!
Merry Christmas . . . Happy Holidays Everybody!