Today … March 10, 2013
Greetings, lobster lovers! Draw me some butter … I’m back (once again)!
I wanted to “catch up” and throw out a thank you to all of you who have been loyal “Lobster” followers … and to say how very touched I am that you have missed these postings so much. Thanks! I am so tickled you think my blabberings worth reading!
I was in Denver last weekend (glorious!) … and had a dear friend visit Chi-town this weekend and have talked with a few of you over the past week who are near and dear but nowhere near in proximity and the same sentiment resounds … continually and constantly and loudly …
I have WONDERFUL friends.
It has been a year. And you know this, too, because you followed my year-long blog postings. You were with me and yes, it was quite a year!
I packed 647 boxes. I unpacked most of them.
I moved across country … far from Sam, friends, people I loved, familiarity.
I designed my 8th calendar and sold less than I needed to but more than I ever imagined my little publication would warrant.
I lost a dog, a very good friend and some pounds. I’ve had the pounds come back … wish it were the dog and friend, instead.
I took on a part-time job … scared to death that I wouldn’t be able to learn anything new … and yet I did. Sadly, a chimpanzee could do what I do. I should have more confidence in my abilities! This was a good lesson for me.
Mr. Oscar had a stroke a few weeks back (or so we think) and has not bounced back as we thought he might. I hate this part of having an animal in my life … and yet I am grateful for the option that lies before me. I never thought he’d be my “next one” to go forward … but it seems so. I, once again, am a crying mess over one of my beloved. These animals!
Friends. True friends.
You know me.
You laugh with me. You cry with me. You guide me. You tell me I’m being too hard on myself. You nudge me forward when I need it most. You are like Kuner beans … firm, yet tender.
Today my friend visiting said this year was going to be a good year for us both … she felt it in her bones. I told her it was just arthritis!
I hope she’s right and that I am wrong. I need a good year. (And not the tires.)
It rained last night and today … and despite the 8 inches of snow still on the ground (which is now crispy slush) … it smelled like (dare I say it?) … SPRING! I let the dogs out tonight and something within me … stirred! That glimmer of hope … that sense of anticipation as the seasons blend one into another. The winds seemed to say as they swirled around the house pushing the fog along … “It’s coming … IT’S COMING!” (And I’m pretty sure they meant Spring and not the Creature from the Black Lagoon – though from the thickness of the fog, I’m sure he was around the corner!)
I am contemplating, again … another move. I know this comes as no big shocker to most of you – knowing me, as you do.
Once, again, across country but sans the 647 boxes. I will still have too many, but not that many! I am daring to think of my life in a place that is more me. Hills, orchards, wineries, farm-to-table, markets, an artsy area, more temperate climate, lush greenery, vibrancy, energy, small town, and ever-present water (and the animals that are in it). I have had my eye on the NW for over 30 years now and almost daily I ask myself, “What am I waiting for?” I don’t know.
Permission? From whom? Myself? I don’t know. But, I’m getting closer to figuring it out. It’s time for me.
So, thank you to the friends who encourage me. Thank you to the ones that said it took courage to move here … and courage to dream and to go somewhere else. Thank you to the one, who less eloquently, said it took balls … even though I don’t have any (not even golf). Thank you to my friends who GET me … who seem to know me even better than I know myself. I listen to you. You are my voice of reason when I second guess myself. I know you have my best interest at heart. I know you love me and want my soul fulfilled and my spirit happy. So, quite simply … thank you.
I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.
And to all of you out there … the ones I was so privileged to see on my trip west and those I didn’t and haven’t in a bit … the new friends and the old ones … I love you back. Fiercely.
To all of you … I’ll keep you posted. I’m makin’ plans. The Lobster will ride (and write) again!