Reflections ....

Last week, as we took a cruise with the top down to cool off from the day’s mugginess, I seemed to be more aware of my surroundings and very in-tuned to my feelings and emotions.

As we drove past each little “community of residences” within our Village, I couldn’t help but think about the changes that have occurred over the past ten years; the people who no longer live there ... or, in some cases, the people who are no longer living.

For some reason on this particular evening my psyche seemed to stop. All of the memories of these people came crashing in around me, awakening a feeling of sadness and mourning that perhaps I had left bottled up inside and not dealt with as I should. It wasn’t a tear-filled period of time, just a feeling of longing for time to turn back .....

I feel absolutely blessed; but there are times when I can’t help but wonder why I have survived when so many have passed on. It makes me think that there is something that I need to be doing; some reason that I am still here. But perhaps I am doing what is required of me at this time and it’s just not openly visible!

Enjoy your time today. Don’t waste time planning what you need to do tomorrow ... there may not be a tomorrow. If you have a desire to accomplish something in your life – no matter how large or small – make it happen. It is in you. Don’t become that empty house where no one lives.

Until next time ......
~ B-Optimistic ~

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun!!

I’ve been very slack with my blog of late, but you can look at this as a good sign. When things are going well, I have less thoughts of the cancer that has plagued my life for the past seven years. Not to brag, but I’m feeling pretty damned good!!

There has been a lot of fun and festivity in my life over the past several months. Of course with Christmas and young grandchildren, there is always much joy in the Christmas season. They do grow up too fast though and I dread the stage in their lives when they no longer believe in Santa. We love seeing the looks on their faces when they open their presents on Christmas morning. I sometimes wonder if we’ll be around to witness that same look of wonderment on the faces of our great grandchildren? Sure, why not? Be optimistic, right?? Haha

Retirement has finally arrived for my husband and it isn’t half as bad as I thought it would be having someone else around the house all day. However, it’s only been a couple of weeks … I’ll check back with you in a couple of months! But seriously, I find that I am enjoying the company. I didn’t realize how much I have been talking to myself since Rocky (my dog and right hand guy) hasn't been here to listen to me; I also hadn’t realized how lonely it was without my canine’s company until I had human company. So it really is nice to have a distraction once in awhile.

Hubby and I are both anxiously waiting for dry roads and free time to cruise “topless” whenever the urge strikes. I’m sure there will be no road untraveled! Winter here on the east coast has been amazing this year, with just enough snow for the outdoor enthusiasts, but clear roads for the travelers. I can almost smell spring in the air!

I’m still researching the art of book writing. Wow, there certainly is a lot to learn and lots to know! I think it’s time now to put what I’ve learned into practice. Wish me luck! I probably don’t know what I’m getting into ……

And on that note, it’s a gorgeous sunny day here in my hometown and perfect lighting to start a new painting. So it’s time to get moving. So much to do ... so much fun to be had!

Until next time . . . .

~ B-Optimistic ~

Ahhh ... the beauty of autumn leaves!!

Wow! I can’t believe it’s already October 1st!! Where has the summer gone??? The leaves started changing colour back in August, but look at them now!! Mother Nature at her finest! If you don't live in a region with Maple trees, then you need to move!!

Yesterday was a perfect fall day, leaving me no option but to get out and enjoy it. So my constant companion Rocky and I (my “we-think-he’s-a-whippet” dog) went for a drive; windows lowered enough so that he could stick his snout out the window and sniff, but not low enough that he could do a suicide leap.

I had no real destination in mind, but remembered that the “Maid Marion” – one of the two largest draglines in Canada – was moving (very slowly) from point A to point B. So my buddy and I found a great vantage point and snapped a few photos.

This is one of my favourites: Maid Marion, towering high above the surrounding forest, framed with a vibrancy of colour that words can't describe.

When hubby arrived home yesterday, he suggested that a drive - and dinner out - would be nice; especially since he expected to be working a bit of overtime in the next little while, doing his part in the Maid Marion move. How could I say “no” to an offer like that?? A quick call to our friends to invite them along and soon we were taking a “topless” cruise in our 1990 Miata convertible, they in their 914 Porsche.

I LOVE our little sports car and I am not looking forward to putting it away for the winter. That car has been fabulous therapy for me over the past couple of years. I “laze” in the passenger’s seat, wind all around, sun in my face; de-stressing - not thinking about cancer - and just enjoying the ride. Oh and, of course, taking photos of everything that catches my eye!!

Needless to say, yesterday was a pretty stress-free day!! Today is pretty much of the same, excepting, of course, that I've spent my morning inside working on this, my first blog!!

But now, the sun beckons, and I must head out to enjoy the weather ......

Until next time ...

~ B-Optimistic ~