Looking Forward

This screen has been sitting open on my computer for hours while I do other things and think about "looking forward".  And I am torn.  There are things that are going to happen this year as I look forward to the future, they are inevitable, and there are things I am looking forward to happening this year.  Yeah, get the difference?

So, the things that are going to happen whether I like it or not include my wonderful daughter being independent and moving out.  A natural course of events, but still makes me sad.....  talented and wonderful and beautiful.....  her, not me.  And my son getting older and growing up.  Honestly, they were babies.....just yesterday! And this means, of course, that my grey hair is not just premature grey, but I, too am getting older.

But what am I looking forward to as the the mist rises on a new year?

 Well, cooking for one.  The "business" year for me is almost over, so I have some time to read and cook.











And then, since January is pretty slow, I am will be testing new fragrances and scent blends for my soaps.   I will be testing new oils for the soaps, too.  After reading much about palm oil and the devastation of the ecosystem by palm plantations, I want to stop using palm oil in my products.

Gardening is always up there on my list of things I look forward to. Being with my sweet husband and helping him.

 Hanging out with the animals, even when they don't want to hang out with each other.

 And continuing my running.  Each time I have run a 5K, I do better.  I am more a basset hound than a grey hound, but I still enjoy it.

A pretty simple life.  Right now, making chili and listening to the owls outside the window.....looking forward to supper and being with my family.

Peace on earth would be nice, acceptance and non judgement would be, too.

But, I just do what I can in my own little world.....maybe joining the citizen protest of the dumping of wastewater in the creek over our local aquifer............  hmmmm.......














So, now let us see what our other bloggers are looking forward to:

Andes Cruz: https://andescruz.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/forward/

marie bell :: http://www.pencilfox.com/2015/12/december-blog-o-sphere-think-tank.html

Kathleen Krucoff ~ https://mysticalmythicalmetalwork.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/what-i-am-looking-forward-to/

Beth Cyr - http://www.bethcyr.com/blog/

Reflections on a trip

A call came from my brother.  I almost could not understand him.  His wife of almost 40 years had died.  All their kids would be there, and my sister from Alaska was flying in.  I made plans to finish works in progress and go to Illinois.  I promised him I would be there for the saying of the rosary  on Friday night.  So, Friday morning, I started my journey, both actual and metaphorical.  825 miles.  Seems like a lot of miles to drive, but sometimes the journey back to where I was raised is even further.

Thirteen hours from when I started, I was in Illinois, hugging my niece and nephews, my brother and sister.  Family friends.  Rosary was said and we convened to the old farmhouse to eat.  Much of our lives there were lived around meals, it seems.  Weddings and funerals, holidays and regular days, all reasons to eat good food.  

The grave was opened and closed by her children and their spouses.  From my father to his son's children, we have dug and filled graves.  And this one was no exception, although a sadder task by far.  A funeral with tears and stories, prayers and the scent of flowers.  Then the meal (again), this time made by the women of the local church.  Food for the body and soul.    

Late night drives back to the motel, across the river, my mind as blurry as the pictures I took.  Early morning breakfasts with my sister and her husband.  Not much sleep to be had, and even when I was in my bed, my mind was too busy to sleep.  Listening and talking, sharing histories, sorting memories.  Rebuilding bridges.  Hoping forgiveness was found for all my faults and hurts that I may have caused.  

Then it was time to go again, back to Texas, to my little farm house and home to my husband and children.  Foggy morning, giving way to skittering leaves with the passing vehicles and roadside hawks watching my passage.