Grateful

Hi there!

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving as much as I enjoyed mine. Mom and I stayed on the island so we could attend our dear friend's celebration of life Saturday, which was absolutely perfect. Thursday we indulged in a Friends-giving with twelve others--some we knew, some we met for the first time. The food was excellent and we laughed a lot. Can't ask for much more than that!

If you're like me, you count your blessings each day. I am grateful for so many things, I can't possibly list them all here. The issues I worry about are nothing compared to those who don't have food, shelter, their health, love, hope, or they have feared for their lives. I don't know those worries and I'm grateful.

As for book news, sales are down and that's my fault. Guess I've been focused on other matters lately. My mission is to take FISHING WITH HYENAS as far as it can go, but I've been thinking about ideas for a new project. I'm all over the map there! They say a writer should write about what they know. Well, I know a little about a lot and a lot about a little, so I'll just write about whatever the heck I want!

Yesterday I reflected on loss and change and attitude. I ended a relationship in early September and met a nice man shortly after while I was on an adventure. We didn't spend enough time together for that to turn into anything, but I was still hopeful. A few weeks after my return, my first husband lost his battle with cancer. We'd been divorced twenty-four years, yet his loss hit me harder than I would have ever imagined. What is it with me and threes?

The sudden loss of my friend this month intensified the sense of urgency I've been feeling about life. I know with certainty that I must feel joy every day, and I'm happy to say I have a ton of great things to choose from. The reflection I felt yesterday came from a place of peace. Resolve. Acceptance. I'm flying solo again and I'm okay with that. Really okay.

This feeling forced my fingers to jot down a little poem. Now, poetry is not my thing. I struggle with decoding the message a poem's author intended, but sometimes I can't control the urge to write a poem. Mine are easy to understand and they always rhyme. I can't help it. I have not decided what to name this little ditty, but I thought I'd share it with you anyway.

I have so much love to give

With love comes hope

Excitement

Desire

With each day in a new romance

I’m one day closer

To when it expires

Why does someone always leave?

Why does it have to end?

I’ve been lucky to find love

More than once

Even though my true love

Took his last breath

When I was still so young

As I search for another life partner

I know I will never be alone

For his love burns bright inside me

And I know I am always home

Yep--it's all about having a positive attitude! Wishing you a day filled with joy, laughter, and goodness.

Cheers,

~ T