I just looked at my last published blog entry.
June, 2024. This blows my mind.
To be clear, I've not (nor have I ever) stopped writing. It just hasn't been here. There have been several stops and starts and plenty of ideas...but I just didn't want to put it "out there." So what have I been doing for the past year and a half?
First, I restructured my teaching schedule to give myself more time for creative projects (this blog obviously not one of them) and scaled back my tutoring to just a few students. I've yet to check in on some of the students that I felt had made significant progress to see how they've been doing with their independent English studies--whether or not they've found a new teacher and so forth. I will redress that soon. Second, I took some time for myself to hone my skills and pursue creative interests outside of writing. I'm still working on that. Third, I celebrated two birthdays...a big one (60) and a follow-up (61) that seemed a little less--how shall I put this--shocking?
After a brief living situation in Mexico thanks to my husband's then job, and having spent nine months in a country where I didn't put forth much effort to learn the language, I finally began taking Spanish lessons in earnest and have made progreso significativo considering that I no longer live where it would be most useful. The last entry on this platform kind of left the reader hanging, but with no real follow-up either from me or from any of my 24,800 once-upon-a-time readers. That being said, anyone who follows me on social media platforms could check in and see that I was doing well and this they did, and I'm grateful for that. Today, I'm once again in Atlanta...and, after seven years of calling this city home, it's beginning to feel a bit "normal." Returning in time for the 2024 election, I hadn't planned on seeing my country slowly decimated...from within. But, I digress. Politics, if I ever discuss it again, will find a place in personal conversation only. I'm genuinely sick of the rage bait and hatred displayed via what has become of social media. At one time, I was one of those people who used these platforms to spout my "convictions" and "moral outrage" every time I saw some perceived injustice. Or I simply worked my indignity up into spiteful rants that truly didn't change anyone's minds. I get it. It makes some folks feel better to get this stuff off their chests. But not me. Not any longer. There are better ways to spend my remaining time here.
Speaking of that, my spiritual journey has been interesting. I've decided to take the advice of my lovely meditation teacher, Montserrat, and view things with more curiosity. Why are these thoughts recurring? What purpose does this thought serve? Can I be curious and also let them go? Turns out I can! I have yet to tap into all of the unexplored areas of my mind...and to do so without fear. I continue to receive spiritual sustenance through prayer, meditation, reflection and abundant resources that are there for anyone.
My husband took me to Savannah (I'd never been!) for my 60th and it was wonderful. He took me to Japan for my 61st and it was amazing. We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in July and we took a ten day road trip across what was originally supposed to be 10 states (turned out to be 12) and we had our beautiful girl Frida with us all along the way. We visited St. Louis with an elevator ride to the top of the Gateway Arch and an architectural tour of the city. We did the same in Chicago--staying at the famous Drake Hotel and seeing two phenomenal exhibits at the Art Institute for which we'd been patiently waiting. We made our way to Pittsburgh--and connected with my two sisters (Amy and Mary) while there for a delightful stay, finally seeing the Andy Warhol Museum, crossing that off the bucket list but with a genuine desire to return. Last stop was a few nights in Richmond, Virginia...the place we met and fell in love. We visited the same Brewery where we greeted each other in person for the first time. The trip was pure magic. Connecting with friends and family along the way was a bonus. Prior to that, in June, we went to Panama to enjoy time with some friends who live there. I guess I have been busy. I didn't realize just how busy until I started putting all this into a list.
Now the holidays are upon us and 2025 is preparing to close its final chapter. I've yet to look to the future with fear or trepidation. In fact, 2026 has a lot more love in store for me. It has it in store for you, too. Recognizing that fear is a choice and love is a choice, is there any reason to hesitate choosing love? Big personal news is on the way. It's still in its final percolating stage but it is definately coming. Don't worry. I won't be waiting for another year and a half to keep you updated.
(Panama City, June)
