The Light at the End of the Tunnel

I think I am finally making some headway getting settled into the new house. It seems to have been a long exhausting ordeal.

But I am making progress! These are shots, taken on my big girl camera that was literally in the very last box to get unpacked. The photos are a bit weird, I think camera may have been bounced about a bit. This is my new art room. I think I will be very happy here!

                                     Hey, I said "progress" not "perfection"

So here's what I'm thinking: I am exhausted, moving is so stressful, I'm not as young as I used to be, I had to move my Mom in the midst of moving myself, I have Fibro, whaa!!!

Then I think of what lies ahead for all of our fellow travelers on the East Coast who face massive, heartbreaking and backbreaking clean up, if not the loss, of their homes on top of everything they have already been through. Then there are those who were injured and, most heartbreaking of all, those who lost loved ones. I am sending them peace and love, and endurance so that they may soon have healed hearts and homes. And I am sending a donation to Red Cross, aware how little that will do to ease the suffering of so many. What happens to one of us happens to all of us.

And I am going to stop whining. And be grateful, for all of the obvious reasons and for our children, all grown with families and lives of their own, who were incredibly helpful, supportive and caring all during our move.  I promise to keep some perspective.

Once and Forever

Once upon a time, in a neighborhood of tiny Post-War bungalows, three little girls and one baby sister played together nearly every day and grew into best friends. Then high school, boy friends, weddings and relocations happened and they lost track of each other for over 30 years.

Say what you want about Facebook, but that was the magic that brought these baby-day friends back together to spend a wild and wonderful week at Myrtle Beach last year where four, lets just say "seasoned," women discovered they were still those same little girls and one baby sister and they still loved playing together all the day long. Email, snail mail and Facebook have kept them in touch and that special bond between people who knew each other when, has kept them in each others hearts.

A few weeks ago, I was feeling a bit blue and overwhelmed and that leaked out in my post. A few days ago, I opened my mail and found this amazing present from the baby sister who I always wished was mine. Thank you so much Little Joanie. I tear up a bit every time I look at this beautiful bit of love.

Here's what I'm thinking. Life is good. I am counting my blessings. What comes after a zillion?

Sunday Morning At The Pier

La Galette Creperie, located across the street from the San Clemente Pier, is the latest   discovery of great places to eat in our new neighborhood. Scrambled eggs, nice and moist, ham and swiss all wrapped up in a lovely crepe and topped with béchamel, devoured at a small metal table on the sidewalk looking at the ocean. Sigh. It was a good morning.

We have been so busy "moving to the beach" we have not taken enough time to "enjoy the beach!" That simply must change.

We walked off that béchamel by crossing the street and train tracks and walking to end of the very long San Clemente Pier. Come on along.

I wish I had my good camera, this does not do him justice.

                                                 
                                                I LOVE PANO

Who is the guy with the white sox?

Pedestrian tunnel under the tracks

                                             

                             Just about long enough to make up for breakfast.

          

Here's what I'm thinking: Gratitude for a great morning and someone to share it with.

P.S. Someone (you know who you are) should be California Dreaming right about now.

As everyone knows, moving can be stressful. Add to that moving your 83 year old mother and her lifetime of memories to a Senior Living closer to you, and you will understand why I have not been in my happy place here lately. I miss my friends and my old activities. I am exhausted and Fibro has dug in deep. I feel ridiculous, this is a great house, the view of my dreams, and here I am all low down saggy and blue.

Ahhhh, but the Universe doth provide. A friend who lives closer to me than before I moved invited me to a painting class today with Charlotte Backman, an amazing artist who specializes in Mandalas. Check her out, Mandala Visions, her work is beautiful and she is a good teacher, besides being of a LOT of fun!

She coached me into making this in just one day.

Besides spending time with my friend and learning from Charlotte, I met several accomplished and wonderfully wild women who I hope to see often. One of them took this photo and emailed it to me. 

So, things are looking a LOT rosier in my little corner of the world. Good company, good art, just what the doctor ordered.

So here's what I'm thinking. Try to remember, "this too shall pass" and something pretty darn wonderful is always waiting in the wings.