My favorite time of year…

November Mandevilla

November Mandevilla

A few weeks ago the temperature in Boston, Massachusetts was in the 60s and 70s. I had flowers growing in my garden in the middle of November. This is somewhat unusual. Today the temps are in the 30s and it is snowing. I will state the obvious and say that winter is actually here now. In many ways I am happy to see it.

Oh I hate being extremely cold. The kind of cold that makes you scrunch up your face and complete whatever outdoor activity that you have as quickly as you can but cold, no wind and bright skies- I can deal with. Also, my  birthday is this month so I am happy to be alive no  matter what the weather is like!

winter floral arrangement

winter floral arrangement

This is my favorite time of year because Thanksgiving gives you a chance to see people you love and eat food of types and quantities that you don’t usually. I already stated that my birthday is in December and I truly enjoy both the religious and secular aspects of Christmas.

I’m sure that you are as busy as I am right now so I want to take the time to wish for you a wonderful, happy and warm holiday season. Look as the bright side if you are busy, you have a life! Yep, it’s my favorite time of year…

Kim

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Everything changes- often for the good!

73329I went outside to feed the birds this morning and the water that remained from our last rain has frozen. I was just about to think something negative when I heard a click, click, click. I looked up and saw a Blue Jay sitting in our Magnolia tree eating one of the peanuts that I put out.

Oh there is no denying it the season has changed, but I realize that I shouldn’t be upset about the season that went away. In fact, the season that approaches and is here is fantastic in its own way. In the summer, I may not have seen the Jay and now that the leaves are gone I can see him or her in their glory smashing nuts. I love it!

DSC_2658            Over the last two years I have watched this little red kitty turn into this gorgeous big red kitty…

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He’s only gotten better with time. I pray the same for you and me!

Kim

Are you sure about that?

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Yesterday I picked nine tomatoes from my backyard vines. What is amazing to me is that the date was November 5th and the temperature was around 63 degrees. On Sunday, November 2, 2014, it snowed throughout the day but cleared up by the evening. Oh, and did I mention that this is Boston, Massachusetts?

I quickly realized that the weather in Boston is no more quirkier or changeable than I am. In April of this year, I was sure that I would be blogging at least once a week. How hard could it be, I thought, to take twenty or thirty minutes out of my life each week? However, like many people, I have a schedule that includes family, work, house duties, and tons of other activities. If I choose one activity I often cannot complete or participate in another. Somehow I let my blogging go.

One of the reasons that I did so was that I have never been sure how many people actually read this blog therefore is the writing worth the effort? After some thought I realized that of course it is! The reason that I am back writing is that my main reason for blogging is for my own entertainment with the thought that if someone comes across one of my missives that they may have a moment of enjoyment or thought about the subject that I chose to discuss. Either way, there is value to what I am doing so I’ll keep at it.

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This spring and summer I had an amazing garden. I also worked conducting staff trainings and event planning. Family visited from Europe and a favorite aunt died suddenly.  I did some traveling with my husband and experienced Yosemite park. A month ago our daughter got married! What an amazing year- I didn’t see it coming…

One thing I am sure of is that life is not perfect but I am perfectly happy to be alive and I am blogging again.

Kim                                                         IMG_20141104_084021051

Music can soothe my soul…

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Today was one of those days that I wish I could place in a box and take out whenever I need it. The weather was wonderful. It was warm, sunny, and just plain beautiful.

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I am alive, I feel loved and I give love. I saw friends and I spent time with family. The birds were happy with the new feeders. The local cat didn’t catch anyone. I got some gardening done.

There is a lot going on in the world but tonight I am going to take the time to be grateful for my life. I will reflect, relax, and listen to some music because the music can soothe my soul.

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I’m praying the same for you.

Kim

No March madness here…

Hey something is growing!

Hey something is growing!

A couple of weeks ago I was very upset about the cold and snow of this winter. I whined a little bit but marched on…Now as the middle of March approaches and I can see much of the ground and buds on the trees, I’m feeling happier. I’m pretty sure that the increased sunshine is helping.

I can dream, can't I?

I can dream, can’t I?

Now, I hope to use the extra daylight to get more done! I am not taking the time that I have on this earth for granted. Currently much of the world is consumed with a number of major tragedies that are in the news- including a plane that seems to have disappeared from the sky. Unfortunately, there are many people in pain because of these tragedies and ultimately we will find that humans have created them all.

What time is it?

What time is it?

I haven’t lost hope though, and neither should you. Look to the future, find strength in your faith, and then do something positive. March is national Women’s month so I’ll leave you with an inspiring quote from an interesting woman:

Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.”
  – Eleanor Roosevelt

Her words are part of my plan so I’m not mad, I’m determined!

Kim

 

 

 

 

I’m trying to hold on but Spring better get here fast!

 

Yes it's cold. Deal with it!

Yes it’s cold. Deal with it!

A couple of weeks ago I felt warm, fuzzy, and full of love.

Valentine’s Day was a great opportunity to think about the people, places, and things that I  love. Sure it was snowing again but this is New England so that is to be expected. Well guess what? My disposition, much like the weather, has changed for the worse.

Saturday is the first day of March and I have to say that I am sick of this weather. I am annoyed, fed up, done with the snow. Unfortunately, the snow is not done with me. I believe that we are expecting another storm in two days. I was listening to internet radio in Chicago, Illinois and they will have it worse. That is no solace to me and makes me feel bad for them.

Winter trees

I find myself wondering what happened to the kid that enjoyed snow and the young adult who thought that snow was so romantic? Oh, I know where she went…hey she’s older and wiser and having a harder time shoveling all of the snow!

So welcome to my world and indulge me in my negativity just this once. When Spring comes I will be very happy. March, 20, 2014- I am counting the days….

Kim

Wake me when it's over!

Wake me when it’s over!

 

Thinking about love? Always!

Winter

Yes, it is that time of year again when we all think about love. For some of us there is much happiness, for others there may be sadness and pain.

I am on the side of happiness. I have had plenty of emotional pain in my life. I understand how that pain can be exacerbated during the week of Valentine’s Day. I remember the games and one-upsmenship that used to be played in my office: who got flowers, who’s flowers came first, who’s dating, etc. I finally got wise and understood that our commercial culture pushes those ideas so that we will buy things to make us feel better. Now I’m all about buying things if you can afford them and want to, but I don’t think that “things” are proof of love.       90734

Once I realized that I can choose to control how I feel about this or any other holiday, I realized that I can also choose to enjoy or be upset. I choose happiness. First of all, I believe that I am loved by God. Secondly, I love God. Lastly, but no less important, I choose to love many people and I am loved by them!

So Valentine’s Day does not have to be about romantic love alone it can be about love. My God, my family and friends, my cats, birds, turtle, flowers, creativity, etc. There is much for me to love. Am I thinking about love? Always!

Kim        DSC_1478

A New year with many possibilities…

 

Hartwell Town Forest, Bedford, MA

Today I have the luxury of sitting in my warm house during a snow storm. The electricity is still on and the internet is paid for and working. My life has not always been this cozy but I learned very early in life that if you make it through the night a new day offers positive change and opportunity. I am alive and excited about the possibilities in my future. I am praying the same for you…Happy New Year!

Kim

 

 

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I hope that you are feeling the love…

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Wow! I can’t believe that the end of the year will occur in just a few weeks. It is December and both my birthday and Christmas are coming. My birthday is a reminder to me that I am alive and that for me,  living is the best gift of all! Christmas is also very important to me. Fortunately, this works in my favor since it is nearly impossible to avoid Christmas religiously or secularly in America.

Old Church in South Natick, MA I am a person of faith so attending church and celebrating the birth of Christ  is a fulfilling experience and comfort to me.  I also enjoy the secular aspects of Christmas- giving brings me much joy and Christmas lights in this dark time of winter are both practical and fun.

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I understand that my feelings may not resonate with those who are having a hard time during this time of year. They may be lonely, sick,or  feeling down. This world gives us plenty of reasons to feel unhappy. I acknowledge those feelings and admit to wrestling with them on occasion- they are real.

However, I want you to know that whatever you are going through  I am thinking about you especially at this time of year and I hope that you are feeling the love that I have for you…

Kim

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I’m back and I missed you!

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What a year this has been and I am grateful for it!

I have spent a lot of time this year marveling in simple things. After having spent so much of my adult life attending to others due to their needs or my own, I have slowed down with purpose.

Several years ago I had breast cancer. After my diagnosis, my family and friends and  I dealt with it as best we could. We learned what we could about the disease, we prayed and I took advantage of the medical miracles available to me.

I was very seriously ill and initially, very scared to die. I had surgery and chemotherapy and lost my hair. Nausea was a constant but I wasn’t like many of my breast cancer sisters who lose their appetite- I was hungry- a lot; but most food tasted awful and metallic. Non of this stopped me from eating it only postponed when I could eat. Surprisingly I did not gain weight during  treatment. My husband used to tell me that maybe that helped me to survive. I wasn’t skeletal and my body had calories to sustain it while it did battle for me against the cancer.                                                  DSC_8748_

Well this year is my eighth year of survival and I will tell you what I have learned: I learned that bad things happen to everyone including me but not especially me. I also learned that I fear how I am going to die but accept that I am going to die at some point- and so are you! I have also learned that my faith life is essential to me and an essential part of me. I didn’t become super human or super special because I had a brush with death but I am super appreciative that I am here today.

I spent this spring and summer working and playing hard. This fall I am slowing down, thinking about life, thanking God and thinking about you. I’m back and I missed you. Let’s get reacquainted!

Kim        73329