5th Anniversary Blog
This is my 265th blog post. That is five years of weekly posting with a couple of extras thrown in for good measure or just because. I would like to thank all of you who have allowed me to include you in my weekly musings. It has been wonderful to have an audience and as was noted in a not too long-ago post, I appreciate all the comments and engagement along the way. I began this during the tail end of the pandemic, and it was a wonderful way to connect in a time of disconnection. Writing to all of you helped me during the four months of my husband’s long goodbye. The focus it gave me has helped me to center and remember how much I enjoy writing.
Today’s offering is random observations and thoughts just because it would be fun for me.
I just had a new passport photo taken. I attempted the online version four times, but the photo was never up to the exacting standards required by our Department of State. My frustration with the process caused me to race over to the Walgreens and get the photo. A rather disgruntled manager (it was early morning) came out and took the picture. I asked to see it before it was printed but was asked to step back from the screen so I caught only the most cursory glance. She printed it and handed me the copies and the $17 ticket. Once out in daylight I was able to see the result. Perhaps a few more moments of prep, a touch of makeup or at least an under-eye concealer might have improved the outcome. It did not help that she cut off some of my hair when she brightening the background. Then I realized that in ten years when I next apply, I am going to be so thrilled with how young I look in this picture. Also, how I look the majority of the time I am returning from a trip will most likely match up nicely with the passport.
There were a number of deferred maintenance projects here at the house. The flaking paint on my eaves being the biggest irritant to me. Evidently not THAT big as I had been contemplating the need for the past two years. The problem was I would think of it during the winter months and then not get around to calling a painter until the beastly summer weather was upon us and I could not bring myself to have anyone scraping, caulking and painting in 110 degree temperatures. Then there was the other issue with the guest room that needed an opinion as to what was happening. I spent four months trying to get a referral for a contractor to no avail. Then ten days ago a name was given and he appeared the next day. The evaluation was done and the estimate was here in two days and the work began the day after that. All done and dusted as they say in the UK in seven work days. Everything looks freshly painted and new and I have been set free from the shoulda, coulda, wouldas. I mention this because I am always surprised at the psychic space taken up with these projects. The delightful feeling of having it done and becoming unstuck is a gift in and of itself.
Finally, the joy of bringing joy has grown exponentially since the blog I wrote about it. It too has lifted a weight from my shoulders that I did not know existed. Going out into the world, or simply sending my voice out into the ethers and making people laugh or forget their worry for a little while is indeed joy-filling and a heck of a lot of fun.
The blogs will continue but perhaps this year I will not be quite so diligent to have one per week. Then again, there could be more than that. It is all to be discovered. Thank you again for your participation and support.
