Welcome Back Readers

Welcome back readers!
 
I hope you had a wonderful summer filled with hiking, friends, swimming, reading and most importantly good health and family.
 
Bob and I did not make it to Capri this year but instead visited grandchildren at Northwestern (Tess), and Santa Clara (Max). We went to Canyon Ranch in Tucson for a speaking engagement with hiking and massages  thrown in and San Francisco for a whirlwind  surprise from Bob for my birthday with  couple of magnificent meals. we also hit Sun Valley for pure R & R. In our case, that means a lot of eating especially at Christina’s (our favorite) and a little hiking. 
 
I was so happy that Bob did well in both altitude with hiking with his bad back and so did I with my weird hip. Our friend Mike went with us and saw Sun Valley for the first time and fell in love with it. We were scheduled to go earlier in the year but got called off earlier from fires and smoke all around the area. I’m so glad we waited because it was crystal clear and perfect temperature.
 
There is an epiphany  that I had a few weeks ago that I can’t wait to tell you about. It has caused me to feel a peace deep within. I’m finding a certain kind of joy that I believe one can only obtain in their later life, a certain letting go. I’m no longer searching for anything other than joy. The self-imposed pressure I have been feeling on myself disappeared. I’m no longer searching for anything but joy. I no longer have to prove anything to anyone or more importantly to myself. I’m just looking for things that make me feel joyful. ie. Giving back, doing creative outlets, writing, painting, drawing. Don’t laugh, singing and dancing, etc.
 
I have started two new art classes at adult Ed. One is collage, a form of art that I have never taken before and the other is figure drawing. It feels wonderful. I’m rusty but happy to be there and learning once more.
 
My husband didn’t know what to do with himself after retirement, but has now partnered with an old friend and is happy to be back at work (part of the time). And yes, I have a new idea for a book that I will tell you about weeks to come. And yes, it is about my new epiphany.
 
So after three or four months of wondering what to do with my one and only “wild and precious” life. and what my next project will be, I think I’ve got it.
 
It’s about searching for and finding joy. I hope you will come with me.
 
Happy New Year to you all. May this year be the sweetest one yet.