There were three particular events this past week that I plan to talk about in this blog. They don’t link together as you’ll see, so I’ve separated them into their own sections.
U.S. midterm elections
This was quite the night for my family and friends in the United States. I saw a breakdown of the votes by group. If you have a moment, search it out. The statistics are fascinating. White men did not vote against the Republicans which say far too much, in my opinion. I was grateful to see the outcomes as I believe they are cause for hope. Each time I vote, at any level of government, I no longer vote along party lines. I honestly look at the candidate and the party they represent. I have found myself voting for the person, the party or an anti vote. I think each is appropriate, depending on the situation.
Ultimately, I think the outcome of the U.S. Midterms was anti “the current government” which does not minimize its importance and impact. Well done, to those who were brave enough to stand in line at their voting stations, regardless of any threats they may have felt. Well done, to those who voted against their party and chose to cast a vote to return democracy to the United States. The hard work is only beginning but the sense of relief on Wednesday morning must have been overwhelming.
While, I believe there was a lot of “anti” votes cast, I also know there were a lot of votes in favour of candidates who truly showed brilliance. In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed represented integrity, common sense, decency and the future, in my opinion. I wish I had a candidate like that, for any position!
My birthday
My family and friends know how I feel about my birthday. In fact, a friend waited until the morning after and texted a message asking how my non-birthday went!! I haven’t been thrilled with my birthday for a number of years. It’s not the birthday. I love receiving birthday wishes. When I open my mailbox and there is a birthday card awaiting, I’m tickled pink. If I hadn’t given up sugar, I would have been happy to dive into a piece of cake. I like the treats that come with birthdays - they come out of genuine love and affection and I’m truly appreciative.
What I’ve had a problem with all these years is the number associated with my birthday. For a very long time I haven’t been where I ‘want to be’ when the date rolls around. I had grand plans for my life and it’s turned out significantly different.
On my birthday I submitted my first query to a literary agent. [The ‘after writing’ part of becoming an author is very intense and with many steps!] We were very warm that day, reaching a high of 23C so I went out in my kayak. The afternoon sun, the water, the changes on the river, all of it combined to make the experience perfect. I was wearing bike shorts and a t-shirt at the beginning of November! How incredible is that?!
I also took the time to ponder my issue with my birthday. Having my life turn out differently doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, when I take the time to really look at it, I become very aware of how wonderful is my life. I have a mother who is a best friend. How blessed am I! I have friends who put up with my idiosyncrasies and love me anyway. I know some incredible people with new and interesting perspectives. I have a loving and challenging son who never lets me forget I’m loved. Instead of growing smaller, as I’ve grown older, my life continues to expand.
One year of retirement
Right after my birthday I hit one year of retirement. I set out with two main goals - write my novel and stay busy. I can happily say I’ve achieved both. I’m getting ready to start writing the second novel and I’m proud to say I have not become a lazy person.
There is always something to do and, while I make sure I give myself grace to recover my energy, I have been trying to get through my myriad of to-do lists. This summer was not as project productive as I’d hoped but we didn’t have the weather to support some of my plans. Guess what? It’s okay! I’m learning to be a little more forgiving to myself.
I expect this winter will prove to be successful for some of my interior projects. Next spring I’ll regroup and plan the outdoor changes.
In the meantime, I’ll continue writing and looking for a literary agent. One of the things I learned in a workshop was to submit to independent publishers, too. Guess what’s on my list for next week’s work?
What I’m reading this week
I finished Heidi Reimer’s book last week - honestly, it’s really enjoyable so go get it from your library or bookstore!
This week, I’ve just started a new-to-me book, “These Summer Storms”, by Sarah MacLean. It was my intention to read it this summer and I didn’t get to it. I’ve only just started but the characters are pulling me in already so I’m hopeful that this will be a good one!
I like fall cleaning much more than spring cleaning, if I’m being honest. At this time of year, I love getting the house ready for Christmas decorations. I’m not quite ready to deck the halls, but I’m happy to put away my fall décor. These four pictures are some newly cleaned areas of my house. There’s something about removing the décor that allows everything to settle before the excitement of the season takes over. I can’t handle it for long but I embrace the emptiness (I love the smell of furniture polish) until I pull out the Christmas bins and bring it back to life!
I’m so proud of how my Christmas cactus is doing that I have to share its progress! Isn’t it beautiful?