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Happy Saturday,

How are you all doing on this wonderful Saturday morning? It’s going to be another hot one for sure, at least it’s promising to be only 100 degrees instead of 110. Believe me, that 10 degrees does make a huge difference.

What are your plans for the remainder of the weekend? I’ll be going to see Craig Campbell tonight with Tommy, Kaitlyn and my sis, Jeannie. Should be a fun night.

It’s been a busy last couple of days. Nothing new in my world. Thursday John headed out of town to see his youngest kiddo in Montana. He took along his dad and it looks like everyone is having the best of times. So happy for them.

Thursday evening Jeannie and I went to shop with my niece Carly for awhile, then we went to Carly’s for some crafting time and of course, a slice of cake. Yesterday I was able to spend some one on one quality time with my Kevin. Then last night Grant, Carly and I went to Jeannie’s for some Chinese food, then back to my house where just us gals swam until after 10.

Girl time in the pool. It was so nice and relaxing. We talked, shared stories, encouraged one another and just enjoyed the night outdoors kicking and floating.

I had this vision in my head that once John headed to Montana, I’d have time to get all the cleaning done around the house along with some decluttering. Cleaning supplies have been bought, bath tubs are sprayed down with bleach and that’s as far as I’ve gotten, so, I said a little prayer and asked for some guidance for my day.

Writing is where I was led first. Not sure where I’ll start after this, but I’m sure it will be in Johns office, followed by my bathroom.

Two more days and I’ll be 56! Gosh, I don’t feel 56, not that I’m really all that sure what it’s supposed to feel like, or for that matter, what any age is supposed to feel like. I’m still trying to figure that one out.

This morning my kids were trying to find out what I want for my birthday. I couldn’t think of anything. I thought about a Michaels gift card, but, I can’t think of anything I really need. Sure, I want more Halloween and Christmas Village pieces, but I don’t need any. Last year I wasn’t even able to set up my entire Christmas Village because my cousin was here and his two younger kiddos don’t always mind their manners. Instead of feeling bad if something were to get broken, I figure, avoid the issue completely and minimize how big of a village I would create.

After thinking about what I want for my birthday, I told the kids, all I want is for them to be happy, but since they want to get me something, I told them, I’d like a couple of days of space where all I have to do it write. No responsibilities, nothing to do but write and maybe craft a little bit.

I have figured out, when I’m home and writing, I do get lost in my writing, however, there are days when I feel like I need to finish up laundry, walk the pups, clean something, cook dinner. You get the point. When I am home, my mind does veer toward what I need to finish up, so, I came up with this idea.

Last weekend, the kids got my daughter in laws dad and mom a room at Pechanga for her dads birthday. They like to golf and sit pool side, which sounds amazing, except the golf. I haven’t learned that sport yet. Anyway, I told the kiddos, that’s what I want for my birthday. I want two nights at Pechanga to just write. I want to check in on a Thursday and check out on Saturday. I want to take my little cooler of goodies and lock myself away so I can just write and finish up a project that means so much to me. Writing my query letter and re-reading my book to make sure it’s exactly what I want. So, I asked the kiddos for a room.

“Sometimes you just need space. Not to get away from everyone but to get back to yourself.”-Unknown.

It’s funny, I never thought of needing space as something good. I thought asking for a day or two was selfish on my part, yet that’s not the case at all. To ask for space isn’t about wanting to escape anyone or anything, at least that’s the furthest thing from my mind. Asking for space is asking for time to reconnect with myself. It’s a way in my case to just slip away and write.

My dream get away would be to sit out on a porch or balcony and get lost in the sounds of the ocean, or being surrounded by the mountains. I do miss my mountain cabin a little bit. I had endless views of San Bernardino as my cabin sat high above on top of the mountain looking down through all the vastness of mountains and trees to the city. I’d sit out on my deck and work on hand embroidery. I would escape by myself a couple times a year, just to sew or craft. That’s before I realized just how powerful writing was to me. I’ve always journaled, but writing a blog and a book, this is all fairly new to me and I love it!

The photo doesn’t capture the view since it was overcast with snow clouds, but perhaps you get the idea.

This was one of the art projects I made. I just love this art piece. The bear with the lake sitting right on top of his head and the birds flying high over the mountain top. Majestic.

As I get older, I guess I’m figuring out, it’s nice to have quiet time, alone, to just rediscover me. I think everyone needs that time.

“Sometimes I need to go off on my own. I’m not sad. I’m not angry. I’m recharging my batteries.”-Kristen Butler.

When I’d go to the cabin alone, I’d miss my kiddos like crazy, but when I came home, they would be so excited to see me that we’d always have something fun planned upon my return. We’d do a movie day which included lunch out and then lots of popcorn and goodies all while we enjoyed either going to a theater or just staying home binge watching whatever movie was of their choice.

I would only go for a couple of nights, but they sure would love having me come home. Every so often I would take a pup with me, only because my cabin was a little on the secluded side of things and it would become so dark outside that having a pup along would remind me, though I’m alone from people, I still had something there with me keeping me company.

“I think it’s very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person.”-Oscar Wilde.

I know before John moved up to the lake full time, he spent a week or so pretty much by himself at the lake. It was nice for him to have that time to immerse himself into what living lake life was going to look like for himself. He said he would get up in the morning go downstairs to his office and work, however, during the day when he could get a moment away from his desk, he’d go out back and just be in awe of the lake in our backyard. In the evenings he’d walk down by the boat docks with a beer in hand and watch the sunset. He was alone, but not lonely. Sure, he missed me and Grant, but he also enjoyed his time and space and that’s okay. I was happy he was here having a great time doing things that brought him joy and happiness.

I’m not sure Pechanga is my first choice, but the kids have connections, so it won’t cost them anything which makes me happy. One day I might ask them for a couple of nights by the beach with nothing but views of sand and water, but not until they are all fully settled in their careers and life.

“There’s a difference between being alone and being lonely. Writers know that. I have never met a writer who does not crave to be alone. We have to be alone to do what we do.”-Mary Ruefle.

I think those words could not be more true. It’s when we writers are alone when our most amazing stories are born. Being alone as a writer allows our minds to flow freely and we are able to embrace the dialect going on and some of our best work can be written.

“Writing is alone, but I don’t think it’s lonely. Ask any writer if they feel lonely when they’re writing their book, and I think they’ll say no.”-Margaret Atwood.

So I gave my kids the dates for getting away to write, now, we’ll see if it happens. Either way, I do have some epic views and a wonderful patio to sit on here at home for some writing time.

Well guys, I’ve certainly enjoyed writing to you all today. Now, it’s time to get a little home chores done.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed today’s blog. If there’s any subject you’d like to see me write about, drop me a comment. I’d love to hear from you.

Oh, I haven’t forgotten about figuring out how to subscribe to my blog. I still need John to help me write out the step by step. I know some of you have mentioned you can’t figure it out and I know that can be frustrating, so once he’s home from Montana, I’ll hopefully be able to get some time with him to help me.

Until next time, don’t forget, Love Life++ Hugs.