Time To Get On With It

I thank the Lord (almost) daily for being retired. Isn’t that why you seem to work yourself silly when you’re younger? I manage to find plenty to keep me busy, unlike Rick, who hasn’t retired yet. I think he’s not sure he could fill his days with enough “busy work.” Or maybe it’s because he knows I can do that for him! Ha ha!

So this new knee I got late last year is not working fast enough for me–literally and figuratively. I have been diligent with my physical therapy but it just seems to be taking longer than last time. But it’s probably just my impatience. I have never been a “sitter.” Ask anyone who knows me that I am always moving–which is a good thing. I think as you age you have to continue to be active, if that’s where you’re at. If you haven’t been especially active, then now is the time to start! Lucky for me I have friends to keep me motivated. I have this quote that stares me in the face each time I sit down at my computer:

Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand – and melting like a snowflake. Marie Beyon Ray

Because of the short time between our trip and my surgery, I didn’t even really get to post some beautiful pictures that I took on our trip to Sicily last October. If you’ve never been I highly recommend! It is a different world than mainland Italy. I think Sicilians fancy themselves a different country. We went with friends and an older couple that had never been out of the country. That made this adventure a little more challenging. But we all got through it (although apparently I need to work on my selfies-ha!). We started in Rome, flew to Palermo, then on to Trapani, Marsala and over to Taormina. We even got to see Mt. Etna. Rick says he would go back in a heartbeat–if for nothing else than the amazing fresh seafood! Also, don’t you love the door sign?

Grab the bull by the horns, as the saying goes. Well, it’s a saying in Texas, anyway! Don’t wait for life to find you. Make the life you want right now. Today. This weekend. All of it is up to you!

And while you’re at it, diffuse some essential oils in your home. I think Young Living are the best! No matter what your mood they can be motivating, uplifting and/or calming. Try lavender, cedarwood and orange. So refreshing!

Resilience is the Key

Hello 2023! What in the…? I can’t help but wonder where the last couple of years went. We were hijacked by Covid and left in the lurch. I have to admit that it was hard not to succumb to all the negativity. Even if you didn’t believe all of the hype you still probably got swallowed up by it. Is that you, too?

Last November I decided to get my other knee replaced. My husband, Rick, said, “Why not? You’ve met your deductible and it needs to happen.” Except that he’s never had this done! I bought into it. While I’m glad that it’s done (I have a LOT more living to do at 66 years young, let me tell you!) it’s not been all peaches and cream. Getting it done during the holidays was an extra challenge. My sweet physical therapists have mentioned that my knees are going to heal differently, but I’m ready to move this thing along.

You may have read some blogs that emphasize choosing a word to focus on for the year. I left my blog hanging a while back (forgive me, faithful readers) but, as it turns out, I’m going to stick with the one I chose then: RESILIENCE. According to Merriam-Webster, Resilience is an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change. This is truly the best word to make me want to jump back into writing and blogging!

What is your “why”? While I love my two grown children, my “why” is my grandchildren. They are the reason I want to be healthy and why I look forward to every single day. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A WHY!

I already have a few things planned in this new year, one of which is finally sprinkling my mom’s ashes (she’ll be gone 5 years this year!) in the Caribbean (cruising was her favorite thing to do). Covid put a damper on that, but we finally got it rescheduled. I think it will be cathartic for all family members involved.

Figure out your why. It’s important. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It just has to be something that motivates you to MOVE FORWARD. After what we’ve been through, there can’t be anything but good times ahead!

Kansas City Here We Came!

A few months back I had a wild idea (anyone who knows me knows that happens frequently!) to see Ashley McBryde in concert. Now, if you don’t know who she is you HAVE to take a listen! Check her out on YouTube. Anyway, I found she was going to be at a quaint venue… in Kansas City MO! My daughter Allison’s birthday is in a few months and I asked if she wanted to go, presumably as an early birthday present. Of course she said yes. Like her momma–always up for an adventure! We also scooped up Allison’s sister-in-law Stacy, left the kids with the hubbies, and off we went to Kansas City. It sure was good to be traveling again!

The weather was still cold but we packed accordingly. Still made it happen in a carry-on; to me the only way to go! We checked into our hotel, close to a lot of activities. If you haven’t stayed at an Indigo Hotel, the upscale boutique style for Holiday Inn, you must! Ours was delightfully appointed with all kinds of artwork, even in the rooms. Not free food in the lobby but served by an actual person, and at a fair price. Our bartender, Ray, did a GREAT job with our lemon drop and pomegranate martinis!

Our trip around Kansas City was fast and furious. Wish we had more time! I already told Rick we were going back. Here are some highlights:

And even though we were so tired from walking, there was no way we were going to pass up an evening listening to jazz! The place near our hotel, the Green Lady Lounge, suited us to a tee!

The main event, our concert with Ashley McBryde, was simply amazing. She is truly a one-of-a-kind artist. So enjoyed her heartfelt songs.

And the food! Can’t say enough about Kansas City barbecue. Jack Stack did us right! And breakfast at Foodlove the morning we were leaving. Yum!

It took me forever to get this blog done, and I did get my exercise walking around the town. But I’d do it all again in a heartbeat!

Essential Oils: Young Living is still my favorite choice of all of the essential oils on the market. A blend that I love is En-r-gee.

En-R-Gee™ essential oil blend is a combination of Rosemary, Juniper, Lemongrass, Nutmeg, Idaho Grand Fir, Clove, and Black Pepper for an invigorating aromatic boost when preparing for any of life’s challenges or demanding performances when you need it most.

See you all again soon!