suddenlysinglewomen

There might be a male follower on this blog, but doubtful! So just in case there is, I write this as more of a jest, than not.

Or do I?

I was out this past Saturday night with friends, listening to live music and having the occasional dance invitation. A very fun evening with fun people. There is an individual that is part of this group that follows live music here in the valley, and occasionally asks me for a dance. However, on this particular evening, he was sharing some dating woes he’s experiencing with a particular lady friend.

He remarked how smart she was and how beautiful she was. Then he threw in the obligatory . . . “Just like you!”

(Eye roll)

Then came the “say what” remark? He claimed to really enjoy her company just like the several dates we had been on . . . and yada yada yada.

Truth: I drove over to Vail (where he had a place) from Edwards (where I have a place) to join he and some of his condo neighbors for dinner one night several years ago. We all brought things. That’s it, finito,

So here’s where the Three Ps come in. Unless you:

1. “P”hone a person to ask them out, just the 2 of you,
2. “P”ick them up in your car and
3. “P”ay for the evening . . .

It is NOT a date!!

Period.

The End

I’m reminded of my post marriage journey and how far I’ve come. I think of my friends, those who are real and those who during my married life were just along for the perks.

I love this Helen Keller quote, talk about a woman who rose above all obstacles? I’m blessed with friends who have true character, who are steadfast and true.

I know the friends who I can call on at a moment’s notice whether it’s as easy as grabbing me an item at the grocery store on their trip, or a ride to a doctor’s appointment, or a drop over for a shared glass of happy juice.

I believe humans share a trait with canines and equines, we’re pack animals. We are not meant to be alone. But as I get older, I also understand that I can be picky about who to spend my time with and not feel guilty that I’m not “all things to all people”.

So thank you my followers, for walking with me in this journey of being a happy and whole person.

Happy “Tis The Season” to everyone!! Let’s have a month of kindness – not too hard of a challenge I hope?

John Wooden

Possessing an unparalleled humility, legendary college basketball coachJohn Wooden used his patented “Pyramid of Success” to give his young, impressionable players the tools to succeed at both basketball and life. Wooden turned a fledgling UCLA athletics program into a powerhouse that won 10 NCAA national titles, and all the while he maintained that true success wasn’t based on accolades, but rather on being your best self. This quote speaks to Wooden’s ideology; he lived life by what he called a “Seven Point Creed,” which shunned egoism and prioritized helping others. It’s a reminder that the greatest reward isn’t necessarily wealth or fame, but being there for others, regardless of whether you receive anything in return.

This morning was a typical morning, but what is typical at my age? And what about that funny story I promised at the end of the last post??

Well . . . morning started as usual, up – make bed, no wait, don’t make bed cuz it’s housekeeping day. Get down the clean sheets for them to use, and head to laundry room (with dogs in tow) to put sheets in the washer. The day has begun, it’s just those things that misdirect us.

After the dog walk, and feeding them, I remember that I need to change the battery in the RING outside spotlight camera. It’s been sitting there in the charger and ready, and I’ve been getting the alerts for two days, so OK! Put the battery in my hand and head to the garage for the ladder. But the dogs are done eating so I pick up their bowls to put away ON the way to the garage. Passing the laundry room I notice the sheets are done in the wash and need to move to the dryer. Put the battery down, because who can remove sheets from the wash with a battery in your hand because like our mother’s taught us they’ll wrinkle much less in the dryer if we give them a good shake . . . right?

Shake the sheets, put in the dryer and head to the garage. I was going to the garage, right? WHY? Oh yeah, ladder. But oops, back to laundry room to get battery I’d laid down, then to garage to get ladder to go downstairs and out back to change battery. This time I put the battery in my pocket because surely I can’t mislay it if it’s in my pocket?

Laughing at myself, I think, I should share my “elder brain” morning with my blog family about how distracted I can get, it’ll be good for a laugh, but WAIT!!!! I never sent that summer report blog that I wrote several days ago and was going to send that next morning (because we’re all more awake in the morning) and I must’ve gotten distracted and . . . GRRRR!!

So the battery gets changed, I put up the ladder, go to the laptop and send the previous blog this morning, and will wait to send this new one in a few more mornings . . . IF I don’t get too distracted by (insert shrugging shoulder emoji here as you read, LOL!!!) life. BIG SIGH!!

Howdy everyone. It’s been a while, my apologies. It’s summer and with that comes craziness. June was busy getting house ready for summer, finishing up the last of the “punch list” for the remodel but with different vendors since the original contractor entered the big black hole and disappeared. Yup, that means some things I paid for twice. But hey – – – you gotta get D-O-N-E Done!

Gardens were planted, I had my annual “discussion” with the neighborhood HOA’s irrigation guy about when I want the water turned on. The hose, liquid fertilizer and me – I’m determined!! At least there was no other snow like Memorial Day weekend. UGH!!!

June also brought joy!! I found a horse to lease and have begun riding again. Baby steps – slowly working myself back up to jumping “form” again. I kinda smile alot right now, some people here will “get it”. My family doesn’t, but it is what it is. It brings me great joy!!

July brought a trip back to the old Texas home state to babysit, then back here to the mountains to prepare for the family’s arrival. 4 extra adults, 5 extra kids 9 and under, and 2 extra dogs. We were full. The beginning of a family tradition every summer – the “gathering” in the mountains. Legos were everywhere – do not walk barefoot downstairs in the playroom, LOL!! A few disruptions, the blending of several households worth of behavior and “rules” will always bring up challenges but we all survived. Not only important for my two sons to have time to reconnect, but for cousins to “know” their cousins.

Now we’re in August – how did THAT happen?? More houseguests will arrive this month, flowers are still thriving thanks to Miracle Grow on the end of the hose spout, five new trees, one HOA (3rd annual) party in the front yard is in the books. Hiking, live music, cookouts with friends, workout classes, books and needlepoint and – let’s not forget the rebirth of the equestrian life.

I truly hope that even though you’ve not heard from me in a while, that you are also busy enjoying your summer time, your family and friends, your hobbies, your animals and most of all, yourself. And . . . can college football be too far behind???

Hugs from the mountains, y’all.

(PS – funny story, next blog . . .)

Now here’s a little chuckle to take you into the new week!!

Have an awesome week everyone!! : -)

(Sorry for the blurriness, I never claimed to be “tech savvy”, LOL!!)

When I saw this, it really struck a chord because I have been around this alot in my adult years.

As a child growing up, I was surrounded by love and positive reinforcement. I was praised when I did something right, and corrected when I did something wrong. BUT . . . the correction was never harsh and it always came with guidance and suggestions of a better way.

As a society we have become VERY “judge’y”, we don’t listen to others, it’s our way or the highway, we’re so sure we are right. Social media “shares” are distracting, hurtful, full of opinions and certainly rarely verified.

Shaking up my life and moving several states “over” has certainly opened my eyes to the “comfort zone” I was living in. Have I become a kinder more compassionate person? Hope so. Do I still judge? Yes, sometimes I can’t help myself. But I also try to step back and re-evaluate when necessary.

Thanks for letting me share today!! Almost July, where did June go??