The Courage to Change

Welcome to October folks!  Fall is in the air, and we have three more months until we begin a new year.  2023 seems daunting but possibly welcome to some of us.  This month we will discuss the letter C, the month we explore change and the courage it takes to make changes.  I'm an expert on this particular subject, as I've made a few changes over the last two- and one-half years.  It's not been easy, but it's worked for me, and I've learned so much about myself and others in ways I'd would never have known.

Change is constant, change is good.  The reasons behind change may not always be positive but once we make those changes, the better our lives will be.  Two and a half years ago, I decided to make a few changes in my life.  As my readers know, I packed up my life and with a heavy heart left my home and friends of twenty years and moved to Boise.  I still wonder where I found that courage, but deep in my heart I knew that this was going to be a positive change.  It's been a bit of a rocky road these past two years. What seemed solid turned to dust, the constants changed but all and all, this change was worth it, and my life has moved forward.  

Change takes courage.  Ernst Holms wrote: "If we do not like our outer circumstances, conditions, or our personality, the place to change is right within our own mind."  Those words of wisdom, written almost a hundred years ago, still apply to our lives today.  We can change all our outer "stuff", but the real, profound, meaningful change will need to come from our hearts.  

I changed my heart and I'm still making those changes today.  The other day I woke up and realized that I was still living with a hardened heart.  I'm trying to change that hard heart into acceptance and love.  It's not been easy, and no one said it would be.  The road to Oz may have been golden but Dorthey was still in Oz when she reached the Wizard's palace.  I'm still in my Oz, but the sun is shining and there are many rainbows on the horizon.  

I'm not alone with these sorts of feelings and living experiences.  Therefore, I offer a few ideas to my friends as to how I have been able to find the other side of the rainbow and lighten my heart.

• Accept the What Is. We all have a story, use that chapter that didn't work out as a growing experience.  I have and I'm moving forward.  What seems easy is usually not but with courage and determination, there is a light at the end of that dark tunnel.
• Change is good, be creative when you're making those life changes.  I wrote down five places where I could live, and Boise seemed to make the most sense to me.  I wanted mild winters, sunshine, and good and decent people to get to know.  God granted me all these things and I'm eternally grateful.
• Look deep in your heart and accept what was and begin the journey to start anew.  What is now for me is a great life, two little terrorists that live in my house and a multitude of good friends who love and respect me for who I am, just I as love and respect them.  There's been a few that have fallen by the wayside, but this is healthy as we sometimes need to weed through the negative to find the positive.
• Look for the Divine daily, find it in your heart and your heart will change.  God lives in all of us.  The Bible says we were made in the image and likeness of God.  That is true and God's energy is embedded in each one of us.  
• Finally, that blessing of courage and change can be one of our greatest experiences.  If we don't change, we become stagnant.  When I moved here it was with the clear intention of not becoming stagnant.  I have far surpassed stagnant and almost wish for a few stagnant days.  Our blessings are real, look within and they'll show themselves to you in the most obvious ways.  

Therefore, my friends, October is for change, courage and being creative when we find that courage to make our changes.  We're in the season of autumn, the leaves are changing, the weather has cooled off and guess what, changes have been made for us without our "help!"  God takes care of everything, and we need to give thanks for the indwelling of spirit and the love of the Divine. 

  

The Last Link To The Past

The last link to my childhood left me when I heard about the death of Queen Elizabeth II.  She was always there, always a stalwart presence in my life and if I was bored, there was always plenty of reading material about her and her family to devour and keep me busy for a few hours.  This being said, the passing of Her Majesty yesterday, removed the last puzzle piece of my childhood, a link on the celestial chain to my grandparents and my proud British heritage.  My DNA will stay intact but that link to yesteryear is gone now and never to return. 

Therefore, I'd like to offer my recollections about the queen and the links I have that will stay with me forever.

My maternal grandparents were British, both born during the reign of Queen Victoria.  My grandfather was born in Newcastle and my grandmother in London.  Both emigrated to the United States in the early part of the last century, both became American citizens, and both never forgot their British roots.  I never met my grandfather, but my mother and grandmother always said he was a proud Victorian age man, who's love for everything British was apparent in his daily life.  My grandmother was the same but became more American as she grew older.  Both, however, loved the King and country and later the Queen and country and always remembered where they came from, their life circumstances, and life left behind in England.

When I was just a little girl, I remember when we learned to sing My Country Tis of Thee.  I remember singing it to my grandmother who to the same tune, sang God Save The Queen.  That was my first "link" if you will, to my heritage.  The Queen herself became a presence in my life from that day forward and, when I heard of her passing, I will confess, I shed a few tears as my childhood link was gone.  Therefore, as I type this blog, I'd like to offer a few memories of the Queen from this American's perspective.  

First, the Queen was a true lady in every way.  She carried herself as a lady should, was discreet with her speech and loved her husband.  From what we the public could see; she was a lovely well-bred British lady of whom the people adored.  If I could only be a tenth of the lady she was!  

Second, she was not born to be the Queen.   By accident of birth and her uncle's abdication, she became the Queen.  Did she resent her path in life?  Who knows but she carried out her duties in the way a queen should do, and the British people appreciated it.  She was bound by duty and tradition, and she carried out her lot in life with grace and love for the country.

Third, throughout her life she faced many challenges.  Her family has had its share of scandals, but whose family doesn't have a few problems.  Charles and his marriage woes brought him down a notch or two in the eyes of the public, especially with his treatment of Diana.  He's had a few other issues that because of his "position" became known to the public.  The problem with all this, however, is do we know the truth?  No, we don't.  We only know what journalists have written, what The Crown portrayed, and who knows where they got their information.  We as the public judged without ever knowing the full stories and frankly, we never will.  The Queen held her head high, kept up with the duties of her position and I'm sure downed a few G&Ts when no one was looking.  

Forth and finally, the Queen brought stability to the UK, was a great proponent of British life and was the calming face for the British people.  She was a fabulous spokesperson for the UK tourist trade of which I've partaken four times and plan for a fifth next fall. 

Therefore, as we watch Britan go through their time of morning of a great lady, let's try to remember, Queen Elizabeth was a human being, a wife, mother to the new king, grandmother to the future King William, and the great grandmother to the future King George.  I will morn her passing in a way unique to an American of British heritage.  I promise to give the new King Charles III a chance to be a great king.  He has large shoes to fill but he's been training all his life for this time in history.  Let's wait and watch to see how he and Queen Camilla guide Britian through the next step.  This being said, let me be one of the first to say, God Save the King. 

Teatime In South Shields, Newcastle on Tyne, 2016 

Birthday Blessings

September is here folks, the ninth month of the year and it's also the month I celebrate my yearly trip around the sun. Last month, we embarked on a 26-month alphabetical study on our journey to begin again.  This month, I'd like to explore blessings, the blessings we can find in our lives, and all those blessings we sometimes ignore or take for granted.  To do this, I'll open my heart and life to share the blessings I found that have become important and enriching.  Hopefully, mine will be an example for you, dear reader, to explore in your own life.  So, let's get started, jump in and enjoy the journey!  

The blessing of my Boise life is better than I would have ever dreamed.  The heat of the summer is finally behind us, but I am one who enjoys the sizzling summer days.  I will admit however, fall is starting to sound like a great idea.  Boise is hot, much hotter than I would have imagined but I've got a great tan and my garden thrived for another season.  My little boys are growing up.  The chewed molding has been repaired and there are no more wet spots on my floors or area rugs.  Their crate is dry in the morning and the frantic play times have decreased.  Puppyhood is becoming a thing of the past and honestly, I'm ready for some adult time.  The blessing these guys have given me is that they healed my heart after Bonnie's death and have allowed me to love again.  I miss her but the dudes are a huge source of pure enjoyment and pleasure.  I love them to death and I'm looking forward to a long life spent with them.  Doggie kisses and hugs are simply the best!

The blessing of getting old is profound and it is not for sissies, as my dad used to say.  I'll admit that he was correct.  Those little aches and pains that used to pass for a too hard of a workout are now regular occurrences.  The eye wrinkles are getting a bit more pronounced and that stubborn ten pounds does not want to go away.  I'm not one to complain and plastic surgery is not an option, so I'm embracing these changes as I move forward to the next stage of life.  These wrinkles are now my blessings as they show a life that was well lived but the journey is far from being over.

The blessing of good friends is one of which I'm fortunate to have.  I have a large circle of wonderful, like-minded people I seem to constantly interact with.  We can all laugh, tell a war story or two and we have all blended together well.  My social life is like a teenager's again, and I must keep my calendar up to date or I'll mix up my various activities.  My golf game has improved as I play every week.  Someday my handicap will be one of which I'm proud of but for right now, let's just say I'm improving.

My creative life has become a blessing and I have started allowing myself quality time to write and put together ideas to help other women walking my same path.  The blessing here is that I've found a wonderful new friend with whom I can share ideas and positive energy.  I look forward to many long years of friendship and support with my friend Colleen.

So, in a nutshell, just waking up every morning, looking at the yellow roses peeking in my bedroom window and thanking God for another day, is a blessing in itself.  The adage of stopping to smell the roses is profoundly true in my garden and my life.  We should all keep a gratitude journal and write down something we are grateful for daily.  Once we identify these things that we are grateful for, they become blessings and enrich our lives in so many ways. Therefore, my friends, count your blessings and enjoy life.  Make September your blessing month.  I'll be interested in what kind of blessings you all identify and please leave comments on this venue or Facebook.  I also post a link to this blog on Instagram, so blessing comments are welcome there as well. I'm excited to read what people share, there's a blessing in every situation. God's blessing to each and every one of my readers.  XXOO

May you be blessed with warmth in your home, love in your heart, peace in your soul and joy in your life. 

~ Irish Blessing

Authentically August

This month we are embarking on a twenty-six-month alphabetic topic study to explore our new normal as we begin again.  Beginning Again is not just my story anymore but the story for so many of us "aging" baby boomers who are trying to navigate the waters as we move into our senior state of being.  The last twenty-four months of spilling my guts in this blog have taught me much about myself, my thought process, and my life as I once knew it.  When I embarked on this journey two years ago, I had no idea where it would lead me, the uncertain road I have traveled and the new state of wonder where I currently reside.  Therefore, I have decided that it is time to become more outspoken about what I have learned, what I have become, and a bit more of my journey toward that unspoken road to the next life.

This month, as it is the first month on this path, the month of August, and the letter A is the first letter in the alphabet, we will explore being authentic.  Two years ago, I wrote a blog titled Becoming Our Authentic Self.  Two years ago, I was just a novice in this new awakening.  Now that I have traveled a path that has led me to new endeavors, new friendships, home city, and an entirely new spiritual path, I feel like I can better discuss authenticity.  I was out of my "comfort zone," my old thought patterns had me holding back what I genuinely believed.  I had to change my thinking and now I have the confidence to speak in a bolder more honest way than I was able to before.  So, let's take that leap of faith and begin again with the word Authentic!

Being authentic is not just being true to yourself but to all of those who we know and love.  Being authentic means being who you are, in body, mind and attitude.  Watering yourself down for others to like or accept us is no longer acceptable.  Nine years ago, I was living the life I thought I was supposed to live.  I had done everything society deemed I was meant to do; get married, have a kid, a dog (or dogs), own a house, yada, yada, yada.  Nine years later, now that all the dust has settled, I have learned that all of "that" was okay, and I'm not ready to become a dried-up old crone.  In the olden days, or in Biblical times, a widow became just that and stopped living.  I refuse to dry up and go into hiding.  I have the need to look and feel young.  I am young at heart and some of the young ones at the gym ask how old I am!  

So how do we live in a young state of mind while being authentic?  We must first stop comparing ourselves to others.  We are all different and have different learned attitudes and lifestyles.  Try new endeavors, new adventures, and new ways of thinking.  I love to travel and have no trouble going on my trips alone.  I've joined some provocative zoom courses over the last few years and have met some interesting, exciting people.  My entire state of mind changed, and my way of thinking changed 180 degrees.  So, get out of your comfort zone and learn something new!

Being authentic also means to stand in our truth.  We need to be able to speak our mind and not be afraid.  Frankly, I've been called a lot of names over time, but I spoke the truth and I am not ashamed.  The world is going to hell in a hand cart folks and it's time those with common sense stand up for what's right and speak out.  I'm not saying we need to demand repentance and convert.  I'm saying we need to stand up for our country, our rights as citizens of the United States and the world.  We need to state the truth and be bold as we march forth. Currently, we're leaving our children and grandchildren a mountain of debt, violent cities, and unparalleled confusion.  I've stated this often over our 48 months together, but I'm glad my parents and grandparents didn't live to see what's happened to our country.  Those who fought and died for the United States would be appalled.  This is tragic folks; we should be ashamed for being asleep at the wheel and letting this monstrosity of socialism happen to the greatest country in history.  The road to socialism leads to communism and we're moving full speed ahead.   Sad fact but truth, nonetheless.

Therefore, to end on a final bold note, go forth and conquer your fears!  Get out and be who you were meant to be.  God did not make us to be any other way!  Set your intentions daily, create a gratitude journal, and manifest what you truly desire.  You will find these steps will give you the courage to become who you are truly meant to be.  We are all whole, perfect, and complete in the eyes of God.  Spirit sees us as authentic, as we are all made in the image of the divine.   Who could be more authentic than that!

Freedom Is Not Free

Two trips around the sun have gone by since I took the giant leap and moved to Idaho.  I have discussed more than once that my perspective on life has changed greatly as I've laid bare my heart and soul over these last two years.  Taking the opportunity to express my thoughts, "wisdom" (or not so wise in readers eyes), and ideas has been a challenge.  With the way the world is today, I'm a bit reluctant to say too much as I'm afraid I'll offend someone.  The backlash can be frightening, and I've been called a few names I won't repeat. Therefore, now that my third Idaho summer has commenced, I have again had time to ponder and reflect on life as I now know it.  Therefore, the ideas I will express below are examples of the stage of life I have found myself at now and moving forward I hope to grow even further.  I am one who tries not to judge, although I'm not perfect in that regard.  I just ask that those who judge me by my comments below, not be too harsh.  We're all different, have differing opinions and frankly isn't this what life is all about?  

• Life is whatever you make of it.  Yes, we all get delt a bad hand of cards, experience boredom or depression but it's up to us to fix these things and make them better.  No one, nothing can do this other than you.  Trust me when I say this as I've had not always had a rosy time of it.  I changed the way I thought and opened my mind to innovative ideas and challenges.  As Ernst Holms says, "change your thinking, change your life." I am not bored, unhappy or depressed, I'm too busy for those feelings.  Get out and go, experience life and don't dwell on the past, it's finished.  People will not come to you; you must go outside of your property line to meet interesting and exciting people and experiences.  Loneliness and boredom are emotions that are unnecessary, if one has a busy and fulfilled life.  There are many opportunities to be involved with if one pulls their head out and opens their eyes.  Volunteer at an elder care facility, animal shelter or church of your choice.  Go to the gym, learn a sport, or look for classes that hold your interest.  These days, one doesn't have to show up to a live in-person class but dial in on a zoom link, in your pajamas and enjoy.  The power lies in us, not others.
• Not everyone is going to like us, and this works both ways.  I've stopped trying to please others and now work to please myself.  This is not a selfish act if done with the right intention.  We must love and care for others but, if those others are not jelling with us, it's time to walk away.  God gave us all kinds of people, therefore, chose your friends wisely and enjoy the camaraderie and mutual satisfaction a great friendship brings to both parties.  We're not going always be someone else's cup of tea, but when we understand this concept, it's easier to move forward instead of trying hard to make someone like us and, vice versa.
• Keep an open mind to every opportunity.  Sometimes we can miss the greatest blessings if our minds are closed.  If I had had a closed mind, I would never have married my husband, dated the late great Mr. Wonderful or taken the giant leap out of my comfort zone and moved.  All three were blessings in their own way and I'm grateful for the experiences.  Count your blessings, fill your heart with gratitude and thank God every day for the opportunity of another day.
• Freedom to believe and choose is what makes us uniquely Americans.  Now, we don't have to agree and frankly I don't agree with much of what's happening today in the world.  I see a destruction setting upon our way of life; however, I've learned to wait, watch, and speak my truth as I might have a part in saving our country.  One does not have to agree but be respectful in your disbelief.  We can kill more flies with honey than with vinegar.  We do, however, need to stand in our truth and for our values, homes, family and country.  
• The United States of America is a great country.  Yes, we have had our share of problems and have made mistakes.  From my viewpoint, we've fixed many of those issues and moved forward.  In some areas, we're still a work in progress but, we've come a long way baby from what we were to what we are today! America was the greatest experiment ever created, don't destroy it because when it's gone, it's not coming back.  Socialism and communism do not work. Every time they're "tried" they fail.  Use Venezuela as a good example.  If that country looks successful, then go there, live and enjoy it.  Trust me, you're not going to like it and by the way, don't let the door hit you in the ass when you leave here.  
• Finally, freedom is not free.  We are on the precipice of losing everything we have if we don't wake up and get with it!  So many of our ancestors fought and died for our freedom and liberty.  Please, do not let them slip away because of bad leadership or blind ignorance.  Get out and vote, in mass, and take the opportunity to help save our country.  It's up to us, as no one will do it for us.  With this said, happy Independence month, and embrace the freedom and liberty we Americans and citizens of the world enjoy.  
• May God Bless America!

⚾️ For The Love of The Game ⚾️

Plain and simple, I love baseball. It’s not just the smell of Dodger Dogs, popcorn, or the sounds of the crowd. No, it’s more than that, baseball is embedded in my heart and soul. This month in honor of Father’s Day, we are going to explore America’s past time and the daddies who inspired us to love this magnificent game as much as they did.

One of my early memories with my dad was watching a baseball game on our little black and white TV when we lived in Pasadena. Dad was not necessarily a huge sports fan but, he did enjoy the game of baseball and more specifically the great Los Angeles Dodgers. I was just a little kid, five or six years old, but that memory of sitting with my dad is one of my happy memories.  It was a bonding time every girl has with a loving father. As I got older and, in my teens, baseball became my focus and my passion. I'd listen to the great Vin Scully announce the games, on my transistor radio, tucked under my pillow at night.  Dad would watch it with me when they were televised, but I was always the more enthusiastic one of the two of us. Many good times were spent in Dodger Stadium, watching the boys in blue play against those loathsome Giants or the subpar Mets. When I was working, vendors would give me tickets to a game or two every season. I usually took my dad to at least one game a year and we'd enjoy a Sunday afternoon sitting in great seats and enjoying each other's company.  Those were the days my friends and over the years, my love for the game continued.

When I met John, one of the items on my list for a potential husband, yes, I had a list, was he must like baseball.  Something I've learned since then is to be extremely specific with what you want to manifest.  I neglected to state I wanted to find a husband who loved the Dodgers.  I, however, fell in love with a New York Yankee fan.  How did this happen, I'm sure my dad asked?  No one who was a true Dodger fan would entertain the thought of marrying, little alone birthing the child of a Yankee fan!  That was blasphemy!  Well, I did and since then, 27 years later, the New York Yankees have been part of my life.  

So, how did a diehard Dodger fan live with a diehard Yankee fan, some may ask?  One just goes with the flow, does not rock the boat, and frankly watches them and enjoys.  Over the last 28 years, I have watched more Yankee games than I care to admit.  Frankly, I came to appreciate the Bronx Bombers for what they are, a great baseball team, a storied club, and a legend.  The Yankees have won more games in the World Series than any other team.  In 2008, we went to New York, to see a game in old Yankee Stadium.  I hate to admit it but it was magical.  Sadly, the line was too long to visit monument park, but we had good seats (John would have had it no other way) and the Yankees went on to beat the Twins that fateful night! We met my favorite Yankee, Mariano Rivera the day before, at his restaurant in New Rochelle.  We were so impressed at how gracious and nice he was.  He made it a point to greet every person in his restaurant and chat for a minute or two.  By the way, Mariano is the skinniest man I ever had the pleasure to put my arm around.  Yes folks, I have become a Yankee fan.  

When the Yankees would come to Seattle every year to play the Mariners, we would attend at least one game, the three of us together.  John and our one and only would watch one or two more in person, and experience that father-daughter bonding, that I experienced many years before.  To this day, 8 1/2 years later, our one and only is still a diehard Yankee fan and I know her daddy is proud of her.  This year she's going to see them in both Tampa and Minneapolis.  Her dad will be with her in spirit, sitting on her shoulder and cheering on their team.  This father - daughter baseball bonding continues, throughout the span of time.

After John passed away, I went back to nightly viewings of my beloved Dodgers, but I felt that missing link.  So now I have it timed where I can start the Yankees around 5:30 and catch up with the Dodgers at 8:05.  I have the best of both worlds and pay the price to watch my teams on MLB TV, whenever I want to catch a game. My life from April through October is baseball heaven.  Watching baseball is so much better than politics, and so much more comfortable than worrying about the state of the world.  The only angst I feel is if my team loses by doing something dumb.  It happens and yes, my emotions show and it's not always in a ladylike fashion.

So Dad, one can be a fan of both teams.  Yes, the Yankees are still the "enemy" of our beloved Dodgers but, the fun is there and hey, I don't have to pick sides!  I just go with the flow!  The magic of baseball still reigns in my home and thankfully my heart easily loves both teams equally.  Happy Father's Day, Daddy and let's hope for a Dodger-Yankee World Series this year and may the best team win! 

Daddy about 2011

 

Mother's Day Memories

 As I sit here and write this blog, I'm remembering my own mother and dear grandmother.  I think about both daily but around Mother's Day, their memories are even greater.  They both were invaluable in my life and had so much to say, and so much wisdom to impart.  The journey I've walked these last few years would have astounded both.  The fact I'm a mother, would have amused my grandmother and my own mother I think, went to her grave in disbelief.  You see, motherhood and marriage was never much on my mind or heart.  I was the "cat lady" in those days, the girl who had a bunch of cats.  I enjoyed my single life, worked hard, partied hearty and frankly, was living the dream.  It took a strong man, a decent guy and one with a work ethic to turn my head.  He was a baseball fan, although not my team so I figured why not, I could get involved!  So here I am, 29 years later, living the dream as a single girl again, someone's mother and happy in my space.  Crazy as it sounds, who would have ever imagined, my life has gone in a in full circle and I'm back to where I started.

As appropriate as the name of my blog is, Beginning Again, I truly have begun again.  No, I'm not out trolling for a date (I never really did that), or partying hearty (although lately I seem to have an active social life); I am back to enjoying my space, my life, and my new beginning in Boise.  Who would have thunk it!  What I've discovered is that, beginning again, this time on my terms, has been an amazing ride.  I started this blog two years ago, to heal my broken heart and move forward, and now I write for the sheer pleasure of writing and trying to make a difference.  I know my friends think I'm nuts, but frankly, standing in my truth makes me a little nuts.  I haven't got much to lose at this point, other than some of the "placeholders" that are tending to fall away anyway, or the phonies who I no longer have a tolerance for.  I have learned to enjoy my life again, with these two little boys who are keeping me hopping, the friends who have entered my life over the last two years and the memories I seem to be making regularly.  So how exactly did I do this?  What did it take for me to find peace of mind, a new path, and a new beginning?  

First, I decided I could care less what anyone thinks about me.  I mentioned this to my study group this week and they were rather surprised as who does this?!  Me!  I really do not give a flying you know what about what anyone thinks of me.  I live my life according to the Golden Rule, the Ten Commandments, and my heart knowledge.  I stand regularly in my truth and those who find that intimidating has fallen away.

Second, I know my heart.  I regularly listen to my Higher Self and understand what is right for me.  This is a practice and I'm still in the learning phase.  I am tapped in and so far, have not been steered wrong.  My dear friend Maureen St. Germain is a great teacher on this subject, check her out and her books.  She's amazing.  

Third, I have gained the wisdom to find my inner peace.  I know that everything that happens is for a reason, and I count my blessings daily.  What seemed like the end of the world two years ago, turned into a blessing of unimagined proportions.  No, I'm still sad about the way that "thing" worked out but see the blessing and have moved on.  I was on a Facebook Live Zoom call the other day, looked at the participants in the group and realized that that one person, acting as a conduit for the universe, brought all those people into my life.  These participants were all over the world, of various ages and backgrounds.  I would never have ever been in that group but for this one blessing.  Crazy, but a wonderful crazy all the same.

So back to Mother's Day and my own mother.  I owe her so much, love her and miss her desperately.  Over the last few years, I have wished over and over that she was still here.  My grandmother as well.  Nannie has been gone for thirty years, but I still miss her and her words of wisdom.  Knowing what I know now about her life through my genealogy studies, I have so many unanswered questions. Therefore, Mother's Day is not just about giving birth, but the nurturing, imparting of wisdom and being a friend to the most important people in a mother's life.  Through this journey of the last two years, I believe my one and only has discovered I'm more than just Mom, but a human being with feelings, fears, courage and tenacity.  I know she's followed my journey with an open mind and heart and has taken to heart these blogs.  I just hope she doesn't make my mistakes, learned from what I've done right and has been encouraged on her own journey.  I pray that mother's prayer for health, safety and peace of mind.  So onward and upward to all my mom friends, and Happy Mother's Day!

Mom with Nicholas and Bonnie 2013