Dear Void...

Sometimes it feels like that's where my rantings go - just off into the vast echoing universe - but there are also those times when I feel that that same universe is my closest listening friend.

So, Hello dear Void, it's me again...

We got baby moved to her college dorm yesterday, and all settled in (I hope.)

Goodbyes were tearful, but it felt good to know that she has at least one good friend in her apartment - someone familiar, and somewhat stable for her to cling to.
I left her with prayers and hopes that she can somehow find her way out of her comfy shell and reach for the stars.
Nothing would make me happier than to see her achieve all of her dreams.

She's been homesick today already, and has been texting all of us. Hopefully she'll do better tomorrow when she's occupied with orientation, and gets more adjusted to her surroundings.

As for me, I decided that rather than dwell on all the things I'll be missing, I would focus on the positive things, such as;

* I won't have to adjust the radio station every time I get in the car.


*Computer's printer ink will last longer

* I can go wild with the new recipe nights, (since she's the last of the picky eaters at my house.)

* I have so many ways to keep in touch - phone & text, email, and I can finally start using all those cards I make - and stuff them with big fat letters full of mommy advice.

Well, it's not much compared to losing my shopping buddy, my writing adviser, my art critic and masseuse, but I have to hold on to what I can.

-*-

I spent a pleasant afternoon chatting with my older daughter today.
Whenever I do this, I find myself wondering what went wrong in the great beyond where families are assembled. She should have been the mom, and I the child.
She knows things about things that... well - I didn't even know were things.

I can talk to her about anything and everything - so, I was picking her brain about the next phase of my life's journey and how to keep it from being empty and dull. She did give me some great tips and advice, which I'm anxious to try to put into practice.
I'll let you know how that goes... :-)

-*-

My oldest son had the chance to go visit his brother in Seattle this past weekend. I'm so glad they got to spend some time together. It sounds like they had a lot of fun exploring and sight-seeing. They even attended a Green Bay vs. Sea Hawks game. He flew back home today, grateful that he's the country boy and not the city one, though.

-*-

Friday, I'm afraid I had a teensy-weensie meltdown and I gave myself a time-out. An evening's exile to Borders.
I was a little anxious at first - it's been so long since I've gone anywhere at night, let alone by myself, but before long, I was enjoying the light jazz and the soft comfy chairs as I sampled many of the books and magazines that I can't find in my home town.

I could feel my blood pressure dropping as I sat there, and if I had stayed much longer, could have fallen asleep where I sat. It was that relaxing.
I may just make that my new Friday night ritual.

The only thing I brought home was a copy of Artful Blogging. I was pulled in by all the interesting photos, and thought that maybe I could pick up some helpful hints on how to do a better job of it.

What I'm discovering though, is that I probably shouldn't be blogging at all. - All the bloggers featured in it are entrepreneurs of some sort.
Artists, photographers, jewelery makers, or cooks. Each blogger seems to have chosen a running theme, or a mission statement to keep things unified.

...So who am I to have a blog? I'm not famous, I have no goods to sell, no art to inspire, or wisdom to impart. I'm just an ordinary mom trying to muddle her way through an ordinary life.

As I thought about it though, I came to the conclusion that I don't care.
I think that every soul has a story to tell, whether good or bad.
Writing is therapy for me (but cheaper!) and I enjoy it, so why not blog?

If I offend by not having a theme - just put me down as one 'recording my journey through life.'
I've never been one to take the safe route by staying on the straight and narrow path, I've always been too curious (foolish?) for that - I have to explore all the side roads - or leave the path altogether and wade up the stream...

Sometimes (well, most of the time) it takes a hard knock to teach me things, but every lesson learned leaves it's mark. (Pun not intended - just a bonus.)
If lessons are recorded, then hopefully they don't have to be repeated, and therein lies it's worth.

Blogging helps me sort through my emotions and focus on things that matter most.

So thanks, dear Void. I love you too.
.