What do you remember of the people you love who are no longer nearby?  A look… a place… For me, today is rich with memories of deep, genuine laughter.  

I have not shared my thoughts “on paper” in a very long time.  Why?  I am not sure there is a solid “why”, other than way too many things eating up my brain space and energy.  I am sure I am not alone in how I feel.  The world’s media market (social media, news media, name your media) has done a stellar job at keeping our thoughts whirling and with that, uncertainty has become a standard.  I have allowed those thoughts to weigh heavily with me, and the uncertainty pecked away at my otherwise solid and positive foundation.

Have you noticed that this year has been full of surprises?  Yeah, me too.  Surprise is defined as “an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing.”  That does not mean it is always joyful.

It is just unexpected.

It has been months since I have taken the time to empty my thoughts to a page.  Life has taken some interesting turns this year and it is only March. 

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…. 

Or so it seems sometimes.  Early September, Hubs and I traveled across the country for an epic adventure in Montana. As I sit and reflect, I realize there were so many moments during that trip where I was quickly transported back to 15+ years ago when I last visited this beautiful part of the country.  It’s been way too long since I have emptied my brain into the blogosphere. 

My mind has had a hard time coming out of its winter slumber this spring season.  The weather has not been helpful.  Our “spring” has been wet and dreary.  The bright spot has been warmer temperatures.  With the warmth of the air and the growth of all things green, I start to think of the celebration of life.  

I have found myself in a bit of an energy slump over the past couple of weeks.  I am getting through the things I have to do, but when done with the “must dos”, I would rather curl up with Jaxon and a book rather than tackle some of the “want to dos” on my list.  It is February.  

Although we have had a relatively mild winter in my neck of the woods, I am already thinking of spring. I am ready for steadily longer days and new growth on the trees.  This morning I sit near the window, seeing the birds picking at the suet hanging from a hook, a few snowflakes in the air, and the thermometer shows a crisp 12 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The past few weeks I have had every intention of sitting down and putting my thoughts into words to share.  I have the thought.  I write “Blog” on my weekly calendar.  The week passes, and “Blog” remains unchecked.  My intentions are there… my follow through is lacking.  The result?  A week goes by without writing.  A month goes by…

I am a sucker for a fresh start. 

I am sitting in a cabin nestled in Roche Lake Provincial Park, in British Columbia, Canada.  As I write, I am looking out the window, watching the sun begin to warm the surface of the lake.  The morning air is brisk as it was cold enough to frost last night.