When I was 21, I worked as a cashier at a gas station.

I was a single mom, and I was doing whatever I could to support myself and my three year old son.

I drove to work in my rusty Datsun 210, dependable with a stick shift and a functional engine, but no AC. In the Deep South, swampy summers made for a sweaty commute.

My son and I would be wearing shorts and tank tops, windows down, blasting music as we went down the road, singing along to 90’s contemporary Christian music. I was trying to find a way to be positive in my very difficult life. Once I dropped him at the sitters and got to work, I’d change into my uniform.

I was also working part time at a pizza place, but I was barely making ends meet.

I had several regulars that came through the gas station. One was a giant redheaded man, rumbling up on his motorcycle to buy cigarettes. He looked downright scary with his wild hair and unkempt beard, but I soon discovered he was just a big softy.

We would talk for a few minutes whenever he came in. He looked out for me – I was 21, but looked much younger. He always worried about “such a pretty girl working alone”, as I worked solo those days- even on night shifts.

Two days after Thanksgiving that year, I received a call at work from my son’s aunt, informing me that my son’s father had been killed in a car accident.

“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”

I really despise strife.

I think one of the main things that divides friends, families, and the human race is judgements and strife.

It took me four decades to realize I was the cause of many of my problems.

It’s so easy to point the finger at others and tell them how they need to change.

Now we have social media, and you can get a random gang to support points you make. They don’t really know what’s going on, though. They are responding to the fire you are stoking.

No one is perfect. Not even me, or you.

The answer to peace in your home, your relationships, your workplace is right in front of you.

It’s called a mirror.

If you are blaming your life station or current situation on someone else, you are on the wrong track.

Look in the mirror.

No one can make you feel anything. Make you do anything.

If you are reacting to people or situations, you are running on emotions, not logic.

It takes an adult to realize that how we respond to a situation is our choice. Our choice alone.

The Bible talks about iron sharpening iron – we are in relationship to learn and grow, and become more like Christ.

The way this happens is not by focusing on the other person. Pray sincerely for them, in love. Pray for God to make them into the man or woman He wants them to be.

We cannot change anyone but ourselves.

So I get humble. I pray sincerely.

I want peace in my house. In my relationships. In the world.

It’s starts by working on me, by letting God speak to me about how I can change. Grow. Improve. Be kinder.

Is this easy? Often it is very difficult. People hurt people.

I’m accountable to God. I need to keep my focus on being pleasing in His sight.

That is something I must decide to do every single day.

I’m a lot less distracted by what’s going on around me when I’m focused on God.

Let there be peace.

I did the walk of shame yesterday.

I am really mortified by the results of my pantry purge.

Post Christmas, I decided to deep clean the cupboards and pantry. We are functionally empty nesters now, and our grocery needs have decreased exponentially. We started out our remarriage journey with five hungry kids, ages 10-23. We are now two adults trying to eat healthy, and I wanted to do an inventory of our food.

I have thrown out two large laundry baskets full of expired food. Canned goods, staples, snacks. All uneaten, expired, and wasted.

I’m ashamed.

I can come up with lots of excuses – until six months ago I was working full time, with a lot of commuting as well. I bought ingredients for recipes without looking at what I had at home. Frankly, with the amount of food I had, I never really knew what I had.

Turns out I had a lot of wasted food.

I’ve been poor. I’ve been no joke broke. I’ve lived off potatoes, ramen soup, and cereal.

I’m horrified at the waste.

In my continuing path to minimizing my home, I’ve rearranged (again) my pantry so I can clearly see everything.

I’m dedicated to looking at what I have and considering my stock of food when I am meal planning.

Deep sigh.

Today I’ll finish up the last of the pantry purge.

From now on, I’ll take my time and look at what I have before I buy more.

Lesson painfully learned.

This month, for the first time in 12 years, I let my certification lapse.

I thought long and hard about this. I was certified in inpatient obstetrics as an RN, having taken a huge test, followed by bi-annual educational requirements. I was very proud of my certification.

This coming year I faced a crossroads,though. It is becoming evident that my chapter as a registered nurse is closing. All doors are shutting, and other doors are opening. I’m completely at peace about not working as an RN right now.

Or perhaps ever again.

So I let the RN-C lapse. It’s expensive. I have not let go of my license – I renewed in July, as a compact state license.

All I know is 2019 I want to be fully present for my husband, kids, and grandkids. I have two grandsons due within the month.

2019 is also the year of my novel. I’ve been constructing it in my head – next year, I will be dedicating daily time to writing.

Nursing was a beloved part of my life for over 20 years.

It’s a new chapter.

I’m officially turning the page.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 

This is a tough verse in the Bible. I do not believe in karma, but I believe this verse. What you reap, you will sow.

It’s a verse to be read with humility. I read it with the understanding that even if I completely stop doing wrong or bad things, there will still be consequences. Even when I am on the straight and narrow, I’ll have to walk through the crap show I caused by my short sightedness, or selfishness.

I don’t wish evil on anyone – I really don’t. It is sad to see someone who has not learned a lesson that has been in the forefront of their life since they were a teenager, if not further back .

The longer time goes on and seeds of irresponsibility or selfishness are sown, the bigger the harvest one has to sow later.

It’s inevitable. Inescapable. Agonizing.

The lesson here is for the children. Listen to your elders, and learn from our mistakes! It’s a lot easier than sowing a crop that could have been avoided had their been less avarice.

The one thing I won’t do is flip the script into the woe and angst mode. When you have brought all of this on yourself as a direct result of many selfish decisions, I cannot pity you. You are the victim of your own poor choices…not a victim of chance.

I can only learn, and hopefully help the truth shine the way on a better path for the children who follow.

Over and over, I have heard the phrase “bloom where you are planted”.

It sounds nice. A positive saying, and it makes a good pass along meme.

It’s easier said than done.

Ten years ago, I planted some narcissus bulbs under the live oak tree in the front yard. I followed instructions as to depth and temperature requirements.

A year later, a beautiful flowering plant rewarded me for those moments digging in the dirt.

That’s the only year it bloomed.

Oh, it comes back up every year. And every year, there is another slender green shoot that follows somewhere around it. It has managed to reproduce, but it has not bloomed.

I like the flowers – especially the pretty part. The delicate fragrance that rewards you for bending down to admire them.

For whatever reason, the narcissus doesn’t have all it needs to bloom here. It may not get cold enough in the dormant season. It may get too much rain, or not enough sun.

Who knows.

All I know is, it’s doing the best it can. It’s taking what it can from the environment it’s been given. It’s coming back every year, and it’s reproducing.

The other little plants don’t even know they are supposed to bloom. Maybe the original one has forgotten how to.

Ten years ago I moved into this house, in a state that I have never been fond of. I came here solely because my family was here. I stay here because my husband and most of my children are also here, too.

I come from northern and western climes. I enjoy all the seasons – fall, winter, spring, and lastly summer. I love the Gulf of Mexico…to visit. My heart is in the Mountain West.

I am trying to bloom. After almost two decades, though, I have a feeling it just won’t happen here.

Oh, I’ve tried. I’ve looked at the sunny side. I’ve exercised in the the gnat filled humidity. I live with huge roaches that fly, for goodness sake. I’ve seen snakes and spiders and devils horsemen grasshoppers. Possums, armadillo, and bear frequent the neighborhood.

I’m still here.

I’m planted.

I don’t know if I’m replicating, but I’m growing.

Through storm and heat and floods and bugs. Through rejection and celebration and loneliness and change.

That’s me you see standing.

I may not be blooming, but I’m growing.

Do I get credit for that?

I did a lot of observing from my sick bed this week.

I was happily visiting my daughter and her family when I was stricken with norovirus. For the record, I don’t recommend this nasty bug – it delayed my flight home for 3 days (because I am a considerate traveler) and shed 8lbs from me in less than 2 days.

Not enjoyable.

From my 48hrs of self imposed quarantine, I had a lot of time to think. There are only so many cooking shows to watch.

The first thing confirmed to me was we have precious little in life that we are in control of.

I understand traveling is a great way to be exposed to a plethora of communicable diseases, and I plan accordingly. I use a lot of hand sanitizer. I stay in my bubble. I hand wash wherever I am able.

I still got sick.

I made plans to get home using the most inexpensive ticket available- and it was still expensive. While prudent at the time, it turns out the airlines don’t care if you are very ill and unable to travel without camping out in the tiny lavatory the entire flight. No credit, no mercy, no money back. Oh, and original airline offered me a one way home for 50% more than the initial round trip ticket purchased.

I passed.

I made myself available to my son and daughter in law, and tried to spend as much time with my grandsons as possible. I lost Monday and Tuesday to illness. I could only lie in bed listening to the boys chatter at each other. Wednesday I cautiously ventured into their space again, interacting with them, soaking up every minute of time before tucking them into bed last night. Too soon, they were asleep, and out of my reach until another trip.

I realized acutely the growth I have done as a person and a parent, and realized where I had room to grow.

Obvious again was the fact that advice can be given with the best intentions, but it doesn’t mean it will be heeded. Or appreciated.

It was a humbling few days.

I’m acutely aware of my blessings. I have a husband who I love intensely, and who loves me just as intensely in return. I have healthy and brilliant parents, amusing me and advising me (advise I am eager to hear now!), and I treasure each day with them.

I have wonderful children who are good humans. Who have married well. Who have and are producing grandsons that bring me more joy that I am able to express.

I’ve come a long way, baby…literally and metaphorically.

There’s always room to grow.

…And that’s just what they are doing!!

A few years ago, I made my first trip to Europe. It was February, and I knew Great Britain would be cold and damp. I needed sturdy, comfortable, and warm shoes.

I hate shopping (see previous blog), but I had to do some searching to find the right shoes. They turned out to be a sturdy leather boot, warm and waterproof, with hearty soles that could handle just about any weather.

I took my new kicks to London first – we landed there at 0500, and survey says it’s wisest to stay awake all day, to avoid some jet lag, and to adjust to the time change.

I walked all over London, rode the tube, and climbed aboard the double decker bus. These boots carried me into pubs and before castles. They stood on tip toe as I strained to take in Westminster Cathedral.

The next day, we explored Bath, Salisbury, and Stonehenge. My boots walked in the steps of ancient vacationers seeking healing waters, and carried me through marble floored churches. They stood in place while I read about the Magna Carta, and later ran me around Stonehenge (it was very cold and damp).

The boots walked cautiously up narrow stone stairs in several ancient Welsh castles. They held me up when I turned the corner at the Cardiff National Museum impressionist wing and saw Monet’s “Water Lilies” for the first time.

Since that trip, the boots have walked along the Seine in Paris, silently raced through The Louvre, and strolled through the Musee D’Orsay. They have tapped along to street musicians as I had a simple breakfast of coffee and a croissant within view of the Eiffel Tower.

My now broken in boots have raced to embrace my son, daughter in love, and grandson in Germany. They stomped through icy fields with World War Two concrete “dragons teeth” along the former border of Germany and France.

The frozen packed snow crunched under my boots in Switzerland as I turned in a circle, amazed at the stunning Alpine panorama around me. My feet stayed warm as I drank mulled wine, my breathe a cloud around me.

For all that European excitement, I’m excited today that my boots are carrying me to see my daughter and her family – a year ago tomorrow they ran through several airports as I rerouted in attempt to see my daughter, in serious condition as she delivered my twin grandsons. Today everyone is healthy, thank goodness. These boots will keep my feet warm in the frigid Midwest winter.

I’ll need sturdy legs to hold my twin sons in my arms! These boots are traveling on assignment to do just that.

If it wasn’t fun enough to have a couple of diagnosis that I am trying my best to deal with, the insurance companies make it even more maddening.

Today I needed to refill a prescription – when I went to the counter, it was double what I should be paying.

First, this RX is outside of the insurance company’s tiered therapy plan. I went through those other tiers of medications long before I started this insurance in June. My MD had to fax in a waiver stating such. He had to do this twice, as the insurance company had no record of the first interaction.

Next, I was told I’d have to get the RX by mail order, 90 days at a time. The cost was triple what I can get it for from my local pharmacy, with a prescription card from the medication manufacturer. Twice the insurance company has sent my MD the mail order waiver. Twice he sent it back. It still is not resolved. We are five months into this now. Five months of calling monthly. Including today.

Then, I realized I needed more insulin pod delivery systems, so I called the notorious poor service medical supply company. I’ve used the pods exactly as written, and I will run out soon. This company has to be practically threatened daily to send orders in a timely manner on a good day. After arguing with me that I shouldn’t be running out, she said they would send me one box. After I faxed them a form.

Oh, I’ve been trying to fax said form for 24 hours. It won’t go through – the problem is on their side. As a diabetic, I don’t want to run out. The form went through on the alternate fax line given to me after 20 minutes on hold, but the order has not been placed.

I’m on hold now with the pod manufacturers. Today’s pod failed as I instilled the insulin – a first. I know they will send me a replacement – whenever I get off hold. I’m at 20 minutes of Muzak waiting now.

It shouldn’t be a full time job to deal with insurance issues- but it is.

The sad thing is this insurance is miles better than the hospital insurance I had as a nurse.

I’m grateful I have insurance- but the system is broken. The MD’s and patients are at the mercy of the insurance companies. It should not be that way.

The happy ending to today’s take is my pod company is sending me 4 pods overnight mail so I don’t run out.

Amen.

Until next month.

I drive my husband crazy because I am always taking pictures.

Wherever we go, I’m taking pictures of us. Of beautiful scenery. Of the place we are. Of the food!

My rationale to him as I pull him reluctantly into another shot is always the same – some day when we are old and grey, we will love looking back at all our memories, capturing time in a click.

Little did I know how quickly I’d prove this to myself.

When my mother in love passed away eight years ago, I went through all my pictures, and found I didn’t have any with her. It crushes my heart. I cherish the photos I have of her, and have framed some for the house, but I wish I had the foresight to take pictures with her.

My dear current mother in love is suffering with dementia, and I made a photo book for her of the family, and the farm she loves. For a time, this helped her remember the good days. She loves her family so much!

Now I have a “remember when” type application coming across my iPhone daily. It shows me pictures of what was going on, this day in history.

It is coming up on the one year birthday of my twin grandsons, and I am so glad I have the pictures of my very pregnant daughter. I can’t wait to watch the growth of my premature sons, playing out in pictures! They grow up so fast. I only have a fraction of pictures of my own children as babies. Back then, you had to have a camera. And time! I didn’t have either, and those memories are fragmented in the mind of a middle aged woman.

Right now I have been getting pictures on my timeline from a fun trip to Walt Disney World they I took with a group of friends. It is one of many trips taken with one of my best friends, Dallas.

Dallas is in the fight for her life right now, with a diagnosis of ALS. Her friends and I are praying for her daily, and rallying around her.

But the pictures! They make me laugh, smile, and remember all the amazing good times we have had because of her. With her!

Take the pictures. Snap them when you get the chance – the spontaneous ones. The crazy ones.

Capture the moment – because time, indeed, is fleeting…and none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.