Wrapping gifts
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: General Ramble
I have almost everything wrapped up with the exception of B's knitted stuff - that should be finished and here by the end of the week. Today I'll haul out my Christmas decorations and get a start on getting the house decorated. Brother D. and wife will be in town on the 19th so I'm having girls night with the boys to kick off Christmas on the 21st.

Things are moving along quite nicely. Weather is holding out - no snow yet although the winds are strong enough to blow you down - from the W and SW - no shovelling required. I think I have enough oil in my tank to take me over Christmas time. With no income in January I am hoarding pennies just in case.

Dreary Tuesday
Mood:  lazy
Topic: General Ramble
At least the snow is staying away. Our temps are mild, around 7C, and while the air is damp and drizzly it isn't keeping people inside.

It's just a month til Christmas and I haven't given much thought to what I will make for my friends this year. They appear to love my canvas or watercolours but I feel like I'm forcing my work on them. It isn't easy to come up with new designs. My sister has more of my art at her place than I do. This year my family are getting our genealogy book that's taken me 10 years to compile.

I'll come up with something. I usually do.

Remembrance Day
Mood:  quizzical
Topic: General Ramble
It's Tony's birthday today, he's 37. Where did the time go? It was just yesterday I was 37 and quitting smoking. My marriage was a disaster, I was killing myself with over-eating, and generally my life wasn't worth living. Every day I wished I was dead. My son seems to have better control of his life or at least he's gaining control over it.

I feel like an imposter these days - as far as my creativity is concerned. I can't come up with an original plan for a painting or an original plot for a story. Why do I even bother? So what would I prefer doing? Who knows? My legs aren't strong so walking is a challenge at the best of times. I'm just putting in time for.........

I'm so glad I have Scottie in my life. She gives me a reason for getting out of bed and makes me laugh and giggle over her mischievious antics. I am glad I have the unconditional love and support of my girlfriends - without them my life was black. I am glad my family are healthy and within driving distance and I love love love my sister's youngsters all to pieces.

I must be three shades of blue today... sure hope it's gone soon.

Baby Steps
Mood:  not sure
Topic: General Ramble
I think it was Confucius who said 'every journey begins with a single step' or words to that effect. Some times the thought of the journey is overwhelming. But taking the first step has always been a necessity in my life. So many times I've wanted to give it up... sit down and cry instead of shouldering the heavy backpack of responsibility. My journey has been a rough one - but one that I chose to take many years ago.

I could have taken the easy road - the path of least resistance but what would I have learned from life if I had. Do I have regrets? You bet I do. Would I change anything in my past if I could? Most definitely. Would I do it all over again if I had the choice? Never!

I have learned my lessons the hard way for the most part and from those experiences I have been able to share with others who are just setting out on their journeys.

But wouldn't it be nice to have someone to share the load with? It would.