Pumpkins, Pools, and Rock and Roll

I was pleased to see I had posted in 2017, even if I don't really remember doing it.  How sad am I?

     But truly I am here to confess my new love, the one who will be the destroyer of my free time.  He has become my secret obsession.  He's like Voldemort and we can not speak his name, but I have come to find if I don't spend time with him each day, I get this nagging feeling that just won't go away.  What is this mystery that doesn't have a name.....

So basically, and in much less dramatic fashion, I have started guitar lessons.  I tried to teach myself, but it was quite a disaster, so I got myself a teacher.  It has been so much fun.  I returned to a community band, so I have my clarinet to practice too.  Sometimes I forget how much I love playing music until I get involved in it again.

We moved to Texas four years ago and I would love to tell you that this is my favorite place on Earth, but that would be a giant lie, so I'll refrain.  I've gotten more and more used to it and found things I genuinely enjoy about Texas, but the hardest part is when Fall comes.  In Houston there is Summer and the part that is not Summer, but since Summer lasts for about 9 months there isn't much else.  Houston likes to pretend it has a Fall by putting out pumpkins and artificial leaves that are orange, and yellow, but it hardly comes close to real Fall.  So this year in order to avoid the doldrums that happen to me this time I've year, I am going with the very adult, stick my fingers in my ears and shut my eyes.  I think it will be easier if I just acknowledge that it isn't happening hear and go with following the leaves again when I am retired.  Traveling the East Coast of the US during Fall is gorgeous.  It is when I fell in love with Vermont!  Who can beat a view like this.....

So in an effort to not lament the impending death of Fall, I am focusing on playing my guitar and playing in the pool.  We put in a pool last summer and it has been the greatest addition we have made to the house.  We go in it all the time and it should be in use come October, since it is usually about 80 degrees until close to Christmas.  I must admit I love the way it looks.

I've gotten back into writing, but nothing of significance and as I read through this entry I am reminded of my need to practice this on a regular basis too!

Only in January

I seem to have an affinity for posting in January and then slipping into oblivion for the remaining 11 months.  Blogging is like the perpetual epic fail of resolutions.  No, I didn't make a resolution to blog.  I just decided that all these thoughts I carry in my head should go somewhere and maybe it will take up less space.  I'm laughing that I am turning into my mother and talking to my thoughts.

So here I am because 2016 sucked!  I mean really sucked!  My mother died on January 18, 2016 after battling cancer.  It is strange being an only child and having both your parents pass away.  I feel lost and found at the same time.  I miss my mom incredibly, but I don't miss having to care for her.  Getting up at all hours of the night when she would start yelling for you because she was feeling lonely and wanted some company.  And at the same time, I miss being able to keep her company --  watching Golden Girls and talking about changes in the world.  My mother was so smart and a wonderful person with whom to bounce around ideas.  I now have time for the things I want to do.  With Noah being 9 almost 10, I have time.  I joined the community band.  I love it!  I forgot how much I loved it.   I have taken a bigger interest in knitting.  Primarily because it is portable.  For some reason, people are less offended when you are knitting as you talk.  I have friends who are amazing knitters.  I am not one of them, but I enjoy it anyway.  So with band and knitting, I am adding in writing.  I used to love to write.  Again, I have friends who are very skilled at this and I am mediocre, but I still love to do it.  I keep assuring myself that I will get better as time goes.

So welcome to 2017! Welcome to me in middle age!  Yikes!  Welcome to being a little selfish from time to time!  Welcome to new explorations!