Deep Freeze

I remember saying to myself that I needed to remember, when I had said that I missed the snow, to tell myself this frequently during the next two months.

Its January, and its freezing, and its okay. I feel so at home, being back in Erie. I have a 4-wheel drive, and I am in a warm place. I feel a lot of compassion for those who have no place to go, and I pray for them; it makes me even more thankful for my blessings.

I have just gotten in touch with a very good friend whom I haven't heard from in a long time. I had been worried about him; he was battling a rare form of cancer, and when I couldn't contact him, I was fearing the worst. But all is well. Another blessing--huge blessing for him and nice blessing for me!

I am still thankful for so many of my friends that I have in my life. These ladies have helped me to still feel good about myself, my life and the world in general.

As far as the recent economic crisis, I have still managed to remain positive and not let it get to me so much. Perhaps its too idealistic, but I just cannot worry over things I have no control over.

I have been working on several projects, and I'm going to see if I can borrow a digital camera and take some pics of them. I am glad I am in the part of the country where one can actually wear all the warm things I knit.

Oy!!

Almost a month has gone by since my last entry.

I have been so busy playing with my grandchildren, and working as a temp while trying to find a permanent job. I've been fortunate to have worked in a few of the nicest places in Erie, and that has been a boost for me professionally as well as personally.

How lucky can one gal be to find herself in not one, but several work situations in a row where EVERYONE there is really terrific to be around? Very. And believe me, I am sending up a prayer of thanks for that. Its a great way to get back into the Erie scene.

Having good, positive, progressive people to work with is almost just as important as the work you do, isn't it? Face it, one spends more of his waking hours in the workplace than anywhere else, and when the atmosphere is negative, its a draining, thankless experience. And it can only take One Person....

I have loved meeting the people I have met, and its helped me to make the transition from West Coast to East so much nicer. I'm still looking for a permanent position I hope, but in the meantime this is great.

I'm also enjoying the fall weather and the leaves. I really missed the seasons while I was in San Diego, and love the crisp, fall air. To me it "smells" like fall. I can't explain it, but it does. I have even expressed the sentiment that I missed the snow.

Remind me that I said this when its February and my fingernails are blue.

Which reminds me....

I don't have a winter coat.
I don't have any boots.
....gloves, or hats.

Oy.

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

I had the distinct pleasure this summer of driving across the country, from San Diego to Erie All By My Lonesome. Funny the places that life takes you, isn't it? Actually its really easy to navigate the trip. GoogleMap was my best friend, however my trip really only involved four different highways: the 15 to the 76 to the 70 to the 80 to the 90, and then right home!

On paper it was easy, but it involved four 12 hour days and I could not believe how stiff and sore I was when I arrived. I was blessed not only with great weather, but with the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen in my life. Now I know why people do the RV thing.

The idea really appalled me before. Never could understand that because my idea of a vacation is to Get Away from the Everyday drudge. The worst of that being Housework. So why would any sane person want a vacation filled with Housework on Wheels? Big friggin' whoop. And my ideal camp is a room at the Holiday Inn--the "roughing it" part being No Room Service.

I spent three nights at various hotels along the highway, with take out for meals. I always thought I would be too chicken, a woman alone to make this journey, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

One thing I noticed that seems to be nationwide: Whenever I go to a Drive Through, and it is being manned by teenagers, they always forget the napkins! East Coast, West Coast, the Heartlands.

What's up with that?

Begin at the Beginning....

I keep thinking of how James Mitchener would start this. Usually his books will start with the prehistoric history of the area he wants to write about; how molten lava spewed forth from the earth to create Hawaiian Islands, thus the book "Hawaii" which I read while I was in Junior High School.

You will be relieved to read that I won't do that to you.

I have that duality in myself that comes from an artistic temperment; oftentimes I would be participating in something and at the same time I feel like a part of me is standing back and "observing" and thinking about what I am seeing and doing. Used to drive me bonkers and I would often question my own stability, until I realized that this truly is a gift, which I am grateful for.

I love intelligent conversation, fiber art, my children and my grandchildren. I am especially blessed with a wonderful group of friends that have both anchored me and held me up at the same time.

Pennsylvania is my home; born and bred here. I lived for a few years in San Diego, California, and although I had fun there, I ached for the seasons, the green stuff that grows on the hills, and I actually missed snow! (Remind me that I said this in February when I am bitching about it.)
I found myself sick of nice weather and all the Spanish architecture. California is a wonderful place to visit, but I am so glad to be back in PA.

While I was out west, my daughters, from here, started to give me grandchildren--NOT fair! I have no intention of their Nanny being merely a voice on the telephone and a Once A Year Visitor. Nuh-Uh. Since I have moved back east, I have immersed myself in my two little toddlers and have found a new definition and depth of what love can mean. I would have missed it if I had stayed away. Nothing compares to a little one's face bursting into smiles when they see you....

...and the best part--giving them back to Mom when you get tired, or they get cranky!

Wendy