Category: Other Posts

Before the age of caller identification, (caller ID for those that are challenged by the longer use of term), my mother would greet me with those words when she called. I have a dear friend that always laughs when I call her and begin with the same. For us it brings to mind a certain song from a certain age, and the call begins with a chuckle.

It’s me, dear friends and readers. I feel as though I’m climbing from a very dark well, the sunshine casting brilliant rays sparkled with gold. It beckons me, encouraging me to climb higher, even though my feet keep slipping, and my hands find it difficult to secure a rock rather than crumbling dirt. The sunshine reminds me of the verse I think of each morning, Psalm 118:24. This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I haven’t written here on my site for a couple years now. With the unexpected passing of my father on June 8, 2024, and then a long year of house renovations and then listing my father’s house for sale, I’ve been missing in the writing world. Those two life changes were the big ones, intermingled with the daily and sometimes hourly challenges of being a mother to five grown children, that have a life of their own? (Yes, the question mark is there for a reason. A reason most mothers will understand.) I dearly love my five children, and nine grandchildren. I love that generally we are a close family. But as with anything that is of value, or you have invested time into, it’s exhausting every now and then. Challenges, trials, and crisis never seem to come at a convenient time. And rarely seem to give space and energy to each one. But arrive in a mass, giving you little time to breathe much less think. Thus, it’s been in my life the past few years.

After almost a year since we first began seeking a realtor to list my father’s house in Topeka, Kansas, we have relocated to Missouri. This was a move we thought about and prayed about for over fifteen years. Mostly me, thinking and praying. Researching the area, looking up houses, comparing prices. I never do anything without lots of research and price comparison. Much to my husband’s distress if out shopping with me. Kind of a pain to anyone shopping with me! We now have a work-in-progress, adorable house. Winter lake views we are pretty sure of, since we kind see bits of it right now with the oak trees competing for attention. We have a gorgeous stone fireplace that we were told shouldn’t be used by the chimney professional. But we have options for that. I do love old houses, but they come with their faults. The biggest plus to our new space is that it’s much smaller than my father’s house. The biggest negative to our new space is the same.

My plan is to write on here on a regular basis. Dabbling my feet in it, getting to know all of you once again. My goal is to begin another book. I was able to publish two more books during the last two years. But marketing them has not happened. I’m excited to reach the top of the well. To jump out, land on my own two feet, and run down that new road that’s just waiting for me to experience.

I think there are great things ahead…and I would love for you to explore them with me! Until next time!