Wow…did I fall off the face of the earth?  No.  It just felt like I did.  We did make it back to Indiana last May and then my step father passed away.  It was not unexpected, but much quicker then anyone anticipated.  It was a blessing…he had been ill a long time.  So…the entire summer has been spent with my Mom.  Helping her to ease into that next phase in life.  She decided to move to Florida….yup….buying a condo right in the middle of hurricane Irma!

She sold her home in Lafayette to a great couple and found a condo in Bradenton.  Thankfully hurricane Irma did not do a lot of damage in that area.  Closing is in a few days and the bank is sending someone out to confirm that there is no damage to the condo.  Mom will be leaving for Florida next week.  Billy and I will be heading that way in about a month.  We will be spending the winter there this year.

We are currently in Michigan….my son and his wife and son…moved to Michigan this past summer.  Another ‘life changing’ event in my life.  They are in the process of building a home here.  My daughter-in-law graduated from Purdue with her PHD…incidentally her graduation day also happened to be the day my step father died.  That…was the pits!  She landed a great job here in Michigan so off they went.  We wanted to spend a little time with them before we left for Florida.  We will be here in Michigan till the first of October.  Loving spending time with my grandson Max….he just turned one year old!

ME…..well, I’m adjusting to all this.  I had planned to spend the entire summer building my portfolio.  I wanted to submit an application for membership in the Society of Animal Artist.  They only take applications twice a year….the second deadline just passed.  I have not picked up a paintbrush since I left Yuma last April.  I also wanted to have some more online classes available….but….life took a different turn.  Here I am….trying to regroup and figure out where I go from here.

Things are different….my life is different and my goals are changing.  I’m not sure exactly what direction I’m heading at this point, but I do see some changes on the horizon.  I know I’ll be spending a lot of time with my Mom down in Florida this winter.  Billy and I will be doing some painting and other little odds and ends for her new home.  I’ve also got to help her build some confidence in learning to navigate her way round the area.  She has lived in Lafayette her entire life so this is a huge change for her.

I know things will eventually “settle” and I will make it back to my easel….because that is who I am….that is what I do…

I am an Artist.

I’m also a daughter, a wife, a mother and a grandmother.  That’s a lot of hats to wear and a lot of responsibility.

BUT

I wouldn’t change a thing

It’s all part of living, loving, and growing….and being…well….just being…..

 

6 Comments

      1. Ahhh Deb. my friend and dancing partner extraordinaire (will miss that this winter)sounds like life is good for you embrace it.There is no doubt you leave a foot print where ever you go.Never say Never so till we meet again Have a great life and I look forward to dancing with u again.Love Dyann

        1. Indeed Dyann….never say never and I looked forward to seeing you again too. Spent the last two days with Max, what a joy. So blessed to have this time with him. Love you bunches girl….I know you are enjoying your grand babies as well.

  1. Whew! So many things seem to happen all at once. “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” John Lennon
    Seems suitable. Thank you for the update. Enjoy the good – you will get through the rest.
    Love, congratulations and condolences to you and your family.
    Debbie

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