January Happenings 2017

Well, 2017 has continued as 2016 ended- like a rabid bull in a china shop on lots of caffeine...but we are trying to enjoy each day as it comes. We still feel grateful for the whole experience thus far, and the many, many, many lessons learned (or that's what I tell myself on the days when I just want to throw in the towel...) For those of you who don't know the background- back in August we sold our house in Cheyenne and moved into what the kids deemed "The Happy Camper" in order to purchase land and build our little dream house in Fort Collins near Horsetooth Reservoir. We had a hiccup with the original land we put an offer down on, which was actually a blessing in disguise because we found a much better (and cheaper) option that had just come on the market! Now we await the bank to give us the final go to move forward and break ground- we are closer!! Hallelujah!!

We gave up the happy camper life in January and have been living in Cheyenne with my fabulous Grandma- it's been fun to watch the kids play and enjoy her like I did growing up. My Grandpa would be in seventh heaven! Ren lives part time with Bev and Steve to continue school (How is he in Kindergarten?!?) which has been hard for this Momma Bear to handle, but it just makes our time together more precious.

                       We look forward to February, and all it may bring- spread the love friends!

"We got this..."

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” This has been my motto for as long as I can remember in life. The peaceful presence of Gandhi has always inspired me to do good, make a change, and be a difference.  I’ve tried to emulate certain peacemakers in order to make a positive difference in the world- big or small every day.

The past month or so I have been through a multitude of emotional roller coaster rides. I’ve experienced unimaginable joy, unfathomable depression and pretty much every emotion in between. I have tried many of the same tactics that have, in the past, been successful at relieving despair and bringing the bigger picture to hand in order to change my perspective. They have not worked thus far…but these past few days have…

The past three months I have been overwhelmed with life and “adult” responsibilities. Selling our house, starting a new job, moving to another state, buying land, my oldest son starting Kindergarten, while raising a family of 5 (6 with our four legged lovely) in a 5^th wheel while we build a house on land mentioned above. It has been an adventure, a living experience, and ultimately something I will most likely look back on with fond memories….AFTER it’s over.

Add the ever-increasing problems humanity is now facing on top of this pile and when I think of all of it together – no wonder I’m overwhelmed. No wonder my motto of “Being the Change” seems too damn daunting…

But it doesn’t have to be…. I choose my legacy. I choose happiness. I choose to look one problem in the face at a time and smile. I can make that difference, no matter how small or insignificant it feels – the effects of one simple act of kindness ripple through my family, our neighborhood, the world, and ultimately myself. That is powerful, and it only takes a smile, a hug, an ear, or a shoulder. It takes two minutes away from the 1,440 in a day. Shoot boot! I spend way more than that distracting myself from important tasks at hand on my phone.

Easier said than done…but in the days, weeks, months to come I’m going to spend more time dreaming, less time scheming. Less time moping, more time hoping. More laughter, smiles, and hugs – to scare away all the humbugs.

I am going to Be the Change I wish to see in the World.

I am going to spread love, light, and happiness...