Bushel and a Peck: Nice & Easy

So I’m quasi-back…slowly finding a groove to get myself into the swing of things. I’ll level with you – our Summer was not so great. Actually, it was pretty crappy. From May through August – things were no bueno. I could tell you 100 reasons why – but let’s not focus on that. Let’s focus on the fact that life goes on. No matter what. I’m not trying to be cryptic, but I am trying to say – life happens and what you do with it is what matters.

I’ve also got a new look here, just for a while (because who can resist holiday themes?). It makes me feel peaceful – which I could use right now. Also I love pink. So there’s that sorry admission. Despite pink being a “girly” color – I get the distinct impression among women that pink is just so…girly! Oh well…I love it!

There are tons of things to cover…but let’s just say in a nutshell, it’s been a year of traumatic health issues. Anton’s recovery has been slow – but he’s finally almost back to normal. Quint still struggles daily and we are pursuing help for him. Keira has Latent TB. Not contagious, but dangerous just the same if left untreated. BTW? Treatment is daily meds for nine months. As in, NINE. Could be worse…could always be worse…

Our only remaining family pet is aging before our eyes – and she’s every bit of her almost 12 years. To say this makes us sad as we watch her hobble around – well, that doesn’t do it justice. She is the last of the original five fur-babies. Anton and I rescued her just two short months into our marriage. She has been a part of us for a long time and simply put - we're not sure how to imagine our life without her. Sigh...

We also lost a car this summer – my beloved CRV. (OH THE DESPAIR!) I loved that car! But it was TOAST. On the other hand, I was finally able to join the Mini-Van-Mom-Brigade. Yes, I am now a proud Mini-Van membership toting mama. I love my van – I have to say. It’s pretty great (read BIG). How did I ever live without so much room in the back and a whole nother’ row of seats?

School has started and with that, Anton’s very busy production schedule in full swing. Auditions, and rehearsals, and meetings are all over the calendar. Makes for a very busy life for all of us.

I feel the holidays approaching and maybe I’m the only one, but I almost feel like I’m already behind in a way. I know I will BLINK and it will be October. (and so on…and November…and Christmas) This makes me feel many things – one of which is happiness. See, and you thought this post was going to be all gloom and doom! Chin up, reader! I love Fall. I love the colors, the smells, the décor, the season, the cool evenings…I love fires in the fireplace and spiced candles. I love cozy blankets and movies on my beloved green couch, and soup.

I love the holidays – they truly infuse me with joy. I’ll admit, they also have moments of bittersweet emotion. Like having your loved ones far away, or missing holidays past when your babies were babies? I get that way. But more than all of that, I so love the peace this time of year brings me.

So having September arrive…and having a new look on here, and having put many moments and issues of our NEVER-ENDING summer aside (for the moment) – I feel like it's time to attempt heading into the remainder of our year.