Well, I have just returned from a little holiday excursion back to the midwest to visit family. It was a good time and fun to be back in the midwest, connect with my mom, sister and her family. Even though I have only been away for a short time, it’s always interesting to go home and notice how my life has grown and changed since my last visit.
I haven’t written much lately because in truth… I have been busy. I have myself a job here in Asheville that has been keeping me on my toes. I was hired as a contractor to handle some marketing and graphic design needs for a small local health food chain that is doing both some growing and struggling right now. And since I have been hired, I have found myself pretty much doing the same. I was initially hired for some part-time obligations that quickly blossomed into full-on, hands on work. As we all continue to struggle and grow, I imagine things will balance out a bit so we will see how things develop!
Part of the beauty of this work is that I do much of it remotely and was able to pack up my computer and take my job on the road while I went home for a visit. Not always easy or fun to work while you’re home for holidays, but much better than not going at all!
I’ve been gone for just over a week but it’s good to be back in the Asheville area. There is something about the air and the mountains here that just makes me feel at ease. That said, returning after a week with family around to circumstances where I am often “on my own” also feels like its own adjustment.
And while the drive there and back was… long… I returned feeling full from the experience and having some time with family.
So for now, I am continuing to sail my boat here in Asheville paddling along with my new work responsibilities and continuing to find my way in a new community.
Once again I am grateful for my practice with the buddhist organization Soka Gakkai International. This practice has been one of the cornerstones in my world these past traveling years that in addition to offering a strong spiritual foundation provides a way to meet and connect with new people in new territory. This always makes things better.
As 2016 comes to a close, I am remembering what Maria Shaw, a New Orleans Astrologer who I appreciate and pay attention to, said about this past year. She said from the very beginning that it will be a year of change and that has been true for me. I’ve done my best to go with the flow and allow things to unfold. It seems, it’s the best way to go.
As we roll out of 2016 and into 2017 I am grateful for many things. I am grateful this past year for my mother who was a great support to me as I was transitioning back to being in the US. I am grateful for my Reiki teacher and friend, Elizabeth Ohmer Pellegrin, who has assisted me with her wisdom and insight. And I am grateful for the friends, old and new, who I have met and seen along the way.
And I am grateful to be in beautiful Asheville. We will see how 2017 and the next chapter unfolds!
Wishing you courage, faith, confidence, trust and good spirit in the New Year!
Featured Photo: A cool winter morning at the neighborhood lake just up the street from my mom’s home in Missouri.
Gypsy Woman 