When I made the decision to begin writing a weekly blog (article) it was my full intention to do so every Tuesday. So far I’ve been able to keep that commitment with the exception of last week (April 30) when I was asked to fill in at the office where I’ve been employed for the past 10 years. I let working that day and other activities from last week get in the way of meeting my obligation. But, not to be discouraged or distracted, here I am, back behind my keyboard with the hopes of putting together something for you to read that is charming, uplifting, humorous, or encouraging. No matter what strikes your fancy concerning my written thoughts, I am fulfilling a purpose that is deep inside of my soul. I love words, I love to talk, listen, laugh, observe, and then relay all of these memories to you.

My initial post described how I was anticipating a ‘new beginning’ in life. While that is still very true a new dimension has been added. On May 2 I worked my last day at a job that I’ve had for 10 years. When I look back on those years, I realize that I didn’t pursue the position. I kind of ‘fell’ into it and then found myself clinging onto it even when I knew at different times my departure was becoming more and more evident. I don’t have regrets for having stayed those years. The work wasn’t difficult. The joy and laughter created by serving the general public far outweighed the routine of my duties. I won’t miss the hours of typing for processing email for articles or advertising, but I will miss the surge of garage sale ads in the spring, Mr. K selling his chickens every year, Randy and his hay/straw ads–he’s a man right out of a Beverly Hillbillies episode, celebrating with young parents announcing the birth of a child, or giving a much needed hug to a family who needed extra copies of a loved one’s obituary. I will also miss the antics of the local funeral home director who upon my answering the telephone would ask in hushed tones “World Headquarters?” and then assure me he felt safer because I was on duty.

I won’t miss trying to reason with the mom who doesn’t understand why her kid’s honor roll isn’t in the paper the week she expects it regardless of other worthy news or the homeowner who is upset week after week that their ‘free’ paper wasn’t delivered on time. No, I have arrived to a place where it’s someone else’s turn to be the peacemaker.

The decision to leave this position has been long overdue quite honestly and now that it has arrived I intend to fully embrace this ‘new chapter’ in my life. With a bit of certainty I know many exciting opportunities lie in waiting for me whether they spring forth from the lives of my children, the church family that is dear to my heart and spiritual purpose, or the needs of my husband and home.

For now, there has and continues to be spring yard work to tackle, rearranging my daily schedule, and making better use of my monthly calendar. There is a sweet fragrance in the air and it has the aroma of ‘new’, of ‘fresh’ and ‘exciting’….and ‘wonder’. This newfound position of being home is akin to being first married; there is an excitement inside of me as I ponder being back in my home full-time. I have a dear friend who coined the phrase ‘being in charge of my choices’. That’s a phrase that will definitely be a guideline for me as I open my calendar each day and enjoy the luxury of choosing what gets plugged into the various activities of my life. And while I may not always know what will fill the calendar, one thing will hopefully remain constant. Hopefully you will find me at this keyboard each Tuesday, pounding out that week’s collection of words, phrases, and sentences that give you another peek into my heart, spirit, and mind.