OMG how can it be over a year and a half since I've posted! My poor little neglected blog! But that's what happens when life is unfolding in all its glory. 😍
There won't be a lot of words in this post (you're welcomed!). But there will be lots of photos to show that life is good these days. A long time ago, after a pretty traumatic event, when I was searching for meaning to make sense of what was happening in my life, I came across some Buddhist philosophy that has stayed with me every since. I'm paraphrasing, but basically, the idea is this: Life is change. Sometimes it's good change. Sometimes it's bad change. You can't control the changes or when they happen. All you can control is how you react to them. I've tried to follow that ideal in the last 10 years. Some days, it's easier than others. But that idea of change being outside your control has helped me cope with some pretty horrific events. All I can control is how I react to whatever is happening. The way I try to do that is to try to find something to be grateful for. Because there is always something to be grateful for, even in the worst circumstances. Perspective is very helpful here. When you think that life isn't bearable, realizing that we are luckier than many human beings across the world can help you manage whatever you are going through.
Ok, this isn't meant to be a depressing post. Remember what I said about change and that sometimes, it's good change? Well, my life in the past few years has been pretty good. 💝 That's for several reasons. First and most importantly, the people who matter the most to me are currently in a good place. My kids and grandkids are happy, well adjusted and healthy. My son is slowly moving forward after losing his precious Abby almost 5 years ago. My daughter is in a new relationship which makes her very happy, and that makes me very happy. My grandsons are also happy and healthy and I have a new grandson who is the light of everyone's life!
I am surrounded by wonderful family and friends who have supported me throughout the last 10 years. This can't be emphasized enough. I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for the people in my life who believed in me, who encouraged me to go on and remake my life. And I have. Life is good. Very good. Work is good. I'm thinking of retiring in less than a year. Whatever I decide, I know I am blessed to be able to have that decision within my control.
Despite my sharing my every thought during my infrequent posts, I am a fairly private person. I keep my private life, private. But I can say that I am opening my heart for the first time in a very long time. Life is always one day at a time, with anything. But it is magical to dare to dream and believe in love again.
That's what this post is entitled and that's what it's about. Magic. The magic that comes when you Let It Be. I'm going to leave you with some wonderful images of the magic that has surrounded me in the last 18 months. Paris is always a huge part of that magic. It's still the place where I can totally be me. It's the place that feeds my soul with beauty in so many forms ~ art, architecture, history, the glorious food and wine and the wonderful people I know there that always welcome me with open arms. My amazing kids and grandkids who fill me with love and awe at how much I love them. And the wondrous possibilities when you find someone you just totally connect with on every level. Especially when you didn't really think that could ever happen.
Enjoy the magic. Always believe. Know that anything is possible when you just Let It Be. 😊
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| Seb joined me in Paris in May 2022 to celebrate his high school graduation. One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the amazing Mont Saint Michel. I also introduced him to many of my fabulous Parisian friends and the idea that the world is his oyster, if he just Lets It Be 💗 |
Other highlights of that trip was throwing a baby shower for my dear friends Jon and Nico in my Paris apartment, celebrating my birthday with wonderful friends with an iconic view of Paris, hosting a Cards Against Humanity evening where we ate, drank and laughed all night long. I also spent a few days in gorgeous Strasbourg where the lovely Anne proudly showed me her home town. I visited Bayeux with my bestie Roniece and attended a ballet at the sumptuous Opera Garnier. All simply magical. 😍
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| My beautiful daughter and her not so bad mom ;) |
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| Charlie enjoying a summer dinner with grandma |
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