Proud to be me!

It's not an easy thing to really come to terms with who you are... or what your purpose here is. There is a plan for all of us, nothing happens on accident. Each step on the sidewalk, each turn of your car signal, each wrong turn in life leads you to that very next step on a different sidewalk. It is all so very cliche but we all know it's true. It's tried and tested in our very own lives as we look back in our personal rear view mirrors of perception and timelines. How many of us can honestly say they really know themselves intimately... through and through to the core of your blood. There are people in your life that quite possibly know you better than you know yourself. At least better than your rational thinking allows you to know yourself. We are our own worst enemies a good portion of our existence until we get to the point where we can take responsibility for who we are and where we will go. We fall victim of the limitations we put on ourselves by not taking a good honest look at our thoughts because those thoughts drive our decisions and our decisions are the force to the quality of life we lead.

I have a great life. I always have. I haven't known hardship in comparison to many people and if I have it's been small. I think my attitude is greatly based on my perception of those hardships. I have learned to step outside of my own mind and take hard solid looks at my situations. I see how I feel and I then compare it to others.... it's minute, miniscule.... I still come out on top. Why? Because I am alive and I am me.

The me I am is rooted in family, friends, history and how I want to shape the future. I am founded by my loves and my losts, my mistakes and my amazing successes. I also see the "me" that I am in my children. I see my father and mother, I see my brother, I see my husband. I see all of my steps in life in their eyes. I see the similitaries that run through our blood and I see the "them" that is being created by every single soul that has touched their lives. There is a picture of every generation in my family at the bench of music. That bench being the foundation of the lives they are creating for themselves. Those white keys the steps, the tools, the loves and losts they encounter and the sound that flows from it is the sweet music of their future.

I am proud of the music that flows from my decisions that helps shape the persoal tunes of those around me. I am proud to be me!

Crack that bottle open...

..... and uncork a world of appreciation and exploration. It occurred to me the other day when I asked my new-again husband if he would like to share the new bottle of dessert wine he got me from "the holler" in Gatlinburg, Tn and he responded with "No, I got that for you to share with your friends." Because, well that is what he is used to. I gather with my close friends and we pour a glass and jibber and paint, or jabber and scrapbook, or do whatever we have done throughout the years. He forgot for a moment where we were. After the sarcastic glare I gave him he remembered. I am at a place that I don't have friends yet. I know they will come but I am in no rush. In the meantime, I am using this time as a period of new beginnings and trying new things. New food, new books, new activities, new styles and finally new wine. I've always just bought the same old types.... merlot, chianti or my favorites from Beachaven Winery. I've vowed to try a new type (not brand) a month. Granted I am sure there will be more than one or two some months! I'm guilty, I love wine. It lacks a little when not shared with someone so in the meantime, I will share it with a book, or with writing or painting.... or, with my hubby if he so dares or during a conversation online with my mom miles away. So far, I have ventured off and tried an Argentine Malbec, Petit Syrah, Pinot Grigio, and a Gran Spumante. I have not been disappointed by any! There is a world of varied tasted and spice just as there is a grand sea of personalities and textures that I am wanting to open up and delight in. Continuing in this fashion we also decided as a family that we will pick new non-chain restaurants to try that we normally wouldn't go to. The italian restaurant and pizza place down the road is a great example of the family atmosphere and that "hole in the wall gem" that is lacking in mainstream chains. I'm excited to open my mind and open that bottle of new flavors and tickle my taste buds with fresh new experiences.

Making the most of it.  Cheers!

Cheers!