Friday, April 26, 2024

It has been 2 years since I've last posted so when I came across my blog serendipitously this morning I felt like I wanted to write a post.  As I am feeling a bit contemplative this morning the subject matter will vary. 

Reconnecting with my blog forced me to realize, once again, that time waits for no one. In October I turned the ripe old age of 70.  Artie and I are approaching 50 years of marriage in a few weeks, and to celebrate we are heading to Europe soon to do a Danube River cruise, something we had to
postpone 5 years ago when the water levels were too low on the river. Our children are in their 40s which is so hard to conceive, and our grandchildren, now ages 15, almost 19, and almost 20, are turning into wonderful humans. Our beloved Standard Poodles are aging as well.  Beau is 10 and Feuers is 12.

All I can think of is what a blessed person I am. Despite my struggles with depression and anxiety, I have the greatest life. I wake up to the most beautiful skies, even on cloudy days. I live in a place filled with God-given beauty all around us, and I never take advantage of or ignore how lucky I am.  I have people around me who genuinely care about my well-being and have been my strength on those days when things aren't the best.  I have found all sorts of love since our move to tiny little Marquette. I have rekindled my love of painting and photography and living in this beautiful part of the country has contributed to that.

When we moved here I had my reservations about moving into a village of 155 people but promised myself I would try to make a good and fulfilling life here.  Enter the great friends we met at Pub 'N Prime, the former Supper Club we frequented and miss so much.  Suddenly meeting people was so easy, so fluid, and so fulfilling.  As the wife of the Village President, I knew I would meet new friends and I did.  Next, I found the Princeton Women's Club and suddenly I was part of a group of 20+ women who strived to help others.  I recently was elected to a third term as club Secretary and couldn't be happier.  Then came the Marquette Historical Society where both Artie and I became members and eventually Directors on the board.  Joining a group of people who share our love of history, the Historical Society has become an important part of our lives.

Being a permanent resident for almost 6 years has opened my eyes to so many things, mainly my value to others. I have had some eye-opening experiences when "old" friends have seemingly forgotten me and moved on, so to speak, but in this journey, I discovered who my "PERSONS" are.  What a gift to find that out.  I have learned that people can become instant good friends and it feels great to live within their circles.  I would be foolish to omit saying I miss "home" a lot - especially not seeing my kids and grandkids but technology has kept us connected and we try to see one another at least once a month.  Those visits are NEVER long enough, but the million photos I take are there to remind me how much I love them all. 

Living in a place where restaurants are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, shops that open and close when the owners feel the need, having to travel 45 minutes to get to stores and restaurants is our new normal and we are used to it.  Living here has tested my patience and enhanced it at the same time.  

When I was a teacher our goal was to create lifelong learners.  I hope I created many.  I am now that lifelong learner and while it has sometimes been difficult, when I pause to reflect, I am learning every day,

Until next time,

Renee