Saturday, March 10, 2007

Happy Is as Happy Does

I recently wrote of the importance of dreaming, of believing for positive things in your life and being proactive as far as attaining your goals. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reflecting on my life and where it stands right now as far as my happiness is concerned. How happy am I, really? Am I anywhere near where I wanted to be at this point in my life? And if I do have dreams, am I sure of what they really are…and do I really believe that I can attain them? What if I did reach my goals…would that be the point in my life where I say, “I’ve gotten what I’ve always dreamed of, and now I’m totally happy”? Then what…where do I go from there? My list of questions can go on and on…and on and on. I’m getting tired of asking them.

We recently had some small work done in our home—nothing major, just trying to make some storage space where there was none. We added a linen closet in the hall and a small pantry in the kitchen (imagine living without those for 10 years), and a storage bench in the portico with wainscoting around the walls. I must admit; the latter has made me very happy. Although we’re not completely cleaned up from this chaotic activity, my bench has turned a somewhat boring entrance into a cozy, country foyer. It has “welcome” subliminally written all over it! There are hooks to hang your coat and hat upon entry and some shelf molding to hold a few sentimental knick-knacks. I realized after my husband put the last stroke of polyurethane on the seat that my home was becoming my dream for the future…and I haven’t even moved yet.

This revelation brought on comforting, if not confusing, feelings. I thought that I was only supposed to enjoy my country home when I eventually moved and had a home that was actually in the country. A home that was a hop, skip and a jump from a small main street that looked like it was out of a Normal Rockwell painting. A home that had views and wildlife aplenty. But here it was…my dream, only a little smaller than I imagined and in an area that was just a little less rural.

When I thought about it, however, I realized that my town is pretty countrified for my location. Our main street has old Victorians and Arts and Crafts period homes scattered throughout its tree-lined path. Right down the block we have two lakes in a nature preserve that are home to a various array of wildlife, not to mention some amazing four-season views. I am actually walking distance from anything I could ever want: restaurants of every persuasion, pizza parlors, ice cream shops, a country gift store and a country furnishings store, just to name a few points of interest. We even have a “5&10” that sells everything from a Snickers bar to a towel bar! And let’s not forget the local McDonald’s and 7-11—two great destinations for teenage boys who love to eat, and both a few short pedals of a bike away.

Of course, I do need to mention that we are also walking distance from the Long Island Railroad, which of course means that there are smelly buses going up and down our charming main street as well. The street empties into a three-lane highway with such unattractive locations as car dealerships, car washes and oversized self-service gas stations with their own quick-marts. And there’s not a mountain in sight. But there is Jones Beach, which is a lovely place to visit when there’s not twenty million people there on a hot, summer day. You get the point.

I was on my way home from work the other day (also within walking distance, I might add), and I drove over the small bridge that divides the two lakes. I peered over to my left and saw our two town swans locked in a loving gaze floating on the half-frozen water. There were Canadian geese and mallard ducks diving for mysterious underwater snacks. The seagulls floated through the air across the lake, their stark whiteness in high contrast to the dark brown sticks of the winter trees. If I took a picture of this, I thought to myself, no one would ever believe that it was on Long Island. I began to wonder why I haven’t hiked in the preserve for over three years, when its beauty was at my disposal. I also wondered why I only walked to work once last summer, especially since I so enjoyed the early morning activities of nature—the countless varieties of birds singing their unique songs, the fresh breeze rustling the leaves in the trees. I soon began to realize that sometimes our own happiness is right in front of our faces, but we can’t see it because it’s too close. Imagine placing your hand directly in front of your eyes and opening them; would you be seeing a hand, or a big blob of darkness? However, as you pulled the hand slowly away from your eyes, it would eventually take on the image of what it actually is: a hand. I think that’s what happened to me that day. I no longer saw a blob of a life; I took a step back and saw someone who was pretty darn happy. That someone was me.

As we lay in bed that night, my husband turned to me, leaned over and set his head upon my chest as he pulled me closer with his arm. I stroked his hair, watching the scattered grays dance upon the thick, black mass of waves. I felt an immense calm come over me and, almost as if he knew what I was thinking, my husband whispered, “I love you so much.” I realized in that instant that I was one of the luckiest women I knew. I thought of the thousands of people who would probably give all of their worldly possessions away if it meant that they would be able to have a partner who truly loved them for who they were. I thought of how fortunate I was that I had a man who never made me feel guilty if the house was a mess, because he honestly understood that I only have so many hours in my day. I appreciated that he always made me feel desired, even on the days when I wasn’t, well, so desirable. I realized that this was as good as it gets and it was pretty darn wonderful, to say the least.

As I reflect on my life, I realize that many of the dreams that I had for my future never materialized. At 44 years of age, I’ve seen my share of failures; I’ve also seen successes I never thought possible. I know that I will continue to reach for goals until the end of my life, for “a man without vision shall perish.” However, if I never move to my home in the mountains; if I never become wealthy and have anything and everything I want at my disposal; if I never realize even one of my dreams…I can say with confidence and clarity that at this moment in time, I am truly a happy woman. I finally “get it.” We’re not guaranteed tomorrow; it’s so very important to appreciate what you have today. And I thank God I’m one of the lucky ones that do.

58 comments:

Big Dave T said...

Very nice. You're right about the challenges to come. A wise Jewish leader once said that the day you no longer have any struggles is the day you die.

I have a friend right now who is going through a difficult period in life. Very down and depressed. I'm sure he would give anything to enjoy just a little of the happiness you're seeing in your life today. Cherish it!

Spicy said...

Ah yes.,Lisa,,,,,you're as happy as you decide to be...I know that for sure!
Last year, I went through the same life changes...but I had a real wake-up call,,,and now I'm happy with what I have, I revel in it!
It's funny when you think of it,,,,,'what a difference a day makes' like the song says...and I'm happy I got my wake-up call before it was too late.

And no, I don't have no storage space yet,,,but it will come one of these days..till then I'll appreciate what I do have...my sons, my grandkids, my health and my dreams.
If you ever need a quiet weekend,,,just send the hubby over here,,,,I can handle a little validation.....lol.

Dust-bunny said...

Big Dave,

I'm so sorry for your friend, although I've been there myself. It's not the easy road I seem to make it out to be...where I am right now has taken me years to arrive at. There are so many ways to look at a depressing situation; I chose to deal with mine on a more religious, spiritual level. Others can learn to handle their grief by scientific means, or by the basic laws of attraction (positive attracting positive, etc.). It all basically amounts to the same kind of wisdom and the same outcome...but he has to do the work. Just taking the first step is the very hardest thing to do...but once he does, he's one step closer to healing. God bless him, and I hope he finds what he's looking for.

Take good care,
Lisa

Dust-bunny said...

Matty,

Sorry!! Hubby's not on loan!! But he has a lot of kooky friends...chuckle...!

I know you've been through some real nightmares in your life, and you've come through them with flying colors. Whatever you're doing, you're doin' it right, kiddo!! Many people look up to you. Keep up the good spirits!!

Take good care,
Lisa

Carine-what's cooking? said...

Lisa, I'm not sure at this point if I wrote a column or an article for another website, but it was entitled "Happiness is an inside job", sounds as if you've very good work!

Dust-bunny said...

Carine,

I only wish that I knew in my 20's what I know now...but then again, don't we all? As I told Dave, it took a long time to arrive at this point and I'm only at the beginning of my journey! I guess that's a good attitude to have--back in my parents' and grandparents' day, women were basically sent out to pasture by the time they were my age!

Where did you post your article? I'd love to read it!

Take good care,
Lisa

Constance said...

Beautiful post, Lisa, with a lot of wisdom in it. It sounds like you truly appreciate what you have, even as you will continue to dream and create. Appreciating today is a precious gift. A loving relationship is a blessing indeed.
Much happiness to you, and how nice it is to"get it" !
Sincerely,
Loving Annie

p.s. I'm going to add you to my links ! I like visitng here !

Dust-bunny said...

Loving Annie,

Thank you for your good wishes. I know that you seem to "get it" as well...and I hope that your future is brighter than what you've ever hoped it would be!

I had added you to my blog roll earlier today, as I really like your whole site idea and layout. I hope others will visit as well!

Desiree said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Desiree said...

That is really wonderful Lisa! What an awesome post!
Happiness is a funny thing. One can have everything and not be happy while others can have nothing and be totally ecstatic.

I used to not be happy and I think if had I been given everything I had ever dreamed of I still would not have been happy. Today I don't have a whole lot (material wise that is) and money is more than tight but I'm happy! Every day I feel great joy and feel grateful to be alive! I think people get stuck thinking they can't be happy till everything is perfect and the ironic thing about that is that no matter what dreams you achieve, you'll still want something more. So it's just plain silly not to be happy now while you still can!
Anyway how wonderful that you've found that!

Constance said...

Hi again Lisa,
Thank you for adding me to your links ! I enjoy what you have to say as well on your blog.
Isn't it funny how like-minded people find each-other ? Desiree and Matty always have interesting things to say as well...
Thanks as well for visiting Melissa. That was nice of you to leave a comment.
Good karma coming your way !
Hope you have a good week ahead --

Sideways Chica said...

Dear Lisa...your post reminds me of a saying. The truly happy people are those who enjoy the scenery on the entire journey of life...even the view out the window on those unexpected detours that we so often encounter.

I wrote an article "If we only knew then..." which puts my life in perspective. This one is your "If we only knew then."

Ciao bella...S.E. baby and enjoy the view. ;)

Dust-bunny said...

Desiree,

Quite honestly, I don't know what's really going on with me! I did have something crappy happen to me about two years ago that put me into a tailspin and required me to dig down into the deep recesses of my faith. I think going through that helped me to learn what really mattered in life, and what didn't. I know I've mentioned this problem in one of your comment sections...one day I'll have the nerve to write about it.

Also, I get to see the reality of life every day in my field, working with developmentally disabled adults and seeing what their families go through. Our company doesn't pay well, so you know that the employees are there because they are good people who want to help others. I'm really surrounded by a lot of people who share my feelings of what's important and what's not!

I didn't really set out to arrive at this place, but now that I'm here, I'm so thankful!

Take good care,
Lisa

Dust-bunny said...

Loving Annie,

Thank you for the "good karma" wishes!! I had a really tough day at work today, and I think some of that "karma" helped me keep it under control! I kept wondering where all of my patience was coming from, to tell you the truth...maybe it was your good wishes!!

Take good care,
Lisa

Dust-bunny said...

Teri,

Actually, I'm lucky that I have a spouse who also enjoys the "view" of a "detour"...and in the instance I'm referring to, it really was an actual detour!

One of my best friends purchased a home in PA, and gave us directions there...only she told us to go north instead of east, so we ended up driving three hours out of our way!! The countryside along that detour was just beautiful, and my husband appreciated it just as much as I did. Neither one of us was angry, we just dealt with it and ended up really enjoying the ride! My first husband would've had a coronary and made everyone in the car a nervous wreck! I feel fortunate to be with someone now who's got the patience of a saint.

Take good care,
Lisa

Little Wing said...

Lisa, this is so sweet. I think you have discovered one of the hidden mysteries, eh? I can't say, emphatically enough, we should live for today, be grateful for what we have now... not what once was, nor what might be, later, that has not arrived, nor perhaps never will!

Dust-bunny said...

Little Wing,

It's been a long journey. I really feel as if I'm in a good place right now...and I decided to acknowledge it and appreciate it. Living where I do, and having the wealthy acquaintances that I do, my idea of what was supposed to make me happy was askew. I took a giant step back from certain materialistic people, and I discovered that what made them happy was not what made me happy. Some of those women were more interested in expensive designers than their own husbands. I would rather have a great lovemaking session with my man than a pair of $400 Chanel sunglasses. Any day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Unknown said...

You are a happy woman Lisa, You found yourself and so found happiness inside, for happiness comes from within and by your own choice.
Your posts are long, but once I start reading them I just can't stop! I always enjoy it:) have a good one:)

Dust-bunny said...

Nido,

Thank you so much for stopping by! I appreciate that you take the time to read my posts...I don't post too often, so I sometimes have a lot to say!! I hope you have a great week!

Take good care,
Lisa

2bme said...

Li - a beautiful image of a happy place. thank you for reminding me of the things I also love about our town, even if its not in the country. Happiness is always within reach, we just have to stop looking way beyond the things that bring it and its beauty will shine as a gentle reminder.

Kacey said...

Hi Lisa---Very nice post! Now that you realize how good your life is, enjoy the bejabbers out of it. I wish I had realized at your age how quickly the years go by. My life has been so much more than I ever dreamed it would be, but the years between 45 and 70 just flew and I am left wondering if I really have been thankful enough. What a wonderful time to be alive!

Dust-bunny said...

Maria,

Beautifully said. I know our stressors here are many, but people like Dennis didn't have five years or even one year on September 11, 2001. I'm realizing that I really do only have today--and I was miserable long enough.

Anyway, can't wait for this week's "topic"--let me know what you need, and looking forward to Friday!!

xo

Dust-bunny said...

Kacey,

I'm so thankful for someone like you in my life, even if you're voice is through your typing!! You always have sage advice, and your appreciation of your own life has helped to lead me to appreciate mine more. I think your thankfulness shines through in your posts...can't wait to get over there later on when I have time to see what's new!

Take good care,
Lisa

B.S. said...

Dear Lisa,

This post is certainly relevant to my life, especially now as the showings for my house are becoming quite frequent, and I question whether I really want to move. Your location sounds so great to me, with that walkability factor which I so desire. (You can WALK to WORK??!!)

But what brought tears to my eyes was your appreciation of your husband. You are SOOOOOO right about all the women who would give anything for that. I've never been married; I've never had that kind of love. Honestly, I can't even imagine it.

As you point out, I do have the option of appreciating what I DO have: a wonderful child. And I bet there are a lot of women and men out there who would give anything for that.

Hugs,
Betty

Dust-bunny said...

Betty,

Yes, I can walk to work! Isn't that great? BUT I DON'T!! Isn't that crazy? My kids are three houses away from not getting a bus and I have to drive them to school every day, so I just go to work from there. But in the summer, I really have no excuse except my own horrible time management. That's one of my goals for the immediate future...to get out of the house by 7:10 in the summer so I can walk to work by 7:30!

The downside of where I live is that it is ridiculously expensive. I was lucky to purchase my home almost 10 years ago for $184K. It's worth over $500K now...and as I've said, it's not big at all. The taxes are $8000/year for my property of 90x100 (they were $5400 when I moved in), and our electric bills are the highest in the nation, with the exception of Hawaii. There's a good side and a bad side to every place, I guess! However, I'm stuck here until my last one graduates. I'm hoping that I won't be stuck here longer than that!

Betty, I know from your posts that you had a not-so-good relationship with your child's father. But you are right, you have the child!! And when they're young, they bring such joy and laughter into your life (teenage years are a whole different ball game, but I still wouldn't trade my kids for the universe)! You are so right; I myself know many people who were unable to conceive and would've given the world for a chance at being a parent. It's so important that we never take our kids for granted, and I know how much your child means to you!

...And don't worry. Keep the faith. Just because I'm happy today doesn't mean that I still don't want to leave here or that I don't want different things for my life. All it means is that I'm not prolonging my happiness anymore until everything is perfect! You never know...once you move, Mr. Right might be living right next door! If you believe it will happen and you want to have a relationship, it will be done. Hang in there!

Take good care,
Lisa

Little Wing said...

Lisa, I'm so glad you found what true happiness is. There are many who may never discover the secret, this lifetime, as you have. Count yourself Blessed, for you know what Joy is! It's ok to have all those things, but many miss the real energy of life, reaching for those things that our out of focus society has decided is all important. What fun is continual striving for more, more, more... when we can't even enjoy the daily moments of our livesk, with what we have?

Dust-bunny said...

Little Wing,

Unfortunately, I know so many people such as the ones you describe. Living here on LI, being materialistic is almost ingrained into people as soon as they pop out of the womb! The only things that seem to matter to people anymore is where they shop and what they buy. Ho-hum. I've always had a problem spending a mortgage payment on something that will be out of season in three months. And I've never, ever measured any one of my friends on the size of their wallet or the clothes on their backs...and I'm so happy for that. I've been to luncheons where the only "deep" comment made was how far down in their Louis Vitton bag they had to dig to come up with the money for their Chanel sunglasses. It's really very sad when you think about it!

I have tons of material that I can write about the materialistic people that I know, but I'm trying to take the high road and not gossip!

Take good care,
Lisa

Little Wing said...

I hear you, Lisa. I don't judge those, they are human too, and here to learn, just as we are. I only hope and pray that their eyes will be opened... and yes, I do believe it is possible to find that same true happiness, that you have found, buying just those things and living an extravagant life-style. Everyone that is rich is not empty inside, nor are they evil.

B.S. said...

Dear Lisa,

Wow! Your house was a great investment! And now you have a few years to do any little repairs, etc. it needs to help it sell quickly when your youngest graduates, plus you have plenty of time to drive around to the locations you're considering moving to. That's all good, I see.

I am kind of in shock about my own situation, and I'll hopefully be posting about it soon. It turns out that I was lying to myself about my financial ability to move downtown where it's more expensive. I've been spending more than I earn for the past 3 years, but because I don't budget, I didn't realize it. I keep extra money in my checking account, and my bills are automatically withdrawn, and I don't pay attention to it. This explains my conflict. Today I must make the dreaded call to my realtor as I try to accept my new reality.

Hugs,
Betty

Dust-bunny said...

Little Wing,

I didn't mean to sound shallow...my best and oldest friend in the world is out looking for 1.5M-plus homes right now...but she totally "gets it". And she has, at last count, SIX pairs of Chanel sunglasses!! So I'm hip to what you're saying about people with money not all being evil...she doesn't have a mean bone in her body!! Unfortunately, from my experience, this is not the norm. I still stand firm in my belief that where I live, a lot of people are very shallow. And if they're not, that's not what they're presenting to the world...and I do think that matters. I just know too many people who have stepped on others to gain money and therefore, power. No consideration whatsoever about anyone else. Millions of dollars in their bank account, but not one dime going to charity. I'm sure that they're like that for a reason, and it isn't my responsibility to judge them. But I do make the choice to acquaint myself with people who are more in touch with themselves rather than the materialistic world around them! And those people can be rich or poor, it doesn't matter to me! I know plenty of people without money who are shallow, too...and just dream of being rich, like that will be the one thing that justifies their lives. Hopefully someday, they'll "get it"!

Take good care,
Lisa

Dust-bunny said...

Oh Betty,

I hope that this doesn't mean the end of your dream? I know no matter what, you'll be fine. If you can't move to the city, then you'll have to accept that God wants you where you are for a reason. One door closed, another one will open! Please keep us all posted through your blog...I really do care and hope that it all works out in a way that makes you happy!

Take good care,
Lisa

B.S. said...

Thank you, Lisa, for realizing how traumatic this is. My realtor hasn't yet returned my call about taking my house of the market. I'm so dreading the conversation. I'll try to write a post about this soon- in my most recent post, I didn't yet know I'd have to give up, so it was easy to be appreciative!

Hugs,
Betty

Constance said...

Lisa,
Where are you ? Are you doing okay ? It is Sunday the 18th...

Dust-bunny said...

Betty,

Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry I haven't responded. I've been so busy, I haven't had any time to even visit my own blog!!

I'm so sorry for your disappointment...you know that when God closes one door, he opens a window somewhere. There are reasons why this is happening...and you should be so proud of yourself that you had the guts to even attempt to achieve your dream...a lot of people would not have even taken those first steps. For whatever reason, you are meant to be where you are right now. And I think acceptance is key here...you now know that your dream of the city is on the back burner, just as my dream of the country is...but you can accept that now is not the time. Once you've accepted that your home is where it is, you can worry about other important things in your life. And you can be happy in the "now".

Have faith...it'll all work out for the best!

Take good care,
Lisa

Dust-bunny said...

Loving Annie,

I'm so sorry I've been AWOL for a while! As I told Betty, I haven't even had much time to visit my own blog! I wish I could say I was doing something wonderful that would change the world, but all I've been doing is trying to clean my house with my spare time...scary, isn't it?? Actually, we had a busy weekend. We were out Friday and Saturday, and this morning my husband and I watched "Pay It Forward" on TBS, a station that has the amazing ability to take an hour-and-a-half long movie and turn it into three!! So I stopped by for a few minutes now, just to check email and the blog. I'll be back on later when I have more time...there's too much laundry to do right now!! Calgon!!!

Take good care,
Lisa

LZ Blogger said...

DREAMS! Ahh a chance for us all to go a little CRAZY each night! ~ jb///

LZ Blogger said...

DREAMS! Ahh a chance for us all to go a little CRAZY each night! ~ jb///

Dust-bunny said...

LZ!!

I was just talking about you yesterday. I was telling my friend Simply Me how great your site is and that I haven't been there in a while (I just added you to my favorites so I don't forget you...when I have time later, I'll add you to my blogroll, and I'll catch up on your travels)! So funny that you stopped by--you must've subliminally heard me!

Take good care,
Lisa

Constance said...

Hi Lisa ! How are you ?
It's Friday March 23rd, and I wanted to thank you for coming by my blog to visit and leaving that nice comment !
Hope you are doing well, and that you and your family have a good weekend !
Sincerely,
Loving Annie

Dust-bunny said...

Loving Annie,

Thank you so much for stopping by with good wishes! I've been very, very busy, but I finally got a writing assignment from school that I can actually make a post out of...and hopefully it'll be done by tonight! I hope all is well with you, too! Happy Sunday!

Take good care,
Lisa

Constance said...

Hi again Lisa ! Busy can be good sometimes !
Looking forward to reading about the school assignment !
*smiles*

Me said...

Still waiting for a new post from you!!
:)

Constance said...

Lisa,
I'm shamelessly begging for help answering a question I have on my blog today (3/29)... I'd really love your input, if you are willing --
THANK YOU...
Loving Annie
http://www.lovingforyourheart.blogspot.com

Constance said...

Thank you Lisa !!!

He broke my heart... 3 years of flirting with me, and then bailed...

His house was going to go into foreclosure because of a years worth of delinquent property taxes...

I paid it to the county assesor for him directly as a gift -- and he threw a fit, called me controlling, and said he would repay me as soon as he got his tax refund back.

And it became obvious that he couldn't because he is still struggling...

so I thought it more gracious to just let it go, rather than waiitng for something that was never going to happen -- another promise he made that would not come true...

I appreciate the feedback, Lisa... And I suspect when I get over grieving the tender, strong, ethical, genuine man I THOUGHT he was -- I will agree with you, that when push came to shove, he was not a nice person at all...

May I be wiser next time in my choice -- and may the next man be READY and truly love me instead of just pretending to...

Dust-bunny said...

Dear Loving Annie,

I think all women, at one point or another, have been "duped" by a man. However, I'm a strong believer that most of the time, we allow ourselves to get "duped" because we are choosing to see what we WANT to see, not the actual truth of the situation. We ignore or make excuses for all of the red flags that come our way, choosing to depict the person as the "perfect" man that really only lives in our imagination.

I'll bet in hindsight, you can now see the signs (three years of "flirting", for one...if a man is genuinely interested in you for who you are, it's not going to take longer than a month or two for him to commit to something a little more serious than flirting).

You wanted to do something amazing for him so that he would see the wonderful person that you are--but it backfired. His pride got in the way, and he ended up resenting you. And in reality, it wasn't up to you to "save" him. This is where we, as women, mess up all the time! We end up doing heroic things for people who just don't deserve them or want them. Then we end up getting hurt and feeling like idiots!

Next time, maybe you'll find a man who's a little more responsible with his finances (although I'm sure this one gave you a hundred "poor me" excuses as to why he was in the situation he was in--and probably never took responsibility for it). Eyes wide open next time! If you constantly have to make excuses for your love interest or you have to defend him all of the time...you really need to rethink the situation. Your perfect man will not require you to come up with creative descriptions or reasons why he's not as "into" you as you are to him. He will be obviously wonderful and good-hearted--and he will treasure you down to the threads of his soul!

Take it from one who's been there...I, too, went through something like this many years ago. I hope I don't sound mean, because that's certainly not my intention! I know that sometimes, however, we need sort of a "slap-in-the-face" to wake us up! You seem like such a wonderful person, and I'm sure that there is someone who God feels is right for you out there somewhere. I can see that you feel it deep inside...and that seed was planted in you for a reason. It is meant to be. Just have patience to let things flow naturally...take each day as it comes, put it into God's hands and then let Him take control of the situation. We spend more time trying to create things, control them, when really they were in God's control all the time. We just weren't letting Him do what He had to do!

Take good care of yourself,
Lisa

Constance said...

Dear Lisa,
That was a wonderful post to me. THANK YOU. And every word of it is true. I am in a position now to hear it and understand it, and agree with you. You saw it in all of its ramifications.

It wasa relief to me to finally let go and tell him I had let go.

I am ready to move forward with my life, eyes open !!!

Thank you again, for the time and thought you put into responding.

Hope you and your family have an excellent upcoming weekend --

Genuinely,
Loving Annie

Constance said...

Good Monday morning April 2nd, Lisa. How are you doing ? Hope you have a good week ahead.

Me said...

Lisa, hope all is well..it has been three weeks since you posted last..miss reading from you. tae care!

Dust-bunny said...

Dear Loving Annie and Summer,

I know I've been MIA for awhile! I've just been really busy and unable to spend the time on the computer. Things should calm down a bit after next week, so I'll hopefully get back to my blogging, which I love. Please forgive me if I haven't been visiting your blogs lately...I have barely had time to visit my own!

I was doing a paper for school which I intended to use as a blog post, but my husband read it and felt that the material was too personal and "sacred" and he didn't want it published to the whole world (it was about a scar on my belly). It takes me forever to write in the first place, so I wasn't able to do two projects at once! Hopefully, I'll have a peaceful weekend and I'll get something posted!

Thank you both for your concern, and I can't wait to get back to visit you!!

Take good care,
Lisa

Mark said...

Lisa,
Welcome to my world or should I say welcome to your world! What you described is how I feel every day. Congratulation on your awakening.
As Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz said, there's no place like home!

Dust-bunny said...

Mark,

Thank you so much--I had been to your site before, but didn't have time to comment. My good friend Simply Me told me that it was a great blog, and I had already seen you on Desiree's blog, so I was familiar with you. I've been a little out of commission as far as posting due to a crazy lack of time, but I will try to get something up this weekend--hope you come back to visit!

Take good care,
Lisa

Desiree said...

Lisa your posts are always well worth the wait. So we'll wait! Hope you and yours have a very Happy Easter!

LZ Blogger said...

Lisa ~ Just to be a little on the serious side about your post for a minute... I truly feel that true WEALTH & HAPPINESS have nothing to do with either MONEY or LOCATION! ~ jb///
P.S. ~ I Haven't seen you around the blogosphere in a while and was just hoping that all is WELL?

Constance said...

Hope you and your family are having a wonderful Easter weekend Lisa !

Sideways Chica said...

Whenever you're ready chica. Worth the wait always. ;)

Dust-bunny said...

Dear Desiree, LZ, Loving Annie and Sideways Chica!

I started three posts already, but have yet to finish one. I promise, you'll enjoy the next one...it's a little weird, and I can't seem to come up with a title for it, but it makes an interesting read!

Also, I have two papers due by Saturday, and my days are so busy I haven't finished those, either! I'm looking forward to school ending in May. Loved the creative writing course, but don't think I'll be back for Psychology!! School has been way too time consuming with working full-time, cooking dinner, cleaning, laundry, taxiing everyone around...let's add holidays to that list (we celebrate everything)...I'm exhausted!! If I can keep myself up past 10 tonight, maybe I'll finish the post!! ;)

Take good care,
Lisa

Priyamvada_K said...

Lisa,
Came to your blog via Teri's. How peaceful your words sound! You have a great attitude.

Priya.

Dust-bunny said...

Dear Priya,

Thank you for stopping by! I'm glad you liked this post--I enjoyed writing it. I noticed that you don't have a blog, but feel free to visit anytime!

Take good care,
Lisa