The Art of Change

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I took this photo the other night at Newport on the Levee

I recently read somewhere that those people who adapt to change more easily or readily, are the happiest.  I”ve gone through a lot of change in my life.  By the time I left home at the age of 18 to enter the military, I had been moved 18 times and have since moved an additional 24 times.  I’ve been married three times, twice to the same man (rocky) and have finally made the long-awaited decision to divorce him again.  The last time it wasn’t really me that made the decision for divorce (I don’t want to share too much publicly).  I went through a year-long custody battle for my only son when he was six years old, 19 years ago, and was awarded full custody.  Experienced single motherhood for four years.  More recently, both of my parents have passed away.  I’m currently unemployed, or rather could take some job, but wanting to work at something I love and have passion for.  Other more stressful events have taken place in my life, or to be more exact, in the lives of those I love.

I’ve learned a lot through all of these experiences (no regrets) and feel fortunate that I have a positive disposition.  I know they say being positive is a choice, but I believe some people are more prone to being either positive or negative, easy-going or worriers, by nature.  I’m not by any means saying I am not hurting or feeling afraid, but as I acknowledge these feelings, at the same time I’m not obsessing about everything that can go wrong (such as running out of money and having to ask for help) or denying myself the freedom and right to enjoy life, even while going through these trials.

Simple things, like looking out of my home office window at the beautiful trees and sun shining bright…

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Admiring the work I’ve accomplished lately…staining the deck, painting the deck furniture and potting flowers…

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and, of course, taking photographs…

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I was supposed to go to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park this weekend, but everything came to a head, and I decided to let my son and his girlfriend go.  I told him to take a lot of photographs.  He paid me for half of it (he’s a college student) and his girlfriend has never been to the area, so I’m so happy they’re able to enjoy it!  I’m able to enjoy the great outdoors right here at home, whereas they live in an apartment.

I’m considering a lot of options for my future…such as moving somewhere.  Perhaps Colorado or North Carolina.  I’ve even entertained the thought of somewhere out of the country, such as Spain or Ecuador.  I’m quite sure I don’t want to have many possessions at this point, so I’m going to sell most of my things (somewhat scary thought).  I’ve been minimizing possessions for the last few years and like the uncluttered feeling.  When I envision what I’d like my immediate future to look like, I see either no fixed address or perhaps renting a room in someone’s home.  I rented a room to a female about five years ago when my husband and I were divorced last time.  There are organizations to join where one can house sit, or couchsurf, which I’ve done recently.  To enable this nomadic life style, for employment, I have a variety of options, such as Tour Directing, TEFL, and monetizing my blog.  I’m not going to overwhelm myself by forcing decisions for every thing right now.

It’s funny, as I am writing this, I’m listening to “Spotify” and a song by  Gavin DeGraw –”Change is Gonna Come” is playing!

To finish up for now…I’m going to try to let the Universe (i.e. “God”) lead the show, instead of me, and see where it takes me!  Send me good thoughts and/or prayers please.  No…actually let’s also pray for the people who are truly suffering…in extreme pain, poverty, and/or anguish!  I have so much to be thankful for…thank you!!

Itinerary for Great Smokey Mountains Nat’l Park

I’m in the midst of preparing an itinerary for a last-minute trip to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park for this weekend!  I found the cutest studio cottage for only $60 a night–10 miles from Gatlinburg, situated on 2 acres–with a pond.  Here are some photos from the owner’s site…

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Newport on the Levee Jazz Fest

Newport on the Levee is an entertainment complex located in Newport, Kentucky, across the Ohio River from Cincinnati and I attended their Jazz, Art and Wine Festival Friday evening with my girlfriend and her husband.  The gifted pianist William Menefield pictured below, along with two other talented musicians entertained the crowd!

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Please Help Find Nichole

Reblogged from M.S. Fowle:

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UPDATE: Last night, May 20th, the body of Nichole Kristine Cable was found just miles from her home. Continue to keep Nichole and her family in your hearts, pray even if you've never prayed before. The perpetrator is still out there somewhere. As more information becomes available, I will update you all accordingly.

Thank you so much for your support.

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Sending prayers for Nichole!

Healthy Recipes from Pinterest

I love Pinterest, not only for the cool photographs, but also for all of the delicious recipes I find.  Some are healthier than others and I wanted to share a couple of those with you.  Staying healthy and looking good have always been important to me.  Sometimes people say, “You’re lucky because you have good genes, that’s why you stay slender”.  No…because I work at it.  I exercise regularly and eat healthy (most of the time).  I treat myself also, which is very important!  Anyway, I made this first recipe a couple of weeks ago for lunch.  It’s so light and refreshing…

Lime and Cilantro Crab Salad in Avocado halves

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