As I'm reflecting on my life, I feel so grateful for the growth I've experienced in my life. I'm even grateful for the pain my Mom and I have been talking about because it has made me into the person I am. I like that person now. I am completely amazed at the life I have created for myself. I feel like I am in the center of my calling! I am doing what I love, I feel a tremendous purpose, and I am accompanied by some of the best people on the planet.
No, my life is not all roses and sunshine... Far from it. Despite the paradise you see here on my blog, it's not always easy and gorgeous. I do yell at my kids. I get bone tired and bored with my chores. My husband pisses me off sometimes. I fall into a hole of depression for weeks when it rains every single day.
And yet. After having lived on this planet for 43 years, the big picture of my life is filled with positivity, love, gratitude, blessings, support, friendship, and lots of bliss (just don't mention laundry right now).
One reason why I feel so grounded is where I live. I am surrounded by mountains and wild rivers, and the ocean is only one and a half hours away. One of my blog readers calls my blog eye candy, so let me show you some more.
I took these pictures on a trip with my Mom last week. We drove up to Mount Baker's Artist Point and hiked around, surrounded by the grandeur and holiness of the mountains.
A few days before that trip, we showed off the mighty Skagit River to my Mom in our friend's boat. Luke brought his fishing pole, but the fishies were shy that day. Instead of catching fish, we caught some great pictures on camera.
We also went to Whidbey Island for two days, played at the beach, collected many crab shells that stunk up our car, and walked miles by the water while the Olympic Mountains kept watch over us in the distance.
Here are more reasons I am happy with my life: my garden and my animals, and the connection my kids have with them. It does my soul good to spend time with four legged and winged creatures, and witness my children and their friends handle them gently and with compassion.
Happy happy birthday! May your day be filled with joy!
ReplyDeletePS I see you have pigs. Would you write a blog about the pros and cons of keeping pigs some time soon? The owners of the ranch where we live want want my husband and I to look into getting mini-pigs. They think the young children would enjoy them. I've done a bit of internet research but I also like to talk to people who I know.
Thank you for your beautiful inspirational stories!
Hmmm, let me think about that! It will take some time to put together a well-thought out blog post about pigs. Good idea though. Once my Mom leaves I will have more time to write.
DeleteWell, we'd greatly appreciate any insight you have. The questions we would have would be (just so you can get an idea) how well do they do in huge temperature ranges without heating or cooling. In winter we drop to 15 and in summer (like today) we can get to 104. Also how friendly are pigs? How much human interaction do they need to not become obnoxious. Would this be daily mucking out to avoid flies and stink? These pigs would never be meat. They want us to look into 3 pigs. Are pigs more human friendly when they're not a "pack". They would never be on pasture but they would have a large pen both indoor and out. Do you always have to have a mud hole going in the heat of summer? Thanks! If you're not into writing a whole article would it be imposing (especially on your birthday) to ask you these questions? This is not an emergency so just when you can get to it. (PS My husband's birthday is tomorrow. Gemini's!)
DeleteI love the courage you have to pursue your dreams and to share them so openly. People can be so hateful and cruel, but what you do and what you share is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteAnd the photos are like postcards, all of them - too beautiful.
Happy birthday!
Thank you so much, Michelle!
DeleteHappy birthday! Your photos are beautiful! I know you're loving having your mom there.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's so much fun to have her! She's leaving on Monday... Sigh...
DeleteThe photos are gorgeous, Corina. They have such clarity and depth. Stunning. Happy birthday. You are very talented and just keep getting better.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicola. And to think I only take these pictures with my i-phone and not a fancy camera!
DeleteRecently enjoying your blog! found you through WFK. Happy Birthday! And how wonderful that you are able to reconnect with your mom on so many levels!. Wishing you both all the best with healing...so glad you are open to it and working through it together. I lost my mama last August...life is short! Love seeing & reading about your life & work. Thank you for taking time to share, teach & encourage. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you lost your Mama... May your heart heal in time...
DeleteHave a wonderful birthday....when I turned 50 it was as if a burden was lifted and my life became so enjoyable. Midlife crisis maybe but I found I relaxed and was so contented. As I approach 65 this year, I am so grateful to have the luxury of living comfortably.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie! On some levels, I am kind of excited to get older and wiser! It's hard to be young and having to figure out life, drifting a little bit, not knowing one's place. I feel like the older I get the more grounded I am. Thanks for the reminder!
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