The days are getting fewer where we can sit outside on our deck and enjoy our chimenia. I’m glad for the beautiful fall day we had yesterday so we could get in what may be the last fire outside for a while, and I’m glad Joie got to be with us. It was a bit chilly, but we dressed warm and had an enjoyable time. As you can see from the photo, Joie felt right at home in John’s arms. Kylie lay behind our chairs and seemed to soak it all in too.
Fall is always a time of reflection for me, as it is for John too. We always have the best conversations it seems when we have a little fire going. There is something magical about the flames, almost as if it puts one in a trance of feeling free to speak from our hearts. We have some things we are thinking through and it reminds me that life is truly about transition. Sometimes I think I’m finally starting to get that– or at least rolling with it better and understanding this is what this thing called life is all about. I really thought about all this after reading author Jon Katz’ blog post today about some big decisions he has made lately. One line that really struck me that he said was, “I can’t see inside of my own life. I don’t know if this was my finest hour or my most foolish one. I can’t say that for sure if I am being honest. How can I know? Maybe it was both wonderful and foolish.”
Life can feel so uncertain at times, and it has certainly felt that way as we moved through the past four years of what felt more tumultuous than I remember in a long time. But I appreciate how Jon continues to live his life without that in mind, working hard to not giving into fear which I think means we truly can’t see the inside of our own life. We can only do what we think is best and right for ourselves at any given moment. And I’m not big into politics, but my husband, John is. But together we seem to come to the same place about how we feel about things. John follows politics closely to gauge how he will go forward with his business, while I try hard to not let politics dictate the way we live…. somehow it seems to balance us out.
One step in front of the other, it’s all we can do. Dogs do this everyday, don’t they? They just live for this very moment. I keep trying to do just that. I have a feeling it is a life long practice. Today I submitted my manuscript Through Frankie Eyes to the graphic designer who will do the interior layout. The cover is just about done and endorsements are all in. Progress is being made right here in my little writing cottage despite what at times feels like a stand still with the rest of the world awaiting the outcome of November 6th.