It's been too long, I've missed blogging. And I'm glad to be done with the password bullshit. I could care less at this point. I'm always the one that says, if you are worried about any kind of privacy, don't put it on the internet. It comes with the territory.

Things have calmed down nicely, we had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. (Although I'm finally taking the tree down today, HAH!) I have a Chrysler 300M with an automatic transmission that we traded for the adorable VW Bug that I was shit at driving. The new four wheel man in my life is named Maurice. He is a gentleman and pulls my seat back for me when I turn the ignition off.

Times are so good with calm that I have started a craft guild for other craft artists in my community. This is a big step for me on so many levels. And this is why:

First, my history of living here since I was six months old. When life experiences are not good, we tend to identify the geographic area we suffer them in to be bad in and of themselves. I always ranted about hating being here and moved into the cultural part of the city as soon as I was 17 and "invited" to leave my childhood home. I always said I'd "never" live here again. And of course, here I am. When I got older, it was the entire city's fault and I wanted to move to NYC, where I assumed all my problems about being a successful artist would magically disappear. I know now that is not true and that I am better off in a well connected and affordable place.

But still, in recent history I have identified myself with the downtown artists, and have only resided here and hoped to move back there when my son finishes high school. That may or may not happen, I only know that this is where I am now.

My new job has shown me that there is a wonderful community of people right here. With former car troubles keeping me closer to home along with it, I started looking around me with a new set of eyes and appreciation for the lovely little suburban hamlet by the lake that I live in.

I have a Mary Engelbreit plaque on my affirmation bathroom wall that says, "Bloom Where You're Planted". I think it's finally starting to sink in. It only took me 50 or so years, but hey, better late than never.

So, I am now a full resident of Seabreeze in Irondequoit, NY. I am here fully and finally experiencing it fully. I'm excited about my first meeting tomorrow and running a craft guild. I will also be attending Irondequoit Art Council meetings (who knew they even had this?) and the Women's Irondequoit Network.

My son and I eat at the local diner, know our pharmacist and gaming store crew by name, and enjoy our local library. My goal this summer is to actually see and say hi to people we know at the town hall's fourth of July celebration we attend every year. (it hasn't happened much as yet)

I think we all take certain things for granted. When we take the time at the end of the day to be grateful for at least three things, many more become evident to us.