Time flies,
that is what they said and they, (the proverbial they being mostly my father but everyone older than me too), were correct. I cannot even believe today I turned 50 years old. I really don’t know where all the time went. But it’s just a number.
I spent time with a dear friend the other night over cocktails and the only thing I could say about turning 50 was that I really, with all my heart, feel like the second half of my life is going to be the best. Not that all the milestones getting here weren’t wonderful. I cannot express my gratitude for being blessed with my beautiful children, or for having such a great husband and fantastically supportive family. But there is something to be said for being a “woman of a certain age.” Frankly, I love it!
Being an empty nester took some getting used to but that too is quite lovely. When my man is out doing his thing and I don’t have anyone to cook for, I DON’T. That being said, I still eat well. I love food and not garbage food. I can eat my foo-foo food that Hubby doesn’t usually eat, (kale, quinoa salad not his thing). Then of course there is the time to write without guilt and that is also a pleasure.
The above pic was Saturday when I was home alone and in the middle of a writing marathon and didn’t want to cook. Win-win, as far as I could tell. Then the writing continued.
Looking back on my life thus far, I can say I am more myself now than I ever was before. This is because I am finally accepting myself for exactly who I am. I don’t feel any need to impress, put up a front, or put on airs. I’m just me and I am enough. Believe me, that is saying a lot. I suppose plenty of women have gone through that and hopefully most of us get over it. But I really feel good about who I am now and that in itself is a feat.
The things that I was hung up on before are gone, freeing me to be more creative and I found I’m pretty damn good company. I don’t have to be entertained in any way by anyone. Although I love spending time with my family and friends, I can be alone and not feel lonely. If I’m perfectly honest with myself, I have always been that way. I just didn’t accept it.
Growing up, I fell in love with books, reading and writing. I’d lock myself up in my room and read for hours or write stories or poetry. Any writer will tell you that is a solitary lifestyle and if you let others into that world, they must be very special. I have many wonderful people that I love and love me, but they are the ones that understand my need to be alone to write. They support my crazy desire to create and dream. They understand when I go incommunicado for lengthy times and don’t hold it against me. I’m pretty blessed.
So I’m on the brink of publishing my first novel and have a second one in the wake. I am starting my third blog that will be out, (I hope) by next month called, romancetravelandfood.com but it hasn’t launched yet so be on the look out. I’ve already set up the website, purchased my URL and security needed to run it. I also created a new email address for it so between all that and working full time, I’m one busy gal… but I’m LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!
Life is a journey
and I’m looking forward to more traveling, more time with my husband, and more quality time with my family. Although as I say, I’ve come late to the party in my writing career as a published author, I’m gonna tackle that too, and write as many books as I can get in before my time is up. Even though there are more books out there than I will ever have time to read, and I know I won’t be able to write every single story idea I come up with in the time I have either, I’m still going to enjoy trying every single day.
