Wednesday Gratitude #23 at Heart and Home

Hi all! How's it going today?

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"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer

I'm feeling grateful today for the warmth and comfort of my home.

Because it was FOGGY most of the day, and then a cool ocean breeze kept things very unlike summer.

After finishing all the errands and running around here and there and everywhere, it was a good day to stay inside and read.

This is where I like to do that best. My comfy slip covered chair sits right next to the window, with a view of the orchard.

I'm grateful I have a nice collection of books to keep me company, on those days when it's better to stay inside and contemplate other peoples lives, or to learn new things, or to armchair travel to faraway lands.

I'm going to be counting on those books a lot more in the future.

I just found out my best friend is moving away.

She won't be around for those girl-talk lunches we've been having together for 12 years now.

Sure, there's still the phone, but I don't think it will be the same.

She was the one I counted on for all the conversation and understanding that only girlfriends seem to share.

She's been there through the thick and thin of the past decade, plus some.

She was a rock solid support to me when my mom died, and all during the time my husband was dealing with serious health issues.

That was a tough, double-whammy, bad year, and she stood by me and helped me get through it.

I'm very grateful for that.

With her moving away, and everyone else off doing their thing, I'll be alone in the house.

I suppose it's an enviable position to be in.  I'll be surrounded by the things I love, all the stuff of my life that only means something to me and the family that grew up here.

It will be time for me to start doing my thing.

Which means I have some work to do.

Because I have no idea exactly what my thing is.

I'm hoping to figure it out though,

and I'm grateful I have the time and space to think it through.

And grateful I can share my thoughts (deep or not-so-deep) on this little blog of mine.

Or sit around and read on a foggy, windy day.

I know I will miss my friend.
I'm grateful I still have you. Don't go and move away now, okay?

Until next time,
XO
Heidi

linking to: Works for Me Wednesday at We Are That Family, and Welcome Wednesday at Take it From Me.