Leaving October

It's hard to believe the month I've looked forward all year long is coming to a close.

It's truly been a month of celebrating from beginning to end -

with Thanksgiving appropriately placed in the middle,

threading it's way into the everyday 

and the blessing of looking back over the past 40 years. 

I've overloaded on thoughts and photos,

taking this as a way to acknowledge these unmerited blessings -

my song of praise to God, who gives seasons

along with joy and strength to face them.

While on my walk with my camera,

I was reminded of seven years ago when I first began blogging

about being in the Fall Season of my Life -

a season of changes and vibrant with color,

and I am so glad that I ventured into this unknown path

of  writing, not just for myself but for whoever would read.

As much as it has caused me to be more aware

it has also made me realize that people are easy and kind -

willing to be friends along the way.

Now the thing about keeping this kind of a diary,
is that after a number of years, it makes one realize
that a lot of life is repetitive . . .
first days of school, holidays, vacations, dates, birthdays . . .
they keep coming again and again . . .
so much so, that it gets harder to see each occasion as new.
Where I used to have thoughts lined up about what to write
for weeks ahead of time,
I now take one week at a time - or maybe just a day
wondering when my first blank week will come around.
It just makes me wonder . . .
Maybe it's time - maybe not!
I don't think I'm ready to just lock it up and put it away,
but for now I'll give myself the freedom of a break.
And I'll write when I can't help myself.
In the meantime,
thank you so much for your every visit in these past seven years
I have tears in my eyes . . .
it's been so good to have company to travel this road with!