Hello, dear reader. I hope you are doing well and life has been lovely for you lately!

Yesterday was so much fun. Early in the morning, my husband and son picked up a load of rocks to edge the landscape in our side yard. When they arrived home, I helped place all of the rocks. Whew, it was quite a workout!

Later, it was time to watch the eclipse. Several of my daughters were away at dance class, but those of us who were home plopped down on our driveway with our glasses. We were at about 87% totality, and it was cool to experience.

During the eclipse in 2017, we were at a doctor’s appointment. We watched it in the parking lot, and it was pretty amazing.

Yesterday, I began to think about the time between these two eclipses. So much has changed. We moved three times in order to downsize and pay off our mortgage debt. It almost seems like another lifetime.

While these changes were so hard, at the time I felt like they were needed. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if we would have just really buckled down and stayed where we were. There are moments when I definitely wish we would have done just that.

At the same time, I have to believe that things have happened in my life for a reason. I’ve grown so much over the past seven years. I’ve learned how to live with less, and to be more content with what I already own.

I sure do miss the piece of land we owned seven years ago. Perhaps I am thinking about it lately because I heard it is about to come up for sale. It is too far away from my husband’s job now, and too much for us to afford at the moment, so it is out of the question. But I still have wistfully been thinking about it.

Life is full of choices, isn’t it? We made our choice seven years ago, and now we must live with it. That probably is a harsh way to put it! Even though I might regret pieces of our past choices, I know why we made them.

We now own a sweet plot of five acres free and clear. I have been able to nurture it, and it looks totally different than it did four years ago when we bought it. Most of the gardens are flourishing, and many pollinators and birds live here. It is precious, lovely, and most importantly, home.

I’d like to imagine there are pieces of me left wherever we’ve lived, and it is somehow better for us having been there. It’s a nice thought, at least.

Plus, I must remember that our lives are a beautiful tapestry that includes all of our life experiences. They can remain in our heart.

Instead of dwelling on the past, I’ve decided to focus on the present. There is much to be done! I have a family, home, and gardens to love. It is important work.

Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends!