My affirmation for July says:  This month I look for ways to prove to myself that I unconditionally love and appreciate who I am. Oh, this is going to be fun! Dam straight! So much loss and sadness this year, I fear I have been wallowing in it. So, I hereby declare that I am throwing away the depression, fears and tears and will start enjoying the Maine summer. Which hasn't exactly started yet. It has been cold and rainy but I am anticipating a warm and wonderful rest of the week after today's rain. Visitors too.

And, guess who came home last night?  Yes, it is she. Barbie Dreamboat! Sweetest little boat on the Lake. Mermaid Barbie, her bowsprit, is looking a little rough around the edges though. Must have been the long cold winter. She actually has a gray streak in her hair now and her nose and chin look frostbitten.

yikes!

My garden is loving all the rain and the bleeding hearts and hosta have taken over and have got to go. Instead of dividing them this fall, I'll move them to make room for the other plants.

There is more activity at the Lake now and a few people in residence on my lane. The loons have moved out of my cove and further out into the Lake. It is summer. 

Sophie has been swimming most days and I put a ramp in so she can get in and out of the water more easily. She is having none of it so far but we are working on it (liver treats help). 

Five things I'm loving today, not necessarily in order of importance:

1.  Leonard Cohen's "Popular Problems" album. How often do you love every single song?

2.  Guided meditation with Depak: Expanding your Happiness. And oh do I need this right now.

3.  Denise Schmidt's Flea Market Fancy line. Those yummy fabrics, lovely patterns!

4.  Judy Blume's new book: In The Unlikely Event, except why did I read it before I had to fly . . . oy vey had to take a whole Xanax.

5.  My beauteous Sophie. What's not to love? She has been sleeping with Lucy's skunk. So sweet. So lonely. Glad we have each other.

Remember that sunset picture I posted the night before my birthday? Well, I sent it to the local paper, forgot about it, and guess what? They put it on the front page! Above the fold. How cool is that?

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive; to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."
Marcus Aurelius

Just back from a weekend with my family in Michigan to celebrate the life of my dad with a big party. We also planted a tree in his honor.

From right to left: the tree, Rose, my sisters and me, Mom and Aunt Kathy (Dad's sister)

It was an emotional weekend but my dad would have loved his party. I lost it when I walked into the room to see all of the pictures of him. My niece, Ryder, put together a beautiful slide show that played continuously. Lots of tears. I miss him.

Cruel and Unusual

My former husband, who lives on the west coast last I heard, and a woman, came to MY town on MY birthday and went to MY pub. I only missed them because I had my hair done and was 2 hours later than I normally would have been. How sick and twisted is that?  If you see him, tell him to leave me alone. I've moved on and he has no business being here. But those of you who know him won't say a word. Because you're all afraid of his anger. And I don't blame you. That is all.

Had a sweet little quiet birthday. A gray and chilly day. Linda gave me a facial. Caitlin did my hair. Dan fixed oysters for Wendy and me. Cards and emails from friends, a book from my sister. And I got to come home to this sweet little girl for the evening. Happy Birthday to me.

So, I have to tell you. While I was making coffee, I read my affirmation for the day from Louise Hay. "This is a delightful day. Money comes to me in expected and unexpected ways."  I sat down with my coffee and opened a birthday card. Money was in it. Woohoo! When I went to the hair salon, they handed me an envelope full of money from the sale of some of my bags. Wow! Then last night, my Florida boss called and said, You never cashed your last paycheck! She's going to issue a new one and send it out tomorrow. How cool is that?!

Birthday Eve