All has really been going fairly well. In September, I sailed and rode. I started painting again which has been an incredible experience. I began drawing when I was a child, took private lessons for a number of years and continued to dabble in oils into graduate school. Now, I am back at it again. This time I am specializing in equestrian art as well as some seascapes from the island. I made a corner of the furniture workshop into a painting area.
In October, hurricane Matthew came to visit, strafing the coast from St. Augustine north. We had a lot of debris but no damage. C. and I drove the horse and another to Aiken, along with 20 other horses in a caravan. Also going were 6 dogs and 5 chickens. We came back home to deal with the boat which I took up river. Other than a blown out Yankee, the boat was good. Most of October was spent on putting things back together in the yard, cutting up fallen trees, and having massive burn piles.
November was a warm month. We celebrated our marriage anniversary which was a miracle to have made it these several decades. We also had to have one of our old dogs put down due to multiple organ failure. Joy and sadness. And then there was the election. Suffice to say, we were grieving for a while. Stunned actually. But I realize that I am powerless over other people, places and things. So after realizing that I have done all I know how to do, I have surrounded myself with positive action. C is going to the March on Washington in January. And I will continue with my efforts for social justice in this city and county.
And here we are at the end of December. Hard to believe as time has just flown by. All seems right with us today. We remain in love and practice our programs of recovery.
I do think about each of you. Forgive me that I am busy with living life to the fullest. No matter whether I post or not, comment on your blogs or not, you remain in my heart. Love to each and everyone.
And to you, Syd. I am writing this sitting beside the silver gray Caribbean which is gently rocking the boats returning from dives. The sun is setting behind a curtain of clouds tonight but it is beautiful and we know it's there. Peace and tranquility. I am so glad to hear you are painting.
ReplyDeleteSyd,
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to hear from you. Happy belated anniversary to you and C. I'm sorry about your dog and the election. There have been a lot of us grieving over the election. But it is what it is and our job is to make the best of our life.
It's exciting to hear C is going to Washington in January to march. Tell her she is carrying the message for so many of us that cannot be there in person. I admire her for her determination.
I continue to speak to students at schools. The county detention center has ask me to begin speaking with juveniles at the detention center. That has been rewarding. It's hard because Alex was in that jail when he was having troubles but it is rewarding because maybe there is another "Alex" sitting there that will find recovery.
Stay in touch. Speaking for myself and probably many others, we miss you.
Good to hear from you syd! Bless you and C and thank you for checking in!
ReplyDeleteGood to read you again, Syd -- my computer had problems when I was up in Zimbabwe so I couldn't get back into my old blog, Letting Go. Started a new blog, Coming Through, and things are going well out here despite drought and political upheavals. Good to hear C will be marching in Washington. Love to both of you and post some paintings when you feel ready! xMary LA
ReplyDeleteBe Well Syd and C.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and C.
ReplyDeleteReading your post made me cry. With happiness and gratitude that you and your wife are so happy together. As you said, living life to it's fullest. You remain an example of what I can receive when I "work it".
ReplyDeleteI miss you here in blog world, you were a first blog friend when I was newly blogging. You offered your hand when this newcomer needed it. I will forever be grateful, Syd.
Thank you for sharing all these years. You're a giver.
Love,
Christina
So good to hear from you anytime. Much love from Canada
ReplyDeleteKatherine cat
Nice to read you are still blogging -- It has been a long while since I last posted. But I am still in recovery one day at a time
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update, Syd. I've missed your peaceful, sensible and loving contribution to life but I understand why you chose to write less. Peace to you and C and all of your menagerie.
ReplyDeleteAll good wishes to you and C. So happy for you both that life is full and good.
ReplyDelete