Clearing

I think this vaction was a much needed event.  I'm beginning to feel so much more completed, accomplished, like I've contributed so much more to the gross national product.

For so long, I've felt just stifled.  My ambition was gone, my imagaination - gone, my communication was gone.  I felt as if everything, everyone was against me.  I felt everything piling up around me.  I felt I had no way out.  No way to escape.  Yes, I had thought about finding a therapist again.

I began finding my way out with "this Dare thing" as everyone else has called it.  Say what you want about Love, Faith and God - I don't care what you think.  It works. It works!  It WORKS!  I always knew - from day 1 that it was/would be Jeremy.  Sometimes, it's strong and all consuming.  Some days it's everything is wrong and slapping me in the face.  I'm  We're learning the rocks in our relationship are normal, we're learning to appreciate our differences and to work together.  Most of all, we're learning to trust in God.

I did attend the Allegan Camera Club's last meeting and I really enjoyed myself and learned a few valuable lessons.  I also enrolled for a very basic, beginner's photography class to learn about my camera and it's functions.  The presenter at the Club meeting is also a photography instructor at a local college.  He's self taught, doesn't have a degree and has learned from mentors and workshops.  I'm learning that this thing is possible and the tools are there for me to use, when I take the time to use them.

We've spent the first day of our vacation getting out from under some clutter.  I decided not to host my annual garage sale this year.  I typically make pretty good money but, I couldn't see spending 2 whole days sitting in my yard.  I have so much to accomplish this week.  I took a few boxes of books to the library.  That felt so good - to be able to contribute to someone else's love of books!  They'll take what they can to add to their shelves and the rest will go into their monthly book sale.  I took a few bags of clothing to a local church who offers clothing to families/people in need - free of charge!  It felt so good just to give.  To give without expectation or reservation - purely from the heart. 

We took down our storm windows and put up the screens yesterday afternoon.  Oh, the fresh air!  I vacuumed everything and hung some pictures and other things on the walls that had been waiting to get to their respective places.  I also finished decorating Jacob's room. 

I've been steadily selling on a popular online auction site for the past 2 months.  My goal has been to average around $20 per week and I'm proud to tell you that so far, I've accomplished my goal.  It's been rewarding to have something set to accomplish and again to get rid of more clutter.

Today, we're painting.  Jeremy gets the 2 new doors we installed 2 years ago.  And I get the new bathroom ceiling.  The rest of this vacation is a little less accomplishing and more relaxing.  We have a shopping trip tomorrow.  The zoo on Thursday, one of my sisters coming in Thursday night.  A photographing/explorer trip on Friday, I'm a little unsure of Saturday and Sunday, my brother's daughter gets confirmed in the Lutheran church.  We'll be attending the service with Jacob - his first time in church.  So pray for me folks!  Come Sunday morning, I'll need all the help I can get!