May 2018 Link Party
It’s time for May’s Link Party with Sheryl at A Chronic Voice! As usual, she has picked some wonderful writing prompts! This months prompts are:
Remembering
It’s interesting that this prompt was picked for May. I’m in the process of selling my house. Yesterday as I waited for the real estate agent to arrive, I started reminiscing about all the memories made in this house. There were moments of laughter and joy, sorrow, anger, and frustration. This house has seen five of my six children graduate from high school. My youngest graduates on June 7th. It’s seen one son go off to the Navy and return six years later. Another son graduated from university. One by one my kids have moved out and started their own lives.
This house has seen troops of my kid’s friends come and go. Many of them call me mom. I like that. I miss their energy and perspectives on life. We are all experiencing growing pains. A necessary part of life. I suppose it has to be that way.
It was a good house. I took some pictures of my favorite places in it. In fact, my logo picture was taken from the back porch. This is the original photo from my back porch. My dog, Dottie, is in the shadows at the bottom of the picture.
I think I’m ready for this next season of life, but it’s bittersweet.
Caring
The one being I’ve been caring for through all the chaos of moving, cleaning, painting, and decluttering, is my little dog. She was quite disturbed at all the insanity. I had to give her some Rescue Remedy drops the first night in our new apartment. I should have given myself some as well.
Unfortunately, I forgot to pace myself well. I did way too much and suffered for it with intense overall pain. My right knee completely rebelled, after spending two hours climbing up and down off a low footstool to paint ceiling trim. I would stay up just to take the dog outside at 8:30pm and then drop into bed. I just wanted the house ready to sell so badly.
I’m not sure why I consistently put my needs last. It’s hard to teach old dogs new tricks. My dog has shown me though that it is possible! Now she consistently asks to go outside, and uses her pee pad in the middle of the night. She used to pee all over the basement at the house. I’m really quite surprised. If she can learn to do things differently, so can I. (BTW she is 11 years old.)
Entertaining
This topic is another one that Sheryl picked that fits where I am. Now that I’m living in a building full of strangers, I’m struggling with how to make connections. So when I ran across a book called Just Open The Door by Jen Schmidt, I was intrigued.
Having people over has always intimidated me unless they were kids or teens. I always wondered if the food would be okay, or if they would be comfortable in my well-worn home. According to Jen though, my focus was wrong. If we focus on the other person, and make them feel welcome, nothing else matters. This shift in thinking takes my mind off of me, and puts it on my guest.
Jen also encourages us to use what we have. Nothing needs to be fancy to invite a neighbor over for a cup of coffee.
I’m finding that my little dog is a great ice breaker, especially with other dog owners. So, we’ll just see where that takes us.
Designing
I’m in the process of designing my new living space. I’m taking my time and looking for things I love. I recently got this sofa bed. It adds much needed color to my beige space!
I’ve also found some quirky blue/green/yellow curtains that will look great in that room. I’ll share a picture once I get them up. They look really nice with the green couch fabric.
I’m on the hunt for lighting for my living room. I combed through a local resale shop yesterday. Just didn’t see that perfect piece yet.
Believing
I’m believing this Bible verse:
Romans 8:28 Living Bible (TLB)
28 And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.
In Conclusion of May 2018’s Link Party
It’s been a busy 4 weeks and I’m enjoying reading everyone’s submissions. I hope you enjoy them as well. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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Till next time, Kathy
Kathy, as always, I loved reading your post and seeing what’s been going on in your life this month. Moving can be a headache, but it’s also exciting! Being retired military, I’ve moved around a lot, and I always enjoyed the opportunity for a fresh start. It gives you a chance to take all the cherished memories with you and leave the not-so-great ones behind.
Romans 8:28 is one of my favorite verses. It’s a great reminder that even when things aren’t going so well, God will bring good out of it.
I hope the sale of your house goes quickly! Blessings to you!
As always, love reading your prompts entry! Housemoving is such a long, tedious, painful process huh. I hope it all works out seamlessly and that your new place will be one that’s filled with peace and lots of happy new memories ❤️
Thanks for reading and commenting. Thank you for starting and continuing these link parties. I’m really enjoying them.
I’m glad you’re enjoying them – you’ve been the biggest supporter so far! 🙂 x
I love that verse, too. (By the way, the subscribe form takes me to an error) Thanks 🙂
Hi, Lisa! Which subscribe form did you use? The Hello Bar at the top, one at the end of the post, or the one on the side of the front page. Thank you for reading and commenting. Sorry for the subscribe trouble.