This Valentine's Day, my heart exists as a collection of cubist fragments - broken into a thousand pieces, all longing to be pieced back together. February, the month of love, carries a bittersweet resonance this year. As I prepare to celebrate 50 years of marriage, my heart simultaneously aches with the pain of separation.  Love You Soooo Much Olive For the past three years, I've found myself embodying Picasso's " Weeping Woman, " my emotions as fractured and complex as his iconic painting. My once-whole bond with my granddaughter, Olive, now resembles a Cubist masterpiece, each jagged piece a poignant reminder of our involuntary divide. These years have painted our separation with harsh strokes, leaving my heart shattered into angular fragments, each one reflecting a cherished memory. Like the subject of Picasso's portrait, my eyes have become wells of sorrow, shedding invisible tears that daily erode the fabric of my being. Yet, even as I weep, my love r...

  Breaking Free from Illness: A Year of Intentional Health  Illness has been a constant companion, this year and I’m truly exhausted from feeling sick and tired all the time. This year, I want to shift my focus toward improving my health. My hope is that by prioritizing my well-being, I can reduce the frequency of illness and make this year a healthier one. I know that as I grow older, the risk of health challenges can increase, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take steps to improve my quality of life. I’ve struggled with being overweight for most of my adult life, and this year, I’m determined to work toward becoming healthier. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about feeling better, being stronger, and giving myself the best chance to thrive. This isn't about perfection—it's about progress. Every small choice matters. Every healthy decision is a victory. Generational Goal Setting in Progress Here I Come, 2025 ! On my journey to a healthier self 🌟

  The Heartbreaking Ripple Effects of Divorce: A Grandmother's Plea Life's fragility struck me recently - both through my own health challenges and by witnessing Jay Leno's remarkable resilience after his recent fall. Like Jay Leno, who returned to work swiftly despite injury, I'm learning to move forward with determination, understanding that adversity doesn't define us, but how we respond to it does. As Thanksgiving approaches, a deeper pain weighs on my heart - the silent epidemic of divorce that tears families apart more thoroughly than any physical ailment. This week, in a crowded waiting room, I discovered I wasn't alone. Surrounded by fellow grandparents, aunts, and cousins, we shared stories that echoed with haunting similarity - tales of alienation, false accusations, and heartbreaking separations. Bonding over vibrant hair and endless laughter 💜 My granddaughter Olive has become the unwitting victim of this familial destruction. Knowing she...

 Voting Has Begun!  Early voting has begun, and I cherish the memories I create with my granddaughter at the polls. This tradition goes beyond simply casting a ballot; it opens the door to meaningful conversations about standing up for our beliefs and values. Chiming Belle with Granddaughter at  the Polls Voting empowers citizens to elect leaders who prioritize the public interest and common good over personal gain. The key is to evaluate candidates based on their qualifications and capacity for wise governance.  However, in today's information-saturated world, distinguishing between prudent candidates and those who rely on manipulation can be challenging. Unwise leaders often employ charisma and flattery, telling people what to think rather than encouraging critical thought. They may use emotional manipulation and make absolutist claims, demanding acceptance instead of inviting questions. In contrast, wise candidates educate voters on issues and seek to reveal t...

 Sunset Chasing I'm a Sunset Chaser - it's one of my hobbies. I'm a slow mover, but one thing I can chase is a sunset! Just in case you are not familiar with this hobby, a sunset chaser a person who sees a beautiful sunset forming and tries to capture it's beauty by taking lots of photos. You don't need much to catch a sunset. A simple camera or phone camera.   It's also a time to admire it's beauty and take a deep breath and recharge. It's a wonderful way to end any day, even a stressful day.  Not every day do you see a sunset. But when I see one it's so beautiful and rewarding. Sometimes I'm able to pull over and capture the moment. However, trying to capture a Sunset Selfie is challenging, but I had lots of fun trying! Trying to take a Selfie in Front of a Sunset Sunset Captured By Side of Road Many times I just cannot stop the car. On this day my Granddaughter, who wasn't driving took this photo for me! I just love it! Remember safety f...

It's easy to feel alone... Caring for a loved one can sometimes make you feel like you are all alone. Just when I was beginning to feel lonely I was invited to a family reunion. It was the first family reunion in decades!  After many hours, I arrived. About to Enter the Family Reunion It was the rejuvenation that I needed! It was great to share memories together and meet family members that I hadn't met before. It was so much fun re-connecting.  Sharing Fun Times Together - Cherishing the Moment Appreciate the people in your life! Cherish the people who love you, and even if you grow apart, let them know you'll always be cheering for them even if it's from afar. However, much to my amazement, even though we had grown apart, most if not all have a social media presence or an email. So now, it will be easier to keep in touch! I don't feel alone anymore! Hoping I'll be around for the next reunion!