Good morning. Here I am again writing on a Saturday that happens to be a major American holiday; this one celebrating the 250th anniversary of the USA. As many of us who are widowed know, weekends coinciding with holidays can often prove to be draining instead of festive; delivering a double emotional whammy.

I still spend a considerable amount of time on a few online forums and sites for the widowed. Without a doubt, most report that weekends and holidays are often dreaded. The business and structure of the work week ceases and the these happy holiday times one would’ve spent with their spouse, or partner, and other couples seem to diminish. Even those of us who are re-partnered feel the challenge, although we may have someone special with whom to share these celebratory times, we carry residual grief, caught in a bittersweet twilight zone of nostalgia for what was, while trying to create and maintain a positive new reality of where we are now. This is no easy feat and in these widowed groups, and organizations such as Soaring Spirits, International, I find a sense of authentic belonging and support.

July being the mid-point of the year has always been a time when I stop to get some kind of measure on how my year is going, or not going. July 14th also happens to be my half birthday so it takes on an added layer of meaning. For those who are astrologically inclined, we have just entered a period of Mercury retrograde that lasts until the end of the month. Most who consult with planetary positions for direction may be afraid of this time noted for things going wrong, plans delayed, contractual agreements falling through. For me, however, it’s a time to pause, a time to re-view, re-vive, re-visit and ultimately and hopefully re-new. Even if you aren’t a fan of astrology, thinking of this mid-year point as a place to take a time out and assess how you are coping and adjusting has merit.

I think of this as I revise a writing project that has been in the works for over two years now. With each draft and edit, a stronger, renewed project emerges and my confidence grows. It will soon be time to get back to knocking on industry doors again, or to establish an imprint of my own and in essence be my own producer.

In the meantime, I’m excited that a book I wrote several years ago will be adapted for audio and I’m drafting a proposal for a project that will compliment its renewed format. These creative endeavors help me by giving me a purpose and hope that I’m doing the work I’m meant to do. Writing for Widow’s Voice each week has also been a positive, but sometimes challenging experience. With each post it’s my goal to deliver a measure of attainable and realistic hope. I often share my posts on my personal and author/artist page for that reason.

Last Saturday, the small rural town where I currently reside, presented its big Fourth of July celebration and fireworks. This evening, I’m sure there will be many more throughout the county. It’s kind of hard to ignore a holiday with those blaring booms and blasts. If you have pets, especially dogs, they will unfortunately not appreciate all the revelry. For many, staying home with our pets and watching the national celebration on tv with snacks and a beverage of choice may be the perfect way to celebrate this Fourth of July. You can always remove yourself from the “cray” and crowds if that works for you.

Before you know it, Labor Day will be upon us and we will have experienced another summer and hopefully life will seem a little easier to bear after a bit of re-viving, re-setting, and finding ways to re-new.

Here’s to you all finding ways to be thankful for what we do have while honoring what we have lost. Be safe and take care of your pets, they will especially need you at this time. Happy 250th USA.