It was a busy week and last night I realized that I had no draft for today’s Post, a first in my year plus of Saturdays when I’d just push the Publish button. So today follows the theme of new starts, habits and outlooks in true form. I will randomly write on.

On Thursday, I “vacated” my home in Southeast Georgia to a tenant who I hope will enjoy that beautiful sunny space. In preparing for their arrival, a monthlong process of cleaning and clearing out began. It was exhausting and emotional at times. Closets, drawers and hide-aways contained items that carried strong memories. It seemed endless at times with numerous trips with cars filled with donations for charitable organizations and transported to the new house two hours south. When completed, the house never looked better and I reflected on why I hadn’t done this a year ago, but I realize it took a life-changing event to make it happen and for forward momentum to continue. I also thank my neighbors, friends and The Mermaids of Osprey Cove for their thoughtful send offs. But don’t write me off just yet, I hope to visit often.

This is a “good problem” to have and I never take it for granted. That spacious home served as a haven throughout challenging times experienced over the past four years. And, if you’ve read recent posts you know that I’ve landed in a place of such idylic beauty that I never could have imagined I’d call it home.

So instead of prattling on, I will share some more photos of this picture-perfect place, but they can’t truly convey the freshness of the air, the sun-drenched Spanish Moss dancing in the breeze, the hoots of owls, screeches of peacocks, crying of goats, clacking of the Sand Hill cranes and splashes of turtles and fish in the lilly-covered water. The sky, water and landscape is a moving canvas that changes with the seasons, current weather and time of day. It is truly inspiring and I hope to capture this place artistically in the near future.

Family matters recall me to the North for a bit, however, and I ask for your good thoughts now for a family member and those entrusted with their care. I also want to wish those who’ve served militarily a good Veteran’s Day. My late dad and his brothers and my late husband Rich served in the US Navy (Rich as a Navy Corpsman) as did an individual who has become an important part of my “new-life”

So many changes to share eventually. There was a time when I had planned to stop posting for Widow’s Voice at my one year “Blog-o-versary” milestone in October. What more was there to say? But when just one person writes (widowed or otherwise), or tells me, they find my posts helpful or inspiring, I find a way to write on one week at a time. The themes and tone of the posts may change as we go on, but I am always thankful and recognize the contributions of those, past and present, who’s words and good deeds continue to help me make the best of where life has brought me.

Here are some images from my place on the lake that influence, calm, distract and ultimately inspire me on a daily basis. Thanks for reading. Always feel free to comment below, or wherever I Post. In random order I share some images from life in the Lake District of central Florida, the “Old Florida” that is often overlooked, but blissfully peaceful.