The New Year has started out eventful. As the days grow slightly longer, they seem to be less heavy and lighter on all levels. I, too, feel the collective relief that those widowed often feel when the holiday season comes to an end. Even those who’ve moved forward with new life chapters feel the weight of memories no matter how sweet, or how much time has passed since their loss.
Next week, my niece and also god daughter, is expecting her first child on my birthday. Roxy just turned thirty this past week, so we will have another little constellation of Capricorns. She packed up and left New York for Hawaii nearly ten years ago and met and married a local and has thrived there. My great niece will have Hawaiian blood. That thought brings aloha warmth on many levels.
Sadly, on another note, I just learned that my late husband’s only sister passed this week. I always appreciated the way she kept in touch with me after Rich’s passing. The last time I saw her was at her grandson’s wedding that Rich and I attended before he’d pass three weeks later after what would be our final road trip. Although ten years older than Rich, she had great energy and enjoyed life to its fullest. It surprised me that she was 91. I’d lost track of time. Her obituary captures her unique and fun personality, a trait she shared with her brother.
Tomorrow, I will make another sojourn to Georgia to begin the process of putting my former home up for sale. After two years of renting, I have concluded that it has been a good investment as well as the holder of so many special memories, but it’s time to move out physically and emotionally. It’s a great house, and this hasn’t been an easy decision, but I feel in some ways the weight of my loss in its walls and it’s time to lighten up wherever I can.
Moving forward, after the completion of the renovation of The Canal House, a rental property I purchased in late 2024 here in Old Florida, a short-term tenant has moved in this past week. They will remain through March. Its revamping has been a continual process that has transformed it to a lovely and peaceful waterfront space. I’m sure it will be a popular vacation spot, and a place we can enjoy occasionally as well.
What’s in store for the year going forward? I hope to get my memoir published one way or another and to return to some unfinished writing projects. I’d like to refocus on my art and explore options for exhibiting and selling my work. I also would like to finally reconnect with some “old” friends that I haven’t seen for awhile with some fun road trips.
Focus and intention are words that resonate with me in 2026. I am in a good place here in Old Florida and give this new life my best each day. I know it is a gift that I have forged a new life here.
Next week will bring some nice celebrations and the beginning of an end, but I’ve learned to understant that our plans can change on a daily basis. I will enjoy my personal new year and another trip around the sun.
