Tuesday, January 5, 2016

...growth, an untouched graveyard, a reflection of friends...


It was a beautiful sunny day. We’ve had so few lately. The flowers indoors are blooming and I suppose so am I. I was working from home since  I had an early morning car appointment (taking care of business prior to the official start of the semester)… but with internet problems and that before mentioned sunny day, I needed an excursion. 

I drove out to Williamsburg to pick up some fruit cake confection from Harry and David’s (I know; I know…but they’re good until March 2017 and tomorrow is Epiphany which means I can eat some fruitcake because I’m Christmasing!). 

I really, really looked forward to stopping and traipsing this graveyard which I’ve passed by a zillion times with never enough time to stop... alas, today I was grave-blocked by a youth group that basically took over the parking lot.

Another day.

This is SO NOT a first-day-of-the-year post. Everyone seems to be writing about 2016 resolutions or 2015 reflections. I have not even taken a peek at my Good Things 2015 jar that was inspired by The Curious Professor Z. I honestly wasn’t very good at keeping up with it…partly because of the time it took to make the stars. I cannot believe I just typed that or even let myself post it. Really?!? I don’t even allow myself enough time enough time each day to jot down one good thing and fold it into a little star? There is something seriously wrong with that.



BUT, just because I’m not writing a great deal about it doesn’t mean I don’t think 2015 was a great year. I’m not sure why I’m not reflecting. I’m usually a super-reflective person. Something is whispering, “not yet” so I’m very much trying to live in the present no matter what year that is.

The end of the year has been stressful but I met (in person!) some amazing blogger-friends. In fact, these three are all now in my top 10 as in if I had a life raft and only ten folks could survive on the planet I would without question select these three ladies.  
First, I met Jade! from Daughter of the jaded era. Naturally, I assumed that at some point I would meet fellow-bloggers from the States but I never guessed that I would meet a friend from Finland. Nearly a month later, we got together again during my Spring break. We even took a trip out to Fred Gwynne's unmarked grave which oddly enough has been my post with the most hits ever! Of course, it’s Fred Gwynne! ;) Meeting Jade reminded me that the world is small and wonderful. Oddly enough, my fella who hasn’t even met some of my friends here in Virginia met Jade on the first day. We ran through the snow in DC together. It was stressful at the time as we were trying to catch our train but even in the moment I remember thinking *this moment is magical* and it really, really was. I don’t know when or where I’ll see her again but I’m going to make an effort. She’s worth it!

Second, I met Connie from Hartwood Roses. Did I really only meet Connie last year? Geez, it feels like I’ve known her for years! On our first meeting, I watched her give a lecture and then proceeded to have a four hour coffee date with her! She was in the category of *OMG we’re going to be friends!* before I even met her the second time. I’m not sure I would even call my time with Connie as blogger meet-ups anymore… we’re just kind of hanging out being friends and I adore that. She’s become my partner-in-spending-crime/ “hey, there’s this cemetery…wanna go?” friend. And bonus, she isn’t even an hour away! I can see cemeteries and Poe events in our near future. I love it!

Last but not least, is Franny aka The Curious Professor Z. Meeting her in New Orleans was like a perfect storm. We’re both Polish gals; we both love history. She is absolutely THE only friend I have ever met and immediately asked to go on vacation with… within a month’s time… sharing space. You know the story that if you name a kid Angel, she’ll turn out to be a devil child? Well, try being named Sharon (sound it out like Sharin’)… I am not a girl who enjoys sharing her space with everyone. But being with The Professor was like being with a friend you’ve had before you even realized it. When I think about our second trip to New Orleans, I kind of want to cry in a good way. It was...and spending time with The Professor was exactly what I needed. I have these long daydreams of our future travels. It will happen.

All that being *reflected*, I am very, very blessed. I had no idea that this journey would lead to REAL honest to goodness friends… which reminds me of The Velveteen Rabbit, “Real isn't how you are made. It's a thing that happens to you.”

2015 was about finding friends. It was about growth. It was about aspects of my life that I'm probably not ready to reflect upon just yet. There is still time... to ponder the good and bad decisions I have made, and to reveal all my writings that are within the stars of the Good Things 2015 jar.

12 comments:

  1. YES! It will SO happen! I keep saying to Ed, "gee, I wonder when my next trip with Sharon will be? Do you think we'll return to NOLA ... or somewhere else?" Can I make a suggestion? NO FIRE ANTS! HA!

    I instantly clicked with you, my dear, and I'm much better for it. Sending you lots and lots of love.

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    1. Ha ha ha the fire ants are not welcome! Although I have to say that you took a swarm of fire ants like a champ!

      I don't know where we'll go. I'm sure the universe will let us know. I'll just start saving some cash :)

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    2. Hehehe ... it takes a lot more than a swarm of fire ants to make me cry. Hell, I survived 150 wasp stings. Granted, I had to take a healthy shot of Benadryl, but I'm alive. I have to ask, WHERE ARE MY DAMNED SUPER POWERS?!? Pfffttt ...

      I'm sure we'll figure it out. BTW: I still have to send you the little Halloween gift I made you. UGH! Don't ask. Also, I'm going to be in DC the first week of February. Just saying.

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    3. Gwee!!! I really, really, really hope you have some extra time for some shenanigans ;D

      I keep Halloween in my heart all year long just as Scrooge... well, something like that :p

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  2. Lovely post. Reminds me I need to stop hiding indoors and meet my fellow blogger Sarah who works near me and is an absolute poppet. Resolution inspired :)

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  3. Just like the Professor said, you and I are a match and it was incredibly easy to chat and get to know one another with almost no new-friend jitters. Perhaps it's because we could get a feel for one another through our blogs, but I think that it's way more than that. You are my kind of friend, Sharon dear ... simple as that ... and you are definitely one of my highlights of 2015!

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  4. I hope I will meet some of my blog friends one day, you included!

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  5. For me meeting you and your fella was one of the best moments year 2015! :D And the trip to see a small town and Fred Gwynne's resting place was amazing. It was so wonderful you suggested it! ^_^

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