MUST

You MUST contact me at the email address on the previous post to get my new blog address OR if you are a friend on facebook--the links are posted on my Timeline as I post the blog.

SO---contact me by email, ask to be my friend or check my timeline if already my friend on facebook to get the new blog name and address.

CONTACT ME

So if you want to follow the soon to be new blog about "New Beginning"---contact me at convilles@gmail.com & I will give you the site as soon as I get it going.

NOW that really IS the last post on this blog.

NEW BEGINNINGS

I am thinking along with all the other "New Beginnings" in my life---I should give up this old blog---and start a new one.  The story of my "New Life"----fun times---trails---successes--the entire tale of moving and starting over after 46 years in the same town.  

Those friends from my Facebook Page will be able to click on the new blog, when I get it up, from that page.  If you are not my Facebook friend, and want to know the address of the new blog once I get it started, you will have to leave a comment to get the address. 

Thinking over the name as I type--so this will be my last post on this site--after 1500+ posts and well over 100,000 page views--it is time to start again.  Looking forward to turning to the next chapter and telling you all the story--

Lora  

LIKE THE STARS IN THE SKY--

God created us all different--like the stars in the sky that the 3 year old class and I talked about this morning.  The sky is full of them---more than you could EVER count---and guess what --each one is created different---unique and special.  

One of the things which satisfies us all deeply is discovering our gifts--and then using them to fulfill our purpose.  I have more gifts than just bossiness or leadership as I like to soften it----one of the gifts that fills me with great happiness and peace is serving.  I LOVE people--love to know them--listen to them--talk with them--serve them---  

One of the problems with being a CPA is that I am very aware of how much money it takes to retire---what an extended--long life of retirement can cost and how inflation can eat into our reserves.  I am careful --cautious with my spending.  I don't really enjoy shopping--funny because I do enjoy wearing cute clothes--but just don't like the chore of looking for them.  It doesn't give me any satisfaction.  

I love to travel---have seen some glorious sights--but you cannot travel all the time---it takes a lot of money.  After a week--two at the most---I am ready to see my family and friends again.

Bottom line---I am created to be in relationships---NOTHING is more important.  A relationship with my Father---with my family--with my friends---at the end of the day that is all that truly matters.  I don't feel deprived--nor lacking--nor in want---I love them all.  I have NEVER been to a funeral where the deceased was extolled for their travels, self fulfillment, or worldly success.

SO--I am taking a brave new step---I am moving to be closer to my family---I will not be so far that I can't see my friends--AND they can come see me.  I am at peace with this move and look forward to seeing how God works in all the details.  I understand that some are created different--and different is not wrong--it is what makes the world an interesting place to live---Different is just that different.  So if you are called to travel--search for what makes you happy---move from place to place---GO FOR IT---it's just not me.

AND I THINK YOU SHOULD----

I've had many comments on facebook about my move to Fort Worth--most are very supportive and think it is a good idea.  

And--then---there was the comment about having a home in two places at once.  Go West and rent an apartment---travel between the two towns--see if I like it.  Sounded like a wonderful plan--but the expense of two households is not particularly financially wise.

Among the reasons I will move is knowing that there will come a day when I will need some help---unless some fool runs over me and I become a grease spot on the road.  LET ME DIGRESS FOR A MOMENT----on our long run this AM---I am wearing a vest with strobe lights that you couldn't miss from a mile down the road.  STILL with NO traffic and 4 lanes that provide plenty of room to move to---SOME are inclined to not only NOT move over one inch-but actually move toward you.  I am going to look into the legality of wearing a holster with a 6 shooter on my runs----I might feel the need to occasionally take it out and wave it around---just saying --You can't be TOO CAREFUL!

OK--sorry for the rant---still fresh on my mind--after this morning's 8 mile jaunt!

ANYWAY---as I was saying--I am moving knowing that the day will come when my children may need to make decisions about my care--or I may need some help.  HOPE NOT--would love to go like my grandmother--a stroke raking the yard--but we have no guarantees.  I would like to be able to make new (but keep the old) friends and get established in the area.  Find a church, find volunteer work to do, and find a group to run/ride/exercise with.  I am still in good physical condition---so now is the time.  

I had another comment that new beginnings were overrated and I should go visit my children for a few weeks/months and then travel to Europe and pamper myself.  Not sure what planet the one that made that comment lives on--but the planet I live on does not allow extravagant spending--  AND my children would be ready to put me away if they had me in their houses for extensive visits--frankly I can be a bit much---Those that are not driven--don't really appreciate us that are.

SO---it's daunting---I am just beginning to do all the research---but I am moving.  

SWEET ERIE IN THE FALL-

I went to Erie one October while Camille lived there.  It was the most beautiful display of Fall foliage I have EVER seen.  Camille tells me that one of the things she misses most about Erie is the true change of seasons.  Our long hot summers do not lend to a brilliant Fall display unfortunately.  The pictures I made are stored on a hard drive that I pulled off my old laptop--and I still don't have them downloaded.  I snagged the picture above off the WWW--but it does not BEGIN to do justice to the show I was treated to that memorable trip.

I SO wish some of my Erie friends would send me a gallon of the BEST apple cider I have EVER put in my mouth.  I found it in a local Garden/Gift shop while there and drank so much ---well it can have negative effects if you overdo.  Sadly---it was refrigerated or I would search out the PA orchard it came from and have some shipped to me.  OH---how I loved that sweet nectar from Heaven!

Meanwhile--here is LA---we are seeing a few slight glimpses of change---but for the most part we are still lush and green.  OH FOR FALL!

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN-WHAT WAS I THINKING!

For some strange reason, I thought it sounded like a good idea to join a spin class-on trainers--with all my REALLY IN SHAPE FRIENDS--who have biked ALL summer.  Let's see -I last put my wide load in that saddle MEMORIAL DAY---THE END OF MAY!  The "King of Torture" has a day job as a Pastor----REALLY?  He must take out all his congregational frustrations on the unsuspecting Spinners.  WHO KNEW---a pastor could be so cruel.

WELL I showed him---I CHEATED---the rest of the crew did just what he said---changed those gears as he dictated---worked like dogs---sweat pouring off them.  I showed him---I just stayed in the lowest gear---guess what still sweated like a pig and thought I was going to die.

It seemed like a good idea-in my continual quest to get into better shape---I survived---but certain body parts--that I will not mention---MAY NEVER BE THE SAME!

When I move to Fort Worth---I'm going to be a COUCH POTATO!

GOD'S NUDGES--

I am praying that God will reveal His perfect plan for me---Since I blogged about trying to decide on a time to move, I have had nothing but positive comments on Facebook about moving.  I consider these nudges from God.  God has faithfully revealed every step that I should take---Perhaps he is once again confirming the right choice.

Another sign---Camille caught the virus the boys had last week and is SICK.  Adam is back working 16 hour + days and she is SICK!  I am so thankful that Adam's parents are near and always faithful to step in to help---BUT it helps me know where I am needed.  A 3 1/2 year old,  a 2 year old and a new baby---sounds like it make take A Village!

Thank you to all my sweet friends that have commented---reassured---asked me to stay--told me to do what is best.  You have been my gift from God ---and I love you all.