making memories – Take on Life After 50

It has been a few busy weeks, with more to come.

I’m trying something different, just so I can be more present. I always post from my computer, but with the packing and getting ready to move, perhaps my phone is the better option. At least I have it on all the time.

Granted my posts won’t be as long as they are when I use my computer, but a short one is better than none at all, right?

I’m actually taking advantage of the nice evening and sitting out by a fire. I’m not going to lie: I’m going to miss this place. But, given the circumstances the move is something I have to make.

We had a family get-together this weekend with my late husband’s family, and many asked me if I was excited about the move. I told them it’s going to be bittersweet. I’m going to be starting a new chapter, but I’m afraid to see this one end.

They say death ends a life; not a relationship. It’s so true, because although he is gone it hasn’t changed my relationship with his family. It was good to see so many of his cousins again; and under happier circumstances. It seemed the only time we saw them was for a funeral. And when Hubby died it was during Covid , so his extended family couldn’t even attend the funeral to pay their last respects.

Bear with me as I make the transition from what is currently home, to what will be my new home. It appears as if my possession date may be bumped up a little, which I’m happy with. It’ll give me time to paint and get my trees and other plants in the ground before the moving of furniture.

Time to stoke the fire once more before it’ll be time to go inside. Have a wonderful week!

I have to admit, I’m a little frugal when it comes to spending my money on something I feel I don’t really need. Or for something I feel is an indulgence.

We occasionally host workshops at the library for different things, and I generally don’t attend for one reason or another. Most often that reasoning is only logical to me I’m sure. Well, on Friday we were hosting a Sea Glass Art Workshop, and after seeing all the pretty things for it I commented to my manager I regretted not signing up. As luck would have it, there had been a last minute cancellation.

I decided on the spot to take advantage of it, and said I would fill that space available. I honestly didn’t give the frugal side of me a chance to list 101 reasons why I shouldn’t take it (it was $160.00) and am happy with my decision.

It was a last minute decision that paid off, because not only did I have a fun evening, I also came home with a piece of art which I created. The design was inspired by a photo found on Pinterest, and was so simple to make. We had a wonderful, knowledgeable instructor who owns her own studio (Shattered and in Pane) in Victoria, BC, Canada. It was a real treat to know she loaded up her supplies and drove them from Victoria to Mannville, AB., just so we could create our own works of art.

I see myself taking what I learned and buying some supplies to make more pieces. I think it’s something my sisters and I could do together, as well as my daughter and I. Not only will we be creating art, we’ll also be creating memories. And at this point in life, I am realizing that’s what’s most important. Creating the memories, having the laughs and drinking that special bottle of wine.

I spent the evening with some amazing women, and even though we were all given the same materials to work with, none of the finished projects were the same. I’m pretty sure mine was the only turtle though.

The photo (also posted on Instagram) is of my creation after a few hours of curing time. It won’t be ready for the wall for another day, just to be on the safe side. Oh, and the turtle’s name is Fred.

The point to all of this is, don’t be afraid to try something new. You never know how something will be until you give it a try. (And if money is an object, perhaps you could start a little side hustle to fund the little extras you deserve.)

On another note, I’ll be adding a few pages to my site over the next couple of weeks so feel free to check back often to see what I’m up to. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and have a great week.

Diane