If we were having Coffee today, September 26th, I’d invite you in and offer some freshly-made doughnuts or a piece of cherry pie. I’ve already poured some apple cider. While it’s not coffee, it is delicious. Come sit beside me on the couch. I love the way sunlight fills the room this time of year. This is a perfect spot to visit.

It’s been a bit since I’ve written. To be honest, I’ve been in a bit of a funk between the pandemic and other issues. I am making my way through to the other side and have gone on mini-adventures lately. My husband and I did a little day-tripping yesterday. We went to Lyman Orchards and purchased all sorts of goodies at their store. Then we went for lunch at Powder Ridge Ski Resort and watched all the mountain-bikers traverse the trails.

I met with a dear friend a few weeks ago. I haven’t seen her in over a year and spending time with her warmed my heart. She had health issues but now looks better than I’ve ever seen her. We met for coffee at a local café and caught up on life and work and mutual friends. Thinking of that afternoon still makes me smile. We exchanged books and made plans to meet again soon. 

I also met another friend, one I still consider to be my sister-in-law, at a local restaurant in Middletown — a small city halfway between her house and mine. I think the last time we met in person was a few years ago but it was as if no time had passed from the moment we sat down. Our lives have followed similar paths and it’s comforting to spend time with someone who truly understands where you’ve been and where you are going. Family is family is family. I’m thankful she is part of my life. How about you? Where do you find comfort? Are you feeling like life is finally moving forward?

One thing I’ve rediscovered is cooking. I started a bullet journal last January and part of my weekend routine includes planning meals for the week and creating my grocery list. I have always loved cookbooks, but lately I’ve gone a little overboard with obtaining new ones. I think I’ve picked up about a dozen in the past few months. Between those and all the novels I’ve added to my TBR shelves, I’m starting to run out of room. Oh well. It’s the simple pleasures that make each day enjoyable. What brings you joy?

Finding that work/life balance continues to be a bit of a struggle but I’m beginning to adjust the scales. Working as a recruiter, the best part of my job is the conversations I have with candidates. I speak with people from all over the country and love to hear their stories. One woman from Nashville recently serenaded me with a song she wrote. Both the song and her voice were beautiful. It made my day. I also placed a man in a job on Friday. It’s been a long road, but he starts Monday. I’m not sure which of us was more pleased. 

That said, I’ve found that I’m exhausted at the end of the day and this has contributed to my lack of writing. I’ve decided to rearrange my schedule so that I can get up earlier and write before my work day begins. OctPoWriMo starts in a week and I am definitely participating. I’ve helped moderate a site devoted to this for many years now and I’m not ready to give that up. 31 poems in 31 days is exactly what I need. I hope you’ll join me this year! It’s definitely worthwhile.

So lovely to chat with you again. Until next time…