13 Weeks...

Believe it or not, I am at the end of the 13 week contract which set a whole new life in motion for me. In so many ways it seems as though I just started on this journey. In other ways, I have now settled into a life that fits as comfortably as a pair of worn slippers. In all ways, I am glad that I took the risk, followed my heart, and stepped out of my uncomfortable comfort zone.

The 13 weeks have flown by. What seemed like more than enough time to see and do all that I hoped to see and do here in the mountains of Tennessee now seems like hardly enough time to learn what there is to do and where to do it let alone accomplish it all.

The drill for a travel RN is that about halfway through a contract, the recruiter and the RN begin talking about what to do/ where to go next. So, back in the early part of November, "my new best friend, the recruiter Jim" and I started such a conversation. Keeping in mind that when I first investigated this whole way of living and working it seemed as though there were endless jobs here in TN, I first asked to be relocated to some place that would be closer driving distance to Caleb. Granted, 90 minutes is far better than 13 hours away as I was in Florida but still, that makes for a chunk of time I could otherwise be spending with him instead of playing musical lanes with the truckers on the interstate!

All hopes of locating to the Knoxville area were dashed when I learned that for the most part that city uses a local staffing agency to deal with short term staffing needs and travel RNs are a thing of the past there.

Next, "Recruiter Jim" and I started talking about what other states were close enough if I found a job on the border closest to TN... the best bet seemed to be a place called Franklin NC... also 90 minutes from Caleb who lives in Sevierville TN (home of Dollywood and many other attractions) So, in the midst of autumn's splendor, I took a daytrip to this place called Franklin. What a quaint little town! And so picturesque! I fell in love with it immediately. Apparently so did several other nurses and one of them got the job before my contract expired here in Kingsport.

By the time end of November rolled around, I was looking at the bleak possibility of having to return to Florida if this place didn't renew my contract. And, for the record, they had been telling me for weeks that their goal was to be "traveler free" by January 1. Reason? We travel RN's are tough on a budget! They of course offered me a job as a staff nurse but.... I am not ready to commit to that. Besides, if I were going to do that I would go to Knoxville or even Sevierville to be right near Caleb.

It was the proverbial eleventh hour when I got a call from Jim saying that the hospital here wanted to renew my contract if I was still interested in doing so. Why? The nursing shortage is alive and well (unfortunately) here in Kingsport TN just like it is in so many other places across the country. And so, I am happy to announce that I am staying in Tennessee for another 13 week contract which will end on March 17th - St Patty's Day - and since I am Irish, I guess that is the luck of the Irish indeed!

Tim and I have been in daily conversation about the prospects of what next? He still isn't ready to scale back his hours or to commit to any real change in his lifestyle or our relationship. I am not ready to go back to a place that just seemed to drain so much of my life energy from me. That all being said, a real distinct possibility has presented itself. My dear friend and sister of my soul, AnnMarie is encouraging me to take a 13 week contract in Arizona in the spring. She lives in Green Valley which is near Tucson.

My recruiter tells me that the company I am working for "has a very strong presence in New Mexico and Arizona" SO, I am going to go for it! I have begun the process of applying for a nursing license in Arizona and already have my recruiter planning ahead for springtime in Arizona.

Now, I am the first to admit that it is so NOT ME to be wanting to pick up and move hither and yon. As AnnMarie says, I am a "nester" by nature. But, I am also experiencing the freedom of a woman who is finally realizing who she is, what is important in life and how to acheive happiness. I am living life in a way I have never given myself permission to do... for me!
I have reminded myself that going to Arizona for 13 weeks means being away from Caleb for that long. But I have also reminded myself that I can always come back to the Tennessee area in the summer when he is out of school and remain here in the fall again..... unless by that time life proves that something/somewhere else is a better choice for me.

It is nice to have the freedom and flexibility to do this travel nurse thing... It is nice to know that no matter where I work I am appreciated. It is nice to come home to my kitties and the peace and quiet that I used to only long for but never get. It is nice to begin to experience life on my terms instead of everyone else's terms. Life IS good!

Should have known better

Bet my blog readers are thinking that I have vanished from the face of the earth! Ahhh! Not so!
But, I should have known better when I decided to attempt the lofty goal set by the NaNoWriMo folks.... Not that the idea of writing a novel in one month is an impossible goal to reach - for some. BUT, for someone who is in a relatively new job and new town where autumn reigns queen of Mother Nature's court..... well.... let's just say that enjoying Mother Nature's glory won out over writing that many words in one month!

The month of November was spectacular here in Kingsport. For the first time in more than 30 years, I had a pallet of reds, golds, yellows and oranges greeting me from every vantage point. And I thought I could stay away from those to write a whole novel in one month? Ha!

So, to those of you who have written to see if I met my goal (or just wondered to yourselves) the answer is a big fat NO - But, rest assured that I did not see this as a failure. Not at all.
Rather, it was yet one more learning experience in this classroom I call my life.

I learned that giving myself permission to fail to meet such a goal is not going to ruin my integrity or my motivation to be a writer. And I learned that even if I couldn't bring myself to sit and write enough during the month of November, I still developed a keen awareness of the diligence and discipline that will be necessary to finally complete that novel that has been hanging around my desk far too long.

And just for the record, I did do more than soak up the fall colors during the month of November. For the last three weeks of November, I had one family member or another here to visit. First Tim came to visit - first time in Tennessee since driving me up here in September. We had a wonderful time together. After he left, I found myself questioning the wisdom of my being here in TN and his being in FL... But then I reminded myself that if we had been in the same location in Florida, he'd be working nearly 20 hours a day/seven days a week and I'd be lonely in Florida instead of being alone in Tennessee... and there is a HUGE difference between lonely and alone. I am now wise enough to realize that and to know that I'll choose alone in a place where I am happy over lonely in a place where I am not.

Not more than two or three days after Tim left, my youngest daughter Mandy, her husband Lee and my granddaughter KelseyRose arrived (also from Florida) We spent several days together before they headed to Virginia for Thanksgiving with his family. Then, on their way back from Virginia, they stopped again for a few days. We had a fantastic time together. And it was so refreshing to spend time with "Nan's Girl." Being so far from KelseyRose is one of the big downsides to being so far from Florida. But she and I talk on the phone almost every day and that makes a huge difference for both of us.

So, alas, no novel in the month of November but lots of good times and beautiful weather. And all of that equates to a very good month indeed!

She who needs to write more...

Okay, I admit it... I am not feeling quite so crazy as I did yesterday. After spending some quality writing time at the laptop keyboard yesterday and today I have been able to log a total of 2,657 words. Now, if I can just keep up that pace ...

Oh no! I WAS feeling less crazy. But that was before I did the math! At the rate of 1,328 words per day, for 30 days, I will be at the grand total of 39,841...
Which means I will be ONLY 10, 159 words short of my goal...

SIGH !! And I thought I was on top of things here! Maybe I should add my the word count from my blogs to see if I can get closer to the 50,000?

Oh well... there will be days when I can crank out more than 1,300 words and there will, in all likelihood, be days when I can't even come close to that number. So, let the chips...um, words...fall where they may. I have thrown down the proverbial gauntlet and challenged my muse - and myself. So, back to the keyboard and the NaNoWriMo project!

What Was I Thinking?

I must be as nuts as those acorns that I wrote about in my "He's All Boy" blog note the other day! What was I thinking? What possessed me?

I guess I dared myself to try to do the NaNoWriMo challenge. For those of you who are not familiar with NaNoWriMo let me explain. November has been earmarked as the month in which writers are challenged to write an entire novel in one month - the goal being 50,000 words or more!

"You've got to be kidding me!" I thought to myself when I first read about it. But, for some reason the concept would not go away. Maybe my muse was chattering in my ear about it. For whatever reason, this morning, I went to the NaNoWriMo website and signed up to participate in the challenge.

Now, let's get one thing perfectly clear here - The challenge is to write the 50,000 words in the one month time frame - not to have a polished, ready for publication novel in hand at month's end. So, in essence, it is a challenge to have that all important first draft done -- or at least the first 50,000 words of the first draft.

So, those of you who have always encouraged me to write a book -- well, now's your chance to see me attempt to do just that. And for those of you who have thought all along that I had a few screws loose, perhaps you are right and this proves it. But perhaps you are wrong and I will prove that to you instead!

At any rate, the next 30 days will be filled with writing frenzy as I try to reach my goal -- to rise to the challenge or dare that I gave myself this morning. Not a 'bet you won't do it" but rather a "you can do it if you try" sort of dare.

Will she or won't she? Time will tell. And this blog will tell of the process and the progress so return often!

He's All Boy

Caleb and I have been enjoying time together --
Time out in the wonderful Autumn weather of the Tennessee mountains. Sometimes we go to parks, sometimes we stay right here at my apartment complex.

Last weekend was one of those weekends when we stayed close to home. But staying close to home does not mean staying IN the apartment! Especially when you are all boy - which Caleb definitely is! And, especially when the weather is so delightful and the leaves are so gorgeous.

We went on a treasure hunt of sorts... On our hunt we found acorns. I hadn't seen acorns in over 30 years - until I moved here last month. Caleb, of course, stopped to pick up as many as his little hands and pockets could hold. He apparently had not seen acorns before either because he was full of questions about these odd looking items. He was especially fascinated by the "hats" that some of them had and the fact that others were bare - and their hats were found close by.

After climbing on the jungle-gym at the apartment complex playground, we discovered a white fence that separated us from a hill that sloped down to a small creekbed and lots of trees.

Being all boy, the creek, the fence, the trees and hill were an instant invitation to try out his throwing arm. All of those acorns and "hats" were not safe in his pockets for long. "Watch this, Nan!" he exclaimed with a glint in his eye that told me he was overjoyed with the gifts of nature and the promise of a way to interact with those gifts.

Being absolutely certain that I was, indeed, watching him, slowly and deliberately Caleb began pitching those acorns over the fence and into the creek. Sometimes he heard them hit a leaf and giggled. Once in a while, a chipmunk or squirrel would scurry out from under leafy cover. And on more than one occasion, Caleb was absolutely certain that his acorn had landed in the creek. "Did you hear that splash, Nan?" (Of course I hadn't but... who am I to say that he didn't?)

Yep, he's all boy and I am "all Nan"... and he and I are a great team. We each fuel one another's love for life and nature and make the most of every opportunity we have to share that love.

End of October: last year and now

Last year's end of October found me tree-watching but for quite a different reason than this year's tree-watching activities. This is the tale of two Octobers and two sets of trees... This is a pause to remember the way things were last year at this time and to be thankful for the way things are this year as October comes to a close.

In a day or two, trick-or-treaters will be scurrying through neighborhoods all over the country. In Naples, Florida last Halloween there was no trick-or-treating. It was deemed too dangerous. Hurricane Wilma had unleashed her wrath on us. In her path she felled trees and in doing so, took out many powerlines. She also left standing water of great depths in many streets and so much storm debris that it was just not safe for people to be out on the streets after dark.

I didn't think much about Wilma this month - until I had the uncanny thought that I was spending so much time watching trees change - slowly, deliberately and beautifully... And that last year, in a matter of hours, trees had changed in not so typical ways. Last year's changes were not beautiful. They were sad and terminal. The October 2005 tree changes I saw were not yearly occurrences... they were, hopefully, once in a lifetime observations that I hope never to see again.

These are the beautiful banyan trees that have been the subject of more than one bit of my writing over the years. Their roots give the appearance of an embrace. Their aged structures offer shade under lush green canopies to passersby.
For the thirty or so years that I lived in Naples, I found them to be a romantic reminder of Mother Nature's beauty.

These palms, no longer gently swaying in the balmy gulf breezes, became the harbingers of what Wilma had in store for us - her path heading right toward Naples. Sometimes, as Wilma approached, they seemed to bow in half under the sheer force of her wind strength. This sort of tree-watching I could do without.

In the aftermath of Wilma's fury, my 30-year hometown of Naples was forever changed. This is a picture of one of the main intersections of the downtown shopping area - usually filled with tourists and traffic, hours after Wilma it was filled with gulf waters instead.

Out on a walk to inspect Wilma's impact on my neighborhood, I spied the saddest of all sights: Those gorgeous banyan trees were unable to withstand the force of Wilma's wind and fury. They were uprooted- lifted right out of the ground as if they were toothpicks instead of rootbases that stood some ten feet above ground when toppled on their sides... The incredible sadness I felt as I saw these trees is something I am still at a loss to describe.

Fast forward to end of October 2006... No longer in Naples, Florida and therefore no longer in "hurricane alley," I found myself anticipating a new (actually a very familiar and old) form of tree-watching: the much anticipated "leafing" experience that people search for in areas where autumn is season of reds, golds, and oranges.

These tree changes are a welcome sight. These, too, are the handiwork of Mother Nature. But in this case, her work is lovely to behold. A wonderful reminder of the cyclic nature of life. A gentle nudge toward the cooler temperatures and shorter days ahead.

This year, my tree-watching is breathtaking, invigorating. This year, I monitor the wind by the gentle movements of the scarecrow windsock on my back porch and the soft tunes of the windchimes. Quite a change from the way in which I observed wind in motion last year! A much preferred pasttime to say the least.

I'll take this end of October's tree watching activities over last year's anyday! Here's to Autumn in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Tennessee - a far more beautiful place than the 2005 version of Naples, Florida!

Discovery!

Today was one of those picture perfect days. Crisp autumn air, clear blue sky.
Hints of red, orange and gold everywhere I looked. It was a perfect day for a Sunday drive in the country.

Ever since I arrived here in Tennessee, I have been trying to explore a little bit on my days off. Today was no exception. Another day off ... another day of exploration. Another exploration... another discovery! That's the way it goes. You go exploring and no matter where you end up, you discover something or someplace that makes the time spent worthwhile.

Deciding to get off the interstate and take a drive in the country was a treat in and of itself. But, when I spied the little signs pointing the way to "old covered bridge" I knew that I had made my discovery for today's trip. What I didn't know at that exact moment was how that discovery would shape my thoughts all day today.

Built in 1875, the Harrisburg Covered Bridge was today's discovery.
Covered bridges are not new to me. I have many fond memories of walking or driving through them in Pennsylvania when I was young. But, today's discovery awakened a different sort of memory from deep within...

I was transported to "Bridges of Madison County" and as I stood there in awe of a structure that is over one hundred thirty years old, I couldn't help but think that in a different way, I was much like Francesca from "Bridges". Oh, I am not having an affair with a Clint Eastwood type photographer. But I am having an affair - an affair of the heart and soul. An affair with my very core.

This move to Tennessee has opened the flood gates. My curiosity is piqued. My senses are in a heightened state of awareness. The wonders of Mother Nature bring joy and peace. The more time I spend in the outdoors, exploring and discovering, the more I realize that I am finding the person I thought I lost a long time ago. I like her! I like her a lot!


And in that moment, everything I knew to be true about myself up until then was gone. I was acting like another woman, yet I was more myself than ever before.
-- Francesca from "Bridges of Madison County"

What a difference a week makes!

Last week I went to Bays Mountain Park in search of signs of fall. The signs were there but they were subtle and relatively few and far between. As I walked along the nature trail and the lake I could see hints of autumn colors in the trees - mostly from a distance. And as I sat on one of the benches, I spied an occasional leaf on the ground.
I snapped these two brightly colored fallen leaves to document my first glimpse of Tennessee fall...

Fast forward to a week or so later. Now the signs of fall are much more prominent. Even here in the valley I can see Mother Nature's artwork coming to life. And, from a distance there are more than a few colorful trees to admire.

Today it really felt like fall! Actually it was one of those "Winnie the Pooh Blustery Days" The wind was brisk and chilly. And, as I made my way down the nature trail (again at Bays Mountain) I found myself thinking "My goodness! It's raining leaves!" They were drifting down from the highest branches and any little gust of wind caused the ones on the ground to swirl and dance playfully at my feet.

Sitting on the exact same bench along the trail I looked down and couldn't help but snap this picture to document that in a week's time, so much has changed! Where once there was a lone leaf and lots of bare ground it is now impossible to see the path for all of the leaves!

The crisp air, the fall leaves, the quiet of the mountain forest... a perfect setting to sit quietly and savor the moment. I am here in the midst of autumn's splendor for the first time in 30 years. This is exactly what I have longed for - it is the root of that "homesick" feeling that I have been trying to describe to people for the past few years. Today's jaunt to the mountain has reinforced what I have already figured out - my heart has come home and my soul has found peace.

My Hero

The following is a draft of a newspaper article - shared with me by my "son" (Daniel) Todd Madden. He grew up right in front of my eyes. He called me "mom" from middle school on. He dated and eventually married one of my daughters.

Back in those innocent days, belonging to JROTC was a way to learn citizenship, get pre-military training, and receive a headstart on what most thought would be a stint in the military to see the world and get a good education. When I saw Todd in his JROTC uniform, I was so proud of him. Never did I dream that in a few years he would be in the midst of a war. But the minute the events of 9-11 began to unfold, I knew otherwise. My heart sank when I realized that not only had our nation been attacked, but my "son" and many other sons and daughters would be sent to war.

As a member of Special Ops, it is rare that he is able to say where he is going or even when. Usually I get emails saying "My services are requested so if you don't hear from me for a while, don't worry." Don't worry! Right! How's a mom to NOT worry when she has no way to contact him and she reads and hears of the events in Afghanistan and/or Iraq?

When the plans to move to Tennessee were falling into place, one of the bonuses - I thought - was that now I was going to be living in the same state as my precious grandson Caleb and my "son" Todd. We would be able to visit often - a treat that I have rarely been able to enjoy in the past several years. But, alas, Todd (Daniel to the ARMY) was deployed within the first week of my being here in Tennessee. So now, we look forward to his homecoming so that I can welcome him with open arms and tell him to his face (instead of in letters and emails) just how proud I am of him - and how much I love him.

I'd like to give credit to the person who wrote this draft but unfortunately, when Todd sent it to me this is all I got.... Please read the following draft and see why I am so proud of this young man... And please remember him and all of our uniformed men and women in your prayers.


A private plane traveled from Hamilton , Ohio , to Clarksville , Tennessee , to meet a Fort Campbell Soldier at Outlaw Airfield on Saturday. Passers-by probably thought the pilots and waiting Soldier were good friends or family. In fact, it was the first time they met in person.

Joseph Secrist, an Army veteran from Hamilton , coordinated the flight to make a special presentation to Staff Sgt. Daniel Madden, a Night Stalker assigned to 2nd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR (A)) at Fort Campbell , Ky. There was no fanfare, no audience, no speech and no round of applause. It was a personal thank you from one veteran to another.

Secrist presented a small token of appreciation to Madden for his service in the Global War on Terrorism: a replica of a SOAR(A) Chinook helicopter that was shot down in the Battle of Takur Ghar during Operation Anaconda in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan . Madden was a 160th crew member during that mission in which seven special operations forces were killed in action.

Though Secrist did not know Madden personally, he believes that every man and woman that serves our country deserves a thank you and recognition for their service and sacrifice. Building replicas of military aircraft representative of a military operation and presenting the models to veterans is Secrists' own personal way of showing his gratitude.

"I want to do more than a handshake and a thank you for veterans who fought for my freedom," said Secrist. "I also assume the responsibility to preserve and perpetuate individual contributions to aviation history."

His idea for recognizing veterans began after a chance meeting with a World War II veteran. "I was thinking about a color scheme for a B-24J (model airplane) and met Albert Oncidi who mentioned he was a B-24 pilot and flew a mission to the famous Ploesti Oil Refinery in Romania, one of the most daring and costliest raids of World War II," said Secrist. "I presented my first model to Albert in 1991 to preserve and perpetuate his story."

Secrist is not alone in his "crusade" to honor veterans. "Mr. A. Moore built a model of a second (SOAR) aircraft on Takur Ghar as a tribute to its crew," he said. "( Moore ) sent Dan photos of his model and enlisted me to shake Dan's hand on his behalf."

"I'm extremely appreciative that someone I have never met feels strongly enough about our Soldiers' sacrifices to spend so much time on such a precious gift," said Madden. "At the same time, I don't feel I did anything remotely good enough to deserve such a token."

Secrist said words can hardly describe what it means to recognize a veteran for their service to our nation. "It is an honor and a privilege to do this for veterans and I take it very seriously," he explained.

Madden's model is Secrist's first commemorating today's generation of veterans. After completing projects already in progress, Secrist hopes to find a female pilot or air crew to honor next. "My collection would not be fair or accurate without representing the courage and sacrifice of women in uniform," he said.

Working hard for accuracy, Secrist invests hundreds of hours into researching, building and modifying a single model. "Dan's nooks were modified with a false roof made of paper, balsa and wire ribs. I also made ammo boxes for the guns and made the aft cargo door retractable into the cargo ramp."

Since 1991, Secrist has completed and presented six models representing two pilots, two flight engineers and gunners, one boomer and one tail gunner representing snapshots of history from World War II , Vietnam and now Operation Enduring Freedom. When possible, Secrist builds two models of the aircraft, one for the veteran and one for his collection. He keeps a framed photo and caption of the veteran holding their model, a reminder of each Soldier's story.

Madden plans to display the model aircraft in his living room next to his Broken Wing Award, which he was presented for his actions on Takur Ghar when his aircraft was shot down by enemy fire. Though Madden feels he does not deserve recognition for his participation in the events at Takur Ghar, he believes the model aircraft is a reminder that people remember and appreciate the sacrifices service members make in the line of duty.


'There are a lot of things that (special operations forces) do that so few will ever know about," said Madden. "It is heartfelt to me that the memory of our fallen comrades from that night will be remembered."

Secrist hopes when Madden sees the model it will elicit thoughts of pride, accomplishment and a reminder that someone cares and had the foresight to preserve his history for future generations.

If you have a Soldier in mind for Secrist to recognize, he has a few simple requirements. First is that he meets the veteran in person. He said it is critical to have photographs of the aircraft for reference and the Soldier should be prepared for him to pick his or her brain for details on their combat experience. Every model Secrist makes is tailored to tell the Soldier's story that goes with it.

There is no cost for the models, said Secrist. "Their account was paid in full when they fought for my - our - freedom," he said. "In fact, I still owe them."

Joseph Secrist can be reached by e-mail at Tuskegee@fuse.net.

Everywhere I turn - another reason to smile

I've been smiling alot the past couple of weeks. I know this because the surgery that I had two years ago for malignant melanoma left a nerve and muscle deficit on the left side of my face and sometimes when I smile or laugh, the left side of my mouth gets "stuck" in an upturned spot until I physically coax it to relax. I've had my hand up to that left side of my mouth more in the past two weeks than I did in the entire two years since the surgery! Seems that everywhere I turn there's another reason to smile.

Even if my mouth didn't sometimes get "stuck" I'd know I was smiling more these days. Did you ever notice that when you smile your whole body seems lighter and your heart feels weightless? Next time you find yourself smiling, stop and listen to your heart's song. It is lighter, happier, more easy-going.

So what am I smiling about? A field of blackeyed susans for one. There I was, driving along a narrow, winding road lined with freshly mowed fields. All of a sudden, there they were, these lovely flowers greeting all who drove by.

People here in Tennessee have been decorating for the fall season. There were pumpkins and scarecrows everywhere I looked. I smiled because I love fall. I smiled because even if you did decorate in Florida, it never felt like fall so it somehow lost some of its appeal but here it is genuinely refreshing.

Driving a little farther down this winding road, I happened upon an old farmhouse. As I found myself wondering about the stories this farmhouse could tell if only it could talk, I spied several goats grazing in the side yard. And I smiled. They reminded me of the goat that lived in my Gramm's neighborhood when I was small. We would take a walk along the railroad tracks behind her house. At the end of the path, the last yard was home to "Fragrance" the goat. She loved Dentyne gum but even more than the gum, she loved the wrapper from Gramm's Dentyne!

A few miles down the road, I started up an incline. Now, having driven in Florida (spelled f-l-a-t) for nearly thirty years, I had forgotten about the steep inclines and the surprises that might be lurking at the top of the incline. As I approached the top of the incline, I couldn't see what was to come. But pretty soon, I was coasting down the road at a speed that made my stomach drop to my toes. And I smiled. Not because I necessarily like that feeling, but because it caused me to remember the Sunday afternoon rides that we would take as a family. Daddy would be sure to drive down country roads, through covered bridges and up and down the hills 'til we had enough "roller coaster effect" to last 'til the next time.

Stopping at a local farmer's market along the way I discovered the small town appeal and homegrown element that has been missing back in Naples, Florida for so long. Vendors with their homemade jams, pastries, and breads encourage sampling. Fresh produce never looked so good. Cardboard signs boast "best local 'taters" and other homegrown fruits and veggies. The locals are charming, friendly and welcoming. Smiles abound at the farmer's market - mine included!

On the way back from my country drive, I began to notice that here in the valley there is an occasional blush of autumn's colors but nothing that one would call spectacular - yet. And I smiled. I smiled because seeing those first blushing leaves I know that the fall season is on its way.

At the end of my country drive I smiled because I had just spent a delightful day exploring and experiencing my new surroundings. I smiled because I had been given so many reasons to smile that day. I smiled because I realized that I am genuinely happy and relaxed. And I smiled because I felt good and when you feel good it is just natural to smile!

You are my sunshine...

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away"

This handsome little guy is my sunshine! Caleb and I spent the day together this past Sunday. Caleb has always loved Autumn -- wonder who he gets that from? As we strolled down the street in Pigeon Forge he asked if we could get a scarecrow to put in his front yard. Some years it's been the pumpkins; other years it was the black cats. This year it's a scarecrow. No matter what catches his fancy in any particular fall season, he always has "Fall Fever" just like his "Nan."

We never did find an appropriate scarecrow to buy but we did find this adorable one to use in our Kodak Moment. He (the scarecrow, not Caleb) was a very willing participant in the photo shoot. Caleb was thrilled to be able to have his picture taken with the smiling fella in blue.

My project this week is to get/make a scarecrow for him. I am happy to try to honor his request. Anything that makes him smile is worth any and all effort. You see, his smiles are like sunshine to me. They radiate their way right into my soul.

Sitting on a haystack - next to a scarecrow - and in the midst of sunflowers, Caleb is sunshine personified. And now that I am living in Tennessee I am once again close to my sunshine which means there are an untold number of sunshine days ahead!

Alive & Well in Tennessee!

Bet you thought I got lost once I left my thirty year home of Naples, Florida! Actually I was lost - but it was a different sort of lost... I was lost to the world of cyber space. Not lost IN space - more like lost WITHOUT it!

The trip to Tennessee was relatively uneventful. Even travel with two kitties proved to be a breeze (after one of them meowed herself into a state of being hoarse).

Securing internet access was not such a breeze! Over the course of two weeks I had three service calls and two modems and still no consistent access. The wonderful world of technology is ONLY wonderful IF and WHEN it works well! At last, one very nice young man from the cable company decided that perhaps the problem was not in my apartment or my modem, but rather out on the pole and the external lines. Sure enough! An adapter that had signs of burn on it... The nasty culprit has been replaced and now I am reconnected with my cyber world!

So, stay tuned for some posts to catch everyone up on the goings on here in Tennessee as I ease into my new life. I have lots to share!

The Count and I....

When Caleb was only about 18 months old, like most little ones that age, he loved to watch Sesame Street. Each day there was a number of the day and a letter sponsor. We started watching because of his attraction to the adorable little red toddler, Elmo. But soon, Caleb began to recognize his numbers thanks to the feisty "Count" who made learning numbers fun. He looked forward to the lively sessions in which The Count would take him on a musical number encounter.

Sometimes The Count would do a dance that was choreographed to a catchy tune that included the lyrics "doing the batty bat"... Scooping Caleb up in my arms, I would bounce/dance him around the room in at a waltz-like tempo keeping time with the music. Laughing all the while, we did this dance each time The Count did the "batty bat" and we would count our way through the numbers one through fifteen each time.

When it was time for a commercial break, the segue was "this portion of Sesame Street is brought you you by the letter ___ and the number ___." Yet one more opportunity for Caleb to have numbers and letters reinforced. Yet one more opportunity for me to laugh and smile with genuine joy as I watched my precious babe.

Today, as I was counting the number of days until I leave for Tennessee (and Caleb) I arrived at the number six and from somewhere in my memory bank, a flashback of Caleb and me waltzing around the living room to The Count singing his number song and the two of us "doing the batty bat". All day I have had an echo in my head: "The number of the day is 6." And another echo: "This portion is brought to you by the letter "T" (that would be "T" for Tennessee!!!)

Tomorrow it will be the letter "P" for Pack and the number of the day will be 5. There's precious little of that left to be done, actually. But every time I turn around I think of something else that I want to be sure to take with me.

Monday's sponsor is the letter "R" for remembering the awful day five years ago when our whole world changed right about the time Sesame Street was airing on PBS. Even the huge amount of joy I am feeling about the upcoming new life I am mapping out for myself cannot overshadow the deeply emotional feelings each time 9/11 comes to mind. Monday's number of the day will be 4 - for the 4seasons that beckon me.

Tuesday's number of the day will be 3 and the letter sponsor will be "F" for friends who want to have one last cup of coffee or say goodbye.

Wednesday will bring with it the number 2. Two more day until I am Tennessee bound! And Wednesday will be sponsored by the letter "G" as in "Getting ready to GO" - GO to Tennessee!

Thursday, I will be mentally waltzing around the room with the number "1" and the letter "C." "C" for Caleb - I will be on my way soon, dear little one! MY little ONE and only ONE more day until I start my trip to be near you once again.

With Friday, the letter of the day has no choice but to be "J" for the sheer joy that has been bubbling up from the very bottom of my heart as I have prepared for the day. And, the number ZERO will lead me to my new life!

With each day full of anticipation, I am amazed that the memories of Caleb, The Count and Me came rushing back with such strength today... But I am oh so glad that they did. It seems rather fitting actually. Caleb is one of the reasons I chose Tennessee as my destination. Caleb is the reason for so much joy in my life. Tennessee promises freedom, joy and Caleb... in just six more days!

Teapot Tales

When I used my teapot collection as the basis for a story in my Story Circle Network writing e-circle, several of my writing sisters suggested that I consider writing the stories of specific teapots in my collection.
After their suggestions, I went so far as to assign names to some of them (and am still working on names for others) Teapot Rose, Teapot Grace and Teapot Belle are all here with you as you read this entry - as are some of the yet to be named teapots.

My pending move to Tennessee seems like the perfect time to act on those suggestions and begin the teapot tales in earnest. Why now? Well... As I mentioned in a previous post, I am not taking all of my belongings with me on the first pass. Some of my belongings are staying behind for now. Some are going to be packed and sent to me. Some will be packed safely for my daughter to keep til she comes up to visit later this fall.

Because I am heading directly into autumn, I feel fairly certain that I will have plenty of opportunities to steep a nice pot of tea and enjoy it in the cool night air. What better way to do so than with one of the teapots from my collection? And, of course, what better vessel for enjoying that tea than from one of my bone china tea cups - of equally sentimental value?

But how to decide which one will go and which ones will stay behind? Now that is a tricky question! It's like asking a mother which one of her kids she wants to take along if she had to choose. Her natural instinct is to want to take all of them - keep them close to her - protect them from others who might not care for them in the same loving way she would. But, in the case of my teapots, it just isn't practical to take them all with me.

Afterall, I am not going to be settling into one place and staying there for more than three or six months just now. And, I certainly know that the more times I pack and unpack those china teapots, the more chances there are for breakage or loss.
And so, it seems as though I find myself standing in front of my teapot collection on a daily basis. Remembering how each of them came into my life. Pondering what their beauty brings to my soul and my kitchen. And reflecting on times shared with others in the enjoyment of each teapot. How to choose? Perhaps letting their stories guide me to the selection will also result in the creation of the teapot tales... I'd like to think so!

Some days it seems that a few of them are shrinking back into the recesses of their display... hiding... not wanting to be wrapped in old newsprint any more... not wanting to be uprooted from the comfortable nitch they have found for themselves. While others seem to be shouting "pick me! pick me!"

My days here in Florida are numbered. ELEVEN to be exact! During the next few of those eleven days, I need to listen carefully to what each of those teapots is telling me. I need to choose wisely so that I can spend those "honeymoon days" of time in Tennessee with the one that will bring me enough comfort to last til I can have the whole collection with me once again.
And, I need to jot down a few notes so that I can continue with the teapot tales once I am at liberty to while away my days and nights entertaining my muse - with tea of course! (Stay tuned for the teapot tales as they unfold to my muse and she whispers them in my ear on the cool autumn nights!)

Cabin Fever

It happens every year about this time - the Florida version of cabin fever. For the most part, I have always attributed it to the fact that, by September, it has been three months or more since it was pleasant enough to have the windows open. Fresh air seems like a figment of my imagination by this time of year here. The stale air of air conditioning is a way of life. And the outside air at nearly 100% humidity most days is so thick that it is beyond oppressive.

This year it's different, however. This year, it is just as hot and humid. The long stretch of closed windows and air conditioned rooms is real. But, this year, I am on the verge of escaping this September cabin fever and my tolerance is tempered by knowing that in a matter of two weeks I will be in Tennessee.

I searched on line today and discovered that it is only in the mid-70's in Kingsport these days. More importantly, I read that the humidity is only in the 60-70% range and the temperatures reportedly are dipping into the 50's at night. I can almost feel the air blowing through open windows, a feel of freshness to the air and nighttime temps that are ripe for "good sleeping weather."

I'm in the process of packing to make the move. And, since this is the first step in the process of creating a new life, I am limited as to just how much I can / should take with me this time. Some things will need to stay behind permanently. Others can be sent to me later. For right now, the essentials and a few things to help me create my own sacred and creative spaces (and of course my two kitties) are about all that are going to fit in my car.

As I sorted through my clothing, I realized that I was choosing some items to take based on the fact that I know the temperatures will be changing to the cooler fall weather soon. Other items were picked to stay behind because for the first time in nearly 30 years I found myself thinking that I won't be needing sandals and white clothing because it is after Labor Day! Honestly!

When I first moved to Florida, it took me a few years to shake that notion that my Gramm had so well ingrained in me as I was growing up in Pennsylvania. And once I got used to the idea that shorts, sleeveless tops, sandals and WHITE could be worn year-round it became second nature. But there was always the longing to wear sweaters, fall colors, and layers for fashion as well as comfort. I know that some will find this to be an odd sort of longing but from a 'fall gal at heart' it is as real as any longing I have ever felt.

In another month or so, I may be shivering under those fall clothing layers. But the one thing you won't find me doing is closing all the windows and throwing on some unnatural way of climate control. Nor will you find me complaining about the cooler weather. I look forward to it with all the enthusiasm of a child waiting for Christmas!

Of Weddings, Hurricanes, Contracts and Resignations

Alot can happen in ten days! Just ask me, I know!
That's about how long it's been since I last posted to creative4seasons. But, believe me, it was not for lack of desire to do so. Things are going at warp speed here all of a sudden. For so long I felt as though I was stuck in mud - well, maybe quicksand because I felt as though I was being pulled down, down, down. And now, in the matter of a few days, change is all around me.

Last Saturday (August 19th) my youngest daughter, Mandy married the love of her life - her Lee (Scott Lee Lewis) - the young man who has been by her side for eight years now... the father of Miss KelseyRose... one of my 'sons' for far longer than he has officially been married into the family.

They rented the upper deck of the Naples Princess for a sunset dinner cruise with the captain to marry them. A gutsy move for the middle of August which is also the middle of hurricane season. And, while they did have some rain, they didn't let the weather dampen their spirits. It was a delightful evening. Even the dolphins came out to wish them well. Several of them romped in the water, riding the wake created by the Naples Princess. A couple of them jumped up as if to wish the bride and groom a lifetime of happiness.

There is an old Florida wives' tale that says that if it rains on your wedding day it means good luck. And the Florida fishermen say that dolphins accompanying you on your journey mean safe passage and good luck.

So, I'd say that Mandy and her Lee have been dealt a double dose of good luck as they start their lives as husband and wife.

About the same time I was finishing up the final stages of contract negotiation for my job as a travel nurse. My contract with the agency and its client in Kingsport, TN officially begins on September 18th. That means I will be in TN before the leaves change and will get to enjoy fall like I have not been able to do in thirty years or so!

I have turned in my three-week notice and have already worked one of those three weeks. I have begun to make lists of things to do, people to contact, items to pack or discard, loose ends to tie up... there is no end to what my mind can wander to these days!

There's a new bounce in my step - a lightness of being. It is called contentment. It is called anticipation of changes that can be nothing but good. It is called taking care of ME for a change!

Even the threat of a visit from Hurricane Ernesto cannot dampen my spirit right now... Of course, if Ernesto decides that Southwest Florida is his intended destination I may change my tune. I had so hoped to be out of Hurricane Alley before a major storm came through the area. Now it appears as though that may not be the case. Time will tell. Hurricanes are fickle. Weather patterns are unpredictable. Mother Nature has a mind of her own.
And I have my sights set on Tennessee in the next two and a half weeks no matter what comes my way between now and then. As I said, alot can happen in a matter of days!

Tennessee Bound

Did you know that the fastest way to get to Tennessee is by cloud 9? Or so it seems to me this morning!



Yesterday I got a life-changing call. The call I have been dreaming of and wishing for for quite a while now...


"My new best friend Jim the Recruiter" called to say that the hospital in Kingsport TN has offered me the travel nurse position. Do I even need to tell you, my dear readers, what my answer was? Of course not! I said "Yes" - with barely a second thought! The answer was out of my mouth before I even had the time to really process what was happening.

Only after I hung up did I actually FEEL the impact of that phone call. Heart pounding out of my chest, joy rushing through my veins, mind racing with any number of thoughts, tears of happiness trying to surface. But wait! I was at work - at the job I am trying to put behind me.... Quickly, somehow or other, I put myself in check and carried on with "business as usual" But, believe me it was NOT easy!

I could barely contain myself. I wanted to open the window and announce it to the rest of the world "I'm going to TN soon!" But, I couldn't. I had to act like nothing had changed. And I have to continue to do so for another day or two at least. Until I get an actual start date, I cannot plan my departure from Florida. And until I know that, I cannot give my notice at my present job.

Do you think I am going to be able to cover up my joy? Doubtful. I am going to have to dig deep and find some of those acting skills I used in high school plays so many years ago... at least for the time being.

But, even while acting the part at work today, my feet will NOT be firmly planted on the ground - for I am floating on Cloud 9 and my heart is already in TN - because Caleb is already in TN.

When I stop to think that in a matter of a month or less I will be in the same state as (within an hour's drive from) Caleb AND be in a place that will allow me to experience Mother Nature's splendor this autumn it is almost more than I can stand! It seems too good to be true - but this time it IS true! Proof that dreams DO come true and that good things come to those who wait... And boy have I been dreaming and waiting! Now I am about to start living - like I have never lived before! I hope you'll share in that life with me! Stay tuned for the next chapter in my new story.


** Can you find Kingsport on the map above? Right up there on the northeastern state line... right near Virginia... "Nestled in the Great Smoky and Appalachian Mtns" that's what the website had to say about it... And so, I am about to be nestled in those mountains as well! I can't wait!

Dominoes - Part 2

If you have been reading my blog entries, you'll recall one titled "Dominoes." It addressed the steps in the process to getting myself to Tennessee and a new life...

Well, as of yesterday a couple more dominoes have tumbled down - slowly but surely we are whittling away at all of them and before you know it, the game will end and I will have won!

Tuesday, I gained a "new best bud" in the form of a recruiter (Jim) at one of the travel agencies. He offered me the opportunity to interview at two locations in Eastern Tennessee - "nestled in between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains" Now, doesn't that just sound like the greatest location for someone who is wanting to experience nature and the 4 seasons?!

The "official" Tennessee nursing license arrived in the mail Wednesday. Now, I am 100% legal. I can practice as an RN in Tennessee until April 30, 2009 at which time I can continue to do so as long as I renew the license. No more waiting for the TN State Board of Nursing to process any paperwork. It has all been processed and I am holding onto the most precious paper of all.

Then, yesterday (Thursday) afternoon I received a phone call from one of the nurse managers in a hospital in Kingsport TN. She and I spoke briefly. We are to talk again today at which time we will both decide if a position on her unit is a good fit. She is from one of the hospitals the "Recruiter Jim - my new best bud" referred to when we spoke previously.

And, today (Friday) I had a followup with my oncologist who has given me the "all clear" to go from a health standpoint. The latest PET Scan is stable. The bloodwork is normal and best of all there is no evidence of disease ("NED" in medical jargon)... So, NED means no MEL (melanoma in Lee's jargon) and with NED but no MEL to hold me back I am "ready for take-off."

And just a moment ago, as I was typing this entry, my phone rang. Expecting it to be the nurse manager from Kingsport I was disappointed (but only for a moment) to NOT hear a distinctly southern accent. The caller was another recruiter from another travel company. She now has a position in Knoxville that she would like me to interview for if I have not yet taken a position elsewhere!

Two weeks ago, they were acting like I was too old and too far removed from acute care nursing to even give me the time of day. But all of a sudden things are moving along at nearly warp speed. Just one more reason to believe that this plan is absolutely the right thing to be doing right now! Synchronicity is alive and well and is pulling me towards Tennessee.

Choo-choo me home...

Just like the people standing on Lookout Mountain in TN, I have been standing on the spot that allows me to look out and see new horizons in all directions. They say that from atop Lookout Mountain a person can see seven states. I hope to one day soon be able to write an entry for this blog that will attest to that fact - and showcase a few of my own images from what I imagine to be a most spiritual spot on this earth.

But for now, I have been passing my days looking out from my own pinnacle - waiting for the moment when I know that my views are no longer dreams but realities. In every direction, I see signs that the plan to move to TN is the right plan. In my dreams I see the seasons changing and the creativity abounding. In my most precious dreams - the ones I savor each day and wish to relive each night, I see Caleb and I exploring the place I plan to call home soon. Today, some of the dreaming can come to a halt and real life can take over... I have been waiting for an all-important piece of mail that will give me the signal to put all those dreams and hopes into actions NOW!

The envelope arrived today! The prize that I have been waiting for! Opening that envelope was better than being told I'd won the Publisher's Clearinghouse Sweepstakes! Its contents are more precious to me than a million dollar prize...

It's official. I am now the proud recipient of a Tennessee Board of Nursing Permit allowing me to practice as an RN in Tennessee! YES!!

When I saw the return address on the ordinary business envelope I found myself holding my breath. After so many starts and stops and "hurry up and wait" sessions, I fully expected to find yet one more bit of unfinished business that I needed to attend to before they could consider granting me the permit.

For a moment, as I slowly opened the envelope, a mix of emotions surged through my veins. The emotions were not totally unfamiliar - they were just ones that I hadn't experienced in a very long time - over 30 years to be exact. Once I had the envelope open and the contents were in my hand, I realized that I was reliving the same feelings I had the day my first nursing license arrived. The day I officially became an RN and could start to fulfill the dream that had been mine for so long.

And now, more than 30 years later, here I am, opening an envelope that holds the opportunity to start yet another new life that will allow me to fulfill my most passionate dream yet: The dream to live once again where there are 4seasons...the dream to live a creative life and be healthy and happy in the process...the dream to live closer to Caleb once again.

I probably stared at that permit letter for a good ten minutes or more. Carefully reading every word for a second, third and fourth time - just to be sure I really was now permitted to be an RN in Tennessee... Making sure I didn't misinterpret something. But, sure enough - No catches this time. I am "IN"!

Now I can work at securing a job and a new address - one that will have me seeing the turning leaves of autumn and the first winter snowfall I've experienced in a terribly long long time.

As I flitted around the house - and that is what it was - flitting! I don't remember feeling this light and care-free in quite some time...
As I flitted around the house, a tune started running through my head. I can't shake it... "Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo?"

Now, I don't intend to get to Tennessee by train... and at this point, there is no telling which town or city I will call home next - perhaps Chattanooga, perhaps somewhere else in Tennessee... but for now, I close my eyes and I see the fantasy of the Chattanooga Choo-choo springing to life in my mind's eye. I see it (me) as the little engine that could. I see it (me) crossing through the same area where families fought for opposing sides in the Civil War. I see it (me) winning the battles of my own sort of civil war by standing up for myself, for being who I am and not apologizing for that. I see it (me) marking progress toward the state of Tennessee by the cities and towns that dot the map between here and there... I see my "train station" - the place I will embark on a new life - as a place to shed tears of joy and to announce that I am finally home...

"Chattanooga Choo-Choo won't you choo-choo me home...."

Rosie, Gramm and Me

For as far back as I can remember first hearing of "Rosie the Riveter" I was fascinated by her. That feisty look in her eye. The bold stance and that "can-do-attitude" of hers intrigued me.

The American icon for women in the workplace, and eventually the femininst movement, Rosie has a special meaning to those who happen to have their very own "Rosie the Riveter" in the family. Rosies were the women who did a man's job while the men were off to war during WWII. Across the country, factories turned out munitions thanks to the tireless efforts of American women in the workforce.

Despite my fascination with "Rosie" it never dawned on me that I grew up in the midst of one such Rosie. Not more than a few years ago, I was telling my mother about some kitchen linens that I had purchased in the Rosie the Riveter theme. Upon hearing this, Mom announced "Your Gramm was one of the Rosies, you know."

"No Mom, I didn't know." Gramm was a very private woman in that respect. For all the years that I was growing up and visiting my beloved Gramm, I only knew her to be a homemaker - a very good one at that. I had no idea she ever worked outside the home and I certainly had no clue that she had helped in the war efforts by doing night work at the Army Depot that was at the far end of my childhood town.

I credit Gramm with much of what I know about homemaking, practically all I know about cooking and baking, and every last bit of what I know about being a good grandmother to my own grands. She was a wonderful Gramm - I loved spending time with her. My playtime was actually love time and learning time - I just didn't know it while it was happening.

I am not much like my mother but I am a lot like her mother - my Gramm. From my love of cooking and baking, to my enjoyment of African Violets on the kitchen window sill and especially in my passion for being a grandma the kids will love to spend time with as they grow older, I am my Gramm.

Now that I know of her work as a Rosie the Riveter, I see that she and I share yet one more trait. That "can-do-attitude" of Rosie's. It was Gramm's attitude too. She was a simple woman who loved the simple joys in life and knew deep within her being how to make the most of life no matter what hand she was dealt.

The Rosie trait skipped a generation. My mom doesn't possess it... or at least I am not aware of it. She is not the "can-do-gal" that I am. And obviously she is not the can-do-gal that Gramm was. But, I am ever so thankful for the fact that Rosie's attitudes rested deep within me!

Without Rosie's traits, it is possible I would never have been able to face some of the obstacles that have been thrown in my path. Rosie's can-do-attitude was surely there when I fought to go to nursing school against my parents' wishes. Her attitude was there when I announced that I was moving out of Pennsylvania back in the early '70's. And it was definitely what saved my life when I decided that I could make it own my own as a single mom of three young girls - but that I couldn't survive if I stayed in the abusive relationship. Throughout the years, Rosie's self-confidence and empowering message have woven a thread through my very core.

It is Rosie's attitude that has helped me deal with the recurrent melanoma and find a reason to go on. It is Rosie's attitude that gave me the necessary strength to face raising my premature grandson, Caleb for the first four and a half years of his life. And Rosie absolutely must have been there when I mustered up the courage to hand him over to his birth father when the courts sided with him instead of me.

And now, as I prepare to start a whole new life as a woman in mid-life, I find that Rosie's strength, can-do-attitude and empowering images buoy me up when the roadblocks appear and they greet me on the other side of the roadblock when I have turned that power into action to move forward.

Rosie will be my companion as I venture into the land of 4seasons - I have no fear or doubt. With Rosie (and my Gramm's spirit) to guide me, I know that my future life is destined to be "the time of my life" - or is it "the time of my living" ?

Thanks Gramm!
Thanks Rosie!

Dominoes

Monday's mail finally brought the nursing school transcript I've been waiting for! That was the last hold out for the State Board of Nursing in TN -
I do believe. Now they have all that they need (and probably more) to verify that I am, indeed, an RN who has been practicing as such for over thirty years. Once they deem me worthy - ummm - qualified, I should be on my way to TN!

I need to have their "temporary permit" in hand before I can negotiate for a job...

I need a job before I can negotiate a start date...

I need a start date before I can negotiate a resignation date from my current job...

I need a resignation date before I can negotiate a moving date....

One thing depends on the next but at last I feel as though the dominoes have been put in motion and it is just a matter of time before they all come tumbling down!

Seems like it is time to start turning my attention to things like packing up non-essentials, down-sizing, etc.

I'm already excited about the prospects of the new life that awaits me in the land of 4 seasons! Imagine how much more excited I am going to be once all of those negotiations have taken place and the dominoes have all toppled!

Check back often for the status of this all-important domino game that is my life and my future!

What Took You So Long, Girls?

Maggie and Callee have been my little feline companions for quite some time now. Each has a unique personality and temperment. Each is precious to me in their own way. But neither one has been very tolerant of the other... until today.

Maggie, a long haired domestic cat, was a little feral kitten when I brought her home. Those first few days had me thinking that I had made a huge mistake... That there was no taming of a feral cat...That I would have to make a decision between keeping a cat who didn't want to be near people or letting her go back into the wild (or give her to the animal shelter where she was sure to meet her demise as a feral cat).

But, after a few days of patience and hopefulness, Maggie climbed up into my lap and wormed her way into my heart. She has been the best little lap kitty I have ever owned. Her six years with me have been bliss for both of us! Short for Magpie, Maggie is appropriately named because she chatters constantly. Her role in my creative life is that of "My Kitty Muse"
When typing at the keyboard, Maggie is there to observe and keep me company. When searching for just the right images to create a SoulCollage card or do some altered book project, Maggie delights in being in the center of the papers, ribbons, and other colorful arts and crafts materials.

Callee (a combination of my name and that of my grandson, Caleb's and my pen name when I choose not to write as myself) was a gift when I was recouperating from the second surgery for melanoma - October 2004.

She had been found wandering the streets when she was barely old enough to be away from her mother. After a brief stay at the Emergency Pet Hospital where my daughter Mandy works, she was declared healthy and ready for a new home. Mandy thought perhaps the little siamese kitten was just the pick-me-up I needed at a very difficult time. Mandy was right - but Maggie didn't agree!

For nearly two years, the two cats have tolerated one another - barely. They share the same home and the same human mom but that has been the extent of their willingness to be 'together' -- until today! I happened upon a very unusal and delightful sight just a bit ago and was fortunate enough to grab a shot of it before they change their minds about this thing called togetherness.

Here they are, curled up on top of the recliner -- not bothered by their close proximity for the first time ever! I didn't think I'd ever see them this close unless they were wrestling or hissing at one another.

Maybe the lazy rainy day has them feeling as mellow as I feel. Maybe the fact that I have been playing music and doing all manner of creative work today has added an air of contentment to the house. Perhaps they have finally figured out what I have tried to teach them all along -- They really are fine together. They each are sweet in their own way. They both mean the world to me. And, it is okay to curl up and be lazy together. That's what rainy Saturdays were made for afterall!