Welcome To My Blog

Well, on this the eve of a brand new year, I've finally started the blog I said I was going to start a few years ago.  Here's a little of my story and why I wanted to start a blog in the first place.  In 2012, after working very hard for many years to earn my teaching degree, I found myself among 47 other educators who lost their jobs due to budget cuts.  What to do now?  I was a 50 something wife and grandmother, who had worked at the same school for 16 years, suddenly having to rediscover myself.  I had recently been diagnosed with cancer, had surgery and was in remission.  Everything familiar to me was suddenly taken away.  I was in the unemployment line and not getting any bites on any jobs.  I am not writing this blog to sound pitiful, but to let others know that life can go on even if it takes you in directions you were not expecting.  As a follower of Jesus, I have been given the grace and strength to pick myself up and hold my head high and start all over again.  On my on strength I could've done nothing.  I want to share my journey, which by the way, is not over and maybe give hope to others who are going through something similar.  I certainly don't have all the answers and I don't know where life will ultimately take me, but I am grateful for the blessing I have been given.  A do-over you might say and how many times are we given a chance for a do-over? 

I have always had the writing bug, ever since I was very young.  I've had a few things published, but put the writing on the back burner for a long time.  I am very passionate about several things and writing is one of them.  Others include cooking, photography, creating things, my faith and family.  In this blog, I plan to share recipes, photos and in general things that are on my mind and ways I am coping after losing my job.  I hope to hear feedback from my readers and I hope to share ideas and thoughts with you too.

I am now 2 years into my journey of getting to know myself again.  I do have a part-time job as a Pampered Chef consultant.  I love cooking so it's a good fit for me.  In the past 2 years, I have been able to spend time with my family and be creative again.  God in His wisdom, wires each of us differently.  I have had several chances to reconnect to things in which I feel I have a strength.  At times I have been very depressed and scared and at other times I have been relaxed and happy.   There have been days when I didn't think I had a friend in the world and days when I felt very loved.  I've had days when I didn't think I was capable of doing anything and days when I was on top of the world...hence, the joy of new beginnings.

When I write about something on my mind, things start to become a bit more clear; therefore, I guess I am just reflecting on the way things are.  Anyway, I hope someone out there will enjoy this blog, if for no other reason than to get a new recipe or tip about something.  Come along with me as I continue my journey into the unknown.  As of today I have not been able to find another teaching position and I may have to give up on that dream, but I am able to teach adults ESL or English as a second language, on a volunteer basis at my church and I have truly been blessed by the experience.  I feel God has led me to this mission work and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Him.  I have also been able to tutor reading to some first and second graders.  I love the written word and love to teach reading.  I am blessed for those God has put in my path for this purpose.  I'm not sure yet if I will post daily or weekly.  I guess I'll just be led by the Spirit and when I have something to share, I will share it.  I may write about food or photography or family or just memories I have and maybe my readers will be able to relate.

Okay, first post down and I hope many more to come.  I am new at this so I am learning as I go.  Until the next time, I wish you blessings for a new year.  I pray each of you will be here next year on the eve of 2015.  May God bless and keep you.  I hope your journey goes well.