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.