Just a chance that maybe, we'll find better days....

"And you ask me what I want this year, And I try to make this kind and clear....

Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days"

I am not surprised in the slightest that my last post was March of 2020.  As I was preparing for this big thing, this change that I pushed forward as I felt in my heart that it was a good idea and the right thing for me to try a different view of life, we were suddenly in the middle of a pandemic. 

We have almost survived 2020 friends. As I type that and then read it again, I sadly realize how many will not be able to say that. So much loss this year, so many unplanned, unprecedented things that I struggle even now to comprehend all of it. To say I haven't had time to write is technically false. I have had time. But I don't think I felt the want of it. I've often said "This post has been writing itself in my head for months" or days....or something like that. This blog began as a note to myself, where I could look back and think about all of the things that came to mind, along the way, over the course of several years. An online diary of sorts you might say. I think this continues to be my intention now. I would really like to think that 2021 will encourage me to write more, again, as often as I feel like it. 

" 'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings, And desire and love and empty things....Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days"

Because 2020 has done a number, hasn't it!? Did it steal my joy? No it did not. I do my very best in hanging on to that joy even if it's by a thread. "Tie a knot and hang on" my Mom always tells us. She's right. It's all we can do.

So, from a trip across the miles by car(s), heading South and then West, almost losing our fur girl Penny, arriving in time to still feel such excitement in reading the note left on the kitchen counter in the new place, along with the keys, "Welcome Home" to, closed beaches, no toilet paper, disinfectant, or Clorox Wipes, "Covid19 this and numbers rising that" on the news....

Who would ever plan something like that? 

I didn't panic per se, but it took some time for me to accept that this is how life is right now, and we have to take action on making sure that we not only keep ourselves safe, but those around us as well. So, mask it is. Until further notice. 

Then the beaches opened. I could safely walk if I  went very early, (no crowds), and, wearing a mask and washing our hands 200 times a day became the 'norm'. This walk has been my saving grace in all things. 

"And sing out loud....'Cause everyone is forgiven now....'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again"

All of the moving boxes unpacked, Spring turned into Summer and the Gulf water sparkled the prettiest shades of turquoise, aqua, light blue and green. I ate oysters on the half shell, socially distanced my way around each day, with my toes digging in the sand I read books and marveled at the tide rolling in, collected seashells and saw a different view of the same spot every single time I visited said place. Talked with friends over the phone, kept in touch my family with texts and phone calls, made friends with all of the feathered beings I found along the way, and worked through the week from home. I remain very grateful to be employed, especially during these times.

I am always going to fall on the side of peace and all men were created equal, so I was proud to be a part of Verizon's walk for racial justice this year, especially given the extremely unfortunate events 2020 brought to light. I will do this every year going #ForwardTogether.

"I wish everyone was loved tonight....And somehow stop this endless fight"

Because I've never really stopped talking about it, everyone knows my favorite season is Fall, which arrived beautifully, (on the calendar it said it was Fall anyway), and with it, my other favorite season which is Football. It's exciting every single year, especially for this Kansas City Chiefs fan! Out came the Fall decorations so I could at least pretend it "felt like" Fall temperatures that I grew up with, and I settled in with a slightly new routine wherein each weekend day activities are planned around the Mizzou and KC Chiefs football games. M..I..Z! Fall decs then Halloween, and roasting pumpkin seeds and carving Jack 'O Lanterns, the whole month of October has always been my favorite. 

Enjoyed <-----never lose your sense of humor folks, a  brief unplanned stint in the hospital, all is well now, I just needed to donate my appendix to science. 

I'm still enjoying Football and the cooler weather Southwest FL is now offering. 

"And the one poor child that saved this world, And there's 10 million more who probably could

If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them"

Then, I had the audacity to blink, and as the Peanuts gang sings "Christmas Time....is here, happiness and cheer".  Whew! is it really? In eight days the calendar flips from 2020, to 2021. That New Year- fresh hope feeling is already settling in. 

"So take these words......and sing out loud"

Regardless of your beliefs, I hope we can all at least come together on one thing. 

"And on earth peace, goodwill towards men"

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year filled with blessings and better days. 

See you soon friend,

Tiffany

P.S. I'm not having "easter eggs" for breakfast yet, it's mostly been iced cold brew coffee and fresh fruit, scrambled eggs some days, others might even be a charcuterie board with mixed nuts, cheese, various italian salame's and olives. I get creative when it comes to Breakfast at Tiffanys. But I really just want to see who in my family, first notices the easter egg that is in this blog in photo form. 

"Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days....."