Choosing the new tattoo

Have decided I want a second tattoo. And, yes, I want it on my lower back. And, no, I do not consider a lower back tattoo to be a "tramp stamp," a "trash tag" or a "slut sticker." Not if it is pretty and dainty and does not say something along the lines of "Lick it" or "Juicy" or "Property of Whoever Gets Here First." ANYWAY...

Thinking of a tribal with floral or celestial wings with three five point stars in the center. Or perhaps a dogwood blossom. Or maybe a sun and moon.  Or maybe the words "Faith, Hope and Love " with "love" in the center. I'm leaning toward the tribal stars or the "Faith, Hope and Love."

I love my sunflower tattoo. I adore body art in general. Like any art or fashion, everyone likes something different so all of it does not appeal me, but I like the medium as a means of self-expression and much of the artwork is truly gorgeous. I know there is a great deal of stereotyping done when it comes to tattoos. I think it's a shame that people close their eyes and minds to such a diverse and exquisite form of art. In my mind, it is their loss. Oh, well...

Whatever tattoo I decide upon, it will be one that has meaning and beauty to me. My body. My choice. My tattoo.

Having faith and giving thanks

Just when I thought a major life issue had been resolved, the rug was pulled out from under me this morning. For a moment, I was devastated. Then a few things happened to make me realize the situation was not devastating after all. #1: I remembered that everything can almost always be fixed, #2: bad news is often not as bad as you think it is when you first hear it and last, but most certainly far from being least, #3: I was reminded that I have the love and support of an incredible man who promises to stand by me and hold my hand through whatever comes our way. I say reminded, but truly I knew that in my heart all along because his voice was the first one I wanted to hear...his opinion was the one I wanted and the one I value most...his shoulder was the one I wanted to lean on.

I've learned many lessons the past several months. I've learned to never let anything or anyone cast a shadow over my happiness... to never postpone joy... to never walk away from love and to fight like hell for it if you have to... to trust myself and the ones who truly love me...that even painful truth is better than a lie...and that I have so very much to be thankful for. I am blessed beyond words.

So this bump in the road is just that...a bump. As my mom always said, "Don't make a mountain out of a molehill." Everything happens for a reason. My life is shaping up beautifully. This is just a step on the path so I'll place my hand in the hand of the man I love...and walk on.

Almost Christmas

Strong warm arms. Gorgeous blue eyes. A kiss to send me off on my day. Great friends. Friendly smiles. My boys. Santa Claus. Roses as a sweet surprise. The man I love.  It's almost Christmas. Joy.

At Christmas time

Christmas is an unusual holiday. I don't think there is another that varies so much from person to person in tradition, emotion or expression. ..and that's even from year to year. Christmas is not just a holiday; it is an entire season...one that seems to begin earlier every year. When we are bombarded with Christmas advertisements, merchandise and decorations even before Halloween, it is no wonder we get a little burnt out around the first week of December. It is no wonder we bless Christmas and curse it, often in the same breath.
Some years, Christmas has been nostalgic and traditional. Some years, it has been comtemporary and commercialized. Some years, it has been cozy and heartfelt. Some years, it is has been harried and strained. Some years, I have enjoyed every moment. Some years, I have despised every second.
This Christmas season is different. This Christmas is the beginning of new traditions filled with new love, new family and new friends.
This Christmas I am reminded that the holiday is about celebrating the reason for the season...and the reason for the season is love.