Where do I begin…

Hello. It’s November 5th at 10:39, and I’m just saying Hi. To say life has run away with me is an understatement. Many things have happened since I last posted that I could write about. I’d like to start a conversation and ask how you’ve been? Maybe have a cup of tea and talk about What’s been happening over the last year or two? But that’s kind of hard to do on the blog…

so… In the great words of Roger’s and Hammerstein’s from the Sound of Music, “Let’s start at the beginning, a very good place to start…” I actually have no idea where that is, so I’ll just tell you some of the stuff of life lately and catch you up.

First, the kids: everyone is doing great! Emily graduated from MTSU in the spring with a degree in English and communications, with a side of photography and art thrown in. She got a job before she even graduated (miracle of miracles) and she is enjoying the working life as an adult. Isaac is finishing up another at Chatt State and working at Chick-fil-A, and we love to see him thriving. He may change his major shortly, but we are proud of the energy and thoughtfulness he brings to all of his endeavors! And then, there’s Mackenzie – our budding artist and musician. Youth Symphony, Community Orchestra, Art lessons, working at the Signal Mountain Cookie Lady bakery – her senior year is full of amazing activities and she is loving it. She’s also a part of book club that is partly inspiring and partly hilarious. (that’s my take, not hers).

Next up: Michael and I both turned 51 a few months ago and had our 27th anniversary. We are officially of the age where you stash reading glasses all over the house in case you need to actually see something. But I digress. They say time flies when you’re having fun – and for the most part that has been absolutely true of our life together. But, this year has been a little more difficult and at times has felt like it slowed to a stand-still with its challenges. In October, after 26 years working in insurance, the work environment became untenable with high stress levels and Michael resigned from Unum. We are equal parts excited and apprehensive about the possibilities. Over all – we are thankful that we have time and financial margin to figure out our next steps.

Finally: my work has landed me as Creative Director at St.Mary of Magdala Anglican Community. It is a regular adventure of planning liturgy and leading worship week to week, as well as using my gifts towards communication and hospitality. Really, it’s a dream job and I enjoy every minute. I still get to play piano out in the community, and I’m looking forward to playing for a musical locally this coming spring.

And now a glut of photos…