- This is what it looks like today
New beginnings are all around. For me, it’s my new home and while the house itself is not new, it would seem to be with all the work being done to it, which hopefully will be completed very soon or at least the contractor’s part.
It’s hard to say which part of this project is more important to me, my new home or my new art gallery, Color Notes Art Gallery, which is part of my home. In a couple of weeks I go before the Planning Board to get started on the process of becoming an official business. I am really excited about having my own gallery in a public space. Yes, I will officially be a small business owner. It’s truly exciting and yes scarey, but more exciting. The truth is there is way too much to do to sit and worry about what might go wrong. The renovations have been extensive and there are more to come. Once Spring arrives I’ll ask friends to help me paint the outside, I’ve gotten several volunteers already (and yes I remember who you are).
So with every New Year that approaches it’s time to look back on the year. For me, looking back is very difficult. But we must take stock of where we’ve been to fully appreciate where we want to go. When my husband died last year I said I was starting over. But that really isn’t the case. I’m still me, a painter, a poet, a dreamer and one tough broad. Yes, you heard me right. Instead, as Rick would say, I got an ECO, that would be an Executive Change Order. It changed my perspective on things a little. Oddly enough, making life easier. Of course the passage of time helps as well.
So, this whole past year I was in recovery. I traveled a lot. I stayed close to family and friends. I learned to ask for help. I cried a lot. I learned it’s ok to cry, a lot. I learned just how kind people can be. Just when needed I would get an unexpected call or invite or visitor, different people, different occasion but always just at the right time. In my traveling I felt as though I was being passed from one caring person to the next for them to look after me, and it was immensely comforting. I also learned that I am not the only person traveling a difficult path. That helping others is healing as well and when you lean on one another, your whole world is better. I also learned Rick wasn’t the only person who believed in me. I learned that I’m stronger than I thought I was and that Rick’s encouragement over 30 years helped make me that strong.
In closing I would like to wish all of you a happy and healthy New Year. While we can never be sure where our journey’s will take us we can always love those around us and let them know they are loved. There is no greater gift you can give a person than to let them know you are grateful to have them in your life. That having them in your life makes life better. The world would truly be a better place if everyone felt they had a place in this world where they were welcome and cared for. For those of us who know that be grateful and thank those who make you feel so.
Barb
Happy New Year. We miss seeing you and Tigger. We’ve met our new neighbor once and he says his wife and daughters will be moving in the end of January. Your new place looks amazing. Can’t believe how much you’ve accomplished. You are an inspiration. We hope to stop in and see you when we’re over your way. Take care. Kathy and Pat