As a birthday gift, my youngest daughter took me to the Smoky Mountains for a couple of days to relax and rejuvenate at a really nice resort. This was the view from the living room balcony. I loved these tree's---they looked so graceful and wise. It is winter so the grass is brown---but it looks like sand to me.
At any rate, I had a wonderful time! I got a 50 minute massage---the masseuse had to wake me up and tell me "our time was over." We shopped and ate at some great restaurants. I did lots of walking, and enjoyed the time out even though it was cold and rainy. I got lots of bargains and we spent time laughing and exploring.
The time away gave me an opportunity to really think and take stock. I have reached an age that my mother didn't reach and one sister didn't. I think I have accomplished a lot and realized some real successes although I rarely share them with others. I have made a promise to myself to really try to enjoy life and to really worry less and to just "let it happen." . I am going to work really hard at being happy. Now I know that happiness is a state of mine and is defined differently by everyone. My happiness is really perhaps more like a peaceful state---I love peace! That is what I am working toward.
On a less "heavy" note-----This will be the first Christmas in years that all five of our children will be home for Christmas. This gives me something else to be thankful for. I am so looking forward to all the laughter and "cutting up". All the childhood adventures and tales that will be shared around the table. Just thinking about it makes me smile! I am busy making REAL napkins for our Christmas dinner. That really sounds sorta weird, since our plates and eating utensils will be plastic (but it is "nice" plastic). I am using my embroidery machine and they are turning out nicely. I have completed ten and have ten more to make. The grandbabies and I will also be making Christmas ornaments for the "kids" tree. I have assembled everything and next week after the Guild Christmas Party we will begin. I think I am more excited than they though---:)
I am so very thankful and feel especially "blessed and highly favored" when I look at my life. I plan to enjoy it even more! Happy birthday to ME!
