Like a Virgin

Be gentle with me. This is my first time blogging. Like most areas in my life, I basically fell into it. I wish I could be more intentional, but I generally plan better for dinner than I do for anything else. At any rate, I’m glad you’re here. I have some stories to share, and I hope you do too. 

Things in my world have been in a state of upheaval these past few years. 2020 began with a sick cat, my beloved Sir Lancelot. He was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. On January 1, I had no idea what that was, what it would involve in treatment, and what it would mean going forward. Three days and three thousand dollars later, I learned that he would take many months to recover and remain on a special diet for the remainder of this life.

By March, the cat was doing much better. But people – and society in general – seemed to be unraveling under the crushing restrictions of a global pandemic.  I had just been promoted at work. My first day in my new corporate gig was spent at home at my grandmother’s sewing table, which would become my make-shift desk for far longer than expected. My onboarding was done through email and remote meetings, leaving me with an unsettled feeling of complete isolation and loneliness.

April was a series of one let-down after another. With schools shut down, my high-school senior had the rug pulled out from under him. So many “lasts” were stolen from us and from many other families, and we had to sort through the heartbreak of missed concerts, sporting events, prom, and graduation ceremonies.  I also lost my job, adding yet another layer to my growing sense of despair. 

With summer on the horizon came relief – and it was found in the simplest of things.  Being outside became one of the great pleasures of this pause from the daily madness of back-to-back meetings. Music, games, cooking, and talking with loved ones became cherished activities. There was finally time to write – something I don’t get to do on a regular basis. I went on a sabbatical of sorts, and I very publicly allowed my friends and family to go on the journey with me.  I had no intention for anything to come of it. Honestly, it was a way for me to connect with others in those very difficult weeks. I shared not only what hurt, but also the things that helped me heal. Many friends pressed me to publish what I wrote, and the idea for this site was conceived. It’s taken me 3 YEARS to share it!

The idea for this blog is newly born and, and I’ve given it a breath of new life. It now needs nurturing to grow, so I thank you for visiting. At this point, my wish is that we encourage each other in our struggles and inspire each other to see the simple beauty in life. Let’s connect on all that makes life delightful – love, money, relationships, and whatever lights you up. Leave a comment below and check back for more coming soon.

Shine on,

Diane

P.S. Thanks to Madonna for the inspiration for this post