Thursday, February 27, 2014

I'm here!

I was looking in the mirror the other day and I asked, "Where did all this gray hair come from and why does it seem like it grew in overnight?" Then, I stared at my reflection and thought, "Who are you? Where are you?" Instantly, a few things popped in my thoughts.

Tired
Restless
Brave
Faithful
Honest
Uncertain
Happy
Silly
Sad
Frustrated
Inspired

All of those are true emotions based on how crazy life has been. With life, there has been changes and with changes, I'm no longer the same person I was a year ago, a month ago, heck, even a day ago.

When I first moved out to Oregon, I missed "home".  I hated that I had to say goodbye to my best friend, my twin sister as well as others who were such a huge part of my life. At times, I think my dogs got tired of me telling them all of my troubles or having dance parties with them. They would sometimes roll their eyes and I'm almost certain I could hear them say, "I sure hope she doesn't want to have a dance party again!!!"

Then, life changed. I walked in to a new job, a new neighborhood, a new church...most of all, a brand new LOVE in my life, my J. Did it get easier? No. With being new came the challenges of settling in.

I remember the first time I took my two puppies out of the car and set them on Oregon soil, they sniffed the air as if to say, "This sure ain't California anymore!" and they couldn't be more right about that! But, I felt like Julie Andrews, wanting to spin around and around singing, "The hills are allllivvve...."

Where I'm at now is indescribable. God has brought me to the very place where I know without a doubt, I need to be. This is home. In this place called home, I've experienced the joy of seeing my daughter get married to her very best friend. I've held hands and kissed the love of my life in places beautiful beyond words. I've been able to speak for women's ministries and youth groups and summer camps. I've been able to go to football games and become a platypus (a person that not only likes the Oregon Ducks but also the Oregon State Beavers). I've held my cousin as a newborn and I've had the joy of seeing him grow into a big boy of 4. I've had the chance to be a daughter in law to a man who was funny, grouchy and loved all at the same time. In that same breath, I had to say goodbye to that same man as the Air Force honor guards folded up the flag and handed it to my J for the last time. I've adopted two kiddos from Compassion International, loving that they are so very precious to me yet, so far away. I've tasted Voodoo donuts, seen waterfalls up close while feeling the mist on my face. I've touched moss with my bare feet and fed the homeless. I've flatlined and experienced a glimpse of heaven. I've laughed hysterically with tears running down my face. I've sung on my church worship team, caring not how I sounded but feeling just how in awe I am to have the privilege to worship my Creator, my Father. I've earned the title of Bonus Mom and sometimes, I feel like I'm a pretty cool one too. (other times, not so much). I've added another furbaby into my life from death row in California, Bohdi who is absolutely the cutest, greatest dog ever! I've seen nutria up close and they are quite creepy. (Think beaver, rats and hamsters rolled up in package - giant sized!)

And...

I found creativity, peace, beauty, restoration, inspiration, joy and most of all...friends.

There's no other place I'd rather be but HERE.

22 comments:

Lin said...

Glad you are! Missed you.

Sweet Tea said...

Simone, you sound blissfully happy - that's wonderful!! So good to see you in Blogland again!

Brian Miller said...

smiles. it is cool to know you are where you need to be...and that you are being used there...i def hear the happiness as well...smiles.

Mari said...

It's so good to hear from you and to read this wonderful post! I smiled throughout this post, because even though there has been sadness, I can tell you are happy where you are. I know you are bringing happiness to others too!

Dawna said...

Good to hear you Simone.. nice post

Formerly known as Frau said...

Happiness is what you deserve I'm so happy you have that and are where you belong!

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Glad to read your positively happy blog post. I've missed you as well! Hugs!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

So excited for you

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Beautiful, I am glad that you are right where HE wants you to be.
((HUGS))

Anita said...

Hello Simone!You pop into my thoughts often. I'm glad you found some time to update us with the things that are going on in your life. My the blessings keep flowing!

Linda Myers said...

Life is good!

Joanna Jenkins said...

Hi Simone, Despite the ups and downs you sound like you're in a really good place with a full heart.
Big hugs,
xo jj

Unknown said...

Simone, you sound blissfully happy - that's wonderful!! So good to see you in Blogland again!
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Buckeroomama said...

'Here' is as good a place as any and learning to love 'here' makes it an even better place to be. *hugs*

Happy to 'see' you again.

Buckeroomama said...

'Here" is as good a place as any and learning to love 'here' makes it an even better place to be.

Happy to 'see' you again, Simone. :)

Unknown said...

Glad to hear that life is treating you well!

Anita said...

Happy Spring, Simone!

Annesphamily said...

Simone, I have missed you. Life gets in our way. But I admire your fortitude and grade in all your trials. You are a remarkable woman and I had to come over to say hello and send you a hug or two. Anne

Veronica Lee said...

Happy Easter, Simone! I missed ya!

Anonymous said...

pretty nice blog, following :)

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

So so HAPPY FOR YOU. I HAVE MISSED YOU

Anita said...

Happy Summer, Simone!

 

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