As I rapidly approach my forty eighth birthday (in twenty minutes😃) I was reflecting on my life over the past fifteen years specifically from my divorce from my first husband to marrying Mike a month ago. When I divorced my first husband I was devastated as I felt I lost my chance to live in a house and be stable. It was a short lived marriage and after getting over the heartbreak I found it was for the best to not be with him. I wasn’t sure if I could finically support myself again, find a place to live or find peace. After much work and soul searching I found I thrived living alone. I lived in three different apartments prior to meeting Mike. I lost one apartment to a fire started by a neighbor trying to make drugs over the stove. Through it all I relied on friends and a cousin to support me and keep me going. I tried dating through both friends setting me up and five different online sites. I was determined not to settle for anyone just so I was not alone. I was able to further my knowledge and education without having to worry about someone holding me back. I acquired art and books. (I love visiting art exhibits and thankfully Mike is happy to accompany me). When I met Mike I was frightened by how well we got along and wanted to run quite a few times as if a happy relationship was not something I was worthy of in my eyes. Silly as it seems I channeled my inner George Costanza and did opposite George where in the past I would run this time I forced myself to go on dates with Mike. We slowly got to know each other and honestly at times I felt like I had known him forever. It is wonderful to be married to someone who loves you without trying to change you. I share a home with Mike and he does not mind all the artwork I have hung in every room nor all the books I also have in every room except his office. I even have books in the bathroom. Over the past year we have hit many road bumps both with ourselves and our family and have grown closer with each occurrence. 

I would have never thought fifteen years ago that by age 48 I would be married again, celebrating 20 years at ups and enjoying my life with as much carefree abandon as my quiet shy self can muster. I am thankful and grateful to all my friends and fellow creatives who inspire me everyday with photos, stories, poem, essays and paintings. I’m looking forward to expanding my creativity and am looking to start painting in the fall. At this point the best I can do is finger paint so I can only improve. Onwards and upwards to live each day to the fullest!