I Am Here

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Have you heard Pink's song, I Am Here?  I love everything she does, but this song is really meaningful to me and it really fits my mood lately.  Where does everybody go when they go?
Well, I was here all of September and October, but in November I went to SF to see my family.  The trip was a quick decision I made a few weeks ago -- I was tired of saying, "I should go" and just found a date that worked and got some tickets.  Sometimes you just have to listen to your heart.  My husband and son were on the fence about it, but they made time to go with me and I think they're really glad they did.
We spent some time remembering the ones we have loved and lost.  They are in a lovely final resting place.
We drove to the wine country, got lost in its beauty, and had a great meal in Sonoma.

A really wonderful evening on a patio -- it was cold in Colorado, but in the 80's in California.  Happy sigh.
My new favorite wine.
We visited my father's youngest brother and his wife in Stockton.  It was so wonderful to see them and it made me very happy.  Also in the photo: my cousin and my half brother.
That night, my brother treated us to another really great dinner at a local casino.  We even tried our hand at the slots.
Ben is now 21 and able to gamble; we both lost -- but it was fun trying!
On our last day there, we visited with more of our family, who all graciously made time to get together for a visit in our honor.  It was a real reunion!  Above, me with my brothers and cousins (and also my dad's first wife.)
We all reminisced about our families and our grandparents; above, a photo of my grandmother, who I will always miss.
We had so much fun.  And then it was over, and we were back home in Colorado.  I'm sad and missing it all -- but, ever so glad to have been there.
In October, I got to go and see one of my favorite, favorite writers: Anne Lamott!  She was having a signing for her new book one night in Denver, and I got one of the last spots.  It was completely amazing to meet her, and so inspiring!
Now, it's back to holiday preparations; I've been making ornaments...
and listing them in my Etsy shop...
but not selling any...
I don't know what's up with that?  No one is spending money, it seems.  I just keep listing, though.  I have some really fun stuff in my shop, and even more I haven't had a chance to list yet!  Everything in my shop ships free now!


Go see!  And, please check back -- I'm planning to list and list and list in the next few days!  💖

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