exactly one year ago i was standing and taking in this view. breathtaking really. if you've never visited oregon, then you should go. if i didn't have family so firmly planted here, i would want to live in portland. seriously.i may have an unhealthy attachment to the show, glee. i do. the combination of geeks, singing and the tartness of jane lynch gives me a jolt of so much happiness that i am glued to my seat. for me, this is a show that lives up to the hype.
i love all the meatloaf recipes that i've received after monday's post. it reminds me of julia's love of sharing recipes and food in her book. i want to be babette and make you all a feast. i've been gorging lately on two buck chuck from the local market - it's good for a girl's budget. but i will admit, i might moo at any second. hopefully chicken will be on the menu this weekend.
the light coming into the window this season is so gorgeous that i can sit and stare at the objects i put there to bathe in it. i look at the chinaberry tree and think it could not be more gorgeous. and i look at the almost ten months that have passed and am truly thankful for lessons learned. my brother challenged me today - to look at this point in my life and to embrace the change. to love it and say thank you. so i've tried to do that. my list is still growing with things that have changed me for the better.
i think last year at this time, i was arrogant. i thought that i did such a wonderful job and no one could ever let me go because i was so good at what i did. i've been taught the lesson that no one is irreplaceable or indispensable. last year at this time, i was proud. i was proud of my accomplishments and thought i had arrived somewhere in my job. i've been taught that no matter your accomplishments, what really matters in the end is that you love and you are loved. love is what has carried me through so far and will continue to carry me. i have become quite humble and in that, i have found some pride.
I am a gLeek too!! and man I hope I dont go 10 months without a job or I am gonna be in a world of hurt.
ReplyDeletechar I am so glad you have your family...
ReplyDeletenow that being said, I am ready to run off to Portland at times as well..I know I have not been "with" you but I am traveling beside you on this journey, one never really knows ...long comment (for me!)
I'd love to see Oregon some day. I have a reader on my blog who lives there and occasionally sends me photos of her walks along the coast. It's so kind of her.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Glee freak too! I absolutely love that show. It just makes me feel good. Love all the actors, too.
Char, I loved this post.
Hey lady Char...I was watching Glee tonight too...not sure why I am so drawn to it...but I am, I usually don't LOVE those "Bursting in to song" shows or musicals...hmm.
ReplyDeleteI love this post...you have your quirky side...and then realism, and the LOVE for it...followed by change...change is good...it makes you look at things differently, and family are always the ones to open your eyes JUST that little bit further.
Have a good evening...it's nearly midnight here and my carriage awaits!
Char
I love random posts, sort of like stream of conscientiousness for bloggers, one thought leading to another and another.
ReplyDeletenot rambling at all....I love hearing about your days and thoughts...
ReplyDeleteand it's amazing how journeys of any kind, humble us somehow, even if we don't see it right away....
I'm glad you can see yours and have the time to wrap your arms around it and give it a big kiss....
you are heard.
ReplyDeleteLove your rambles... I love glee too...I recorded it and will watch it later when I won't be interrupted by little ones :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the job... We are not our "job titles" I am sorry you learned such a hard lesson...but it sounds like you grew so much from this experience.
I am so proud of you, When I was reading this, I am so glad you have your family and what you said about work and how you felt, i did the same thimg, and then one day I felt like you. You have grown so much, I only know that from your blog...you certainly should be proud of yourself. Your a strong woman!So prouf We met in blogland.
ReplyDeleteChar, this is such a sincere and heartfelt post. You have a big beautiful heart and I'm grateful to "know" you.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that this hiatus in your career has given you space to open and explore aspects of yourself that you would never have had the time for otherwise. What a gift it's been for you...and for us!
I loved reading all the things you love and all the things you've learnt Char... and yes gratitude for life, where you are RIGHT NOW is so important.. lovely photos too!
ReplyDeletetime has a wonderful way of changing our views...
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos, wonderful rambling prose...a perfect post, I'd say.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think Glee may be my favorite TV show EVAH.
that's applied to me too, my own mistake is the best teacher.
ReplyDeleteLife is a wonderful teacher, isn't it? It's always so inspiring to read posts like this, to see what is taken from situations, and how a life is built from it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI know this sounds trite, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason...and though it was devastating to you in the beginning, your journey has brought you so far...back into the loving embrace of your family who obviously enjoys having you with them...and you bring so many good things to them...think of all the wonderful memories your nieces and nephews are storing up...everyone needs an Auntie Char in their lives...they are very fortunate to have the original.
ReplyDelete((((hugs))))
Portland - i want to travel there SO badly. It looks like such a beautiful place and plus it seems like all the cool people live there. well except us of course.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a blessing that you had family and their love to get you through your tough times and it's great that you can now look back and see what really and truly matters. It's a lesson for all of us to learn from. thanks for sharing your random thoughts today.
I too find Portland to be a beautiful city. Your photo of the apples is really lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love your ramblin posts:)...mostly because after reading them I think about how nice a person you are...your family is fortunate to have you nearby rather than in OR!...and you are fortunate to have them...
ReplyDelete...I still haven't had a chance to watch Glee...must Soon!
Never been to Oregon, but hear it's beautiful. You should be proud. Time teaches us so many things. Be proud that you now understand pride and family in a whole new way. All things come with experience, I guess. I learn something new everyday!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Rambling posts make me feel normal :)
ReplyDeleteWhen my kids were small I found it hard to tell anyone that I was a stay-at-home mom. I came of age along with the rise of feminism, and I thought that your worth was tied up in your job. I still struggle with this today, but your post has made me stop and think. Thank you, dear Char!
ReplyDeleteIts nice to be humbled....keeps us in line and where we should be....I know exactly what you are talking about with the job confidence thing....been there...done that!
ReplyDeletecongrats my friend! i am missing you already. way to go! you are going to do a great job.
ReplyDeletexo
if you ever decide to offer Babettes feast, please invite me~ wishing you a life full of love.
ReplyDeleteSpirithelpers
wise words.
ReplyDeleteChar, so happy for you. Such sincerity and truth and so wonderful that you have found some peace in your journey. It's all about the journey.
ReplyDeletei know i said this in a post or two up, but i am so proud of you. not just for the job, but for growing and reflecting. that's not always the easiest thing to do.
ReplyDeleteLove makes the world go round..even our own little inner worlds.
ReplyDeletelove to you
xo