Big News: Hippie Wanna Be turns 63

It's my birthday! And, I am happy! The last year has been like peeling an onion. I experienced ups and downs and all arounds. But, last year on my birthday was my first sunrise I ever witnessed. And, it didn't happen until I was 62. It was a euphoric experience, that actually stunned me. It was so exciting to see the sun appear and filled my body with warmth and almost a feeling of electrical charges going through me. As I was just pushed out of my home, because of a divorce, this good feeling was surprising to me. I had been in my place for 13 days, and could't even raise the blinds to let the light in. The mediation was progressing. But, after thirty nine years of marriage I was angry.....really angry. So, this feeling was a complete surprise. I talked to my sister that day. And, I tried to process some feelings I had with anger from the way I grew up. I said I grew up too fast didn't I? I was the baby of the family. But, I was determined to be independent and grown up at about the age of eight. My mom had also went on strike that year. So, making sure my blouse for school was ironed, badges put on my girl scout sash, white gloves for inspection (girl scouts) were clean, shoes were polished, walked home from school and made my peanut butter sandwich each day, and worked for my dad on weekends. On my fourteenth birthday my mom asked me what I wanted. I said a new bed with linens I pick out. And, she said that is too expensive. We went back and forth and I said it was nice having a bunk bed for friends to sleep over, but I wanted a real mattress with a box spring, so I could sleep better. She agreed as long as I paid for half. So, we went to Sears and I picked everything out. I was a chambermaid at the Warren Hotel and saved up my money. When I was picking out things from my mom's apartment to keep before she went to live in continuing care, I found the pillowcase I paid half for forty some years ago. I will be putting it on my pillow when I move to my new place in a few weeks. I hope I sleep like a baby. This morning I awoke at 4:12 (my old house number in Spring Lake). So, I have been processing my past, but not living in it. And, this is my biggest triumph, because I am getting to the point, where I am over it. I just want to move forward, and live happily ever after. And, in a years time, I am well on my way! Quote of the day: “It isn't for the moment you are struck that you need courage, but for the long uphill climb back to sanity and faith and security.” ― Anne Morrow Lindbergh Song of the day: Surprise Surprise Bruce Springsteen The picture is a self portrait I did in the beginning of 2021. I found a picture Kaylyn had cut for her Senior Thesis, she did not use. It is so important now, because of what I went through in 2021......struggling with the loss of my mom, loss of a job I loved, isolation because of covid, a husband who was not talking to me, and then I was cracked open like an egg when I found out the day after Father's Day my husband was cheating on me with a married woman. I love this quote but this is no uphill battle any more for me. It is such a better feeling of walking downhill. So much easier to carry everything down the stairs now. Such a better feeling, once I move I don't have to move again. I am feeling brighter and lighter with each day!