B is For Blogging - A to Z Challenge - April 2, 2026

 

Blogging

On and off throughout my life I have kept journals.  But they were primarily for keeping track of dates and events, like jotting down what we did last Tuesday.   

I never wrote about my personal feelings or emotions in the event someone  discovered my private diary. 

In January of 2010, my son, Joe, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. He was newly married with their first child on the way.  

Needless to say, I had a lot of big feelings and overwhelming emotions.  

At the time I was seeing a therapist to help me cope. She suggested that I write about whatever was going on deep inside.

So, I started my blog and published my first post in 2011. 

 Since I was new to blogging, and unfamiliar with how it worked, I didn’t think anyone would read my posts. 

However, when I found the A-to-Z Blogger Challenge, I decided to join in. 

That’s when I discovered this welcoming and supportive community of writers.

I’ve gotten away from regularly posting on my blog.  The last A-to-Z I did was in 2019.

Now that my life has taken another twisty turn, I remember how cathartic and comforting writing was for me in the past.

 Writing for me is a meandering path through my thoughts, slowing down here and there where I might uncover unexpected insights, perspectives  and feelings.   

I am usually surprised that the idea I start with takes a sharp turn leading me to undiscovered gems. 

I accept the A-to-Z blogging challenge of 2026.

 

 

A is for Artist - A to Z Blogging Challenge - April 1, 2026

Artist

In my adult life, my main "creative" outlet has been fiber arts.  I've been an avid knitter and crocheter for a lot of years.  I've received several benefits from this craft.

I'm drawn to the beautiful colors and soft textures of the yarn.

I like the practicality and usefulness of the skill.  I couldn't begin to tell you how many hats, scarves, afghans, gloves, and baby stuff I have made and gifted over the years.

Most importantly has been the benefit of relieving stress and anxiety. The rhythmic, repetitive motion of making stitches is very calming.

I've had a major life change in the last two years. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, my husband, Ross, passed away.  

We lived about an hour away (hence the title of my blog) from family.

After Ross passed,  I quickly and impulsively decided to move to be nearer to them.   

Once the busyness of the funeral, selling our house, and moving was done, my life quieted down. 

Although Ross and I previously lived in this area, I had to get myself familiar with my surroundings all over again.  This is this first time I have lived alone. 

As grief settled itself in, I became lost in a hazy fog. I no longer had any interest in knitting and crochet. I used to record  a podcast about knitting and crochet.  I attempted to continue with that, but it just wasn't the same without my co-host, Ross. 

I spent many hours on the sofa binge watching seasons and seasons of old British detective series.

About nine months ago, as I was doom-scrolling on my phone, I stumbled upon a learn-to-draw video. I took a couple of online courses and found that it ignited a creative spark. 

The drawing led me to watercolor painting.  

The topic of today is "Artist".  As per the definition, I do create drawings and paintings. 

I am trying to learn this artistic skill by watching online tutorials given by watercolor artists. 

They assure me, well, not me personally, but in general, that if you are making marks with paints, pencils, or any other kind of medium on paper or canvas or maybe even rocks, you are making art.  Therefore, "you", they say "are an artist."

Personally, I don't quite feel like a "real"artist.  Perhaps someday. 

For right now I call myself an enthusiastic watercolor hobbyist.

Sunday, Sunday

 After my father’s passing, my 67-year-old mother moved into a one-bedroom apartment in a brand-new 55+ community. The unit was cozy and comfortable.

My sister and her husband lived nearby, but they spent their summer months abroad annually. Ross and I lived about an hour away. My other siblings were scattered about. 

Initially, my mother was quite content with her new place. She participated in a number of community activities. Although she didn’t drive, there were stores within walking distance, and a community bus served her needs.

As the years passed, she was probably about the age I am now, she began to develop health issues and limitations. It was then that she started to feel more isolated and lonely.

She would confide in me about her sadness, saying, “I have six children and 13 grandchildren, and hardly ever hear from anyone.” Those emotional expressions of loneliness now deeply resonate with me.

Although my circumstances differ from my mother’s, the feelings are so relatable. I now understand what Mom was trying to convey. Just like mine, her children actually did call and visit. However, it was during the many hours between phone calls and visits (and for some reason, Sundays seemed to be the worst) that my mom struggled with loneliness with much difficulty.

My mom moved in with us during the last few months of her life.  

I am grateful that we got to spend those remains Sundays together.