I look all around me and am so grateful for all my blessings. I live in a modest one bedroom home which my husband and son built. I call it our little casita, and the five acres hubs and I live on our little piece of heaven on earth. It is all that we need and more, especially with three pups and kitten to care for.

The temperatures are dropping even though we are ten degrees higher than normal for central South Texas. It makes walking nice at almost any time of the day and sitting out on our veranda (carport). Soon, I will be getting rocking chairs for our porch and you’ll find me outdoors reading and maybe even writing.

When I consider all the love I have from family and friends and all the love I have to give and share, I cannot ask for more. I get to do a lot of what I enjoy in life: read, write, and be connected to nature and loved ones. The time flies fast, and I’m not sure where my days and nights vanish to. I just know I want to enjoy every moment of every day with everyone I know and love.

This, of course, doesn’t mean life is always grand for me. I’m constantly needing to change gears or be flexible. Most recently, the Conex that was to be my future writing and craft space was demoted to a tool shed. And soon, we will be getting a retired office trailer that is four times the space. I’m caught between not being sure what to think and being excited at the possibilities. In a few days, I’ll know what it will look like and what work will be involved to make it a nice creative writing and reading space. The fun part is the dream; the not so fun part is the cleaning and painting (lol).

Life is full of surprises…and graces, and I couldn’t be happier. What are your graces? What makes you appreciate your life? Are you quick to notice all your blessings? Or do you do what I used to do and want for more?

Oh, yes, I used to dream big. I once thought I wanted a large farmhouse with two living spaces, a large master suite, large closets, built-in hutch and walk-in butler’s pantry and a separate, spacious utility room in addition to an open kitchen and dining area. Oh, and wrap-around porch as well as a screened-in sunroom. That is, until I realized at my age I didn’t want to spend my time cleaning and upkeeping such a large home. I would much rather spend it reading, writing, and being in the great outdoors!

Sure, there are a few things we would have done differently in our little casita, if we had known we’d be living in what was supposed to be our guest cottage. But, with all the practice from living previously in less ideal spaces, we are making this quaint space work. It’s cozy and inviting, and so what more can anyone ask for. I love how it feels just right for us at this point in our lives.

I’m looking forward to being retired in three years’ time for many reasons. One, I’ll have more reading and writing time. But also, I’ll have more time outdoors and with family and friends.

It is my hopes that you, too, will be happy for the graces in your life. The little things that bring joy and glimmers to your own heart as well as those you love and who love you back. And for our eyesight and hearing – not just with our eyes and ears – but also with our hearts. One can never know what anyone else is feeling, thinking, or even experiencing. All we can do is be grateful for each other and the role we play in one another’s life.

Until next time, happy fall, happy heart, and happy you!

Love & hugs, Virg