Flowering in California
I've recently moved to California from New England. It was a big move, but so worth the effort. Gawd, I love it here. The weather alone will keep me happy for a good long time, but there's a lot to like here. The people are lovely and sweet natured here in the Santa Cruz area, and the ocean is glorious. Also, I love the plants that grow here. As a transplant gardener from the Northeast, I'm learning all the new flora and fauna.
I've acquired my first succulent plants and they are already rewarding me with blossoms. I'm a bit of plant freak, so to me, this is very exciting. I dote on the plants, visiting with them in the back garden every day, so the blossoms are like nature's reward for my adoration.
I know, I'm a bit of a plant nerd, but the rewards are so cool.
The Blossoms
Oddly enough, these little plants and I are having a mutual flowering. Since I've been here, I feel like I've come alive. A dear friend of mine told me that would happen, but I couldn't have imagined how quickly.
Miraculously, my writing is flowing with ease. This long-overdue blog is proof of that, plus I've got stories, people--STORIES. Woohoo!
My health is also improving. I had a four hour dental marathon last week, with more to come. I'm seeing an awesome acupuncturist who is doing miracles for my knee and hip, so I can hike around this beautiful state and enjoy the beach. And I'm riding my bike and getting to the gym. Today I went swimming for the first time in over a year. It was COLD, but man, it was good. The pool was filled with munchkins learning to swim--they were very entertaining...and loud. It was wonderful to see so many kids there, active and full of life.
It's Alive!
That's one of the things I love here is that people are so alive. Folks of all ages are out walking, biking, surfing, and just being outdoors. The weather makes that more feasible, but it's also a way of life. It's inspiring, really.
So, I guess what all this yammering is about, is coming alive. After years of feeling like I was clawing my way out of a deep hole just to keep my head above the edge of the darkness, I now feel buoyed. And it feels good. Fingers crossed that this feeling last a LONG time.
Life is succulent. Flowers are blooming, and I might just get some publishing done this year.
I have plans for self-publishing in the very near future, so I hope you're still interested in some Friel words and madness. It's been a while, but I'm on the case.
Thanks for reading, gang. It's so good to be with you.
Wishing you all Happy Blossoming!
Yours,
Fran
