As I enter my third year of writing and sharing, I thought some of you might want to know how I got to this place. Two years ago, in this world of divorce, I became a statistic. While contemplating my new life and where it might take me, I made time for myself, to clear my head, and to embrace fully and rediscover my passions: travel, gardening, cooking and writing.
I immediately built three large raised beds for vegetables and planted an avocado, lemon and pomegranate tree. Something visually beautiful to nurture and care for in the absence of a physical body. I traveled to France and Italy, solo and with friends. Everything shifted – my friends, my cooking style, my free time! I learned to take risks.
― Rumi
Writing a blog through all this has taken me on insightful journeys I would never have dreamed possible. This is not to say that being divorced is fun or the answer. Sometimes it’s just reality and this is how I chose to deal with the uncertainty it brings.
As the rhythm of life continues, so does my enthusiasm for the beauty this world of life offers. My eyes discover the essence of art in the foods, people, sculpture, music, flowers, and ancient landmarks that have inspired me along my journey. This is what feeds my spirit. Sharing it with you has changed my life.
― Edith Wharton, Artemis to Actaeon and Other Verses
Ciao for now! Thank you for being part of my life!
Mary
Mary – so beautifully written. I cannot begin to imagine how many people are now thanking you for being a part of their lives!
Mary-I wish I would hve had the strength and insight you have to have made life better when I went through divorce. You are a brave and beautiful woman!
A perfect example of the adage ….when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. The beautiful person you are, sees lemonade in every trial you face. I have loved seeing you “blossom” the past two years.
Mary, you are such a beautiful writer (and I read A Lot!). I really see a book in the making, don’t you?
love, Deborah
Mary, sweet Mary, Just what I needed to read today. Thank you for all your creative time, energy and passion that you put into your Blog. I love it.
Bellissimo!!!!!!
Sent from Windows Mail
Thank you for sharing yourself with us through your blog! ♥
Mary, though we’ve lost touch, it seems you are doing splendidly from what I can read! Good for you! I know you have inspired many people through your insights, travels and letting go of your fears or apprehension about being single. Keep up the good work.
Nancy! So good to re-connect with you! Thanks so much for following my blog. I’d love to get together and share stories!!
Well-written.. Lovely! You are a joy, Mary and I love that you ever started this! Yay for 2 years! Keep on keeping on!
Thanks Laureen! YOU are a joy! My olive oil company, The Virtuous Olive will be up and running within a month. I think Italy and Rome inspired me to take this leap. Thanks for keeping in touch and take care of yourself and your darling family :-))
Hi Debbie! You are so sweet to comment. Thank you for being a loyal follower! Guess what? I am going to start importing olive oil from Galantino, the frantoio we visited in Puglia. I’ve got my import license and as soon as my website is ready, will be in business. The Black Madonna is looking over me!!
Thanks Jane. I did a lot of journaling and that helped me through. Plus the support of my dear mom and many great friends and family members. My spirit is finally soaring again!
Congratulations on reaching this milestone with your blog, Mary! Your writing and photography are like a balm for the soul – so beautiful, natural, and inspiring. Here’s to many more years of sharing your gifts!
Thanks Christi! I could not have done this without the support of my family and the Aspire Group. I really love this part of my writing life and have found a part of me I never knew was there. Here’s to many more years of story writing!!