the beginning...

A new space to capture "life" in writing once a month.

While you're reading along, something is happening behind the scenes that you may not know about: I'm practicing. Getting comfortable with writing regularly again because somewhere down the road when I retire - I want to do a lot more of it. Consider this my creative workout. A warm-up.

And yes, for those who have been around me for a minute, you already know this isn't my first blog rodeo. And then... I stopped. Without going into all the boring details, because honey, we have plenty of time for those stories later. I'm back!

This time I'm stepping into a different space. A space allowing the things I love.

Aging gracefully. The things nobody prepares you for. Real conversations. Real life. A little inspiration. A lot of personality. Some things that'll make you say "GURL, what in the world?"

You know... a little piece of me... unfiltered.

Let's start with being a Leo ♌️

Born August 3rd.

A Fire sign ruled by the Sun.

Confident. Creative. Adventurous. A natural leader.

Our love is bold, confident, and highly demonstrated.

But turning 55... has me thinking - chile.... we halfway to 60!

Am I really about to be a whole senior citizen?

Oh.

My.

Gawd.

I can already see a future blog post dedicated entirely to every product, procedure, potion, lotion, and miracle cream designed to preserve. And yes... I absolutely do care!

Music Pause II: Apparently, writing isn't my only pocket of peace.

Somewhere along the way I became more obsessed with music.

The turntables.

The mixers.

The speakers.

The tangible albums sitting within reach on the shelf.

The ambiance.

The whole experience.

There's something about music that changes the atmosphere around me - and apparently, it changes the atmosphere inside me too!

I can't write without music.

There's something about the rhythm and the sound that lifts my spirit, unlocks a thought, and takes me on a mental road trip. Sometimes I don't even know where the story is going until the right song comes on. And suddenly... everything flows.

Music Play ▶️

This month, I'm choosing - people who choose me back, progress, not perfection. Slower days instead of nonstop stress. Boundaries that protect my peace. Conversations where I feel safe. Rest without guilt.

Most importantly... The Real Version of Me™

August has been giving... gifts, cupcakes, wine, charcuterie, roses, spa day, fine dining, me time, future plans, pool daze, reading, peace + quiet, consistent exercise, time off, and a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious serving of family time!!!

August ain't even done yet!

Maybe this is the beauty of getting older. You start realizing that life doesn't have to be loud to be meaningful. Sometimes the good stuff is a quiet morning. A great song. A book. A glass of wine. A conversation that feels safe. A belly laugh. A family memory you didn't know you needed. A little time alone. Or simply waking up and realizing... I love the woman I'm becoming.

Here's to "55" years! Writing again, living, learning, loving, laughing, reinventing, and paying attention. Life is happening whether we write about it or not. I'd rather write it down.

Welcome to Life Written.

The MUSIC that helped me write this chapter!