* * * My Words, My World, My Way * * *

Please Write: ALewisPDX@gmail.com

Friday, October 02, 2009

One Year Ago Today -----

One year ago this morning....5:30am Pacific time....my father in law passed away. As we all here frequently about many things, I can't believe it's been a year. Seriously, it feel like it's been maybe six months or something....but a year? Nah, it just couldn't have been. And today, I'm in Chicago, and tomorrow I go to Anchorage -- I'm away from home and feeling like I really should be at home to stick close by my amazing man and his mom on this day. I remember writing about him a year ago. I must say, my dear husband and his mom have both been real troopers this year. They've picked themselves up, dusted themselves off, and carried on just the way he would have wanted. So, to my lover, I commend you -- for the choices you've made, the advances you've taken, and for the times you've not felt like doing the right thing but have anyway. I hate being away from him today. So, today, we remember.......and we learn, and we carry on -- hopefully better people than we were yesterday.

A week from today, Sean and Jeffrey will grace us with their presence in our villa. Small villa, but villa nonetheless. Sean has done a superb job of spelling things out for us all. Honestly, I haven't been this excited for a while about much -- I love enjoying brand new experience with people. It's friends like these that make the world a better place. We can hardly wait boys! And, by the way, if you're in Portland, you are more than welcome to join us at our condominium on Sunday, October 11, at 4pm for a get-together....bring a snack and share it with some of the world's greatest people.

I finished a 24-hour layover in Los Angeles yesterday and had the chance to meet two more amazing bloggers that I'd only known online until yesterday. Jim from Jim's Notes picked me up at my hotel and took me to Hermosa Beach where we sat up on the second floor over looking the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful sunny day. Jim and I snarked ourselves up and down the streets trying to find the main drag to take us where we wanted to go. We practiced the latest in cuss words, made fun of people, cruised handsome California beach boys (well, I did....he was wondering why my head kept snapping in every direction), and walked out to the end of the Hermosa Beach Pier and watched the fisherman. What a day. And then, I coerced Wil from WAT Central into coming ALL of the way in traffic at dinner time to my hotel after his long day at work. We enjoyed snacks and a yummy Amaretto Sour in the hotel's restaurant. We bantered about life, relationships, fake people and why they have such a hard time existing in relationships, his family history and his job. He's a honest guy and, like me, will always tell you the truth in a matter-of-fact sort of way. Many, many thanks to both of my newfound in-person friends for making time for me. I really appreciated our time together.

And to continue the "meeting new people whirlwind," I had the chance to meet, laugh and giggle with Derek of The Thoughts of a Princessa of Mexico. We live in the same city, we Facebook together daily, and yet we'd never met in person....but that's all changed now. Derek is fun-loving, happy, pleasant, and positive to be around -- he leaves you feeling good about life. Derek, you're a doll and the pleasure was all mine.

And now, for more exciting fashion news, my hair is longer than it's been for a very long time. I'm not quite sure why or how long it's going to get or exactly what the style is supposed to actually be or look like....but I've decided that I'd like to have it a little longer, a little shaggy sort of look maybe. So, we'll see. It's sort of like starting out on a cross-country road trip without a road map. But, hey, that's all a part of the goodness of life...right?

13 comments:

Nathan said...

One year ago already? It's sad when anniversaries of these type come around again.

Big hugs to you both.

WAT said...

Nothing about how stunningly handsome I am or how I made you feel shiny and new again?!

AS IF!

Anonymous said...

Time goes so fast! Those anniversaries of the loss of a precious loved one are always memorable. HUGS to you both!


PS- you four men are going to tear up the Rose City! :)

Anonymous said...

The one year can be hard. In 2007, I lost 5 people over 13 months. The following year was filled with so many "firsts" and anniversaries. There is something about getting thru that first year though that makes things a bit easier. Thoughts to you all.

RAD said...

Time is going fast huh? Already a year..Sorry its hard even after a year to think about a loss....

Have fun with your guest! I am sure you will show them what is so special about the Pac NW! And yes loving the hair!! I told you that already but wanted to say it again!!

Breenlantern said...

Our love to Blair.

Jim said...

Lovely to see (and meet) you as well!

Ur-spo said...

you live life well, good for you!

Geoff said...

What a nice tribute to your father in law, those kind of milestones can be hard. I LOVE that you've been connecting w/your blog buddies. Sounds like so much fun! Have a great day w/your friends Lewis!

TSM Oregon said...

Can I just say that you make my world a better place? I love you to pieces!

daveincleveland said...

hugs from cleveland to you two...time passes so fast cannot believe its been a year already....

Steven said...

As melancholic as the occasion can be, it's even nicer that one stills remembers, like you have; and the warm memories that go along with it.

Rick said...

I keep hoping for a Northwesterner to blow in here but nooooooooo.
You have all the fun Lewis. You get around more than the Prez.
I remember the postings and I can't believe it's been a year either.
Can't wait to see the "shaggy" do.